Proverbs Reader
You could use a bit of wisdom today couldn’t you? Take a hint from these bits from the Bible’s Proverbs. If the shoe fits…
“The beginning of wisdom is: acquire wisdom” (4:7). Reminds me of Barney Fife. “Here at the Rock we have two rules. Rule number one: obey all rules!” It’s wise to seek wisdom. How? “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (9:10).
“Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will also be like him” (26:4). If you argue with an “information-deprived” person, others can’t tell the difference between the two of you.
Know when to keep your mouth shut. “Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is considered prudent” (17:28).
On seduction: “With her flattering lips she seduces him. Suddenly he follows her as an ox goes to the slaughter” (7:21-22). People and thoughts will tempt you with things that do not turn out well. Then there’s this: “The ways of a man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He watches all his paths” (5:21).
How to mar beauty: “As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout so is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion” (11:22). On the other hand, here is true beauty: “Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised” (31:30).
Which is better, love or steak? “Better is a dish of vegetables where love is than a fattened ox served with hatred” (15:17). “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (17:17). Brothers are meant to show love in adversity, not cause it!
Manage your relationships. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (15:1). It helps to manage your own anger. “A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but the slow to anger calms a dispute” (15:18).
This is funny: “The sluggard says, ‘There is a lion in the road!’ ” (26:13). For some, there’s always a reason they can’t show up or finish the task. Successful people find ways to get stuff done.
“He who has God and everything else,” C. S. Lewis wrote, “has no more than he who has God only.” You can’t take it with you, right? “Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and turmoil with it” (15:16).
The best proverbs offer reasons to believe. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (3:5-6).
If the shoe fits wear it, and walk on the wise, straight paths.
