1 Choose a good reputation over great riches, for being held in high esteem is better than having silver or gold.
2The rich and the poor have this in common: The LORD made them both.
3A prudent person foresees the danger ahead and takes precautions; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.
4True humility and fear of the LORD lead to riches, honor, and long life.
5The deceitful walk a thorny, treacherous road; whoever values life will stay away.
6Teach your children to choose the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it.
7Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender.
8Those who plant seeds of injustice will harvest disaster, and their reign of terror will end.
9Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor.
10Throw out the mocker, and fighting, quarrels, and insults will disappear.
11Anyone who loves a pure heart and gracious speech is the king's friend.
12The LORD preserves knowledge, but he ruins the plans of the deceitful.
13The lazy person is full of excuses, saying, "If I go outside, I might meet a lion in the street and be killed!"
14The mouth of an immoral woman is a deep pit; those living under the LORD's displeasure will fall into it.
15A youngster's heart is filled with foolishness, but discipline will drive it away.
16A person who gets ahead by oppressing the poor or by showering gifts on the rich will end in poverty.
Thirty Sayings of the Wise
17Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction. 18For it is good to keep these sayings deep within yourself, always ready on your lips. 19I am teaching you today--yes, you--so you will trust in the LORD. 20I have written thirty sayings for you, filled with advice and knowledge. 21In this way, you may know the truth and bring an accurate report to those who sent you.
22Do not rob the poor because they are poor or exploit the needy in court. 23For the LORD is their defender. He will injure anyone who injures them.
24Keep away from angry, short-tempered people, 25or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul.
26Do not co-sign another person's note or put up a guarantee for someone else's loan. 27If you can't pay it, even your bed will be snatched from under you.
28Do not steal your neighbor's property by moving the ancient boundary markers set up by your ancestors.
29Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than ordinary people.
6 comments:
Wow, lots o stuff in here today.
Dave, this one gonna talk to ya a little more for sure.
This one jumped out
6Teach your children to choose the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it.
Definitely one of my highest priorities.
Thought this was interesting.
29Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than ordinary people.
When I first read it I saw "The King (of Kings)" right!!! Now, not sure what to make of it.
Father, you know the struggles in my heart today. I ask for Your hand on my heart. I ask You to direct my feeling and my thoughts. I owe all I have to You and accept Your will. Watch over my uncle and the family around him. Make me the best father and most especially a Christ-like husband.
In Christ,
cas
Chock full of wisdom today, for sure.
4True humility and fear of the LORD lead to riches, honor, and long life.
>> Counterintuitive to most, who might believe that a more self-serving approach would result in more, more, more...LORD, keep me ever mindful that I, like all others here, am nothing without You.
6Teach your children to choose the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it.
>> It's a good thing we've got the Word to show US what the right path is!...LORD, You show me the way, so that I may teach my kids. Help me to be consistent and remain on the path, so that I might be a better teacher.
LORD, thanks for these guys and the encouragement they provide to me. Amen.
Prov 22
This has certainly gotten motivating...!! Keep it up all. Welcome gch, I'm right there with you. And to be honest, when everyone's pointing out verses (and confusion) it sticks so much better than if I just read.
Does anyone else struggle with the conflict between v1 and v4
1 Choose a good reputation over great riches, for being held in high esteem is better than having silver or gold.
4True humility and fear of the LORD lead to riches, honor, and long life.
I've known a lot of people who have gone to the poor house (I'm reminded of the commercial "I'm in debt up to my eyeballs", but the guys in the country club, nice car, etc.) by trying to keep up the reputation. It seems to me that only God's opinion we should care about. I recognize that Solomon is probably saying that our actions should not give others things to talk about or scoff at, but it seems like our reputation should be one of those things between us and God.
Father, thank You so much for these men. It is a reflection on how much we need You and how much You have already done in our lives, that we want to know You more. Thank You most of all for Your Son, because without Him, we would be wasting our time reading and posting, and living. Let aab have safe travels tonight and be with me tomorrow for my presentation. Continue watching over the health of these men and their families. Keep answering timmcd's prayers as he wrestles with the business world, and watch over cas' uncle and family. Help us all to be consistent. In Jesus name,
Amen
crb
Hi CRB,
No, I did not struggle with v 1 and 4. I believe a good reputation is probably founded in humility. Maybe the riches and honor refer to heavenly ones and God's graces. However, I can see how you might say that.
cas
Prov 21
13The lazy person is full of excuses, saying, "If I go outside, I might meet a lion in the street and be killed!"
I find it interesting how often laziness or hard work is found in Proverbs. There are certainly christians who do not struggle with this, but I think the reputation that the christian community has is one of laziness and not diligence. That is a shame, becasue in order to break into the hearts of men, we need their respect. I believe, hard work is a good witness...however...so is being a consistent loving but firm father, and a supportive encouraging husband. Man it is hard to be a perfect Christian.
Lord - Help me to rest in you so that I may be productive, loving, gentle and strong. May I first of all have wisdom to know how to balance all the roles that I have in my life. Amen
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