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Content - Proverbs by Greg Clements
This document was started in January 2025 —last edit 5/24/2025
Copyright 2025 by Greg Clements
This document has my summary or paraphrase of the Bible book of Proverbs in roughly two to three sections per chapter. This document should, in no way, replace your own reading of the Bible. You should read the Bible to get more of the original meaning and to get context.
References that I may use in this document are listed below:
The Bible Project Introductory Video on Proverbs: https://app.rightnowmedia.org/en/interactive-content/527827/player/31ad145c-ace2-4333-bcf8-bb3c0764c2e0/cd47df8a-9f16-4a4d-abd6-ed8da0b0e40e
NET (NET) Bible. THE NET BIBLE, NEW ENGLISH TRANSLATION, COPYRIGHT © 1996 BY BIBLICAL STUDIES PRESS, L.L.C. This Bible is a free download from www.bible.org. The First edition without notes is free from https://netbible.com/download. The second edition with notes is $4.95 download as of 2018. The NET 2nd edition can be read online for no cost at https://netbible.org/bible/Romans+1 (starts at Romans Chapter 1).
I wrote my “paraphrase” after reading the NET Bible verses.
All of the cross-reference verses inside quotes after each section are from the online NET.
(AMP) Amplified Bible (at biblegateway.com 1 Corinthians 1 AMP - Appeal to Unity - Paul, called as an - Bible Gateway )
(ESV) ESV Study Bible 2007 Crossway Bibles (I summarized part of the ESV Introduction to Proverbs.)
(QUEST) The Quest Study Bible 1983 Zondervan(I summarized part of the QUEST Introduction to Proverbs.)
Some of the Bible studies I create are posted on www.gpclements.com.
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QUEST — Proverbs was written to the Israelites and has good instruction for young adults (and older adults…glc). Solomon was king in the 10th century B.C. Many sections of Proverbs were compiled and edited around 700 B.C. A proverb is a truth given in a few words in a memorable style. Take note of the outcome for those who follow God’s ways and those who do not.
ESV -– Solomon was king of Israel from around 971 B.C. to 931 B.C. He wrote and collected the writings that became the book of Proverbs (Prov 1:1 and 10:1). 1 Kings 4:29-34 comments on Solomon’s wisdom. Proverbs 1:1-7 gives the goal of the book - to give wisdom to God’s people. This wisdom has a proper respect and reverent fear of God as a foundation. This wisdom has practical applications in human life. Proverbs focuses on how a person who is in a true relationship with God should live and think. The word for “wisdom” in Proverbs carries the meaning of “skill”, such as skill in choosing the right behavior and “skill in the art of godly living.” Character Types in Proverbs 1) The wise person commits to God’s covenant and has learned the skill of living consistent with God’s covenant (Prov 2:2). 2) The fool rejects God’s covenant and causes grief, but they are not beyond hope (Prov 8:5). 3) The simple is a person not committed to wisdom or folly and is easily misled (Prov 14:15). This person is not working to gain wisdom.
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The Bible Project has an illustrated video about Proverbs. If your church has a subscription to RightNow Media, go to that website and search for “How to Read Proverbs.” OR, go to YouTube and search for “How to Read Proverbs.” The video runs for about 8 minutes. Here is a sample of some of the content of this video: Chapters 1-9 give an introduction to Proverbs. Solomon collected wisdom literature. He did not write all that is in Proverbs. Wisdom should be thought of as a skill and applied knowledge. Proverbs will help you develop a lifestyle that will help you live well in the world. The book will help you develop a reverent fear, and awe, of God, as you live humbly before God. The proverbs do not guarantee outcomes, but they describe what usually happens. Proverbs ends with the words of a woman (to her son) who follows God’s wisdom and applies it to decisions in everyday life.
Insights from the NET and its footnotes influenced my writing past this point
—--==============================----Prov 1:1 - 6 (glc thoughts)
v1 Solomon (and others) gathered these proverbs v2 to provide wisdom (NET… moral skill that produces something of value) and v3 moral instruction so the reader gains the capability to discern, or evaluate properly, words such as are found in the book of Proverbs. The readers will be given guidance for living in a good and thoughtful way, will grow in righteous thinking and behavior, will grow in making decisions and having actions that align with God’s principles, and will be guided into keeping on a path in life that does not deviate from God’s principles. v4 The proverbs will help those who are inexperienced, and easily misled, to think more carefully about situations they encounter in life. v5 The proverbs are also useful to those who have a measure of godly wisdom as we all should be growing in the understanding and application of godly principles. v6 In life, you will encounter good advice that is not plainly presented but which requires you to spend time thinking about the message and unraveling its application to your life.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v2 – Deuteronomy 4:6” So be sure to do them, because this will testify of your wise understanding to the people who will learn of all these statutes and say, “Indeed, this great nation is a very wise people.” "(NET)
—--=========================--------Prov 1:7 - 9 (glc thoughts)
v7 Your thinking about God needs to include a proper respect, awe, and reverent fear of God. God is not to be ignored or put aside until a great need arises in your life. When your view and thinking about God give God the proper respect and consideration, you will more easily absorb the wisdom of Proverbs that will guide you into a better way of living. Those who think too highly of themselves mislead themselves and cause them to not accept God’s wisdom and instructions for godly living. v8 Your parents and your ancestors want what is best for you. Listen to their godly wisdom and wisdom they have gained from their life experiences. v9 Their words of wisdom will lead you into victory and celebrations in your life.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v7 – Psalm 111:10”To obey the Lord is the fundamental principle for wise living; all who carry out his precepts acquire good moral insight. He will receive praise forever. "(NET)
v8 – Exodus 20:12” “Honor your father and your mother, that you may live a long time in the land the Lord your God is giving to you. "(NET)
—--=========================---------Prov 1:10 - 19 (glc thoughts)
v10 Do not follow the words and plans of those who do not trust in God. v11,12,13,14,15 They may tell you they have a way to get easy money or other advantages if you join in with their plans v16,17,18,19 but they have plans that hurt people and their plans will result in the harm of themselves and you if you join with them.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
Judges 14:15” On the fourth day they said to Samson’s bride, “Trick your husband into giving the solution to the riddle. If you refuse, we will burn up you and your father’s family. Did you invite us here to make us poor?” "(NET)
1 Samuel 8:1-5” In his old age Samuel appointed his sons as judges over Israel. 2 The name of his firstborn son was Joel, and the name of his second son was Abijah. They were judges in Beer Sheba. 3 But his sons did not follow his ways. Instead, they made money dishonestly, accepted bribes, and perverted justice. 4 So all the elders of Israel gathered together and approached Samuel at Ramah. 5 They said to him, “Look, you are old, and your sons don’t follow your ways. So now appoint over us a king to lead us, just like all the other nations have.” "(NET)
v10 – Psalm 1:1”How blessed is the one who does not follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand in the pathway with sinners, or sit in the assembly of scoffers. "(NET)
Ephesians 5:11” Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but rather expose them."(NET)
v 19 – 1 Timothy 6:9,10” Those who long to be rich, however, stumble into temptation and a trap and many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evils. Some people in reaching for it have strayed from the faith and stabbed themselves with many pains. "(NET)
—==========================------- Proverbs 1:20 - 33 (glc thoughts)
v20,21,22 Listen to the call to seek godly wisdom. Don’t be like people who think they know better than God (those who don’t think carefully about important issues; those who are naive; those who ridicule the righteous and godly principles, those who are morally insensitive) and will not listen to godly wisdom. v23 You should pay attention to godly rebuke so you can receive godly wisdom from the Bible and from godly people. v24,25 There are consequences that naturally fall upon those who don’t accept godly wisdom. v26,27,28,29,30,31,32 If you have not cultivated a relationship with God you should not expect God’s immediate help when you are in trouble. (glc…you can repent and ask Jesus to forgive your sins, and thus restore your relationship to God, but your past choices will still have consequences. v33 You will go through troubles but when you have a relationship with Jesus, your future (on earth and for eternity) will be better.) Those who follow godly wisdom and principles will live with confidence and peace in their lives, even in a troubled world.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v23 – Ephesians 1:17-18” I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, will give you spiritual wisdom and revelation in your growing knowledge of him, 18 —since the eyes of your heart have been enlightened—so that you can know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints, "(NET)
v 24 — Isaiah 65:11,12” But as for you who abandon the Lord and forget about worshiping at my holy mountain, who prepare a feast for the god called ‘Fortune,’ and fill up wine jugs for the god called ‘Destiny’— 12 I predestine you to die by the sword, all of you will kneel down at the slaughtering block, because I called to you, and you did not respond; I spoke and you did not listen. You did evil before me; you chose to do what displeases me.” "(NET)
Isaiah 66:4 “So I will choose severe punishment for them; I will bring on them what they dread because I called, and no one responded. I spoke and they did not listen. They did evil before me; they chose to do what displeases me.” "(NET)
Jeremiah 7:13-15 “You also have done all these things, says the Lord, and I have spoken to you over and over again. But you have not listened! You have refused to respond when I called you to repent! 14 So I will destroy this temple that I have claimed as my own, this temple that you are trusting to protect you. I will destroy this place that I gave to you and your ancestors, just like I destroyed Shiloh. 15 And I will drive you out of my sight just like I drove out your relatives, the people of Israel.’ "(NET)
Zechariah 7:11-13 “ “But they refused to pay attention, turning away stubbornly and stopping their ears so they could not hear. 12 Indeed, they made their hearts as hard as diamond, so that they could not obey the law of Moses and the other words the Lord of Heaven’s Armies had sent by his Spirit through the former prophets. Therefore, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies poured out great wrath. "(NET)
v 28 — Job 27:8-10 “ For what hope does the godless have when he is cut off, when God takes away his life? 9 Does God listen to his crywhen distress overtakes him? 10 Will he find delight in the Almighty? Will he call out to God at all times? "(NET)
Job 35:12,13 “Then they cry out—but he does not answer— because of the arrogance of the wicked. 13 Surely it is an empty cry—God does not hear it; the Almighty does not take notice of it. "(NET)
Isaiah 1:15,16 “ When you spread out your hands in prayer, I look the other way; when you offer your many prayers, I do not listen because your hands are covered with blood. 16 Wash! Cleanse yourselves! Remove your sinful deeds from my sight. Stop sinning. "(NET)
Jeremiah 11:10-11 “They have gone back to the evil ways of their ancestors of old who refused to obey what I told them. They, too, have paid allegiance to other gods and worshiped them. Both the nation of Israel and the nation of Judah have violated the covenant I made with their ancestors. 11 So I, the Lord, say this: ‘I will soon bring disaster on them that they will not be able to escape! When they cry out to me for help, I will not listen to them. "(NET)
Micah 3:4”Someday these sinful leaders will cry to the Lord for help, but he will not answer them. He will hide his face from them at that time, because they have done such wicked deeds.” "(NET)
James 4:3” you ask and do not receive because you ask wrongly, so you can spend it on your passions. "(NET)
—-=========================------Proverbs 2:1-9 (glc thoughts)
v1 Listen to those who provide godly instruction. v2 Remember their commands by actively listening, by paying attention to godly wisdom, and by making a decision to direct your thinking towards being able to understand what is spoken. v3 If you put forth the effort to increase in discernment and understanding as you would v4 if you knew you were digging for a rich treasure of gold or jewels, v5 you will not only increase in your awe and reverent fear of God, but you will also gain knowledge about God that will help you live a life aligned to godly principles. v6 God gives wisdom today as he has in the past, and his words bring knowledge and understanding. v7 God has a supply of good advice for those who seek to live a godly life and will give protection for those who live with integrity. v8 God will provide protection for the daily activities and choices of those who seek to follow godly principles. v9 Those who do this will be able to discern righteousness and justice and being fair, in a godly way, to all.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v 8 – 1 Samuel 2:9”He watches over his holy ones, but the wicked are made speechless in the darkness, for it is not by one’s own strength that one prevails. "(NET)
Psalm 66:8,9”Praise our God, you nations. Loudly proclaim his praise. 9 He preserves our lives and does not allow our feet to slip. "(NET)
—-========================-----------Proverbs 2:10 - 22 (glc thoughts)
v10 When you do the good things listed in the previous paragraph, then godly wisdom will become part of your character and you will want to gain more godly moral guidance. v11 You will have the understanding to make godly choices that will keep you out of bad situations, bad ways of thinking, v12 and the bad influences of ungodly people who speak contrary to morality, wisdom, and the truth. v13 Those people have departed from the pattern of godly thinking and godly living and have chosen to live without godly, spiritual guidance. v14 They are excited and imagine themselves to be happy as they think and act in evil ways. v15 They follow twisted, immoral ways of reasoning and are deceptive and cunning. v16 Godly discretion and understanding will shield you from falling under the influence of an adulterous woman, who flatters you with her words, v17 but has left her husband and has dismissed her marriage vows, made before God, as irrelevant. v18 The adulterous woman has chosen to live where spiritual death reigns, and her lifestyle aligns with those who are spiritually dead. v19 Those who associate with her and align with her will not experience God’s joy and the fullness of His blessing. v20 Heed this warning and you will live in the pattern of godly people, and will keep on the godly way of living. v21 The godly people who live with integrity will continue to live the good life God has given to them. v22 But the wicked, unfaithful, ungodly people will be removed (in this life and, or, in eternal life).
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v13-15 – 1 Peter 2:25 “For you were going astray like sheep but now you have turned back to the shepherd and guardian of your souls. "(NET)
v15 – 1 Kings 21:25 ,26 “ (There had never been anyone like Ahab, who was firmly committed to doing evil in the sight of the Lord, urged on by his wife Jezebel. 26 He was so wicked he worshiped the disgusting idols, just as the Amorites whom the Lord had driven out from before the Israelites.) "(NET)
v16 – Exodus 20:14 ““You shall not commit adultery. "(NET)
Matthew 5:27,28 ““You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to desire her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. "(NET)
—========================== Proverbs 3:1 - 8 (glc thoughts)
v1 Do not forget godly teachings. Let my instructions influence your life decisions, v2 for this will help you have a life worth living and that has good experiences. v3 Let mercy and truth be alive in your heart and mind, such that they influence your life. v4 When this is the case, you will have favor and a good reputation with God and people. v5 Have a secure trust in God and don’t just follow your own way of thinking. v6 Submit to, and trust, God in every area of your life, and God will remove obstacles. v7 Do not think too highly of yourself. Reverently fear God and make your decisions to avoid evil. v8 If you do this, your health will improve and your inner life will improve.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v1 – Colossians 1:9,10 “For this reason we also, from the day we heard about you, have not ceased praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so that you may live worthily of the Lord and please him in all respects—bearing fruit in every good deed, growing in the knowledge of God,"(NET)
v 3 — Colossians 3:8-13 “ But now, put off all such things as anger, rage, malice, slander, abusive language from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another since you have put off the old man with its practices 10 and have been clothed with the new man that is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of the one who created it. 11 Here there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all and in all. 12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if someone happens to have a complaint against anyone else. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others. "(NET)
v 4 — Luke 2:52 “ And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and with people."(NET)
—==========================---------- Proverbs 3:9 - 12 (glc thoughts)
v9 Give God honor by giving to Christian organizations from your wealth and your income. v10 This attitude will have the consequence of increased wealth and income for you. Those who know that their efforts will be used to honor God will be more diligent than those who just use their efforts to please themselves. v11 Accept discipline from God and listen to His rebuke (that can come from spiritually mature Christians and from your reading the Bible). v12 God sends discipline to you because he loves you and wants you to improve your life and attitudes.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v 9 – Deuteronomy 18:3-5 (glc…for the Levites)”This shall be the priests’ fair allotment from the people who offer sacrifices, whether bull or sheep—they must give to the priest the shoulder, the jowls, and the stomach. 4 You must give them the best of your grain, new wine, and olive oil, as well as the best of your wool when you shear your flocks. 5 For the Lord your God has chosen them and their sons from all your tribes to stand and serve in his name permanently. "(NET)
Malachi 3:10 ““Bring the entire tithe into the storehouse so that there may be food in my temple. Test me in this matter,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “to see if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out blessing for you until there is no room for it all "(NET)
Luke 14:13,14 “But when you host an elaborate meal, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. 14 Then you will be blessed because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”"(NET)
v 10 – Deuteronomy 28:1-8” “If you indeed obey the Lord your God and are careful to observe all his commandments I am giving you today, the Lord your God will elevate you above all the nations of the earth. ….. 8 The Lord will decree blessing for you with respect to your barns and in everything you do—yes, he will bless you in the land he is giving you."(NET)
v 11 – Hebrews 12:5,6 “And have you forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as sons? “My son, do not scorn the Lord’s discipline or give up when he corrects you. 6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves and chastises every son he accepts.”"(NET)
Revelation 3:19 “ All those I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent! "(NET)
—==========================------- Proverbs 3:13 - 26 (glc thoughts)
v13 The person who has found godly wisdom and has understood God’s principles has an advantage. v14 Godly wisdom brings benefits more valuable than money v15 or jewels. Your human desires are less valuable than godly wisdom. v16 Being guided by godly wisdom will often lead to a longer, fuller, life. v17 Being guided by godly wisdom will often lead you to the more peaceful and pleasant way of life. v18 Accepting the guidance of godly wisdom leads to a life of vitality, fullness, and blessing. v19 Think about the wisdom and understanding used by God when creating the universe. v20 The third phase of creation(Genesis 1:9,10) involved the placement of oceans and the cycle of evaporation and rain. v21 Do not ignore godly wisdom and understanding, but rather, protect them and their influence on your life and thoughts. v22 They will make your soul well and identify you as a person who follows God. v23 The person who uses godly wisdom and understanding is not deeply troubled when worldly troubles come and is not defeated by obstacles that arise as they live. v24 When you align yourself with God’s principles, you don’t have to worry about possible troubles and you can have a restful, refreshing, sleep that is not interrupted by concerns. v25 Those who align their thoughts and actions with God’s principles do not live in fear of sudden disasters or destruction, v26 for God gives them confidence and protection that they will not be overwhelmed.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v 15 – Job 28:12-18 “ “But wisdom—where can it be found? Where is the place of understanding? 13 Mankind does not know its place; it cannot be found in the land of the living. …. 16 It cannot be measured out for purchase with the gold of Ophir, with precious onyx or sapphires…..18 Of coral and jasper no mention will be made; the price of wisdom is more than pearls. (NET) “
1 Timothy 4:8”For “physical exercise has some value, but godliness is valuable in every way. It holds promise for the present life and for the life to come.” "(NET)
v 19 – Colossians 1:15,16 “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation, 16 for all things in heaven and on earth were created in him—all things, whether visible or invisible, whether thrones or dominions, whether principalities or powers—all things were created through him and for him. "(NET)
—==========================------- Proverbs 3:27 - 35 (glc thoughts)
v27 Give help to those who need help when you have the capability to help them. v28 If someone asks you for help, don’t put them off when you could help them at that time. Value the needs of others as important. v29 Do not create schemes that would hurt your neighbor. Your neighbor should live near you with confidence and security. v30 Do not try to use the legal system against people unless there is a good cause. v31 Do not desire the lifestyle and surface-level attraction of a person who is violent or who treats others with disrespect. Don’t follow their example with your thoughts and actions. v32 The person who deviates from God’s principles is detestable to God, but God shares his thoughts and good advice to those who follow his principles. v33 God reluctantly brings ruin on people and nations who seek their own way and don’t follow God’s principles, but God gives the ability to succeed in earthly matters and builds up the spiritual relationship for those who follow God’s principles. v34 God is displeased and gives his scorn to those who have arrogant pride and scoff at him and people, but God has good intent and actions towards those who are humble. v35 Those who are wise and follow God’s principles will inherit honor, but fools who reject his wisdom will have earthly troubles that all will see.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v 27 – Galatians 6:10 “So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who belong to the family of faith. "(NET)
v 28 – Leviticus 19:13” You must not oppress your neighbor or commit robbery against your neighbor. You must not withhold the wages of the hired laborer overnight until morning. "(NET)
v 31 — Psalm 37:1-4”Do not fret when wicked men seem to succeed. Do not envy evil doers. 2 For they will quickly dry up like grass, and wither away like plants. 3 Trust in the Lord and do what is right. Settle in the land and maintain your integrity. 4 Then you will take delight in the Lord, and he will answer your prayers. "(NET)
Psalm 73:3-19 “For I envied those who are proud, as I observed the prosperity of the wicked. … 17 Then I entered the precincts of God’s temple and understood the destiny of the wicked. 18 Surely you put them in slippery places; you bring them down to ruin. 19 How desolate they become in a mere moment. Terrifying judgments make their demise complete "(NET)
v 32 – Psalm 25:14” The Lord’s loyal followers receive his guidance, and he reveals his covenantal demands to them. "(NET)
v 33 – Psalm 37:22,23” Surely those favored by the Lord will possess the land, but those rejected by him will be wiped out. 23 The Lord grants success to the one whose behavior he finds commendable. "(NET)
Zechariah 5:4 ““I will send it out,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “and it will enter the house of the thief and of the person who swears falsely in my name. It will land in the middle of his house and destroy both timber and stones.” "(NET)
Malachi 2:2 “ If you do not listen and take seriously the need to honor my name,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will send judgment on you and turn your blessings into curses—indeed, I have already done so because you are not taking it to heart. "(NET)
v 34 – James 4:6” But he gives greater grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but he gives grace to the humble.” "(NET)
1 Peter 5:5 “ In the same way, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. "(NET)
v 35 – Isaiah 32:6 “ For a fool speaks disgraceful things; his mind plans out sinful deeds. He commits godless deeds and says misleading things about the Lord; he gives the hungry nothing to satisfy their appetite and gives the thirsty nothing to drink. "(NET)
—==========================----------- Proverbs 4:1 - 13 (glc thoughts)
v1 Children should listen carefully to a parent’s instruction and guidance so they will come to know discernment and good patterns of thinking. v2 A good parent seeks to give good instruction, so don’t disregard their teachings. v3 Solomon was taught by David and cared for by his mother (glc…Bathsheba 1 Kings Chapter 11). v4 David taught Solomon and told him
“Let your heart lay hold of my words, keep my command so that you will live. v5 Acquire wisdom, Acquire Understanding; do not forget and do not turn aside from the words I speak. v6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will guard you. v7 Wisdom is supreme - so acquire wisdom, and whatever you acquire, acquire understanding. v8 Esteem her highly and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her. v9 She will place a fair garland on your head; she will bestow a beautiful crown on you. “
v10 Solomon admonished his child to listen and value his words so that the child would live a long life. v11 Solomon gave guidance about wisdom and led his child on good paths. The child who follows this guidance will live on a morally and practically straight path. v12 They will face fewer obstacles and can move through life easily and rapidly. v13 Keep a firm grip on instruction and value it, because it will help your life.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v 4 – 1 Chronicles 28:9”“And you, Solomon my son, obey the God of your father and serve him with a submissive attitude and a willing spirit, for the Lord examines all minds and understands every motive of one’s thoughts. If you seek him, he will let you find him, but if you abandon him, he will reject you permanently. "(NET)
Ephesians 6:4”Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but raise them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. "(NET)
v 7 – James 1:5”But if anyone is deficient in wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without reprimand, and it will be given to him. "(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 4:14 - 19 (glc thoughts)
v14 Don’t deviate from God’s principles. Don’t take part in the activities or participate in the plans of those who don’t follow God’s ways. v15 Make the decision to stay far from evil activities and don’t even begin to do evil activities. You may think you can stop at any time, but those activities can become addictive. v16 Those who don’t follow God’s principles are not satisfied unless they are causing trouble and making others get into trouble and sin. v17 Those who don’t follow God’s principles are energized and motivated by evil activities. v18 But the lives of those who follow God’s principles are filled with clear thinking and understanding, and they grow in their discernment, clear thinking, and understanding. v19 Those who don’t follow God’s principles live a life characterized by a lack of understanding of their true situation, and they have troubles because of this.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v 18 – 2 Samuel 23:3,4 “The God of Israel spoke, the Protector of Israel spoke to me. The one who rules fairly among men, the one who rules in the fear of God, 4 is like the light of morning when the sun comes up, a morning in which there are no clouds. He is like the brightness after rain that produces grass from the earth. "(NET)
Philippians 2:14-15 “ Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without blemish though you live in a crooked and perverse society, in which you shine as lights in the world "(NET)
v 19 – John 12:35,36 “ Jesus replied, “The light is with you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become sons of light.” When Jesus had said these things, he went away and hid himself from them. "(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 4:20 - 27 (glc thoughts)
v20 Listen to, and carefully consider, the guidance and instruction of your godly parents. v21 Let their guidance affect your thinking, and don’t forget what they tell you, v22 for their guidance can then help you in your life and even lead to a healthier life in body and spirit.v23 Carefully protect your inner life and way of thinking because your inner characteristics affect your life. v24 If you have drifted into the habit of speaking deceptively or promoting ungodly activities, stop this! v25 Focus your thinking on proper activities and godly principles, don’t look from side to side to consider other ways of thinking and living. v26 This will result in fewer obstacles for you in your life and a more secure and successful life. v27 Follow God’s principles (live in the “straight and narrow” way) and turn away from evil thoughts and actions. (glc…Living the “straight and narrow” life may seem on the surface to be an uninteresting life, but it is the lifestyle that has the better prospects for a long, fulfilled, and happy life. Jesus died as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Put your faith in Jesus and accept his forgiveness for sins. Then, live according to godly principles.)
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v23 – Psalm 37:30,31 “ The godly speak wise words and promote justice. 31 The law of their God controls their thinking; their feet do not slip. "(NET)
Psalm 40:8 “ I want to do what pleases you, my God. Your law dominates my thoughts.” "(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 5:1 - 14 (glc thoughts)
v1 Those who are younger, or who have not learned enough, should listen carefully to, and think about, Solomon’s wisdom and understanding v2 so that they will strengthen their ability to plan carefully, know how to carry out those plans, and speak from a resource of godly knowledge. v3 The words from an adulterous woman (or man) sound sweet and inviting, and her (or his) speech is easy to listen to and seductive, v4 but the result of following her (or his) speech is harm and destruction as is produced by a sword that is sharp on two edges. v5This woman (or man) has a lifestyle that leads them and others to death; her (or his) lifestyle leads them and others to the consequences of a life of ungodly living. v6 Her (or his) lifestyle deviates from godly living, and she does not fully realize it. v7 Young people and those who have not learned enough should listen to Solomon’s words and not choose to live contrary to his advice. v8 Keep your thinking and lifestyle far from the way of the adulterer (man or woman) and do not put yourself in the situation of temptation by going near her (or him), v9 or you may well give the best of your life to another person who will be cruel to you, and strangers will use up your wealth, v10 and your work will benefit other people instead of your own family. v11 If you don’t follow Solomon’s advice, you will groan and have regrets when you are older and your health has declined. v12 This person will finally comment that they disregarded discipline, turned aside reproof, v13 did not regard or obey their teachers or instructors in godly living. v14 The person who disregards Solomon’s advice comes to the edge of disaster that godly people can see.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v 3 – Ezekiel 20:30 ““Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Will you defile yourselves like your fathers and engage in prostitution with detestable idols? “(NET)
Colossians 2:8 “ Be careful not to allow anyone to captivate you through an empty, deceitful philosophy that is according to human traditions and the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. Be careful not to allow anyone to captivate you through an empty, deceitful philosophy that is according to human traditions and the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.”(NET)
2 Peter 2:14-19 “ Their eyes, full of adultery, never stop sinning; they entice unstable people. They have trained their hearts for greed, these cursed children! 15 By forsaking the right path they have gone astray, because they followed the way of Balaam son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness, 16 yet was rebuked for his own transgression (a dumb donkey, speaking with a human voice, restrained the prophet’s madness).”(NET)
17 These men are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm, for whom the utter depths of darkness have been reserved. 18 For by speaking high-sounding but empty words they are able to entice, with fleshly desires and with debauchery, people who have just escaped from those who reside in error. 19 Although these false teachers promise such people freedom, they themselves are enslaved to immorality. For whatever a person succumbs to, to that he is enslaved. “
v 8 – Romans 16:17,18 “Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who create dissensions and obstacles contrary to the teaching that you learned. Avoid them! 18 For these are the kind who do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By their smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of the naive. “(NET)
1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 “But examine all things; hold fast to what is good. 22 Stay away from every form of evil. “(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 5:15 - 23 (glc thoughts)
v15 Sexual activities were designed by God (Genesis Chapters 2 and 3) to take place in a marriage between one man and one woman. v16 Keep your sexual activities within your marriage and don’t go beyond the boundaries of your marriage. v17 Both the husband and wife are to enjoy their fulfilling marriage. v18,19 Let your eyes and imagination be for your spouse and rejoice in the love God has provided in the husband-wife relationship. Don’t think that the “grass is greener on the other side of the fence.” v20 Don’t let another woman or man captivate your feelings and imagination that might lead you away from your spouse and even lead you to physical violation of your marriage. v21 God is all-knowing, and your thoughts and actions are not secret. You may rationalize your bad thoughts and behavior, but God discerns and judges you correctly. v22 Those who violate God’s principles will suffer the consequences of their sins. They will not have the freedom of living well that they thought they might have. v23 Lack of discipline and consequences of foolish thoughts and actions will lead to ruin.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v21 – 2 Chronicles 16:9 “ Certainly the Lord watches the whole earth carefully and is ready to strengthen those who are devoted to him. You have acted foolishly in this matter; from now on you will have war.” “ (NET)
Job 31:4 “Does he not see my ways and count all my steps? “(NET)
Job 34:21 “There is no darkness, and no deep darkness, where evildoers can hide themselves. “(NET)
Jeremiah 16:17 “ For I see everything they do. Their wicked ways are not hidden from me. Their sin is not hidden away where I cannot see it.”(NET)
Hosea 7:2 “They do not realize that I remember all their wicked deeds. Their evil deeds have now surrounded them; their sinful deeds are always before me. “(NET)
Hebrews 4:13 “And no creature is hidden from God, but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account. “(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 6: 1 - 11 (glc thoughts)
v1 If you have made a financial guarantee for someone you came to know, and, v2 or, have become entangled in a business venture by what you have said or promised, v3 then take these steps to get out of the dangerous situation of having another person have a position of power over you. Humble yourself, but be bold and ask diligently to be released from your guarantee. v4 Do this right after you come to your senses, don’t wait for the next day. v5 Do all you can to escape from this financial trap. v6 A lazy or sluggish person should look at the activity of insects and learn to be industrious. v7 You don’t see a master giving them instructions, v8 but they store up food in the summer and when it is ready to harvest. v9 Don’t just lay in bed or around your house. v10 Don’t spend too much time sleeping or resting. Don’t say to yourself or others that you will just rest a little bit more v11 because your financial situation can change quickly and you may lose your wealth.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v6–Job 12:7-9 ““But now, ask the animals and they will teach you, or the birds of the sky and they will tell you. 8 Or speak to the earth and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea declare to you. 9 Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? “(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 6:12 - 15 (glc thoughts)
v12 A person with no integrity and who follows evil, ungodly ways goes about speaking about morally twisted and perverse things. v13 This person gives sly signals to others with his eyes, feet, and gestures. v14 This person makes evil plans with perverse thoughts in their thinking and generates strife and quarrels continually. v15 Disaster will come to this person suddenly to destroy them and there will be no help for them.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v12-14 – Ezekiel 11:2 “ The Lord said to me, “Son of man, these are the men who plot evil and give wicked advice in this city. “(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 6:16 - 19 (glc thoughts)
v16 God is greatly displeased and angered by seeing these attitudes and actions in people: v17 1) a person who acts proud and thinks too highly of themselves, 2) deceptive speech and false prophets, 3) the killing of innocent people, v18 4) an inner motivation the devises wicked plans, someone who is eager to participate in evil, v19 5) a witness who tells lies, and a person that creates conflict and disagreements among a family.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v17 – Jeremiah 14:14 “Then the Lord said to me, “Those prophets are prophesying lies while claiming my authority! I did not send them. I did not commission them. I did not speak to them. They are prophesying to these people false visions, worthless predictions, and the delusions of their own mind.”(NET)
2 Kings 21:16 “Furthermore Manasseh killed so many innocent people, he stained Jerusalem with their blood from end to end, in addition to encouraging Judah to sin by doing evil in the sight of the Lord. “(NET)
Ezekiel 22:23 - 27 “The Lord’s message came to me: 24 “Son of man, say to her: ‘You are a land that receives no rain or showers in the day of my anger.’ 25 Her princes within her are like a roaring lion tearing its prey; they have devoured lives. ….. They ignore my Sabbaths, and I am profaned in their midst. 27 Her officials are like wolves in her midst rending their prey—shedding blood and destroying lives—so they can get dishonest profit. “(NET)
v18 – Genesis 6:5 “ But the Lord saw that the wickedness of humankind had become great on the earth. Every inclination of the thoughts of their minds was only evil all the time.”(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 6:20 - 35 (glc thoughts)
v20 To those who are young and/or need instruction, value and keep the advice and instruction from your parents and spiritual mentors. v21 Always keep their instruction active and at the front of your mind. v22 If you let their instruction guide you throughout your daily life, you will sleep better and these instructions will easily come to your mind when you wake up. v23 These commands and instructions act like an illuminating and guiding light for your daily activities. v24 The rebukes of discipline you receive from your parents, spiritual advisors, and God, will help you keep on the path of daily choices that lead to a godly life and, if you let them, will keep you from the man or woman who has evil plans for others as they use their enticing, and ungodly, words. v25 Do not let your mind lust after such a person. Do not be misled by any surface attractiveness or be emotionally captured by suggestive glances from the person. v26 Relations with a prostitute will drain your money and drain your respect for godly sexual relations. And engaging in adultery with the spouse of another person also puts your life in jeopardy. Think about what you are about to do. There are consequences to your actions. v27 Can you hold fire against your body and not burn your clothes? v28 Can you walk slowly on hot coals and not burn your unprotected feet? v29 There are consequences for having sexual relations with the spouse of someone else. The person who does this will not escape punishment. v30 Society does not harshly judge a person who steals to satisfy hunger. v31 Even so, if the person is caught, they must repay more than the value of what they stole, even if they have to sell some things of value that they own. v32 A person who commits adultery is not thinking clearly and is actually destroying his life. v33 This person will be punished, have a bad reputation, and will be shunned by the community. v34 Jealousy will increase the anger of the offended spouse, and they will not spare the guilty person from consequences. v35 The offended spouse will refuse financial compensation even if they are offered a large compensation.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v25 – 2 Kings 9:30-33 “ Jehu approached Jezreel. When Jezebel heard the news, she put on some eye liner, fixed up her hair, and leaned out the window. 31 When Jehu came through the gate, she said, “Is everything all right, Zimri, murderer of his master?” 32 He looked up at the window and said, “Who is on my side? Who?” Two or three eunuchs looked down at him. 33 He said, “Throw her down!” So they threw her down, and when she hit the ground, her blood splattered against the wall and the horses, and Jehu drove his chariot over her. “(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 7:1 - 3 (glc thoughts)
v1 Those who are young and need spiritual instruction should listen to Solomon’s instructions and keep his commands active in their thinking. v2 By following his advice you will have a good life. Obey his instructions and treat them as valuable possessions. v3 Keep his advice where you can easily access it and make it part of your thinking and character.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v1 - 3 – Exodus 20:5,6 “You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I, the Lord, your God, am a jealous God, responding to the transgression of fathers by dealing with children to the third and fourth generations of those who reject me, 6 and showing covenant faithfulness to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.”(NET)
Deuteronomy 4:40”Keep his statutes and commandments that I am setting forth today so that it may go well with you and your descendants and that you may enjoy longevity in the land that the Lord your God is about to give you as a permanent possession.”(NET)
Matthew 19:17 “ He said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” ”(NET)
1 John 5:3 “For this is the love of God: that we keep his commandments. And his commandments do not weigh us down, “(NET)
Revelation 14:12 “This requires the steadfast endurance of the saints—those who obey God’s commandments and hold to their faith in Jesus “(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 7:4 - 27 (glc thoughts)
v4 Treat godly wisdom and spiritual understanding like you would someone who is dear to you. v5 If wisdom and understanding are active and effective in your life, they will keep you from falling into the trap of an adulterous person who flatters you, and others, with her words. v6,7,8,9 Solomon had seen naive, inexperienced, and unthinking people walking in the evening and at night near the house of the adulterous person. v10 The adulterous person suddenly came out to encounter the naive person. The adulterous person was dressed sensually and had a secret plan. v11 The adulterous person is outgoing and not restrained by godly principles. v12 This person seeks to meet people even in public places. v13 This person will initiate physical contact, with even kissing in public, and boldly describe how they have prepared their home for an encounter. v14 They will irreverently describe how they have performed some religious activity and now have a clean heart and food. v15 They will say that they wanted to meet someone, perhaps to celebrate their religious activity. v16 But the adulterous person goes on to describe how their bed is carefully decorated, carefully prepared to smell and look inviting, and ready to be shared with the naive person. v18 The adulterous person gives the invitation to delight each other with sexual pleasures throughout the night. v19,20 The adulterous person says that their spouse is not at home and in fact is gone on a long journey for several days. v21 In this encounter, the naive person was convinced, by the smooth talk and mental pictures painted with words and expressions, to go with the adulterous person. v22 The naive person stopped thinking and deciding what to do and went with the adulterous person like an animal that goes to be caught and slaughtered. v23 This will lead to the naive person having regrets, but the naive person does not think about the severe consequences. v24 Solomon implored those he spoke to that they would pay attention to this instruction. v25 Do not let another person turn you away from the godly path in life. Do not take a step onto the ungodly path in life. v26 Adulterous persons have brought destruction to numerous people. (glc…take note of, and learn from, the reports of unhappy lives of celebrities who were unfaithful to their spouses … this also happens to those who are not celebrities.) v27 The lifestyle of the adulterous person leads to ruin and death.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v4 – Job 28:12-18 “ “But wisdom—where can it be found? Where is the place of understanding? 13 Mankind does not know its place; it cannot be found in the land of the living. …. 15 Fine gold cannot be given in exchange for it, nor can its price be weighed out in silver. …17 Neither gold nor crystal can be compared with it, nor can a vase of gold match its worth. 18….; the price of wisdom is more than pearls. “(NET)
v26 – Nehemiah 13:26 “ Was it not because of things like these that King Solomon of Israel sinned? Among the many nations there was no king like him. He was loved by his God, and God made him king over all Israel. But the foreign wives made even him sin! 27 Should we then in your case hear that you do all this great evil, thereby being unfaithful to our God by marrying foreign wives?” “(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 8:1 - 21 (glc thoughts)
v1 Godly wisdom and understanding are available to all. God wants all to benefit from his wisdom and understanding. v2 His wisdom is in full view and available. v3 Wisdom is not hidden away but can be easily accessed. v4 God wants wisdom for all people. v5 Those who are naive and foolish should come to understand wisdom and learn discernment. v6 All should actively listen when godly wisdom is spoken, as valuable messages are being delivered, and you will hear what is right and worthy of listening to. v7 The message of godly wisdom has truth and godly wisdom, and detests wickedness. v8 Godly wisdom contains a message of righteousness, and the message is not misleading or perverse. v9 The words of godly wisdom are open and obvious to those who think with discernment and increase their knowledge. v10 Value the words of godly wisdom and knowledge more highly than silver or fine gold. v11 Godly wisdom is more valuable than rare jewels and beyond compare to things desired in the material world. v12 Godly wisdom brings good judgment, knowledge, and discretion. v13 Those who have the reverent fear of the Lord hate evil, hate arrogant pride, hate evil ways, and hate perverse, destructive speech. v14 Counsel and sound wisdom go along with godly wisdom. Wisdom gives understanding and power. v15 Wisdom helps kings rule, and with wisdom, rulers can make righteous decrees. v16 Wisdom helps princes and other leaders and righteous judges rule. v17 Wisdom will be found by those who diligently seek it. v18 Those who acquire wisdom will also acquire riches, honor, long-lasting wealth, and righteousness. v19 Wisdom produces results that are better than fine gold and pure silver. v20,21 Godly wisdom aligns with righteousness and justice, and those who follow this wisdom will receive wealth and material abundance.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v1 – 1 Corinthians 1:25 “For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. “(NET)
1 Corinthians 1:30,31 “He is the reason you have a relationship with Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 8:22 - 36 (glc thoughts)
v22 Godly wisdom existed before God created the universe, and godly wisdom was foundational in the creation process. v23 Godly wisdom was brought forth and established before the world existed. v24,25,26 Godly wisdom existed before the oceans or other sources of water were on the Earth, before the mountains came to be, before there were even hills, before there were soil and fields. v27 When God established the stars and galaxies, godly wisdom was a part of the process. When God created the Earth to have a horizon, godly wisdom was a part of the process. v28,29 When God caused clouds to form, established sources of water, caused the ocean to have a boundary, created support for the Earth structures, godly wisdom was present and active in the processes, doing good work. v30 God delighted day by day in the presence of godly wisdom during creation, v31 and there was rejoicing in the process and among the people living on Earth. v32 Those who are young or need instruction should pay attention to what is being said for those who follow godly wisdom will be blessed. v33 Listen to godly instruction and follow it so you will be wise. v34 Those who look for and receive godly wisdom every day will be blessed. v35 The person who finds godly wisdom has found life and has received favor and benefit from God. v36 The one who does not find godly wisdom invites harm and disaster to themselves. All who hate godly wisdom are choosing death.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v22 – Psalm 104:24 “ How many living things you have made, O Lord! You have exhibited great skill in making all of them; the earth is full of the living things you have made. “(NET)
v22 -27 – Nehemiah 9:5b,6 “ “May you be blessed, O Lord our God, from age to age. May your glorious name be blessed; may it be lifted up above all blessing and praise. 6 You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, along with all their multitude of stars, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You impart life to them all, and the multitudes of heaven worship you. “(NET)
Acts 14:15 “ “Men, why are you doing these things? We too are men, with human natures just like you! We are proclaiming the good news to you, so that you should turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and everything that is in them. “(NET)
v27 – Hebrews 11:3 “By faith we understand that the worlds were set in order at God’s command, so that the visible has its origin in the invisible. “(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 9:1 – 6 (glc thoughts)
v1 Godly wisdom has been prepared for us in a grand and inviting setting. v2 Godly wisdom is prepared for us like a feast of fine food in a grand house. v3 People have been invited to acquire godly wisdom. Those who are naive and lack understanding are not shunned, but rather, v5 are encouraged to appropriate godly wisdom and make it part of their life. v6 They should change their pattern of living, put aside foolishness, live in the way of understanding that godly wisdom provides. This will result in a life that has fewer troubles.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v2 – John 6:27 “ 27 Do not work for the food that disappears, but for the food that remains to eternal life—the food which the Son of Man will give to you. For God the Father has put his seal of approval on him.” “(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 9:7 - 18 (glc thoughts)
v7 Those who try to correct a mocker by means of instruction and discipline will receive insults and possibly a physical attack after you reprimand and correct a wicked person. v8 If you reprimand and correct a mocker, the person will hate you. v9 If you reprimand and correct a wise person, that person will be grateful. When instruction is given to a wise person, that person will grow in wisdom because they are wise enough to know they can improve. When you teach a righteous person, they will accept the teaching and grow in what they have learned. v10 The starting point for getting godly wisdom is to have a reverent fear of the Lord. Acknowledging and adopting the values of God shows your spiritual understanding. v11 Using godly wisdom in your life leads to a longer life than if you do things your own way. v12 It is for your benefit to use godly wisdom. But if you mock and reject God’s wisdom, you will suffer the consequences brought about by not living according to God’s principles. Godly wisdom is available in the world, but so is worldly folly, the lack of good judgment. v13 The attitude of folly promotes selfishness and self-importance. This attitude leads to not thinking clearly about situations. v14,15 This attitude competes with godly wisdom to try to influence people. v16,17Those who are naive and lack godly understanding are susceptible to develop an attitude of folly that grows into actions such as thinking you can get away with doing something dishonest or immoral (glc…have temporary pleasure without considering long-term consequences). v18 Those who dwell on thinking about, or actually do, these actions do not know that they are on a life-path that leads to being spiritually dead and separated from God, as many have done before them.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v9 – Ecclesiastes 7:5 “It is better for a person to receive a rebuke from those who are wise than to listen to the song of fools. “(NET)
Titus 2:15 “So communicate these things with the sort of exhortation or rebuke that carries full authority. Don’t let anyone look down on you. “(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 10:1 - 5 (glc thoughts)
v1 This chapter has a collection of short proverbs from Solomon. A child who thinks with godly wisdom and acts with godly wisdom causes parents to rejoice. A child who thinks foolishly and acts foolishly brings grief to parents. v2 Wealth and possessions that are acquired dishonestly do not give lasting benefits, but honest behavior avoids ruin and mortal danger. v3 The Lord provides food and success for the righteous, but He does not satisfy the bad desires of the wicked. v4 The lazy or careless worker becomes poor, but the person who works diligently becomes wealthy. v5 The person who works at the right time acts wisely. The person who is lazy or not aware of the time to work acts shamefully.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v3 – Psalm 34:9,10”Fear the Lord, you chosen people of his, for those who fear him lack nothing. 10 Even young lions sometimes lack food and are hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. “(NET)
Psalm 37:25”I was once young, now I am old. I have never seen the godly abandoned, or their children forced to search for food. “(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 10:6 - 11 (glc thoughts)
v6 Good rewards come to those who are righteous, but the motivation and attitudes of the wicked are violence. v7 The past attitudes and actions of the righteous are celebrated, but the remembrance of the wicked will be filled with disdain. v8 Those wise in their hearts and minds accept godly instructions, but the person who doesn’t receive instruction because they are too busy talking foolishness will suffer predicaments. v9 The person who has a lifestyle of honesty and godly behavior will not be plagued by fears of punishment by God or man, but the person who is purposely devious will be discovered. v10 The person who is not forthright but acts slyly brings trouble, and the person who speaks foolishly, despising godly knowledge and discernment, will have troubles and ruin. v11 The words and teachings of the righteous person benefit people, but the words of the wicked come from violent motivations.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v7 – Psalm 9:5”....You destroyed the wicked; you permanently wiped out all memory of them. “(NET)
Psalm 112:1-6 “ Praise the Lord! How blessed is the one who obeys the Lord, who takes great delight in keeping his commands. …. 6 For he will never be shaken; others will always remember one who is just. “(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 10:12 - 19 (glc thoughts)
v12 Hatred causes a person to look for the worst in people and leads to arguments. Love looks for the best in people and leads to forgiveness. v13 Godly wisdom can be learned from the words of a person who is discerning and says wise things. The person who lacks godly wisdom, good sense, and discernment will receive unpleasant consequences. v14 Those who are wise get, protect, and value knowledge so they can use it later. But a fool’s words lead quickly to ruin. v15 The wealth of a rich person helps to protect him, but the poor have no security and fear ruin. v16 A righteous person receives the reward of life with God’s blessings. The wicked receive punishment as a consequence of their behavior. v17 The person who pays attention to instruction and implements that instruction is on the path to a good life. The person who rejects rebuke and correction deviates from the path to a good life. v18 The person who has inner hate but puts on a friendly exterior appearance is a liar. The person who openly speaks with the motivation of damaging someone’s reputation is certainly a fool. v19 When many extra words are used it is more likely that something wrong is said. The person who speaks thoughtfully with few words is wise.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v15 – 1 Timothy 6:17”Command those who are rich in this world’s goods not to be haughty or to set their hope on riches, which are uncertain, but on God who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment.”(NET)
v 16 – Romans 6:21 “So what benefit did you then reap from those things that you are now ashamed of? For the end of those things is death. “(NET)
1 Timothy 6:10” For the love of money is the root of all evils. Some people in reaching for it have strayed from the faith and stabbed themselves with many pains.”(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 10:20 - 32 (glc thoughts)
v20 The words of the righteous are as valuable as fine silver, but the thoughts of the wicked are worth little. v21 The teachings of the righteous meet the needs of many people, but fools come to ruin because they lack good sense. v22 The gifts and care from God brings wealth and does not bring pain or sorrow. v23 A fool thinks they are enjoying doing evil, but the person who has discernment enjoys wisdom. v24 The wicked person has fears and they will receive the consequences of their actions. The desires of the righteous will be granted. v25 The troubles of life will remove the wicked, but the righteous will remain secure. v26 A lazy and unproductive person is an aggravation and irritation to those who send them on a task. v27 The reverent fear of the Lord leads to a longer life, but the wicked person will have a shorter life (glc…in general). v28 The hopes of the righteous bring joy as they are fulfilled, but the expectations of the wicked perish. v29 God’s principles are a stronghold for those who have integrity, but they bring ruin for those who practice iniquity. v30 The righteous will be secure and have covenant blessings, but the wicked will not have a permanent place. v31 Godly wisdom helps the righteous speak useful words, but the person who speaks perversions will be silenced. v32 The righteous know what words are acceptable and pleasing, but the words of the wicked are perverse.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v25 – Psalm 125:1” ….Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved and will endure forever. “(NET)
Matthew 7:24-27 “Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them is like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25 The rain fell, the flood came, and the winds beat against that house, but it did not collapse because its foundation had been laid on rock. 26 Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain fell, the flood came, and the winds beat against that house, and it collapsed—it was utterly destroyed!” ”(NET)
v30 – Psalm 37:22”Surely those favored by the Lord will possess the land, but those rejected by him will be wiped out. “(NET)
Psalm 125:1” ….Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved and will endure forever. “(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 11:1 - 11 (glc thoughts)
v1 The Lord detests dishonest business practices, but he is pleased with integrity in business dealings. v2 Pride and over-confidence precede disgrace, but those with wisdom have humility. v3 The well-practiced integrity of an upright person is a guide to living, but the devious ways and double-dealing of the treacherous person will destroy them. v4 Ill-gotten wealth does not protect a person from divine punishment, but righteousness protects a person from a short life. v5 The righteous thinking and actions of the blameless person give a person a life with fewer troubles, but the wicked person will receive trouble as a result of their wicked thinking and actions. v6 The righteous thinking and actions of those who live according to God’s principles will bring freedom, but those who act with devious ways will be trapped and overpowered as a result of their thinking and actions. v7 When a wicked person dies, their plans and desires perish, and their hope for a long life because of their wealth and power comes to nothing. v8 It has happened that a righteous person has been delivered from trouble, and a wicked person suffered that trouble. v9 A godless person can harm their neighbor with their profane or hypocritical words, but a righteous person can escape the slander through knowledge and perception. v10 When the righteous prosper their city benefits and rejoices. When the wicked die, there is relief. v11 A city is lifted up by the blessing it receives from the upright, but a city is led to destruction by the counsel it receives from the wicked.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v1 – Leviticus 19:35-37 “ You must not do injustice in the regulation of measures, whether of length, weight, or volume. 36 You must have honest balances, honest weights, an honest ephah, and an honest hin. I am the Lord your God who brought you out from the land of Egypt. 37 You must be sure to obey all my statutes and regulations. I am the Lord.’””(NET)
v4 – Zephaniah 1:18 - 2:3 “ Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord’s angry judgment. The whole earth will be consumed by his fiery wrath. Indeed, he will bring terrifying destruction on all who live on the earth.” Bunch yourselves together like straw, you undesirable nation, 2 before God’s decree becomes reality and the day of opportunity disappears like windblown chaff, before the Lord’s raging anger overtakes you—before the day of the Lord’s angry judgment overtakes you! 3 Seek the Lord’s favor, all you humble people of the land who have obeyed his commands! Strive to do what is right! Strive to be humble! Maybe you will be protected on the day of the Lord’s angry judgment. “(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 11:12 - 22 (glc thoughts)
v12 The person who shows contempt for their neighbor lacks wisdom and good sense, but a discerning person does not publicly broadcast what they see as a problem. v13 The person who goes about slandering another shares secrets that should be kept secret, but the person who is faithful and trustworthy keeps the information to themselves. v14 Good advice is needed to keep a country from falling, but the country will succeed when there is good advice from advisors. v15 The person who makes guarantees for someone they don’t know will suffer financially, but the person who is not quick to shake hands to finalize an agreement won’t have to worry about the consequences. v16 A graceful and generous woman gains honor, but the person who is violent and aggressive gets wealth without honor. v17 A person who is kind and loyal receives benefits, but a cruel person receives troubles. v18 The wicked person receives wages that have temporary benefits, but the person who practices righteousness and encourages others to practice righteousness receives a true and sure reward. v19 Continuing in righteousness leads to life, but the person who chooses to do evil is following a path to destruction and death. v20 The Lord detests and hates those who are perverted in their minds and focus on evil things, but those who seek to follow God’s principles have God’s goodwill and favor. v21 Know that the evil person will eventually receive punishment, but those who have the nature of righteousness have already escaped harm. v22 A beautiful woman who turns away from moral sensibilities and propriety is wasted, like a gold ring in a pig’s snout.
*** Other Bible verses to read:
v18 – Hosea 10:12 “Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap unfailing love. Break up the unplowed ground for yourselves, for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers deliverance on you. “(NET)
Galatians 6:7-9 “Do not be deceived. God will not be made a fool. For a person will reap what he sows, 8 because the person who sows to his own flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. 9 So we must not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up. “(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 11:23 - 31 (glc thoughts)
v23 The righteous seek after what is good, but the wicked receive troubles instead of what they hoped for. v24 The person who is generous and blesses others grows even more wealthy, but the person who hoards and does not give enough will lose their wealth. v25 A generous person will become prosperous, and the person who has kind acts for others will be refreshed. v26 People will curse the person who holds back grain in order to raise the price, but they will bless the person who sells grain. v27 The person who faithfully seeks good seeks favor with God and man, but the person who seeks after evil will receive evil. v28 The person who solely relies on their wealth will fall, but the righteous, who trust in the Lord, will flourish like the blooming plants of Spring. v29 The person who brings discord and trouble to their family will be cut out of the family inheritance, and this troublemaker will end up as a servant to the person who is wise. v30 The righteous produce a long and healthy life and a good influence on others, and the person who successfully instructs others is wise. v31 If the righteous receive judgment for their sins while living on Earth, the wicked sinners will receive even more judgment.
*** Other Bible verses to read:
v25 – 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 “ My point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each one of you should give just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, because God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace overflow to you so that because you have enough of everything in every way at all times, you will overflow in every good work. 9 Just as it is written, “He has scattered widely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness remains forever.” 10 Now God who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your supply of seed and will cause the harvest of your righteousness to grow. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you may be generous on every occasion, which is producing through us thanksgiving to God”(NET)
v30 – James 5:20” he should know that the one who turns a sinner back from his wandering path will save that person’s soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.”(NET)
v31 – 1 Peter 4:17-19 “For it is time for judgment to begin, starting with the house of God. And if it starts with us, what will be the fate of those who are disobedient to the gospel of God? 18 And if the righteous are barely saved, what will become of the ungodly and sinners? 19 So then let those who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator as they do good. “(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 12:1 - 11 (glc thoughts)
v1 The person who receives and respects discipline knows it will be for their benefit and will increase their knowledge, but the person who rejects and ignores correction lacks good thinking. v2 A good person receives favor and blessings from the Lord, but the Lord is opposed to the person who has wicked plans. v3 No person can have security by using wicked actions, but a righteous person is firmly planted in life and is secure. v4 A virtuous wife brings honor to her husband, but the wife who acts shamefully destroys the strength and honor of her husband. v5 The thoughtful plans of the righteous are just and good, but the advice of the wicked leads to trouble. v6 The words of the wicked have hidden danger that wounds the innocent, but the words of the upright defend and help people to escape the dangers of the wicked. v7 The wicked are removed and are no more, but the household of the righteous is secure. v8 A person will receive praise that is in proportion to their wisdom, but the person who lacks perception or has a perverse mind will be despised. v9 The person who is not highly regarded by society but accomplishes something for himself is better than the person who calls himself important but doesn’t have food. v10 A righteous person is concerned for the welfare of his animals, but all of the seemingly compassionate acts of the wicked are cruel. v11 The person who is diligent in their work will have enough food, but whoever has worthless pursuits that don’t yield a profit does not have discernment.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v8 – ecclesiastes 7:1 “A good reputation is better than precious perfume;
likewise, the day of one’s death is better than the day of one’s birth. “(NET)
v11 – Isaiah 1:19 “If you have a willing attitude and obey, then you will again eat the good crops of the land. “(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 12:12 - 22 (glc thoughts)
v12 The wicked person wants the things that destroy them, but the character of the righteous produces a good result. v13 The evil person is trapped by their sinful talk, but the righteous person avoids that trouble. v14 A person will be satisfied with the good given to them because of their words, and their work will be rewarded. v15 The choices of a fool seem right in their own thinking, but the person who listens to the advice of others is wise. v16 A fool lets their annoyance be known right away, but the prudent does not immediately react to criticism. v17 A faithful and reliable witness gives a good testimony, but a person who habitually lies does not contribute to good decisions. v18 Speaking without thinking brings wounds and hurts, but the words of the wise bring healing. v19 The person who tells the truth will be welcomed in the land, but the person who lies and deceives will have a brief stay. v20 Deception and bitterness reside in those who make evil plans, but those who promote peace have joy. v21 God does not plan harm for the righteous, but the wicked experience much harm. v22 The Lord detests the person who lies, but those who act in good faith are his delight.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v21 – Jeremiah 1:8 “Do not be afraid of those to whom I send you, for I will be with you to protect you,” says the Lord. “(NET)
Daniel 6:27 “He rescues and delivers and performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions!” “(NET)
2 Timothy 4:18 “The Lord will deliver me from every evil deed and will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever! Amen. “(NET)
v22 - Revelation 22:14,15 “ Blessed are those who wash their robes so they can have access to the tree of life and can enter into the city by the gates. 15 Outside are the dogs and the sorcerers and the sexually immoral, and the murderers, and the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood! “(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 12:23 - 28 (glc thoughts)
v23 The person who uses knowledge wisely does not reveal all of their knowledge, but foolish people speak without using discernment and understanding. v24 The person who is diligent and fulfills their duties will be given leadership responsibilities, but the lazy and negligent person will be forced by others to work. v25 Anxious fear depresses a person, but words of encouragement and kindness help the person to find joy. v26 The righteous person is selective and careful in forming friendships, but the thinking and lifestyle of the wicked can lead people away from following God’s ways. v27 The lazy person can’t be bothered to cook their food, but the diligent and industrious person values and takes good care of their possessions. v28 Following God’s principles has the benefit of a good life, but following ungodly principles leads to troubles and death.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v23 – Isaiah 32:6 “For a fool speaks disgraceful things; his mind plans out sinful deeds. He commits godless deeds and says misleading things about the Lord; he gives the hungry nothing to satisfy their appetite and gives the thirsty nothing to drink. “(NET)
v28 – John 3:36 “36 The one who believes in the Son has eternal life. The one who rejects the Son will not see life, but God’s wrath remains on him. “(NET)
John 4:36”The one who reaps receives pay and gathers fruit for eternal life, so that the one who sows and the one who reaps can rejoice together. “(NET)
John 8:51”I tell you the solemn truth, if anyone obeys my teaching, he will never see death.” “(NET)
John 11:25,26 “ Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live even if he dies, 26 and the one who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” “(NET)
Galatians 6:8 “Do not be deceived. God will not be made a fool. For a person will reap what he sows, 8 because the person who sows to his own flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. 9 So we must not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up. “(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 13:1 - 9 (glc thoughts)
v1 A wise child accepts correction and discipline from parents, but a fool who does not respect authority or God does not learn from a rebuke. v2 The good words of a person can lead to benefits in life, but the person who behaves with duplicity and treachery is choosing to receive the consequences of dishonest gain. v3 The person who is careful with their words receives the benefit of fewer troubles in their life, but the person who talks too much and is careless will suffer troubles. v4 A lazy, unambitious person may desire good things, but they will not receive the. But those who are diligent and industrious will have their desires richly fulfilled. v5 The righteous person will dislike and reject false words or things, but the wicked person has shameful and unpleasant actions. v6 Righteousness protects a person from, and lessens, troubles because of their honest way of living with integrity, but wickedness leads a person into sin and troubles. v7 A person may put on outward appearances of being rich, but actually have no wealth; another person may have outward appearances of being poor, but actually have great wealth. Don’t put on either appearance; be honest. v8 A wealthy person may be more susceptible to legal and physical threats and need to pay a ransom, but the poor person has never been exposed to those threats. v9 The righteous have joy and a good life, but the good things in the life of the wicked, and the life of the wicked, are temporary.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v1,2 – Ecclesiastes 12:11-13 “ The words of the sages are like prods, and the collected sayings are like firmly fixed nails; they are given by one shepherd. 12 Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them. There is no end to the making of many books, and much study is exhausting to the body. 13 Having heard everything, I have reached this conclusion: Fear God and keep his commandments, because this is the whole duty of man. “(NET)
Jeremiah 17:11 “The person who gathers wealth by unjust means is like the partridge that broods over eggs but does not hatch them. Before his life is half over, he will lose his ill-gotten gains. At the end of his life, it will be clear he was a fool.” “(NET)
v6 – James 5:4 “Look, the pay you have held back from the workers who mowed your fields cries out against you, and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 13:10 - 15 (glc thoughts)
v10 Thinking too highly of yourself and your opinions leads to arguments with others, but taking the advice of others provides wisdom. v11 Wealth that comes to a person too quickly and without effort will not be valued and will disappear, but the person who accumulates wealth a little at a time will see their wealth increase. v12 Failure to realize one’s hope can lead to discouragement and depression, but a desire that comes true brings refreshing and revitalization. v13 The person who despises and rejects instruction from scripture and worthy teachers will suffer loss, but whoever values instruction from scripture and worthy teachers will gain benefits and blessings. v14 Instruction from worthy teachers provides refreshment and a good life, which can redirect a person away from trouble and deadly traps. v15 Good sense and sound judgment produce a good reputation and favor from others, but the behavior and lifestyle of the devious and treacherous lead to destruction.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v11 – Ecclesiastes 9:10 “Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, because there is neither work nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom in the grave, the place where you will eventually go. “(NET)
Ephesians 4:28”The one who steals must steal no longer; instead he must labor, doing good with his own hands, so that he will have something to share with the one who has need.”(NET)
v13 – Isaiah 5:24 “Therefore, as flaming fire devours straw and dry grass disintegrates in the flames, so their root will rot, and their flower will blow away like dust. For they have rejected the law of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, they have spurned the commands of the Holy One of Israel. “(NET)
Jeremiah 6:10 “ I answered, “Who would listen if I spoke to them and warned them? Their ears are so closed that they cannot hear! Indeed, the Lord’s message is offensive to them. They do not like it at all. “(NET)
v14,15 – Job 28:28 “ And he said to mankind, ‘The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’” “(NET)
Hosea 14:9”Who is wise? Let him discern these things! Who is discerning? Let him understand them! For the ways of the Lord are right; the godly walk in them, but in them the rebellious stumble. “(NET)
Matthew 7:24-27 “ “Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them is like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25 The rain fell, the flood came, and the winds beat against that house, but it did not collapse because its foundation had been laid on rock. 26 Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain fell, the flood came, and the winds beat against that house, and it collapsed—it was utterly destroyed!” “(NET)
1 Corinthians 2:6,7 “Now we do speak wisdom among the mature, but not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are perishing. 7 Instead we speak the wisdom of God, hidden in a mystery, that God determined before the ages for our glory. “(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 13:16 - 25 (glc thoughts)
v16 The alert and careful person acts with knowledge, but a fool’s folly is plainly seen by all. v17 A bad messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful messenger leads to healing. v18 The person who rejects and disregards discipline receives poverty and shame, but the person who accepts and implements reproof receives success and honor. v19 A desire that is fulfilled brings peace to the soul, but fools don’t want to turn away from inferior things. v20 The person who spends time with wise people accumulates wisdom, but a companion of fools suffers harm. v21 Misfortune and troubles come to sinners, but the righteous are generally rewarded with prosperity. v22 A good person is blessed and can leave an inheritance for their grandchildren, but the wealth of a sinner goes to the righteous. v23 A good harvest is available from the field of the poor, but injustice in the land can take it away. v24 The person who does not discipline their child does not care about their development into a good person, but the person who loves their child does not put off correcting and disciplining the child. v25 The righteous person has enough food to meet their needs, but the wicked person will go hungry.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v24 – Hebrews 12:5-11 “And have you forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as sons? “My son, do not scorn the Lord’s discipline or give up when he corrects you. 6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves and chastises every son he accepts.” 7 Endure your suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is there that a father does not discipline? 8 But if you do not experience discipline, something all sons have shared in, then you are illegitimate and are not sons. 9 Besides, we have experienced discipline from our earthly fathers and we respected them; shall we not submit ourselves all the more to the Father of spirits and receive life? 10 For they disciplined us for a little while as seemed good to them, but he does so for our benefit, that we may share his holiness. 11 Now all discipline seems painful at the time, not joyful. But later it produces the fruit of peace and righteousness for those trained by it. “(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 14:1 -11 (glc thoughts)
v1 A wise woman helps her household develop well, but a foolish woman has actions that are harmful to her household. v2 The person who lives in right living has a reverent fear of the Lord, but the person who is devious and perverted in his living rejects and shuns the Lord. v3 The words of a fool lead to discipline for them, but the words of a wise person protect them. v4 The person who does not have the proper tools or help for their work will have little income, but those who have the proper tools and take care of all who help them will have a good income. v5 A faithful and reliable witness does not lie, but a false witness speaks lies out of the nature of their character. v6 The person who is intellectually arrogant does not seriously seek out wisdom and does not get wisdom, but a discerning and spiritually aware person easily gets understanding and wisdom. v7 If you spend your time with a foolish person you will not receive good advice. v8 The prudent and thinking person will think about and have discernment about their life choices, but the pattern of thinking of fools leads to deception. v9 Fools scoff at making things right after their wrong actions, but those who have a just lifestyle are acceptable and pleasing to society and God. v10 There are some deep disappointments and joys for a person that others cannot fully understand. v11 The wicked will not have stability or a good environment in their household, but the families of the upright will enjoy stability and fullness of life.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v5 – Exodus 20:16”“You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.”(NET) (glc…part of 10 Commandments)
Deuteronomy 5:20”“You must not offer false testimony against another.”(NET)
Exodus 23:1-4”“You must not give a false report. Do not make common cause with the wicked to be a malicious witness. 2 “You must not follow a crowd in doing evil things; in a lawsuit you must not offer testimony that agrees with a crowd so as to pervert justice, 3 and you must not show partiality to a poor man in his lawsuit.“(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 14:12 - 27 (glc thoughts)
v12 A person may think, or rationalize, that their lifestyle choices are good, but they later may find that those choices lead to trouble and ruin. v13 Some people may have an outward show of laughter but be distressed in the inner person, and some joyous circumstances may end up changing to grief. v14 The person who departs from God’s principles will receive the consequences of their choices, but a good person will receive benefits from their good choices. v15 An inexperienced and naive person accepts the words of other people too easily, but a thoughtful, wise person uses discernment before acting. v16 A wise person is careful to avoid danger, risk, and evil choices, but a fool quickly moves past good boundaries and has too much self-confidence. v17 A person who gets angry easily and quickly will do foolish things, and a person who invents and implements indirect and dishonest plans will be hated in society. v18 The naive have acquired and live in folly, but the thoughtful and discerning will be rewarded with knowledge. v19 In the past, bad people have submitted to good people, and wicked people have submitted to someone who is righteous. Look for this to happen in the future. v20 A poor person will be rejected and ignored by many neighbors, but many seek to be with the rich. v21 The person who despises and feels contempt for his neighbor sins, but whoever is kind to, and thoughtful about, the needy person is blessed. v22 Those who plan evil actions are not following God’s principles and plans. But those who plan and do good are showing faithful covenant love. v23 All hard work leads to profit for the diligent, but just talking about what you will do, and having no actions, leads to poverty. v24 The wise are rewarded with wealth, but the unwise choices of fools have no useful rewards. v25 A truthful and faithful witness saves lives, but the person who gives false testimony betrays lives. The reverent fear of the Lord gives a person strong confidence. (glc..The person who follows God’s principles can rest assured that their choices are good.) v26 The parents’ reverent fear of the Lord will lead to security for their children. v27 The reverent fear of the Lord produces a good life and helps people avoid trouble and ruin.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v27 – John 4:13,14 “ Jesus replied, “Everyone who drinks some of this water will be thirsty again. 14 But whoever drinks some of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again, but the water that I will give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up to eternal life.” “(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 14:28 - 35 (glc thoughts)
v28 A large population is a credit to the king, but a low population leads to the downfall of a ruler. v29 A person who has great understanding does not become angry quickly, but the person who gets angry quickly shows their lack of good sense to everyone. v30 A calm and quiet inner attitude is good for the physical body, but consuming jealousy brings bad health to the physical body. v31 The person who takes advantage of, and puts hardships on, the poor has reproached and insulted God, but whoever honors God and follows God’s ways has kind treatment and compassion for the needy. v32 An evil person will be destroyed during their times of trouble, but a righteous person has protection in their integrity. v33 The discerning person has wisdom in their thinking and inner motivations. Wisdom is not present in the thinking and inner motivations of a fool. v34 Righteousness brings benefits and a good reputation to a nation, but sin brings shame and reproach to a nation. v35 The king has goodwill and shows approval to a wise servant, but the king’s criticism and wrath come on the person who acts shamefully.
v29 – James 1:19,20 “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters! Let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger. 20 For human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.”(NET)
v31 – Matthew 25:40-45 “And the king will answer them, ‘I tell you the truth, just as you did it for one of the least of these brothers or sisters of mine, you did it for me.’ 41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire that has been prepared for the devil and his angels! 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink. 43 I was a stranger and you did not receive me as a guest, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ 44 Then they too will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not give you whatever you needed?’ 45 Then he will answer them, ‘I tell you the truth, just as you did not do it for one of the least of these, you did not do it for me.’ “(NET)
v33 – Isaiah 32:6 “ For a fool speaks disgraceful things; his mind plans out sinful deeds. He commits godless deeds and says misleading things about the Lord; he gives the hungry nothing to satisfy their appetite and gives the thirsty nothing to drink. “(NET)
v35 – Matthew 24:45-51 “ “Who then is the faithful and wise slave, …. 46 Blessed is that slave whom the master finds at work when he comes. 47 I tell you the truth, the master will put him in charge of all his possessions. 48 But if that evil slave should say to himself, ‘My master is staying away a long time,’ 49 and he begins to beat his fellow slaves and to eat and drink with drunkards, 50 then the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not foresee, 51 and will cut him in two, and assign him a place with the hypocrites, …. “(NET)
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
—==========================----- Proverbs 15:1 - 7 (glc thoughts)
v1 A soft and conciliatory answer calms a situation, but a harsh and provoking answer causes anger. v2 The wise speak words that make knowledge acceptable, but the overflowing words of a fool lack good sense. v3 The Lord is aware of all that takes place, and He evaluates the thoughts and actions of those who are evil and of those who are good. v4 Words that soothe and comfort people help them have a better life, but deceitful and perverse words wound and even crush the minds and hearts of people. v5 A fool rejects and ignores discipline from parents, but whoever pays attention to, and learns from, reproof and rebuke is wise. v6 It is common for the righteous to have abundant wealth, but the income of the wicked will be short-lived. v7 The words of the wise give knowledge to others, but the fools do not have worthwhile knowledge in their thinking.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v3 – Job 34:21 “For his eyes are on the ways of an individual; he observes all a person’s steps. “(NET)
Jeremiah 16:17 “For I see everything they do. Their wicked ways are not hidden from me. Their sin is not hidden away where I cannot see it.”(NET)
Jeremiah 32:19 “ You plan great things and you do mighty deeds. You see everything people do. You reward each of them for the way they live and for the things they do.”(NET)
Hebrews 4:13 “ And no creature is hidden from God, but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account. “(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 15:8 - 17 (glc thoughts)
v8 The Lord hates and is disgusted with the insincere sacrifices of the wicked, but the prayer of those who follow the Lord’s principles pleases him. v9 The Lord hates and is disgusted with the thinking and lifestyle of the wicked, but he will love those who are motivated by, and seek, righteousness. v10 Catastrophic discipline comes to the person who abandons God’s principles, and the person who rejects and despises rebukes that are designed to provide correction will suffer loss and die. v11 The Lord knows all about the realm of death and separation from the Lord, and knowledge about the motivations and inner thinking of people is easy for him to know. v12 The person who thinks too highly of themselves and looks down on others will not respect the person who corrects them and will not seek out the advice of wise people. v13 A joyful inner attitude will show forth in outward expressions, but a person’s spirit is distressed by wounds to their inner person. v14 The person with a thinking and discerning mind seeks after more knowledge, but the words of a fool grow more abundant because of deep-seated moral and spiritual failing. v15 The daily life of a person who has a wounded or distorted inner spirit is bad, but the person who has a cheerful and healthy inner spirit enjoys what life offers to them. v16 You are better off to have the reverent fear of the Lord and little material wealth compared to the person who has great wealth that brings anxiety and troubles. v17 It is better to just eat a meal of vegetables in a loving atmosphere than a meal of meat and other preparations in an atmosphere filled with hate and contention.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v8 – Isaiah 1:11- 17 ““Of what importance to me are your many sacrifices?” says the Lord. “I have had my fill of burnt sacrifices,.....I do not want. 12 When you enter my presence,do you actually think I want this—13 Do not bring any more meaningless offerings; I consider your incense detestable! You observe new moon festivals, Sabbaths, and convocations, but I cannot tolerate sin-stained celebrations! …… 15 When you spread out your hands in prayer, I look the other way; when you offer your many prayers, I do not listen because your hands are covered with blood. 16 Wash! Cleanse yourselves! Remove your sinful deeds from my sight. Stop sinning. 17 Learn to do what is right. Promote justice. Give the oppressed reason to celebrate. Take up the cause of the orphan. Defend the rights of the widow.” (NET)
Jeremiah 6:20 “I take no delight when they offer up to me frankincense that comes from Sheba or sweet-smelling cane imported from a faraway land. I cannot accept the burnt offerings they bring me. I get no pleasure from the sacrifices they offer to me.’” “(NET)
Amos 5:22-26 ““I absolutely despise your festivals! I get no pleasure from your religious assemblies. 22 Even if you offer me burnt and grain offerings, I will not be satisfied; I will not look with favor on your peace offerings of fattened calves. 23 Take away from me your noisy songs; I don’t want to hear the music of your stringed instruments. 24 Justice must flow like torrents of water, righteous actions like a stream that never dries up. 25 You did not bring me sacrifices and grain offerings during the 40 years you spent in the wilderness, family of Israel. 26 You will pick up your images of Sikkuth, your king, and Kiyyun, your star god, which you made for yourselves, “(NET)
v11 – Job 26:6 “The underworld is naked before God; the place of destruction lies uncovered. “(NET)
Revelation 20:1,2 “ Then I saw an angel descending from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the abyss and a huge chain. 2 He seized the dragon—the ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan—and tied him up for a thousand years “(NET)
v14 – Isaiah 32:6 “ For a fool speaks disgraceful things; his mind plans out sinful deeds. He commits godless deeds and says misleading things about the Lord; he gives the hungry nothing to satisfy their appetite and gives the thirsty nothing to drink. “(NET)
v16 – Psalm 37:16,17”The little bit that a godly man owns is better than the wealth of many evil men, 17 for evil men will lose their power, but the Lord sustains the godly. “(NET)
1 Timothy 6:6” Now godliness combined with contentment brings great profit. “(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 15:18 - 33 (glc thoughts)
v18 A person who gets angry quickly instead of thinking adds to dissension, but the person who is thoughtful and does not get angry quickly minimizes contention and reduces conflicts. v19 The lifestyle of a lazy and unmotivated person creates many obstacles, but the lifestyle of the person who follows God’s principles leads to an easier life. v20 A wise child brings joy to their parents, but a foolish person callously grieves their parents. v21 Lack of insight and moral wisdom does not concern a person who has not developed their capability to make good choices, but the person who has good sense and understanding lives an upright life. v22 Plans do not turn out well when there is a lack of good advice, but with several advisors, plans can have a good outcome. v23 A person has joy when they give an answer that is proper and fitting, and a message given at the proper time is very good. v24 The lifestyle of a wise person follows God’s principles, which prevents them from living a life directed away from God. v25 The Lord works against the domain of the proud person, but He protects the domain of the widow. v26 The Lord hates and detests the plans and intentions of the wicked, but pleasant words are pure and please the Lord. v27 The person who is focused on getting material wealth by unjust means brings troubles for themselves and their family, but the person who hates and rejects bribes will have fewer troubles in life. v28 The inner thoughts and motivation of the righteous person lead them to consider carefully how they speak an answer, but the wicked have an overflow of harmful and evil words. v29 The Lord is unavailable to the wicked person (except for repentance), but the Lord hears the prayer of a righteous person. v30 A cheerful expression brings good feelings to the heart of another, and good news invigorates a person. v31 The person who hears and accepts constructive criticism is a wise person. v32 The person who refuses deserved correction will not improve themselves, but the person who hears and accepts to constructive criticism gains understanding and good sense. v33 The reverent fear of the Lord helps a person gain wisdom, and humility (before the Lord) comes before the person receives honor.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v21 – Ephesians 5:15” Therefore consider carefully how you live—not as unwise but as wise,”(NET)
v24 – Colossians 3:1,2 “Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Keep thinking about things above, not things on the earth”(NET)
v25 – 1 Kings 21:17-19 “ The Lord’s message came to Elijah the Tishbite: 18 “Get up, go down and meet King Ahab of Israel who lives in Samaria. He is at the vineyard of Naboth; he has gone down there to take possession of it. 19 Say to him, ‘This is what the Lord has said: “Haven’t you committed murder and taken possession of the property of the deceased?”’ Then say to him, ‘This is what the Lord has said: “In the spot where dogs licked up Naboth’s blood they will also lick up your blood—yes, yours!”’” “(NET)
Jeremiah 17:11 “The person who gathers wealth by unjust means is like the partridge that broods over eggs but does not hatch them. Before his life is half over, he will lose his ill-gotten gains. At the end of his life, it will be clear he was a fool.” “(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 16:1 - 10 (glc thoughts)
v1People make plans in their minds guided by their inner spirit, but the Lord directs the words that are spoken. v2 A person often rationalizes that their behavior is good, but the Lord evaluates their motives. v3 Dedicate your efforts to the Lord and your plans will be realized. v4 The Lord has arranged everything for His purposes and plans - even the disaster that comes to the wicked is appropriate. v5 The Lord hates and detests those who are arrogant and have too much pride. You can trust that they will certainly be punished. v6 Faithfulness in love and integrity appeases God’s anger for sin. The reverent fear of the Lord helps a person turn away from evil. v7 When the lifestyle of a person is pleasing to the Lord, the person can be at peace with their enemies. v8 It is better to have little material wealth and have righteousness than to have great wealth and lack just thoughts and actions in your life. v9 A person makes plans in their mind for what they will do in life, but the Lord determines what takes place in their life. v10 Divine authority resides in the words of the king, and his decisions should not pervert or set aside justice.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v2 – Hebrews 4:12 “ For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even to the point of dividing soul from spirit, and joints from marrow; it is able to judge the desires and thoughts of the heart. “(NET)
v8 – Psalm 37:16,17 “The little bit that a godly man owns is better than the wealth of many evil men,17 for evil men will lose their power, but the Lord sustains the godly.“(NET)
v9 – Jeremiah 10:23 “ Lord, we know that people do not control their own destiny.
It is not in their power to determine what will happen to them. “(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 16:11 - 19 (glc thoughts)
v11 The Lord promotes honest business practices and wants people to have honest business practices. v12 Wicked and criminal decisions and actions should not be tolerated or instigated by kings because their rule is made secure through righteousness. v13 A king is pleased with honest and righteous advice, and the king will think highly of and value the person who has honest and truthful words. v14 The anger and wrath of a king can lead to death, but a wise person will calm and pacify the king. v15 When the king is pleased with the situation there will be good for those around the king, and the king’s favorable thoughts and actions will bring good conditions for those around the king. v16 It is much better to gather wisdom than gold, and to gather understanding is better than gathering silver. v17 The lifestyle of the upright leads a person to avoid sin. The person who is careful and thoughtful in their decisions brings safety and security to their life. v18 Thinking too highly of yourself can leave you vulnerable to future troubles and disaster. v19 It is better to be humble and spend time with those who have troubles than to share with those who think too highly of themselves in the material benefits that were gained in less than honorable ways.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v11 – Leviticus 19:36,37 “ You must have honest balances, honest weights, an honest ephah, and an honest hin. I am the Lord your God who brought you out from the land of Egypt. 37 You must be sure to obey all my statutes and regulations. I am the Lord.’””(NET)
Deuteronomy 25:13-16 “You must not have in your bag different stone weights, a heavy and a light one. 14 You must not have in your house different measuring containers, a large and a small one. 15 You must have an accurate and correct stone weight and an accurate and correct measuring container, so that your life may be extended in the land the Lord your God is about to give you. 16 For anyone who acts dishonestly in these ways is abhorrent to the Lord your God.”(NET)
Micah 6:10,11 ““I will not overlook, O sinful house, the dishonest gain you have hoarded away or the smaller-than-standard measure I hate so much. 11 I do not condone the use of rigged scales or a bag of deceptive weights. “(NET)
v13 – Zecariah 8:16,17 “These are the things you must do: Speak the truth, each of you, to one another. Practice true and righteous judgment in your courts. 17 Do not plan evil in your hearts against one another. Do not favor a false oath—these are all things that I hate,’ says the Lord.” “(NET)
Ephesians 4:25”Therefore, having laid aside falsehood, each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor because we are members of one another”(NET)
Colossians 3:9 “ Do not lie to one another since you have put off the old man with its practices “(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 16:20 - 26 (glc thoughts)
v20 The person who gives thoughtful consideration and considers different outcomes will have success, and blessings from the Lord come to the person who confidently trusts in the Lord. v21 The person who has effective inner wisdom will have a reputation of being discerning. Kind words are effective at getting others to see your point of view. v22 A person who has good insight and prudence has a provision for living well in the world. v23 Wisdom in the inner spirit and heart of a person causes their words to carry that wisdom, and this helps others to be persuaded by their wise words. v24 Friendly and respectful words are beneficial to all; these words are well received by the inner spirit of others and benefit the whole body of others. v25 A person may think on their own that they are doing the right thing, but the end result may be ruin and destruction. v26 The needs and desires of a person motivate them to work, for their needs and desires spur them on in their labors.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v20,21 – Hosea 14:9 “Who is wise? Let him discern these things! Who is discerning? Let him understand them! For the ways of the Lord are right; the godly walk in them, but in them the rebellious stumble. “(NET)
v23 – Ecclesiates 10:12 “The words of a wise person win him favor, but the words of a fool are self-destructive. “(NET)
Isaiah 50:4 “The Sovereign Lord has given me the capacity to be his spokesman, so that I know how to help the weary. He wakes me up every morning; he makes me alert so I can listen attentively as disciples do. “(NET)
v25 – Psalm 36:1,2”An evil man is rebellious to the core. He does not fear God, 2 for he is too proud to recognize and give up his sin.“(NET)
Galatians 6:3 “ For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. “(NET)
Titus 3:3 “For we, too, were once foolish, disobedient, misled, enslaved to various passions and desires, spending our lives in evil and envy, hateful and hating one another “(NET)
James 1:22”But be sure you live out the message and do not merely listen to it and so deceive yourselves.”(NET)
1 John 1:8-10 “8 If we say we do not bear the guilt of sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous, forgiving us our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar and his word is not in us. “(NET)
Revelation 3:17 “ Because you say, “I am rich and have acquired great wealth, and need nothing,” but do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked, “(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 16:27 - 33 (glc thoughts)
v27 A morally corrupt and wicked person spreads evil with their words, and their slander burns others like fire. v28 A person who seeks to damage others spreads words that are divisive, and a person who gossips breaks friendships. v29 A person who has violent tendencies and wants others to be like them will try to get those close to him to also be violent, and leads them into a terrible lifestyle of crime and violence. v30 The person who makes sly gestures is often planning ungodly actions, and the person who is putting on forced expressions with their face has often completed their evil plan. v31 Gray hair is a symbol of the reward of a long life that is often attained by those who have a righteous lifestyle. v32 It is better to not get angry quickly than to be a powerful warrior, and the person who controls their inner spirit is better than the person who accomplishes great exploits on the battlefield. v33 The dice are tossed to supposedly help a person make decisions, but decisions are given by the Lord to those who submit decisions to him.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
—==========================----- Proverbs 17:1 - 9 (glc thoughts)
v1 It is better to have just a little food in a home with peace and security than to have abundant food in a home filled with envy and discord. v2 A servant (glc -today perhaps an employee) who is wise and use their talents effectively will have authority over an heir who lacks wisdom in decisions and brings disgrace to their family. v3 Silver and gold are purified through tough processing with heat. The Lord also improves people through testing to remove folly and evil. v4 The person who has evil thoughts and actions is listening and accepting the words from evil advisors. A liar listens to and accepts the words of a malicious person. v5 The person who scornfully laughs at the poor is showing contempt for his Creator and insulting his Creator. The person who rejoices about disasters that come to other people will be punished. v6 Grandchildren are a reward for those who have a long life, and children are usually proud of their parents. v7 Using many words is not proper for a fool. Honorable people should not be involved in or associated with lies. v8 A gift that opens doors for the person who gives it and leads to success for all they do. v9 The person who forgives and does not keep track of an offense is seeking to have good relationships with others, but the person who continues to speak about the offense to others will lose their close friends.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v3 – Psalm 26:2”Examine me, O Lord, and test me. Evaluate my inner thoughts and motives. “(NET)
Jeremiah 17:10 “ I, the Lord, probe into people’s minds. I examine people’s hearts. I deal with each person according to how he has behaved. I give them what they deserve based on what they have done. “(NET)
Malachi 3:3 “ He will act like a refiner and purifier of silver and will cleanse the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then they will offer the Lord a proper offering. “(NET)
v5 – Obadiah 12 “You should not have gloated when your relatives suffered calamity. You should not have rejoiced over the people of Judah when they were destroyed. You should not have boasted when they suffered adversity. “(NET)
v6 – Psalm 127:3”Yes, sons are a gift from the Lord; the fruit of the womb is a reward.“(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 17:10 - 15 (glc thoughts)
v10 A verbal rebuke has a deeper and greater impression on a person who has good judgment than does physical discipline delivered to a fool. v11 An evil person only thinks about creating strife and disputes, and this person will receive troubles and judgment from those in authority. It is safer to encounter a mother bear who is protecting her cubs than to encounter and be affected by a fool who is pursuing their poorly thought-out activities. v13 The person who gives evil actions to others after they receive good from others will always have evil around them. v14 Starting an argument is like releasing uncontrolled water from a dam. Abandon strife and evil actions before the situation gets out of control. v15 The Lord hates and detests a person who says a guilty person is innocent or who condemns an innocent person.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v13 – Psalm 109:4-6”They repay my love with accusations, but I continue to pray. 5 They repay me evil for good and hate for love. 6 Appoint an evil man to testify against him. May an accuser stand at his right side. “(NET)
Jeremiah 18:20 “ Should good be paid back with evil? Yet they are virtually digging a pit to kill me. Just remember how I stood before you pleading on their behalf to keep you from venting your anger on them. “(NET)
v15 – Exodus 23:7”Keep your distance from a false charge—do not kill the innocent and the righteous, for I will not justify the wicked.”(NET)
Isaiah 5:20-23 “Beware, those who call evil good and good evil, who turn darkness into light and light into darkness, …..21 Beware, those who think they are wise, those who think they possess understanding……..23 They pronounce the guilty innocent for a payoff, they ignore the just cause of the innocent.”(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 17:16 - 28 (glc thoughts)
v16 There is no benefit for a fool to have wages or money to spend on getting wisdom because this person does not have the inner character to use wisdom. v17 A friend who shares your values keeps close to you in all situations, and a relative is given to you to help when difficult times come to you. v18 The person who lacks discernment and does not think about consequences will make pledges too quickly and makes foolish financial commitments for their neighbor. v19 The person who enjoys quarreling with people also enjoys crossing proper boundaries. The person who builds a fancy gate or who brags too much is inviting destruction. v20 The person who has an obstinate desire to act in unacceptable ways can expect to have troubles in their future, and the person who speaks false and deceitful words will fall into trouble. v21 Parents who raise a child who does not learn spiritual or moral principles will have grief in their lives as a result, and the parents of a fool (one who has not made wisdom and understanding effective in their life) have sadness and sorrow. v22 A cheerful heart has a good outlook on life and is rewarded with health, but a depressed and stressed inner spirit leads to poor health. v23 A wicked person takes a secret bribe to interfere with justice for others. v24 Wisdom is available and is recognized by a person who has discernment, but the eyes and mind of a fool wander and don’t concentrate on wisdom. v25 A foolish child brings frustration, grief, and bitterness to parents. v26 It is very bad to punish a righteous person, and to publicly punish honorable people is contrary to what is right. v27 The person who is absolutely and truly wise will speak carefully with few words, and the person who holds their emotions and anger in check is discerning. v28 Even a fool may be regarded as wise if they don’t speak, and the person who restrains their words is regarded as discerning.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v20 – James 3:8”But no human being can subdue the tongue; it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison”(NET)
v27 – James 1:19,20”Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters! Let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger. 20 For human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.”(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 18:1 - 9 (glc thoughts)
v1 The person who isolates themselves from community with others gives prime importance to their own desires and shows contempt for good advice from others. v2 A fool intensely dislikes gaining understanding, and their speech discloses the thoughts they have. v3 A wicked person brings contempt along with them, and shameful thoughts and actions result in disapproval. v4 The words of a person can be profound, and the words of wisdom can be refreshing and beneficial. v5 It is extremely bad to show preference to the wicked by withholding justice from the righteous. v6 The words of a fool lead to troubles, and the fool deserves physical punishment. v7 The words of a fool lead to their destruction, and what the fool says can bring distress and disaster to the fool. v8 The words of one who gossips seem enjoyable to hear at the time they are spoken, and those words are too easily believed and affect the heart and mind of the listener. v9 The person who is lazy and unproductive in their work is very close to being someone who creates waste and destruction.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v5 – Leviticus 19:15” “‘You must not deal unjustly in judgment: You must neither show partiality to the poor nor honor the rich. You must judge your fellow citizen fairly.”(NET)
1 Timothy 5:21”Before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, I solemnly charge you to carry out these commands without prejudice or favoritism of any kind.”(NET)
James 2:4 “If so, have you not made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil motives?”(NET)
v9 – Ecclesiastes 10:18 “Because of laziness the roof caves in, and because of idle hands the house leaks. “(NET)
2 Thessalonians 3:11,12 “ 11 For we hear that some among you are living an undisciplined life, not doing their own work but meddling in the work of others. 12 Now such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and so provide their own food to eat. “(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 18:10 - 18 (glc thoughts)
v10 The Lord has strength and power to protect people; the righteous person fully trusts in the Lord and is removed from trouble. v11 The material wealth of the rich seems to them to provide protection. Their rich imagine that their wealth forms a barrier around them. v12 A person is proud in their inner spirit before destruction comes to them, but the person who is humble receives honor. v13 The person who speaks a reply before fully listening to someone is showing their lack of good sense and will receive shame. v14 A person’s strong inner spirit can sustain them while they are sick - but very few can cope with depression and despair. v15 The person who is discerning in their inner spirit and mind acquires knowledge, and the wise person continually seeks for knowledge. v16 A gift can open doors for opportunities and makes a person welcomed among important people. v17 The first person to state their legal case seems to be in the right until their opponent questions them to investigate the matter. v18 Tossing a coin or using some means of decision not controlled by a person can settle disputes between opinionated people if both people accept this method.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v12 Philippians 2:1-10( glc… Jesus example) “........3 Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself. …..5 You should have the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had, 6 who, though he existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself by taking on the form of a slave, …., and by sharing in human nature. 8 He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death —even death on a cross! 9 As a result God highly exalted him ….“(NET)
v13 – John 7:51 “ “Our law doesn’t condemn a man unless it first hears from him and learns what he is doing, does it?” “(NET)
v16 – Genesis 32:17,18 “He instructed the servant leading the first herd, “When my brother Esau meets you and asks, ‘To whom do you belong? Where are you going? Whose herds are you driving?’ 18 then you must say, ‘They belong to your servant Jacob. They have been sent as a gift to my lord Esau. In fact Jacob himself is behind us.’”” (NET)
1 Samuel 25:27,28 “ Now let this present that your servant has brought to my lord be given to the servants who follow my lord. 28 Please forgive the sin of your servant, for the Lord will certainly establish a lasting dynasty for my lord, because my lord fights the battles of the Lord. May no evil be found in you all your days!” (NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 18:19 - 24 (glc thoughts)
v19 It will be difficult to re-establish a relationship with a relative who is sinned against, and disagreements create separations that are difficult to overcome. v20 The good words from a person’s mouth lead to the meeting of their needs, and the reward of good words gives satisfaction. v21 Your words have power to produce death and troubles, or life and good living, and those who enjoy talking will reap bad or good consequences. v22 The man who has a good, virtuous, and kind wife has what is pleasing and good for his life as a pleasing gift from the Lord. v23 A poor person asks for help, but usually, the self-satisfied rich person responds harshly to the request. v24 There are acquaintances who cause harm to one another, but there is a firm friend who keeps closer than a brother or sister to you.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v21 – Matthew 12:37 “ For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” “ (NET)
v22 – Read Proverbs Chapter 31
Genesis 2:18 “The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a companion for him who corresponds to him.”” (NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 19:1 - 10 (glc thoughts)
v1 It is better to be poor with a lifestyle of honesty and integrity than to be a fool who speaks dishonest and deceitful words. v2 Being overly excited and enthusiastic without having knowledge about situations can lead to loss and injury, and the person who quickly takes action may be making a poor choice. v3 A person’s lack of good sense and foolishness lead to troubles, but their inner spirit and mind blame the Lord. v4 Material wealth often produces many friends, but a poor person often loses their friends. v5 A witness who lies will be punished, and the person who speaks many lies will be punished. v6 Many people ask a generous person for favorable treatment, and everyone wants to be the friend of a person who gives gifts. v7 All the relatives of a poor person want nothing to do with them, so much more, and friends will avoid the poor person and disregard their words. v8 The person who acquires understanding in the inner person and mind does good for themselves, and the person who holds on to understanding, and makes it active, will succeed. v9 A witness who tells lies will be punished, and the person who continually speaks lies will be destroyed. v10 Luxury is not fitting for a person with no common sense, and it is foolish and unwise for an untrained servant to have authority over a trained prince.
* * Other Bible verses to read:
v5 – Exodus 23:1”“You must not give a false report. Do not make common cause with the wicked to be a malicious witness.”(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 19:11 - 20 (glc thoughts)
v11 The wisdom and prudence that a person has makes them hold back their anger and not think or act quickly, and it is to the credit of a person not to let an insult affect them. v12 The extreme anger of the king is frightening like the roar of a lion, but the king’s favor is refreshing like dew on the grass. v13 A child without common sense brings troubles and shame to their parents, and a spouse who is constantly arguing or nagging is irritating and distracting. v14 A good house and material wealth can be inherited from parents, but a wise, and helpful, spouse who helps make good decisions is a gift from the Lord. v15 Laziness can lead to even less activity, and the person who does not work will go hungry. v16 The person who obeys and follows commandments protects their life and lifestyle, and the person who rejects and does not follow commandments (of the Lord) will die. v17 The person who is concerned and freely helps the poor will be rewarded in some way by the Lord as a consequence of their actions. v18 Guide and discipline your child as they grow, and do not have decisions and actions that cause the destruction and death of your child. v19 A person with uncontrolled anger will have to pay for the consequences, but if you help that person out of those consequences prematurely, you will have to deliver them from consequences in the future. v20 Listen to the good advice from older people, and let discipline that corrects your thinking and actions be effective in your life so that you will gain wisdom as you get older and be wise before you die.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v16 – Luke 10:27,28 “The expert answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.” 28 Jesus said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.” “(NET)
Luke 11:28”But he replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it!” “(NET)
v17 –Matthew 10:42 “And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple, I tell you the truth, he will never lose his reward.” “(NET)
Matthew 25:34-40 “Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ …..40 And the king will answer them, ‘I tell you the truth, just as you did it for one of the least of these brothers or sisters of mine, you did it for me.’ “(NET)
2 Corinthians 9:6-11 “ My point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each one of you should give just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, because God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace overflow to you so that because you have enough of everything in every way at all times, you will overflow in every good work. 9 Just as it is written, “He has scattered widely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness remains forever.” 10 Now God who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your supply of seed and will cause the harvest of your righteousness to grow. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you may be generous on every occasion, which is producing through us thanksgiving to God “(NET)
Hebrews 6:10 “ For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love you have demonstrated for his name, in having served and continuing to serve the saints. “(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 19:21 - 29 (glc thoughts)
v21 A person thinks up many plans in their mind but the wisdom of the Lord brings long-term success. v22 Loyal and faithful love is the desirable characteristic for a person, and even a poor person is better than a person who lies and does not keep promises. v23 The reverent fear of the Lord leads to success in life, and the person who has this attitude will be content in life and will not be defeated by great difficulties and troubles. v24 The lasy and unmotivated person is opposed to common sense, will not finish projects, and will not have basic needs met. v25 Give physical punishment to a person who shows contempt for good principles and others who lack understanding will learn to make good decisions. Verbally correct a person who carefully considers situations and they will grow in knowledge. v26 The person who robs and forces out their parents is a person who brings shame and disgrace. v27 If you stop listening to and incorporating instruction in your life, you will wander away from the words of knowledge in your thinking and behavior. v28 A witness who tells lies does not respect or promote justice, and the wicked speak words that show they have fed on dishonesty and iniquity. v29 Penalties and judgments are ready for those express contempt for good thinking and behavior, and physical punishment is ready for those who act unwisely and imprudently.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v21 – Hebrews 6:17 “ In the same way God wanted to demonstrate more clearly to the heirs of the promise that his purpose was unchangeable, and so he intervened with an oath, “(NET)
v23 – Job 5:19 “ He will deliver you from six calamities; yes, in seven no evil will touch you. “(NET)
Jeremiah 1:8 “Do not be afraid of those to whom I send you, for I will be with you to protect you,” says the Lord.”(NET)
Daniel 6:27 “ He rescues and delivers and performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions!” “(NET)
2 Timothy 4:8 “ Finally the crown of righteousness is reserved for me. The Lord, the righteous Judge, will award it to me in that day—and not to me only, but also to all who have set their affection on his appearing. “(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 20:1 - 8 (glc thoughts)
v1 Consuming alcoholic drinks can lead a person to argumentative talking and aggressiveness. The person who is influenced or controlled by them is not wise. v2 The anger of the king should frighten you. Whoever provokes a ruler brings troubles on themselves. v3 It is best, and honorable, to seek an end to a conflict, but those lacking sense get into quarrels. v4 The lazy and unmotivated person does not make proper preparations in their work, so when profits should be coming in, this person has no profit. v5 Good thinking and advice that resides in the inner person and mind can be difficult to see at first, but someone with insight and understanding can talk to this person and benefit from the advice. v6 Many people claim to be a friend, but a fully trustworthy and faithful friend is difficult to find. v7 The righteous person seeks to follow God’s principles and thinks and acts with honesty and integrity; this person’s children benefit from this example and are more likely to have the same attitudes and actions. v8 A king has a position of authority to examine situations in the kingdom and to remove evil from the kingdom.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v1 – Isaiah 28:7” Even these men stagger because of wine; they stumble around because of beer— priests and prophets stagger because of beer, they are confused because of wine, they stumble around because of beer; they stagger while seeing prophetic visions, they totter while making legal decisions.“(NET)
Hosea 4:11”Old and new wine take away the understanding of my people. “(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 20:9 - 18 (glc thoughts)
v9 No one can claim that their thoughts and actions are free from sin, so be responsible and take steps to limit and reduce sin in your life. (see verses below) v10 The Lord hates and detests the use of dishonest business practices. v11 The character of a young person (adolescent?) shows forth by what they do, whether their actions are pure and right. (Parents should encourage right actions and discipline for wrong actions.) The Lord created ears for hearing and eyes for seeing, so understand and obey wisdom. v13 Do not sleep too much as this inattention to work leads to poverty (don’t “sleep on the job”). Be alert and active so you get income and have enough food. v14 During negotiations, a buyer often says the item has flaws, but when they have the item, they boast about the good deal they made. v15 The world has plenty of gold and precious jewels, but you should understand that words of knowledge are also of great value. v16 Get collateral and secure promises of repayment when a person gives financial security for a person who is not well known. v17 Things gained by dishonest means seem pleasing at first, but the dishonesty will have bad consequences. v18 Plans come to success when you get good advice, so get guidance before entering difficult situations.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v9 – 1 Kings 8:46,47 ““The time will come when your people will sin against you (for there is no one who is sinless!) and you will be angry with them and deliver them over to their enemies, who will take them as prisoners to their own land, whether far away or close by. 47 When your people come to their senses in the land where they are held prisoner, they will repent and beg for your mercy in the land of their imprisonment, admitting, ‘We have sinned and gone astray; we have done evil.’ “(NET)
2 Chronicles 6:36,37 ““The time will come when your people will sin against you (for there is no one who is sinless!) and you will be angry at them and deliver them over to their enemies, who will take them as prisoners to their land, whether far away or close by. 37 When your people come to their senses in the land where they are held prisoner, they will repent and beg for your mercy in the land of their imprisonment, admitting, ‘We have sinned and gone astray, we have done evil! “(NET)
Psalm 51:4,5”Against you—you above all—I have sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. So you are just when you confront me; you are right when you condemn me. 5 Look, I was guilty of sin from birth, a sinner the moment my mother conceived me.“(NET)
Psalm 119:9”How can a young person maintain a pure life? By guarding it according to your instructions. “(NET)
Isaiah 1:16”Wash! Cleanse yourselves! Remove your sinful deeds from my sight. Stop sinning. “(NET)
1 John 1:8-10 “ If we say we do not bear the guilt of sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous, forgiving us our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar and his word is not in us. “(NET)
v10 – Deuteronomy 25:13-16 “You must not have in your bag different stone weights, a heavy and a light one. 14 You must not have in your house different measuring containers, a large and a small one. 15 You must have an accurate and correct stone weight and an accurate and correct measuring container, so that your life may be extended in the land the Lord your God is about to give you. 16 For anyone who acts dishonestly in these ways is abhorrent to the Lord your God.”(NET)
Micah 6:10,11”“I will not overlook, O sinful house, the dishonest gain you have hoarded away or the smaller-than-standard measure I hate so much. 11 I do not condone the use of rigged scales or a bag of deceptive weights. “(NET)
v15 – Job 28:12 - 19 “ “But wisdom—where can it be found? Where is the place of understanding? 13 Mankind does not know its place; it cannot be found in the land of the living. … 15 Fine gold cannot be given in exchange for it, nor can its price be weighed out in silver. …. .. the price of wisdom is more than pearls. 19 The topaz of Cush cannot be compared with it; it cannot be purchased with pure gold. “(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 20:19 -30 (glc thoughts)
v19 A person who talks too much about others reveals secrets, so don’t spend too much time with a person who talks too much. v20 The person who does not value their parents will have their life end in destruction. v21 An inheritance that is obtained too quickly will not bring long-term prosperity. v22 Do not make plans to do evil to someone who wrongs you. Have patience and rely on the Lord to make things right. v23 The Lord hates and detests dishonest business practices. Dishonest business practices are very bad. v24 The course of a person’s life is directed by the Lord, and people do not have a full understanding of their life events. v25 You can put yourself in a difficult situation by making a vow too quickly. Think about the promises you make before you make them. v26 A wise leader removes bad people from the territory they control and actively suppresses bad people. v27 The inner moral, intellectual, and spiritual aspects of a person serve as a conscience that evaluates our choices. v28 Faithful love and regard for truth preserve a king, and the kingdom is sustained when the king demonstrates faithful love. v29 The young can boast about their strength, and the old are decorated in honor with their gray hair. v30 Physical discipline can remove evil inclinations from a person, and for some people, only physical discipline restores right thinking.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v22 – Romans 12:17-21” Do not repay anyone evil for evil; consider what is good before all people. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all people. 19 Do not avenge yourselves, dear friends, but give place to God’s wrath, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 Rather, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing this you will be heaping burning coals on his head. 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. “(NET)
1 Thessalonians 5:15 “ See that no one pays back evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all. “(NET)
1 Peter 3:9 “Do not return evil for evil or insult for insult, but instead bless others because you were called to inherit a blessing. “(NET)
v27 – 1 Corinthians 2:11 “For who among men knows the things of a man except the man’s spirit within him? So too, no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. “(NET)
v24 – Genesis 50:26 “ As for you, you meant to harm me, but God intended it for a good purpose, so he could preserve the lives of many people, as you can see this day.” (NET) (glc… Joseph speaking to his brothers in Egypt)
—==========================----- Proverbs 21:1 - 12 (glc thoughts)
v1 The Lord directs the thinking of the king in ways that the Lord chooses. The Lord is greater than the king. v2 A person can rationalize that their way of thinking and their decisions are correct, but the Lord examines their thoughts and motives. v3 The Lord would rather have a person do acts of righteousness and justice than just do religious rituals. v4 The wicked put forth an arrogant attitude and have too much pride, and that leads to sin and is sin. v5 The plans of those who follow through with diligent action will usually produce prosperity, but those who act without planning will find themselves in poverty. v6 A large amount of material wealth that is gathered by being dishonest and lying will be temporary and will vanish into thin air; these people come to destruction and death. v7 The violent acts done by wicked people will destroy them because they have chosen not to do what is right and just. v8 People who follow sinful ways are devious and underhanded, but people who are innocent and follow God’s ways have a godly lifestyle. v9 It is better to live in a small guest room on the roof of a house than to live in the main house with a contentious and quarrelsome spouse. v10 The inner motivation and appetite of the wicked desire evil. The wicked see no need to help their neighbor. v11 The example of the punishment of a person who has contempt and scorn will help the naive person gain wisdom. When a wise person is instructed they gain knowledge. v12 The Lord sees and evaluates the lifestyle of the wicked person and brings disaster on the wicked.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v2 – Luke 16:15”But Jesus said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in men’s eyes, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly prized among men is utterly detestable in God’s sight. “(NET)
v3 – 1 Samuel 15:22”Then Samuel said, “Does the Lord take pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as he does in obedience? Certainly, obedience is better than sacrifice; paying attention is better than the fat of rams.“(NET)
Isaiah 1:11” “Of what importance to me are your many sacrifices?” says the Lord. “I have had my fill of burnt sacrifices,.....The blood of bulls, lambs, and goats I do not want. ….. You observe new moon festivals, Sabbaths, and convocations,but I cannot tolerate sin-stained celebrations!..... 15 When you spread out your hands in prayer, I look the other way;....16 Wash! Cleanse yourselves! Remove your sinful deeds from my sight. Stop sinning. 17 Learn to do what is right. Promote justice. Give the oppressed reason to celebrate. Take up the cause of the orphan. Defend the rights of the widow. “(NET)
Hosea 6:6”For I delight in faithfulness, not simply in sacrifice; I delight in acknowledging God, not simply in whole burnt offerings. “(NET)
Micah 6:7,8” Will the Lord accept a thousand rams or ten thousand streams of olive oil? Should I give him my firstborn child as payment for my rebellion, my offspring—my own flesh and blood—for my sin? 8 He has told you, O man, what is good, and what the Lord really wants from you: He wants you to carry out justice, to love faithfulness, and to live obediently before your God. “(NET)
v10 – James 2:15,16 “ If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacks daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep warm and eat well,” but you do not give them what the body needs, what good is it?” (NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 21:13 - 20 (glc thoughts)
v13 Those who refuse to help the poor will not receive help when they need it. v14 A gift given behind the scenes will minimize anger, and a material gift given behind the scenes will minimize violent actions. v15 Making sure that justice takes place brings joy to the righteous and strikes fear into those who do evil. v16 The person whose lifestyle strays from knowledge, careful judgment, common sense, and from God’s principles, will wander into, and dwell in, destruction and death. v17 The person who seeks excessive pleasure will end up in poverty, and the person who gives themselves a luxurious life with parties and abundant perfume will not keep their material wealth. v18 The wicked take the troubles planned for the righteous, and the people who are unfaithful and devious receive what is planned for those who follow God’s principles. v19 It is better to live in a desolate, but quiet, place than to live with a quarrelsome and easily provoked spouse. v20 The house of a wise person has worthy material things and things made for comfort, but a foolish person uses up all they have without thinking about the future.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v13 – Matthew 18:28-34 “After he went out, that same slave found one of his fellow slaves who owed him 100 silver coins. …., saying, ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ 29 Then his fellow slave threw himself down and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will repay you.’ 30 But he refused. Instead, he went out and threw him in prison until he repaid the debt. 31 ….. 32 Then his lord called the first slave and said to him, ‘Evil slave! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me! 33 Should you not have shown mercy to your fellow slave, just as I showed it to you?’ 34 And in anger his lord turned him over to the prison guards to torture him until he repaid all he owed. “(NET)
James 2:13” For judgment is merciless for the one who has shown no mercy. But mercy triumphs over judgment.”(NET)
v18 – Esther 7:10 “So they hanged Haman on the very gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. The king’s rage then abated. “(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 21:21 - 32 (glc thoughts)
v21 The person who actively seeks after righteousness and loyal love will be rewarded with a good life, provision, and honor. v22 A wise person can overcome the barriers put up by a person who seems to be mighty in earthly terms and who trusts in earthly strengths. v23 The person who is careful about what they say is less likely to get into social or legal trouble. v24 An overly proud and presumptuous person is often a person who mocks and ridicules others, and acts out of an overflow of pride. v25 The lazy and unmotivated person doesn’t want to work, and chooses not to work, and this will lead to their destruction. v26 The lazy and unmotivated person wants much for themselves, but the righteous person gives freely without worry that it will lead to their poverty. v27 The ritual religious activities of the wicked are an insult and unacceptable to the Lord. This is even more true when this is done with an evil motive and no desire to repent. v28 The witness who lies will be destroyed, but the witness who tells the truth will keep on giving their testimony. v29 A wicked person makes a show of confidence, but a righteous person understands and establishes their lifestyle. v30 There is no human wisdom, understanding, or advice that is superior to the Lord’s. v32 The army prepares for battle, but the victory is accomplished by the Lord.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v21 – Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. “(NET)
v26 – 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 “My point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each one of you should give just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, because God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace overflow to you so that because you have enough of everything in every way at all times, you will overflow in every good work. 9 Just as it is written, “He has scattered widely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness remains forever.” 10 Now God who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your supply of seed and will cause the harvest of your righteousness to grow. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you may be generous on every occasion, which is producing through us thanksgiving to God “(NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 22:1 - 10 (glc thoughts)
v1 Your good reputation is worth more than great material possessions, and good relations with people are worth more than silver or gold. v2 The rich and poor have something in common: the Lord is the creator of both of them. v3 A prudent person foresees difficulties and prepares for them, but the person who lacks wisdom and experience does not see future difficulties and suffers loss as a result. v4 The consequences of humility and the reverent fear of the Lord are material wealth, respect from others, and a continuing life. v5 Difficulties and troubles will be in the life of those who are perverted and obstinate, but the person who protects themselves stays away from those who are perverted and obstinate. v6 Guide a child to seek wisdom and a godly lifestyle, and when the child is old, they will usually continue to live that way. v7 The rich have authority and influence over the poor, and the person who borrows money is a servant to the lender. v8 The person who promotes and uses iniquity will have trouble come back to them, and will limit how much trouble they can accomplish. v9 A person who meets the needs of others will be blessed and rewarded, for that person has shared their own material goods with the poor. v10 Remove the person who continually disrupts and criticizes, and then arguments, conflicts, and insults will stop.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v6 – Ephesians 6:4 “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but raise them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. “ (NET)
2 Timothy 3:15 “You, however, must continue in the things you have learned and are confident about. You know who taught you 15 and how from infancy you have known the holy writings, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. “(NET)
v9 – 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 “My point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each one of you should give just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, because God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace overflow to you so that because you have enough of everything in every way at all times, you will overflow in every good work. 9 Just as it is written, “He has scattered widely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness remains forever.” 10 Now God who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your supply of seed and will cause the harvest of your righteousness to grow. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you may be generous on every occasion, which is producing through us thanksgiving to God “ (NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 22:11 - 16 (glc thoughts)
v11 The person who has pure intentions and honest plans, and who speaks kind words, will be a friend of those in authority. v12 The Lord evaluates and safeguards just causes and limits the impact of the words of a treacherous person. v13 The lazy and unmotivated person makes excuses for not working. v14 The words of an adulteress or adulterer are a trap. A person whom the Lord is angry with will fall into it and have a downfall. v15 Immature thinking is part of a child’s inner nature, but discipline will help the child move toward mature thinking and acting. v16 The person who takes advantage of the poor to increase their material wealth, and the person who gives their material wealth to those who are already rich, will both end up in poverty.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v11 – Matthew 5:8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. “ (NET)
1 Peter 1:22 “ You have purified your souls by obeying the truth in order to show sincere mutual love. So love one another earnestly from a pure heart. “ (NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 22:17 - 29 (glc thoughts)
v17 Listen carefully and thoughtfully to the words of wise people, and consider how godly instruction can improve your life. v18 It is a good thing for you to remember godly instructions and have them active in your life. v19 The verses you read here can be applied personally to you, with the result that your confidence will be in the Lord. v20 There are many proverbs for you to read that carry advice and knowledge for you, v21 to show you true and trustworthy words, so that you may give dependable answers to those who ask you for a report. v22 Do not take advantage of a poor person, even though you may be staying within the law, because they are poor and lack legal resources, and do not destroy those who are needy in court proceedings, v23 for the Lord will take up their case and take material goods away from those who are trying to take their material goods. v24 Do not make friends with a person who is short-tempered and easily angered, and do not get into a relationship with a person who often shows forth their extreme anger, v25 because you may be influenced to follow their lifestyle and become entangled in trouble. v26 Do not be quick to give your word and make a pledge, or make a financial pledge of some collateral for a debt. v27 Know this, if you can’t pay the debt your personal property will be taken and you could lose all you possess. v28 Respect the property rights of others and do not enlarge your territory or influence by moving or crossing established boundaries that have been in place and accepted for a long time. v29 A person who is among the best in their work will be welcomed by and work for those in authority. This person will usually be recognized for their good work.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v21 – Luke 1:3,4 “So it seemed good to me as well, because I have followed all things carefully from the beginning, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know for certain the things you were taught. “ (NET)
v22 – Exodus 23:6 “You must not turn away justice for your poor people in their lawsuits. “ (NET)
Job 31:21-23 “ if I have raised my hand to vote against the orphan, when I saw my support in the court, 22 then let my arm fall from the shoulder, let my arm be broken off at the socket. 23 For the calamity from God was a terror to me, and by reason of his majesty I was powerless. “ (NET)
v23 – Zechariah 7:10 “ You must not oppress the widow, the orphan, the resident foreigner, or the poor, nor should anyone secretly plot evil against his fellow citizen.’” (NET)
Malachi 3:5,6 “ “I will come to you in judgment. I will be quick to testify against those who practice divination; those who commit adultery; those who break promises; and those who exploit workers, widows, and orphans, who refuse to help the resident foreigner and in this way show they do not fear me,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “ (NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 23:1 - 11 (glc thoughts)
v1 When you are in the presence of a ruler think about what actions you will take, and v2 control yourself so you don’t offend your host. Do not overly desire the ruler’s fine items, for the ruler may have ulterior motives. v4 Do not overwork yourself to try to gather material wealth. Be wise enough to put limits on yourself so you don’t wear yourself out. v5 Be careful about making material things a priority as they can quickly disappear. v6 Be careful not to get entangled by the false hospitality of a crafty person, for that person may have a plan to take advantage of you even though they seem to welcome you. v8 The situation will make you unsettled and feeling bad and your pleasant words will be wasted. v9 Be warned that if you try to give words of wisdom to a person who rejects wisdom and good sense, this person will treat your words with contempt and will not be influenced by them. v10 Do not try to enlarge your territory or influence by improperly moving an accepted boundary. Do not use the property of the fatherless, or defenseless, for your own purposes v11 for they have an overseer who is powerful and who will take up their case against you.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v4 – 1 Timothy 6:9,10” Those who long to be rich, however, stumble into temptation and a trap and many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evils. Some people in reaching for it have strayed from the faith and stabbed themselves with many pains.” (NET)
v10 – Deuteronomy 19:14”You must not encroach on your neighbor’s property, which will have been defined in the inheritance you will obtain in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” (NET)
Deuteronomy 27:14-17 ““The Levites will call out to every Israelite with a loud voice: ….17 ‘Cursed is the one who moves his neighbor’s boundary marker.’ Then all the people will say, ‘Amen!’” (NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 23:12 - 25 (glc thoughts)
v12 Carefully consider the instruction you receive, and think about the words of knowledge you hear. v13 Do not stop giving discipline to a child, even some physical discipline. v14 Physical discipline will deliver the child from a future of trouble and death. (glc…this is not a license to deliver a lot of physical discipline to a child that would harm them or produce bitterness in them) v15 Children should understand that if they have wisdom and good sense in their inner person, their parents will be glad along with them. v16 Parents rejoice when their children speak words that are wise. v17 Do not let envy of ungodly people persist in your heart and mind, but focus your thoughts and motivations on having a reverent fear of the Lord at all times. v18 There is a future reward for godly people that will not be taken away. v19 Children should listen to parents and become wise and discerning so their thoughts and motivations will be godly. v20 Do not spend your time among people who drink too much or are gluttons and waste food, v21 because people who eat and drink too much become poor. They sleep and have no motivation to work so they end up losing their material possessions. v22 Listen to your parents who gave you life, and continue to respect them when they are old. v23 Invest in, and gather, truth, and do not let it go, even for a price - this also applies to your wisdom, discipline in living, and understanding of how to live. v24 The parents of a righteous person will rejoice greatly, and the parents of a wise child will gain joy from them. v25 Do what you can to bring joy to your parents who gave you life.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v20 – Isaiah 5:20-24”Beware, those who call evil good and good evil, who turn darkness into light and light into darkness, who turn bitter into sweet and sweet into bitter. 21 Beware, those who think they are wise, those who think they possess understanding. 22 Beware, those who are champions at drinking, who display great courage when mixing strong drinks. 23 They pronounce the guilty innocent for a payoff, they ignore the just cause of the innocent. 24 Therefore, as flaming fire devours straw and dry grass disintegrates in the flames, so their root will rot, and their flower will blow away like dust. For they have rejected the law of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, they have spurned the commands of the Holy One of Israel. “ (NET)
Luke 21:34 “ “But be on your guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day close down upon you suddenly like a trap. “ (NET)
Romans 13:13,14 “Let us live decently as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in discord and jealousy. 14 Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh to arouse its desires. “ (NET)
Ephesians 5:18”And do not get drunk with wine, which is debauchery, but be filled by the Spirit, “ (NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 23:26 - 35 (glc thoughts)
v26 Parents want a close relationship with their children and want them to learn from their lifestyle, v27 because there are temptations for inappropriate sexual behavior in this world. Those who give these temptations have hidden dangers that are difficult to escape from. v28 Those who give these temptations try to keep their true motives hidden so they can do harm and lead people to be unfaithful to their spouse. v29 Think about those who have troubles, sorrows, disputes with others, and complain a lot. Think about those who have physical problems with unknown causes. Think about those who have lost their alertness and discernment. v30 You should recognize that the people described above have been involved with heavy drinking and seek out alcoholic beverages. v31 Think before you drink! An alcoholic drink may appeal to you before you drink it and when you first taste it. v32 But later, your body will be affected in a very bad way with its venom. v33 You will not be able to see clearly or think clearly, or speak coherently. v34 You will lack control of your body and will move like you were tossed about by waves. v35 The person who drinks too much will not be aware of when their body is being hurt. The person who drinks too much alcohol wakes up and starts searching for another alcoholic drink. They are addicted.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v30 Ephesians 5:18”And do not get drunk with wine, which is debauchery, but be filled by the Spirit, “ (NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 24:1 - 9 (glc thoughts)
v1 Do not want what evil people want, and don’t strongly desire to spend time with them, v2 because their thoughts and motivations are about violence, and their words lead to trouble. v3 A good and prosperous house is assembled through wisdom, and understanding keeps it secure. v4 The proper use of knowledge brings in many kinds of precious and pleasing material possessions. v5 A wise and mighty warrior is strong, and a person who makes good use of knowledge becomes stronger, v6 because good counsel helps you fight against troubles, and many advisers help you achieve victory. v7 Wisdom cannot be acquired by a fool, and in a serious gathering the fool does not contribute wise words. v8 The person who plans to do evil will become known as a person who schemes and promotes bad activities. v9 A plan based on foolish and senseless principles is sin, and the person who continually expresses contempt and disdain is rejected by the community.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v5 – Ecclesiastes 9:16 “So I concluded that wisdom is better than might, but a poor man’s wisdom is despised; no one ever listens to his advice. “ (NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 24:10 - 22 (glc thoughts)
v10 If you have given up and not given your best effort in the day when adversity came, you are weak in your inner person. v11 Try to rescue those who are heading toward death, and do everything you can to keep people from drifting and sliding toward destruction. v12 If you say that you were not aware of their danger, the Lord who knows your inner thoughts and motivations, will discern your lie. The Lord who helps you avoid troubles will know it and will bring either troubles or good into your life based on what you decide to do. v13 It is good to have honey to eat because it is sweet. v14 In the same way, wisdom is good food for your soul, because when you have wisdom, your future, and the future of your descendants, will continue. Do not make plans to ambush the house of a righteous person as the wicked do. Do not try to attack the home of a righteous person. v16 Bad circumstances and adversity may affect a righteous person a number of times, but this person will not be defeated; however, when this happens to a guilty person, they will collapse in their troubles. v17 Do not celebrate when your enemy struggles, and when they stumble, do not celebrate even in your inner thinking, v18 for the Lord will see this, be displeased with you, and withdraw his anger from your enemy. v19 Do not be worried because of evil people or want any part of their lifestyle, v20 for the evil person does not have a secure future, and the influence and life of the wicked will not last. v21 Have a reverent fear of the Lord and respectful fear of the king, and do not join in with rebels, v22 for they will be destroyed without warning, and the severe judgment of the Lord and the king can arise.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v16 – Job 5:19 “ He will deliver you from six calamities; yes, in seven no evil will touch you. “ (NET)
Psalm 34:19”The godly face many dangers, but the Lord saves them from each one of them. “ (NET)
Psalm 37:24”Even if he trips, he will not fall headlong, for the Lord holds his hand.“ (NET)
Micah 7:8 “My enemies, do not gloat over me! Though I have fallen, I will get up. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light. “ (NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 24:23 - 34 (glc thoughts)
v23 This section has a collection of proverbs from wise people. Showing favoritism in making judgments is terrible. v24 The person who acquits and proclaims innocence for a guilty person will be held in low regard by the people, and other countries will denounce the dishonest judge. v25 But the good judge will be pleased and satisfied when the guilty are held to account, are rebuked, and are convicted, and the good judge will be blessed and prosper. v26 The person who gives an honest answer shows devotion, sincerity, and commitment. v27 Have priorities for your work and take care of what will meet your needs in the future before you seek to fulfill what you want.. v28 Do not be a witness against your neighbor unless there is a good reason, and make sure your words are not lies and deception. v29 Do not plan revenge when you think you have been wronged. Do not retaliate and take vengeance, especially when you are evaluating the situation by yourself. v30 Take note and learn when you see the crops and property of a person who is lazy and unmotivated, or who does not have common sense. v31 You will see weeds in the crops and breakdowns in their business practices. You will see their land becoming unproductive and their property falling into disrepair. v32 Think about what you observe. Remember it and learn from it. v33 Sleeping just a little extra time and taking your ease for just a little extra time v34 will lead to poverty that overcomes you when you don’t expect it, and you will have needs that quickly arise and will be hard to overcome.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v28 – Ephesians 4:25”Therefore, having laid aside falsehood, each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor because we are members of one another. “ (NET)
v29 – Matthew 5:38-39 ““You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, do not resist the evildoer. But whoever strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other to him as well. “ (NET)
Matthew 5:43-45 ““You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’ and ‘hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be like your Father in heaven, since he causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. “ (NET)
Romans 12:17-21 “ Do not repay anyone evil for evil; consider what is good before all people. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all people. 19 Do not avenge yourselves, dear friends, but give place to God’s wrath, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 Rather, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing this you will be heaping burning coals on his head. 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. “ (NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 25:1 - 10 (glc thoughts)
v1 What follows are more proverbs from Solomon (970 - 931 B.C.), that were copied by the scholars of King Hezekiah (perhaps 715 to 687 B.C.). v2 God knows infinitely more than humans, and God’s ways can seem hidden to us, and kings have a responsibility and mission to be knowledgeable about situations. v3 The plans and reasoning of kings can be hard to understand for people. v4 Remove the impurities from silver ore, and a silversmith can create a good product. v5 Remove those who have ungodly thinking and motivations from influencing the king, and the king will have a secure reign in righteousness. v6 Don’t promote yourself to the king, and do not strive to have a place among the leaders, v7 for it is better for the king to promote you than to be publicly humiliated. v8 Don’t quickly go to the courts after seeing something. Think about the consequences to you if you are wrong and your neighbor comes to think badly about you. v9 When you have a dispute with your neighbor don’t try to win the case by using information from someone else that should be kept secret, v10 because when this person learns you did this they can tell others how you put yourself first rather than keeping a confidence, and you will get a bad reputation.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v1 – 1 Kings 4:29-32 “God gave Solomon wisdom and very great discernment; the breadth of his understanding was as infinite as the sand on the seashore. 30 Solomon was wiser than all the men of the east and all the sages of Egypt. 31 He was wiser than any man, including Ethan the Ezrahite or Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. He was famous in all the neighboring nations. 32 He composed 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs. “ (NET)
v2 – Deuteronomy 29:29”The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those that are revealed belong to us and our descendants forever, so that we might obey all the words of this law.” (NET)
Romans 11:33 “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how unfathomable his ways! “ (NET)
v4 – 2 Timothy 2:21-23 “ So if someone cleanses himself of such behavior, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart, useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. 22 But keep away from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faithfulness, love, and peace, in company with others who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 But reject foolish and ignorant controversies because you know they breed infighting. “ (NET)
v7 – Luke 14:7-11”7 Then when Jesus noticed how the guests chose the places of honor, he told them a parable. He said to them, 8 “When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor because a person more distinguished than you may have been invited by your host. 9 So the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this man your place.’ Then, ashamed, you will begin to move to the least important place. 10 But when you are invited, go and take the least important place, so that when your host approaches he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up here to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who share the meal with you. 11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” “ (NET)
v8 – Matthew 5:25 “Reach agreement quickly with your accuser while on the way to court, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the warden, and you will be thrown into prison “ (NET)
v9 – Matthew 18:15-17 ““If your brother sins, go and show him his fault when the two of you are alone. If he listens to you, you have regained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others with you, so that at the testimony of two or three witnesses every matter may be established. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. If he refuses to listen to the church, treat him like a Gentile or a tax collector. “ (NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 25:11 - 20 (glc thoughts)
v11 A message that is spoken well, so that it is understood and remembered, is lovely to hear and is very valuable. v12 A wise person who gives correction to a person is as valuable as precious metals to the person who hears and thinks about the message. v13 A faithful messenger gives relief and refreshing to those who send this messenger because the messenger gives peace and restoration to their thinking and feeling. v14 The person who makes empty promises produces disappointment. v15 A ruler can sometimes be persuaded to agree with you if you are patient and use gentle words to accomplish your goals. v16 If you have come into possession of a good thing, only use what is needed and use it in moderation because too much of a good thing can lead to problems. v17 Don’t go to your neighbor too often because your neighbor needs their space and may come to resent your frequent visits. v18 The person who tells lies about their neighbor in formal proceedings is attacking their neighbor and seeking to harm them. V19 Trusting in an unfaithful person when you have a true need will bring you pain and distress. v20 The person who makes light of another person’s troubles and does not feel sympathy for them makes them feel worse.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v11 – Isaiah 50:4,5”The Sovereign Lord has given me the capacity to be his spokesman, so that I know how to help the weary. He wakes me up every morning; he makes me alert so I can listen attentively as disciples do. 5 The Sovereign Lord has spoken to me clearly; I have not rebelled, I have not turned back. “ (NET)
v14 – Jude v18-13 “ Yet these men, as a result of their dreams, defile the flesh, reject authority, and insult the glorious ones…….. 12 These men are dangerous reefs at your love feasts, feasting without reverence, feeding only themselves. They are waterless clouds, carried along by the winds; autumn trees without fruit—twice dead, uprooted; 13 wild sea waves, spewing out the foam of their shame; wayward stars for whom the utter depths of eternal darkness have been reserved. “ (NET)
v15 – 1 Samuel 25:24” Falling at his feet, she said, “My lord, I accept all the guilt! But please let your female servant speak to you! Please listen to the words of your servant! “ (NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 25:21-28 (glc thoughts)
v21 Be hospitable to those who oppose you, v22 for this will stir their conscience and make more impact on them than violence would, and the Lord will reward you. v23 You know that certain atmospheric conditions precede rain, even so, when someone gossips people will become angry. v24 It is better to live in a small, uncomfortable space than in a roomy house with a spouse who is argumentative and critical. v25 Good news from an unexpected source refreshes a person. v26 A righteous person who loses their principles and integrity when they face opposition from wicked people has become corrupt and useless to the community. v27 You know that eating too much honey produces a bad result; even so, people who promote themselves excessively do not gain honor. v28 A person who cannot control their temper and is easily angered is vulnerable and likely to be defeated in their relationships.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v21 – Matthew 5:43-45 ““You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’ and ‘hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be like your Father in heaven, since he causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. “ (NET)
Romans 12:20,21 “Rather, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing this you will be heaping burning coals on his head. 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. “ (NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 26:1 - 12 (glc thoughts)
v1 It is out of place to have snow in summer and unwanted to have rain during harvest time, and it is not proper for a fool to be given respect. v2 A curse spoken to a person has no effect if it is not based on facts. v3 Horses and donkeys need physical actions to guide them, and fools need physical discipline. v4 Don’t use the fool’s line of reasoning in talking with them as this puts yourself on their level and can make you look like a fool. v5 Respond to a fool in a way that teaches them the error in their reasoning. v6. If you send a message using a fool you can expect no action or problems. v7 A proverb of instruction is not internalized or understood by a fool and is not used. v8 Giving respect and recognition to a fool will not have any lasting effect. v9 A proverb of instruction can’t be spoken correctly by a fool. v10 The person who hires a fool or an unknown person will only get incomplete and random results. v11 A fool repeats their disgusting mistakes. v12 A person who thinks too much of themselves will not have a worse outcome than the outcome of a fool.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v1 – Isaiah 32:6”For a fool speaks disgraceful things; his mind plans out sinful deeds. He commits godless deeds and says misleading things about the Lord; he gives the hungry nothing to satisfy their appetite and gives the thirsty nothing to drink.“ (NET)
v2 – Numbers 23:8 “How can I curse one whom God has not cursed,
or how can I denounce one whom the Lord has not denounced? “ (NET)
v5 – Matthew 21:24-27 “Jesus answered them, “I will also ask you one question. If you answer me then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. 25 Where did John’s baptism come from? From heaven or from people?” They discussed this among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ 26 But if we say, ‘From people,’ we fear the crowd, for they all consider John to be a prophet.” 27 So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” Then he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things. “ (NET)
v12 – Luke 18:11-14 “The Pharisee stood and prayed about himself like this: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: extortionists, unrighteous people, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of everything I get.’ 13 The tax collector, however, stood far off and would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, be merciful to me, sinner that I am!’ 14 I tell you that this man went down to his home justified rather than the Pharisee. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” “ (NET)
Romans 12:16 “Therefore do not let what you consider good be spoken of as evil.. “ (NET)
Revelation 3:17 “ Because you say, “I am rich and have acquired great wealth, and need nothing,” but do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked, “ (NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 26:13 - 28 (glc thoughts)
v13 The lazy and unmotivated person makes various lame excuses about why they don’t go out to work. v14 A lazy and unmotivated person stays in bed trying to get some more sleep. v15 The lazy and unmotivated person does not even expend energy to eat their food. v16 The lazy and unmotivated person rationalizes that they know more than multiple wise people who speak from their good experience. v17 A person who gets overly involved and opinionated about a quarrel that does not involve them is in danger of suffering harm. v18, 19 A person who deceives their neighbor and later says they were only joking is spreading harm and destruction. v20 When people stop gossiping and stirring up a situation, conflict and striving will decrease. v21 A person who likes to start arguments magnifies disagreements like fresh fuel that is put on a fire. v22 Beware of the words of gossip because they will affect your heart and mind. v23 Beware of a person who speaks flattering words but actually has an evil intent; they are like an ordinary clay pot that has a thin layer of decoration. v24 The person who hates other people may not say so, but rather may keep their true feelings hidden inside them. v25 Don’t trust what such a person says when they speak kindly, because this person is filled with hate. v26 However, the evil thoughts that are hidden by the deception of this person will be discovered by the community. v27 The person who creates traps and troubles for other people will receive some of those troubles. v28 Deceptive words come from a person who hates others, and insincere, flattering words can be spoken to bring harm to others.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v27 – Psalm 7:4-16” See the one who is pregnant with wickedness, who conceives destructive plans, and gives birth to harmful lies— 15 he digs a pit and then falls into the hole he has made. 16 He becomes the victim of his own destructive plans—and the violence he intended for others falls on his own head. “ (NET)
Psalm 9:15” The nations fell into the pit they had made; their feet were caught in the net they had hidden. “ (NET)
Psalm 10:2” The wicked arrogantly chase the oppressed; the oppressed are trapped by the schemes the wicked have dreamed up. “ (NET)
Psalm 57:6” They have prepared a net to trap me; I am discouraged. They have dug a pit for me. They will fall into it. (Selah [glc…pause and think of that]) “ (NET)
Ecclesiastes 10:8 “One who digs a pit may fall into it, and one who breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake. “ (NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 27:1 - 11 (glc thoughts)
v1 Do not be overconfident about the future and proclaim how you will succeed, for you do not know what will happen. v2 Let someone who does not have close ties to you praise you and build up your reputation; don’t tell others how good you are. v3 Undeserved treatment and frustration caused by a fool is physically and mentally tiring. v4 Wrath causes pain and suffering, and anger can overwhelm you, but no one can withstand a jealous rage. v5 It is better to receive an honest and open rebuke than to have someone hide love from you. v6 The discipline and instruction you receive from a friend are meant for your benefit, while multiple, but insincere, expressions of friendship can come from an enemy. v7 The person who has all their needs met does not seek after extra things, but to the person who has many needs, even common things are desired. v8 A person who strays from the security and safety of their home is like a bird that strays from the security and safety of their nest. v9 The sincere advice from a friend brings good feelings and emotions to you just as ointment and incense please your senses. v10 Do not isolate yourself from your friend or the friend of your parents; go to a neighbor when disaster comes to you rather than traveling far to be with your relatives. v11 Children should exhibit wisdom and make their parents glad so people who tell the parents they failed will have an answer for them.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v1 – Matthew 6:33,34 “But above all pursue his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 So then, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own. “ (NET)
Luke 12:16-21 “ He then told them a parable: “The land of a certain rich man produced an abundant crop, 17 so he thought to himself, ‘What should I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ 18 Then he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to myself, “You have plenty of goods stored up for many years; relax, eat, drink, celebrate!”’ 20 But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded back from you, but who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ 21 So it is with the one who stores up riches for himself, but is not rich toward God.” “ (NET)
James 4:13 - 16”Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into this or that town and spend a year there and do business and make a profit.” 14 You do not know about tomorrow. What is your life like? For you are a puff of smoke that appears for a short time and then vanishes. 15 You ought to say instead, “If the Lord is willing, then we will live and do this or that.” 16 But as it is, you boast about your arrogant plans. All such boasting is evil.” (NET)
v5 – Galatians 2:14 “But when I saw that they were not behaving consistently with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in front of them all, “If you, although you are a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you try to force the Gentiles to live like Jews?” “ (NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 27:12 - 27 (glc thoughts)
v12 A careful and thoughtful person perceived a dangerous situation and protected themselves; a person who lacked experience and judgment continued on the way they were going and suffered the consequences. v13 Get some collateral from a person who makes a promise of support for a person outside of the community, and hold them accountable for the actions of a person outside of the community. v14 If a person makes a nuisance of themselves while they say they are giving a blessing to their neighbor, their neighbor will not appreciate it. v15 A spouse who continually quarrels and criticizes is like an annoying drip of water on a rainy day. v16 Whoever can limit the annoyance of that spouse can also restrain the wind and keep oil from dripping from their hand. v17 A person of character sharpens the character of their friend just as iron can sharpen another piece of iron. v18 The person who gives good care for their crops will eat its harvest, and the person who looks out for and benefits their master will receive honor. v19 A person’s inner thoughts and motives give a true picture of a person, just as clear water gives a good reflection of a face. v20 Death and destruction continue year after year, and the imagination and desires of a person are never satisfied. v21 The purity of gold and silver is tested in a crucible or furnace, and a person must live up to the praise they receive. v22 A fool will remain foolish even if they are physically punished. v23 Inspect and make good plans for your material possessions, v24 for material riches are not permanent, and a position of authority is not guaranteed from generation to generation. v25 When the income and profits of your business come in you will have provisions for living and money to make new investments. v26 Then there will be ample food in your house and provisions for those who depend on you.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v20 – Habbakuk 2:5 “ Indeed, wine will betray the proud, restless man! His appetite is as big as Sheol’s; like death, he is never satisfied. He gathers all the nations; he seizes all peoples. “ (NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 28:1 - 14 (glc thoughts)
v1 The wicked person is not secure or confident and runs away even when no one is chasing them, but the righteous person has confidence and stands firm. v2 When a country has competing, influential leaders, the country can be in turmoil, but a leader who is discerning and knowledgeable maintains order. v3 A poor person who oppresses the helpless is like a storm that does not help crops grow. v4 Those who reject and disobey the law justify what the wicked do, but those who obey the law oppose them. v5 Evil people do not consider or apply justice, but those who draw close to the Lord understand and apply justice. v6 A poor person who is honest and has integrity in their lifestyle is better than a rich person who is devious and deceitful in their lifestyle. v7 The person who respects and obeys the law is a discerning and thinking person, but a person who joins in with gluttons and those who lack self-control brings shame to their parents. v8 The one who gains material wealth by overcharging and high rates of interest is actually gathering material wealth for a person who will be helpful to the poor. v9 The prayers of the person who rejects and avoids listening to the Lord’s principles are not accepted, or acted on, by the Lord. v10 The person who misleads the upright person into evil will eventually have troubles and ruin, but the person who avoids evil will inherit what is good. v11 A rich person can think too much of their opinion, but a discerning and thinking poor person can make a true evaluation of the rich person. v12 When the righteous have success there is celebration and praise, but when the wicked are in authority, people hide. v13 The person who seeks to hide their sins instead of confessing them will not prosper, but the person who acknowledges and confesses their sins will receive mercy. v14 The person who has a reverent fear of the Lord will be blessed, but the person who ignores the Lord will end up with troubles and ruin.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v1 – Psalm 53:5”They are absolutely terrified, even by things that do not normally cause fear. For God annihilates those who attack you. You are able to humiliate them because God has rejected them. “ (NET)
v3 – Matthew 18:28 “ After he went out, that same slave found one of his fellow slaves who owed him 100 silver coins. So he grabbed him by the throat and started to choke him, saying, ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ “ (NET)
v5 – John 7:17 “ If anyone wants to do God’s will, he will know about my teaching, whether it is from God or whether I speak from my own authority. “ (NET)
v8 – Job 27:13-17 “13 This is the portion of the wicked man allotted by God, the inheritance that evildoers receive from the Almighty…..16 If he piles up silver like dust and stores up clothing like mounds of clay, 17 what he stores up a righteous man will wear, and an innocent man will inherit his silver. “ (NET)
Ecclesiastes 2:26 “For to the one who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy, but to the sinner, he gives the task of amassing wealth— only to give it to the one who pleases God. This task of the wicked is futile—like chasing the wind! “ (NET)
v9 – Psalm 66:18” If I had harbored sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.“ (NET)
Psalm 109:7”When he is judged, he will be found guilty. Then his prayer will be regarded as sinful. “ (NET)
Zechariah 7:13 “ “‘Just as I called out, but they would not obey, so they will call out, but I will not listen,’ the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says.” (NET)
v13 – Psalm Chapter 32 (Blessed is the one whose sins are forgiven)
Psalm Chapter 51 (David was aware of his sins and sought God’s mercy)
Psalm 32:3-5 “When I refused to confess my sin, my whole body wasted away, while I groaned in pain all day long. 4 For day and night you tormented me; you tried to destroy me in the intense heat of summer. (Selah) 5 Then I confessed my sin; I no longer covered up my wrongdoing. I said, “I will confess my rebellious acts to the Lord.” And then you forgave my sins. (Selah) “ (NET)
1 John 1:8-10 “If we say we do not bear the guilt of sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous, forgiving us our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar and his word is not in us. “ (NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 28:15 - 28 (glc thoughts)
v15 A wicked ruler of a poor nation creates fear. v16 A ruler who oppresses people does not have understanding, but the ruler who refuses to get material possessions dishonestly will increase the time they rule. v17 The person who is burdened by a guilty conscience because they committed murder will be on the run until they die; no person should support them. v18 The person who has a righteous lifestyle will be delivered, but the person who consistently behaves in unreasonable ways will be ruined and destroyed suddenly. v19 The person who takes care of their work and business will have all the material possessions they need, but the person who follows unproven and worthless plans will experience poverty. v20 A faithful and trustworthy person will have many blessings in their life, but the person who tries to get rich quickly will have bad consequences. v21 It is very bad to have favoritism and be biased in making judgments, and some people are bribed by a small amount of material goods. v22 The person who is selfish focuses on getting material wealth and does not realize that their lifestyle and motivations will lead to poverty. v23 The person who is concerned about, and admonishes, another person will gain a better reputation than the person who is insincere and speaks only flattering words. v24 The person who acts dishonestly to get material wealth from their living parents, and also is unrepentant and rationalizes their behavior, has the same character as the person who destroys. v25 The person who is greedy creates dissension and conflicts, but the person who relies confidently in the Lord will be prosperous and satisfied. v26 The person who is self-reliant and thinks they know-it-all is actually a fool without wisdom, but the person who has a lifestyle influenced by the good wisdom of previous generations will avoid many troubles. v27 The person who is concerned about the poor and helps the poor will have all they need. v28 When the wicked come to power, the people are cautious in their lifestyle, but when the wicked perish and are removed from power, the righteous increase in visibility and influence.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v20 – 1 Timothy 6:9,10”Those who long to be rich, however, stumble into temptation and a trap and many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evils. Some people in reaching for it have strayed from the faith and stabbed themselves with many pains.” (NET)
v27 – Deuteronomy 15:7”If a fellow Israelite from one of your villages in the land that the Lord your God is giving you should be poor, you must not harden your heart or be insensitive to his impoverished condition.” (NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 29:1 - 14 (glc thoughts)
v1 The person who ignores many rebukes and warnings will suddenly be destroyed and will not escape their troubles. v2 When the community has many righteous people, there is celebration and a good daily life in the community, but when wicked people are in authority, the people are distressed and oppressed. v3 The child who seeks wisdom and lets it influence their lifestyle brings joy to their parents, but whoever pays for sexual enjoyment wastes their wealth. v4 A king who rules with justice brings strength and security to the country, but the king who demands excessive taxes destroys the country. v5 The person who only says pleasing things to their neighbor may get into a trap later. v6 The evil person’s actions and words create a trap for themselves, but a righteous person can live a happy life. v7 The righteous person has concern for the legal rights of the poor; the wicked person only cares for themselves and doesn’t care for the rights of the poor. v8 People who are arrogant and continually show contempt for what is right increase troubles in a city, but those who are wise reject and decrease anger. v9 When a wise person gets into a legal argument with a foolish person, the matter will not be settled in a calm way, regardless of the attitude of the fool. v10 People, who do not hesitate to attack and murder, despise a person who has decency and integrity, and want the people who live upright, God-fearing, lives to die. v11 A fool does not hold back his anger in showing his temper, but a wise person restrains his actions with self-control. v12 If a person in authority listens to, and accepts lies, all of their subordinates will follow the example and become wicked. v13 The poor person and the person who oppresses both have been given life from the Lord. v14 If a king gives fair and good treatment to the poor, the kingdom will continue.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v3 – Prodigal son Luke 15:11-32
v7 – Job 29:14-16 “I put on righteousness and it clothed me; my just dealing was like a robe and a turban; 15 I was eyes for the blind and feet for the lame; 16 I was a father to the needy, and I investigated the case of the person I did not know; “ (NET)
Job 31:13-15 “ “If I have disregarded the right of my male servants or my female servants when they disputed with me, 14 then what will I do when God confronts me in judgment; when he intervenes, how will I respond to him? 15 Did not the one (NET) who made me in the womb make them? Did not the same one form us in the womb? “
Psalm 41:1”How blessed is the one who treats the poor properly. When trouble comes, may the Lord deliver him. “ (NET)
v10 – Genesis 4:5 “but with Cain and his offering he was not pleased. So Cain became very angry, and his expression was downcast.” (NET)
Genesis 4:8 “Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.” (NET)
1 John 3:11,12 “For this is the gospel message that you have heard from the beginning: that we should love one another, 12 not like Cain who was of the evil one and brutally murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his deeds were evil, but his brother’s were righteous. “ (NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 29: 15 - 27 (glc thoughts)
v15 Discipline that corrects behavior and thinking gives wisdom to the person, but a child who is unrestrained brings shape to the parents. v16 When the wicked get more numerous and gain more power, sins increase, but the righteous people will someday see their destruction. v17 Discipline your child and you will have more rest; your child will then bring you happiness. v18 When the community does not have a prophet guiding them back to the Lord the people get out of control, but the person who honors and obeys the law will be blessed with inner peace. v19 Words often will not correct a stubborn servant, for even if they understand they do not obey. v20 Think about the people you have seen who speak or act without thinking of the consequences - a fool will have a better outcome than this person. v21 If someone makes life too easy for a servant for many years, they will not be strong enough physically or mentally to help you when help is needed. v22 A person who is often angry causes dissension and conflict, and a person who is characterized by strong anger has many sins. v23 When a person thinks too highly of themselves, they often reap troubles and ruin, but the person who is humble will gain a good reputation. v24 The person who shares in the plunder of a thief actually brings consequences on themselves; they are brought to court to testify but they will be found guilty if they talk or if they don’t talk. v25 The fear of people traps people in their mind and in their actions, but the person who trusts in the Lord will have safety and security. v26 Many people seek to get favors from those who are in power, but it is the Lord who gives true justice. v27 A person who is consistently unfair and who violates moral standards is shunned and disliked by righteous people, and the person who has a godly lifestyle is shunned and disliked by wicked people.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v18 – 1 Samuel 3:1”Now the boy Samuel continued serving the Lord under Eli’s supervision. Receiving a message from the Lord was rare in those days; revelatory visions were infrequent.” (NET)
Amos 8:11,12 “ Be certain of this, the time is coming,” says the Sovereign Lord, “when I will send a famine through the land— not a shortage of food or water but an end to divine revelation. 12 People will stagger from sea to sea, and from the north around to the east. They will wander about looking for a message from the Lord, but they will not find any. “ (NET)
v23 – Isaiah 66:1,2”This is what the Lord says: “The heavens are my throne and the earth is my footstool. Where then is the house you will build for me? Where is the place where I will rest? 2 My hand made them; that is how they came to be,” says the Lord. “I show special favor to the humble and contrite, who respect what I have to say.“ (NET)
Daniel 4:30 “The king uttered these words: “Is this not the great Babylon that I have built for a royal residence by my own mighty strength and for my majestic honor?” 31 While these words were still on the king’s lips, a voice came down from heaven: “It is hereby announced to you, King Nebuchadnezzar, that your kingdom has been removed from you! “ (NET)
Matthew 23:12 “ And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. “ (NET)
James 4:6-10” But he gives greater grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but he gives grace to the humble.” 7 So submit to God. But resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and make your hearts pure, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn, and weep. Turn your laughter into mourning and your joy into despair. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will exalt you.” (NET)
1 Peter 5:5 “In the same way, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. “ (NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 30:1 - 14 (glc thoughts)
v1 This starts noteworthy words from Agur ( glc…not much is known of him – “Agur” means “collector”) who spoke to Ithiel and Ukal: v2 indeed I know I lack the understanding that others say they have. v3 I have not mastered wisdom and I do not have full knowledge of the Lord. v4 Humanity is limited in capabilities and knowledge. No person has been in heaven and then returned to Earth. No person can grasp and contain the wind in their hands. No one has permanently contained water in their coat. Do person has set up all the far places of the Earth. If you know a person who has done this tell me their name and their son’s name. If you have knowledge, surely you must be able to say their names. v5 All of God’s words have no flaws; God gives protection to those who put their trust in Him. v6 Do not add your words to God’s words, because He will reprimand you and show that you are a liar. v7 The author asked the Lord to help him in his life. The author asked that he not have false motives and lies active in his life. He did not want to be poor or rich. He just wanted the proper amount of food. v9 In all this, he wanted to avoid being rich with the dangers of becoming self-sufficient, acting deceptively, and not acknowledging the Lord. He wanted to avoid being poor, which would lead to stealing and harming the reputation of God. v10 Do not make false statements about a servant to their master, because you would be found guilty when the issue is investigated and suffer loss of reputation. v11 These activities by groups of people are dangerous to society: disrespecting their fathers and not honoring or respecting their mothers; v12 thinking they are always right while they are only clean on their surface but still guilty in their inner thoughts and attitudes; v13 having too high opinion of themselves while they show contempt and disrespect for others; v14 using their power and influence to grind down and destroy the poor and helpless as they try to remove them from the Earth.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v4 – John 3:13 “ No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven—the Son of Man. “ (NET)
Revelation 19:12 “His eyes are like a fiery flame and there are many diadem crowns on his head. He has a name written that no one knows except himself. “ (NET)
v5 – Psalm 18:30” The one true God acts in a faithful manner; the Lord’s promise is reliable. He is a shield to all who take shelter in him. “ (NET)
Psalm 84:11” For the Lord God is our sovereign protector. The Lord bestows favor and honor; he withholds no good thing from those who have integrity. “ (NET)
Psalm 115:9-11” O Israel, trust in the Lord. He is their deliverer and protector. 10 O family of Aaron, trust in the Lord. He is their deliverer and protector. 11 You loyal followers of the Lord, trust in the Lord. He is their deliverer and protector. “ (NET)
v9 – Deuteronomy 8:11-18” Be sure you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping his commandments, ordinances, and statutes that I am giving you today. 12 When you eat your fill, when you build and occupy good houses, 13 when your cattle and flocks increase, when you have plenty of silver and gold, and when you have abundance of everything, 14 be sure you do not feel self-important and forget the Lord your God who brought you from the land of Egypt, the place of slavery,....17 Be careful not to say, “My own ability and skill have gotten me this wealth.” 18 You must remember the Lord your God, for he is the one who gives ability to get wealth; if you do this he will confirm his covenant that he made by oath to your ancestors, even as he has to this day. “ (NET)
Nehemiah 9:25,26 “They captured fortified cities and fertile land. They took possession of houses full of all sorts of good things—wells previously dug, vineyards, olive trees, and fruit trees in abundance. They ate until they were full and grew fat. They enjoyed to the full your great goodness. 26 “Nonetheless they grew disobedient and rebelled against you; they disregarded your law. They killed your prophets who had solemnly admonished them in order to cause them to return to you. They committed atrocious blasphemies. “ (NET)
Hosea 13:6 “When they were fed, they became satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; as a result, they forgot me! “ (NET)
v11 – Exodus 21:17” “Whoever treats his father or his mother disgracefully must surely be put to death.” (NET)
v13 – Psalm 131:1”O Lord, my heart is not proud, nor do I have a haughty look. I do not have great aspirations, or concern myself with things that are beyond me. “ (NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 30:15 - 33 (glc thoughts)
v15 Greed motivates asking for more things. Here are some things that seek more but are never satisfied: v16 the place where the dead are, a woman who cannot have children, the ground that always needs new water, and an uncontrolled fire. v17 The person who disrespects and opposes their father and totally rejects obeying their mother will die in dishonor without a good burial service. v18 There are some things that are difficult to understand: v19 how an eagle can fly and maneuver in the sky, how a snake moves so well on a rock, how a ship can navigate correctly on the sea, and how men and women create a relationship. v20 An adulterous person takes part in an affair and does not see that they have done anything that should be called wrong. v21 There are changes that shake up the accepted order of life: v22 when a servant (unprepared) becomes a king, when a fool becomes full of material wealth and remains foolish, v23 when a person is married but not loved by their spouse, and when a servant takes the lace of their master. v24 Take note of small things on the Earth that embody wisdom: v25 ants individually are weak but they store their food before it is needed, a small mammal the lives in security among the rocks, v26 small mammals have little strength but they have homes among the rocks, v27 locusts don’t have a single leader but they organize themselves, v28 a lizard can be caught in your hand but it can get into important places. v29 Take note of the things on Earth that are stately, v30 the mighty lion which does not retreat from anything, v31 the rooster that struts around its territory, a male goat that dominates, and a king with a mighty army around him. v32 If you have behaved foolishly by exalting yourself to others or if you are planning to do evil, don’t speak. v33 Take note that the churning of milk produces butter, and hitting a person's nose produces a nosebleed, and so, promoting and facilitating anger produces conflict.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v17 – Leviticus 20:9”“‘If anyone curses his father or mother, he must be put to death. He has cursed his father or mother; his blood guilt is on himself. “ (NET)
v32 – Job 40:43-5 “Then Job answered the Lord: 4 “Indeed, I am completely unworthy—how could I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth to silence myself. 5 I have spoken once, but I cannot answer; twice, but I will say no more.” “ (NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 31:1 - 9 (glc thoughts)
v1 The Proverbs in chapter 31 come from King Lemuel (unknown king) who was taught by his mother. v2 Lemuel’s mother was very concerned that Lemuel should absorb these proverbs of guidance: v3 don’t become physically exhausted due to your relations with women, don’t have a lifestyle that detracts from, and ultimately destroys, your role as king. v4 Kings should not drink alcohol to excess and not think clearly, v5 because this leads to forgetting the proper administration of the kingdom, including taking away justice from the poor. v6 Strong alcoholic drink should be given to the person who is dying, and wine should be given to those who are in great mental distress, v7 so they would have some relief from thinking about their poverty and not remember their miserable condition. (glc…I have concerns about applying this advice to Lemuel to rulers today. It seems to take away duties from the king to help the poor and distressed people.) v8 Speak up to help those who can’t properly verbally defend themselves, and speak up to maintain the legal rights of those who are dying. v9 Speak righteous words as you bring judgment in your role as king, and be an advocate for the poor and needy.
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v4 – Ecclesiastes 10:17 “ Blessed are you, O land, when your king is the son of nobility, and your princes feast at the proper time—with self-control and not in drunkenness. “ (NET)
Hosea 4:11” Old and new wine take away the understanding of my people. “ (NET)
v8 – 1 Samuel 19:4”So Jonathan spoke on David’s behalf to his father Saul. He said to him, “The king should not sin against his servant David, for he has not sinned against you. On the contrary, his actions have been very beneficial for you.” (NET)
Esther 4:15,16 “ Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16 “Go, assemble all the Jews who are found in Susa, and fast on my behalf. Don’t eat and don’t drink for three days, night or day. My female attendants and I will also fast in the same way. Afterward I will go to the king, even though it violates the law. If I perish, I perish.” “ (NET)
Job 29:15,16 “I was eyes for the blind and feet for the lame; 16 I was a father to the needy, and I investigated the case of the person I did not know; “ (NET)
v9 – Leviticus 19:15” “‘You must not deal unjustly in judgment: You must neither show partiality to the poor nor honor the rich. You must judge your fellow citizen fairly.” (NET)
Deuteronomy 1:16,17” I furthermore admonished your judges at that time that they should pay attention to issues among your fellow citizens and judge fairly, whether between one person and a native Israelite or a resident foreigner. 17 They must not discriminate in judgment, but hear the lowly and the great alike. Nor should they be intimidated by human beings, for judgment belongs to God. If the matter being adjudicated is too difficult for them, they should bring it before me for a hearing.” (NET)
Job 29:12 “for I rescued the poor who cried out for help, and the orphan who had no one to assist him; “ (NET)
Isaiah 1:17”Learn to do what is right. Promote justice. Give the oppressed reason to celebrate. Take up the cause of the orphan. Defend the rights of the widow.“ (NET)
Jeremiah 22:16 “He upheld the cause of the poor and needy. So things went well for Judah.’ The Lord says, ‘That is a good example of what it means to know me. “ (NET)
—==========================----- Proverbs 31:10 - 31 (glc thoughts)
(NET points out that the first Hebrew letter verse by verse follows the order of the Hebrew alphabet. glc…perhaps this would help these verses be remembered by the people)
v10 Seek to find a wife who has virtue, honor, and strength. Her value is much more than fine gems. v11 Her husband trusts her completely, and he benefits from her in many ways. v12 She rewards his trust by bringing good things, and not the evil of folly, into their lives. v13 She is careful in getting supplies and uses them with satisfaction. v14 She goes to locations even far from home to get food for the household. v15 She gets up early in the morning to prepare food for the household and even to the female servants. v16 She carefully engages in business and uses her income effectively. v17 She prepares for hard work and works hard. v18 She evaluates the result of her work to make sure it is good. She is prepared to be dedicated to her work. v19 She is skilled in her work. v20. She has a concern for the poor and helps them. v21 She has no fear of harsh weather because the household has proper clothing, v22 and she made good clothes for herself using good materials. v23 Her husband has a good reputation and participates in guiding the community. v24 She makes fine linen garments and trades with merchants. v25 Her clothes have good quality and are outstanding. She is not worried about the future. v26 She speaks words of wisdom and gives instruction from her care and concern. v27 She manages the household carefully and is not idle or unproductive. v28 Her grown children respect her and acknowledge her blessings. Her husband also praises her. v29 Many women have done well, but his woman has done even better. v30 Physical charm and beauty may cause an initial attraction, but these physical attributes don’t last. A woman who reverently fears the Lord is worthy of praise. v31 Give recognition to this woman for all she has done, and let her reputation bring her praise in the community.
(glc..Husbands should also have a godly lifestyle and be worthy of praise.)
***************************Other Bible verses to read:
v27 – 1 Timothy 5:14” So I want younger women to marry, raise children, and manage a household, in order to give the adversary no opportunity to vilify us.” (NET)
Titus 2:4,5 “In this way they will train the younger women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, fulfilling their duties at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the message of God may not be discredited. “ (NET)
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