Proverbs
When Genuine Love is Questionable
This portion of Proverbs refers to poverty and prosperity. Once again we see how trouble comes to the wicked, like an animal chasing him (v.21). One such problem is hunger mentioned in verse 25. When a good man dies he leaves an inheritance to his descendants (v. 22). This …
It Always Takes Two to Quarrel
One who grabs a dog by the ears may expect to be bitten (v. 17). The same is true of someone who gets involved in other peoples’ quarrels (vv. 18-19). It is best to stay out of others’ quarrels and let them settle their own differe¬nces between themselves. When you stop putting wood on a fire it …
Compromise Invites an Attack by Satan
The kindness shown in giving someone food and water makes him ashamed of being an enemy, and will soften his angry feelings (vv. 21-22). Nothing brings sorrow and strife among people more than the repeating of matter that cannot profit, and brings pain to the one of whom they are …
Don’t Brag About Tomorrow
It is a big mistake to boast about what you will do tomorrow because there is really no way of knowing for sure what will happen (v. 1). This is especially true when it comes to putting off being saved. The road to hell is paved with good intentions. Not only should a person refrain from …
Choose Gentle Words
Our speech has great power for good or evil. A gentle word often will calm a very angry person while sharp and cutting remarks will only make him more angry (v. 1). It shows far more character to meet an angry man in quietness of spirit and speak cool, calm word …
A Friend Loves at All Times
To justify the wicked and to condemn the righteous is to call evil good, and good evil (v. 15). This is hated by the Lord and any who operate in this manner are fools. There are many examples of this going on in our society today but one that is very glaring is the abortion iss …
Pride Goes Before Destruction
TEMPER IS WHAT GETS MANY OF US INTO TROUBLE. PRIDE KEEPS US THERE. These verses discuss pride, humility and disaster (vv. 18-19). Pride blinds and humility opens the eyes. It is easy to tolerate in ourselves what, when we see it in the life of someone else, fills us with disgu …
A Wise Person Stores Food Like an Ant
When a person resists truth and is permitted to go unrebuked it makes him look good in the eyes of the ignorant. For this reason, we are told that the public punishment of a scorner may cause the simple to become wise (v. 11). The “Righteous One†refers to God, not man, because only He fully …
The Value of Wisdom in Building Relationships
The Lord employed wisdom and understanding when he made the heavens and the earth (v. 19). When the time came for him to flood the world, he employed knowledge known only to himself, so also with the complex weather patterns like rain and dew (v. 20). Our earthly scientist can …
The Way That Seems Right to Man
For centuries people have talked about a fountain of youth. The fountain of youth was only a dream, but the wellspring of life is reality (v. 22). The choice is yours. You can be encouraged by God’s wisdom, or you can be dragged down by the weight of your own foolishness. The wor …