Proverbs 31

Proverbs 31: Sayings of King Lemuel

Do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings. It is not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights. Let beer be for those who are perishing, wine for those who are good in anguish! Let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more. Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. 

Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She gets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothes in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. 

Frequently in the Bible, God warns us against the use of alcohol. Alcohol is not forbidden, but it is cautioned against as alcohol diminishes the mind and allows for the wise to commit follies. Noah, while drunk, lay with his daughter-in-laws. Alcohol is powerful and God does not want it to have control over us. Further God wants us in control over ourselves that we would be able to speak for the poor and needy, that we would protect their rights, and care for them. God knows that it could just as easily be us that are poor or needy so He desires our hearts to be softened that everyone would be cared for. Being a Godly woman in today's society is challenging. Our roles as women, as wives, and as mothers have changed with the years, but the principles that make up a wife of noble character haven't.

Proverbs 30

Proverbs 30: Sayings of Agur

I am weary, God, but I can prevail. Surely I am only a brute, not a man; I do not have human understanding. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I attained to the knowledge of the Holy One. Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Whose hands have gathered up the wind? Who has wrapped up the waters in a cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is the name of his son? Surely you know! Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar. Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die: keep falsehood and lies far away from me; give me neither poverty nor riches,but give me only my daily bread.  Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, "Who is the Lord?" Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God. Do not slander a servant to their master, or they will curse you, and you will pay for it. There are those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers; those who are pure in their own eyes and yet are not cleanses of their filth; those who eyes are ever so haughty, whose glances are so disdainful; those whose teeth are swords and whose jaws are set with knives to devour the poor from the earth and the needy from among mankind. The leech has two daughters. "Give! Give!" they cry. There are three things that are never satisfied, four that never say, "Enough!": the eye that mocks a father, that scorns an aged mother, will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley, will be eaten by the vultures. There are three things that are too amazing for me, four that I do not understand: the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, and the ways of a man with a young woman. This is the way of an adulterous woman: she eats and wipes her mouth and says, "I've done nothing wrong." Under three things the earth trembles, under four it cannot bear up: a servant who becomes king, a godless fool who gets plenty to eat, a contemptible woman who gets married, and a servant who displaces her mistress. Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise: ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer; hyraxes are creatures of little power, yet they make their homes in the crags; locusts have no king, yet they advance together in ranks; a lizard can be caught with the hand, yet it is found in kings' palaces. There are three things that are stately in their stride, four that move with stately bearing: a lion, mighty among beasts, who retreats before nothing; a strutting rooster, a he-goat, and a king secure against revolt. If you play the fool and exalt yourself, or if you plan evil, clap your hand over your mouth! For as churning cream produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so sitting up anger produces strife.

Proverbs 29

Proverbs 29: More Proverbs of Solomon (Cont.). 

Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed - without remedy. A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. Those who flatter their neighbors are spreading nets for their feet. The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern. Mockers stir up a city, but the wise turn away anger. Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. The poor and the oppressor have this in common: the Lord gives sight to the eyes of both. A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother. Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire. Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them. A servant pampered from youth will turn out to be insolent. An angry person stirs up conflict; and a hot-tempered person commits many sins. Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor. Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.

God wants us to heed a rebuke because rebukes prevent us from continuing to make the same mistakes. God says that if we remain stubborn, refusing to listen to rebukes, that we will be destroyed and there won't be another opportunity to reconcile our mistakes. Joy comes from loving wisdom and God wants us to be wise. God wants us to care about justice for the poor. We shouldn't take advantage of the poor because they are poor, instead we should ensure they achieve justice. Wisdom turns away anger and God wants us to avoid quarrels. We are to bring calm during an argument instead of giving full vent to our rage. God wants us to discipline our children that they would discover wisdom and not turn insolent. Godly discipline won't harm your child, but will benefit their life all the days of their life. God doesn't want us to be angry or to be full of pride, instead He wants us to be lowly in spirit and to trust in Him.

Proverbs 28

Proverbs 28: More Proverbs of Solomon (Cont.).

The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. A ruler who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no crop. Evildoers do not understand what is right, but those who seek the Lord understand it fully. Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse. Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor. The rich are wise in their own eyes; one who is poor and discerning sees how deluded they are. Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Blesses is the one who always trembles before God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble. A faithful person will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished. To show partiality is not good - yet a person will do wrong for a piece of bread. Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe. Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.

God tells us that if we are righteous we can be as bold as lions. Our boldness comes from our righteousness. God tells us that if we seek the Lord we will understand what is right and our walk will be blameless. Again we see that God cares more about our walk with Him than the wealth we have. We are to be kind to the poor and if we gain wealth by taking from the poor we will only lose it. Money does not buy wisdom or happiness, but often times money leads to a false sense of belief that it does. God wants us to confess our sins and repent that we would find mercy. We are to always tremble before God. 

Proverbs 27

Proverbs 27: More Proverbs of Solomon (Cont.).

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. Let someone else praise you, and your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips. Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy. Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. One who is full loathes honey from the comb, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet. The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. If anyone loudly blesses their neighbor early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse. A quarrelsome wife is like the dripping of a leaky room in a rainstorm; restraining her is like restraining the wind or grasping oil with the hand. As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. As water reflects the face, so one's life reflects the heart. Death and destruction are never satisfied, and neither are human eyes. Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations.

God does not want us to boast about tomorrow because we don't know what will happen the next second, let alone tomorrow. Our trust should be in God and God's plan for tomorrow rather than our own ability to predict the future. God wants praise for us to come from someone else instead of our own lips. Our lives should be visibly changed because of God's presence. If we have to prove to others our lives have changed than they likely haven't changed. God wants us to rebuke our friends out of love because wounds from a friend can be trusted, but to be wary of the kisses of an enemy. God warns about not seeing danger and taking refuge, as well as loudly blessing a neighbor early in the morning. It seems obvious to take refuge when there is danger, but sometimes danger is hidden and we need wisdom to know when we would should take refuge. God warns against being quarrelsome and compares a quarrelsome wife to the dripping of a leaky roof in a rainstorm. I think there is a belief that we can quarrel with the people closest to us because they deserve it and/or they don't have a choice about putting up with the quarrel. Our lives should reflect our heart the way a face is reflected in water. God warns us that human eyes are not satisfied. In comparing human eyes to death and destruction, we are given a consequence for eyes that are not satisfied. 

Proverbs 26

Proverbs 26: More Proverbs of Solomon (Cont.).

Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, honor is not fitting for a fool. Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest. Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him. Sending a message by the hands of a fool is like cutting off one's feet or drinking poison. Like the useless legs of one who is lame is a proverb in the mouth of a fool. Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them. A sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven people who answer discreetly. Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own. Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down. As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife. Enemies disguise themselves with their lips, but in their hearts they harbor deceit. Though their speech is charming, do not believe them, for seven abominations fill their hearts. Their malice may be concealed by deception, but their wickedness will be exposed in the assembly. Whoever digs a pit will fall into it.

God does not want us to deal with a fool. To answer a fool, to address his folly, is to be just like him. God instructs us to not trust a fool to deliver a message. A message should be delivered by someone you can entrust with the message or it is wasted. God doesn't want us to be wise in our own eyes because there is more hope for a fool than for the person who is wise in their own eyes. God warns us about rushing into a quarrel, especially one that isn't your own, and adding fuel to a quarrel in the form of gossip. We are to be peaceful and patient like Jesus. God warns us our enemies will disguise themselves, they will seem charming, but will hold deceit and wickedness in their hearts.

Proverbs 25

Proverbs 25: More Proverbs of Solomon.

It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings. Remove the dross from the silver, and a silversmith can produce a vessel; remove wicked officials from the king's presence, and his throne will be established through righteousness. Do not exalt yourself in the king's presence, and do not claim a place among his great men; it is better for him to say to you, "Come up here," than for him to humiliate you before his nobles. What you have seen with your eyes do not bring hastily to court. If you take your neighbors to court, do not betray another's confidence. Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him. Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone. Seldom set foot in your neighbor's house - too much of you, and they will hate you. If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you. It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to search out matters that are too deep.

God wants us to remove wicked people from our lives and in doing so we will be established through righteousness. The presence of a single wicked person can dethrone a king. God does not want us to exalt ourselves, but instead to be humble and allow others to invite us to a place of honor. Pride comes before the fall and God is protecting us from humiliation in front of noble men. God does not want us to be hasty to take what we have seen to court or to take our neighbors to court lest we betray the confidence of another. It would be a mistake to assume we know what we have seen without first investigating it because we could be wrong. God does not want us to wear out our welcome with our neighbors. Our presence should be a treat and not a punishment. God's will is that we would feed our enemy and provide him with water if he is hungry or thirsty. Remember God has said to leave revenge to Him and treating our enemies kindly is the same as heaping burning coals on their head. 

Proverbs 24

Proverbs 24: Thirty Sayings of the Wise (Cont.).

Saying 20: Do not envy the wicked, do not desire their company; for their hearts plot violence. 

Saying 21: By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established.

Saying 22:  The wise prevail through great power, and those who have knowledge muster their strength; surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers.

Saying 23: Wisdom is too high for fools; in the assembly at the gate they must not open their mouths.

Saying 24: Whoever plots evil will be known as a schemer; the schemes of folly are sin.

Saying 25: If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength; rescue those being led astray to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.

Saying 26: Eat honey, my son, for it is good; know also that wisdom is like honey for you.

Saying 27: Do not lurk like a thief near the house of the righteous, do not plunder their dwelling place; for through the righteous fall seven times, they rise again. 

Saying 28: Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice, or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from them.

Saying 29: Do not fret because of evildoers or be envious of the wicked, for the evildoers has no future hope, and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.

Saying 30: Fear the Lord and the king, my son, and do not join with rebellious officials.

Further Sayings of the Wise:

To show partiality in judging is not good; An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips; Put your outdoor work in order and get your fields ready, after that build your house; Do not testify against your neighbor without cause; A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest - and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.

God does not want us to associate with the wicked, to envy their lives, or to desire their company. The hearts of the wicked plot violence and God's will is for us to be at peace with one another. A house is built by wisdom and established through understanding. Wisdom and knowledge provide power and strength. God wants us to seek out advisers because victory is won through many advisers. We are told to rescue those being led to death and hold back those being taken to slaughter. God wants us to lead as many people to life (God) as we can and to prevent them from death (hell). The righteous will always rise again, this is a promise, even though we might fall seven times. God does not want us to rejoice when our enemy falls. It is God's will that we would allow him to punish our enemy, but God still loves him or her. The punishment is for the good of our enemy just as discipline is for the good of our children. God's will is that we would not be afraid of evil because he gives us this promise that the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.  

Proverbs 23

Proverbs 23: Thirty Sayings of the Wise (Cont.).

Saying 7: When you sit to dine with a ruler, put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony; Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive.

Saying 8: Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness.

Saying 9: Do not eat the food of a begrudging host, do not crave his delicacies; for he is the kind of person who is always thinking about the cost.

Saying 10: Do not speak to fools, for they will scorn your prudent words.

Saying 11: Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless.

Saying 12: Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.

Saying 13: Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish them with the rod, they will not die.

Saying 14: My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad indeed.

Saying 15: Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord; There is surely a future hope for you. 

Saying 16: Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.

Saying 17: The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him; may your father and mother rejoice; may she who gave you birth be joyful!
Saying 18: An adulterous woman is a deep pit, and a wayward wife is a narrow well; like a bandit she lies in wait and multiplies the unfaithful among men.

Staying 19: In the end it (wine) bites like a snake and poisons like a viper.

The food of the rich is not to be desired and we are not to wear ourselves out for wealth. Wealth is fleeting and with one glance will be gone. Instead store up instruction and knowledge like treasure. Discipline your child that he will be wise. A righteous child brings joy to his parents. Avoid wine and adulterous people. 

Proverbs 22

Proverbs 22: Proverbs of Solomon (Cont.).

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Rich and poor have this in common:  the Lord is the Maker of them all. Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor. 

Believers and non-believers are both known for their name. Their name is spread among family, friends, and acquaintances, along with the actions they are known for. God's will is that our names would be good and that our name would be known for righteous actions. Our names are not about our riches or our poorness, but about our Maker, the Lord. God made all of us and whether we are rich or poor God wants us to live generous lives. We are to be kind and share our food with the poor. God's desire is for us to raise our children in His ways and then they will not turn from it, even when old. Our children should have good, generous names.

Proverbs 22: Thirty Sayings of the Wise

Saying 1: Pay attention and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth.

Saying 2: Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the Lord will take up their case and will exact life for life.

Saying 3: Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.

Saying 4: Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts; if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you.

Saying 5: Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your ancestors.

Saying 6: Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.

God's will is for us to be honest and to speak the truth. Speaking falsehood will only lead to destruction. God wants us to take care of the poor and to not exploit the poor or crush the needy. The Lord himself will take up their case and those who crush them will be destroyed. God is clear that we are not to be hot-tempered or to make friends with someone who is hot-tempered because the ways of one easily angered lead to ensnarement. We are to forgive, overlooking offenses, and be slow to anger. God's will is for us to be free and to not be yoked to anyone or anything on Earth. If you take up a pledge or put up security for debts then you are yoked to that person. God warns that if that happens then you will lose your very bed. We are not to move an ancient boundary stone set up by our ancestors, which means that we can't take what was already given. The Promised Land was divided according to the Israelites's ancestors and to move a boundary stone would be to remove an inheritance already given. God's will is that we would be skilled in our work.

Proverbs 21

Proverbs 21: Proverbs of Solomon (Cont.).

In the Lord's hand the king's heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him. A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart. The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty. Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife. Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered. There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord. 

The Lord holds the heart of kings and changes them as He pleases, how much more can He change the hearts of "ordinary" men? We do not fool God with our ways because He looks at our heart. God's will is for us to live righteous lives and be diligent in our plans. God desires us to be at peace with one another, forgiving offenses, and avoiding quarrels. We like to believe we are perfect, but we make mistakes too. God's will is for us to take care of the poor.

Proverbs 20

Proverbs 20: Proverbs of Solomon (Cont.).

Wine is a mocker and beer is a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise. It is to one's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel. The purposes of a person's heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out. Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare. Do not say "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait, for the Lord, and He will avenge you. A person's steps are directed by the Lord, How then can anyone understand their own way?

God doesn't want us to be controlled by anything of this world and alcohol consumption can become a yoke around your neck. God's will is for us to avoid strife and not be quick to quarrel. Our hearts are deep and only insight draws out the true purposes. We have many desires, but only study will show us the purpose of the desire. God doesn't want us to be lazy, delighting in sleep, but to work hard. God's will is for us to leave revenge to Him. God's purpose for our lives is beyond our understanding. 

Proverbs 19

Proverbs 19: Proverbs of Solomon (Cont.). 

Better the poor whose walk is blameless than a fool whose lips are perverse. A person's own folly leads to their ruin, yet their heart rages against the Lord. A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will perish. A person's wisdom yields patience; it is to one's glory to overlook an offense. Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done. Stop listening to instruction and you will stray from the words of knowledge.

God wants our walk to be blameless, so much so that He would rather us be poor than fools. The actions we take, whether wise or foolish, have consequences. Our foolish actions lead to our heartache and God allows us to suffer the consequences that we might gain knowledge. Our lives and our words should be honest for falsehood will be found out and punished. God wants us to be patient and to overlook the offences of others: we all make mistakes. Be kind to the poor and do not stray from wisdom.

Proverbs 18

Proverbs 18: Proverbs of Solomon (Cont.).

An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends and against all sound judgement starts quarrels. One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys. The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor. To answer before listening - that is folly and shame. The human spirit can endure in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear? A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city; disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel. From the fruit of their mouth a person's stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied. The tongue has the power of life and death. One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. 

A crushed spirit is unbearable and God wants us to be careful with our words for this reason. Our hearts should be humble, we should listen carefully before we give an answer, and allow love to cover an offense before a dispute can be started. God wants our lips to produce good fruit.

Proverbs 17

Proverbs 17: Proverbs of Solomon (Cont.).

Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting with strife. The Lord tests the heart like the furnace tests gold. Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out. A friend loves at all times. A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. A discerning person keeps wisdom in view, but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth. The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.

God wants us to live peaceful lives, slow to anger, and quick to drop an offense. The Lord tests our hearts that they would be pure. We are to love always because love covers an offense and is quick to forgive. Love does not repeat an offense. God wants us to be wise and keep wisdom in view. We are to use words with restraint and keep ourselves even-tempered lest we create a quarrel.

Proverbs 16

Proverbs 16: Proverbs of Solomon (Cont.).

To humans belong the plan of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue. All a person's ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans. The Lord works out everything to its proper end - even the wicked for a day of disaster. When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone's way, He causes their enemies to make peace with them. In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

Humans like to plan, but God should be the source of all of our plans. The Lord provides an answer for our tongues and weighs the motives of our hearts. God is not fooled by our plans, though they appear pure. Give everything you do over to the Lord and He will establish your plans. Do not worry if things don't go as planned for God is working everything out to its proper end, both good and bad. Be patient, fear the Lord, and be humble. God will cause your enemies to make peace.

Proverbs 15

Proverbs 15: Proverbs of Solomon (Cont.).

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good. The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. A hot tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel. Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. The heart of the righteous weighs its answers. Wisdom's instruction is to fear the Lord and humility comes before honor.

God wants us to speak gently and give thoughts to our answers. Anyone who has worked with children knows the effect a harsh word has on the spirit. Our words should bring healing and happiness. God wants us to be patient and to calm quarrels. Our lives should be symbols of peace not conflict. God wants us to plan with the help of advisers. Rushing into plans leads to failure: think and then act. Don't let success make you forget your humility.

Proverbs 14

Proverbs 14: Proverbs of Solomon (Cont.).

The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers' down. Whoever fears the Lord walks uprightly, but those who despise him are devious in their ways. Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips. Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy. There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. A quick-tempered person does foolish things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated. Those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness. Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly. Whoever is kind to the needy honors God.

God wants us to build up our lives and to use His wisdom to protect our lives from folly.  He wants us to be prudent and study our ways so that we are not deceived by ways that appear to be right, but only lead to death. Evil can be disguised as good, but the prudent see it as evil. God wants us to be patient and kind just as God is with us. No one is perfect, forgive.

Proverbs 13

Proverbs 13: Proverbs of Solomon (Cont.).

A wise son heeds his father's instruction and from the fruit of their lips people enjoy good things. Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.  One person pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth. Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. All who are prudent act with knowledge, but fools expose their folly. A good person leaves an inheritance for their children's children, but a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous.

God wants us to listen to advice and guard our lips lest we be led to destruction. How often have we spoke the thoughts on our mind only to find those thoughts have hurt people we cared about? God wants our words to bring healing and not destruction. Again, we aren't to pretend to be something we aren't. God wants us to act with knowledge and to leave an inheritance for our children's children. We should live lives based on wisdom. 

Proverbs 12

Proverbs 12: Proverbs of Solomon (Cont.). 

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is unwise. No one can be established through wickedness, but the righteous cannot be uprooted. The plans of the righteous are just and the house of the righteous stands firm. Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant than pretend to be somebody and have no food. The righteous care for their animals and those who work their land have abundant food. Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult. The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. 

God wants us to love discipline because it gives us knowledge and keeps us from wickedness. God isn't concerned about our appearance to the world, but our hearts. Righteous lives are reflected in righteous actions and righteous lives are rewarded. God doesn't want us to pretend to be somebody, but to live honest lives as a nobody. We are not to show annoyance quickly, but instead to forgive and overlook an insult. This is often difficult, but God wants us to live prudent lives.

Proverbs 11

Proverbs 11: Proverbs of Solomon (cont.). With humility comes wisdom, but pride leads to disgrace. Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. The wicked are brought down by their wickedness and the unfaithful trapped by evil desires. Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue. For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers. A kindhearted woman gains honor and those who are kind benefit themselves. Be sure of this: the wicked will not go unpunished. A generous person will prosper, whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

Our lives are meant to be righteous, led by wisdom, and a benefit to our communities. We should live lives of kindness, be humble, and give generously then we will prosper. God wants us to avoid wickedness and evil desires. He wants us to use understanding and hold our tongues. We should live trustworthy lives and seek guidance for victory is won through many advisers. 

Proverbs 10

Proverbs 10: Proverbs of Solomon. A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish so brings sadness. Righteousness is the only lasting treasure and delivers us from death. The Lord feeds the righteous. Lazy hands make poverty and he who sleeps during harvest is disgraceful. The wise in heart accept commands and whoever walks in integrity walks securely. The mouth of the righteous is a foundation of life and love covers all wrongs. The wise store up knowledge and the wealth of the rich is their fortified city. A person of understanding delights in wisdom. Wisdom finds favor with the Lord and leads to a prosperous life.

Solomon lays out a series of sentences that provides wisdom and direction for our lives. I recommend reading through the Proverbs of Solomon because they provide straightforward wisdom, such as don't be lazy and love covers all wrongs. People struggle with forgiveness, but if love is in your heart (and it should be) then love covers their wrong and allows you to forgive them.

Proverbs 9

Proverbs 9: Invitations of Wisdom and Folly. Both wisdom and folly beckon you to their homes and invite you to eat of their food, but only the food of wisdom leads to life. Rebuking mockers only leads to hate, but rebuke of the wise leads to wisdom. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Wisdom is rewarding and mockery will lead to suffering. 

God tells us both wisdom and folly are readily available to each of us, but only wisdom leads to life. Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Fear of the Lord teaches us to obey God and the knowledge of the Holy One tells us how to obey God. Wisdom is rewarding because it comes from obeying God. God's favor is on the wise, but those who mock God suffer. Choose wisdom and feast on the food of the knowledge of the Holy One. Do not eat on the food of folly for it only leads to suffering and death. 

Proverbs 8

Proverbs 8: Wisdom's Call. Wisdom is precious and compared to precious metals and stones. We are told to seek out wisdom because of its valuable nature. Wisdom has existed since the very beginning and was there when God created the heavens and the earth. Those who find wisdom find life and receive favor from God, but those who fail to find wisdom harm themselves and all who hate wisdom love death. God's will for our lives is that we seek wisdom and lead lives of understanding. Wisdom is life and finds favor with God, but folly leads to death. We are meant to seek wisdom and to store up understanding because this brings life.

Proverbs 7

Proverbs 7: Warnings Against The Adulterous Woman. Again, we are warned against adultery. Adultery is painted as enticing, but is a trap in reality. The example is an animal being led to slaughter. The hunter designs himself to be enticing, often used to trick animals into believing they are about to mate, only to slaughter the animal, who never saw it coming. In much the same way an adulterous woman is said to lead a man to death.

Adultery is a devastating sin with consequences that effect more than the active parties. If these consequences were thought about before the sin then the sin would not be likely to happen. Think of your husband or wife, the love and trust he or she has for you. Think about the example you are setting for your children. Do you want your son or your daughter to do this to their spouse? Do you want to have your child face that same betrayal from their spouse? Think and then act, do not be led astray. If you have already sinned, repent, and turn from your sin. It is not too late to turn onto the righteous path.

Proverbs 6

Proverbs 6: Warnings Against Folly. If you have put up security for your neighbor, shaken hands in a pledge with a stranger, or have been trapped by the words of your mouth than you are not to rest until you have freed yourself. We are called to be like ants, who have no ruler, but still stores up provisions during harvest. Ants work tirelessly, they are not lazy, and their lives are known for production. The Lord hates 6 things, 7 that are detestable to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who stirs up conflict in the community. 

God intends for us to live honorable lives. Our lives should be productive and we should be prepared always. God doesn't want anything to control us and urges us to free ourselves from worldly restraints. Our lives should be free from evil and we should be aware of who we allow in our lives because evil only leads to destruction. God warns us to live careful lives and to not be led into stupid mistakes. 

Proverbs 5

Proverbs 5: Warning Against Adultery. An adulterous woman seems tempting, but her ways only lead to aimlessness.  If you enter into her house you will lose honor, your dignity, and strangers will feast on your wealth. When your life is done you will groan and regret that you hated discipline. You will find trouble because you didn't obey your teachers. Instead drink from your own cistern and your own well, do not share them with others, and rejoice in the wife of your youth. For lack of discipline you will die, led astray by your own folly.

Adultery ruins a lot of lives and brings about heartache. If you are the adulterer it might seem justifiable, your needs weren't being met, but the reality is your selfish actions brought about unnecessary pain and heartache. If you are the victim then you struggle to understand why. What about you wasn't good enough? What could you have done differently? There will never be answers to those questions. The truth is no matter how far things have gone, God can always work it together for your good. 

Proverbs 4

Proverbs 4: Get Wisdom at Any Cost. Wisdom and understanding are not easy to obtain, but we are instructed to obtain them at all costs. Wisdom is seen as protection and prevents those who have it from stumbling. Personally, I enjoy learning new things and studying material until I understand it, but gaining wisdom and understanding is hard. It requires effort on your part, but the rewards last a lifetime. Wisdom allows us to identify wicked men and to avoid their path. Wicked people can't rest without doing wicked things, but their actions only lead to destruction.

Seek to obtain wisdom and keep it within your heart. Wisdom and understanding are life and health to one's whole body. Guard your heart because all of your actions flow from it. Keep corrupt talk away from your lips. Let your eyes lock straight ahead and give careful thoughts to the paths for your feet. It is easy to wander off the path when you aren't focused, which is why wisdom says to keep your eyes straight ahead on the path you are taking, do not turn to the left or to the right.

Proverbs 3

Proverbs 3: Wisdom Bestows Well-Being. Keeping God's commandments in your heart will prolong your life, as well as bring about peace and prosperity. Love and faithfulness should be with you always for they will win you favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Do not rely on your own understanding, but trust in the Lord with all your heart and in all your ways submit to Him. Honor the Lord with your wealth and your wealth will be overflowing. Do not despise the Lord's discipline, but rejoice for He disciplines those He loves. Do not withhold good from those who deserve it or plot to harm your neighbor. Do not accuse without reason or envy the violent.

Wisdom is a continuous process of knowing and understanding God's commandments that leads to our well being. Wisdom means being at peace with our neighbors, honoring God in all we do, doing good to others, and accepting God's discipline as a loving gesture to protect us from being led astray by wicked people. 

Proverbs 2

Proverbs 2: The Benefits of Wisdom. We are told to seek wisdom like silver or hidden treasure, to accept God's words, to store up His commandments within us, and to apply our hearts to understanding. If we do this we will find success and be protected from the ways of the wicked. The benefits of wisdom include living a righteous life and living in the land. The land being the promised land, the land God promised the early Jews, and ultimately an eternal life with God.

I have always valued wisdom, sought out knowledge, but until today I never really considered the benefits of wisdom. Despite the saying, "ignorance is bliss," wisdom actually makes life easier and better in the long run. Yes, wisdom takes more time, but we are less likely to be led astray and suffer unnecessary consequences. Wisdom is very much a treasure and is God's way of protecting us from the ways of wicked people. 

Proverbs 1

Today I began a journey into discovering God's will for life. I will discover God's will for my life by reading a different portion of scripture each day. For the next 31 days I will be reading a different chapter of Proverbs and begin to share what I think is being said through God's word.

Proverbs 1 is a warning against following sinful people and ignoring wisdom. In this world there are people who seek to invite you into sinful activities in order to profit (ill-gotten gains), but the path of those people leads to destruction. If people invite you onto their evil path, do not go with them. For the most part, people know right from wrong, even a small child knows he can't take his friend's toys or cause him harm, but occasionally an adult tries to justify their wrong behavior. This is where wisdom calls out, warning you to repent of your misdeeds and simple ways. Those who don't answer and accept wisdom's rebuke are led to disaster when calamity strikes like a storm. Crying out when calamity strikes, caused by our refusal to listen to wisdom, will not prevent us from experiencing the consequences of our actions. But everyone who listens to wisdom will live in safety.

When we were young, our parents directed our steps and directed us in the way we should go, but as we grew older we were able to direct our own paths using the wisdom we had learned. However, as adults we realized right and wrong wasn't always black and white like when we were children. We found ourselves being led astray and sometimes this meant we suffered consequences for our mistakes. The Bible says to watch our path, to not follow sinful people, and to heed wisdom's rebuke.

The decisions we make aren't always black and white, but with a little patience we can discern what is right and what is sinful, heeding wisdom's call, and not be led astray into calamity.