A sobering warning to the son (child) from Wisdom to set the stage in chapter one.
Proverbs 1:27–28
When your terror comes like a storm,
And your destruction comes like a whirlwind,
When distress and anguish come upon you.
“Then they will call on me, but I will not answer;
They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me.
Lord, help me be prompt and complete in my response to Your admonitions and calls on my life.
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Proverbs 3:1–2
My son, do not forget my law,
But let your heart keep my commands;
For length of days and long life
And peace they will add to you.
Lord, help me remember.
“Even as Cain murdered the righteous Abel, sending him to a premature death, after which Cain lived out a normal life span, so the father represents a traveler’s “innocent blood” (1:12) as being dispatched to a premature death by venal sinners who walk on top of his grave. These initial situations discredit the popular interpretation that life and death in Proverbs refer respectively to living to an old age and to a premature death. For justice to be done, as Proverbs assures it will be (e.g., 3:31–35; 16:4–5), Abel and the innocent traveler must be vindicated and delivered from death in a future that lies beyond their clinical deaths. If their clinical death is the last word for the waylaid innocent, then the first lecture, along with other biblical stories about the deaths of martyrs, deconstruct the Bible’s claim that God upholds justice. “. -Waltke in NICOT
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Proverbs 4:25–27
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead,
And your eyelids look right before you.
26 Ponder the path of your feet,
And let all your ways be established.
27 Do not turn to the right or the left;
Remove your foot from evil.
Lord, keep my mind from wondering. Keep me focused and traveling on Your straight path.
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The regrets of the son who did not incline toward the instruction (discipline) of his father and law (torah) of his mother and did not embrace the discretion that would have protected him from the femme fatale.
Proverbs 5:12–14 (NLT)
You will say, “How I hated discipline!
If only I had not ignored all the warnings!
Oh, why didn’t I listen to my teachers?
Why didn’t I pay attention to my instructors?
I have come to the brink of utter ruin,
and now I must face public disgrace.”
Lord, help me to love Your wise warnings and listen to the instructors and teachers You provide.
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The regrets of the son who did not incline toward the instruction (discipline) of his father and law (torah) of his mother and did not embrace the discretion that would have protected him from the femme fatale.
Proverbs 5:12–14 (NLT)
You will say, “How I hated discipline!
If only I had not ignored all the warnings!
Oh, why didn’t I listen to my teachers?
Why didn’t I pay attention to my instructors?
I have come to the brink of utter ruin,
and now I must face public disgrace.”
Lord, help me to love Your wise warnings and listen to the instructors and teachers You provide.
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The story of the simple (naive) young man and the femme fatale has this dialogue she uses to entice him.
Proverbs 7:13–15
So she caught him and kissed him;
With an impudent face she said to him:
“I have peace offerings with me;
Today I have paid my vows.
So I came out to meet you,
Diligently to seek your face,
And I have found you. ...”
I am always warned by and wonder at her thought that finishing her sacrifice was just a religious task to be completed before pursuing this immorality.
Lord, keep me from empty acts of devotion and keep my eyes on Your wise way.
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Proverbs 10:29–30 (NET)
29 The way of the Lord is like a stronghold for the upright,
but it is destruction to evildoers.
30 The righteous will never be moved,
but the wicked will not inhabit the land.
v.29. The “way of the Lord” refers to God’s providential administration of life. Thus divine justice will be security for the righteous and disaster for the wicked. —Alan Ross in EBC
Lord, help my hope to be built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. Keep me safe on that foundation.
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Proverbs 11:16–17 (NET):
16 A generous woman gains honor,
and ruthless men seize wealth.
17 A kind person benefits himself,
but a cruel person brings himself trouble.*
* NETBIBLE.org trans. note: Heb “brings trouble to his flesh.”
NRTBIBLE.org study note: There may be a conscious effort by the sage to contrast “soul” and “body”: He contrasts the benefits of kindness for the “soul” (translated “himself”) with the trouble that comes to the “flesh/body” (translated “himself”) of the cruel.
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Proverbs 12:28
In the way of righteousness is life,
And in (its) pathway (there is) no death
There is an eternal life that transcends clinical death.
cf. Proverbs 14:32
The wicked is banished in his wickedness,
But the righteous has a refuge in his death.
Thanks be to God who gives us the victory over death.
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Proverbs 13:19
A desire accomplished is sweet to the soul,
But it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil.
The desire that comes to pass and is “sweet to the soul” has a taste that detests evil, but since to the fool it is repugnant to turn away from his impiety and immorality, he will never experience this pleasant gratification. —Waltke in NICOT
Perowne says: “In spite of the sweetness of good desires accomplished, fools will not forsake evil to attain it” (Proverbs, 103). Cf. Prov 13:12; 29:27.
Lord, give me a moral palate that delights in Christ and finds sin bitter and distasteful.
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Proverbs 15:30–31 (NET)
30 A bright look brings joy to the heart,
and good news gives health to the body.
31 The person who hears the reproof that leads to life
is at home among the wise.
The wise winsome teacher brings wisdom and joy to his disciple.
Lord, help me to graciously receive and give Your life and joy-giving instruction.
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Proverbs 16:25 is the well known saying, “ There is a way that seems right to a man...”. Verses 27-30 give specific examples.
Proverbs 16:27-28
27 An ungodly man* digs up evil,
And it is on his lips like a burning fire.
28 A perverse man sows strife,
And a whisperer separates the best of friends.
* Lit. A man of Belial
Lord, help me make my living by honest work.
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Proverbs 17:21–22 (NLT)
21 It is painful to be the parent of a fool;
there is no joy for the father of a rebel.
22 A cheerful heart is good medicine,
but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.
Having adult children who are characterized by foolish decisions and turning against the Lord is a heavy loads.
Lord, help me be a help, encouragement, and comfort to those who are carrying heavy load.
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Proverbs 21:4–5 (NKJV):
4 A haughty look, a proud heart,
...the plowing of the wicked* are sin.
5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty,
But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.
* the plowing consists of the arrogance and pride. There is some question about whether the haughty look and proud heart are the result of the work of the wicked or are the work of the wicked.
Lord, give me the humble and diligent heart to plan well.
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Proverbs 22:15
Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child;
The rod of correction will drive it far from him.
“The child is morally immature; the training must suppress folly and develop potential (see also 13:24; 23:13, 16; 29:15).” —Allen Ross in EBC
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Proverbs 25.13-14
Like the cold of snow in time of harvest
Is a faithful* messenger to those who send him,
For he refreshes the soul of his masters.
Whoever falsely boasts of giving Is like clouds and wind without rain.
*.H539 - 'aman: morally to be true or certain; (Niphal) to be established, be faithful, be carried, make firm
In 20:6 the sage asks, "Who can find a faithful man?" Lord, give me the desire and ability to be that man.
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These three proverbs highlight the incompetence of a fool. (Verse 10 is apparently a very difficult verse to translate. I have used Bruce Waltke's translation.)
Proverbs 26.8-10
8. Like one who binds a stone in a sling
is the person who gives honor to a fool.
9. A thornbush in the hand of a drunkard,
and a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
10. An archer who pierces every passer-by,
and one who hires a fool, and one who hires those who pass by.
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A reminder not to rest on past accomplishments and grow complacent.
Proverbs 27.23-24
23 Be diligent to know the state of your flocks,
And attend to your herds;
24 For riches are not forever,
Nor does a crown endure to all generations.
Lord, help me apply this principle with renewed vigor this year.
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These two sayings reinforce the danger of greed and injustice that can blind one to their ultimate futility.
Proverbs 28.21-22
21 To show partiality is not good,
Because for a piece of bread a man will transgress.
22 A man with an evil eye*hastens after riches,
And does not consider that poverty will come upon him
*greedy
Lord, give me a wholesome ambition that is always tempered by Your wisdom and justice.
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There are some things that are as puzzling today as they were in Agur's day.
Proverbs 30.18-20
There are three things which are too wonderful for me,
Yes, four which I do not understand:
The way of an eagle in the air,
The way of a serpent on a rock,
The way of a ship in the midst of the sea,
And the way of a man with a virgin.
This is the way of an adulterous woman:
She eats and wipes her mouth,
And says, "I have done no wickedness."
I want a principle within of watchful godly fear.
A sensibility to sin, a pain to feel it near...
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Proverbs 1:27–28
When your terror comes like a storm,
And your destruction comes like a whirlwind,
When distress and anguish come upon you.
“Then they will call on me, but I will not answer;
They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me.
Lord, help me be prompt and complete in my response to Your admonitions and calls on my life.
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Proverbs 2:11–12
11 Discretion will preserve you; Understanding will keep you, 12 To deliver you from the way of evil, From the man who speaks perverse things, What is a primary value of understanding and discretion? Keeping us on the path of righteousness is more important that many of the “quality of life” issues that we are so consumed with. Lord, give me the good sense to keep following your ways. |
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Proverbs 3:1–2
My son, do not forget my law,
But let your heart keep my commands;
For length of days and long life
And peace they will add to you.
Lord, help me remember.
“Even as Cain murdered the righteous Abel, sending him to a premature death, after which Cain lived out a normal life span, so the father represents a traveler’s “innocent blood” (1:12) as being dispatched to a premature death by venal sinners who walk on top of his grave. These initial situations discredit the popular interpretation that life and death in Proverbs refer respectively to living to an old age and to a premature death. For justice to be done, as Proverbs assures it will be (e.g., 3:31–35; 16:4–5), Abel and the innocent traveler must be vindicated and delivered from death in a future that lies beyond their clinical deaths. If their clinical death is the last word for the waylaid innocent, then the first lecture, along with other biblical stories about the deaths of martyrs, deconstruct the Bible’s claim that God upholds justice. “. -Waltke in NICOT
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Proverbs 4:25–27
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead,
And your eyelids look right before you.
26 Ponder the path of your feet,
And let all your ways be established.
27 Do not turn to the right or the left;
Remove your foot from evil.
Lord, keep my mind from wondering. Keep me focused and traveling on Your straight path.
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The regrets of the son who did not incline toward the instruction (discipline) of his father and law (torah) of his mother and did not embrace the discretion that would have protected him from the femme fatale.
Proverbs 5:12–14 (NLT)
You will say, “How I hated discipline!
If only I had not ignored all the warnings!
Oh, why didn’t I listen to my teachers?
Why didn’t I pay attention to my instructors?
I have come to the brink of utter ruin,
and now I must face public disgrace.”
Lord, help me to love Your wise warnings and listen to the instructors and teachers You provide.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The regrets of the son who did not incline toward the instruction (discipline) of his father and law (torah) of his mother and did not embrace the discretion that would have protected him from the femme fatale.
Proverbs 5:12–14 (NLT)
You will say, “How I hated discipline!
If only I had not ignored all the warnings!
Oh, why didn’t I listen to my teachers?
Why didn’t I pay attention to my instructors?
I have come to the brink of utter ruin,
and now I must face public disgrace.”
Lord, help me to love Your wise warnings and listen to the instructors and teachers You provide.
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Proverbs 6:12–15 (NLT)
What are worthless* and wicked people like? They are constant liars, signaling their deceit with a wink of the eye, a nudge of the foot, or the wiggle of fingers. Their perverted hearts plot evil, and they constantly stir up trouble. But they will be destroyed suddenly, broken in an instant beyond all hope of healing. * lit. ‘of Belial’. Belial always implies wickedness as well as worthlessness (e.g. 1 Sam. 2:12; 1 Kgs 21:10); sometimes sheer destructiveness (Nah. 1:11, 15; Ps. 18:4); eventually it becomes explicitly a name for the devil (2 Cor. 6:15), who is the father of all such qualities. —Kidner in TCOT Lord, help me be an honest blessing to those I meet. |
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The story of the simple (naive) young man and the femme fatale has this dialogue she uses to entice him.
Proverbs 7:13–15
So she caught him and kissed him;
With an impudent face she said to him:
“I have peace offerings with me;
Today I have paid my vows.
So I came out to meet you,
Diligently to seek your face,
And I have found you. ...”
I am always warned by and wonder at her thought that finishing her sacrifice was just a religious task to be completed before pursuing this immorality.
Lord, keep me from empty acts of devotion and keep my eyes on Your wise way.
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Verses 22-31 celebrate wisdom’s antiquity. Sometimes “antiquity” is seen as inferior because it is out of touch with all the “new and improved” ways, but wisdom’s antiquity is described here as having seen all the fades come and go and having a foundational understanding of how things work.
Proverbs 8:27–30 When He prepared the heavens, I was there, When He drew a circle on the face of the deep, When He established the clouds above, When He strengthened the fountains of the deep, When He assigned to the sea its limit, So that the waters would not transgress His command, When He marked out the foundations of the earth, Then I was beside Him as a master craftsman; And I was daily His delight, Rejoicing always before Him. Lord, help me understand and follow your timeless wisdom. |
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In the second half of this chapter we find a rival of Wisdom calling out to the simple.
Proverbs 9:13 A foolish woman is clamorous; She is simple, and knows nothing. Tg. Prov 9:13 translates it, “a foolish woman and a gadabout, ignorant, and she knows not good.” She is (among other things... 1. turbulent (or unruly, hōmîyâ; see 7:11), “Loud” (hōmîyâ) comes close to the idea of riotous; McKane (366) defines her as restless and rootless. 2.gullible, undisciplined, Simple (13b, av, rv) is lit. ‘silliness’, emphasizing that for all her wiles, she shares her victims’ basic deficiency, 3.ignorant (5:6), The ignorance here in Proverbs must be moral ignorance. Lord, help me discern between folly and wisdom. |
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Proverbs 10:29–30 (NET)
29 The way of the Lord is like a stronghold for the upright,
but it is destruction to evildoers.
30 The righteous will never be moved,
but the wicked will not inhabit the land.
v.29. The “way of the Lord” refers to God’s providential administration of life. Thus divine justice will be security for the righteous and disaster for the wicked. —Alan Ross in EBC
Lord, help my hope to be built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. Keep me safe on that foundation.
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Proverbs 11:16–17 (NET):
16 A generous woman gains honor,
and ruthless men seize wealth.
17 A kind person benefits himself,
but a cruel person brings himself trouble.*
* NETBIBLE.org trans. note: Heb “brings trouble to his flesh.”
NRTBIBLE.org study note: There may be a conscious effort by the sage to contrast “soul” and “body”: He contrasts the benefits of kindness for the “soul” (translated “himself”) with the trouble that comes to the “flesh/body” (translated “himself”) of the cruel.
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Proverbs 12:28
In the way of righteousness is life,
And in (its) pathway (there is) no death
There is an eternal life that transcends clinical death.
cf. Proverbs 14:32
The wicked is banished in his wickedness,
But the righteous has a refuge in his death.
Thanks be to God who gives us the victory over death.
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Proverbs 13:19
A desire accomplished is sweet to the soul,
But it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil.
The desire that comes to pass and is “sweet to the soul” has a taste that detests evil, but since to the fool it is repugnant to turn away from his impiety and immorality, he will never experience this pleasant gratification. —Waltke in NICOT
Perowne says: “In spite of the sweetness of good desires accomplished, fools will not forsake evil to attain it” (Proverbs, 103). Cf. Prov 13:12; 29:27.
Lord, give me a moral palate that delights in Christ and finds sin bitter and distasteful.
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Proverbs 14:29–30 (NET)
29 The one who is slow to anger has great understanding, but the one who has a quick temper exalts folly. 30 A tranquil spirit revives the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones.* cf. Proverbs 19:11 * “...to nurse a resentment is bad for body as well as soul: it is no sacrifice when we renounce it. Cf. 17:22.” —kidner in TOTC “The patient person is relaxed when wronged; he controls his emotions to think and act according to piety and ethics. He is not “ruffled or goaded” into overreacting to avenge himself or seek revenge rather than trusting the Lord.” Waltke in NICOT Lord, give me the good sense to have a “relaxing trust” in You. |
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Proverbs 15:30–31 (NET)
30 A bright look brings joy to the heart,
and good news gives health to the body.
31 The person who hears the reproof that leads to life
is at home among the wise.
The wise winsome teacher brings wisdom and joy to his disciple.
Lord, help me to graciously receive and give Your life and joy-giving instruction.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Proverbs 16:25 is the well known saying, “ There is a way that seems right to a man...”. Verses 27-30 give specific examples.
Proverbs 16:27-28
27 An ungodly man* digs up evil,
And it is on his lips like a burning fire.
28 A perverse man sows strife,
And a whisperer separates the best of friends.
* Lit. A man of Belial
Lord, help me make my living by honest work.
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Proverbs 17:21–22 (NLT)
21 It is painful to be the parent of a fool;
there is no joy for the father of a rebel.
22 A cheerful heart is good medicine,
but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.
Having adult children who are characterized by foolish decisions and turning against the Lord is a heavy loads.
Lord, help me be a help, encouragement, and comfort to those who are carrying heavy load.
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Proverbs 18:16 (EBC Pr-Is (Rev)): Here the proverb simply says that a gift can expedite matters but says nothing about bribing judges. See Genesis 43:11 and the appeasing gift for Joseph.*. The next proverb provides a balance by emphasizing the importance of hearing both sides.
*. Alan Ross in EBC Proverbs 18:16–17 16 A man’s gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men. 17 The first one to plead his cause seems right, Until his neighbor comes and examines him. Lord, help me be generous and wise. |
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Proverbs 19.5 (& 6)
5 A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who speaks lies will not escape. 6 Many entreat the favor of the nobility, And every man is a friend to one who gives gifts. The saying in verse five applies the principle of verse one* to the courtroom. Seeking the favor of "nobility" (or a generous man) is fraught with snares and temptations. Integrity must guide one straight along the wise and right path. * Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool. Lord, Never let me lose sight of the path of integrity. |
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The Lord has given us ears and eyes to learn, but we must be diligent to ise them.
Proverbs 20:12–13 (NICOT) 12 As for the hearing ear and the seeing eye, indeed both of them the Lord has made. 13 Do not love sleep lest you become poor. Open your eyes, be filled with food. Lord, help me to be diligent in what you have for me today. |
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Proverbs 21:4–5 (NKJV):
4 A haughty look, a proud heart,
...the plowing of the wicked* are sin.
5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty,
But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.
* the plowing consists of the arrogance and pride. There is some question about whether the haughty look and proud heart are the result of the work of the wicked or are the work of the wicked.
Lord, give me the humble and diligent heart to plan well.
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Proverbs 22:15
Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child;
The rod of correction will drive it far from him.
“The child is morally immature; the training must suppress folly and develop potential (see also 13:24; 23:13, 16; 29:15).” —Allen Ross in EBC
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Saying # 17 reinforces and expands the fifth command.
Proverbs 23:22–25 Listen to your father who begot you, And do not despise your mother when she is old. Buy the truth, and do not sell it, Also wisdom and instruction and understanding. The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, And he who begets a wise child will delight in him. Let your father and your mother be glad, And let her who bore you rejoice. Lord, help me follow You in a way that brings my parents joy. |
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This is the 21st of the 30 Sayings of the Wise." It is a reminder that through wisdom, not violence, injustice, or "get-rich-quick" schemes a lasting house is built.
Proverbs 24.3-4 3 Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established; 4 By knowledge the rooms are filled With all precious and pleasant riches. Lord, help me apply and rely on your wisdom. |
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Proverbs 25.13-14
Like the cold of snow in time of harvest
Is a faithful* messenger to those who send him,
For he refreshes the soul of his masters.
Whoever falsely boasts of giving Is like clouds and wind without rain.
*.H539 - 'aman: morally to be true or certain; (Niphal) to be established, be faithful, be carried, make firm
In 20:6 the sage asks, "Who can find a faithful man?" Lord, give me the desire and ability to be that man.
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These three proverbs highlight the incompetence of a fool. (Verse 10 is apparently a very difficult verse to translate. I have used Bruce Waltke's translation.)
Proverbs 26.8-10
8. Like one who binds a stone in a sling
is the person who gives honor to a fool.
9. A thornbush in the hand of a drunkard,
and a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
10. An archer who pierces every passer-by,
and one who hires a fool, and one who hires those who pass by.
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A reminder not to rest on past accomplishments and grow complacent.
Proverbs 27.23-24
23 Be diligent to know the state of your flocks,
And attend to your herds;
24 For riches are not forever,
Nor does a crown endure to all generations.
Lord, help me apply this principle with renewed vigor this year.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
These two sayings reinforce the danger of greed and injustice that can blind one to their ultimate futility.
Proverbs 28.21-22
21 To show partiality is not good,
Because for a piece of bread a man will transgress.
22 A man with an evil eye*hastens after riches,
And does not consider that poverty will come upon him
*greedy
Lord, give me a wholesome ambition that is always tempered by Your wisdom and justice.
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The impulsive rush to judgment that gives way to anger can also make one gullible to lies.
Proverbs 29.11-12 11 A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back. 12 If a ruler pays attention to lies, All his servants become wicked. Lord, give me the discernment and consistency to lead well. |
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There are some things that are as puzzling today as they were in Agur's day.
Proverbs 30.18-20
There are three things which are too wonderful for me,
Yes, four which I do not understand:
The way of an eagle in the air,
The way of a serpent on a rock,
The way of a ship in the midst of the sea,
And the way of a man with a virgin.
This is the way of an adulterous woman:
She eats and wipes her mouth,
And says, "I have done no wickedness."
I want a principle within of watchful godly fear.
A sensibility to sin, a pain to feel it near...
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Proverbs 31 is rightfully remembered as the description Lemuel's mother gave him of a virtuous wife, but it also includes instructions about being King. It is noteworthy that we see this theme in both parts.
Proverbs 31 8 Open your mouth for the speechless,* In the cause of all who are appointed to die.
*[or ensure justice for those being crushed.-- nlt]
9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, And plead the cause of the poor and needy. ... 20 She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. |
