Read Proverbs
14-15 & 1
Corinthians 16
To discover:
As you read consider what
lessons strike you most forcefully.
To ponder:
Some lessons from
chapter 14: Foolishness is seen in tearing down the good or secure things we
have. Those who are devious despise God. What we say can bring punishment or
protect us against it. We provide for ourselves by investing, whether in oxen
or technology today. If you are a mocker rather than someone of discernment, you
will never gain wisdom. Stay away from foolish people as they lack knowledge.
Cautious (prudent) people show wisdom in thinking through what they do, but the
foolish believe anything people say, and show stupidity in deceiving others, no
doubt because it will bring them harm in the end. The upright person is
distinguished from the fool in being ready to make amends for their sin. Our
own bitterness or joys is really only understood and shared in by us, as no-one
else properly understand us. The house, or security, of the wicked will be
destroyed, whereas that of the righteous will flourish. Sin can sometimes seem
right, although it leads to death. Joy may often be tempered with grief.
Whether faithless or good, we will be repaid accordingly, both with the results
in this life and the next. Fools are hot-headed rather than fearing God, and
quick-tempered people do foolish things, whilst crafty people are hated.
Cautious (prudent) people gain knowledge, whilst the simply just gain
foolishness. Ultimately evil people will serve the good. Whether someone is
accepted or befriended often depends on whether they are wealthy. It is a sin
to despise someone, but being kind to the needy brings blessing. Those plotting
evil end up misguided, but those who plan what is good find people loving and
being faithful to them. Talk rather than work brings poverty rather than
profit. The wealth that is a consequence of being wise is like a crown marking
the wise person’s achievement. The fool just receives folly. A truthful witness
saves lives. Fearing the Lord brings security to oneself and one’s children, no
doubt in God’s protection but also because things are less likely to be lost
because they were gained dishonestly or because of gaining enemies. Such fear
also brings life. A king’s glory is seen in how many he rules. Patience leads
to understanding, perhaps because the patient person studies and thinks.
Peacefulness benefits our health, whilst envy is detrimental. Oppressing the
poor shows contempt for God as he made them and they are therefore precious to
him. So being kind to the needy honours him. Even in death, the righteous have
security in God whilst the wicked are brought down. Wisdom resided in the heart
of discerning people. A nation’s greatness is seen in its righteousness. Rulers
(or employers) delight in wise servants (or employees), whilst shameful one’s
incur their wrath.
Some lessons from chapter 15: Gentle
speech can quell anger whilst harsh speech can provoke it. The wise commend
knowledge. God watches over everyone. Our speech can bring healing or crush
people with deceit. Fools ignore their parents’ discipline. The income of the
wicked brings trouble, no doubt as it was received dishonestly. God hates the
worship of the wicked, but is pleased by that of the upright. Likewise, he
hates the way of the wicked and loves those seeking to be righteous. If you
wander from what’s right you will receive stern discipline and if you ignore
that, death. God sees the hearts of men. Mockers resent correction and won’t seek
to learn from the wise. Happiness affects the countenance and heartache crushes
us. The oppressed are always wretched, but the cheerful always have feast in
the sense of knowing joy. Better not to have wealth yet fear God, than much
with turmoil. Better also, to be poor and loved than wealthy and hated. A hot
temper leads to arguments, but patience ends them. Life is easier for the
upright, but not those who are lazy. A wise son makes his father joyful. A
foolish man despises his mother, probably because he has ignore what she’s
said. Those without judgement find delight in being foolish. Success comes when
we seek advice. Joy is found in giving a good reply, which can only come from
wisdom. The Lord acts to destroy the house of the proud but protects the boundaries
of those in need like the widow. These refer to him acting justly according to
his covenant with Israel
(Deut 28-30), but reflect his wider justice in exalting the humble and humbling
the exalted. God hates even the thoughts of the wicked, but is pleased with
those of the pure. A greedy man brings trouble to his family in taking bribes
and so binding himself to others. This is another statement about how
dishonesty brings trouble not just to oneself, but one’s family. The righteous
way what they say before answering, but the wicked just gush out evil. God is
far from the wicked in terms of acting for them, but hears the prayers of the
righteous. A cheerful look can bring joy to others and good news aid health.
Those who listen to rebukes on matters of life and death are wise, Those who
ignore discipline despise themselves because this is to their detriment. But
those who heed correction gain understanding and so wisdom. Fear of the LORD
teaches wisdom because it makes the upright so that they will do all the above,
seeking knowledge, heeding correction, weighting their answers etc. In this
sense humility is a prerequisite to honour, as it moves us to act in an upright
and wise way.
Praying it
home:
Praise God for
whatever he has most brought home to you. Pray that he would help you live
according to that wisdom.
Thinking
further:
None
today.
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