Proverbs 14

Proverbs 14:1-35

The wisest of women builds her house,

but folly with her own hands tears it down.

• The woman’s responsibility in the household is equally important to the man’s responsibility.  So, this applies to both the wife/mom and the husband/dad.  
• A little foolishness can knock it down.  Foolishness can come in the form of selfishness, greed, laziness, lack of discipline, and other sins that aren’t good for the continual “building up” of the family.  
• Building the house is not a one time thing.  It takes continued work, perseverance.  You may say that “hey, it’s just a little foolishness.  What’s the big deal?”, but know that it will have it’s impact, and it won’t be positive.  

 Whoever walks in uprightness fears the Lord,

but he who is devious in his ways despises him.

• It’s an If/Then statement.   If someone lives upright (as defined by God), they obviously “fear the Lord”, meaning that they understand and respect God’s commands.  In short - when you get it, it shows.
• Equally, if you are devious – always trying to get away with bad things – it’s quite clear that you don’t get it.  That you don’t respect God’s commands.
• In essence, either way you are communicating your heart.

 By the mouth of a fool comes a rod for his back,

 but the lips of the wise will preserve them.

• The fool gets what’s coming to him.  Be an idiot, expect a beating.
• But, if you are wise, you’ll always be okay.  Again, wisdom comes from God alone.

 Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean,

but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.

• You have to take the good with the bad.  There’s no such thing as a free lunch, right?
• Sure – while you may not have to shovel ox poop without an ox around, you won’t get the benefit of having an ox’s strength without the ox either.  So, shovel the poop and quit complaining ;)

 A faithful witness does not lie,

but a false witness breathes out lies.

• Don’t be a false witness.  Always tell it like you mean it.  Lying to spare someone pain or to avoid conflict or for any other reason may seem to help at the moment, but it will hurt eventually.  No one benefits or improves with lies.  Be a faithful witness and – net–net – things will work out better.
• Except when she asks if she looks fat in that.  Okay – even then.  But tread lightly. ;)

 A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain,

but knowledge is easy for a man of understanding.

• A scoffer seeking wisdom is on a fool’s errand.  Think about it … the scoffer is not really looking for wisdom, but for a way to make the whole "house of cards" fall.  He’s looking for the catch.  He isn’t open to wisdom, so he will not find it.  Therefore, he will remain blind to it.
• However, a man genuinely seeking understanding will find what he’s looking for.  Seek (with a true and sincere heart) and you shall find.

 Leave the presence of a fool,

for there you do not meet words of knowledge.

• Hang with a fool and there is no where to go but down.  
• In fact, you will probably become dumber for the little time you did spend in the presence of a fool.  This includes foolish shows, foolish conversations, and so on.  

 The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way,

but the folly of fools is deceiving.

• Discern = to take the time and think it through.  So the prudent take the time to think it all the way through, hence their decisions and actions show wisdom.
• Even a fool can say something that sounds wise (because you’re not taking it to it’s logical, ridiculous, conclusion).  We hear it in the liberal media all the time:  People making silly, superficial comments that make you think twice.  Ver deceiving if you just accept it at face value and don’t think about it.  But if you truly think it through, you’ll realize it has no footing.  

 Fools mock at the guilt offering,

but the upright enjoy acceptance.

• Fools don’t know that they are guilty or – if they do know – they don’t care if they are guilty.  They think there are no consequences.  Silly fools.
• Those who are upright realize they are sinners and admit it.  This shows wisdom.  

 The heart knows its own bitterness,

and no stranger shares its joy.

• You can’t have a bitter, hateful, grudge-carrying heart and not have it show on the surface.  It shows no matter how much you think you’re hiding it.
• People can see it and it’s not pretty.  
• Carrying bitterness isn’t hurting anyone more than the one who is bitter, though, so it’s best to drop the bitterness, forgive and move on.

 The house of the wicked will be destroyed,

but the tent of the upright will flourish.

• The words “destroyed” and “flourish” bring certain images, but think of this in spiritual terms mostly.  A father is wicked, means – with enough time – that the wife and kids will be wicked, too.  And this leads to their destruction (their spiritual death).
• But, the home of a good father and husband will result in a wife and kids that also are good and upright.  They – as a family – will flourish.

 There is a way that seems right to a man,

but its end is the way to death.

• You can see the results of the world’s ideas.  Chaos, tragedy, hardship, death.  It sure sounds right, though, if you don’t have knowledge of the actual Truth.  So be careful believing things at face value.  If it doesn’t align with God’s Truth, it’s simply not true, no matter how much it SEEMS so. 

 Even in laughter the heart may ache,

and the end of joy may be grief.

• There will always be ups and downs.  This is a fact of life.  Becoming a Christian does not mark the end of your troubles.  This just isn’t so.
• The key is to trust Him.  There will be laughter AND pain.  There will be joy AND grief.  The difference is, we know that God has a plan and this is all part of it.  We have hope and we know we’re being made to be more Christlike with every up and every down in life.

 The backslider in heart will be filled with the fruit of his ways,

and a good man will be filled with the fruit of his ways.

• You will be given what you put into this “machine” of life.  If you are a “backslider”, never standing strong for what is right and good, you will be filled with those fruits.
• If you bear good fruit, you will be filled with good fruit.  Similar to the concept of Kharma, I suppose, although the concept of “kharma" is simply a Truth from God that was simply known to Hindus.

 The simple believes everything,

but the prudent gives thought to his steps.

• Discern.  God gave us a brain.  The only thing he asks us to believe with simplicity - like a child – is His Word.  Everything else, think it through.  Don’t believe everything you hear.  Question it.  Heck, as you’re learning, you can certainly question His Word, too, but don’t question the promises He makes … whether they are true or not.

 One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil,

but a fool is reckless and careless.

• If fat, stay away from the buffet.  The easiest way to keep from falling off a cliff?  Stay away from the cliff.
• Think you’re strong enough to fight it off?  Think again.  God instructs us to be cautious, prudent … to be smart about things.  Take Him at his word.

 A man of quick temper acts foolishly,

and a man of evil devices is hated.

• No good decision was ever made while angry.  I wish I could take back a few words, a few emails.  Have a quick temper?  You’ll look like an idiot.  Control yourself, breath, take a moment before reacting on your feelings.

 The simple inherit folly,

but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

• Simple-minded people are more susceptible to being fooled and to making poor decisions.  They may jump into something without fully thinking it through, or simply not knowing any better.
• But those who take time to think things through, to pray on it, to discern with respect to God’s view, they will gain in knowledge.

 The evil bow down before the good,

the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

• Every knee will bow, every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.  This will happen on judgement day.  Even the evil will bow, but it will be too late them.  The time of making a choice based on free will  is over on judgement day.  
• They will plead at the gates of heaven, but they’ve made their bed.  Now they must lie in it.  This is not what God wants, but He will allow it because it was a choice He allowed.

 The poor is disliked even by his neighbor,

 but the rich has many friends.

• I know we hope that our “friends” wouldn’t do this, but what would happen with those relationships if you lost all your money?  If all of a sudden you were in need, who would stick around and who would vanish?  I think this verse is showing us the fallen nature of man.  That we want our relationships to just be easy.  No sacrifice, just comfortable pleasantries.  True friends, real love, means we are there unconditionally.  This is how God models it for us.  This is how Jesus showed us.  But we fail … often.  This is a nice reminder of that harsh reality.

 Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner,

but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.

• Two commandments that matter the most (per our Lord and Savior):  Love God and love your neighbor.  By neglecting or refusing to love others unconditionally, we are sinning.  No getting around it.  That includes holding hate for another, demeaning another, and despising another.
• Blessing WILL come to you if you are generous with the blessings you’ve been given.  This can be money – sure – but it’s not limited to that.  Maybe it’s stopping to take time out of your “oh so busy” schedule to speak to someone in need on the street.  Just talking to them, caring about them, loving on them just because that’s what God would do and that’s what they need from God.  We are His hands and feet.  

 Do they not go astray who devise evil?

Those who devise good meet steadfast love and faithfulness.

• Plan for bad or plan for good – either way you will receive it in return.  This may not be until the judgement, but it will come.   Trust that God is a just God.

 In all toil there is profit,

but mere talk tends only to poverty.

• Don’t just sit there talking a good talk.  Do something.
• Saying you believe in God and accept Jesus as your savior means little without action.  Know that all that you “spend” in effort for God’s plan for you will come back in force.  
• Just talk?  Expect nothing – spiritual poverty.
• Note:  All of this is between you and God.  Only you (and He) know your heart.  Things can look shiny on the outside, but rotten on the inside.  Conversely, a believer may be so new from a life of evil that he still looks rotten on the outside, but his heart is for God.  

 The crown of the wise is their wealth,

but the folly of fools brings folly.

• Rinse and repeat.   Again, this is a repeat from God.  Repeat = really important.  
• Be wise.  That takes seeking knowledge continually.  Then it means using that knowledge in action.

 A truthful witness saves lives,

but one who breathes out lies is deceitful.

• Tell the truth.  Not much more to say here. ;)

 In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence,

and his children will have a refuge.

• Respect what the Lord has to say in His Word and follow His instructions.  Do this and you will find that you are confident in life because it just works.
• We will always be safe in decisions based on God’s way.  Lean on your own judgement and you’re playing the odds – risky.

 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,

that one may turn away from the snares of death.

• Snares of death.  I’ve heard that phrase used in many places in the Bible.  A “snare” is something that (a) lures you in and (b) traps you.  A.k.a. Sin.  
• But knowing what God wants and knowing that He’s a good Father that loves us and knows better than us, we simply follow His instruction.  This will lead to a good and fruitful life – a fountain or the good stuff.  It will allow us to know how to spot the snares and step around them … or to turn 180 degrees and run away.  Only bad things come from being ensnared by sins.  And we all have our little pet sins. 

 In a multitude of people is the glory of a king,

but without people a prince is ruined.

• No man is an island.  We need fellowship – God knows this.  He designed it that way.  We need a multitude to be there for us, and for us to be there for them.  “As iron sharpens iron”.  
• Try to do it all on your own, staying away from others, not reaching out … and you’ve missed one of God’s best instructions … 

 Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding,

but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.

 A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh,

but envy makes the bones rot.

• Being slow to anger means you understand that a show of anger solves very little.  Breathe through it and be wise.  Sometimes anger is quite righteous, though.  But that kind of anger never comes from an emotional reaction, but rather a thoughtful discerning.
• Be content in what you have.  Have a tranquil heart and your spiritual, mental and even physical health will improve.  That is something that “scientists” have actually proven – not acknowledging that God said this already thousands of years ago.  
• Envy creates stress, it creates strife between loved ones, it will even cause physical health issues eventually, in additional to spiritual and mental harm.

 Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker,

 but he who is generous to the needy honors him.

• To treat another of God’s creations – created in His image – as less … to oppress someone with fewer worldly “things” … Shame on you.  How insulting to God.  When you sin, it is not an offense against another person really.  It is an offense against God Himself.
• So, being generous to others?  That is not so much honoring those people as much as it is honoring God.

 The wicked is overthrown through his evildoing,

but the righteous finds refuge in his death.

• Do wrong and you’re going down … eventually.
• Per Paul, “To live is Christ and to die is gain.”  Keep in mind, our focus should be on eternity with God, not on this "blink of an eye" time here on earth.  Live a life pleasing to God and you will find refuge in eternity.  (Quick note:  Don’t confuse this with salvation through works.  We gain salvation and grace through true belief alone.)

 Wisdom rests in the heart of a man of understanding,

but it makes itself known even in the midst of fools.

 Righteousness exalts a nation,

but sin is a reproach to any people.

• For those who seek to understand, wisdom just comes naturally.  Even fools can see it.
• Do what’s right as a nation and be respected (as we once were, for instance).  

 A servant who deals wisely has the king's favor,

but his wrath falls on one who acts shamefully

• King = God.  Servant = You and me.
• God is wrathful.  No way around that.  You do something wrong, you get the hammer.  This is life by works.  This is the Jewish life.
• With Jesus, God’s wrath is quenched in the cross.  We are provided grace for our past, and for our mistakes going forward.  As I’ve mentioned, though, God knows our hearts.  Saying we have Jesus, but not meaning it?  You’re still getting the wrath.  But if you mean it with your heart, even though you may still make mistakes (and we all do), and you are safe in the arms of Jesus.

Amen.

Proverbs 13

Proverbs 13:1-25

A wise son hears his father's instruction,

but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.

• We – as sons and daughters of our Father – should listen for His instruction.  That doesn’t mean sit and listen.  That means studying what He’s already said in his Word – the scriptures.  Hearing mens that we listened and acted upon what we’ve heard.  Hearing it and doing nothing means we didn’t really hear it, or that we don’t believe it.
• Those scoffers (skeptics) out there may hear it, but brush it off thinking they know better.  Arrogance and pride will be their downfall.

 From the fruit of his mouth a man eats what is good,

but the desire of the treacherous is for violence.

 Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life;

 he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.

• Eat = "takes in”.  This can be food, but it can equally mean ideas, immoral input (i.e. the shows we watch), etc. 
• We should EAT only what is good.  Even the simplest of things that we believe won’t affect us do, in fact, affect us quite a bit.  Little by little. 
• Shut yer yapper.  If you don’t have anything uplifting to say, keep it to yourself.  Ideally, don’t even think it.  Ask God to rid the negative, condescending, cruel, etc. from your mind.
• Words can start a forest fire of damage OR they can cause a ripple of goodness.  Choose wisely what you say.  If you’re unsure, keep your lips together.

 The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing,

while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.

• Makes me think of the entitlement society we’ve created.  The sluggards always want the rewards of effort without effort.
• Those who persist, work hard, stay strong will reap the rewards.

 The righteous hates falsehood,

but the wicked brings shame and disgrace.

 Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless,

but sin overthrows the wicked.

• Really, this means that GOD hates falsehood, as we know that “no one is righteous, not one” from Paul.  Those trying to be righteous (you and me) hate it, too.  Or we should.
• Nothing worse than being associated with someone who is a liar.  It truly brings shame and disgrace, not just to the liar, but to everyone around him.

 One pretends to be rich, yet has nothing;

 another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.

 The ransom of a man's life is his wealth,

but a poor man hears no threat.

• Why do we put on a mask?  It helps no one.  Why can’t we just come as we are?  It’s how the world (and the Enemy) has poisoned us.  "All must be well", we think.  We must not show vulnerability or weakness or else.  We must appear to be perfect, even though we aren’t.  We must appear to be successful and constantly movin' on up (movin’ on up!), or we’re failures.  Nonsense.  It does not help us become more Christlike, and it does not help others who need our empathy, who are struggling with the same things.  
• Ransom = price.  What does it cost for life eternal?  Your “wealth”.  This does not necessarily mean money.  It can mean whatever you put up on a pedestal as more important than it should be.  It can be your appearance, your ability to persuade, or any other blessing God has GIVEN you.  It’s like worshipping the painting instead of the painter.  So, what must you give up?  Nothing more than your priorities. Do you need to scar yourself because you’re beautiful?  No.  But you should drop the ego.  Do you need to give all of your money away?  Not necessarily, unless it’s more important to you than God and His plan for you.  If any “wealth” is impeding your ability to serve God, remove it.  “If your eye is leading you to sin, it’s better to gouge it out than to lose your soul.  For what does it gain a man to have the whole world, but lose his soul?” (paraphrasing from memory here).

 The light of the righteous rejoices,

but the lamp of the wicked will be put out.

• The battle is already won.  Read the last page of the book and you’ll see that God wins.  Good overcomes evil.  He’s already there.  He is outside of time, so He knows how it all ends.  We should trust that.  So, His light rejoices – His light is where joy exists, not in wickedness.  Even though sin may feel good momentarily, it does not last.  In fact it leaves a horrible aftertaste.  

 By insolence comes nothing but strife,

but with those who take advice is wisdom.

• Throwing a mini-tantrum so you can have it YOUR way instead of His way?  This helps no one, especially the tantrum thrower.  Insolent behavior causes nothing but trouble.  And it starts from pride/ego – not a good foundation.
• Take His advice into your heart.  You’ll see why it was the right choice once you do.

 Wealth gained hastily will dwindle,

but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.

• Hamma, Hamma-Hamma.  Remember MC Hammer from the 80s?  His wealth skyrocketed quickly, but focus on it made it vanish just as fast.  The key word here is “hasty”.  This denotes a gaining “without thought”.  This can take your eye off of God, which is the real issue.  
• Don’t be after the quick buck.  It won’t last.  It certainly is not sustainable.  Every finance class I took taught me, “The median investor makes the median”.  The probabilities are not good for the guy always after the quick buck.  
• But slow and steady, now that’s the way.  

 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,

 but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.

• I’ve got to be honest - I don’t know exactly what this means.  Here’s my guess, though:
• Hope is in Christ alone.  Deferring/delaying your decision for Christ just keeps you grasping for something to fill that God-shaped void in your heart.  
• But accepting Christ into your life now will provide you with the fruit of the real life God intends for you.  Don’t delay.

 Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself,

but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded.

 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,

that one may turn away from the snares of death.

• Without the Word, we are ignorant.  With ignorance comes stumbling, falling … ultimately destruction.
• But the one who sees the commandment for what it is and acknowledges and respects it, will see the rewards that come with that lifestyle.  It’s the good life.
• As mentioned, listen to wisdom and you’ll avoid the pitfalls of life.  Will you avoid all trouble?  No, but you won’t be off-roading it anymore.  You’ll be on a paved road.

 Good sense wins favor,

but the way of the treacherous is their ruin.

• Who do you trust with your important things, tasks, security, etc.?  You trust the guy with common sense.  Be known as someone with good sense and you will be trusted with greater and greater things.
• Those who are treacherous (connivers, cheaters, etc.) are digging their own grave.  Either here on Earth, or on judgement day, they will get theirs.

 In everything the prudent acts with knowledge,

 but a fool flaunts his folly.

• Prudence = you thought it through, you sought advice, you “discerned” before jumping in.  It’s just being smart in your decision making.  “I guess so.” is not good enough.  “I know so.” before you act is the way to go.  At minimum, use the knowledge that you do have or can acquire to at least take an “educated guess”.
• "Look at me!  I’m an idiot!"  Fools don’t say that overtly, but that IS what they are saying.  Fools brag about their sin.  But they only look … well, foolish.

 A wicked messenger falls into trouble,

but a faithful envoy brings healing.

• Again, not completely sure what this means.  Here’s my guess:
• Lie or otherwise bring false information, and you’ll pay the price.  Problem is, it will harm others in the process (e.g. Reputations).
• But delivering a message of Truth always helps.  This is why it’s recommended that we try to memorize scripture.  Not because God commands it, but because recalling it, or providing the right scripture in the right situation can provide the necessary healing.

 Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction,

 but whoever heeds reproof is honored.

• “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” … “Ah, what do you know!”  Pride comes before a fall.  We all need instruction.  Even if we knew it, we need reminders.  Ignore the good biblical instruction at your own peril.
• But the opposite is true for those who listen to the instruction or the reminders.  You not only improve your situation, you also gain honor, as someone who listens to reason and does not claim to always “know it all”.

 A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul,

but to turn away from evil is an abomination to fools.

• “What!  You didn’t have sex with her when she was so attractive and so willing!  Idiot!” or “Dude, no one is going to know if you take just one.  Chicken.”  To fools, turning away from temptations/sin/evil is just ridiculous.  "Why not?" they say.  But you know better.

 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,

but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

• Pretty self-explanatory.  An athlete who plays with those above her level will play better.  Play with those lesser, and she won’t play her best.  
• This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t ever engage with fools.  Jesus spent most of His time being a friend to sinners … not to be like them, but to help them “get better”.  We, too, should show them the right way.  And they’ll listen if we love and care about them first.

 Disaster pursues sinners,

 but the righteous are rewarded with good.

• Disaster sometimes comes to those who are trying their best to be righteous – yes.  But disaster really follows sinners everywhere they go.  Then – of course – they blame God (the guy they say might now exist).  Silly.
• Ultimately, those who strive to be the man or woman God created us to be will be rewarded.  Maybe not here on Earth, but our time here is fleeting compared to eternity in Heaven with God.

 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children,

but the sinner's wealth is laid up for the righteous.

• As Americans, we’re not doing a very good job here.  The “inheritance” we’ve leaving our children is a staggering amount of national debt and a stance on morality that does not line up with the Bible.  Also, as custodians of the animals and the earth, we should also leave a clean earth behind (whatever that actually means).
• If we were doing it right, we would drop the greed, live humbly and simply, and leave our children with a fair start, so that they can do the same for THEIR children’s children.    

 The fallow ground of the poor would yield much food,

but it is swept away through injustice.

• Not sure how to translation this, and I don’t have any good guesses.

 Whoever spares the rod hates his son,

but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.

• Note to self:  I need to beat Will more often.  Seriously, so many parents think they are doing a kid a favor by being lenient when it really matters.  Can you show mercy in certain situations – absolutely.  In fact, you should.  But not correcting an action is not helping the child – it’s hurting him.

 The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite,

but the belly of the wicked suffers want.

• Be thankful for what you have.  Don’t ask God for more than you need, but certainly ask Him for your daily bread.  Paraphrasing, “God, don’t give me more than what I need or I’ll forget how much I need you.  Equally, don’t give me less than what I need so I am tempted to steal and displease you.  Just give me what I need – no more, no less.”
• The wicked, evil, wordily person always wants more.  We earn $50K, we want $100K.  We earn $100K, we want $250K.  And so on.  Focus on the wrong thing will always leave you wanting.

Proverbs 12

Proverbs 12:1-28

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,

but he who hates reproof is stupid.

• And there you have it – blunt truth.  Do you realize that you’re not good and that you need to be shaped into the perfect being God intended you to be?  If so, perfect.  If not, you many be measuring yourself with a worldly measuring stick.  
• We all need discipline to keep us in line.  This assumes there IS a line to keep us on.  And since there is, we will mess up without discipline.  This is wisdom in a nutshell.  
• Those who say, “I know, I know” taking offense at instruction and correction are – as it says clearly – stupid.  They just don’t get it.

 A good man obtains favor from the Lord,

but a man of evil devices he condemns.

• If you’re REALLY in a relationship with God through Jesus, you will show it.  God knows your heart.  And one who obey’s his instruction shows that he loves God and knows that God loves him.  This is “good” as defined by God’s measuring stick.
• Evil men … well, He can not and will not be near soothing that is un-holy.  God wants them to be near Him, but they must by holy – clean – first.  That can only be accomplished through Jesus.  Until a person accepts that gift, they are condemned by default.

 No one is established by wickedness,

but the root of the righteous will never be moved.

• We’ve talked about this many times.  How can someone stand firm on ground that is constantly moving.  The world’s version of what is good or bad is constantly shifting, so our tendency to see something “okay” that is wicked in God’s eyes is just an example of the world infecting us.  Happens to me all the time.  
• The only way to be rooted in anything absolutely objective – that does not move or shift or change – is to look to God’s version of good and bad.  You can hang your hat on that.

 An excellent wife is the crown of her husband,

but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.

• And vice versa - “An excellent husband is the crown of his wife”.  What does an “excellent” wife or husband look like?  We read about that in the New Testament.  “Wives, submit to your husbands as the church does to Christ … and husbands love your wives as Christ loves the church.”  An excellent wife will respect her husband unconditionally, just like an excellent husband will love his wife unconditionally.  The wife will allow the husband to have the final say as the head of household, but he will listen to her perspectives and decide based on a fair balance of both perspectives, assuming they align with God’s perspective.  The husband will serve the wive (like Christ did).  He will drop his selfish ways and live – and die – for her and for the family.  The old man is gone.  The new has come.  

 The thoughts of the righteous are just;

the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.

 The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood,

but the mouth of the upright delivers them.

• God is just.  If we train ourselves to think like Christ, our thoughts and actions will be just, too.
• Always check advice from others against God’s truth.  Again, that is the only way to ensure objectivity, because there are a lot of deceitful people out there.

 The wicked are overthrown and are no more,

 but the house of the righteous will stand.

• In a previous study, we discussed this.  Those on unstable ground will be swept away in the storm.
• But those who build on solid ground will stand firm.

 A man is commended according to his good sense,

but one of twisted mind is despised.

• Normal human nature to think highly of someone with good sense, and to think less of a person with no sense.  
• Where does this good sense come from?  The Bible.  Study it and you will be thought of highly because you will have good sense.

 Better to be lowly and have a servant

than to play the great man and lack bread.

• This is speaking to an American trait.  The $30,000 millionaires in Dallas are a perfect example.  They want to put on this image of being rich and having it all put together, but they are so far in debt it’s nuts.
• It’s better to be humble, live simply, and have a bank account that no one knows about.  Uncle George comes to mind.

 Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast,

but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.

• Not to get all Pam Anderson here, but you can tell the quality of a person by the way they treat animals.  I don’t mean lifting them up on a pedestal like many do, but being kind and thoughtful to the needs of the animals.  We were put in charge of them – to keep them safe.  They are innocent.
• The best indicator of a serial killer is to look at how they treated animals when they were young.  If they show no mercy to an innocent animal, what mercy will they show a person who needs some grace?

 Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread,

 but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense.

• God helps those who help themselves.  Keep in mind, He already gave you your talents, your hands and feet, and so on.  He expects that you will use them.  If you do, you’ll have what you need.
• Those trying to do things that make no sense are stealing from themselves.  It’s an opportunity cost.

 Whoever is wicked covets the spoil of evildoers,

but the root of the righteous bears fruit.

• Never envy anyone – we all have our purpose here and are given the appropriate tools.  What seems appealing to you may actually be a burden to them.
• But especially don’t envy those who have gained what they have from evil, wicked ways.  
• And you can tell a man’s heart from the fruit he bears.  Root yourself in God and you will do what is right – you will bear good fruit.

 An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips,

 but the righteous escapes from trouble.

• Watch what you say, write, communicate.  If your words don’t lift up, then they can tear down.  And they may end up tearing you down.
• I think of how many times I’ve heard, “Well, Greg, YOU said …”  And if it was bad, or false, I was in trouble.
• But if my words are life, if they are uplifting always, I will always be blameless.

 From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good,

 and the work of a man's hand comes back to him.

• Work, create … what you will receive in return will be good.  Your efforts, put forth for good, will always come back you.

 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,

but a wise man listens to advice.

 The vexation of a fool is known at once,

but the prudent ignores an insult.

• The fool does not know he is a fool.  His ways, then, are likely just as clueless.  We need to help the fool by educating him.  If he does not react well to the education, that’s fine.  You’ve done what you can.
• Humble yourself, drop the ego, and listen to the advice of others.  Sometimes listening to multiple people with advice will end with triangulation of the best way.
• When insulted, it's best not to react at all, for many reasons.  One – that’s what the insulter is hoping for … a reaction.  Don’t give him what he’s hoping for.  Two, will it really improve things, or will it escalate things?  

 Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence,

but a false witness utters deceit.

• If asked, just tell it like it is.  Don’t try to deceive, even if it’s for “good” reasons.  Trust God that being honest will always result in the best outcome.

 There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts,

but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

 Truthful lips endure forever,

but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

• Words can build you up.  Words can break you down.  Put a fire in your heart – or – put it out.  (From a good song called “Words”)
• Words can totally deflate you – suck the energy right out of you, just like a sword to the heart.
• But helping someone to see the bigger picture, with truth, can heal.  
• If you feel the urge to “say something” and it’s not to heal or help, bite your lip.
• You may gain temporarily by lying, but it won’t last.  Just like the Twain quote I used last time, “Tell the truth and you never have to remember anything."

 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,

but those who plan peace have joy.

 No ill befalls the righteous,

but the wicked are filled with trouble.

• Lying = evil.  It never bears good fruit.
• Plan for peace – try to accommodate, have patience, love – you will have joy.
• Garbage in, garbage out.  If you put trouble into the world, you will receive trouble.  Emit good, and you’ll receive good.

 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord,

 but those who act faithfully are his delight.

 A prudent man conceals knowledge,

 but the heart of fools proclaims folly.

• Have the faith of a child.  Trust Him.  That is the greatest communication of love you can give to God.
• Prudent as a term used to be seen as very good.  Acting with prudence.  Don’t blurt out everything you know.  Think about it – share what is needed and no more.  If you don’t act with prudence, you’re a fool.

 The hand of the diligent will rule,

while the slothful will be put to forced labor.

• Luck is 5% inspiration, 95% perspiration.  On average, people are about the same level of smart.  The one who works harder, then, is the one who generally gets ahead.  And the ones who don’t work hard, no matter how smart, will generally be stuck with the stuff that no one wants to do.

 Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down,

but a good word makes him glad.

• Don’t worry.  It doesn’t help, it only weighs you down.  It also shows that you may not trust God as much as you should.  
• A good word can come in the form of advice, but I think of this as God’s Word telling us not to worry.  Be glad in all circumstances.  Even in tough times, God is improving you.

 One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor,

but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

• Being righteous in God’s eyes not only helps you, it helps to guide those around you.  
• Being wicked hurts you and others, too.
• Monkey see, monkey do.  Be a good monkey, so the other monkeys will see you and know how to be. (e.g. No more throwing feces)

 Whoever is slothful will not roast his game,

but the diligent man will get precious wealth.

 In the path of righteousness is life,

and in its pathway there is no death.

• Again, a comparison of the fruit you get from diligence versus laziness.  You’re entitled to nothing.  Work for it.  Good thing is, your efforts will pay off.
• Accept Jesus as your Savior and Lord, follow His commands, and you will have eternal life.  Your body may die, but you never will.

Proverbs 11

Proverbs 11:1-31

A false balance is an abomination to the Lord,

 but a just weight is his delight.

• No cheating – not for any reason.  Even if it’s seemingly for “good” reasons, it will come back to bite you, or bite someone.  God knows this and commands us to be fair, acting with integrity.

 When pride comes, then comes disgrace,

but with the humble is wisdom.

• "Pride comes before a fall” … You’ve likely heard that one.  
• Even if you have something to be proud of (especially if you do), humility shows wisdom.  Pride shows ignorance.
• As mentioned in other studies, this is not a “pride” you feel in your kids, or in a job well done.  It’s a giving of credit to yourself, or use of something to show you are somehow “superior”.  That’s the pride God hates.

 The integrity of the upright guides them,

 but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.

• Mark Twain said, “If you always tell the truth, you never have to remember anything.”  Act with integrity in all situations.   It will make life much easier overall.
• I remember a young boy who took an orange from the fridge and would NOT admit he took it.  He even blamed it on his sister.  The hole kept getting deeper and deeper until there was no way out.  If he’d just admitted he took the orange, the damage would have been minimal.  But, by adding a lie – even a small one – he made the situation exponentially worse.  

 Riches do not profit in the day of wrath,

 but righteousness delivers from death.

 The righteousness of the blameless keeps his way straight,

but the wicked falls by his own wickedness.

 The righteousness of the upright delivers them,

but the treacherous are taken captive by their lust.

• Rich and powerful here on Earth?  So what?  That means nothing to God.  In fact, it may mean the opposite.  You can not have two gods – you can only SERVE one.  
• Being righteous (honestly trying your best to follow His commandments) and believing in the Way, the Truth and the Life, will deliver you from spiritual, eternal death.
• Taking God’s commands into our hearts "delivers us from evil” as we pray in the Lord’s Prayer.  We must know this and remind ourselves of this often or we’ll be swept away by the lies and temptations of this world.  Even Mother Theresa was a sinner – if this applies to her, it applies to me, for sure.

 When the wicked dies, his hope will perish,

and the expectation of wealth perishes too.

• All things of this world fade.  Just like us, it rusts, depreciates, is eaten by moths, etc.  It will not last.  
• Only hope lasts – and that hope is in Jesus.

 The righteous is delivered from trouble,

and the wicked walks into it instead.

• If you don’t know what to avoid, you’ll walk right into the traps of this world.  
• Righteousness starts with knowledge – we must study.

 With his mouth the godless man would destroy his neighbor,

but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.

• Words are powerful.  Words from a fool, spewing nonsense, are not without impact.  Someone will be hurt, even destroyed

 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices,

and when the wicked perish there are shouts of gladness.

 By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted,

but by the mouth of the wicked it is overthrown.

• Ever have that gross feeling of being glad when something horrible happens to a horrible person?  Doesn’t feel Christian, but it’s normal human nature.  
• We like the good guy to win and the bad guy to fall.  
• Put good leadership in place, with a good heart for God, and a city will thrive.  
• A city lead by a wicked, earthly person will fall in some way – financially, morally, or actually in war.

 Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense,

but a man of understanding remains silent.

 Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets,

but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.

• Do you really think you look better when deprecating someone else?  Quite the opposite - you look like a catty, jerk.
• If you are not building someone up with your words, keep your mouth shut.  
• By slandering someone else, you’re really telling people about YOUR nature.  You can not be trusted, for sure.
• Keep secrets if asked, or no more secrets will be shared with you.

 Where there is no guidance, a people falls,

 but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.

• "No man is an island.”  I work with some guys that believe they can exist as an island.  This is just pride and subsequent ego.
• We should always be open to help, constructive criticism.  This shows humility, and people want to help those who are humble.  
• And the more advice you have, the bigger your data set, the better (and safer) your decisions.

 Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer harm,

but he who hates striking hands in pledge is secure.

• A repeat Truth from God.  Don’t put up security (vouch) for someone else.  You do not have control over them – and you don’t know who DOES have control over them.
• Best to avoid this completely.

 A gracious woman gets honor,

and violent men get riches.

 A man who is kind benefits himself,

but a cruel man hurts himself.

• “Violent men get riches” - need to look this up.  It’s true that violent men may get temporary “riches”, but they will pay for it in the end.  
• People appreciate a woman of grace, always looking to serve.  They are treated with honor, for good reason.
• Being kind, truly kind with no expectation of reciprocity, ends up helping you.  We should give kindness in all situations, even to our enemies.  God promises this will benefit you in some way.
• Men who are cruel (like the violent man) end up hurting their reputation … how they are perceived and subsequently trusted, etc.  He’s only hurting himself.  

 The wicked earns deceptive wages,

but one who sows righteousness gets a sure reward.

 Whoever is steadfast in righteousness will live,

but he who pursues evil will die.

 Those of crooked heart are an abomination to the Lord,

but those of blameless ways are his delight.

• Do the right thing, even when the right thing means someone else gets ahead by doing something unethical or evil.  Ignore them and do your thing.  Persist regardless of the situation or environment.
• Just know that God will take care of the “inequities” in the end.  He will favor those who follow His commands.  The last shall be first, and the first shall be last.  The meek shall inherit the earth.  

 Be assured, an evil person will not go unpunished,

but the offspring of the righteous will be delivered.

• Nobody “gets away with it”.  It may not be immediate, or in this lifetime, but payment will come.

 Like a gold ring in a pig's snout

is a beautiful woman without discretion.

 The desire of the righteous ends only in good;

 the expectation of the wicked in wrath.

• I’ve talked to some people of certain denominations that think – once Jesus came – that God was no longer a wrathful, jealous God.  God does not change.  We do.  
• God’s wrath will come down on sinner’s who have not accepted the free gift that is God’s grace through Jesus Christ.  This is a tough reality, but it IS reality.

 One gives freely, yet grows all the richer;

another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.

• DO NOT withhold if it is in your power to give!  Shout this to yourself!  This is a repeated command throughout scripture.  
• Give and God will provide.  Show your lack of trust in God by withholding from others and you will lose.

 Whoever brings blessing will be enriched,

and one who waters will himself be watered.

 The people curse him who holds back grain,

but a blessing is on the head of him who sells it.

 Whoever diligently seeks good seeks favor,

but evil comes to him who searches for it.

 Whoever trusts in his riches will fall,

but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.

 Whoever troubles his own household will inherit the wind,

and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.

 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,

and whoever captures souls is wise.

• Bless, water … give and you will receive.  What will you receive?  What you really need, not necessarily what you think you need.
• Share the wealth.  This is our personal responsibility.  Nothing you have is from you.  It all came as a blessing from God.  Give what has been given to you.
• Looking for trouble?  You’ll find it.  Seeking out evil things, you’ll find them.
• Trusting in your bank account for security?  Don’t count on it.  It can all vanish in a moment.
• How does one “capture souls”?  By telling the good news.  You may be the ONLY way someone hears the gospel and knows about Jesus.  By planting a seed with someone, you are helping to capture their soul for their Creator and their Lord and eventual Savior.

 If the righteous is repaid on earth,

how much more the wicked and the sinner.

• We will all be “repaid” - it will either be good or bad payment, though.

Proverbs 10

Proverbs 10:1-32  The Proverbs of King Solomon

 A wise son makes a glad father,

 but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.

• What can be worse than seeing that your son – who likely reflects you for the most part – is not wise?  It’s like a big banner that says, “Way to mess up the parenthood thing, brother.”
• Conversely, when the son shows he has wisdom, the father is proud (the good kind of pride).  
• I think of relatives and friends with kids who have to deal with the aftermath of lax parenting.  You can see the regret in their eyes when they talk about their grown “children”.  There is definitely sorrow there.

 Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit,

 but righteousness delivers from death.

• No profit in the real sense.  What does it gain a man to have the whole world but lose his soul?
• Short term gain from cheating, stealing … even in the smallest “no big deal” ways is wrong and there will be retribution.  No profit certainly.
• Choosing always to do right, based on what God says is right, is the way to life and to gain.  

 The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry,

 but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.

• God gives His children what they need.  He feeds the sparrows who don’t save anything up.  How much more does He love you?  But don’t confuse this.  The Psalmist even asks God to not give him any more than he needs, so he does not forget that he NEEDS God.  Then he asks Him not to give him less than what he needs so that he doesn’t steal and displease God.  
• And Solomon is not just talking about food here.  He’s talking about physical nourishment, sure, but he’s also talking about spiritual and psychological nourishment, too.  God will give it to us if we just believe in our hearts.
• "God thwarts the cravings of the wicked” is a tricky one to understand.  First question is, what do the wicked want.  The answer is, they want the same thing ultimately that we want.  They just keep trying to find it in other places that fade, that die, that spoil.  He allows the wicked to do wicked things:  sexual immorality, theft, drugs … but none of them feed them like God does.  He is letting His children make the mistakes they need to make to realize that they need Him alone.  His mind is above our minds.

 A slack hand causes poverty,

 but the hand of the diligent makes rich.

 He who gathers in summer is a prudent son,

but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame.

• Forget about money for a minute.  What feels better than a job well done.  Knowing that you worked really hard?  Is that not the real wealth?  
• I’ve gone through cycles in my life and working really hard and feeling great, then not working hard and feeling its effects.  Both feed upon themselves – working hard makes you want to work hard some more.  Being lazy makes you want to be lazy some more.  Strange how that is.  One is like a rocket shooting you upward.  The other is like a death spiral.  Not to generalize, but I imagine that is why you sometimes see such disparity in the amount of success or money there is in society.  It takes diligence.  Hoover said, “Opportunity is missed by most because it’s dressed in overalls and looks like hard work."

 Blessings are on the head of the righteous,

but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.

 The memory of the righteous is a blessing,

but the name of the wicked will rot.

• God blesses those who just listen to His instruction and follow suit.  
• The mouth (=head) of wicked people is always filled with violent thoughts.  They conceal that, of course, but it will come out sooner or later.  
• People remember those who are good according to God’s measuring stick of good and bad.  Their names live on.
• The memory of those who were wicked rots away.  We may remember their actions and the impact of those actions, though, so that we try not to repeat them.  

 The wise of heart will receive commandments,

but a babbling fool will come to ruin.

• Truly wise people – those with wisdom in their hearts, not just in their minds – are always open to improving.  They know that they are not perfect and can always gain from other perspectives, or at least strengthen their resolve.
• But those who are just spewing nonsense based on their own ignorant opinion, but nothing much more, will get no where.  They will be ruined.

 Whoever walks in integrity walks securely,

but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.

• Follow the path – the flat, even, well-lit path – and you will be safe and secure.
• Go off-road and you get what you deserve, dummy.

 Whoever winks the eye causes trouble,

and a babbling fool will come to ruin.

• The guy who winks is usually up to something subversive – no good.  Even winking after saying something good usually communicates a message of superiority:  “I know – therefore I am better.”
• I am the worst at this, but I tease often.  I’m also kind, so most understand that I’m kidding and take it well.  But I’ve seen my own kids mimic this, but do it in mean ways.  I have to correct it, but it’s hard to correct when I do it myself.  First I need to correct it in myself.

 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,

but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.

 Hatred stirs up strife,

but love covers all offenses.

• Sit and talk to someone who REALLY knows and lives the Bible sometime.  It really is like a fountain of life flowing from them.  That is why you feel so energized after you listen to a sermon.  It’s like spiritual fuel from a fountain.
• Hatred does nothing good.  It is a flawed human emotion.  We must forgive, not judge, not think of ourselves as better.  All of these things are hatred.  And we must not hate ourselves either – we were created in His image.  God don’t make no junk.
• Love (twu wuv), allows for forgiveness, patience, understanding.  It washes away the past.  God’s greatest act of love provided grace to us, the ones who offended Him.

 On the lips of him who has understanding, wisdom is found,

but a rod is for the back of him who lacks sense.

 The wise lay up knowledge,

but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near.

• When we seek to understand, we find wisdom.  
• Those who just don’t "get it" end up hurt in some way.  Not physically necessarily, but in some way.  Think back to the crooked path above – they will stumble by going off road.

 A rich man's wealth is his strong city;

the poverty of the poor is their ruin.

• Solomon is discussing the results of diligence and hard work.  Leveraging wisdom has its advantages in this world, too.  
• Not working very hard, acting like an idiot … this will end in spiritual and potentially worldly poverty.

 The wage of the righteous leads to life,

the gain of the wicked to sin.

• Paul said, "None is righteous – not one.”  We can only be righteous through Christ.  Through faith in Him.  And with him, our gain (our wage) is life eternal.
• The wicked sin and – without Christ – the wages of sin is death.  Spiritual death.  

 Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life,

but he who rejects reproof leads others astray.

• Listen to – and apply – God’s instruction.  That is the straight and narrow path to eternity with Him.
• The problem with a drowning guy is, they pull everyone around them down with them.  This is like the guy who rejects good advice from God.  He not only hurts himself, but he convinces others to do the same.

 The one who conceals hatred has lying lips,

and whoever utters slander is a fool.

• Communication is key.  Don’t clench your teeth and say everything is “fine”.  This helps no one – especially not the teeth clencher.  
• Those who make others look bad – idiots.  They sometimes do this to make themselves look better, but it does the opposite.

 When words are many, transgression is not lacking,

 but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.

• "Better to remain silent and appear a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.”
• Quit while you’re ahead.  Restrain yourself.  Show prudence in communication.

 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver;

the heart of the wicked is of little worth.

 The lips of the righteous feed many,

but fools die for lack of sense.

• It’s amazing the wisdom that comes from those who’ve chosen to live a noble life of integrity.  Every word they utter is worth a million bucks.  They are a fountain of life.
• He has a good heart?  Actions speak the condition of the heart.  So, “he means well” usually is not true.  If he meant well, he would act well.
• The words of a righteous man help exponentially.  They have a ripple effect.  Not just for those that hear HIM, but those who hear those who heard HIM … and so on.  

 The blessing of the Lord makes rich,

and he adds no sorrow with it.

 Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool,

but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.

• You see this all the time.  A bully trips another kid and he thinks it’s hilarious.  All this is … pride.  I’m better than that guy.  Look at him on the ground.  I – the better guy – made him fall.  This is pitiful.
• Read or hear wisdom – it feels good.  It fills you.  

 What the wicked dreads will come upon him,

but the desire of the righteous will be granted.

 When the tempest passes, the wicked is no more,

but the righteous is established forever.

• What the righteous desires is generally … well, righteous.  Anything prayed according to God’s plan will be granted.  
• The wicked, on the other hand, know what they are doing is wrong, they dread they will be punished, and that is because they know that they WILL be punished.
• When death comes, the wicked go to hell.  They are no more to God.  
• But those who believe in Him and live out the plan He has for them, they are given a place in heaven with Him.

 Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes,

so is the sluggard to those who send him.

• Carol just dealt with this last week.  A lazy son of a friend just couldn’t get off his sluggard behind to  paint Carol’s second bedroom as he said he would.  Now, his laziness is threatening her friendship with the sluggard’s Mom.  How does she now communicate to he friend that her son is a lazy guy.  If she does, her friend may take offense.  If she doesn’t, that will linger.  It’s like smoke to the eyes.  Leaves a bad taste in the mouth.

 The fear of the Lord prolongs life,

 but the years of the wicked will be short.

 The hope of the righteous brings joy,

 but the expectation of the wicked will perish.

• Reverence for the Lord gives you comfort and joy – making life enjoyable, not burdensome.  "My yoke is light.”
• The hope shining from believers has a positive affect on many, not just the believer.  All she comes in contact with benefit.
• Before the wicked person knows it, life will be over.  They will have wasted their lives on stuff that does not fill, does not give life. 

 The way of the Lord is a stronghold to the blameless,

but destruction to evildoers.

 The righteous will never be removed,

but the wicked will not dwell in the land.

• God’s truth is like a lighthouse in the storm.  Something steady to hold on to.  They will remain in His presence as long as they hold on.
• Likewise, those who don’t “hang on” - or even seek the lighthouse – will be tossed about in the waves and be swept away.

 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom,

but the perverse tongue will be cut off.

 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable,

but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse.

• Only the righteous and wise know the true “right and wrong” … And they choose to do right, because they know that God loves them and would not lead them astray.
• The wicked trust only themselves and their thoughts and feelings – so they speak the nonsense they’ve built in their heads.  This is perverse to God and to those who know better.

Proverbs 9

Proverbs 9:1-18

Wisdom has built her house;

she has hewn her seven pillars.

 She has slaughtered her beasts; she has mixed her wine;

she has also set her table.

• "Why is wisdom a she?”, you might ask.  Well, it’s not to be taken literally, just like many areas within the bible.  It is poetic.  Wisdom is not literally a woman who prepares a banquet; wisdom is an intangible quality, even though Proverbs seems to describe it as if it were an actual person.  The grammatical necessity of using “she” was not necessarily driven by any intrinsic femininity within wisdom. As such, men should not be insulted nor women puffed-up at its reading.
• Wisdom is ready to answer any question.  God’s wisdom it prepared.

 She has sent out her young women to call

from the highest places in the town,

 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”

 To him who lacks sense she says,

 “Come, eat of my bread

and drink of the wine I have mixed.

 Leave your simple ways, and live,

 and walk in the way of insight.”

• And she is not just sitting and waiting for you to come to her.  She is pressing herself onto the people.  Wisdom shouts out to be told.
• Consume wisdom – let it fill you.  We are all “simple” and “lack sense” in some ways.  Equally, we get dull and forget wisdom if not “sharpening” ourselves often.  Just like your body must eat often to keep fueled and ready for what is must face, so does your spirit and your mind.  
• Wisdom is Mind-Food.  Yeah, I just made that up.  You’re welcome.

 Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse,

and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury.

 Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you;

 reprove a wise man, and he will love you.

• Scoffers aren’t to be taken seriously.  Don’t waste your time.  They aren’t looking for a logical, reasonable conversation.  They are just looking to smirk and arrogant in their ignorance.
• Imagine speaking the gospel to Bill Maher.  Oy.  Wasted breath.  He needs to be broken, humbled before he will hear wisdom.
• But convey wisdom, even through correction, and he will appreciate it.  Do you appreciate it when you are corrected in your understanding of God’s wisdom?  Might tell you if you are wise, or a scoffer.

 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser;

teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.

• A wise man knows he is not all-knowing.  Only one is all-knowing and that is God.  So, he will always receive and absorb more wisdom, making him even wiser.

 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,

and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

• Before you can receive wisdom, you must fear the Lord.  As discussed in previous Chapters, fear means to revere, to understand fully that He is great and we are not.
• With that understanding – that we have nothing good to learn unless it is from God – we can receive insight.  If we are arrogant, thinking we know better, we will not grow in understanding or wisdom.

 For by me your days will be multiplied,

and years will be added to your life.

• With wisdom, your days will be fuller.  
• Will you live longer here on Earth?  Maybe, maybe not.  But remember that life has two meanings:  Earthly and Heavenly life.  

 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself;

if you scoff, you alone will bear it.

• Your wisdom will help you to grow.
• If you scoff, it’s to your own downfall.

 The woman Folly is loud;

she is seductive and knows nothing.

 She sits at the door of her house;

she takes a seat on the highest places of the town,

 calling to those who pass by,

who are going straight on their way,

 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”

And to him who lacks sense she says,

 “Stolen water is sweet,

and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”

 But he does not know that the dead are there,

that her guests are in the depths of Sheol

• Folly means “things fools do”.
• It’s tempting to be an idiot.  Being wise and responsible takes work.  It’s much more fun to be simple.  Ignorance is bliss, right?
• Ever notice the biggest idiots always seem to have the most to say?  They shout out at those who are wise and are doing things the right way.
• Sometimes people do bad things simply because they are bad.  Foolishness, but it’s human nature.  Your own water – good.  Water taken from someone else – somehow better.  But it’s foolishness.
• And this foolishness is the path to spiritual death.  

Proverbs 8

Proverbs 8:1-26

Does not wisdom call?

Does not understanding raise her voice?

• Wisdom has a ring to it.  You know it when you hear it.  
• And that wisdom is calling out to you and to me.  
• Understanding is screaming out to us.  “Hear me and understand!"

 On the heights beside the way,

at the crossroads she takes her stand;

 beside the gates in front of the town,

at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud:

 “To you, O men, I call,

and my cry is to the children of man.

 O simple ones, learn prudence;

O fools, learn sense.

• Have to stop here.  “Simple ones” - not a complement.  Translation:  “Hey idiot, use some common sense, alright?”
• To the youth who are being pulled away by this world:  “Don’t listen to them.  Listen to me!”  
• The wisdom and understanding is everywhere if you’d just stop and look!

 Hear, for I will speak noble things,

and from my lips will come what is right,

 for my mouth will utter truth;

wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

• Listen and learn:  This is the good stuff.  It’s the truth you need to hear and absorb.
• I – wisdom – will never lead you astray with falsehood.  It’s against my nature.  

 All the words of my mouth are righteous;

there is nothing twisted or crooked in them.

 They are all straight to him who understands,

and right to those who find knowledge.

• Interesting.  To those who understand – those who have faith in God – the words are straight.  So that inherently means that the words are NOT understood by nonbelievers.  
• Some say, “Seeing is believing.”  But with many things, like faith in God, “You first have to believe to see clearly.”
• True wisdom is righteous (perfect) - no imperfections.

 Take my instruction instead of silver,

and knowledge rather than choice gold,

 for wisdom is better than jewels,

and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.

• A fool and his gold are soon parted.  
• You want true success?  True wealth?  True “jewels”?  Listen to the Master’s instruction, gain knowledge and become wise – wisdom through Him.
• Nothing compares to the value of God’s Truth.

 “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence,

and I find knowledge and discretion.

• Prudence = discernment.  Give, but be prudent.  Don’t give knowing you’re likely being taken.  Discern – use wisdom WITH prudence.
• Knowledge comes along with discretion.  The idiot yells out his opinions that show how un-knowledgeable he actually is.

 The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil.

 Pride and arrogance and the way of evil

and perverted speech I hate.

• Fear = reverence, awe, ultimate respect and admiration.  And if we really fear Him (revere Him) we will hate evil as He does.
• Pride, I think, is the root of most of what is wrong with this world today.   Egos, arrogance … me, me, me.  If everyone humbled themselves and thought about others – if EVERYONE just did that – we would ALL be taken care of by someone else!
• God hates perverted speech.  Synonyms for “perverted”:  unnatural, deviant, warped, corrupt, twisted, unhealthy, depraved, perverse, immoral, debased, degenerate, evil, wicked, vile, wrong, bad
• Swearing:  God hates it.  Inappropriate sexual innuendoes:  God hates them.  Any speech causing another to stumble.  God hates it.

 I have counsel and sound wisdom;

I have insight; I have strength.

 By me kings reign,

and rulers decree what is just;

 by me princes rule,

and nobles, all who govern justly.

• We must not just “read the Bible”.  We must seek all answers from it.  It has all the answers – period.  If and when we seek those answers sincerely, we will receive solid counsel … perfect wisdom.
• Good leaders are loved and love, are just, and lead in a just way by seeking this wisdom from the Source of all wisdom.  

 I love those who love me,

and those who seek me diligently find me.

• Seek wisdom and you will find it in God’s word.  No doubt.

 Riches and honor are with me,

 enduring wealth and righteousness.

 My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold,

and my yield than choice silver.

 I walk in the way of righteousness,

in the paths of justice,

 granting an inheritance to those who love me,

and filling their treasuries.

• Again, God is repeating Himself here.  Extra important to pay attention to this.  
• Nothing is more valuable than God’s wisdom.  Nothing.
• You will have a rich and full life if you just trust Him, seek to understand Him, seek Him always.

 “The Lord possessed me at the beginning of his work,

the first of his acts of old.

 Ages ago I was set up,

at the first, before the beginning of the earth.

 When there were no depths I was brought forth,

when there were no springs abounding with water.

 Before the mountains had been shaped,

 before the hills, I was brought forth,

 before he had made the earth with its fields,

or the first of the dust of the world.

 When he established the heavens, I was there;

when he drew a circle on the face of the deep,

 when he made firm the skies above,

when he established the fountains of the deep,

 when he assigned to the sea its limit,

so that the waters might not transgress his command,

when he marked out the foundations of the earth,

 then I was beside him, like a master workman,

and I was daily his delight,

rejoicing before him always,

 rejoicing in his inhabited world

and delighting in the children of man.

• Before all time, space, anything … there was God’s perfect wisdom.  And, as John 1:1 says, “In the beginning there was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
• In summary, all that Jesus taught and all that He was and is, constitutes wisdom.  Jesus is the Word.  The Word is wisdom.

 “And now, O sons, listen to me:

 blessed are those who keep my ways.

 Hear instruction and be wise,

and do not neglect it.

 Blessed is the one who listens to me,

watching daily at my gates,

waiting beside my doors.

 For whoever finds me finds life

and obtains favor from the Lord,

 but he who fails to find me injures himself;

all who hate me love death.

• Whoever finds wisdom finds LIFE.  Wow.  Whoever simply loves God, listens to Him, gains wisdom from Him, trusts Him – gains everything they need.
• Equally, there is bad news for those who do not.  While our human minds want to believe that God would have mercy on those who don’t, He only does if they accept the free gift.  If not, He is – as scripture says – a fair and just judge.  The most just.  That means a payment must be made to offset the sin.  You can pay, or you can accept Jesus’ offer to pay for you.  Simple as that.