Proverbs
A Friend that sticks closer than a Brother
Don’t pass judgment until you are fully informed (v. 13). Jumping to conclusions before hearing the facts are unwise and will bring a person to shame. Give yourself the three-way test before speaking about someone: Is it kind? Is it necessary? Is it true? Being cheerful helps when we are …
Evil Men Seek Rebellion
No matter how much you beat on a fool he will not change; but gently rebuke a wise man and he will take it to heart (v. 10). The wise man realizes his limitations and is thankful for correction while a fool is unresponsive. Have you ever heard the expression, “There is no fo …
Wise Leaders Always Seek Advice
Wise leadership always seeks advice but many of us hate to admit that we need to be taught. Have you ever thought about the “why of many counselors?†God seems to do his best work through a group of men rather than by a “lone wolf†(v. 22). Seldom does the &qu …
God’s Wisdom Protects from Immoral People
We can see in this portion of Scripture two enemies that lie in the path of this young man. One is the evil man (v. 12) and the other a strange woman (v. 16) …
How Wisdom Will Keep You Out of Trouble
Wisdom will keep us out of trouble. In verses 10-13 we have the ways of wisdom, verses 14-17 the ways of wickedness and a summary in verses 18 and 19 of both distinctions …
The Problem of Co-signing For Someone
We find in these verses a strong warning against taking advantage of the poor (vv. 22-23). The Lord is on the side of the weak and helpless and will bring judgment on those who take advantage of those who are needy. Next, we have a warning against being a friend or even associating with a …
We Feed What Our Heart Craves
Since God can see into Hell and knows what is going on there, surely He can see into the human heart (v.11). He knows our motives, thoughts and desires. A scorner has no love for one who rebukes him; neither will he go to the wise for counsel (v. 12). Happiness and depression are …
Anger Produces Trouble
On this earth four thing are small but very wise (v. 24). Four small creatures that demonstrate wisdom. (vv. 25-28)The ants (v. 25) – Although very small the ant uses wise planning to meet future challenges. Man often does this in material things such as prov …
The Righteous Weighs His Words Carefully
The righteous man weighs his words carefully rather than blurting out the first thing that comes to his mind while the wicked has no such consideration (v. 28). The wicked speaks whatever comes to his lips and doesn’t worry about what harm it may bring. In fact some people pride …
A Whisperer Separates Friends
The words of an ungodly man who gets involved in gossip are like burning fire that pass from his lips and have the scorching malice of hell (v. 27). Gossip is no good! It causes hard feelings and division comes between friends (v 28).The things in this passage can happen to anyon …