21 Fire tests the purity of silver and gold,
but a person is tested by being praised.
I can’t say that I’m praised or flattered a lot, but I feel that I’ve got a good share of nice things said about my work. Being a preacher is sort of like a performance artist in that others critique you. Just yesterday, while I was preaching my wife was giving me the “get on with it” sign. Later, others said that the part where I received the sign was very entertaining. We figured that my wife had just heard all of that story before.
I have to be very careful not to rely on praises or jeers too much. There will always be evalution, but ultimately I have to preach the way I think I should. So, being praised is a test. If it is like a refiner’s fire, it prooves us, makes us better, makes us seem more valuable. The image is a rich one, and should take some thinking through.
Categories: Flattery · Gold · Praise · Proverb · Refining · Religion · Silver · Solomon · Wisdom
21 A quarrelsome person starts fights
as easily as hot embers light charcoal or fire lights wood.
I read recently that the word irritable is a word picture of someone “at a knife’s point.” I don’t know the etymology of the word, but it is a good picture. Someone who is irritable is “this close” to getting poked. It doesn’t take much to push him or her a little closer.
This proverb reminds me of that word picture. The writer says that the quarrelsome person is “this close” to flaring up. This picture also makes us consider that the person is already “hot” and just about any breeze will do to set them off.
Categories: Irritable · Proverb · Quarrelsome · Religion · Solomon · Wisdom
29 Who has anguish? Who has sorrow?
Who is always fighting? Who is always complaining?
Who has unnecessary bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?
30 It is the one who spends long hours in the taverns,
trying out new drinks.
31 Don’t gaze at the wine, seeing how red it is,
how it sparkles in the cup, how smoothly it goes down.
32 For in the end it bites like a poisonous snake;
it stings like a viper.
33 You will see hallucinations,
and you will say crazy things.
34 You will stagger like a sailor tossed at sea,
clinging to a swaying mast.
35 And you will say, “They hit me, but I didn’t feel it.
I didn’t even know it when they beat me up.
When will I wake up
so I can look for another drink?”
This is probably the longest passages I’ve ever posted. It is so long because it all hangs together, demonstrating the dangers of alcohol abuse. This proverb section is doing what I have been considering this week. There is a truth that the writer wants to communicate, and it is not so much that alcohol is a danger as much as the writer wants to communicate motivation to stay away from the danger. Most people don’t buy the lie that alcohol is perfectly safe. Most believe it is dangerous. But they choose to risk the danger. They choose to go against their better judgement and attempt to come as close as possible to “the line” and then stop.
The message I’ll be preaching on has to do with a good habit to develop rather than a bad one to give up. Still, it’s not that I have to sell one on the idea of these good habits, I just need them motivated enough to do them.
Categories: Drinking · Example · Motivation · Proverb · Religion · Solomon · Wisdom · alcohol
4 Haughty eyes, a proud heart,
and evil actions are all sin.
Sin is more than just acting on the evil things that we typically think about, such as murdering someone. We too often forget that actions are only part of sinning. Plus, James clarified in his New Testament book, that you don’t have to act on something to sin; you can also sin by neglecting to act on something. But that is enough about actions. We’re used to hearing about sinful acts. The reason I picked this proverb is because it clearly says that sin is also having haughty eyes and a proud heart. The one that gets me is a proud heart. It would seem that every sin begins with pride.
Categories: Religion
24 The Lord directs our steps,
so why try to understand everything along the way?
“I struggle with…”, “I don’t understand why…” These are phrases that I have been guilty of overusing. God says up front that His ways are not our ways, and that His thoughts are not our thoughts. Yet, I still want to understand before I obey. Well, I’m “struggling” with dropping these phrases from my vocabulary. My job is not to understand but to release and be dependent.
Categories: Dependence · Direction · Guidance · Proverb · Religion · Solomon · Struggle · Understanding · Wisdom
9 A lazy person is as bad as
someone who destroys things.
This proverb is like what I’ve been reading in a time organization book as well as what I just heard from our Home Team curriculum by Andy Stanley. Stanley said something like there is a negative cumulative value when we neglect things. The lazy person who continues to put off and put off actually damages that which is neglected. It happens in our homes…trash builds up, dishes stack up, laundry piles up. It happens with our health…fatness grows, arteries clog, muscles atrophy. It happens in our spirits too, resolve diminishes, desires fade, communication is lost.
The wise person is not a workaholic in that he or she slaves day and night with no rest. Rather the wise person works appropriately in increments of minutes a day or hours a week, and so on. Stanley said there is cumulative value when we make small deposits.
Categories: Investment · Proverb · Proverbs · Religion · Solomon · Wisdom · Work
The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking;
the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.
“I talk to hear what I’m thinking.” That’s what I’ve said before to describe how I process and communicate ideas. It’s almost as if I do both of those things simultaneously, and can’t do either separately. But it is highly unwise to speak before thinking. When speach overflows, wickedness isn’t reined in and has opportunity. My “think first” muscles are lethargic, but as I see this is a proverb commanding one to do so, I will depend on God to restore that ability in me, and work it out.
Categories: Proverb · Proverbs · Religion · Solomon · Speaking · Thinking · Wisdom · wickedness
7 Some who are poor pretend to be rich;
others who are rich pretend to be poor.
This proverb caught me by surprise. It makes me think of when Paul said, “those who think they’re something are really nothing.” James also talked about “Goldfinger” in his epistle. So much pretending. I don’t set out to pretend to be something I’m not, but have been caught up in that behavior when I want to be something else. For instance, I want to preach like so-and-so, but I preach best when I preach like me. I want to be seen as a brain or scholar, but that again, is not me. Worst of all, I want people to pat me on the back because of all my hardships, and reality is that I have no real hardship. How can I rid my self of complaining???
Categories: Complaining · Hypocricy · Pretence · Proverb · Proverbs · Religion · Solomon · Wisdom
Pro. 15:4 “A soothing tongue is a tree of life…”
Recently some friends and I were discussing The Five Love Languages. The husband is “Words of Affirmation” and “Acts of Service.” His wife, who does not have those as her primary language, both set the coffee maker the other morning for it to be ready for our early morning meeting, and left a very encouraging note for him to read. Wow! that hit him on both languages. I asked if he got it, and of course he did because it was love communicated by doing something for him and the words that said so. The proverb today reminds us that words matter, and can be a tree of life.
Categories: Love · Proverb · Service · Words
Proverbs 21:29 A wicked man hardens his face, But as for the upright, he establishes his way.
I chose this verse because I didn’t really understand it at first. After some study, it’s still not cut in stone. The first part seems clear enough. One who hardens their face always sees themselves in the right, and has toughened his skin to not care when he does wrong. In his own conscience, he is right, and that’s the way he’s going and the way it’s going to be.
The second half is more obscure. It is a contrast, it appears. The righteous aren’t hardened in their decisions, he is directed or it is made or established based on a moral ethic. There is a debate as to whether the word, “establish” is one Hebrew word or another that means “understands.” Either way, the point may be this:
Don’t be pig-headed in your decision making.
Categories: Decision-making · Decisions · Establishing · Morality · Obstinant · Pig-Headed · Proverb · Religion · Understanding · Wisdom
Proverbs 18:1 A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire;
He rages against all wise judgment.
This is an excellent chapter. I selected this proverb today because I just had a conversation about someone who has “control-issues.” A friend of mine once said that the people who are always wanting their own way have probably never had a job working with the public. Here is a proverb that guards us against being so inward in our thinking and judgment.
A related proverb says, “For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, And in a multitude of counselors there is safety.” Pro. 24:6
Categories: Counsel · Counselors · Isolation · Judgment · Proverb · Religion · Safety · War · Wisdom · rage
Proverbs 17: 13 Whoever rewards evil for good,
Evil will not depart from his house.
I think about our court system, government and even our churches when I read this proverb. Perhaps the reason we can’t seem to do any better is because we have rewarded evil with good.
Isaiah prophesied, ” Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.” Isa. 5:20
This proverb says that the evil we do such as this will never leave our households, government, churches, etc.
Categories: Church · Good · Government · Home · Proverb · Religion · Rewarding · Sin · evil
Proverbs 15: 17 Better is a dinner of herbs[c] where love is,
Than a fatted calf with hatred.
We had this verse in our Sunday School a few weeks ago. This is another way of saying that little is plenty as long as you have love. More is not better when love is not there.
There was something funny to me about the translation used in Sunday School. It went something like this: it’s better to eat dinner with cold vegtables, where there is love than with a fatted calf where there is none.
…So go tell that to the fatted calf.
Categories: Contentedness · Love · Need · Plenty · Proverb · Religion · Wisdom
Proverbs 13:11 Money wrongly gotten will disappear bit by bit; money earned little by little will grow and grow.
Wrongfully gained money may not just mean receiving money for wrong-doing. Perhaps ill-gotten gain can also be categorized by gaining too much too quickly.
I’m sympathetic toward the millions whose homes are being foreclosed due to the economy (and perhaps unwise management in many cases). Even folks like Evander Holyfield and Ed McMahon are having their homes foreclosed.
I know we should beware wrongly gained money, but the point I take today from this proverb is a positive one, “Trust in earning your money little by little.” God says it will grow and grow…in other words it’ll get “appreciated” more and more. 
Categories: Appreciation · Foreclosure · Gain · Growth · Money · Proverb · Religion · Wealth · Wisdom · Wrong
Proverbs 11:12 It’s stupid to say bad things about your neighbors. If you are sensible, you will keep quiet.
We have a new business in town. The were featured in a newspaper article, and we hope the best for them. But then the next week the same business owner was in the paper again. She was complaining about a yearly town festival that had just happened. What she said about the town and the people running the festival did not make me want to become a customer. It’s hard enough trying to run a business in our small town, but saying bad things about your neighbors… well that was “stupid,” as the CEV translates it.
Categories: Business · Gossip · Proverb · Religion · Stupidity · Talk · Wisdom
Proverbs 7:22 Right away he followed her like an ox on the way to be slaughtered…
This image is one to be meditated on, “like an ox on the way to be slaughtered.” I’ve heard a similar saying, “like a sheep to the slaughter.” We think of the sheep as doe-eyed and innocent, and for it to be headed willingly into it’s death trap seems wrong. But the image of the ox connotes compliant strength. The ox moves strong and purposefully to his death. He can see where’s he’s headed, but he will not turn away, although he most certainly could break free. It reminds me of the verse that says that God will always give you a way of escape. You can break free from deathly temptation if you will.
Categories: Proverb · Religion · Wisdom
Proverbs 2:19 Visit her, and you will never find the road to life again.
This proverb is talking about the adulterous temptress. She calls men to her and once they descend to her home they are snared. Romans says that God has given people over to their sins. Elsewhere Paul describes being ensnared by sin. It is a real danger to go so far into sin that you’ll never turn away.
Categories: Proverb · Religion · Snare · Temptation · Trap · Wisdom
Proverb 29:1He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck,
will suddenly be broken beyond healing.
I am one who is often reproved, and am tempted then to simply give up on trying to do right. But this proverb says that if I stiffen my neck against the reproof I will be broken beyond healing. It doesn’t say that I shouldn’t be often reproved, but instead says that when I am often reproved, I shouldn’t reject it.
The one who is often reproved is also often broken, but only those who reject discipline will become broken beyond healing. Healing comes through frequent rebuke.
Categories: Brokeness · Discipline · Healing · Proverb · Rejection · Religion · Reproof · Stiff-neckedness · Stubborness · Wisdom · rebuke
19 Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread,
but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.
I’ve chosen this proverb before, I’m sure, but it is one I really need to memorize. I’ve had more than a couple tell me there is grass in my garden. Mmmm. My excuse is that I simply don’t have the time it takes to keep grass out of the garden, and I think the grass will be fine anyway. Perhaps I need to try harder.
On the other hand this proverb commands me to to stay away from worthless pursuits. I can really waste time on the computer with worthless pursuits. Today, I will pray that the Lord guides me into worthwhile ventures.
Categories: Diligence · Poverty · Prosperity · Proverb · Religion · Wastefulness · Wisdom · Work Ethic · Worthlessness
9Like a thorn that goes up into the hand of a drunkard
is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
This is a wonderful chapter full of interesting images. I liked this image today of a drunk man who gets a thorn in his hand. He’s so sauced that the thorn has no effect. In the same way a fool is so self-deceived that she can speak a proverb that ought to cut her to ribbons, and yet she doesn’t feel a thing. The anesthetized, self-deceived church of Laodicea was chastised for this in Revelation. But one day everyone will awaken to the sobering judgment.
Categories: Desensitization · Drunkeness · Proverb · Religion · Self-Deception · Wisdom
Tagged: Laodicea
26A worker’s appetite works for him; his mouth urges him on.
Our inner motivations get things done. Today is my 10th wedding anniversary, and it has been the Lord which has given us the desire to move forward these years. He plants the appetite we have for one another and for our family, but it is indeed a hunger for a godly family that urges us on.
Categories: Appetite · Desire · Family · Marriage · Proverb · Religion · Wisdom · hunger
Tagged: 10 year anniversary
23The fallow ground of the poor would yield much food, but it is swept away through injustice.
Someone asked me who I really felt called to minister to. I am drawn to working with low-income families. Back when I was preaching on spiritual gifts I learned that this is certainly not a natural thing, but rather a supernatural passion raised by God. People don’t naturally want to be around poor people. But I do, and I see hope in this proverb. Among the poor there is fallow ground, a fertile yet untapped spiritual harvest.
Categories: Food · Harvest · Injustice · Potential · Proverb · Religion · Wisdom · poor
Tagged: poor people, spiritual gifts
Treasure up the commands of God…”2making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding.
This week I’ve been lax in putting sermons together. I know that breaks are needed, and okay to take, however, I can’t take a break from God and His wisdom. The proverb today says that it doesn’t come easy. Wisdom doesn’t fall into your lap. One must make his ear attentive, and make his heart inclined.
Categories: Attentiveness · Diligence · Laziness · Proverb · Religion · Wisdom
13Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.
This proverb can go along with yesterday’s. Correction must be an expected thing if there is none righteous. We must all expect to be corrected beginning with childhood and never ending. The assumption is that we naturally get that correction is needed. It says “withhold not,” not “You must.” That is similar to the “Thou shall nots” of the Ten Commandments. To not correct is unnatural.
Categories: Childhood · Correction · Discipline · Proverb · Religion · Wisdom
12The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.
I’m not sure what the point is of this proverb. Is it that just as both senses have one maker, all people , though different are from the same God (see Pro. 22.2)? Or is it that the Lord has given me eyes and ears to perceive the way things are? Maybe it means something totally different. Anyway this proverb came to mind today.
The John Gill Exposition has a lot on this one proverb. I liked what he said about the seeing eye being figurative for the civil magistrate, and the hearing ear being the obedent subject. That makes sense. But also the commentary made me think to Jesus’ statement to those who have ears to hear. The Lord not only made a way for us to connect to Him, it is only by His power that we ever do.
Categories: Difficult Sayings · Proverb · Religion
Tagged: Creation, Ears to Hear, hearing ears, seeing eyes
13Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
I am thinking about contention in the church, and the failure to confront troublemakers by the leadership. If the squeaky wheel always gets the oil rather than discipline; it is as verse 13 says, “the wicked are rewarded.” Verse 14 adds that contention flows when strife is allowed to run from the tap. And verse 15 says that is an abomination to the Lord. But what is the result? I think this proverb says “evil shall not depart from his house.” Oh, how it could be so much better if evil would depart.
Categories: Proverb · Proverbs · Religion · Sin · Wisdom · evil · wickedness
Tagged: Contention, evil, Rewarding Evil
This is a really good chapter filled with proverbs on words and destiny. There were several that I would like to choose today. But I have settled on a promise to claim.
7When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
A friend was telling me about the story of the persistent woman and unjust judge. She kept going to the judge and saying, “Avenge me of my adversary.” We have a Father who is so much better than an unjust judge. We can claim this truth that when we please our Lord, that He can work things out even with our enemies.
Categories: Peace · Proverb · Religion · Wisdom
Tagged: Adversity, Enemy, Peace, Pleasing
25When he speaks kindly, do not trust him, for seven abominations are in his heart.
This is so true in my life. I have someone who will seasonly be extremely nice and helpful, but watch out. It never lasts. It may actually be trickery, deceit. Here is what Proverbs 26:3 says for this type of fool, ” 3A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a [straight, slender] rod for the backs of [self-confident] fools.”
Don’t be taken in by the kind words of two-faced people.
Categories: Deceit · Kind speech · Two-faced
5Counsel in the heart of man is like water in a deep well, but a man of understanding draws it out.
This has to be one of my most favorite chapters. This particular verse today is thought provoking to me. I believe this means that what goes on inside a man is pretty murky. For the most part, we don’t even know what’s going on down deep inside ourselves, let alone be able to know about others. BUT, a man of godly wisdom will make efforts to delve deep into that well.
1 Cor. 2:11 says, “For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God.”
In the same chapter of Proverbs, verse 24 it says, “Man’s steps are ordered by the Lord. How then can a man understand his way?”
Categories: Counsel · Self-knowledge · Understanding
Pro. 13:13 Ignore the Word and suffer; honor God’s commands and grow rich.
I was asked to do a devotion entitled, “Obeying God’s Word.” This Proverb certainly says that obeying God’s word brings wealth. People would shy from this because it sounds like the Prosperity Gospel. But the truth is that God’s Word ought to be obeyed. And God blesses obedient children with good consequences for good obedience.
Categories: Devotional · God's Word · Obedience · Prosperity · Scripture · riches
Pro. 12:24 The diligent find freedom in their work;
the lazy are oppressed by work.
…27 A lazy life is an empty life,
but “early to rise” gets the job done.
Diligence is both freedom and accomplishment; laziness is restrictive and empty.
Categories: Diligence · Emptiness · Freedom · Laziness · Religion · Work
Categories: Family · Hate · Trouble
Searching for it like a prospector panning for gold,
like an adventurer on a treasure hunt,
Believe me, before you know it Fear-of-God will be yours;
you’ll have come upon the Knowledge of God.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=24&chapter=2&version=65
Categories: Religion
Pro. 31:11The heart of her husband trusts in her, And he will have no lack of gain.
One of the first things said about the Pro. 31 woman is that the husband trusts her. Trust in her and have no lack.
Read the whole chapter.
Categories: Religion · Trust · Wife
Pro. 30:
2Surely I am more stupid than any man,
And I do not have the understanding of a man.
3Neither have I learned wisdom,
Nor do I have the (B)knowledge of the Holy One.
Someone said that they wanted a leader who used her own logic to make decision versus someone with a Biblical agenda. How unwise! There is the understanding of man, and there is knowledge that comes from the Holy One. And then there is stupidity which learns neither.
Categories: Agur · Stupidity · Wisdom · knowledge
Pro. 26:2 Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow in its flying, So a curse without cause does not alight.
I really like the poetic way this is said in the NASB. Lately I’ve been hearing a lot of negative thoughts. Some say that many times it’s not negative self-talk, it’s demonic talk, because the voice is not saying, “I’m nothing,” but “you’re nothing.” I arm myself with this proverbial truth: a curse without cause does not alight in my spirit.
Read the whole chapter.
Categories: Curses · Demons · Proverb · Solomon · Voices
Pro. 21: 29 A wicked man displays a bold face, But as for the upright, he makes his way sure.
Reas the whole chapter.
Categories: Religion
Pro. 20: 3 Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, But any fool will quarrel.
Fools know how to start fights, the honorable man knows how to avoid them.
Categories: Conflict · Fools · Honor · Proverb · Quarreling · Solomon · Wisdom
Pro. 19:13 … the contentions of a wife are a constant dripping.
Reas the whole chapter.
Categories: Contentiousness · Nagging · Religion · Solomon · Wife · Wisdom
Pro. 17: 9He who conceals a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates intimate friends.
Careless confindences break friendships.
Read the whole chapter at Biblegateway
Categories: Break-ups · Confidentiality · Friendship · Help · Proverb · Religion · Solomon
Pro. 16: 2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, But the LORD weighs the motives.
Just last night we were discussing whether a lost person can do good. I am inclined to say man is totally depraved, even good acts done are committed with selfish motive. This proverb warns that the motives behind the acts of man are not what they seem or appear.
There is none righteous; no, not one.
Read all of Pro. 16 here.
Categories: Clean Heart · Good Works · Motives · Proverb · Religion · Solomon
Pro. 10:19When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable,
But he who restrains his lips is wise.
With so much talk, I’m bound to mess up.
Read the whole chapter at Biblegateway
Categories: Proverb · Solomon · Talking · Transgression · Wisdom · Words
Pro. 9: 17“Stolen water is sweet; And bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”
Today’s verse makes me aware that accountability is paramount in my life. I sin, and I can be sneaky at it. Bringing our habitual sin to light is one of the toughest things we can do to conquer it; only once it is brought to light is it conquerable.
Read the whole chapter at Biblegateway
Categories: Proverb · Secret Sin · Sin · Wisdom · victory
Pro. 5:1b)Incline your ear to my understanding; 2That you may observe discretion And your lips may reserve knowledge.
I’m quickly posting this today, not really studying it, but just pondering about “observing” discretion, and “reserving” knowledge. This seems odd to me. Observe is not like looking at descretion but rather keeping it like “observing a holiday.” Another translation says, “maintaining descretion.
As for reserving knowledge, another translation says “preserving” or “keeping.” I think the idea is withholding what you say because the next line talks about the harlot’s lips dripping words like honey from her lips.
Anyway, intriguing choice of words…read the whole chapter.
Categories: Descretion · Proverb · Solomon · Wisdom · Words · knowledge
Pro.3:3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you; …Write them on the tablet of your heart.
When I see the word tabletI think of those slate tablets used in the early American schoolroom. Unlike five subject notebooks I used in school, a slate tablet can only be used to work on one thing at the time. The tablet of our hearts tend to be more like the singularly-focused chalk tablet, where either wisdom is being worked on or else something less than wisdom has quickly erased it from view.
Categories: Focus · Heart · Proverb · Solomon · Wisdom
Pro. 28: 6 Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and rich. (NLT)
Just yesterday someone said pretty much the same thing to me when describing their family. One sibling has done financially better than the other, but has shipwrecked every relationship. She said, “I don’t envy … because, I’d rather be poor, and enjoy life, than have money and be angry all the time.”
Read all of Pro. 28, and comment on your favorite for the day.
Categories: Dishonesty · Honesty · Money · Poverty · Proverb · Solomon · Wisdom · riches
Pro. 26: 8 Honoring a fool is as foolish as tying a stone to a slingshot. (NLT)
Today I chose verse 8 because of the imagery of tying a stone to a slingshot. Chapter 26 has much to say about fools. But this verse in particular I think means try as you may to honor a fool, it will only come back to haunt you-literally like that stone tied to the slingshot that’s coming straight back on you, sorta like spittin’ in the wind.
Read the whole chapter and leave a comment on your favorite for the day.
Categories: Backlash · Fools · Honoring Others · Proverb · Solomon · Wisdom
Pro. 25: 4 Remove the impurities from silver, and the sterling will be ready for the silversmith.
I chose this proverb today for the translation’s use of “sterling silver.” The use of “sterling” is confusing, seeing that it is an alloy, not pure silver. Sterling silver is 92.5% pure and 7.5% other metals, which help give the product strength, resistence to tarnish, etc. Just pondering today about purity vs. strength.
Read the whole chapter
Categories: Dross · Hezekiah · Impurity · Proverb · Purity · Religion · Solomon · Strength · Wisdom
Pro. 24:13 My child, eat honey, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to the taste. 14 In the same way, wisdom is sweet to your soul. If you find it, you will have a bright future, and your hopes will not be cut short.
The word can be just as desirable as honey is to eat. It is good to want it and get it and eat it. Plus, we have the promise that it will brighten our futures, and secure our hopes.
Read all of the chapter
Categories: Future · Hopes · Proverb · Religion · Scripture · Security · Solomon · Wisdom
Pro. 23:10 Don’t cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers; don’t take the land of defenseless orphans. 11 For their Redeemer[b] is strong; he himself will bring their charges against you.
Read whole chapter
I chose today’s verse because I remembered a simillar verse from yesterday about moving ancient boundary markers (Pro. 22:28). I’m not exactly sure how this is supposed to relate to my life, but it is God’s Word, and I see a pattern of warning me against changing boundaries.
Categories: Boundaries · Elderly · Proverb · Religion · Solomon · Wisdom
Pro. 22: 13 The lazy person claims, “There’s a lion out there!
If I go outside, I might be killed!” (NLT)
Link to whole chapter
Fear may or may not be rational, but it cannot stop you from doing what you’re supposed to do.
Is it truly fear that stops you, or is it that you’re too lazy to do it?
Categories: Fear · Laziness · Proverb · Rationalizing · Religion · Solomon · Wisdom · Work
Pro. 19:3 People ruin their lives by their own foolishness
and then are angry at the Lord.
This is true in my life. I find myself wasting time, and then I am mad because my time has run out. My anger is for God, myself, and others when they need me, and I am scrambling to finish what should have already been done. But the fault is all mine.
Proverbs 19 (NLT)
Categories: Anger · Foolishness · Proverb · Ruin · Solomon · Time · Wisdom
Pro. 17: 9 Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.
I’ve enjoyed the close friendships that have developed over the last 18 months. These relationships have not been without fights. But thank God love prospers.
Proverbs 17 at Bible Gateway
Categories: Forgiveness · Friendship · Love · Proverbs · Relationships · Solomon · Wisdom
The translation in this particular chapter is awesome. There were so many good, memorable lines of wisdom. I only picked one today though.
Pro. 15: 15 For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast. (NLT)
This is the perception of the wise. It is not that the feasting are happy, but that the happy consider life as a continual feast!
Link to Pro. 15
Categories: Despondency · Feast · Happiness · Heart · Proverbs · Religion · Trouble · Wisdom
This is one of my favorite chapters. Today I will include three choices.
Diligence (Sober living)
Pro. 12:11 He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment. … (v. 24) Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in slave labor.
Pro. 12:4 A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown…
I am thankful today that I have a noble wife. She is my crowning honor.
Pro. 12:25 An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.
I choose this one today knowing that I have a few friends that are weighed down. I pray a kind word (email) may be one of those seeds (see yesterday’s post).
Proverbs Chapter 12
Categories: Anxiety · Cheer up · Crown · Diligence · Honor · Judgment · Kindness · Laziness · Proverb · Rule · Solomon · Wife · Wisdom · Words
Pro. 11: 30 The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life; a wise person wins friends.
This chapter refers to being honest, kind, upright, generous, respectful and humble. These are ways to win friends with integrity. These seeds probably don’t fall on good soil most of the time. Yet, as it is said, “little seeds become big trees, so plant wisely.” Keep reading →
Categories: Friendship · Good Deeds · Honesty · Kindness · Proverb · Respect · Seeds · Solomon · Wisdom
Today’s favorite is a medley about words:
Pro. 10:
6 …the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.
11 The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.
13 Wise words come from the lips of people with understanding, …
19 Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.
20 The words of the godly are like sterling silver…
21 The words of the godly encourage many, …
31 The mouth of the godly person gives wise advice, but the tongue that deceives will be cut off.
32 The lips of the godly speak helpful words, but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words. Keep reading →
Categories: Advice · Mouth · Proverb · Solomon · Tongue · Wisdom · Words
Pro. 9: 8 So don’t bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you.
But correct the wise, and they will love you.
9 Instruct the wise,and they will be even wiser. Teach the righteous,
and they will learn even more.
Someone will always complain about how I teach, preach, and lead at the church, because they are foolish mockers. The wise, however, will love and learn. Keep reading →
Categories: Church · Correction · Hate · Love · Proverb · Righteous · Solomon · Teach · Wisdom · wise
Prov. 8:30 I was the architect at his side. I was his constant delight, rejoicing always in his presence.
Proverb 8 demonstrates Wisdom as a lady. As hard as it is to picture Jesus as “Lady Wisdom,” it appears that this refers to Christ who made all things. My thought today is not whether or not this is a Christophany, but that Christ understand how to put things together. If that is so, then He is here beside me in my work too. May He delight in writing sermons, ministering to the sick, etc. through me. Keep reading →
Categories: Christophany · Creation · Delight · Lady Wisdom · Proverb · Proverbs · Solomon · Wisdom · Work
Pro. 7:25 Don’t let your hearts stray away toward her. Don’t wander down her wayward path. … 27 Her house is the road to the grave. Her bedroom is the den of death.
Solomon warns that naive men foolishly wander too close to the seductress. She is tempting, and the answer to being led down the road to hell, and the den of death, is to not let your heart stray. Keep reading →
Categories: Hell · Proverb · Seduction · Sexual Temptation · Solomon · Temptation · Wisdom
Pro. 6: 9 But you, lazybones, how long will you sleep? When will you wake up?
I like the NLT’s “lazybones.” That is what I am. When will I awake from my stupor? Laziness robs me of joy and self worth. Diligence encourages me. Go to the ant O sluggard. Wake up. Keep reading →
Categories: Diligence · Laziness · Proverbs · Religion · Sluggard · Solomon · Wisdom
Pro. 4:18 The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day.
Righteousness increases and intensifies. You are only in the dawning of it today. Keep reading →
Categories: Beginnings · Light · Proverbs · Righteousness · Solomon · Wisdom
Pro. 3: 13 Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding….17 She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying. 18 Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly.
Joyful, satisfied, and happy is he with wisdom Keep reading →
Categories: Happiness · Joy · Proverb · Proverbs · Religion · Satisfaction · Solomon · Wisdom
Pro. 2: 20 Follow the steps of good men instead, and stay on the paths of the righteous.
Audio biographies on DesiringGod.org has helped me to “follow the steps of good men.” Keep reading →
Categories: Example · Goodness · Proverbs · Solomon · Wisdom
Pro. 1:3 Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair.
I chose this proverb last month as my favorite…it still is because I haven’t “gotten” it yet. Proverbs lead me to a disciplined life. Recently I used a proverb to discipline myself. So, maybe it’s working after all. Keep reading →
Categories: Discipline · Fair · Proverb · Solomon · Success · Wisdom
Pro. 30:13 those whose eyes are ever so haughty, whose glances are so disdainful;
14 those whose teeth are swords and whose jaws are set with knives…
I know these folks, but it can also describe me speaking to the ones I love. Pride for one’s self and contempt for others show up especially in the eyes and mouth. Keep reading →
Categories: Agur · Contempt · Cursing · God's Word · Greed · Lies · Poverty · Pride · Slander · Stealing · riches
Pro. 28:13 He who conceals his sins does not prosper,
but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
Confession and repentance can bring mercy, hiding sin will never make things better. Keep reading →
Categories: Courage · Inheritance · Proverb · Religion · Repentance · Sin · Solomon · Wisdom · confession
In order to make this blog easier to view my own comments for future reference, I am going to start posting my favorite verse here at the top of the post, and utilize the “more” so my favorites are more easily viewed. Also, I will take away the comment widget, and add the category widget.
Pro. 27:9 Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart,
and the pleasantness of one’s friend springs from his earnest counsel.
27:10 has always been a favorite, but today I choose 9, which also speaks of a friend’s worth. Authentic counsel from a friend is the heart’s joy. Keep reading →
Categories: Advice · Friendship · Proverb · Religion · Wisdom
Proverbs 26
1 Like snow in summer or rain in harvest,
honor is not fitting for a fool.
2 Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow,
an undeserved curse does not come to rest.
3 A whip for the horse, a halter for the donkey,
and a rod for the backs of fools!
4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
or you will be like him yourself.
5 Answer a fool according to his folly,
or he will be wise in his own eyes.
6 Like cutting off one’s feet or drinking violence
is the sending of a message by the hand of a fool.
7 Like a lame man’s legs that hang limp
is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
8 Like tying a stone in a sling
is the giving of honor to a fool.
9 Like a thornbush in a drunkard’s hand
is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
10 Like an archer who wounds at random
is he who hires a fool or any passer-by.
11 As a dog returns to its vomit,
so a fool repeats his folly.
12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
13 The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road,
a fierce lion roaming the streets!”
14 As a door turns on its hinges,
so a sluggard turns on his bed.
15 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish;
he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.
16 The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes
than seven men who answer discreetly.
17 Like one who seizes a dog by the ears
is a passer-by who meddles in a quarrel not his own.
18 Like a madman shooting
firebrands or deadly arrows
19 is a man who deceives his neighbor
and says, “I was only joking!”
20 Without wood a fire goes out;
without gossip a quarrel dies down.
21 As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire,
so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.
22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
they go down to a man’s inmost parts.
23 Like a coating of glaze [a] over earthenware
are fervent lips with an evil heart.
24 A malicious man disguises himself with his lips,
but in his heart he harbors deceit.
25 Though his speech is charming, do not believe him,
for seven abominations fill his heart.
26 His malice may be concealed by deception,
but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.
27 If a man digs a pit, he will fall into it;
if a man rolls a stone, it will roll back on him.
28 A lying tongue hates those it hurts,
and a flattering mouth works ruin.
Footnotes:
Proverbs 26:23 With a different word division of the Hebrew; Masoretic Text of silver dross
Categories: Proverb · Religion · Wisdom
September 25, 2007 · 1 Comment
Proverbs 25
More Proverbs of Solomon
1 These are more proverbs of Solomon, copied by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah:
2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter;
to search out a matter is the glory of kings.
3 As the heavens are high and the earth is deep,
so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.
4 Remove the dross from the silver,
and out comes material for [a] the silversmith;
5 remove the wicked from the king’s presence,
and his throne will be established through righteousness.
6 Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence,
and do not claim a place among great men;
7 it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,”
than for him to humiliate you before a nobleman.
What you have seen with your eyes
8 do not bring [b] hastily to court,
for what will you do in the end
if your neighbor puts you to shame?
9 If you argue your case with a neighbor,
do not betray another man’s confidence,
10 or he who hears it may shame you
and you will never lose your bad reputation.
11 A word aptly spoken
is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
12 Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold
is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear.
13 Like the coolness of snow at harvest time
is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him;
he refreshes the spirit of his masters.
14 Like clouds and wind without rain
is a man who boasts of gifts he does not give.
15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded,
and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
16 If you find honey, eat just enough—
too much of it, and you will vomit.
17 Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house—
too much of you, and he will hate you.
18 Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow
is the man who gives false testimony against his neighbor.
19 Like a bad tooth or a lame foot
is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble.
20 Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day,
or like vinegar poured on soda,
is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;
if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
22 In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head,
and the LORD will reward you.
23 As a north wind brings rain,
so a sly tongue brings angry looks.
24 Better to live on a corner of the roof
than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
25 Like cold water to a weary soul
is good news from a distant land.
26 Like a muddied spring or a polluted well
is a righteous man who gives way to the wicked.
27 It is not good to eat too much honey,
nor is it honorable to seek one’s own honor.
28 Like a city whose walls are broken down
is a man who lacks self-control.
Footnotes:
Proverbs 25:4 Or comes a vessel from
Proverbs 25:8 Or nobleman / on whom you had set your eyes. / 8 Do not go
Categories: Religion
September 24, 2007 · 2 Comments
Proverbs 24
1 Do not envy wicked men,
do not desire their company;
2 for their hearts plot violence,
and their lips talk about making trouble.
3 By wisdom a house is built,
and through understanding it is established;
4 through knowledge its rooms are filled
with rare and beautiful treasures.
5 A wise man has great power,
and a man of knowledge increases strength;
6 for waging war you need guidance,
and for victory many advisers.
7 Wisdom is too high for a fool;
in the assembly at the gate he has nothing to say.
8 He who plots evil
will be known as a schemer.
9 The schemes of folly are sin,
and men detest a mocker.
10 If you falter in times of trouble,
how small is your strength!
11 Rescue those being led away to death;
hold back those staggering toward slaughter.
12 If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,”
does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
Does not he who guards your life know it?
Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?
13 Eat honey, my son, for it is good;
honey from the comb is sweet to your taste.
14 Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul;
if you find it, there is a future hope for you,
and your hope will not be cut off.
15 Do not lie in wait like an outlaw against a righteous man’s house,
do not raid his dwelling place;
16 for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again,
but the wicked are brought down by calamity.
17 Do not gloat when your enemy falls;
when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice,
18 or the LORD will see and disapprove
and turn his wrath away from him.
19 Do not fret because of evil men
or be envious of the wicked,
20 for the evil man has no future hope,
and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.
21 Fear the LORD and the king, my son,
and do not join with the rebellious,
22 for those two will send sudden destruction upon them,
and who knows what calamities they can bring?
Further Sayings of the Wise
23 These also are sayings of the wise:
To show partiality in judging is not good:
24 Whoever says to the guilty, “You are innocent”—
peoples will curse him and nations denounce him.
25 But it will go well with those who convict the guilty,
and rich blessing will come upon them.
26 An honest answer
is like a kiss on the lips.
27 Finish your outdoor work
and get your fields ready;
after that, build your house.
28 Do not testify against your neighbor without cause,
or use your lips to deceive.
29 Do not say, “I’ll do to him as he has done to me;
I’ll pay that man back for what he did.”
30 I went past the field of the sluggard,
past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment;
31 thorns had come up everywhere,
the ground was covered with weeds,
and the stone wall was in ruins.
32 I applied my heart to what I observed
and learned a lesson from what I saw:
33 A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest-
34 and poverty will come on you like a bandit
and scarcity like an armed man. [a]
Footnotes:
Proverbs 24:34 Or like a vagrant / and scarcity like a beggar
Categories: Proverb · Religion · Wisdom
Tagged: , evil, knowledge, victory, Wisdom
September 23, 2007 · 1 Comment
Proverbs 23
1 When you sit to dine with a ruler,
note well what [a] is before you,
2 and put a knife to your throat
if you are given to gluttony.
3 Do not crave his delicacies,
for that food is deceptive.
4 Do not wear yourself out to get rich;
have the wisdom to show restraint.
5 Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone,
for they will surely sprout wings
and fly off to the sky like an eagle.
6 Do not eat the food of a stingy man,
do not crave his delicacies;
7 for he is the kind of man
who is always thinking about the cost. [b]
“Eat and drink,” he says to you,
but his heart is not with you.
8 You will vomit up the little you have eaten
and will have wasted your compliments.
9 Do not speak to a fool,
for he will scorn the wisdom of your words.
10 Do not move an ancient boundary stone
or encroach on the fields of the fatherless,
11 for their Defender is strong;
he will take up their case against you.
12 Apply your heart to instruction
and your ears to words of knowledge.
13 Do not withhold discipline from a child;
if you punish him with the rod, he will not die.
14 Punish him with the rod
and save his soul from death. [c]
15 My son, if your heart is wise,
then my heart will be glad;
16 my inmost being will rejoice
when your lips speak what is right.
17 Do not let your heart envy sinners,
but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD.
18 There is surely a future hope for you,
and your hope will not be cut off.
19 Listen, my son, and be wise,
and keep your heart on the right path.
20 Do not join those who drink too much wine
or gorge themselves on meat,
21 for drunkards and gluttons become poor,
and drowsiness clothes them in rags.
22 Listen to your father, who gave you life,
and do not despise your mother when she is old.
23 Buy the truth and do not sell it;
get wisdom, discipline and understanding.
24 The father of a righteous man has great joy;
he who has a wise son delights in him.
25 May your father and mother be glad;
may she who gave you birth rejoice!
26 My son, give me your heart
and let your eyes keep to my ways,
27 for a prostitute is a deep pit
and a wayward wife is a narrow well.
28 Like a bandit she lies in wait,
and multiplies the unfaithful among men.
29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow?
Who has strife? Who has complaints?
Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?
30 Those who linger over wine,
who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.
31 Do not gaze at wine when it is red,
when it sparkles in the cup,
when it goes down smoothly!
32 In the end it bites like a snake
and poisons like a viper.
33 Your eyes will see strange sights
and your mind imagine confusing things.
34 You will be like one sleeping on the high seas,
lying on top of the rigging.
35 “They hit me,” you will say, “but I’m not hurt!
They beat me, but I don’t feel it!
When will I wake up
so I can find another drink?”
Footnotes:
Proverbs 23:1 Or who
Proverbs 23:7 Or for as he thinks within himself, / so he is; or for as he puts on a feast, / so he is
Proverbs 23:14 Hebrew Sheol
Categories: Proverb · Religion · Solomon · Wisdom
Tagged: alcohol, Discipline, drink, gluttony, restraint
September 22, 2007 · 1 Comment
Proverbs 22
1 A good name is more desirable than great riches;
to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. 2 Rich and poor have this in common:
The LORD is the Maker of them all.
3 A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge,
but the simple keep going and suffer for it.
4 Humility and the fear of the LORD
bring wealth and honor and life.
5 In the paths of the wicked lie thorns and snares,
but he who guards his soul stays far from them.
6 Train [a] a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not turn from it.
7 The rich rule over the poor,
and the borrower is servant to the lender.
8 He who sows wickedness reaps trouble,
and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.
9 A generous man will himself be blessed,
for he shares his food with the poor.
10 Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife;
quarrels and insults are ended.
11 He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious
will have the king for his friend.
12 The eyes of the LORD keep watch over knowledge,
but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.
13 The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside!”
or, “I will be murdered in the streets!”
14 The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit;
he who is under the LORD’s wrath will fall into it.
15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,
but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.
16 He who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth
and he who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.
Sayings of the Wise
17 Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise;
apply your heart to what I teach,
18 for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart
and have all of them ready on your lips.
19 So that your trust may be in the LORD,
I teach you today, even you.
20 Have I not written thirty [b] sayings for you,
sayings of counsel and knowledge,
21 teaching you true and reliable words,
so that you can give sound answers
to him who sent you?
22 Do not exploit the poor because they are poor
and do not crush the needy in court,
23 for the LORD will take up their case
and will plunder those who plunder them.
24 Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man,
do not associate with one easily angered,
25 or you may learn his ways
and get yourself ensnared.
26 Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge
or puts up security for debts;
27 if you lack the means to pay,
your very bed will be snatched from under you.
28 Do not move an ancient boundary stone
set up by your forefathers.
29 Do you see a man skilled in his work?
He will serve before kings;
he will not serve before obscure men.
Footnotes:
Proverbs 22:6 Or Start
Proverbs 22:20 Or not formerly written ; or not written excellent
Categories: Proverb · Religion · Solomon · Wisdom
Tagged: , fear of the Lord, folly, frustration, generosity, good name, humility, parenting, prudence, riches, sloth, Sluggard, Wisdom, wise
September 21, 2007 · 1 Comment
Proverbs 21
1 The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD;
he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.
2 All a man’s ways seem right to him,
but the LORD weighs the heart.
3 To do what is right and just
is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart,
the lamp of the wicked, are sin!
5 The plans of the diligent lead to profit
as surely as haste leads to poverty.
6 A fortune made by a lying tongue
is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare. [a]
7 The violence of the wicked will drag them away,
for they refuse to do what is right.
8 The way of the guilty is devious,
but the conduct of the innocent is upright.
9 Better to live on a corner of the roof
than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
10 The wicked man craves evil;
his neighbor gets no mercy from him.
11 When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom;
when a wise man is instructed, he gets knowledge.
12 The Righteous One [b] takes note of the house of the wicked
and brings the wicked to ruin.
13 If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor,
he too will cry out and not be answered.
14 A gift given in secret soothes anger,
and a bribe concealed in the cloak pacifies great wrath.
15 When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous
but terror to evildoers.
16 A man who strays from the path of understanding
comes to rest in the company of the dead.
17 He who loves pleasure will become poor;
whoever loves wine and oil will never be rich.
18 The wicked become a ransom for the righteous,
and the unfaithful for the upright.
19 Better to live in a desert
than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife.
20 In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil,
but a foolish man devours all he has.
21 He who pursues righteousness and love
finds life, prosperity [c] and honor.
22 A wise man attacks the city of the mighty
and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust.
23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue
keeps himself from calamity.
24 The proud and arrogant man-”Mocker” is his name;
he behaves with overweening pride.
25 The sluggard’s craving will be the death of him,
because his hands refuse to work.
26 All day long he craves for more,
but the righteous give without sparing.
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable—
how much more so when brought with evil intent!
28 A false witness will perish,
and whoever listens to him will be destroyed forever. [d]
29 A wicked man puts up a bold front,
but an upright man gives thought to his ways.
30 There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan
that can succeed against the LORD.
31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
but victory rests with the LORD.
Footnotes:
Proverbs 21:6 Some Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint and Vulgate; most Hebrew manuscripts vapor for those who seek death
Proverbs 21:12 Or The righteous man
Proverbs 21:21 Or righteousness
Proverbs 21:28 Or / but the words of an obedient man will live on
Categories: Proverb · Religion · Wisdom
September 20, 2007 · 1 Comment
Proverbs 20
1 Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler;
whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
2 A king’s wrath is like the roar of a lion;
he who angers him forfeits his life.
3 It is to a man’s honor to avoid strife,
but every fool is quick to quarrel.
4 A sluggard does not plow in season;
so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing.
5 The purposes of a man’s heart are deep waters,
but a man of understanding draws them out.
6 Many a man claims to have unfailing love,
but a faithful man who can find?
7 The righteous man leads a blameless life;
blessed are his children after him.
8 When a king sits on his throne to judge,
he winnows out all evil with his eyes.
9 Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure;
I am clean and without sin”?
10 Differing weights and differing measures—
the LORD detests them both.
11 Even a child is known by his actions,
by whether his conduct is pure and right.
12 Ears that hear and eyes that see—
the LORD has made them both.
13 Do not love sleep or you will grow poor;
stay awake and you will have food to spare.
14 “It’s no good, it’s no good!” says the buyer;
then off he goes and boasts about his purchase.
15 Gold there is, and rubies in abundance,
but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.
16 Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger;
hold it in pledge if he does it for a wayward woman.
17 Food gained by fraud tastes sweet to a man,
but he ends up with a mouth full of gravel.
18 Make plans by seeking advice;
if you wage war, obtain guidance.
19 A gossip betrays a confidence;
so avoid a man who talks too much.
20 If a man curses his father or mother,
his lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.
21 An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning
will not be blessed at the end.
22 Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!”
Wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you.
23 The LORD detests differing weights,
and dishonest scales do not please him.
24 A man’s steps are directed by the LORD.
How then can anyone understand his own way?
25 It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly
and only later to consider his vows.
26 A wise king winnows out the wicked;
he drives the threshing wheel over them.
27 The lamp of the LORD searches the spirit of a man [a] ;
it searches out his inmost being.
28 Love and faithfulness keep a king safe;
through love his throne is made secure.
29 The glory of young men is their strength,
gray hair the splendor of the old.
30 Blows and wounds cleanse away evil,
and beatings purge the inmost being.
Footnotes:
Proverbs 20:27 Or The spirit of man is the LORD ’s lamp
Categories: Faithful · Gossip · Inheritance · Love · Proverb · Sluggard · Strife · Wisdom
September 10, 2007 · 1 Comment
Proverbs 10
Proverbs of Solomon
1 The proverbs of Solomon:
A wise son brings joy to his father,
but a foolish son grief to his mother.
2 Ill-gotten treasures are of no value,
but righteousness delivers from death.
3 The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry
but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.
4 Lazy hands make a man poor,
but diligent hands bring wealth.
5 He who gathers crops in summer is a wise son,
but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.
6 Blessings crown the head of the righteous,
but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked. [a]
7 The memory of the righteous will be a blessing,
but the name of the wicked will rot.
8 The wise in heart accept commands,
but a chattering fool comes to ruin.
9 The man of integrity walks securely,
but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.
10 He who winks maliciously causes grief,
and a chattering fool comes to ruin.
11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,
but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.
12 Hatred stirs up dissension,
but love covers over all wrongs.
13 Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning,
but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment.
14 Wise men store up knowledge,
but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.
15 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city,
but poverty is the ruin of the poor.
16 The wages of the righteous bring them life,
but the income of the wicked brings them punishment.
17 He who heeds discipline shows the way to life,
but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.
18 He who conceals his hatred has lying lips,
and whoever spreads slander is a fool.
19 When words are many, sin is not absent,
but he who holds his tongue is wise.
20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver,
but the heart of the wicked is of little value.
21 The lips of the righteous nourish many,
but fools die for lack of judgment.
22 The blessing of the LORD brings wealth,
and he adds no trouble to it.
23 A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct,
but a man of understanding delights in wisdom.
24 What the wicked dreads will overtake him;
what the righteous desire will be granted.
25 When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone,
but the righteous stand firm forever.
26 As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes,
so is a sluggard to those who send him.
27 The fear of the LORD adds length to life,
but the years of the wicked are cut short.
28 The prospect of the righteous is joy,
but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.
29 The way of the LORD is a refuge for the righteous,
but it is the ruin of those who do evil.
30 The righteous will never be uprooted,
but the wicked will not remain in the land.
31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom,
but a perverse tongue will be cut out.
32 The lips of the righteous know what is fitting,
but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse.
Footnotes:
- Proverbs 10:6 Or but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence ; also in verse 11
Categories: Proverb · Religion · Solomon · Wisdom
September 10, 2007 · 2 Comments
Proverbs 9
Invitations of Wisdom and of Folly
1 Wisdom has built her house;
she has hewn out its seven pillars.
2 She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine;
she has also set her table.
3 She has sent out her maids, and she calls
from the highest point of the city.
4 “Let all who are simple come in here!”
she says to those who lack judgment.
5 “Come, eat my food
and drink the wine I have mixed.
6 Leave your simple ways and you will live;
walk in the way of understanding.
7 “Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult;
whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse.
8 Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you;
rebuke a wise man and he will love you.
9 Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still;
teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.
10 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
11 For through me your days will be many,
and years will be added to your life.
12 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you;
if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.”
13 The woman Folly is loud;
she is undisciplined and without knowledge.
14 She sits at the door of her house,
on a seat at the highest point of the city,
15 calling out to those who pass by,
who go straight on their way.
16 “Let all who are simple come in here!”
she says to those who lack judgment.
17 “Stolen water is sweet;
food eaten in secret is delicious!”
18 But little do they know that the dead are there,
that her guests are in the depths of the grave. [a]
Footnotes:
- Proverbs 9:18 Hebrew Sheol
Categories: Proverb · Wisdom
September 8, 2007 · 1 Comment
Proverbs 8
Wisdom’s Call
1 Does not wisdom call out?
Does not understanding raise her voice?
2 On the heights along the way,
where the paths meet, she takes her stand;
3 beside the gates leading into the city,
at the entrances, she cries aloud:
4 “To you, O men, I call out;
I raise my voice to all mankind.
5 You who are simple, gain prudence;
you who are foolish, gain understanding.
6 Listen, for I have worthy things to say;
I open my lips to speak what is right.
7 My mouth speaks what is true,
for my lips detest wickedness.
8 All the words of my mouth are just;
none of them is crooked or perverse.
9 To the discerning all of them are right;
they are faultless to those who have knowledge.
10 Choose my instruction instead of silver,
knowledge rather than choice gold,
11 for wisdom is more precious than rubies,
and nothing you desire can compare with her.
12 “I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence;
I possess knowledge and discretion.
13 To fear the LORD is to hate evil;
I hate pride and arrogance,
evil behavior and perverse speech.
14 Counsel and sound judgment are mine;
I have understanding and power.
15 By me kings reign
and rulers make laws that are just;
16 by me princes govern,
and all nobles who rule on earth. [a]
17 I love those who love me,
and those who seek me find me.
18 With me are riches and honor,
enduring wealth and prosperity.
19 My fruit is better than fine gold;
what I yield surpasses choice silver.
20 I walk in the way of righteousness,
along the paths of justice,
21 bestowing wealth on those who love me
and making their treasuries full.
22 “The LORD brought me forth as the first of his works, [b] , [c]
before his deeds of old;
23 I was appointed [d] from eternity,
from the beginning, before the world began.
24 When there were no oceans, I was given birth,
when there were no springs abounding with water;
25 before the mountains were settled in place,
before the hills, I was given birth,
26 before he made the earth or its fields
or any of the dust of the world.
27 I was there when he set the heavens in place,
when he marked out the horizon on the face of the deep,
28 when he established the clouds above
and fixed securely the fountains of the deep,
29 when he gave the sea its boundary
so the waters would not overstep his command,
and when he marked out the foundations of the earth.
30 Then I was the craftsman at his side.
I was filled with delight day after day,
rejoicing always in his presence,
31 rejoicing in his whole world
and delighting in mankind.
32 “Now then, my sons, listen to me;
blessed are those who keep my ways.
33 Listen to my instruction and be wise;
do not ignore it.
34 Blessed is the man who listens to me,
watching daily at my doors,
waiting at my doorway.
35 For whoever finds me finds life
and receives favor from the LORD.
36 But whoever fails to find me harms himself;
all who hate me love death.”
Footnotes:
- Proverbs 8:16 Many Hebrew manuscripts and Septuagint; most Hebrew manuscripts and nobles-all righteous rulers
- Proverbs 8:22 Or way ; or dominion
- Proverbs 8:22 Or The LORD possessed me at the beginning of his work ; or The LORD brought me forth at the beginning of his work
- Proverbs 8:23 Or fashioned
Categories: Proverb · Wisdom
September 7, 2007 · 1 Comment
Proverbs 7
Warning Against the Adulteress
1 My son, keep my words
and store up my commands within you.
2 Keep my commands and you will live;
guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.
3 Bind them on your fingers;
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,”
and call understanding your kinsman;
5 they will keep you from the adulteress,
from the wayward wife with her seductive words.
6 At the window of my house
I looked out through the lattice.
7 I saw among the simple,
I noticed among the young men,
a youth who lacked judgment.
8 He was going down the street near her corner,
walking along in the direction of her house
9 at twilight, as the day was fading,
as the dark of night set in.
10 Then out came a woman to meet him,
dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent.
11 (She is loud and defiant,
her feet never stay at home;
12 now in the street, now in the squares,
at every corner she lurks.)
13 She took hold of him and kissed him
and with a brazen face she said:
14 “I have fellowship offerings [a] at home;
today I fulfilled my vows.
15 So I came out to meet you;
I looked for you and have found you!
16 I have covered my bed
with colored linens from Egypt.
17 I have perfumed my bed
with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon.
18 Come, let’s drink deep of love till morning;
let’s enjoy ourselves with love!
19 My husband is not at home;
he has gone on a long journey.
20 He took his purse filled with money
and will not be home till full moon.”
21 With persuasive words she led him astray;
she seduced him with her smooth talk.
22 All at once he followed her
like an ox going to the slaughter,
like a deer [b] stepping into a noose [c]
23 till an arrow pierces his liver,
like a bird darting into a snare,
little knowing it will cost him his life.
24 Now then, my sons, listen to me;
pay attention to what I say.
25 Do not let your heart turn to her ways
or stray into her paths.
26 Many are the victims she has brought down;
her slain are a mighty throng.
27 Her house is a highway to the grave, [d]
leading down to the chambers of death.
Footnotes:
- Proverbs 7:14 Traditionally peace offerings
- Proverbs 7:22 Syriac (see also Septuagint Hebrew fool
- Proverbs 7:22 The meaning of the Hebrew for this line is uncertain.
- Proverbs 7:27 Hebrew Sheol
Categories: Religion
September 6, 2007 · 1 Comment
Proverbs 6
Warnings Against Folly
1 My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor,
if you have struck hands in pledge for another,
2 if you have been trapped by what you said,
ensnared by the words of your mouth,
3 then do this, my son, to free yourself,
since you have fallen into your neighbor’s hands:
Go and humble yourself;
press your plea with your neighbor!
4 Allow no sleep to your eyes,
no slumber to your eyelids.
5 Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter,
like a bird from the snare of the fowler.
6 Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise!
7 It has no commander,
no overseer or ruler,
8 yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest.
9 How long will you lie there, you sluggard?
When will you get up from your sleep?
10 A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest-
11 and poverty will come on you like a bandit
and scarcity like an armed man. [a]
12 A scoundrel and villain,
who goes about with a corrupt mouth,
13 who winks with his eye,
signals with his feet
and motions with his fingers,
14 who plots evil with deceit in his heart—
he always stirs up dissension.
15 Therefore disaster will overtake him in an instant;
he will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.
16 There are six things the LORD hates,
seven that are detestable to him:
17 haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,
18 a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to rush into evil,
19 a false witness who pours out lies
and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.
Warning Against Adultery
20 My son, keep your father’s commands
and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
21 Bind them upon your heart forever;
fasten them around your neck.
22 When you walk, they will guide you;
when you sleep, they will watch over you;
when you awake, they will speak to you.
23 For these commands are a lamp,
this teaching is a light,
and the corrections of discipline
are the way to life,
24 keeping you from the immoral woman,
from the smooth tongue of the wayward wife.
25 Do not lust in your heart after her beauty
or let her captivate you with her eyes,
26 for the prostitute reduces you to a loaf of bread,
and the adulteress preys upon your very life.
27 Can a man scoop fire into his lap
without his clothes being burned?
28 Can a man walk on hot coals
without his feet being scorched?
29 So is he who sleeps with another man’s wife;
no one who touches her will go unpunished.
30 Men do not despise a thief if he steals
to satisfy his hunger when he is starving.
31 Yet if he is caught, he must pay sevenfold,
though it costs him all the wealth of his house.
32 But a man who commits adultery lacks judgment;
whoever does so destroys himself.
33 Blows and disgrace are his lot,
and his shame will never be wiped away;
34 for jealousy arouses a husband’s fury,
and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge.
35 He will not accept any compensation;
he will refuse the bribe, however great it is.
Footnotes:
- Proverbs 6:11 Or like a vagrant / and scarcity like a beggar
Categories: Religion
September 4, 2007 · 1 Comment
Proverbs 4
Wisdom Is Supreme
1 Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction;
pay attention and gain understanding.
2 I give you sound learning,
so do not forsake my teaching.
3 When I was a boy in my father’s house,
still tender, and an only child of my mother,
4 he taught me and said,
“Lay hold of my words with all your heart;
keep my commands and you will live.
5 Get wisdom, get understanding;
do not forget my words or swerve from them.
6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;
love her, and she will watch over you.
7 Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom.
Though it cost all you have, [a] get understanding.
8 Esteem her, and she will exalt you;
embrace her, and she will honor you.
9 She will set a garland of grace on your head
and present you with a crown of splendor.”
10 Listen, my son, accept what I say,
and the years of your life will be many.
11 I guide you in the way of wisdom
and lead you along straight paths.
12 When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;
when you run, you will not stumble.
13 Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;
guard it well, for it is your life.
14 Do not set foot on the path of the wicked
or walk in the way of evil men.
15 Avoid it, do not travel on it;
turn from it and go on your way.
16 For they cannot sleep till they do evil;
they are robbed of slumber till they make someone fall.
17 They eat the bread of wickedness
and drink the wine of violence.
18 The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,
shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
19 But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
they do not know what makes them stumble.
20 My son, pay attention to what I say;
listen closely to my words.
21 Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;
22 for they are life to those who find them
and health to a man’s whole body.
23 Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life.
24 Put away perversity from your mouth;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead,
fix your gaze directly before you.
26 Make level [b] paths for your feet
and take only ways that are firm.
27 Do not swerve to the right or the left;
keep your foot from evil.
Categories: Religion
September 3, 2007 · 1 Comment
Proverbs 3
Further Benefits of Wisdom
1 My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you prosperity.
3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD and shun evil.
8 This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.
9 Honor the LORD with your wealth,
with the firstfruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine.
11 My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline
and do not resent his rebuke,
12 because the LORD disciplines those he loves,
as a father the son he delights in.
13 Blessed is the man who finds wisdom,
the man who gains understanding,
14 for she is more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are pleasant ways,
and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who embrace her;
those who lay hold of her will be blessed.
19 By wisdom the LORD laid the earth’s foundations,
by understanding he set the heavens in place;
20 by his knowledge the deeps were divided,
and the clouds let drop the dew.
21 My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment,
do not let them out of your sight;
22 they will be life for you,
an ornament to grace your neck.
23 Then you will go on your way in safety,
and your foot will not stumble;
24 when you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
25 Have no fear of sudden disaster
or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
26 for the LORD will be your confidence
and will keep your foot from being snared.
27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it,
when it is in your power to act.
28 Do not say to your neighbor,
“Come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow”—
when you now have it with you.
29 Do not plot harm against your neighbor,
who lives trustfully near you.
30 Do not accuse a man for no reason—
when he has done you no harm.
31 Do not envy a violent man
or choose any of his ways,
32 for the LORD detests a perverse man
but takes the upright into his confidence.
33 The LORD’s curse is on the house of the wicked,
but he blesses the home of the righteous.
34 He mocks proud mockers
but gives grace to the humble.
35 The wise inherit honor,
but fools he holds up to shame.
Proverbs 3 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV)Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
Categories: Long Life · Prosperity · Religion
September 2, 2007 · 1 Comment
Proverbs 2
Moral Benefits of Wisdom
1 My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,
2 turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding,
3 and if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
4 and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the LORD gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He holds victory in store for the upright,
he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
8 for he guards the course of the just
and protects the way of his faithful ones.
9 Then you will understand what is right and just
and fair—every good path.
10 For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
11 Discretion will protect you,
and understanding will guard you.
12 Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men,
from men whose words are perverse,
13 who leave the straight paths
to walk in dark ways,
14 who delight in doing wrong
and rejoice in the perverseness of evil,
15 whose paths are crooked
and who are devious in their ways.
16 It will save you also from the adulteress,
from the wayward wife with her seductive words,
17 who has left the partner of her youth
and ignored the covenant she made before God.
18 For her house leads down to death
and her paths to the spirits of the dead.
19 None who go to her return
or attain the paths of life.
20 Thus you will walk in the ways of good men
and keep to the paths of the righteous.
21 For the upright will live in the land,
and the blameless will remain in it;
22 but the wicked will be cut off from the land,
and the unfaithful will be torn from it.
Proverbs 2 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
Categories: Discretion · Intention · Religion
September 1, 2007 · 1 Comment
Proverbs 1
Prologue: Purpose and Theme
1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
2 for attaining wisdom and discipline;
for understanding words of insight;
3 for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life,
doing what is right and just and fair;
4 for giving prudence to the simple,
knowledge and discretion to the young-
5 let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance-
6 for understanding proverbs and parables,
the sayings and riddles of the wise.
7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Exhortations to Embrace Wisdom
Warning Against Enticement
8 Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction
and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
9 They will be a garland to grace your head
and a chain to adorn your neck.
10 My son, if sinners entice you,
do not give in to them.
11 If they say, “Come along with us;
let’s lie in wait for someone’s blood,
let’s waylay some harmless soul;
12 let’s swallow them alive, like the grave,
and whole, like those who go down to the pit;
13 we will get all sorts of valuable things
and fill our houses with plunder;
14 throw in your lot with us,
and we will share a common purse”-
15 my son, do not go along with them,
do not set foot on their paths;
16 for their feet rush into sin,
they are swift to shed blood.
17 How useless to spread a net
in full view of all the birds!
18 These men lie in wait for their own blood;
they waylay only themselves!
19 Such is the end of all who go after ill-gotten gain;
it takes away the lives of those who get it.
Warning Against Rejecting Wisdom
20 Wisdom calls aloud in the street,
she raises her voice in the public squares;
21 at the head of the noisy streets she cries out,
in the gateways of the city she makes her speech:
22 “How long will you simple ones love your simple ways?
How long will mockers delight in mockery
and fools hate knowledge?
23 If you had responded to my rebuke,
I would have poured out my heart to you
and made my thoughts known to you.
24 But since you rejected me when I called
and no one gave heed when I stretched out my hand,
25 since you ignored all my advice
and would not accept my rebuke,
26 I in turn will laugh at your disaster;
I will mock when calamity overtakes you-
27 when calamity overtakes you like a storm,
when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind,
when distress and trouble overwhelm you.
28 “Then they will call to me but I will not answer;
they will look for me but will not find me.
29 Since they hated knowledge
and did not choose to fear the LORD,
30 since they would not accept my advice
and spurned my rebuke,
31 they will eat the fruit of their ways
and be filled with the fruit of their schemes.
32 For the waywardness of the simple will kill them,
and the complacency of fools will destroy them;
33 but whoever listens to me will live in safety
and be at ease, without fear of harm.”
Proverbs 1 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
Categories: Religion
Proverbs 31
1The words of King Lemuel, the oracle which his mother taught him:
2What, O my son?
And what, O son of my womb?
And what, O son of my vows?
3Do not give your strength to women,
Or your ways to that which destroys kings.
4It is not for kings, O Lemuel,
It is not for kings to drink wine,
Or for rulers to desire strong drink,
5For they will drink and forget what is decreed,
And pervert the rights of all the afflicted.
6Give strong drink to him who is perishing,
And wine to him whose life is bitter.
7Let him drink and forget his poverty
And remember his trouble no more.
8Open your mouth for the mute,
For the rights of all the unfortunate.
9Open your mouth, judge righteously,
And defend the rights of the afflicted and needy.
10An excellent wife, who can find?
For her worth is far above jewels.
11The heart of her husband trusts in her,
And he will have no lack of gain.
12She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
13She looks for wool and flax
And works with her hands in delight.
14She is like merchant ships;
She brings her food from afar.
15She rises also while it is still night
And gives food to her household
And portions to her maidens.
16She considers a field and buys it;
From her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17She girds herself with strength
And makes her arms strong.
18She senses that her gain is good;
Her lamp does not go out at night.
19She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hands grasp the spindle.
20She extends her hand to the poor,
And she stretches out her hands to the needy.
21She is not afraid of the snow for her household,
For all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22She makes coverings for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
24She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies belts to the tradesmen.
25Strength and dignity are her clothing,
And she smiles at the future.
26She opens her mouth in wisdom,
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27She looks well to the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
28Her children rise up and bless her;
Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:
29“Many daughters have done nobly,
But you excel them all.”
30Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,
But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
31Give her the product of her hands,
And let her works praise her in the gates.
Proverbs 31 (New American Standard Bible)
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Categories: Religion
Proverbs 30
1The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, the oracle. The man declares to Ithiel, to Ithiel and Ucal:
2Surely I am more stupid than any man,
And I do not have the understanding of a man.
3Neither have I learned wisdom,
Nor do I have the knowledge of the Holy One.
4Who has ascended into heaven and descended?
Who has gathered the wind in His fists?
Who has wrapped the waters in His garment?
Who has established all the ends of the earth?
What is His name or His son’s name?
Surely you know!
5Every word of God is tested;
He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.
6Do not add to His words
Or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar.
7Two things I asked of You,
Do not refuse me before I die:
8Keep deception and lies far from me,
Give me neither poverty nor riches;
Feed me with the food that is my portion,
9That I not be full and deny You and say, “Who is the LORD?”
Or that I not be in want and steal,
And profane the name of my God.
10Do not slander a slave to his master,
Or he will curse you and you will be found guilty.
11There is a kind of man who curses his father
And does not bless his mother.
12There is a kind who is pure in his own eyes,
Yet is not washed from his filthiness.
13There is a kind–oh how lofty are his eyes!
And his eyelids are raised in arrogance.
14There is a kind of man whose teeth are like swords
And his jaw teeth like knives,
To devour the afflicted from the earth
And the needy from among men.
15The leech has two daughters,
”Give,” “Give.”
There are three things that will not be satisfied,
Four that will not say, “Enough”:
16Sheol, and the barren womb,
Earth that is never satisfied with water,
And fire that never says, “Enough.”
17The eye that mocks a father
And scorns a mother,
The ravens of the valley will pick it out,
And the young eagles will eat it.
18There are three things which are too wonderful for me,
Four which I do not understand:
19The way of an eagle in the sky,
The way of a serpent on a rock,
The way of a ship in the middle of the sea,
And the way of a man with a maid.
20This is the way of an adulterous woman:
She eats and wipes her mouth,
And says, “I have done no wrong.”
21Under three things the earth quakes,
And under four, it cannot bear up:
22Under a slave when he becomes king,
And a fool when he is satisfied with food,
23Under an unloved woman when she gets a husband,
And a maidservant when she supplants her mistress.
24Four things are small on the earth,
But they are exceedingly wise:
25The ants are not a strong people,
But they prepare their food in the summer;
26The shephanim are not mighty people,
Yet they make their houses in the rocks;
27The locusts have no king,
Yet all of them go out in ranks;
28The lizard you may grasp with the hands,
Yet it is in kings’ palaces.
29There are three things which are stately in their march,
Even four which are stately when they walk:
30The lion which is mighty among beasts
And does not retreat before any,
31The strutting rooster, the male goat also,
And a king when his army is with him.
32If you have been foolish in exalting yourself
Or if you have plotted evil, put your hand on your mouth.
33For the churning of milk produces butter,
And pressing the nose brings forth blood;
So the churning of anger produces strife.
Proverbs 30 (New American Standard Bible)
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Categories: Religion
Proverbs 29
1A man who hardens his neck after much reproof
Will suddenly be broken beyond remedy.
2When the righteous increase, the people rejoice,
But when a wicked man rules, people groan.
3A man who loves wisdom makes his father glad,
But he who keeps company with harlots wastes his wealth.
4The king gives stability to the land by justice,
But a man who takes bribes overthrows it.
5A man who flatters his neighbor
Is spreading a net for his steps.
6By transgression an evil man is ensnared,
But the righteous sings and rejoices.
7The righteous is concerned for the rights of the poor,
The wicked does not understand such concern.
8Scorners set a city aflame,
But wise men turn away anger.
9When a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man,
The foolish man either rages or laughs, and there is no rest.
10Men of bloodshed hate the blameless,
But the upright are concerned for his life.
11A fool always loses his temper,
But a wise man holds it back.
12If a ruler pays attention to falsehood,
All his ministers become wicked.
13The poor man and the oppressor have this in common:
The LORD gives light to the eyes of both.
14If a king judges the poor with truth,
His throne will be established forever.
15The rod and reproof give wisdom,
But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother.
16When the wicked increase, transgression increases;
But the righteous will see their fall.
17Correct your son, and he will give you comfort;
He will also delight your soul.
18Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained,
But happy is he who keeps the law.
19A slave will not be instructed by words alone;
For though he understands, there will be no response.
20Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21He who pampers his slave from childhood
Will in the end find him to be a son.
22An angry man stirs up strife,
And a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression.
23A man’s pride will bring him low,
But a humble spirit will obtain honor.
24He who is a partner with a thief hates his own life;
He hears the oath but tells nothing.
25The fear of man brings a snare,
But he who trusts in the LORD will be exalted.
26Many seek the ruler’s favor,
But justice for man comes from the LORD.
27An unjust man is abominable to the righteous,
And he who is upright in the way is abominable to the wicked.
Proverbs 29 (New American Standard Bible)
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Categories: Religion
1The wicked flee when no one is pursuing,
But the righteous are bold as a lion.
2By the transgression of a land many are its princes,
But by a man of understanding and knowledge, so it endures.
3A poor man who oppresses the lowly
Is like a driving rain which leaves no food.
4Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,
But those who keep the law strive with them.
5Evil men do not understand justice,
But those who seek the LORD understand all things.
6Better is the poor who walks in his integrity
Than he who is crooked though he be rich.
7He who keeps the law is a discerning son,
But he who is a companion of gluttons humiliates his father.
8He who increases his wealth by interest and usury
Gathers it for him who is gracious to the poor.
9He who turns away his ear from listening to the law,
Even his prayer is an abomination.
10He who leads the upright astray in an evil way
Will himself fall into his own pit,
But the blameless will inherit good.
11The rich man is wise in his own eyes,
But the poor who has understanding sees through him.
12When the righteous triumph, there is great glory,
But when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.
13He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion.
14How blessed is the man who fears always,
But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
15Like a roaring lion and a rushing bear
Is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
16A leader who is a great oppressor lacks understanding,
But he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.
17A man who is laden with the guilt of human blood
Will be a fugitive until death; let no one support him.
18He who walks blamelessly will be delivered,
But he who is crooked will fall all at once.
19He who tills his land will have plenty of food,
But he who follows empty pursuits will have poverty in plenty.
20A faithful man will abound with blessings,
But he who makes haste to be rich will not go unpunished.
21To show partiality is not good,
Because for a piece of bread a man will transgress.
22A man with an evil eye hastens after wealth
And does not know that want will come upon him.
23He who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor
Than he who flatters with the tongue.
24He who robs his father or his mother
And says, “It is not a transgression,”
Is the companion of a man who destroys.
25An arrogant man stirs up strife,
But he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.
26He who trusts in his own heart is a fool,
But he who walks wisely will be delivered.
27He who gives to the poor will never want,
But he who shuts his eyes will have many curses.
28When the wicked rise, men hide themselves;
But when they perish, the righteous increase.
Proverbs 28 (New American Standard Bible)
New American Standard Bible (NASB)Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Categories: Religion
1Do not boast about tomorrow,
For you do not know what a day may bring forth.
2Let another praise you, and not your own mouth;
A stranger, and not your own lips.
3A stone is heavy and the sand weighty,
But the provocation of a fool is heavier than both of them.
4Wrath is fierce and anger is a flood,
But who can stand before jealousy?
5Better is open rebuke
Than love that is concealed.
6Faithful are the wounds of a friend,
But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.
7A sated man loathes honey,
But to a famished man any bitter thing is sweet.
8Like a bird that wanders from her nest,
So is a man who wanders from his home.
9Oil and perfume make the heart glad,
So a man’s counsel is sweet to his friend.
10Do not forsake your own friend or your father’s friend,
And do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity;
Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother far away.
11Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad,
That I may reply to him who reproaches me.
12A prudent man sees evil and hides himself,
The naive proceed and pay the penalty.
13Take his garment when he becomes surety for a stranger;
And for an adulterous woman hold him in pledge.
14He who blesses his friend with a loud voice early in the morning,
It will be reckoned a curse to him.
15A constant dripping on a day of steady rain
And a contentious woman are alike;
16He who would restrain her restrains the wind,
And grasps oil with his right hand.
17Iron sharpens iron,
So one man sharpens another.
18He who tends the fig tree will eat its fruit,
And he who cares for his master will be honored.
19As in water face reflects face,
So the heart of man reflects man.
20Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied,
Nor are the eyes of man ever satisfied.
21The crucible is for silver and the furnace for gold,
And each is tested by the praise accorded him.
22Though you pound a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain,
Yet his foolishness will not depart from him.
23Know well the condition of your flocks,
And pay attention to your herds;
24For riches are not forever,
Nor does a crown endure to all generations.
25When the grass disappears, the new growth is seen,
And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in,
26The lambs will be for your clothing,
And the goats will bring the price of a field,
27And there will be goats’ milk enough for your food,
For the food of your household,
And sustenance for your maidens.
Proverbs 27 (New American Standard Bible)
New American Standard Bible (NASB)Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Categories: Religion
1Like snow in summer and like rain in harvest,
So honor is not fitting for a fool.
2Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow in its flying,
So a curse without cause does not alight.
3A whip is for the horse, a bridle for the donkey,
And a rod for the back of fools.
4Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
Or you will also be like him.
5Answer a fool as his folly deserves,
That he not be wise in his own eyes.
6He cuts off his own feet and drinks violence
Who sends a message by the hand of a fool.
7Like the legs which are useless to the lame,
So is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
8Like one who binds a stone in a sling,
So is he who gives honor to a fool.
9Like a thorn which falls into the hand of a drunkard,
So is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
10Like an archer who wounds everyone,
So is he who hires a fool or who hires those who pass by.
11Like a dog that returns to its vomit
Is a fool who repeats his folly.
12Do you see a man wise in his own eyes?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
13The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road!
A lion is in the open square!”
14As the door turns on its hinges,
So does the sluggard on his bed.
15The sluggard buries his hand in the dish;
He is weary of bringing it to his mouth again.
16The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes
Than seven men who can give a discreet answer.
17Like one who takes a dog by the ears
Is he who passes by and meddles with strife not belonging to him.
18Like a madman who throws
Firebrands, arrows and death,
19So is the man who deceives his neighbor,
And says, “Was I not joking?”
20For lack of wood the fire goes out,
And where there is no whisperer, contention quiets down.
21Like charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire,
So is a contentious man to kindle strife.
22The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels,
And they go down into the innermost parts of the body.
23Like an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross
Are burning lips and a wicked heart.
24He who hates disguises it with his lips,
But he lays up deceit in his heart.
25When he speaks graciously, do not believe him,
For there are seven abominations in his heart.
26Though his hatred covers itself with guile,
His wickedness will be revealed before the assembly.
27He who digs a pit will fall into it,
And he who rolls a stone, it will come back on him.
28A lying tongue hates those it crushes,
And a flattering mouth works ruin.
Proverbs 26 (New American Standard Bible)
New American Standard Bible (NASB)Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Categories: Religion
1These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah, transcribed.
2It is the glory of God to conceal a matter,
But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
3As the heavens for height and the earth for depth,
So the heart of kings is unsearchable.
4Take away the dross from the silver,
And there comes out a vessel for the smith;
5Take away the wicked before the king,
And his throne will be established in righteousness.
6Do not claim honor in the presence of the king,
And do not stand in the place of great men;
7For it is better that it be said to you, “Come up here,”
Than for you to be placed lower in the presence of the prince,
Whom your eyes have seen.
8Do not go out hastily to argue your case;
Otherwise, what will you do in the end,
When your neighbor humiliates you?
9Argue your case with your neighbor,
And do not reveal the secret of another,
10Or he who hears it will reproach you,
And the evil report about you will not pass away.
11Like apples of gold in settings of silver
Is a word spoken in right circumstances.
12Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold
Is a wise reprover to a listening ear.
13Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest
Is a faithful messenger to those who send him,
For he refreshes the soul of his masters.
14Like clouds and wind without rain
Is a man who boasts of his gifts falsely.
15By forbearance a ruler may be persuaded,
And a soft tongue breaks the bone.
16Have you found honey? Eat only what you need,
That you not have it in excess and vomit it.
17Let your foot rarely be in your neighbor’s house,
Or he will become weary of you and hate you.
18Like a club and a sword and a sharp arrow
Is a man who bears false witness against his neighbor.
19Like a bad tooth and an unsteady foot
Is confidence in a faithless man in time of trouble.
20Like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar on soda,
Is he who sings songs to a troubled heart.
21If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;
And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;
22For you will heap burning coals on his head,
And the LORD will reward you.
23The north wind brings forth rain,
And a backbiting tongue, an angry countenance.
24It is better to live in a corner of the roof
Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.
25Like cold water to a weary soul,
So is good news from a distant land.
26Like a trampled spring and a polluted well
Is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.
27It is not good to eat much honey,
Nor is it glory to search out one’s own glory.
28Like a city that is broken into and without walls
Is a man who has no control over his spirit.
Proverbs 25 (New American Standard Bible)
New American Standard Bible (NASB)Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Categories: Religion
1Do not be envious of evil men,
Nor desire to be with them;
2For their minds devise violence,
And their lips talk of trouble.
3By wisdom a house is built,
And by understanding it is established;
4And by knowledge the rooms are filled
With all precious and pleasant riches.
5A wise man is strong,
And a man of knowledge increases power.
6For by wise guidance you will wage war,
And in abundance of counselors there is victory.
7Wisdom is too exalted for a fool,
He does not open his mouth in the gate.
8One who plans to do evil,
Men will call a schemer.
9The devising of folly is sin,
And the scoffer is an abomination to men.
10If you are slack in the day of distress,
Your strength is limited.
11Deliver those who are being taken away to death,
And those who are staggering to slaughter, Oh hold them back.
12If you say, “See, we did not know this,”
Does He not consider it who weighs the hearts?
And does He not know it who keeps your soul?
And will He not render to man according to his work?
13My son, eat honey, for it is good,
Yes, the honey from the comb is sweet to your taste;
14Know that wisdom is thus for your soul;
If you find it, then there will be a future,
And your hope will not be cut off.
15Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous;
Do not destroy his resting place;
16For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again,
But the wicked stumble in time of calamity.
17Do not rejoice when your enemy falls,
And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles;
18Or the LORD will see it and be displeased,
And turn His anger away from him.
19Do not fret because of evildoers
Or be envious of the wicked;
20For there will be no future for the evil man;
The lamp of the wicked will be put out.
21My son, fear the LORD and the king;
Do not associate with those who are given to change,
22For their calamity will rise suddenly,
And who knows the ruin that comes from both of them?
23These also are sayings of the wise
To show partiality in judgment is not good.
24He who says to the wicked, “You are righteous,”
Peoples will curse him, nations will abhor him;
25But to those who rebuke the wicked will be delight,
And a good blessing will come upon them.
26He kisses the lips
Who gives a right answer.
27Prepare your work outside
And make it ready for yourself in the field;
Afterwards, then, build your house.
28Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause,
And do not deceive with your lips.
29Do not say, “Thus I shall do to him as he has done to me;
I will render to the man according to his work.”
30I passed by the field of the sluggard
And by the vineyard of the man lacking sense,
31And behold, it was completely overgrown with thistles;
Its surface was covered with nettles,
And its stone wall was broken down.
32When I saw, I reflected upon it;
I looked, and received instruction.
33“A little sleep, a little slumber,
A little folding of the hands to rest,”
34Then your poverty will come as a robber
And your want like an armed man.
New American Standard Bible (NASB)Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Categories: Religion
1When you sit down to dine with a ruler,
Consider carefully what is before you,
2And put a knife to your throat
If you are a man of great appetite.
3Do not desire his delicacies,
For it is deceptive food.
4Do not weary yourself to gain wealth,
Cease from your consideration of it.
5When you set your eyes on it, it is gone.
For wealth certainly makes itself wings
Like an eagle that flies toward the heavens.
6Do not eat the bread of a selfish man,
Or desire his delicacies;
7For as he thinks within himself, so he is.
He says to you, “Eat and drink!”
But his heart is not with you.
8You will vomit up the morsel you have eaten,
And waste your compliments.
9Do not speak in the hearing of a fool,
For he will despise the wisdom of your words.
10Do not move the ancient boundary
Or go into the fields of the fatherless,
11For their Redeemer is strong;
He will plead their case against you.
12Apply your heart to discipline
And your ears to words of knowledge.
13Do not hold back discipline from the child,
Although you strike him with the rod, he will not die.
14You shall strike him with the rod
And rescue his soul from Sheol.
15My son, if your heart is wise,
My own heart also will be glad;
16And my inmost being will rejoice
When your lips speak what is right.
17Do not let your heart envy sinners,
But live in the fear of the LORD always.
18Surely there is a future,
And your hope will not be cut off.
19Listen, my son, and be wise,
And direct your heart in the way.
20Do not be with heavy drinkers of wine,
Or with gluttonous eaters of meat;
21For the heavy drinker and the glutton will come to poverty,
And drowsiness will clothe one with rags.
22Listen to your father who begot you,
And do not despise your mother when she is old.
23Buy truth, and do not sell it,
Get wisdom and instruction and understanding.
24The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice,
And he who sires a wise son will be glad in him.
25Let your father and your mother be glad,
And let her rejoice who gave birth to you.
26Give me your heart, my son,
And let your eyes delight in my ways.
27For a harlot is a deep pit
And an adulterous woman is a narrow well.
28Surely she lurks as a robber,
And increases the faithless among men.
29Who has woe? Who has sorrow?
Who has contentions? Who has complaining?
Who has wounds without cause?
Who has redness of eyes?
30Those who linger long over wine,
Those who go to taste mixed wine.
31Do not look on the wine when it is red,
When it sparkles in the cup,
When it goes down smoothly;
32At the last it bites like a serpent
And stings like a viper.
33Your eyes will see strange things
And your mind will utter perverse things.
34And you will be like one who lies down in the middle of the sea,
Or like one who lies down on the top of a mast.
35“They struck me, but I did not become ill;
They beat me, but I did not know it
When shall I awake?
I will seek another drink.”
New American Standard Bible (NASB)Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Categories: Religion
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