Proverbs 22:17 Listen closely, pay attention to the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge. Proverbs 22:18 For it is pleasing if you keep them within you and if they are constantly on your lips. Proverbs 22:19 I have instructed you today — even you — so that your confidence may be in Yahveh. Proverbs 22:20 Haven’t I written for you thirty sayings about counsel and knowledge, Proverbs 22:21 to teach you true and reliable words, so that you may give a dependable report to those who sent you? Proverbs 22:22 Don’t rob a poor person because he is poor, and don’t crush the oppressed at the city gate, Proverbs 22:23 for Yahveh will champion their cause and will rob the throat of those who rob them. Proverbs 22:24 Don’t make friends with an angry person, and don’t be a companion of a hot-tempered one, Proverbs 22:25 or you will learn his ways and entangle your throat in a snare. Proverbs 22:26 Don’t be one of those who enter agreements, who put up security for loans. Proverbs 22:27 If you have nothing with which to pay, even your bed will be taken from under you. Proverbs 22:28 Don’t move an ancient boundary marker that your fathers set up. Proverbs 22:29 Do you see a person skilled in his work? He will stand in the presence of kings. He will not stand in the presence of the unknown.
Don’t
There are just some activities that a wise person does not take part in. THey harm others and they bring shame on those who do them. So don’t.
Proverbs 22:1 A good name is to be preferred to great wealth; favor is better than silver and gold. Proverbs 22:2 Rich and poor have this in common: Yahveh makes them all. Proverbs 22:3 A sensible person sees danger and takes cover, but the morally naive keep going and are punished. Proverbs 22:4 Humility, the fear of Yahveh, results in wealth, honor, and life. Proverbs 22:5 There are thorns and snares on the road of the crooked; the one who guards his throat stays far from them. Proverbs 22:6 Start a youth out on his road; even when he grows old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:7 The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is a slave to the lender. Proverbs 22:8 The one who sows injustice will reap disaster, and the rod of his fury will be destroyed. Proverbs 22:9 A generous person will be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor. Proverbs 22:10 Drive out a mocker, and conflict goes too; then quarreling and dishonor will cease. Proverbs 22:11 The one who loves a pure heart and gracious lips — the king is his friend. Proverbs 22:12 Yahveh’s eyes keep watch over knowledge, but he overthrows the words of the treacherous. Proverbs 22:13 The idler says, “There’s a lion outside! I’ll be killed in the public square!” Proverbs 22:14 The mouth of the forbidden woman is a deep pit; a man cursed by Yahveh will fall into it. Proverbs 22:15 Foolishness is bound to the heart of a youth; a rod of correction will separate it from him. Proverbs 22:16 Oppressing the poor to enrich oneself and giving to the rich — both lead only to poverty.
gracious lips
Gracious lips — careful speech — is a quality that brings wise people good company. No matter who he is, a man with gracious lips will have the king as his friend. But ungracious lips (quarreling) is a curse upon those who have to endure it. Solomon urges his sons to stay away from men or women who cannot control their tongues. It is better to have fewer friends, than to have friends who are always tearing you apart by their words.
Proverbs 21:1 A king’s heart is like channeled water in Yahveh’s hand: He directs it wherever he chooses. Proverbs 21:2 All a person’s roads seem right to him, but Yahveh weighs hearts. Proverbs 21:3 Doing what is righteous and just is more acceptable to Yahveh than sacrifice. Proverbs 21:4 The lamp that guides the wicked — haughty eyes and an arrogant heart — is sin. Proverbs 21:5 The plans of the diligent certainly lead to profit, but anyone who is reckless certainly becomes poor. Proverbs 21:6 Making a fortune through a lying tongue is a vanishing mist, a pursuit of death. Proverbs 21:7 The violence of the wicked sweeps them away because they refuse to act justly. Proverbs 21:8 A guilty one’s road is crooked, but the behavior of the innocent is upright. Proverbs 21:9 Better to live on the corner of a roof than to share a house with an arguing wife. Proverbs 21:10 A wicked throat craves evil; he has no consideration for his neighbor. Proverbs 21:11 When a mocker is punished, the morally naive become wiser; when one teaches a wise man, he acquires knowledge. Proverbs 21:12 The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked; he brings the wicked to ruin. Proverbs 21:13 The one who shuts his ears to the cry of the poor will himself also call out and not be answered. Proverbs 21:14 A secret gift soothes anger, and a covert bribe, fierce rage. Proverbs 21:15 Justice executed is a joy to the righteous but a terror to those who practice iniquity. Proverbs 21:16 The person who strays from the road of prudence will come to rest in the assembly of the ghosts. Proverbs 21:17 The one who loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and oil will not get rich. Proverbs 21:18 The wicked are a ransom for the righteous, and the treacherous, for the upright. Proverbs 21:19 Better to live in a wilderness than with a nagging and hot-tempered wife. Proverbs 21:20 Precious treasure and oil are in the dwelling of a wise person, but a fool consumes them. Proverbs 21:21 The one who pursues righteousness and faithful love will find life, righteousness, and honor. Proverbs 21:22 A wise person went up against a city of warriors and brought down its secure fortress. Proverbs 21:23 The one who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his throat from troubles. Proverbs 21:24 The arrogant and proud person, named “Mocker,” acts with excessive arrogance. Proverbs 21:25 A idler’s craving will kill him because his hands refuse to work. Proverbs 21:26 He is filled with craving all day long, but the righteous give and don’t hold back. Proverbs 21:27 The sacrifice of a wicked person is detestable — how much more so when he brings it with ulterior motives! Proverbs 21:28 A lying witness will perish, but the one who listens will speak successfully. Proverbs 21:29 A wicked person puts on a bold face, but the upright one considers his road. Proverbs 21:30 No wisdom, no understanding, and no counsel will prevail against Yahveh. Proverbs 21:31 A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory comes from Yahveh.
mouth guard
Your tongue and mouth reside close to your throat. The throat in Scripture is a metaphor for your whole physical life. Keeping the tonge and mouth guarded is a good idea. In fact, it can preserve your throat from being cut. The wrong word in the wrong place can be fatal.
Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker; beer is a brawler; whoever goes astray because of them is not wise. Proverbs 20:2 A king’s terrible wrath is like the roaring of a lion; anyone who provokes him endangers his throat. Proverbs 20:3 Honor belongs to the person who ends a dispute, but any fool can get himself into a quarrel. Proverbs 20:4 The idler does not plow during planting season; at harvest time he looks, and there is nothing. Proverbs 20:5 Counsel in a person’s heart is deep water; but a person of understanding draws it out. Proverbs 20:6 Many a person proclaims his own loyalty, but who can find a trustworthy person? Proverbs 20:7 A righteous person acts with integrity; his children who come after him will be fortunate. Proverbs 20:8 A king sitting on a throne to judge separates out all evil with his eyes. Proverbs 20:9 Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am cleansed from my sin”? Proverbs 20:10 Differing weights and varying measures– both are detestable to Yahveh. Proverbs 20:11 Even a young man is known by his actions — by whether his behavior is pure and upright. Proverbs 20:12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye — Yahveh made them both. Proverbs 20:13 Don’t love sleep, or you will become poor; open your eyes, and you’ll have enough to eat. Proverbs 20:14 “It’s worthless, it’s worthless!” the buyer says, but after he is on his way, he gloats. Proverbs 20:15 There is gold and a multitude of jewels, but knowledgeable lips are a rare treasure. Proverbs 20:16 Take his garment, for he has put up security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for foreigners. Proverbs 20:17 Food gained by fraud is sweet to a person, but afterward his mouth is full of gravel. Proverbs 20:18 Finalize plans with counsel, and wage war with sound guidance. Proverbs 20:19 The one who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid someone with a big mouth. Proverbs 20:20 Whoever curses his father or mother– his lamp will go out in deep darkness. Proverbs 20:21 An inheritance gained prematurely will not be blessed ultimately. Proverbs 20:22 Don’t say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on Yahveh, and he will rescue you. Proverbs 20:23 Differing weights are detestable to Yahveh, and dishonest scales are unfair. Proverbs 20:24 Even a courageous person’s steps are determined by Yahveh, so how can anyone understand his own road? Proverbs 20:25 It is a trap for anyone to dedicate something rashly and later to reconsider his vows. Proverbs 20:26 A wise king separates out the wicked and drives the threshing wheel over them. Proverbs 20:27 The human breathing is like the lamp of the Yahveh, searching all his innermost parts. Proverbs 20:28 Loyalty and faithfulness guard a king; through loyalty he maintains his throne. Proverbs 20:29 The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is gray hair. Proverbs 20:30 Lashes and wounds purge away evil, and beatings cleanse the innermost parts.
something to be proud of
When a man is young, he glories in his strength. When he gets older, the gray hairs mean the strength is not all there anymore, but hopefully it has been replaced by wisdom. At any time, when you can overlook it when something would ordinarily make you angry, that’s something to be proud of.
Proverbs 19:1 Better a poor person who walks with integrity than someone who has deceitful lips and is a fool. Proverbs 19:2 Also a throat’s hunger is not good without knowledge, and the one who acts hastily sins. Proverbs 19:3 A person’s own foolishness diverts his road, yet his heart rages against Yahveh. Proverbs 19:4 Wealth attracts many friends, but a poor person is separated from his friend. Proverbs 19:5 A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will not escape. Proverbs 19:6 Many seek a ruler’s favor, and everyone is a friend of one who gives gifts. Proverbs 19:7 All the brothers of a poor person hate him; how much more do his friends keep their distance from him! He may pursue them with words, but they are not there. Proverbs 19:8 The one who acquires good sense loves his throat; one who safeguards understanding finds success. Proverbs 19:9 A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies perishes. Proverbs 19:10 Luxury is not appropriate for a fool — how much less for a slave to rule over princes! Proverbs 19:11 A person’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:12 A king’s rage is like the roaring of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass. Proverbs 19:13 A foolish son is his father’s ruin, and a wife’s arguing is a constant dripping. Proverbs 19:14 A house and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from Yahveh. Proverbs 19:15 Laziness induces deep sleep, and a lazy throat will go hungry. Proverbs 19:16 The one who keeps commands preserves his throat; one who disregards his roads will die. Proverbs 19:17 Kindness to the poor is a loan to Yahveh, and he will give a reward to the lender. Proverbs 19:18 Correct your son while there is hope; don’t allow your throat to cause his death. Proverbs 19:19 A person with intense anger bears the penalty; if you rescue him, you’ll have to do it again. Proverbs 19:20 Listen to counsel and receive instruction so that you may be wise later in life. Proverbs 19:21 Many plans are in a person’s heart, but Yahveh’s decree will prevail. Proverbs 19:22 What is desirable in a person is his fidelity; better to be a poor person than a liar. Proverbs 19:23 The fear of Yahveh leads to life; one will sleep at night without danger. Proverbs 19:24 The idler buries his hand in the bowl; he doesn’t even bring it back to his mouth! Proverbs 19:25 Strike a mocker, and the morally naive learn a lesson; rebuke the discerning, and he gains knowledge. Proverbs 19:26 The one who plunders his father and evicts his mother is a disgraceful and shameful son. Proverbs 19:27 If you stop listening to correction, my son, you will stray from the words of knowledge. Proverbs 19:28 A worthless witness mocks justice, and a wicked mouth swallows iniquity. Proverbs 19:29 Judgments are prepared for mockers and beatings for the backs of fools.
heart rage
When bitterness because of personal failures goes to the next level — the result is heart rage. It is not just blaming God for one’s problems, it is active enmity. Since such a person cannot actually harm God, he or she takes it out on anyone who is unfortunate enough to be caught in the path.
Wisdom warns us not to get caught up in foolish actions to begin with. If we stay on the right road, we will not have to face the consequences of being on the wrong road.
Proverbs 18:1 One who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound wisdom. Proverbs 18:2 A fool does not delight in understanding, but only wants to show off his opinions. Proverbs 18:3 When a wicked person comes, contempt also comes, and along with dishonor, derision. Proverbs 18:4 The words of a person’s mouth are deep waters, a flowing river, a fountain of wisdom. Proverbs 18:5 It is not good to show partiality to the guilty, denying an innocent person justice. Proverbs 18:6 A fool’s lips lead to strife, and his mouth provokes a beating. Proverbs 18:7 A fool’s mouth is his devastation, and his lips are a trap for his throat. Proverbs 18:8 A gossip’s words are like choice food that goes down to one’s innermost being. Proverbs 18:9 The one who is lazy in his work is brother to a vandal. Proverbs 18:10 The name of Yahveh is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are protected. Proverbs 18:11 The wealth of the rich is his fortified city; in his imagination it is like a high wall. Proverbs 18:12 Before his downfall a person’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor. Proverbs 18:13 The one who gives an answer before he listens — this is foolishness and disgrace for him. Proverbs 18:14 A person’s breath can endure sickness, but who can survive a beaten breath? Proverbs 18:15 The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it. Proverbs 18:16 A person’s gift opens doors for him and brings him before the great. Proverbs 18:17 The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him. Proverbs 18:18 Casting the lot ends quarrels and separates powerful opponents. Proverbs 18:19 An offended brother is harder to reach than a fortified city, and quarrels are like the bars of a fortress. Proverbs 18:20 From the fruit of a person’s mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is filled with the product of his lips. Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:22 A man who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from Yahveh. Proverbs 18:23 The poor person pleads, but the rich one answers roughly. Proverbs 18:24 One with many friends may be harmed, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.
deep waters
From our mouths can come the deep waters of wisdom, or the troubled waters of foolishness. The choice is ours every day. This tongue is a rudder that can steer a large ship. May we learn to steer it wisely.
Proverbs 17:1 Better a dry crust with peace than a house full of feasting with strife. Proverbs 17:2 A prudent servant will rule over a disgraceful son and share an inheritance among brothers. Proverbs 17:3 A crucible is for silver, and a smelter is for gold, and Yahveh is the tester of hearts. Proverbs 17:4 A wicked person listens to malicious talk; a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue. Proverbs 17:5 The one who mocks the poor insults his Maker, and one who rejoices over calamity will not go unpunished. Proverbs 17:6 Grandchildren are the crown of the elderly, and the pride of children is their fathers. Proverbs 17:7 Eloquent words are not appropriate on a fool’s lips; how much worse are lies for a ruler. Proverbs 17:8 A bribe seems like a magic stone to its owner; wherever he turns, he succeeds. Proverbs 17:9 Whoever conceals an offense promotes love, but whoever gossips about it separates friends. Proverbs 17:10 A rebuke cuts into a perceptive person more than a hundred lashes into a fool. Proverbs 17:11 An evil person wants only rebellion; a cruel messenger will be sent against him. Proverbs 17:12 Better for a person to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his foolishness. Proverbs 17:13 If anyone returns evil for good, evil will never depart from his house. Proverbs 17:14 You release a flood at the first lawsuit; stop the dispute before it breaks out. Proverbs 17:15 Acquitting the guilty and condemning the just — both are repulsive to Yahveh. Proverbs 17:16 Why does a fool have money in his hand with no intention of buying wisdom? Proverbs 17:17 A friend always loves, and a brother is born for a difficult time. Proverbs 17:18 One without sense enters an agreement and puts up security for his friend. Proverbs 17:19 One who loves to offend loves strife; one who builds a high threshold invites injury. Proverbs 17:20 One with a twisted mind will not succeed, and one with deceitful speech will fall into ruin. Proverbs 17:21 A man fathers a fool to his own sorrow; the father of a fool has no joy. Proverbs 17:22 A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:23 A wicked person secretly takes a bribe to subvert the course of justice. Proverbs 17:24 Wisdom is the focus of the perceptive, but a fool’s eyes roam to the ends of the land. Proverbs 17:25 A foolish son is grief to his father and bitterness to the one who bore him. Proverbs 17:26 It is certainly not good to fine an innocent person or to beat a noble for his honesty. Proverbs 17:27 The one who has knowledge restrains his words, and one who keeps a cool head is a person of understanding. Proverbs 17:28 Even a fool is considered wise when he keeps silent — discerning when he seals his lips.
too many lawyers
David Vignali writes: “The 17th chapter of Proverbs does not contain any proverb that has come to be widely known or quoted in daily use. Therefore I have chosen to comment on verse 14, which says (in the Jerusalem Bible translation), ‘As well loose a flood as initiate legal proceedings; break off before the dispute begins.’
We live in a litigious society. Brooksville, Florida, where I live, has a population of a little more than 7,500 in the city proper and 46 pages of ads in the Yellow Pages for attorneys! One of the problems that has become a concern in Florida is that the law schools here are now producing more graduates every year than there are jobs in the legal field for the newly graduated young people.
God’s Word, here and in several other places, counsels against being involved in legal proceedings with our fellow Christians and with people outside of Christ. Let us try to follow God’s Word and God’s will in our dealings with the people around us.”
Proverbs 16:1 The reflections of the heart belong to mankind, but the answer of the tongue is from Yahveh. Proverbs 16:2 All a person’s roads seem right to him, but Yahveh examines breaths. Proverbs 16:3 Commit your activities to Yahveh, and your plans will be established. Proverbs 16:4 Yahveh has prepared everything for his purpose– even the wicked for the day of disaster. Proverbs 16:5 Everyone with a proud heart is repulsive to Yahveh; be assured, he will not go unpunished. Proverbs 16:6 Iniquity is atoned for by loyalty and faithfulness, and one turns from evil by the fear of Yahveh. Proverbs 16:7 When a person’s roads please Yahveh, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Proverbs 16:8 Better a little with righteousness than a great harvest with injustice. Proverbs 16:9 A person’s heart plans his road, but Yahveh determines his steps. Proverbs 16:10 God’s verdict is on the lips of a king; his mouth should not give an unfair judgment. Proverbs 16:11 Honest balances and scales are Yahveh’s; all the weights in the bag are his concern. Proverbs 16:12 Wicked behavior is detestable to kings since a throne is established through righteousness. Proverbs 16:13 Righteous lips are a king’s delight, and he loves one who speaks honestly. Proverbs 16:14 A king’s fury is a messenger of death, but a wise person appeases it. Proverbs 16:15 When a king’s face lights up, there is life; his favor is like a cloud with spring rain. Proverbs 16:16 Get wisdom — how much better it is than gold! And get understanding — it is preferable to silver. Proverbs 16:17 The highway of the upright avoids evil; the one who guards his road protects his throat. Proverbs 16:18 Pride comes before destruction and an arrogant breath before a fall. Proverbs 16:19 Better to be lowly of breath with the humble than to divide plunder with the proud. Proverbs 16:20 The one who understands a matter finds success, and the one who trusts in Yahveh will be fortunate. Proverbs 16:21 Anyone with a wise heart is called discerning, and pleasant speech increases learning. Proverbs 16:22 Insight is a fountain of life for its possessor, but the correction of fools is folly. Proverbs 16:23 The heart of a wise person instructs his mouth; it adds learning to his speech. Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb: sweetness to the throat and healing to the body. Proverbs 16:25 There is a road that seems right to a person, but its end is the road to death. Proverbs 16:26 A worker’s throat works for him because his hunger urges him on. Proverbs 16:27 A worthless person digs up evil, and his speech is like scorching fire. Proverbs 16:28 A contrary person spreads conflict, and a gossip separates close friends. Proverbs 16:29 A violent person lures his neighbor, leading him on a road that is not good. Proverbs 16:30 The one who narrows his eyes is planning deceptions; the one who compresses his lips brings about evil. Proverbs 16:31 Gray hair is a glorious crown; it is found in the road of righteousness. Proverbs 16:32 Patience is better than power, and controlling one’s emotions, than capturing a city. Proverbs 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from Yahveh.
a problem, not a plus
David Vignali writes: “The only really familiar proverb in this chapter is found in verse 18, the one about pride going before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. Our modern American culture, however, seems to exalt the importance of the self and the individual. We are told and taught to assert ourselves, and Madison Avenue advertisers are constantly telling us that we “deserve” such and such a thing. We seem to see humility and meekness as weaknesses rather the attitudes that God’s Word tells us are necessary and proper –
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3 KJV).
“Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5 KJV).
” … this is what Yahweh asks of you: only this, to act justly, to love tenderly and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8 Jerusalem Bible).”
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.
Proverbs 14:1 Every wise woman builds her house, but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands. Proverbs 14:2 Whoever lives with integrity fears Yahveh, but the one who is devious in his roads despises him. Proverbs 14:3 The proud speech of a fool brings a rod of correction, but the lips of the wise protect them. Proverbs 14:4 Where there are no oxen, the feeding trough is empty, but an abundant harvest comes through the strength of an ox. Proverbs 14:5 An honest witness does not deceive, but a dishonest witness utters lies. Proverbs 14:6 A mocker seeks wisdom and doesn’t find it, but knowledge comes easily to the perceptive. Proverbs 14:7 Stay away from a foolish person; you will gain no knowledge from his speech. Proverbs 14:8 The sensible person’s wisdom is to consider his road, but the stupidity of fools deceives them. Proverbs 14:9 Fools mock at making reparation, but there is goodwill among the upright. Proverbs 14:10 The heart knows its throat’s bitterness, and no outsider shares in its joy. Proverbs 14:11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish. Proverbs 14:12 There is a road that seems right to a person, but its end is the road to death. Proverbs 14:13 Even in laughter a heart may be sad, and joy may end in grief. Proverbs 14:14 The disloyal one will get what his road leads to, and a good one, what his deeds deserve. Proverbs 14:15 The morally naive one believes anything, but the sensible one watches his steps. Proverbs 14:16 A wise person is cautious and turns from evil, but a fool is easily angered and is careless. Proverbs 14:17 A quick-tempered person acts foolishly, and one who schemes is hated. Proverbs 14:18 The morally naive inherit foolishness, but the sensible are crowned with knowledge. Proverbs 14:19 The evil bow before those who are good, and the wicked, at the gates of the righteous. Proverbs 14:20 A poor person is hated even by his neighbor, but there are many who love the rich. Proverbs 14:21 The one who despises his neighbor sins, but whoever shows kindness to the poor will be fortunate. Proverbs 14:22 Don’t those who plan evil go astray? But those who plan good find loyalty and faithfulness. Proverbs 14:23 There is profit in all hard work, but endless talk leads only to poverty. Proverbs 14:24 The crown of the wise is their wealth, but the foolishness of fools produces foolishness. Proverbs 14:25 A truthful witness rescues throats, but one who utters lies is deceitful. Proverbs 14:26 In the fear of Yahveh one has strong confidence and his children have a refuge. Proverbs 14:27 The fear of Yahveh is a fountain of life, turning people away from the snares of death. Proverbs 14:28 A large population is a king’s splendor, but a shortage of people is a ruler’s devastation. Proverbs 14:29 A patient person shows great understanding, but a quick-tempered one promotes foolishness. Proverbs 14:30 A tranquil heart is life to the body, but jealousy is rottenness to the bones. Proverbs 14:31 The one who oppresses the poor person insults his Maker, but one who is kind to the needy honors him. Proverbs 14:32 The wicked one is thrown down by his own sin, but the righteous one has a refuge in his death. Proverbs 14:33 Wisdom resides in the heart of the discerning; she is known even among fools. Proverbs 14:34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people. Proverbs 14:35 A king favors a prudent servant, but his anger falls on a disgraceful one.
a well inside
Commenting on verse 27, Don MacDaniels writes “Have you ever seen an artesian well? I know of only a few places I have visited where there is such a thing. Day and night it does not stop gushing its life-giving sweet water. Would you have such a well inside you? Not only would it quench your thirst but that of your friends around you. My friends, this can be had if we do as our passages suggest: spend time with the wisest of men and listen to their encouragement. Stop each day and spend time with the Lord, and truly listen for his still, small voice.” (Maranatha Devotions, April 22, 2016).
Devotions 