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The LORD’s sovereign presence

Proverbs 15:1-33 (JDV).

Proverbs 15:1 A tender answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath.
Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise makes knowledge sound good, but the mouth of fools blurts out foolishness.
Proverbs 15:3 The eyes of Yahveh are everywhere, observing the wicked and the good.
Proverbs 15:4 The tongue that heals is a tree of life, but a deceptive tongue breaks the spirit.
Proverbs 15:5 A fool despises his father’s correction, but a person who accepts correction is sensible.
Proverbs 15:6 The house of the righteous has great wealth, but trouble accompanies the income of the wicked.
Proverbs 15:7 The lips of the wise broadcast knowledge, but not so the heart of fools.
Proverbs 15:8 The sacrifice of the wicked is repulsive to Yahveh, but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
Proverbs 15:9 Yahveh is repulsed at the road of the wicked, but he loves the one who pursues righteousness.
Proverbs 15:10 Correction is harsh for the one who leaves the path; the one who hates correction will die.
Proverbs 15:11 Sheol and Abaddon lie open before Yahveh — how much more, human hearts.
Proverbs 15:12 A mocker doesn’t love one who corrects him; he will not consult the wise.
Proverbs 15:13 A joyful heart makes a face cheerful, but a sad heart produces a broken spirit.
Proverbs 15:14 A discerning mind seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.
Proverbs 15:15 All the days of the oppressed are miserable, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.
Proverbs 15:16 Better a little with the fear of Yahveh than great treasure with turmoil.
Proverbs 15:17 Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened ox with hatred.
Proverbs 15:18 A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but one slow to anger calms strife.
Proverbs 15:19 An idler’s way is like a thorny hedge, but the path of the upright is a highway.
Proverbs 15:20 A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.
Proverbs 15:21 Foolishness brings joy to one without sense, but a person with understanding walks a straight path.
Proverbs 15:22 Plans fail when there is no counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.
Proverbs 15:23 A person takes joy in giving an answer; and a timely word — how good that is!
Proverbs 15:24 For the prudent the path of life leads upward, so that he may avoid going down to Sheol.
Proverbs 15:25 Yahveh tears apart the house of the proud, but he protects the widow’s territory.
Proverbs 15:26 Yahveh detests the plans of the one who is evil, but pleasant words are pure.
Proverbs 15:27 The one who profits dishonestly cuts off his household, but the one who hates bribes will live.
Proverbs 15:28 The mind of the righteous person thinks before answering, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil things.
Proverbs 15:29 Yahveh is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
Proverbs 15:30 Bright eyes cheer the heart; good news strengthens the bones.
Proverbs 15:31 One who listens to life-giving rebukes will be at home among the wise.
Proverbs 15:32 Anyone who ignores correction despises his throat, but whoever listens to correction acquires good sense.
Proverbs 15:33 The fear of Yahveh is what wisdom teaches, and humility comes before honor.

The LORD’s sovereign presence

We humans will make our plans, and do as we will, some walking in righteousness, others living selfishly and godlessly. But there is another factor involved in the equation: the LORD. He is watching over our lives, and bringing about consequences to our actions. The way of wisdom keeps the reality of the LORD’s sovereign presence in mind. Failure to acknowledge his oversight leads to ruin.

LORD, help us to remember who is watching.