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 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.