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 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 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.