Proverbs 24

Today’s reading could be summed up in two phrases: “anti-evil” and “pro-wisdom.” Solomon advises not to envy wicked people, and don’t even be around them. He discusses the rewards of wisdom and the penalties of evil.

As we read about the “it’s good for you” qualities of wisdom, we might start feeling about it like kids sometime feel about vegetables or a difficult to take medicine. Solomon puts wisdom in the proper perspective when he compares it to the sweetness of honey (vv 13-14). Wisdom is good in the sense that it is “sweet to the soul.” It’s not a dose of essential, tasteless, spiritual “vitamins,” but rather it is the honey of life.

Probably my favorite proverb of today’s reading is v. 26: “An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.” Consider how refreshing, welcome, and appreciated a kiss on the lips can be. What a great verbal image for an honest answer! It is a kiss not just for the receiver, but the giver as well. An honest answer rewards both parties in a graceful way.

Although written by a king, many of the proverbs recognize the importance of diligence and hard work. Solomon ends with a story of what the fields and vineyards of the lazy and those who lack judgment. The story highlights that there is effort involved in establishing the foundations to provide for a family. If this is not done due to poor judgment or laziness, the result will be evident for all to see. Solomon cites a priority of concerns, instructing that one should not focus on personal comfort until first attending to an income stream (v. 27). He closes by admonishing us with how easy it is for poverty to creep into our lives. It is our action (or inaction) that may sometimes invite the bandit of poverty to come upon us.

Proverbs 23

Read Proverbs 23:1 – 8. This section is unusual in Proverbs. We’re given a string of warnings, describing in picturesque detail the appropriate behavior in one particular social setting, that of dining with someone of much greater influence than yourself. The reader is meant to picture herself as the guest of a king, sitting at his table, taking note of what is available, but restraining herself to what is put in front of her. The reader or diner is tested on several levels. On the surface, he is tested by the host to see if he is prone to overextending his reach. On another level, she is tested by the delicacies, to see if she is susceptible to being governed by her appetites. On the third level, he is tested by God, to see if he shows honor to those to whom honor is due. We are not a culture which values moderation or self-control. Yet, Proverbs and the bulk of Scripture give us a variety of reasons for their value. In which areas of life do you have more difficulty with moderation? Is it eating, drinking, shopping, sensuality, or attention? If you struggle in those areas, what do these verses say that can help you?

Read Proverbs 23:9 – 14. Verses Twelve through Fourteen speak of discipline. Many have taken them to be a biblical endorsement of corporal punishment of children. But, the Hebrew word translated “punish” in Verse Fourteen, literally means to “deliver the soul from Sheol or endless punishment,” meaning to teach and to correct. Even if you do not have children at home, there are younger believers around you whom you are responsible for training by your words and deeds. How are you teaching them?

Read Proverbs 23:15 – 21. These verses again remind the son that his actions bear consequences for his parents, that he can bring them bitterness or joy. What do your words and deeds bring to those who have “parented” you in the faith? Is there one person whom you might thank today for his or her faithfulness in helping you grow?

Read Proverbs 23:22 – 35. This final section reminds the reader of the hazards of infidelity and of excessive use of wine. In great detail, it describes the foggy, irrational thinking of one who drinks too much and how that practice can bring dark results.

Choose one proverb from this chapter, which fits your life today. Memorize it. Read it aloud several times, emphasizing a different word each time. Close your eyes and recite it. Repeat this process several times until you are confident you know it. Pray and ask God to bring it to mind several times today. Recite it mentally each time it occurs to you. At the end of the day, take a moment to consider how it has applied to your life.

Proverbs 22

Read Proverbs 22:1 – 7. In this section, we hear several verses about riches and consequences. Do we really believe that a good name is better than riches (v. 1)? Many of us pursue riches as a primary goal. Few pursue a good name apart from its value for obtaining other desirable things. Verse Two adds depth to Verse One. If both the rich and poor are created by God and answer to Him equally, how much value will a good name, presumably earned through wise living, have when our lives comes to an end? Consider the things you have used your last 24 hours to pursue? How much time did you invest in the pursuit of temporary things? How much in the pursuit of eternal things? What could you do to increase your pursuit of things such as a good name?

Verse Six may be the most well-known verse in Proverbs, with the possible exception of Proverbs 3:5 – 6. It is often treated as a promise. But wisdom sayings like those found in Proverbs are meant to describe what usually happens, not guarantee what will happen in every case. Verse Seven describes the natural relationship between a person who borrows money and the person who lends its. In what way have you found yourself to be a “servant” to those individuals or organizations to which you owe money?

Read Proverbs 22:8 – 16. A significant number of these verses deal with speech and judgment. Compare Verses Ten and Eleven. Mockers create strife, quarrels, and insults. Gracious speech creates friendship, even at high levels. Do you find yourself drawn more to those who are clever, witty, and critical in their speech, or those who speak graciously? Why do you think you are attracted to one kind of speech over the other? If the clever mockers are your favorite people, what do you gain from them?

Choose one proverb from this chapter, which fits your life today. Memorize it. Read it aloud several times, emphasizing a different word each time. Close your eyes and recite it. Repeat this process several times until you are confident you know it. Pray and ask God to bring it to mind several times today. Recite it mentally each time it occurs to you. At the end of the day, take a moment to consider how it has applied to your life.

Proverbs 21

Read Proverbs 21:1 – 8. In this section, we hear several verses about the heart. The king’s heart is directed by the Lord (v. 1), who weighs his heart to determine his motives (v. 2). A proud heart is sinful (v. 4) and its accompanying behaviors lead to a person’s eventual downfall (v. 5 – 8). The “heart” in Hebrew Scripture refers to the innermost being, that center of motivation and understanding which drives each person. God looks at our hearts to determine who we really are and why we do what we do. Take a few moments to think honestly about why you have done the things you’ve done this week. What were your motives? How would God weigh your heart?

Read Proverbs 21:9 – 19. These verses focus on the most likely outcomes of certain actions and behaviors. Although no individual is promised the exact outcome which is shown in any one proverb, any individual can recognize the natural consequences that are likely to occur and can reorient himself or herself toward godly wisdom. The modern expression, “What goes around, comes around,” echoes in the back of our minds as we read about those who refuse to help the poor (v. 13), who subvert justice (v. 14), who refuses to work (v. 17), or who simply lives wickedly (v. 18). Although Solomon doesn’t advise unethical behavior, like giving bribes, he does point out the natural softening that occurs between two angry parties, when one gives gifts to the other. One critical aspect of living wisely is the ability to recognize how human nature works and the foresight to act before a bad situation becomes worse. Consider the most recent argument you’ve had with another person. Did you do something you knew would likely lead to conflict? What might a person of godly wisdom have done to prevent the disagreement?

Read Proverbs 21:20 – 23. This section communicates a theme of planning ahead. Wise people save for the future (v. 20). They pursue righteousness and love and find rewards (v. 21). They knock down barriers that might someday prevent them from moving forward (v. 22). They guard their tongues, to avoid causing future trouble. Is there a goal in your life which you would like to achieve, for which you have done no intentional planning? What keeps you from taking steps to solidify that future?

Read Proverbs 21:24 – 31. These verses speak several times about sins of pride and power. In the end, however, success or failure rests with God. No plans against Him will succeed (v. 30). No victory occurs that He doesn’t allow (v. 31). Have you made any plans that you are fairly certain God would not desire for you? Are you counting on the opportunity to make things right with Him later, after you get what you want?

Choose one proverb from this chapter, which fits your life today. Memorize it. Read it aloud several times, emphasizing a different word each time. Close your eyes and recite it. Repeat this process several times until you are confident you know it. Pray and ask God to bring it to mind several times today. Recite it mentally each time it occurs to you. At the end of the day, take a moment to consider how it has applied to your life.

Proverbs 20

Two common mistakes are made when we read proverbs: (1) We read the proverbs as God's laws that are always true. (2) Or we confuse them as God’s promises that are reliable guarantees. Solomon's collections are neither inflexible laws nor reliable promises. They are “guidelines” that lead toward wise living on the road of life.

Wise living is like driving on a freeway with multiple exits. To keep us on the Highway of Wisdom, Solomon shares three “dangerous” exits in verses 1-4. Each one has the capacity to get us off at the wrong place.  

#1 - The Danger of ALCOHOL ABUSE: “Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.” (v. 1).  Don’t drink and drive on the road of life. Alcohol abuse kills 75,000 Americans annually. Excessive alcohol is the third leading cause of death. Ephesians 5:18 also warns, “And do not get drunk with wine…but be filled with the Spirit.”  Don’t let alcohol control you. Instead, let the Holy Spirit control every minute, every hour of every day. Seek help from your spouse, a counselor or a close friend about how much you are drinking.

#2 - The Danger of CARELESS ANGER: “It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.” (v. 3).  Verse 2 equates a king’s anger to the danger of an angry lion. There are two issues with anger: One is seeking to control you own hot-headedness. The second is not provoking it in others. Be a defensive driver. Look out for those whose anger is often out of control. Avoid quarrelsome arguments. They often jeopardize relationships and escalate into hurt feelings. 

#3 – The Danger of POSTPONEMENT: “Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time, they look but find nothing” (v. 4).  You have to harvest the crop when it is ready, not when you feel like working.  Whenever possible, do what you dislike first. Handle the most difficult assignment early. Ecclesiastes 11:4 says, “He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap.” Procrastination will create anxiety and stress. It almost always keeps us from accomplishing the things we want most completed.

Which of these three “exits” gives you the most trouble? How can surrendering to Jesus keep you on the Highway of Wisdom? Don’t let alcohol abuse, excessive anger or postponing things get you off track. How many other “dangerous” exits can you find in Proverbs 20? 

Proverbs 19

Read Proverbs 19:1 – 9. This section is introduced with three verses describing the contrast between a wise person and a fool. A fool has perverse lips (v. 1). A fool rushes into things (v. 2). A fool rages at God over his own ruin (v. 3). The remaining verses talk about the connection between wealth, power and relationships. Those who have money have many friends. Those who do not, have few or none. Consider the people you would most like to know as friends. How does their economic status compare to yours? Do you desire friendships with those less-well-off than you? Why or why not?

Read Proverbs 19:10 – 14. Verse Ten says, “it is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury – how much worse for a slave to rule over princes.” In Solomon’s culture, individualistic self-reliance was not heralded as a virtue. Educational and vocational opportunities were not offered to all equally. It would have been thought absurd to elevate an uneducated, untrained slave to a position in which he couldn’t hope to succeed. The Bible teaches us that each Christian is equipped in a specific way to serve in the context in which he or she is placed. While we are not locked into any specific role, culturally or theologically, it is unwise to ignore our own position and gifts and instead desire the position and gifts of someone else. Do you ever find yourself wishing you had been gifted in a way you aren’t? What are your gifts? Do you use them?

Read Proverbs 19:15 – 24 . This section is bounded by verses dealing with laziness and sluggards. Most of us think of ourselves as diligent in our work. Some would say, “I am overworked.” When you are “on the clock,” are you always using your time to produce good work for those who employ you? Are your expectations truly in keeping with what you produce or are you expecting others to “spoon-feed” you (v. 24). How can you increase your value to and your witness with those who employ you?

Read Proverbs 19:25 – 29. These verses speak several times about the foolishness of mockery. Our culture prizes clever speech, especially speech that mocks others. In mocking those who prize wisdom, we put ourselves at odds with God. What kind of crowd do you find it most easy to mock? Is there anything in their lifestyle or choices that might constitute godly wisdom?

Choose one proverb from this chapter, which fits your life today. Memorize it. Read it aloud several times, emphasizing a different word each time. Close your eyes and recite it. Repeat this process several times until you are confident you know it. Pray and ask God to bring it to mind several times today. Recite it mentally each time it occurs to you. At the end of the day, take a moment to consider how it has applied to your life.

Proverbs 18

Centuries after Proverbs 18 was written, James also noted the power of the words that come from our mouth. Some things just don’t change. Today our words and actions still demonstrate what is going on inside. They show our heart.

How often do we say things that are better left unsaid?  Verse 6 reads: “A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating.”  While this reminds me of lessons from childhood, it applies throughout life, as we walk through the same lessons over and over again.

Yet far from rebuking others from saying unwise things, have we ever found ourselves somehow delighting in words of gossip? Solomon refers to them as “choice morsels.” The NLT says they “sink deep into one’s heart.” What are we filling our hearts with? Solomon notes in verse 20: “From the fruit of his mouth a man’s stomach is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.”  Jesus reaffirmed this truth in noting that it’s not what goes into a man but what is said that makes him unclean.

So many of us try to restrict our intake of calories from time to time. As I considered today’s reading I thought about how much more care I take sometimes with what I put in my real stomach than how I fill my metaphorical one. Maybe I need a different kind of diet?

Of course, we’ve all heard that in the long run diets really don’t work anyway. What we really need is a lifestyle change. Maybe that’s the message today too. We need lives and mouths that glorify God, encourage others, and do no harm. This should not be something we try to do now and then, but it should be part of our being.

What are you feeding on and what do you give others?