A Bit of Proverbs
Plans succeed through good counsel;
don’t go to war without wise advice.
- Proverbs 20:18
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A gossip goes around telling secrets,
so don’t hang around with chatterers.
- Proverbs 20:19
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The LORD detests double standards;
he is not pleased by dishonest scales.
- Proverbs 20:23
“Dishonest scales” refers to the loaded scales a merchant might use in order to cheat customers. Dishonesty is a difficult sin to avoid. It is easy to cheat if we think no one is looking. But dishonesty affects the very core of a person. It makes him untrustworthy and untrusting. It eventually makes him unable to know himself or relate to others. Don’t’ take dishonesty lightly. Even the smallest portion of dishonesty contains enough of the poison of deceit to kill your spiritual life. If there is any dishonesty in your life, tell God about it now.
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Don’t trap yourself by making a rash promise to God
and only later counting the cost.
- Proverbs 20:25
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People may be right in their own eyes,
but the LORD examines their heart.
- Proverbs 21:2
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If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded become wise;
if you instruct the wise, they will be all the wiser.
The Righteous One knows what is going on in the homes of the wicked;
he will bring disaster on them.
- Proverbs 21:11, 12
It is usually better to learn from the mistakes of others than from our own. We can do this by listening to their advice. Take counsel from others instead of plunging ahead and learning the hard way.
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Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor
will be ignored in their own time of need.
- Proverbs 21:13
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The wise have wealth and luxury,
but fools spend whatever they get.
- Proverbs 21:20
This proverb is about saving for the future. Easy credit has many people living on the edge of bankruptcy. The desire to keep up appearances and to accumulate more drives them to spend every penny they earn, and they stretch their credit to the limit. But anyone who spends all he has is spending more than he can afford. A wise person puts money aside for hard times. God approves of foresight and restraint. God’s people need to examine their life-styles to see whether their spending is God-pleasing or merely self-pleasing.
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Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut,
and you will stay out of trouble.
- Proverbs 21:23
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The horse is prepared for the day of battle,
but the victory belongs to the LORD.
- Proverbs 21:31
This proverb refers to preparing for battle. All our preparation for any task is useless without God. But even with God’s help we must still do our part and prepare. His control of the outcome does not negate our responsibilities. God may want you to produce a great book, but you must learn to write. God may want to use you in foreign missions, but you must learn the language. God will accomplish his purposes, and he will be able to use you if you have done your part by being well prepared.
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Choose a good reputation over great riches;
being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.
- Proverbs 22:1
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Direct your children onto the right path,
and when they are older, they will not leave it.
- Proverbs 22:6
Many parents want to make all the choices for their child, but this hurts him or her in the long run. When parents teach a child how to make decisions, they don’t have to watch every step he or she takes. They know their children will remain on the right path because they have made the choice themselves. Train your children to choose the right way.
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Blessed are those who are generous,
because they feed the poor.
- Proverbs 22:9
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