Key verse for Nov. 30: Proverbs 30:33
Proverbs 30 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
The Words of Agur
1 The words of Agur son of Jakeh. The oracle.
The man's oration to Ithiel, to Ithiel and Ucal:
2 I am the least intelligent of men,
and I lack man's ability to understand.
3 I have not gained wisdom,
and I have no knowledge of the Holy One.
4 Who has gone up to heaven and come down?
Who has gathered the wind in His hands?
Who has bound up the waters in a cloak?
Who has established all the ends of the earth?
What is His name, and what is the name of His Son— if you know?
5 Every word of God is pure;
He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.
6 Don't add to His words,
or He will rebuke you, and you will be proved a liar.
7 Two things I ask of You;
don't deny them to me before I die:
8 Keep falsehood and deceitful words far from me.
Give me neither poverty nor wealth;
feed me with the food I need.
9 Otherwise, I might have too much
and deny You, saying, "Who is the LORD?"
or I might have nothing and steal,
profaning the name of my God.
10 Don't slander a servant to his master,
or he will curse you, and you will become guilty.
11 There is a generation that curses its father
and does not bless its mother.
12 There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes,
yet is not washed from its filth.
13 There is a generation—how haughty its eyes
and pretentious its looks.
14 There is a generation whose teeth are swords,
whose fangs are knives,
devouring the oppressed from the land
and the needy from among mankind.
15 The leech has two daughters: Give, Give.
Three things are never satisfied;
four never say, "Enough!":
16 Sheol; a barren womb;
earth, which is never satisfied with water;
and fire, which never says, "Enough!"
17 As for the eye that ridicules a father
and despises obedience to a mother,
may ravens of the valley pluck it out
and young vultures eat it.
18 Three things are beyond me;
four I can't understand:
19 the way of an eagle in the sky,
the way of a snake on a rock,
the way of a ship at sea,
and the way of a man with a young woman.
20 This is the way of an adulteress:
she eats and wipes her mouth
and says, "I've done nothing wrong."
21 The earth trembles under three things;
it cannot bear up under four:
22 a servant when he becomes king,
a fool when he is stuffed with food,
23 an unloved woman when she marries,
and a serving girl when she ousts her lady.
24 Four things on earth are small,
yet they are extremely wise:
25 the ants are not a strong people,
yet they store up their food in the summer;
26 hyraxes are not a mighty people,
yet they make their homes in the cliffs;
27 locusts have no king,
yet all of them march in ranks;
28 a lizard can be caught in your hands,
yet it lives in kings' palaces.
29 Three things are stately in their stride,
even four are stately in their walk:
30 a lion, which is mightiest among beasts
and doesn't retreat before anything,
31 a strutting rooster, a goat,
and a king at the head of his army.
32 If you have been foolish by exalting yourself,
or if you've been scheming,
put your hand over your mouth.
33 For the churning of milk produces butter,
and twisting a nose draws blood,
and stirring up anger produces strife.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Proverbial Insight 11/29/09
Key verse for Nov. 29: Proverbs 29:25
Proverbs 29 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
1 One who becomes stiff-necked, after many reprimands
will be broken suddenly— and without a remedy.
2 When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice,
but when the wicked rule, people groan.
3 A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,
but one who consorts with prostitutes destroys his wealth.
4 By justice a king brings stability to a land,
but a man who demands "contributions" demolishes it.
5 A man who flatters his neighbor
spreads a net for his feet.
6 An evil man is caught by sin,
but the righteous one sings and rejoices.
7 The righteous person knows the rights of the poor,
but the wicked one does not understand these concerns.
8 Mockers inflame a city,
but the wise turn away anger.
9 If a wise man goes to court with a fool,
there will be ranting and raving but no resolution.
10 Bloodthirsty men hate an honest person,
but the upright care about him.
11 A fool gives full vent to his anger,
but a wise man holds it in check.
12 If a ruler listens to lies,
all his servants will be wicked.
13 The poor and the oppressor have this in common:
the LORD gives light to the eyes of both.
14 A king who judges the poor with fairness—
his throne will be established forever.
15 A rod of correction imparts wisdom,
but a youth left to himself
is a disgrace to his mother.
16 When the wicked increase, rebellion increases,
but the righteous will see their downfall.
17 Discipline your son, and he will give you comfort;
he will also give you delight.
18 Without revelation people run wild,
but one who keeps the law will be happy.
19 A servant cannot be disciplined by words;
though he understands, he doesn't respond.
20 Do you see a man who speaks too soon?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21 A slave pampered from his youth
will become arrogant later on.
22 An angry man stirs up conflict,
and a hot-tempered man increases rebellion.
23 A person's pride will humble him,
but a humble spirit will gain honor.
24 To be a thief's partner is to hate oneself;
he hears the curse but will not testify.
25 The fear of man is a snare,
but the one who trusts in the LORD is protected.
26 Many seek a ruler's favor,
but a man receives justice from the LORD.
27 An unjust man is detestable to the righteous,
and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked.
Proverbs 29 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
1 One who becomes stiff-necked, after many reprimands
will be broken suddenly— and without a remedy.
2 When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice,
but when the wicked rule, people groan.
3 A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,
but one who consorts with prostitutes destroys his wealth.
4 By justice a king brings stability to a land,
but a man who demands "contributions" demolishes it.
5 A man who flatters his neighbor
spreads a net for his feet.
6 An evil man is caught by sin,
but the righteous one sings and rejoices.
7 The righteous person knows the rights of the poor,
but the wicked one does not understand these concerns.
8 Mockers inflame a city,
but the wise turn away anger.
9 If a wise man goes to court with a fool,
there will be ranting and raving but no resolution.
10 Bloodthirsty men hate an honest person,
but the upright care about him.
11 A fool gives full vent to his anger,
but a wise man holds it in check.
12 If a ruler listens to lies,
all his servants will be wicked.
13 The poor and the oppressor have this in common:
the LORD gives light to the eyes of both.
14 A king who judges the poor with fairness—
his throne will be established forever.
15 A rod of correction imparts wisdom,
but a youth left to himself
is a disgrace to his mother.
16 When the wicked increase, rebellion increases,
but the righteous will see their downfall.
17 Discipline your son, and he will give you comfort;
he will also give you delight.
18 Without revelation people run wild,
but one who keeps the law will be happy.
19 A servant cannot be disciplined by words;
though he understands, he doesn't respond.
20 Do you see a man who speaks too soon?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21 A slave pampered from his youth
will become arrogant later on.
22 An angry man stirs up conflict,
and a hot-tempered man increases rebellion.
23 A person's pride will humble him,
but a humble spirit will gain honor.
24 To be a thief's partner is to hate oneself;
he hears the curse but will not testify.
25 The fear of man is a snare,
but the one who trusts in the LORD is protected.
26 Many seek a ruler's favor,
but a man receives justice from the LORD.
27 An unjust man is detestable to the righteous,
and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Proverbial Insight 11/28/09
Key verse for Nov. 28: Proverbs 28:23
Proverbs 28 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
1 The wicked flee when no one is pursuing them,
but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
2 When a land is in rebellion, it has many rulers,
but with a discerning and knowledgeable person, it endures.
3 A destitute leader who oppresses the poor
is like a driving rain that leaves no food.
4 Those who reject the law praise the wicked,
but those who keep the law battle against them.
5 Evil men do not understand justice,
but those who seek the LORD understand everything.
6 Better a poor man who lives with integrity
than a rich man who distorts right and wrong.
7 A discerning son keeps the law,
but a companion of gluttons humiliates his father.
8 Whoever increases his wealth through excessive interest
collects it for one who is kind to the poor.
9 Anyone who turns his ear away from hearing the law—
even his prayer is detestable.
10 The one who leads the upright into an evil way
will fall into his own pit,
but the blameless will inherit what is good.
11 A rich man is wise in his own eyes,
but a poor man who has discernment sees through him.
12 When the righteous triumph, there is great rejoicing,
but when the wicked come to power, people hide themselves.
13 The one who conceals his sins will not prosper,
but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.
14 Happy is the one who is always reverent,
but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
15 A wicked ruler over a helpless people
is like a roaring lion or a charging bear.
16 A leader who lacks understanding is very oppressive,
but one who hates unjust gain prolongs his life.
17 A man burdened by bloodguilt
will be a fugitive until death.
Let no one help him.
18 The one who lives with integrity will be helped,
but one who distorts right and wrong will suddenly fall.
19 The one who works his land will have plenty of food,
but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
20 A faithful man will have many blessings,
but one in a hurry to get rich will not go unpunished.
21 It is not good to show partiality —
yet a man may sin for a piece of bread.
22 A greedy man is in a hurry for wealth;
he doesn't know that poverty will come to him.
23 One who rebukes a person will later find more favor
than one who flatters with his tongue.
24 The one who robs his father or mother
and says, "That's no sin," is a companion to a man who destroys.
25 A greedy person provokes conflict,
but whoever trusts in the LORD will prosper.
26 The one who trusts in himself is a fool,
but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.
27 The one who gives to the poor will not be in need,
but one who turns his eyes away will receive many curses.
28 When the wicked come to power, people hide,
but when they are destroyed, the righteous flourish.
Proverbs 28 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
1 The wicked flee when no one is pursuing them,
but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
2 When a land is in rebellion, it has many rulers,
but with a discerning and knowledgeable person, it endures.
3 A destitute leader who oppresses the poor
is like a driving rain that leaves no food.
4 Those who reject the law praise the wicked,
but those who keep the law battle against them.
5 Evil men do not understand justice,
but those who seek the LORD understand everything.
6 Better a poor man who lives with integrity
than a rich man who distorts right and wrong.
7 A discerning son keeps the law,
but a companion of gluttons humiliates his father.
8 Whoever increases his wealth through excessive interest
collects it for one who is kind to the poor.
9 Anyone who turns his ear away from hearing the law—
even his prayer is detestable.
10 The one who leads the upright into an evil way
will fall into his own pit,
but the blameless will inherit what is good.
11 A rich man is wise in his own eyes,
but a poor man who has discernment sees through him.
12 When the righteous triumph, there is great rejoicing,
but when the wicked come to power, people hide themselves.
13 The one who conceals his sins will not prosper,
but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.
14 Happy is the one who is always reverent,
but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
15 A wicked ruler over a helpless people
is like a roaring lion or a charging bear.
16 A leader who lacks understanding is very oppressive,
but one who hates unjust gain prolongs his life.
17 A man burdened by bloodguilt
will be a fugitive until death.
Let no one help him.
18 The one who lives with integrity will be helped,
but one who distorts right and wrong will suddenly fall.
19 The one who works his land will have plenty of food,
but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
20 A faithful man will have many blessings,
but one in a hurry to get rich will not go unpunished.
21 It is not good to show partiality —
yet a man may sin for a piece of bread.
22 A greedy man is in a hurry for wealth;
he doesn't know that poverty will come to him.
23 One who rebukes a person will later find more favor
than one who flatters with his tongue.
24 The one who robs his father or mother
and says, "That's no sin," is a companion to a man who destroys.
25 A greedy person provokes conflict,
but whoever trusts in the LORD will prosper.
26 The one who trusts in himself is a fool,
but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.
27 The one who gives to the poor will not be in need,
but one who turns his eyes away will receive many curses.
28 When the wicked come to power, people hide,
but when they are destroyed, the righteous flourish.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Proverbial Insight 11/27/09
Key verse for Nov. 27: Proverbs 27:19
Proverbs 27 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
1 Don't boast about tomorrow,
for you don't know what a day might bring.
2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth—
a stranger, and not your own lips.
3 A stone is heavy and sand, a burden,
but aggravation from a fool outweighs them both.
4 Fury is cruel, and anger is a flood,
but who can withstand jealousy?
5 Better an open reprimand
than concealed love.
6 The wounds of a friend are trustworthy,
but the kisses of an enemy are excessive.
7 A person who is full tramples on a honeycomb,
but to a hungry person, any bitter thing is sweet.
8 A man wandering from his home
is like a bird wandering from its nest.
9 Oil and incense bring joy to the heart,
and the sweetness of a friend is better than self-counsel.
10 Don't abandon your friend or your father's friend,
and don't go to your brother's house in your time of calamity;
better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.
11 Be wise, my son, and bring my heart joy,
so that I can answer anyone who taunts me.
12 The sensible see danger and take cover;
the foolish keep going and are punished.
13 Take his garment, for he has put up security for a stranger;
get collateral if it is for foreigners.
14 If one blesses his neighbor with a loud voice early in the morning,
it will be counted as a curse to him.
15 An endless dripping on a rainy day
and a nagging wife are alike.
16 The one who controls her controls the wind
and grasps oil with his right hand.
17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
18 Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit,
and whoever looks after his master will be honored.
19 As the water reflects the face,
so the heart reflects the person.
20 Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied,
and people's eyes are never satisfied.
21 Silver is tested in a crucible, gold in a smelter,
and a man, by the praise he receives.
22 Though you grind a fool
in a mortar with a pestle along with grain,
you will not separate his foolishness from him.
23 Know well the condition of your flock,
and pay attention to your herds,
24 for wealth is not forever;
not even a crown lasts for all time.
25 When hay is removed and new growth appears
and the grain from the hills is gathered in,
26 lambs will provide your clothing,
and goats, the price of a field;
27 there will be enough goat's milk for your food—
food for your household and nourishment for your servants.
Proverbs 27 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
1 Don't boast about tomorrow,
for you don't know what a day might bring.
2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth—
a stranger, and not your own lips.
3 A stone is heavy and sand, a burden,
but aggravation from a fool outweighs them both.
4 Fury is cruel, and anger is a flood,
but who can withstand jealousy?
5 Better an open reprimand
than concealed love.
6 The wounds of a friend are trustworthy,
but the kisses of an enemy are excessive.
7 A person who is full tramples on a honeycomb,
but to a hungry person, any bitter thing is sweet.
8 A man wandering from his home
is like a bird wandering from its nest.
9 Oil and incense bring joy to the heart,
and the sweetness of a friend is better than self-counsel.
10 Don't abandon your friend or your father's friend,
and don't go to your brother's house in your time of calamity;
better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.
11 Be wise, my son, and bring my heart joy,
so that I can answer anyone who taunts me.
12 The sensible see danger and take cover;
the foolish keep going and are punished.
13 Take his garment, for he has put up security for a stranger;
get collateral if it is for foreigners.
14 If one blesses his neighbor with a loud voice early in the morning,
it will be counted as a curse to him.
15 An endless dripping on a rainy day
and a nagging wife are alike.
16 The one who controls her controls the wind
and grasps oil with his right hand.
17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
18 Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit,
and whoever looks after his master will be honored.
19 As the water reflects the face,
so the heart reflects the person.
20 Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied,
and people's eyes are never satisfied.
21 Silver is tested in a crucible, gold in a smelter,
and a man, by the praise he receives.
22 Though you grind a fool
in a mortar with a pestle along with grain,
you will not separate his foolishness from him.
23 Know well the condition of your flock,
and pay attention to your herds,
24 for wealth is not forever;
not even a crown lasts for all time.
25 When hay is removed and new growth appears
and the grain from the hills is gathered in,
26 lambs will provide your clothing,
and goats, the price of a field;
27 there will be enough goat's milk for your food—
food for your household and nourishment for your servants.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Proverbial Insight 11/26/09
Key verse for Nov. 26: Proverbs 26:27
Proverbs 26 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
1 Like snow in summer and rain at harvest,
honor is inappropriate for a fool.
2 Like a flitting sparrow or a fluttering swallow,
an undeserved curse goes nowhere.
3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey,
and a rod for the backs of fools.
4 Don't answer a fool according to his foolishness,
or you'll be like him yourself.
5 Answer a fool according to his foolishness,
or he'll become wise in his own eyes.
6 The one who sends a message by a fool's hand
cuts off his own feet and drinks violence.
7 A proverb in the mouth of a fool
is like lame legs that hang limp.
8 Giving honor to a fool
is like binding a stone in a sling.
9 A proverb in the mouth of a fool
is like a stick with thorns, brandished by the hand of a drunkard.
10 The one who hires a fool, or who hires those passing by,
is like an archer who wounds everyone.
11 As a dog returns to its vomit,
so a fool repeats his foolishness.
12 Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
13 The slacker says, "There's a lion in the road—
a lion in the public square!"
14 A door turns on its hinge,
and a slacker, on his bed.
15 The slacker buries his hand in the bowl;
he is too weary to bring it to his mouth.
16 In his own eyes, a slacker is wiser
than seven men who can answer sensibly.
17 A passerby who meddles in a quarrel that's not his
is like one who grabs a dog by the ears.
18 Like a madman who throws flaming darts and deadly arrows,
19 so is the man who deceives his neighbor
and says, "I was only joking!"
20 Without wood, fire goes out;
without a gossip, conflict dies down.
21 As charcoal for embers and wood for fire,
so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.
22 A gossip's words are like choice food
that goes down to one's innermost being.
23 Smooth lips with an evil heart
are like glaze on an earthen vessel.
24 A hateful person disguises himself with his speech
and harbors deceit within.
25 When he speaks graciously, don't believe him,
for there are seven abominations in his heart.
26 Though his hatred is concealed by deception,
his evil will be revealed in the assembly.
27 The one who digs a pit will fall into it,
and whoever rolls a stone—
it will come back on him.
28 A lying tongue hates those it crushes,
and a flattering mouth causes ruin.
Proverbs 26 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
1 Like snow in summer and rain at harvest,
honor is inappropriate for a fool.
2 Like a flitting sparrow or a fluttering swallow,
an undeserved curse goes nowhere.
3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey,
and a rod for the backs of fools.
4 Don't answer a fool according to his foolishness,
or you'll be like him yourself.
5 Answer a fool according to his foolishness,
or he'll become wise in his own eyes.
6 The one who sends a message by a fool's hand
cuts off his own feet and drinks violence.
7 A proverb in the mouth of a fool
is like lame legs that hang limp.
8 Giving honor to a fool
is like binding a stone in a sling.
9 A proverb in the mouth of a fool
is like a stick with thorns, brandished by the hand of a drunkard.
10 The one who hires a fool, or who hires those passing by,
is like an archer who wounds everyone.
11 As a dog returns to its vomit,
so a fool repeats his foolishness.
12 Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
13 The slacker says, "There's a lion in the road—
a lion in the public square!"
14 A door turns on its hinge,
and a slacker, on his bed.
15 The slacker buries his hand in the bowl;
he is too weary to bring it to his mouth.
16 In his own eyes, a slacker is wiser
than seven men who can answer sensibly.
17 A passerby who meddles in a quarrel that's not his
is like one who grabs a dog by the ears.
18 Like a madman who throws flaming darts and deadly arrows,
19 so is the man who deceives his neighbor
and says, "I was only joking!"
20 Without wood, fire goes out;
without a gossip, conflict dies down.
21 As charcoal for embers and wood for fire,
so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.
22 A gossip's words are like choice food
that goes down to one's innermost being.
23 Smooth lips with an evil heart
are like glaze on an earthen vessel.
24 A hateful person disguises himself with his speech
and harbors deceit within.
25 When he speaks graciously, don't believe him,
for there are seven abominations in his heart.
26 Though his hatred is concealed by deception,
his evil will be revealed in the assembly.
27 The one who digs a pit will fall into it,
and whoever rolls a stone—
it will come back on him.
28 A lying tongue hates those it crushes,
and a flattering mouth causes ruin.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Proverbial Insight 11/25/09
Key verse for Nov. 25: James 1:12
12 Blessed is a man who endures trials, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown of life that He has promised to those who love Him.
Proverbs 25 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
Hezekiah's Collection
1 These too are proverbs of Solomon,
which the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah, copied.
2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter
and the glory of kings to investigate a matter.
3 As the heaven is high and the earth is deep,
so the hearts of kings cannot be investigated.
4 Remove impurities from silver,
and a vessel will be produced for a silversmith.
5 Remove the wicked from the king's presence,
and his throne will be established in righteousness.
6 Don't brag about yourself before the king,
and don't stand in the place of the great;
7 for it is better for him to say to you, "Come up here!"
than to demote you in plain view of a noble.
8 Don't take a matter to court hastily.
Otherwise, what will you do afterwards
if your opponent humiliates you?
9 Make your case with your opponent
without revealing another's secret;
10 otherwise, the one who hears will disgrace you,
and you'll never live it down.
11 A word spoken at the right time
is like golden apples on a silver tray.
12 A wise correction to a receptive ear
is like a gold ring or an ornament of gold.
13 To those who send him, a trustworthy messenger
is like the coolness of snow on a harvest day;
he refreshes the life of his masters.
14 The man who boasts about a gift that does not exist
is like clouds and wind without rain.
15 A ruler can be persuaded through patience,
and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
16 If you find honey, eat only what you need;
otherwise, you'll get sick from it and vomit.
17 Seldom set foot in your neighbor's house;
otherwise, he'll get sick of you and hate you.
18 A man giving false testimony against his neighbor
is like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow.
19 Trusting an unreliable person in a time of trouble
is like a rotten tooth or a faltering foot.
20 Singing songs to a troubled heart
is like taking off clothing on a cold day,
or like pouring vinegar on soda.
21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat,
and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;
22 for you will heap coals on his head,
and the LORD will reward you.
23 The north wind produces rain,
and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.
24 Better to live on the corner of a roof
than in a house shared with a nagging wife.
25 Good news from a distant land
is like cold water to a parched throat.
26 A righteous person who yields to the wicked
is like a muddied spring or a polluted well.
27 It is not good to eat too much honey,
or to seek glory after glory.
28 A man who does not control his temper
is like a city whose wall is broken down.
12 Blessed is a man who endures trials, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown of life that He has promised to those who love Him.
Proverbs 25 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
Hezekiah's Collection
1 These too are proverbs of Solomon,
which the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah, copied.
2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter
and the glory of kings to investigate a matter.
3 As the heaven is high and the earth is deep,
so the hearts of kings cannot be investigated.
4 Remove impurities from silver,
and a vessel will be produced for a silversmith.
5 Remove the wicked from the king's presence,
and his throne will be established in righteousness.
6 Don't brag about yourself before the king,
and don't stand in the place of the great;
7 for it is better for him to say to you, "Come up here!"
than to demote you in plain view of a noble.
8 Don't take a matter to court hastily.
Otherwise, what will you do afterwards
if your opponent humiliates you?
9 Make your case with your opponent
without revealing another's secret;
10 otherwise, the one who hears will disgrace you,
and you'll never live it down.
11 A word spoken at the right time
is like golden apples on a silver tray.
12 A wise correction to a receptive ear
is like a gold ring or an ornament of gold.
13 To those who send him, a trustworthy messenger
is like the coolness of snow on a harvest day;
he refreshes the life of his masters.
14 The man who boasts about a gift that does not exist
is like clouds and wind without rain.
15 A ruler can be persuaded through patience,
and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
16 If you find honey, eat only what you need;
otherwise, you'll get sick from it and vomit.
17 Seldom set foot in your neighbor's house;
otherwise, he'll get sick of you and hate you.
18 A man giving false testimony against his neighbor
is like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow.
19 Trusting an unreliable person in a time of trouble
is like a rotten tooth or a faltering foot.
20 Singing songs to a troubled heart
is like taking off clothing on a cold day,
or like pouring vinegar on soda.
21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat,
and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;
22 for you will heap coals on his head,
and the LORD will reward you.
23 The north wind produces rain,
and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.
24 Better to live on the corner of a roof
than in a house shared with a nagging wife.
25 Good news from a distant land
is like cold water to a parched throat.
26 A righteous person who yields to the wicked
is like a muddied spring or a polluted well.
27 It is not good to eat too much honey,
or to seek glory after glory.
28 A man who does not control his temper
is like a city whose wall is broken down.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Proverbial Insight 11/24/09
Key verse for Nov. 24: Proverbs 24:27
Proverbs 24 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
1 Don't envy evil men
or desire to be with them,
2 for their hearts plan violence,
and their words stir up trouble.
3 A house is built by wisdom,
and it is established by understanding;
4 by knowledge the rooms are filled
with every precious and beautiful treasure.
5 A wise warrior is better than a strong one,
and a man of knowledge than one of strength;
6 for you should wage war with sound guidance—
victory comes with many counselors.
7 Wisdom is inaccessible to a fool;
he does not open his mouth at the gate.
8 The one who plots evil
will be called a schemer.
9 A foolish scheme is sin,
and a mocker is detestable to people.
10 If you do nothing in a difficult time,
your strength is limited.
11 Rescue those being taken off to death,
and save those stumbling toward slaughter.
12 If you say, "But we didn't know about this,"
won't He who weighs hearts consider it?
Won't He who protects your life know?
Won't He repay a person according to his work?
13 Eat honey, my son, for it is good,
and the honeycomb is sweet to your palate;
14 realize that wisdom is the same for you.
If you find it, you will have a future,
and your hope will never fade.
15 Don't set an ambush, wicked man,
at the camp of the righteous man;
don't destroy his dwelling.
16 Though a righteous man falls seven times,
he will get up,
but the wicked will stumble into ruin.
17 Don't gloat when your enemy falls,
and don't let your heart rejoice when he stumbles,
18 or the LORD will see, be displeased,
and turn His wrath away from him.
19 Don't worry because of evildoers,
and don't envy the wicked.
20 For the evil have no future;
the lamp of the wicked will be put out.
21 My son, fear the LORD, as well as the king,
and don't associate with rebels,
22 for their destruction will come suddenly;
who knows what disaster these two can bring?
23 These sayings also belong to the wise:
It is not good to show partiality in judgment.
24 Whoever says to the guilty, "You are innocent” —
people will curse him, and tribes will denounce him;
25 but it will go well with those who convict the guilty,
and a generous blessing will come to them.
26 He who gives an honest answer
gives a kiss on the lips.
27 Complete your outdoor work, and prepare your field;
afterwards, build your house.
28 Don't testify against your neighbor without cause.
Don't deceive with your lips.
29 Don't say, "I'll do to him what he did to me;
I'll repay the man for what he has done."
30 I went by the field of a slacker
and by the vineyard of a man lacking sense.
31 Thistles had come up everywhere,
weeds covered the ground,
and the stone wall was ruined.
32 I saw, and took it to heart;
I looked, and received instruction:
33 a little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the arms to rest,
34 and your poverty will come like a robber,
your need, like a bandit.
Proverbs 24 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
1 Don't envy evil men
or desire to be with them,
2 for their hearts plan violence,
and their words stir up trouble.
3 A house is built by wisdom,
and it is established by understanding;
4 by knowledge the rooms are filled
with every precious and beautiful treasure.
5 A wise warrior is better than a strong one,
and a man of knowledge than one of strength;
6 for you should wage war with sound guidance—
victory comes with many counselors.
7 Wisdom is inaccessible to a fool;
he does not open his mouth at the gate.
8 The one who plots evil
will be called a schemer.
9 A foolish scheme is sin,
and a mocker is detestable to people.
10 If you do nothing in a difficult time,
your strength is limited.
11 Rescue those being taken off to death,
and save those stumbling toward slaughter.
12 If you say, "But we didn't know about this,"
won't He who weighs hearts consider it?
Won't He who protects your life know?
Won't He repay a person according to his work?
13 Eat honey, my son, for it is good,
and the honeycomb is sweet to your palate;
14 realize that wisdom is the same for you.
If you find it, you will have a future,
and your hope will never fade.
15 Don't set an ambush, wicked man,
at the camp of the righteous man;
don't destroy his dwelling.
16 Though a righteous man falls seven times,
he will get up,
but the wicked will stumble into ruin.
17 Don't gloat when your enemy falls,
and don't let your heart rejoice when he stumbles,
18 or the LORD will see, be displeased,
and turn His wrath away from him.
19 Don't worry because of evildoers,
and don't envy the wicked.
20 For the evil have no future;
the lamp of the wicked will be put out.
21 My son, fear the LORD, as well as the king,
and don't associate with rebels,
22 for their destruction will come suddenly;
who knows what disaster these two can bring?
23 These sayings also belong to the wise:
It is not good to show partiality in judgment.
24 Whoever says to the guilty, "You are innocent” —
people will curse him, and tribes will denounce him;
25 but it will go well with those who convict the guilty,
and a generous blessing will come to them.
26 He who gives an honest answer
gives a kiss on the lips.
27 Complete your outdoor work, and prepare your field;
afterwards, build your house.
28 Don't testify against your neighbor without cause.
Don't deceive with your lips.
29 Don't say, "I'll do to him what he did to me;
I'll repay the man for what he has done."
30 I went by the field of a slacker
and by the vineyard of a man lacking sense.
31 Thistles had come up everywhere,
weeds covered the ground,
and the stone wall was ruined.
32 I saw, and took it to heart;
I looked, and received instruction:
33 a little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the arms to rest,
34 and your poverty will come like a robber,
your need, like a bandit.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Proverbial Insight 11/23/09
Key verse for Nov. 23: Proverbs 23:31-32
Proverbs 23 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
1 When you sit down to dine with a ruler,
consider carefully what is before you,
2 and stick a knife in your throat
if you have a big appetite;
3 don't desire his choice food,
for that food is deceptive.
4 Don't wear yourself out to get rich;
stop giving your attention to it.
5 As soon as your eyes fly to it, it disappears,
for it makes wings for itself
and flies like an eagle to the sky.
6 Don't eat a stingy person's bread,
and don't desire his choice food,
7 for as he thinks within himself, so he is.
"Eat and drink," he says to you,
but his heart is not with you.
8 You will vomit the little you've eaten
and waste your pleasant words.
9 Don't speak to a fool,
for he will despise the insight of your words.
10 Don't move an ancient property line,
and don't encroach on the fields of the fatherless,
11 for their Redeemer is strong,
and He will take up their case against you.
12 Apply yourself to instruction
and listen to words of knowledge.
13 Don't withhold correction from a youth;
if you beat him with a rod, he will not die.
14 Strike him with a rod,
and you will rescue his life from Sheol.
15 My son, if your heart is wise,
my heart will indeed rejoice.
16 My innermost being will cheer
when your lips say what is right.
17 Don't be jealous of sinners;
instead, always fear the LORD.
18 For then you will have a future,
and your hope will never fade.
19 Listen, my son, and be wise;
keep your mind on the right course.
20 Don't associate with those who drink too much wine,
or with those who gorge themselves on meat.
21 For the drunkard and the glutton will become poor,
and grogginess will clothe them in rags.
22 Listen to your father who gave you life,
and don't despise your mother when she is old.
23 Buy—and do not sell—truth,
wisdom, instruction, and understanding.
24 The father of a righteous son will rejoice greatly,
and one who fathers a wise son will delight in him.
25 Let your father and mother have joy,
and let her who gave birth to you rejoice.
26 My son, give me your heart,
and let your eyes observe my ways.
27 For a prostitute is a deep pit,
and a forbidden woman is a narrow well;
28 indeed, she sets an ambush like a robber
and increases those among men who are unfaithful.
29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow?
Who has conflicts? Who has complaints?
Who has wounds for no reason?
Who has red eyes?
30 Those who linger over wine,
those who go looking for mixed wine.
31 Don't gaze at wine when it is red,
when it gleams in the cup
and goes down smoothly.
32 In the end it bites like a snake
and stings like a viper.
33 Your eyes will see strange things,
and you will say absurd things.
34 You'll be like someone sleeping out at sea
or lying down on the top of a ship's mast.
35 "They struck me, but I feel no pain!
They beat me, but I didn't know it!
When will I wake up?
I'll look for another drink."
Proverbs 23 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
1 When you sit down to dine with a ruler,
consider carefully what is before you,
2 and stick a knife in your throat
if you have a big appetite;
3 don't desire his choice food,
for that food is deceptive.
4 Don't wear yourself out to get rich;
stop giving your attention to it.
5 As soon as your eyes fly to it, it disappears,
for it makes wings for itself
and flies like an eagle to the sky.
6 Don't eat a stingy person's bread,
and don't desire his choice food,
7 for as he thinks within himself, so he is.
"Eat and drink," he says to you,
but his heart is not with you.
8 You will vomit the little you've eaten
and waste your pleasant words.
9 Don't speak to a fool,
for he will despise the insight of your words.
10 Don't move an ancient property line,
and don't encroach on the fields of the fatherless,
11 for their Redeemer is strong,
and He will take up their case against you.
12 Apply yourself to instruction
and listen to words of knowledge.
13 Don't withhold correction from a youth;
if you beat him with a rod, he will not die.
14 Strike him with a rod,
and you will rescue his life from Sheol.
15 My son, if your heart is wise,
my heart will indeed rejoice.
16 My innermost being will cheer
when your lips say what is right.
17 Don't be jealous of sinners;
instead, always fear the LORD.
18 For then you will have a future,
and your hope will never fade.
19 Listen, my son, and be wise;
keep your mind on the right course.
20 Don't associate with those who drink too much wine,
or with those who gorge themselves on meat.
21 For the drunkard and the glutton will become poor,
and grogginess will clothe them in rags.
22 Listen to your father who gave you life,
and don't despise your mother when she is old.
23 Buy—and do not sell—truth,
wisdom, instruction, and understanding.
24 The father of a righteous son will rejoice greatly,
and one who fathers a wise son will delight in him.
25 Let your father and mother have joy,
and let her who gave birth to you rejoice.
26 My son, give me your heart,
and let your eyes observe my ways.
27 For a prostitute is a deep pit,
and a forbidden woman is a narrow well;
28 indeed, she sets an ambush like a robber
and increases those among men who are unfaithful.
29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow?
Who has conflicts? Who has complaints?
Who has wounds for no reason?
Who has red eyes?
30 Those who linger over wine,
those who go looking for mixed wine.
31 Don't gaze at wine when it is red,
when it gleams in the cup
and goes down smoothly.
32 In the end it bites like a snake
and stings like a viper.
33 Your eyes will see strange things,
and you will say absurd things.
34 You'll be like someone sleeping out at sea
or lying down on the top of a ship's mast.
35 "They struck me, but I feel no pain!
They beat me, but I didn't know it!
When will I wake up?
I'll look for another drink."
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Proverbial Insight 11/22/09
Key verse for Nov. 22: Proverbs 22:22-23
Proverbs 22 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
1 A good name is to be chosen over great wealth;
favor is better than silver and gold.
2 The rich and the poor have this in common:
the LORD made them both.
3 A sensible person sees danger and takes cover,
but the inexperienced keep going and are punished.
4 The result of humility is fear of the LORD,
along with wealth, honor, and life.
5 There are thorns and snares on the path of the crooked;
the one who guards himself stays far from them.
6 Teach a youth about the way he should go;
even when he is old he will not depart from it.
7 The rich rule over the poor,
and the borrower is a slave to the lender.
8 The one who sows injustice will reap disaster,
and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.
9 A generous person will be blessed,
for he shares his food with the poor.
10 Drive out a mocker, and conflict goes too;
then lawsuits and dishonor will cease.
11 The one who loves a pure heart
and gracious lips—the king is his friend.
12 The LORD's eyes keep watch over knowledge,
but He overthrows the words of the treacherous.
13 The slacker says, "There's a lion outside!
I'll be killed in the streets!"
14 The mouth of the forbidden woman is a deep pit;
a man cursed by the LORD will fall into it.
15 Foolishness is tangled up in the heart of a youth;
the rod of discipline will drive it away from him.
16 Oppressing the poor to enrich oneself,
and giving to the rich—both lead only to poverty.
Words of the Wise
17 Listen closely, pay attention to the words of the wise,
and apply your mind to my knowledge.
18 For it is pleasing if you keep them within you
and if they are constantly on your lips.
19 I have instructed you today—even you—
so that your confidence may be in the LORD.
20 Haven't I written for you thirty sayings
about counsel and knowledge,
21 in order to teach you true and reliable words,
so that you may give a dependable report to those who sent you?
22 Don't rob a poor man because he is poor,
and don't crush the oppressed at the gate,
23 for the LORD will take up their case
and will plunder those who plunder them.
24 Don't make friends with an angry man,
and don't be a companion of a hot-tempered man,
25 or you will learn his ways
and entangle yourself in a snare.
26 Don't be one of those who enter agreements,
who put up security for loans.
27 If you have no money to pay,
even your bed will be taken from under you.
28 Don't move an ancient property line
that your fathers set up.
29 Do you see a man skilled in his work?
He will stand in the presence of kings.
He will not stand in the presence of unknown men.
Proverbs 22 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
1 A good name is to be chosen over great wealth;
favor is better than silver and gold.
2 The rich and the poor have this in common:
the LORD made them both.
3 A sensible person sees danger and takes cover,
but the inexperienced keep going and are punished.
4 The result of humility is fear of the LORD,
along with wealth, honor, and life.
5 There are thorns and snares on the path of the crooked;
the one who guards himself stays far from them.
6 Teach a youth about the way he should go;
even when he is old he will not depart from it.
7 The rich rule over the poor,
and the borrower is a slave to the lender.
8 The one who sows injustice will reap disaster,
and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.
9 A generous person will be blessed,
for he shares his food with the poor.
10 Drive out a mocker, and conflict goes too;
then lawsuits and dishonor will cease.
11 The one who loves a pure heart
and gracious lips—the king is his friend.
12 The LORD's eyes keep watch over knowledge,
but He overthrows the words of the treacherous.
13 The slacker says, "There's a lion outside!
I'll be killed in the streets!"
14 The mouth of the forbidden woman is a deep pit;
a man cursed by the LORD will fall into it.
15 Foolishness is tangled up in the heart of a youth;
the rod of discipline will drive it away from him.
16 Oppressing the poor to enrich oneself,
and giving to the rich—both lead only to poverty.
Words of the Wise
17 Listen closely, pay attention to the words of the wise,
and apply your mind to my knowledge.
18 For it is pleasing if you keep them within you
and if they are constantly on your lips.
19 I have instructed you today—even you—
so that your confidence may be in the LORD.
20 Haven't I written for you thirty sayings
about counsel and knowledge,
21 in order to teach you true and reliable words,
so that you may give a dependable report to those who sent you?
22 Don't rob a poor man because he is poor,
and don't crush the oppressed at the gate,
23 for the LORD will take up their case
and will plunder those who plunder them.
24 Don't make friends with an angry man,
and don't be a companion of a hot-tempered man,
25 or you will learn his ways
and entangle yourself in a snare.
26 Don't be one of those who enter agreements,
who put up security for loans.
27 If you have no money to pay,
even your bed will be taken from under you.
28 Don't move an ancient property line
that your fathers set up.
29 Do you see a man skilled in his work?
He will stand in the presence of kings.
He will not stand in the presence of unknown men.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Proverbial Insight 11/21/09
Key verse for Nov. 21: Proverbs 21:23
Proverbs 21 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
1 A king's heart is a water channel in the LORD's hand:
He directs it wherever He chooses.
2 All the ways of a man seem right to him,
but the LORD evaluates the motives.
3 Doing what is righteous and just
is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
4 The lamp that guides the wicked—
haughty eyes and an arrogant heart —is sin.
5 The plans of the diligent certainly lead to profit,
but anyone who is reckless only becomes poor.
6 Making a fortune through a lying tongue
is a vanishing mist, a pursuit of death.
7 The violence of the wicked sweeps them away
because they refuse to act justly.
8 A guilty man's conduct is crooked,
but the behavior of the innocent is upright.
9 Better to live on the corner of a roof
than to share a house with a nagging wife.
10 A wicked person desires evil;
he has no consideration for his neighbor.
11 When a mocker is punished,
the inexperienced become wiser;
when one teaches a wise man,
he acquires knowledge.
12 The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked;
He brings the wicked to ruin.
13 The one who shuts his ears to the cry of the poor
will himself also call out and not be answered.
14 A secret gift soothes anger,
and a covert bribe, fierce rage.
15 Justice executed is a joy to the righteous
but a terror to those who practice iniquity.
16 The man who strays from the way of wisdom
will come to rest in the assembly of the departed spirits.
17 The one who loves pleasure will become a poor man;
whoever loves wine and oil will not get rich.
18 The wicked are a ransom for the righteous,
and the treacherous, for the upright.
19 Better to live in a wilderness
than with a nagging and hot-tempered wife.
20 Precious treasure and oil are in the dwelling of the wise,
but a foolish man consumes them.
21 The one who pursues righteousness and faithful love
will find life, righteousness, and honor.
22 The wise conquer a city of warriors
and bring down its mighty fortress.
23 The one who guards his mouth and tongue
keeps himself out of trouble.
24 The proud and arrogant person, named "Mocker,"
acts with excessive pride.
25 A slacker's craving will kill him
because his hands refuse to work.
26 He is filled with craving all day long,
but the righteous give and don't hold back.
27 The sacrifice of a wicked person is detestable—
how much more so when he brings it with ulterior motives!
28 A lying witness will perish,
but the one who listens will speak successfully.
29 A wicked man puts on a bold face,
but the upright man considers his way.
30 No wisdom, no understanding, and no counsel
will prevail against the LORD.
31 A horse is prepared for the day of battle,
but victory comes from the LORD.
Proverbs 21 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
1 A king's heart is a water channel in the LORD's hand:
He directs it wherever He chooses.
2 All the ways of a man seem right to him,
but the LORD evaluates the motives.
3 Doing what is righteous and just
is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
4 The lamp that guides the wicked—
haughty eyes and an arrogant heart —is sin.
5 The plans of the diligent certainly lead to profit,
but anyone who is reckless only becomes poor.
6 Making a fortune through a lying tongue
is a vanishing mist, a pursuit of death.
7 The violence of the wicked sweeps them away
because they refuse to act justly.
8 A guilty man's conduct is crooked,
but the behavior of the innocent is upright.
9 Better to live on the corner of a roof
than to share a house with a nagging wife.
10 A wicked person desires evil;
he has no consideration for his neighbor.
11 When a mocker is punished,
the inexperienced become wiser;
when one teaches a wise man,
he acquires knowledge.
12 The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked;
He brings the wicked to ruin.
13 The one who shuts his ears to the cry of the poor
will himself also call out and not be answered.
14 A secret gift soothes anger,
and a covert bribe, fierce rage.
15 Justice executed is a joy to the righteous
but a terror to those who practice iniquity.
16 The man who strays from the way of wisdom
will come to rest in the assembly of the departed spirits.
17 The one who loves pleasure will become a poor man;
whoever loves wine and oil will not get rich.
18 The wicked are a ransom for the righteous,
and the treacherous, for the upright.
19 Better to live in a wilderness
than with a nagging and hot-tempered wife.
20 Precious treasure and oil are in the dwelling of the wise,
but a foolish man consumes them.
21 The one who pursues righteousness and faithful love
will find life, righteousness, and honor.
22 The wise conquer a city of warriors
and bring down its mighty fortress.
23 The one who guards his mouth and tongue
keeps himself out of trouble.
24 The proud and arrogant person, named "Mocker,"
acts with excessive pride.
25 A slacker's craving will kill him
because his hands refuse to work.
26 He is filled with craving all day long,
but the righteous give and don't hold back.
27 The sacrifice of a wicked person is detestable—
how much more so when he brings it with ulterior motives!
28 A lying witness will perish,
but the one who listens will speak successfully.
29 A wicked man puts on a bold face,
but the upright man considers his way.
30 No wisdom, no understanding, and no counsel
will prevail against the LORD.
31 A horse is prepared for the day of battle,
but victory comes from the LORD.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Proverbial Insight 11/20/09
Key verse for Nov. 20: Proverbs 20:27
Proverbs 20 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
1 Wine is a mocker, beer is a brawler,
and whoever staggers because of them is not wise.
2 A king's terrible wrath is like the roaring of a lion;
anyone who provokes him endangers himself.
3 It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute,
but any fool can get himself into a quarrel.
4 The slacker does not plow during planting season;
at harvest time he looks, and there is nothing.
5 Counsel in a man's heart is deep water;
but a man of understanding draws it up.
6 Many a man proclaims his own loyalty,
but who can find a trustworthy man?
7 The one who lives with integrity is righteous;
his children who come after him will be happy.
8 A king sitting on a throne to judge
sifts out all evil with his eyes.
9 Who can say, "I have kept my heart pure;
I am cleansed from my sin"?
10 Differing weights and varying measures —
both are detestable to the LORD.
11 Even a young man is known by his actions—
by whether his behavior is pure and upright.
12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye—
the LORD made them both.
13 Don't love sleep, or you will become poor;
open your eyes, and you'll have enough to eat.
14 "It's worthless, it's worthless!" the buyer says,
but after he is on his way, he gloats.
15 There is gold and a multitude of jewels,
but knowledgeable lips are a rare treasure.
16 Take his garment,
for he has put up security for a stranger;
get collateral if it is for foreigners.
17 Food gained by fraud is sweet to a man,
but afterwards his mouth is full of gravel.
18 Finalize plans through counsel,
and wage war with sound guidance.
19 The one who reveals secrets is a constant gossip;
avoid someone with a big mouth.
20 Whoever curses his father or mother —
his lamp will go out in deep darkness.
21 An inheritance gained prematurely
will not be blessed ultimately.
22 Don't say, "I will avenge this evil!"
Wait on the LORD, and He will rescue you.
23 Differing weights are detestable to the LORD,
and dishonest scales are unfair.
24 A man's steps are determined by the LORD,
so how can anyone understand his own way?
25 It is a trap for anyone to dedicate something rashly
and later to reconsider his vows.
26 A wise king separates out the wicked
and drives the threshing wheel over them.
27 A person's breath is the lamp of the LORD,
searching the innermost parts.
28 Loyalty and faithfulness deliver a king;
through loyalty he maintains his throne.
29 The glory of young men is their strength,
and the splendor of old men is gray hair.
30 Lashes and wounds purge away evil,
and beatings cleanse the innermost parts.
Proverbs 20 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
1 Wine is a mocker, beer is a brawler,
and whoever staggers because of them is not wise.
2 A king's terrible wrath is like the roaring of a lion;
anyone who provokes him endangers himself.
3 It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute,
but any fool can get himself into a quarrel.
4 The slacker does not plow during planting season;
at harvest time he looks, and there is nothing.
5 Counsel in a man's heart is deep water;
but a man of understanding draws it up.
6 Many a man proclaims his own loyalty,
but who can find a trustworthy man?
7 The one who lives with integrity is righteous;
his children who come after him will be happy.
8 A king sitting on a throne to judge
sifts out all evil with his eyes.
9 Who can say, "I have kept my heart pure;
I am cleansed from my sin"?
10 Differing weights and varying measures —
both are detestable to the LORD.
11 Even a young man is known by his actions—
by whether his behavior is pure and upright.
12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye—
the LORD made them both.
13 Don't love sleep, or you will become poor;
open your eyes, and you'll have enough to eat.
14 "It's worthless, it's worthless!" the buyer says,
but after he is on his way, he gloats.
15 There is gold and a multitude of jewels,
but knowledgeable lips are a rare treasure.
16 Take his garment,
for he has put up security for a stranger;
get collateral if it is for foreigners.
17 Food gained by fraud is sweet to a man,
but afterwards his mouth is full of gravel.
18 Finalize plans through counsel,
and wage war with sound guidance.
19 The one who reveals secrets is a constant gossip;
avoid someone with a big mouth.
20 Whoever curses his father or mother —
his lamp will go out in deep darkness.
21 An inheritance gained prematurely
will not be blessed ultimately.
22 Don't say, "I will avenge this evil!"
Wait on the LORD, and He will rescue you.
23 Differing weights are detestable to the LORD,
and dishonest scales are unfair.
24 A man's steps are determined by the LORD,
so how can anyone understand his own way?
25 It is a trap for anyone to dedicate something rashly
and later to reconsider his vows.
26 A wise king separates out the wicked
and drives the threshing wheel over them.
27 A person's breath is the lamp of the LORD,
searching the innermost parts.
28 Loyalty and faithfulness deliver a king;
through loyalty he maintains his throne.
29 The glory of young men is their strength,
and the splendor of old men is gray hair.
30 Lashes and wounds purge away evil,
and beatings cleanse the innermost parts.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Proverbial Insight 11/19/09
Key verse for Nov. 19: Proverbs 19:26
Proverbs 19 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
1 Better a poor man who walks in integrity
than someone who has deceitful lips and is a fool.
2 Even zeal is not good without knowledge,
and the one who acts hastily sins.
3 A man's own foolishness leads him astray,
yet his heart rages against the LORD.
4 Wealth attracts many friends,
but a poor man is separated from his friend.
5 A false witness will not go unpunished,
and one who utters lies will not escape.
6 Many seek the favor of a ruler,
and everyone is a friend of one who gives gifts.
7 All the brothers of a poor man hate him;
how much more do his friends
keep their distance from him!
He may pursue them with words,
but they are not there.
8 The one who acquires good sense loves himself;
one who safeguards understanding finds success.
9 A false witness will not go unpunished,
and one who utters lies perishes.
10 Luxury is not appropriate for a fool —
how much less for a slave to rule over princes!
11 A person's insight gives him patience,
and his virtue is to overlook an offense.
12 A king's rage is like a lion's roar,
but his favor is like dew on the grass.
13 A foolish son is his father's ruin,
and a wife's nagging is an endless dripping.
14 A house and wealth are inherited from fathers,
but a sensible wife is from the LORD.
15 Laziness induces deep sleep,
and a lazy person will go hungry.
16 The one who keeps commands preserves himself;
one who disregardshis ways will die.
17 Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD,
and He will give a reward to the lender.
18 Discipline your son while there is hope;
don't be intent on killing him.
19 A person with great anger bears the penalty;
if you rescue him, you'll have to do it again.
20 Listen to counsel and receive instruction
so that you may be wise in later life.
21 Many plans are in a man's heart,
but the LORD's decree will prevail.
22 A man's desire should be loyalty to the covenant;
better to be a poor man than a perjurer.
23 The fear of the LORD leads to life;
one will sleep at night h without danger.
24 The slacker buries his hand in the bowl;
he doesn't even bring it back to his mouth.
25 Strike a mocker, and the inexperienced learn a lesson;
rebuke the discerning, and he gains knowledge.
26 The one who assaults his father and evicts his mother
is a disgraceful and shameful son.
27 If you stop listening to instruction, my son,
you will stray from the words of knowledge.
28 A worthless witness mocks justice,
and a wicked mouth swallows iniquity.
29 Judgments are prepared for mockers,
and beatings for the backs of fools.
Proverbs 19 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
1 Better a poor man who walks in integrity
than someone who has deceitful lips and is a fool.
2 Even zeal is not good without knowledge,
and the one who acts hastily sins.
3 A man's own foolishness leads him astray,
yet his heart rages against the LORD.
4 Wealth attracts many friends,
but a poor man is separated from his friend.
5 A false witness will not go unpunished,
and one who utters lies will not escape.
6 Many seek the favor of a ruler,
and everyone is a friend of one who gives gifts.
7 All the brothers of a poor man hate him;
how much more do his friends
keep their distance from him!
He may pursue them with words,
but they are not there.
8 The one who acquires good sense loves himself;
one who safeguards understanding finds success.
9 A false witness will not go unpunished,
and one who utters lies perishes.
10 Luxury is not appropriate for a fool —
how much less for a slave to rule over princes!
11 A person's insight gives him patience,
and his virtue is to overlook an offense.
12 A king's rage is like a lion's roar,
but his favor is like dew on the grass.
13 A foolish son is his father's ruin,
and a wife's nagging is an endless dripping.
14 A house and wealth are inherited from fathers,
but a sensible wife is from the LORD.
15 Laziness induces deep sleep,
and a lazy person will go hungry.
16 The one who keeps commands preserves himself;
one who disregardshis ways will die.
17 Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD,
and He will give a reward to the lender.
18 Discipline your son while there is hope;
don't be intent on killing him.
19 A person with great anger bears the penalty;
if you rescue him, you'll have to do it again.
20 Listen to counsel and receive instruction
so that you may be wise in later life.
21 Many plans are in a man's heart,
but the LORD's decree will prevail.
22 A man's desire should be loyalty to the covenant;
better to be a poor man than a perjurer.
23 The fear of the LORD leads to life;
one will sleep at night h without danger.
24 The slacker buries his hand in the bowl;
he doesn't even bring it back to his mouth.
25 Strike a mocker, and the inexperienced learn a lesson;
rebuke the discerning, and he gains knowledge.
26 The one who assaults his father and evicts his mother
is a disgraceful and shameful son.
27 If you stop listening to instruction, my son,
you will stray from the words of knowledge.
28 A worthless witness mocks justice,
and a wicked mouth swallows iniquity.
29 Judgments are prepared for mockers,
and beatings for the backs of fools.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Proverbial Insight 11/18/09
Key verse for Nov. 18: Matt 12:35-36
35 A good man produces good things from his storeroom of good, and an evil man produces evil things from his storeroom of evil. 36 I tell you that on the day of judgment people will have to account for every careless word they speak.
Proverbs 18 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
1 One who isolates himself pursues selfish desires;
he rebels against all sound judgment.
2 A fool does not delight in understanding,
but only wants to show off his opinions.
3 When a wicked man comes, shame does also,
and along with dishonor, disgrace.
4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters,
a flowing river, a fountain of wisdom.
5 It is not good to show partiality to the guilty
by perverting the justice due the innocent.
6 A fool's lips lead to strife,
and his mouth provokes a beating.
7 A fool's mouth is his devastation,
and his lips are a trap for his life.
8 A gossip's words are like choice food
that goes down to one's innermost being.
9 The one who is truly lazy in his work
is brother to a vandal.
10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
the righteous run to it and are protected.
11 A rich man's wealth is his fortified city;
in his imagination it is like a high wall.
12 Before his downfall a man's heart is proud,
but before honor comes humility.
13 The one who gives an answer before he listens—
this is foolishness and disgrace for him.
14 A man's spirit can endure sickness,
but who can survive a broken spirit?
15 The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge,
and the ear of the wise seeks it.
16 A gift opens doors for a man
and brings him before the great.
17 The first to state his case seems right
until another comes and cross-examines him.
18 Casting the lot ends quarrels
and separates powerful opponents.
19 An offended brother is harder to reach
than a fortified city,
and quarrels are like the bars of a fortress.
20 From the fruit of his mouth a man's stomach is satisfied;
he is filled with the product of his lips.
21 Life and death are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.
22 A man who finds a wife finds a good thing
and obtains favor from the LORD.
23 The poor man pleads,
but the rich one answers roughly.
24 A man with many friends may be harmed,
but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.
35 A good man produces good things from his storeroom of good, and an evil man produces evil things from his storeroom of evil. 36 I tell you that on the day of judgment people will have to account for every careless word they speak.
Proverbs 18 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
1 One who isolates himself pursues selfish desires;
he rebels against all sound judgment.
2 A fool does not delight in understanding,
but only wants to show off his opinions.
3 When a wicked man comes, shame does also,
and along with dishonor, disgrace.
4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters,
a flowing river, a fountain of wisdom.
5 It is not good to show partiality to the guilty
by perverting the justice due the innocent.
6 A fool's lips lead to strife,
and his mouth provokes a beating.
7 A fool's mouth is his devastation,
and his lips are a trap for his life.
8 A gossip's words are like choice food
that goes down to one's innermost being.
9 The one who is truly lazy in his work
is brother to a vandal.
10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
the righteous run to it and are protected.
11 A rich man's wealth is his fortified city;
in his imagination it is like a high wall.
12 Before his downfall a man's heart is proud,
but before honor comes humility.
13 The one who gives an answer before he listens—
this is foolishness and disgrace for him.
14 A man's spirit can endure sickness,
but who can survive a broken spirit?
15 The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge,
and the ear of the wise seeks it.
16 A gift opens doors for a man
and brings him before the great.
17 The first to state his case seems right
until another comes and cross-examines him.
18 Casting the lot ends quarrels
and separates powerful opponents.
19 An offended brother is harder to reach
than a fortified city,
and quarrels are like the bars of a fortress.
20 From the fruit of his mouth a man's stomach is satisfied;
he is filled with the product of his lips.
21 Life and death are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.
22 A man who finds a wife finds a good thing
and obtains favor from the LORD.
23 The poor man pleads,
but the rich one answers roughly.
24 A man with many friends may be harmed,
but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Proverbial Insight 11/17/09
Key verse for Nov. 17: Proverbs 17:24
Proverbs 17 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
1 Better a dry crust with peace
than a house full of feasting with strife.
2 A wise servant will rule over a disgraceful son
and share an inheritance among brothers.
3 A crucible is for silver and a smelter for gold,
but the LORD is a tester of hearts.
4 A wicked person listens to malicious talk;
a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.
5 The one who mocks the poor insults his Maker,
and one who rejoices over disaster
will not go unpunished.
6 Grandchildren are the crown of the elderly,
and the pride of sons is their fathers.
7 Excessive speech is not appropriate on a fool's lips;
how much worse are lies for a ruler.
8 A bribe seems like a magic stone to its owner;
wherever he turns, he succeeds.
9 Whoever conceals an offense promotes love,
but whoever gossips about it separates friends.
10 A rebuke cuts into a perceptive person
more than a hundred lashes into a fool.
11 An evil man seeks only rebellion;
a cruel messenger will be sent against him.
12 Better for a man to meet a bear robbed of her cubs
than a fool in his foolishness.
13 If anyone returns evil for good,
evil will never depart from his house.
14 To start a conflict is to release a flood;
stop the dispute before it breaks out.
15 Acquitting the guilty and condemning the just —
both are detestable to the LORD.
16 Why does a fool have money in his hand
with no intention of buying wisdom?
17 A friend loves at all times,
and a brother is born for a difficult time.
18 One without sense enters an agreement
and puts up security for his friend.
19 One who loves to offend loves strife;
one who builds a high threshold invites injury.
20 One with a twisted mind will not succeed,
and one with deceitful speech will fall into ruin.
21 A man fathers a fool to his own sorrow;
the father of a fool has no joy.
22 A joyful heart is good medicine,
but a broken spirit dries up the bones.
23 A wicked man secretly takes a bribe
to subvert the course of justice.
24 Wisdom is the focus of the perceptive,
but a fool's eyes roam to the ends of the earth.
25 A foolish son is grief to his father
and bitterness to the one who bore him.
26 It is certainly not good to fine an innocent person,
or to beat a noble for his honesty.
27 The intelligent person restrains his words,
and one who keeps a cool head
is a man of understanding.
28 Even a fool is considered wise when he keeps silent,
discerning, when he seals his lips.
Proverbs 17 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
1 Better a dry crust with peace
than a house full of feasting with strife.
2 A wise servant will rule over a disgraceful son
and share an inheritance among brothers.
3 A crucible is for silver and a smelter for gold,
but the LORD is a tester of hearts.
4 A wicked person listens to malicious talk;
a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.
5 The one who mocks the poor insults his Maker,
and one who rejoices over disaster
will not go unpunished.
6 Grandchildren are the crown of the elderly,
and the pride of sons is their fathers.
7 Excessive speech is not appropriate on a fool's lips;
how much worse are lies for a ruler.
8 A bribe seems like a magic stone to its owner;
wherever he turns, he succeeds.
9 Whoever conceals an offense promotes love,
but whoever gossips about it separates friends.
10 A rebuke cuts into a perceptive person
more than a hundred lashes into a fool.
11 An evil man seeks only rebellion;
a cruel messenger will be sent against him.
12 Better for a man to meet a bear robbed of her cubs
than a fool in his foolishness.
13 If anyone returns evil for good,
evil will never depart from his house.
14 To start a conflict is to release a flood;
stop the dispute before it breaks out.
15 Acquitting the guilty and condemning the just —
both are detestable to the LORD.
16 Why does a fool have money in his hand
with no intention of buying wisdom?
17 A friend loves at all times,
and a brother is born for a difficult time.
18 One without sense enters an agreement
and puts up security for his friend.
19 One who loves to offend loves strife;
one who builds a high threshold invites injury.
20 One with a twisted mind will not succeed,
and one with deceitful speech will fall into ruin.
21 A man fathers a fool to his own sorrow;
the father of a fool has no joy.
22 A joyful heart is good medicine,
but a broken spirit dries up the bones.
23 A wicked man secretly takes a bribe
to subvert the course of justice.
24 Wisdom is the focus of the perceptive,
but a fool's eyes roam to the ends of the earth.
25 A foolish son is grief to his father
and bitterness to the one who bore him.
26 It is certainly not good to fine an innocent person,
or to beat a noble for his honesty.
27 The intelligent person restrains his words,
and one who keeps a cool head
is a man of understanding.
28 Even a fool is considered wise when he keeps silent,
discerning, when he seals his lips.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Proverbial Insight 11/16/09
Key verse for Nov. 16: Proverbs 16:32
Proverbs 16 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
1 The reflections of the heart belong to man,
but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.
2 All a man's ways seem right in his own eyes,
but the LORD weighs the motives.
3 Commit your activities to the LORD
and your plans will be achieved.
4 The LORD has prepared everything for His purpose—
even the wicked for the day of disaster.
5 Everyone with a proud heart is detestable to the LORD;
be assured, he will not go unpunished.
6 Wickedness is atoned for by loyalty and faithfulness,
and one turns from evil by the fear of the LORD.
7 When a man's ways please the LORD,
He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
8 Better a little with righteousness
than great income with injustice.
9 A man's heart plans his way,
but the LORD determines his steps.
10 God's verdict is on the lips of a king;
his mouth should not err in judgment.
11 Honest balances and scales are the LORD's;
all the weights in the bag are His concern.
12 Wicked behavior is detestable to kings,
since a throne is established through righteousness.
13 Righteous lips are a king's delight,
and he loves one who speaks honestly.
14 A king's fury is a messenger of death,
but a wise man appeases it.
15 When a king's face lights up, there is life;
his favor is like a cloud with spring rain.
16 Acquire wisdom—
how much better it is than gold!
And acquire understanding—
it is preferable to silver.
17 The highway of the upright avoids evil;
the one who guards his way protects his life.
18 Pride comes before destruction,
and an arrogant spirit before a fall.
19 Better to be lowly of spirit with the humble
than to divide plunder with the proud.
20 The one who understands a matter finds success,
and the one who trusts in the LORD will be happy.
21 Anyone with a wise heart is called discerning,
and pleasant speech increases learning.
22 Insight is a fountain of life for its possessor,
but folly is the instruction of fools.
23 A wise heart instructs its mouth
and increases learning with its speech.
24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb:
sweet to the taste and health to the body.
25 There is a way that seems right to a man,
but in the end it is the way of death.
26 A worker's appetite works for him
because his hunger urges him on.
27 A worthless man digs up evil,
and his speech is like a scorching fire.
28 A contrary man spreads conflict,
and a gossip separates friends.
29 A violent man lures his neighbor,
leading him in a way that is not good.
30 The one who narrows his eyes is planning deceptions;
the one who compresses his lips brings about evil.
31 Gray hair is a glorious crown;
it is found in the way of righteousness.
32 Patience is better than power,
and controlling one's temper, than capturing a city.
33 The lot is cast into the lap,
but its every decision is from the LORD.
Proverbs 16 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
1 The reflections of the heart belong to man,
but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.
2 All a man's ways seem right in his own eyes,
but the LORD weighs the motives.
3 Commit your activities to the LORD
and your plans will be achieved.
4 The LORD has prepared everything for His purpose—
even the wicked for the day of disaster.
5 Everyone with a proud heart is detestable to the LORD;
be assured, he will not go unpunished.
6 Wickedness is atoned for by loyalty and faithfulness,
and one turns from evil by the fear of the LORD.
7 When a man's ways please the LORD,
He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
8 Better a little with righteousness
than great income with injustice.
9 A man's heart plans his way,
but the LORD determines his steps.
10 God's verdict is on the lips of a king;
his mouth should not err in judgment.
11 Honest balances and scales are the LORD's;
all the weights in the bag are His concern.
12 Wicked behavior is detestable to kings,
since a throne is established through righteousness.
13 Righteous lips are a king's delight,
and he loves one who speaks honestly.
14 A king's fury is a messenger of death,
but a wise man appeases it.
15 When a king's face lights up, there is life;
his favor is like a cloud with spring rain.
16 Acquire wisdom—
how much better it is than gold!
And acquire understanding—
it is preferable to silver.
17 The highway of the upright avoids evil;
the one who guards his way protects his life.
18 Pride comes before destruction,
and an arrogant spirit before a fall.
19 Better to be lowly of spirit with the humble
than to divide plunder with the proud.
20 The one who understands a matter finds success,
and the one who trusts in the LORD will be happy.
21 Anyone with a wise heart is called discerning,
and pleasant speech increases learning.
22 Insight is a fountain of life for its possessor,
but folly is the instruction of fools.
23 A wise heart instructs its mouth
and increases learning with its speech.
24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb:
sweet to the taste and health to the body.
25 There is a way that seems right to a man,
but in the end it is the way of death.
26 A worker's appetite works for him
because his hunger urges him on.
27 A worthless man digs up evil,
and his speech is like a scorching fire.
28 A contrary man spreads conflict,
and a gossip separates friends.
29 A violent man lures his neighbor,
leading him in a way that is not good.
30 The one who narrows his eyes is planning deceptions;
the one who compresses his lips brings about evil.
31 Gray hair is a glorious crown;
it is found in the way of righteousness.
32 Patience is better than power,
and controlling one's temper, than capturing a city.
33 The lot is cast into the lap,
but its every decision is from the LORD.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Proverbial Insight 11/15/09
Key verse for Nov. 15: Proverbs 15:23
Proverbs 15 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
1 A gentle answer turns away anger,
but a harsh word stirs up wrath.
2 The tongue of the wise makes knowledge attractive,
but the mouth of fools blurts out foolishness.
3 The eyes of the LORD are everywhere,
observing the wicked and the good.
4 The tongue that heals is a tree of life,
but a devious tongue breaks the spirit.
5 A fool despises his father's instruction,
but a person who heeds correction is sensible.
6 The house of the righteous has great wealth,
but trouble accompanies the income of the wicked.
7 The lips of the wise broadcast knowledge,
but not so the heart of fools.
8 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD,
but the prayer of the upright is His delight.
9 The LORD detests the way of the wicked,
but He loves the one who pursues righteousness.
10 Discipline is harsh for the one who leaves the path;
the one who hates correction will die.
11 Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the LORD—
how much more, human hearts.
12 A mocker doesn't love one who corrects him;
he will not consult the wise.
13 A joyful heart makes a face cheerful,
but a sad heart produces a broken spirit.
14 A discerning mind seeks knowledge,
but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.
15 All the days of the oppressed are miserable,
but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.
16 Better a little with the fear of the LORD
than great treasure with turmoil.
17 Better a meal of vegetables where there is love
than a fattened calf with hatred.
18 A hot-tempered man stirs up conflict,
but a man slow to anger calms strife.
19 A slacker's way is like a thorny hedge,
but the path of the upright is a highway.
20 A wise son brings joy to his father,
but a foolish one despises his mother.
21 Foolishness brings joy to one without sense,
but a man with understanding walks a straight path.
22 Plans fail when there is no counsel,
but with many advisers they succeed.
23 A man takes joy in giving an answer;
and a timely word—how good that is!
24 For the discerning the path of life leads upward,
so that he may avoid going down to Sheol.
25 The LORD destroys the house of the proud,
but He protects the widow's territory.
26 The LORD detests the plans of an evil man,
but pleasant words are pure.
27 The one who profits dishonestly troubles his household,
but the one who hates bribes will live.
28 The mind of the righteous person thinks before answering,
but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil things.
29 The LORD is far from the wicked,
but He hears the prayer of the righteous.
30 Bright eyes cheer the heart;
good news strengthens the bones.
31 An ear that listens to life-giving rebukes
will be at home among the wise.
32 Anyone who ignores instruction despises himself,
but whoever listens to correction acquires good sense.
33 The fear of the LORD is wisdom's instruction,
and humility comes before honor.
Proverbs 15 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
1 A gentle answer turns away anger,
but a harsh word stirs up wrath.
2 The tongue of the wise makes knowledge attractive,
but the mouth of fools blurts out foolishness.
3 The eyes of the LORD are everywhere,
observing the wicked and the good.
4 The tongue that heals is a tree of life,
but a devious tongue breaks the spirit.
5 A fool despises his father's instruction,
but a person who heeds correction is sensible.
6 The house of the righteous has great wealth,
but trouble accompanies the income of the wicked.
7 The lips of the wise broadcast knowledge,
but not so the heart of fools.
8 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD,
but the prayer of the upright is His delight.
9 The LORD detests the way of the wicked,
but He loves the one who pursues righteousness.
10 Discipline is harsh for the one who leaves the path;
the one who hates correction will die.
11 Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the LORD—
how much more, human hearts.
12 A mocker doesn't love one who corrects him;
he will not consult the wise.
13 A joyful heart makes a face cheerful,
but a sad heart produces a broken spirit.
14 A discerning mind seeks knowledge,
but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.
15 All the days of the oppressed are miserable,
but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.
16 Better a little with the fear of the LORD
than great treasure with turmoil.
17 Better a meal of vegetables where there is love
than a fattened calf with hatred.
18 A hot-tempered man stirs up conflict,
but a man slow to anger calms strife.
19 A slacker's way is like a thorny hedge,
but the path of the upright is a highway.
20 A wise son brings joy to his father,
but a foolish one despises his mother.
21 Foolishness brings joy to one without sense,
but a man with understanding walks a straight path.
22 Plans fail when there is no counsel,
but with many advisers they succeed.
23 A man takes joy in giving an answer;
and a timely word—how good that is!
24 For the discerning the path of life leads upward,
so that he may avoid going down to Sheol.
25 The LORD destroys the house of the proud,
but He protects the widow's territory.
26 The LORD detests the plans of an evil man,
but pleasant words are pure.
27 The one who profits dishonestly troubles his household,
but the one who hates bribes will live.
28 The mind of the righteous person thinks before answering,
but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil things.
29 The LORD is far from the wicked,
but He hears the prayer of the righteous.
30 Bright eyes cheer the heart;
good news strengthens the bones.
31 An ear that listens to life-giving rebukes
will be at home among the wise.
32 Anyone who ignores instruction despises himself,
but whoever listens to correction acquires good sense.
33 The fear of the LORD is wisdom's instruction,
and humility comes before honor.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Proverbial Insight 11/14/09
Key verse for Nov. 14: Proverbs 14:29
Proverbs 14 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
1 Every wise woman builds her house,
but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands.
2 Whoever lives with integrity fears the LORD,
but the one who is devious in his ways despises Him.
3 The proud speech of a fool brings a rod of discipline,
but the lips of the wise protect them.
4 Where there are no oxen, the feeding-trough is empty,
but an abundant harvest comes
through the strength of an ox.
5 An honest witness does not deceive,
but a dishonest witness utters lies.
6 A mocker seeks wisdom and doesn't find it,
but knowledge comes easily to the perceptive.
7 Stay away from a foolish man;
you will gain no knowledge from his speech.
8 The sensible man's wisdom is to consider his way,
but the stupidity of fools deceives them.
9 Fools mock at making restitution,
but there is goodwill among the upright.
10 The heart knows its own bitterness,
and no outsider shares in its joy.
11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed,
but the tent of the upright will stand.
12 There is a way that seems right to a man,
but its end is the way to death.
13 Even in laughter a heart may be sad,
and joy may end in grief.
14 The disloyal will get what their conduct deserves,
and a good man, what his deeds deserve.
15 The inexperienced believe anything,
but the sensible watch their steps.
16 A wise man is cautious and turns from evil,
but a fool is easily angered and is careless.
17 A quick-tempered man acts foolishly,
and a man who schemes is hated.
18 The gullible inherit foolishness,
but the sensible are crowned with knowledge.
19 The evil bow before those who are good,
the wicked, at the gates of the righteous.
20 A poor man is hated even by his neighbor,
but there are many who love the rich.
21 The one who despises his neighbor sins,
but whoever shows kindness to the poor will be happy.
22 Don't those who plan evil go astray?
But those who plan good find loyalty and faithfulness.
23 There is profit in all hard work,
but endless talk leads only to poverty.
24 The crown of the wise is their wealth,
but the foolishness of fools produces foolishness.
25 A truthful witness rescues lives,
but one who utters lies is deceitful.
26 In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence
and his children have a refuge.
27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life,
turning people from the snares of death.
28 A large population is a king's splendor,
but a shortage of people is a ruler's devastation.
29 A patient person shows great understanding,
but a quick-tempered one promotes foolishness.
30 A tranquil heart is life to the body,
but jealousy is rottenness to the bones.
31 The one who oppresses the poor insults their Maker,
but one who is kind to the needy honors Him.
32 The wicked are thrown down by their own sin,
but the righteous have a refuge when they die.
33 Wisdom resides in the heart of the discerning;
she is known even among fools.
34 Righteousness exalts a nation,
but sin is a disgrace to any people.
35 A king favors a wise servant,
but his anger falls on a disgraceful one.
Proverbs 14 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
1 Every wise woman builds her house,
but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands.
2 Whoever lives with integrity fears the LORD,
but the one who is devious in his ways despises Him.
3 The proud speech of a fool brings a rod of discipline,
but the lips of the wise protect them.
4 Where there are no oxen, the feeding-trough is empty,
but an abundant harvest comes
through the strength of an ox.
5 An honest witness does not deceive,
but a dishonest witness utters lies.
6 A mocker seeks wisdom and doesn't find it,
but knowledge comes easily to the perceptive.
7 Stay away from a foolish man;
you will gain no knowledge from his speech.
8 The sensible man's wisdom is to consider his way,
but the stupidity of fools deceives them.
9 Fools mock at making restitution,
but there is goodwill among the upright.
10 The heart knows its own bitterness,
and no outsider shares in its joy.
11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed,
but the tent of the upright will stand.
12 There is a way that seems right to a man,
but its end is the way to death.
13 Even in laughter a heart may be sad,
and joy may end in grief.
14 The disloyal will get what their conduct deserves,
and a good man, what his deeds deserve.
15 The inexperienced believe anything,
but the sensible watch their steps.
16 A wise man is cautious and turns from evil,
but a fool is easily angered and is careless.
17 A quick-tempered man acts foolishly,
and a man who schemes is hated.
18 The gullible inherit foolishness,
but the sensible are crowned with knowledge.
19 The evil bow before those who are good,
the wicked, at the gates of the righteous.
20 A poor man is hated even by his neighbor,
but there are many who love the rich.
21 The one who despises his neighbor sins,
but whoever shows kindness to the poor will be happy.
22 Don't those who plan evil go astray?
But those who plan good find loyalty and faithfulness.
23 There is profit in all hard work,
but endless talk leads only to poverty.
24 The crown of the wise is their wealth,
but the foolishness of fools produces foolishness.
25 A truthful witness rescues lives,
but one who utters lies is deceitful.
26 In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence
and his children have a refuge.
27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life,
turning people from the snares of death.
28 A large population is a king's splendor,
but a shortage of people is a ruler's devastation.
29 A patient person shows great understanding,
but a quick-tempered one promotes foolishness.
30 A tranquil heart is life to the body,
but jealousy is rottenness to the bones.
31 The one who oppresses the poor insults their Maker,
but one who is kind to the needy honors Him.
32 The wicked are thrown down by their own sin,
but the righteous have a refuge when they die.
33 Wisdom resides in the heart of the discerning;
she is known even among fools.
34 Righteousness exalts a nation,
but sin is a disgrace to any people.
35 A king favors a wise servant,
but his anger falls on a disgraceful one.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Proverbial Insight 11/13/09
Key verse for Nov. 13: Proverbs 13:21
Proverbs 13 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
1 A wise son hears his father's instruction,
but a mocker doesn't listen to rebuke.
2 From the words of his mouth,
a man will enjoy good things,
but treacherous people have an appetite for violence.
3 The one who guards his mouth protects his life;
the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.
4 The slacker craves, yet has nothing,
but the diligent is fully satisfied.
5 The righteous hate lying,
but the wicked act disgustingly and disgracefully.
6 Righteousness guards people of integrity,
but wickedness undermines the sinner.
7 One man pretends to be rich but has nothing;
another pretends to be poor but has great wealth.
8 Riches are a ransom for a man's life,
but a poor man hears no threat.
9 The light of the righteous shines brightly,
but the lamp of the wicked is extinguished.
10 Arrogance leads to nothing but strife,
but wisdom is gained by those who take advice.
11 Wealth obtained by fraud will dwindle,
but whoever earns it through labor will multiply it.
12 Delayed hope makes the heart sick,
but fulfilled desire is a tree of life.
13 The one who has contempt for instruction will pay the penalty,
but the one who respects a command will be rewarded.
14 A wise man's instruction is a fountain of life,
turning people away from the snares of death.
15 Good sense wins favor,
but the way of the treacherous never changes.
16 Every sensible person acts knowledgeably,
but a fool displays his stupidity.
17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble,
but a trustworthy courier brings healing.
18 Poverty and disgrace come to those
who ignore instruction,
but the one who accepts rebuke will be honored.
19 Desire fulfilled is sweet to the taste,
but fools hate to turn from evil.
20 The one who walks with the wise will become wise,
but a companion of fools will suffer harm.
21 Disaster pursues sinners,
but good rewards the righteous.
22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his grandchildren,
but the sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous.
23 The field of the poor yields abundant food,
but without justice, it is swept away.
24 The one who will not use the rod hates his son,
but the one who loves him disciplines him diligently.
25 A righteous man eats until he is satisfied,
but the stomach of the wicked is empty.
Proverbs 13 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
1 A wise son hears his father's instruction,
but a mocker doesn't listen to rebuke.
2 From the words of his mouth,
a man will enjoy good things,
but treacherous people have an appetite for violence.
3 The one who guards his mouth protects his life;
the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.
4 The slacker craves, yet has nothing,
but the diligent is fully satisfied.
5 The righteous hate lying,
but the wicked act disgustingly and disgracefully.
6 Righteousness guards people of integrity,
but wickedness undermines the sinner.
7 One man pretends to be rich but has nothing;
another pretends to be poor but has great wealth.
8 Riches are a ransom for a man's life,
but a poor man hears no threat.
9 The light of the righteous shines brightly,
but the lamp of the wicked is extinguished.
10 Arrogance leads to nothing but strife,
but wisdom is gained by those who take advice.
11 Wealth obtained by fraud will dwindle,
but whoever earns it through labor will multiply it.
12 Delayed hope makes the heart sick,
but fulfilled desire is a tree of life.
13 The one who has contempt for instruction will pay the penalty,
but the one who respects a command will be rewarded.
14 A wise man's instruction is a fountain of life,
turning people away from the snares of death.
15 Good sense wins favor,
but the way of the treacherous never changes.
16 Every sensible person acts knowledgeably,
but a fool displays his stupidity.
17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble,
but a trustworthy courier brings healing.
18 Poverty and disgrace come to those
who ignore instruction,
but the one who accepts rebuke will be honored.
19 Desire fulfilled is sweet to the taste,
but fools hate to turn from evil.
20 The one who walks with the wise will become wise,
but a companion of fools will suffer harm.
21 Disaster pursues sinners,
but good rewards the righteous.
22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his grandchildren,
but the sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous.
23 The field of the poor yields abundant food,
but without justice, it is swept away.
24 The one who will not use the rod hates his son,
but the one who loves him disciplines him diligently.
25 A righteous man eats until he is satisfied,
but the stomach of the wicked is empty.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Proverbial Insight 11/12/09
Key verse for Nov. 12: Proverbs 12:25
Proverbs 12 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
1 Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge,
but one who hates correction is stupid.
2 The good obtain favor from the LORD,
but He condemns a man who schemes.
3 Man cannot be made secure by wickedness,
but the root of the righteous is immovable.
4 A capable wife is her husband's crown,
but a wife who causes shame
is like rottenness in his bones.
5 The thoughts of the righteous are just,
but guidance from the wicked leads to deceit.
6 The words of the wicked are a deadly ambush,
but the speech of the upright rescues them.
7 The wicked are overthrown and perish,
but the house of the righteous will stand.
8 A man is praised for his insight,
but a twisted mind is despised.
9 Better to be dishonored, yet have a servant,
than to act important but have no food.
10 A righteous man cares about his animal's health,
but even the merciful acts of the wicked are cruel.
11 The one who works his land will have plenty of food,
but whoever chases fantasies lacks sense.
12 The wicked desire what evil men have,
but the root of the righteous produces fruit.
13 An evil man is trapped by his rebellious speech,
but the righteous escapes from trouble.
14 A man will be satisfied with good
by the words of his mouth,
and the work of a man's hands will reward him.
15 A fool's way is right in his own eyes,
but whoever listens to counsel is wise.
16 A fool's displeasure is known at once,
but whoever ignores an insult is sensible.
17 Whoever speaks the truth declares what is right,
but a false witness, deceit.
18 There is one who speaks rashly,
like a piercing sword;
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
19 Truthful lips endure forever,
but a lying tongue, only a moment.
20 Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil,
but those who promote peace have joy.
21 No disaster overcomes the righteous,
but the wicked are full of misery.
22 Lying lips are detestable to the LORD,
but faithful people are His delight.
23 A shrewd person conceals knowledge,
but a foolish heart publicizes stupidity.
24 The diligent hand will rule,
but laziness will lead to forced labor.
25 Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down,
but a good word cheers it up.
26 A righteous man is careful in dealing with his neighbor,
but the ways of wicked men lead them astray.
27 A lazy man doesn't roast his game,
but to a diligent man, his wealth is precious.
28 There is life in the path of righteousness,
but another path leads to death.
Proverbs 12 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
1 Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge,
but one who hates correction is stupid.
2 The good obtain favor from the LORD,
but He condemns a man who schemes.
3 Man cannot be made secure by wickedness,
but the root of the righteous is immovable.
4 A capable wife is her husband's crown,
but a wife who causes shame
is like rottenness in his bones.
5 The thoughts of the righteous are just,
but guidance from the wicked leads to deceit.
6 The words of the wicked are a deadly ambush,
but the speech of the upright rescues them.
7 The wicked are overthrown and perish,
but the house of the righteous will stand.
8 A man is praised for his insight,
but a twisted mind is despised.
9 Better to be dishonored, yet have a servant,
than to act important but have no food.
10 A righteous man cares about his animal's health,
but even the merciful acts of the wicked are cruel.
11 The one who works his land will have plenty of food,
but whoever chases fantasies lacks sense.
12 The wicked desire what evil men have,
but the root of the righteous produces fruit.
13 An evil man is trapped by his rebellious speech,
but the righteous escapes from trouble.
14 A man will be satisfied with good
by the words of his mouth,
and the work of a man's hands will reward him.
15 A fool's way is right in his own eyes,
but whoever listens to counsel is wise.
16 A fool's displeasure is known at once,
but whoever ignores an insult is sensible.
17 Whoever speaks the truth declares what is right,
but a false witness, deceit.
18 There is one who speaks rashly,
like a piercing sword;
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
19 Truthful lips endure forever,
but a lying tongue, only a moment.
20 Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil,
but those who promote peace have joy.
21 No disaster overcomes the righteous,
but the wicked are full of misery.
22 Lying lips are detestable to the LORD,
but faithful people are His delight.
23 A shrewd person conceals knowledge,
but a foolish heart publicizes stupidity.
24 The diligent hand will rule,
but laziness will lead to forced labor.
25 Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down,
but a good word cheers it up.
26 A righteous man is careful in dealing with his neighbor,
but the ways of wicked men lead them astray.
27 A lazy man doesn't roast his game,
but to a diligent man, his wealth is precious.
28 There is life in the path of righteousness,
but another path leads to death.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Proverbial Insight 11/11/09
Key verse for Nov. 11: Mark 12:29-31
29 "This is the most important," Jesus answered:
Listen, Israel! The Lord our God, The Lord is One. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. 31 "The second is: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these."
Proverbs 11 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
1 Dishonest scales are detestable to the LORD,
but an accurate weight is His delight.
2 When pride comes, disgrace follows,
but with humility comes wisdom.
3 The integrity of the upright guides them,
but the perversity of the treacherous destroys them.
4 Wealth is not profitable on a day of wrath,
but righteousness rescues from death.
5 The righteousness of the blameless clears his path,
but the wicked person will fall because of his wickedness.
6 The righteousness of the upright rescues them,
but the treacherous are trapped by their own desires.
7 When the wicked dies,
his expectation comes to nothing,
and hope placed in wealth vanishes.
8 The righteous is rescued from trouble;
in his place, the wicked goes in.
9 With his mouth the ungodly destroys his neighbor,
but through knowledge the righteous are rescued.
10 When the righteous thrive, a city rejoices,
and when the wicked die, there is joyful shouting.
11 A city is built up by the blessing of the upright,
but it is torn down by the mouth of the wicked.
12 Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks sense,
but a man with understanding keeps silent.
13 A gossip goes around revealing a secret,
but the trustworthy keeps a confidence.
14 Without guidance, people fall,
but with many counselors there is deliverance.
15 If someone puts up security for a stranger,
he will suffer for it,
but the one who hates such agreements is protected.
16 A gracious woman gains honor,
but violent men gain only riches.
17 A kind man benefits himself,
but a cruel man brings disaster on himself.
18 The wicked man earns an empty wage,
but the one who sows righteousness, a true reward.
19 Genuine righteousness leads to life,
but pursuing evil leads to death.
20 Those with twisted minds are detestable to the LORD,
but those with blameless conduct are His delight.
21 Be assured that the wicked
will not go unpunished,
but the offspring of the righteous will escape.
22 A beautiful woman who rejects good sense
is like a gold ring in a pig's snout.
23 The desire of the righteous turns out well,
but the hope of the wicked leads to wrath.
24 One person gives freely,
yet gains more;
another withholds what is right,
only to become poor.
25 A generous person will be enriched,
and the one who gives a drink of water
will receive water.
26 People will curse anyone who hoards grain,
but a blessing will come to the one who sells it.
27 The one who searches for what is good finds favor,
but if someone looks for trouble, it will come to him.
28 Anyone trusting in his riches will fall,
but the righteous will flourish like foliage.
29 The one who brings ruin on his household
will inherit the wind,
and a fool will be a slave
to someone whose heart is wise.
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,
but violence takes lives.
31 If the righteous will be repaid on earth,
how much more the wicked and sinful.
29 "This is the most important," Jesus answered:
Listen, Israel! The Lord our God, The Lord is One. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. 31 "The second is: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these."
Proverbs 11 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
1 Dishonest scales are detestable to the LORD,
but an accurate weight is His delight.
2 When pride comes, disgrace follows,
but with humility comes wisdom.
3 The integrity of the upright guides them,
but the perversity of the treacherous destroys them.
4 Wealth is not profitable on a day of wrath,
but righteousness rescues from death.
5 The righteousness of the blameless clears his path,
but the wicked person will fall because of his wickedness.
6 The righteousness of the upright rescues them,
but the treacherous are trapped by their own desires.
7 When the wicked dies,
his expectation comes to nothing,
and hope placed in wealth vanishes.
8 The righteous is rescued from trouble;
in his place, the wicked goes in.
9 With his mouth the ungodly destroys his neighbor,
but through knowledge the righteous are rescued.
10 When the righteous thrive, a city rejoices,
and when the wicked die, there is joyful shouting.
11 A city is built up by the blessing of the upright,
but it is torn down by the mouth of the wicked.
12 Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks sense,
but a man with understanding keeps silent.
13 A gossip goes around revealing a secret,
but the trustworthy keeps a confidence.
14 Without guidance, people fall,
but with many counselors there is deliverance.
15 If someone puts up security for a stranger,
he will suffer for it,
but the one who hates such agreements is protected.
16 A gracious woman gains honor,
but violent men gain only riches.
17 A kind man benefits himself,
but a cruel man brings disaster on himself.
18 The wicked man earns an empty wage,
but the one who sows righteousness, a true reward.
19 Genuine righteousness leads to life,
but pursuing evil leads to death.
20 Those with twisted minds are detestable to the LORD,
but those with blameless conduct are His delight.
21 Be assured that the wicked
will not go unpunished,
but the offspring of the righteous will escape.
22 A beautiful woman who rejects good sense
is like a gold ring in a pig's snout.
23 The desire of the righteous turns out well,
but the hope of the wicked leads to wrath.
24 One person gives freely,
yet gains more;
another withholds what is right,
only to become poor.
25 A generous person will be enriched,
and the one who gives a drink of water
will receive water.
26 People will curse anyone who hoards grain,
but a blessing will come to the one who sells it.
27 The one who searches for what is good finds favor,
but if someone looks for trouble, it will come to him.
28 Anyone trusting in his riches will fall,
but the righteous will flourish like foliage.
29 The one who brings ruin on his household
will inherit the wind,
and a fool will be a slave
to someone whose heart is wise.
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,
but violence takes lives.
31 If the righteous will be repaid on earth,
how much more the wicked and sinful.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Proverbial Insight 11/10/09
Key verse for Nov. 10: Proverbs 10:25
Proverbs 10 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
A Collection of Solomon's Proverbs
1 Solomon's proverbs:
A wise son brings joy to his father,
but a foolish son, heartache to his mother.
2 Ill-gotten gains do not profit anyone,
but righteousness rescues from death.
3 The LORD will not let the righteous go hungry,
but He denies the wicked what they crave.
4 Idle hands make one poor,
but diligent hands bring riches.
5 The son who gathers during summer is prudent;
the son who sleeps during harvest is disgraceful.
6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous,
but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
7 The remembrance of the righteous is a blessing,
but the name of the wicked will rot.
8 A wise heart accepts commands,
but foolish lips will be destroyed.
9 The one who lives with integrity lives securely,
but whoever perverts his ways will be found out.
10 A sly wink of the eye causes grief,
and foolish lips will be destroyed.
11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,
but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
12 Hatred stirs up conflicts,
but love covers all offenses.
13 Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning,
but a rod is for the back of the one who lacks sense.
14 The wise store up knowledge,
but the mouth of the fool hastens destruction.
15 A rich man's wealth is his fortified city;
the poverty of the poor is their destruction.
16 The labor of the righteous leads to life;
the activity of the wicked leads to sin.
17 The one who follows instruction is on the path to life,
but the one who rejects correction goes astray.
18 The one who conceals hatred has lying lips,
and whoever spreads slander is a fool.
19 When there are many words, sin is unavoidable,
but the one who controls his lips is wise.
20 The tongue of the righteous is pure silver;
the heart of the wicked is of little value.
21 The lips of the righteous feed many,
but fools die for lack of sense.
22 The LORD's blessing enriches,
and struggle adds nothing to it.
23 As shameful conduct is pleasure for a fool,
so wisdom is for a man of understanding.
24 What the wicked dreads will come to him,
but what the righteous desires will be given to him.
25 When the whirlwind passes,
the wicked are no more,
but the righteous are secure forever.
26 Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes,
so the slacker is to the one who sends him [on an errand].
27 The fear of the LORD prolongs life,
but the years of the wicked are cut short.
28 The hope of the righteous is joy,
but the expectation of the wicked comes to nothing.
29 The way of the LORD is a stronghold for the honorable,
but destruction awaits the malicious.
30 The righteous will never be shaken,
but the wicked will not remain on the earth.
31 The mouth of the righteous produces wisdom,
but a perverse tongue will be cut out.
32 The lips of the righteous know what is appropriate,
but the mouth of the wicked, [only] what is perverse.
Proverbs 10 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
A Collection of Solomon's Proverbs
1 Solomon's proverbs:
A wise son brings joy to his father,
but a foolish son, heartache to his mother.
2 Ill-gotten gains do not profit anyone,
but righteousness rescues from death.
3 The LORD will not let the righteous go hungry,
but He denies the wicked what they crave.
4 Idle hands make one poor,
but diligent hands bring riches.
5 The son who gathers during summer is prudent;
the son who sleeps during harvest is disgraceful.
6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous,
but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
7 The remembrance of the righteous is a blessing,
but the name of the wicked will rot.
8 A wise heart accepts commands,
but foolish lips will be destroyed.
9 The one who lives with integrity lives securely,
but whoever perverts his ways will be found out.
10 A sly wink of the eye causes grief,
and foolish lips will be destroyed.
11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,
but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
12 Hatred stirs up conflicts,
but love covers all offenses.
13 Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning,
but a rod is for the back of the one who lacks sense.
14 The wise store up knowledge,
but the mouth of the fool hastens destruction.
15 A rich man's wealth is his fortified city;
the poverty of the poor is their destruction.
16 The labor of the righteous leads to life;
the activity of the wicked leads to sin.
17 The one who follows instruction is on the path to life,
but the one who rejects correction goes astray.
18 The one who conceals hatred has lying lips,
and whoever spreads slander is a fool.
19 When there are many words, sin is unavoidable,
but the one who controls his lips is wise.
20 The tongue of the righteous is pure silver;
the heart of the wicked is of little value.
21 The lips of the righteous feed many,
but fools die for lack of sense.
22 The LORD's blessing enriches,
and struggle adds nothing to it.
23 As shameful conduct is pleasure for a fool,
so wisdom is for a man of understanding.
24 What the wicked dreads will come to him,
but what the righteous desires will be given to him.
25 When the whirlwind passes,
the wicked are no more,
but the righteous are secure forever.
26 Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes,
so the slacker is to the one who sends him [on an errand].
27 The fear of the LORD prolongs life,
but the years of the wicked are cut short.
28 The hope of the righteous is joy,
but the expectation of the wicked comes to nothing.
29 The way of the LORD is a stronghold for the honorable,
but destruction awaits the malicious.
30 The righteous will never be shaken,
but the wicked will not remain on the earth.
31 The mouth of the righteous produces wisdom,
but a perverse tongue will be cut out.
32 The lips of the righteous know what is appropriate,
but the mouth of the wicked, [only] what is perverse.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Proverbial Insight 11/9/09
Key verse for Nov. 9: Proverbs 9:17-18
Proverbs 9 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
Wisdom versus Foolishness
1 Wisdom has built her house;
she has carved out her seven pillars.
2 She has prepared her meat; she has mixed her wine;
she has also set her table.
3 She has sent out her servants;
she calls out from the highest points of the city:
4 "Whoever is inexperienced, enter here!"
To the one who lacks sense, she says,
5 "Come, eat my bread,
and drink the wine I have mixed.
6 Leave inexperience behind, and you will live;
pursue the way of understanding.
7 The one who corrects a mocker
will bring dishonor on himself;
the one who rebukes a wicked man will get hurt.
8 Don't rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you;
rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.
9 Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still;
teach a righteous man, and he will learn more.
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
11 For by Wisdom your days will be many,
and years will be added to your life.
12 If you are wise, you are wise for your own benefit;
if you mock, you alone will bear [the consequences]."
13 The woman Folly is rowdy;
she is gullible and knows nothing.
14 She sits by the doorway of her house,
on a seat at the highest point of the city,
15 calling to those who pass by,
who go straight ahead on their paths:
16 "Whoever is inexperienced, enter here!"
To the one who lacks sense, she says,
17 "Stolen water is sweet,
and bread [eaten] secretly is tasty!"
18 But he doesn't know that the departed spirits are there,
that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.
Proverbs 9 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
Wisdom versus Foolishness
1 Wisdom has built her house;
she has carved out her seven pillars.
2 She has prepared her meat; she has mixed her wine;
she has also set her table.
3 She has sent out her servants;
she calls out from the highest points of the city:
4 "Whoever is inexperienced, enter here!"
To the one who lacks sense, she says,
5 "Come, eat my bread,
and drink the wine I have mixed.
6 Leave inexperience behind, and you will live;
pursue the way of understanding.
7 The one who corrects a mocker
will bring dishonor on himself;
the one who rebukes a wicked man will get hurt.
8 Don't rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you;
rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.
9 Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still;
teach a righteous man, and he will learn more.
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
11 For by Wisdom your days will be many,
and years will be added to your life.
12 If you are wise, you are wise for your own benefit;
if you mock, you alone will bear [the consequences]."
13 The woman Folly is rowdy;
she is gullible and knows nothing.
14 She sits by the doorway of her house,
on a seat at the highest point of the city,
15 calling to those who pass by,
who go straight ahead on their paths:
16 "Whoever is inexperienced, enter here!"
To the one who lacks sense, she says,
17 "Stolen water is sweet,
and bread [eaten] secretly is tasty!"
18 But he doesn't know that the departed spirits are there,
that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Proverbial Insight 11/8/09
Key verse for Nov. 8: Proverbs 8:31
Proverbs 8 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
Wisdom's Appeal
1 Doesn't Wisdom call out?
Doesn't Understanding make her voice heard?
2 At the heights overlooking the road,
at the crossroads, she takes her stand.
3 Beside the gates at the entry to the city,
at the main entrance, she cries out:
4 "People, I call out to you;
my cry is to mankind.
5 Learn to be shrewd, you who are inexperienced;
develop common sense, you who are foolish.
6 Listen, for I speak of noble things,
and what my lips say is right.
7 For my mouth tells the truth,
and wickedness is detestable to my lips.
8 All the words of my mouth are righteous;
none of them are deceptive or perverse.
9 All of them are clear to the perceptive,
and right to those who discover knowledge.
10 Accept my instruction instead of silver,
and knowledge rather than pure gold.
11 For wisdom is better than precious stones,
and nothing desirable can compare with it.
12 I, Wisdom, share a home with shrewdness
and have knowledge and discretion.
13 To fear the LORD is to hate evil.
I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct,
and perverse speech.
14 I possess good advice and competence;
I have understanding and strength.
15 It is by me that kings reign
and rulers enact just law;
16 by me, princes lead,
as do nobles [and] all righteous judges.
17 I love those who love me,
and those who search for me find me.
18 With me are riches and honor,
lasting wealth and righteousness.
19 My fruit is better than solid gold,
and my harvest than pure silver.
20 I walk in the way of righteousness,
along the paths of justice,
21 giving wealth as an inheritance to those who love me,
and filling their treasuries.
22 The LORD made me
at the beginning of His creation,
before His works of long ago.
23 I was formed before ancient times,
from the beginning, before the earth began.
24 I was brought forth
when there were no watery depths
and no springs filled with water.
25 I was brought forth
before the mountains and hills were established,
26 before He made the land, the fields,
or the first soil on earth.
27 I was there when He established the heavens,
when He laid out the horizon on the surface of the ocean,
28 when He placed the skies above,
when the fountains of the ocean gushed forth,
29 when He set a limit for the sea
so that the waters would not violate His command,
when He laid out the foundations of the earth.
30 I was a skilled craftsman beside Him.
I was His delight every day,
always rejoicing before Him.
31 I was rejoicing in His inhabited world,
delighting in the human race.
32 And now, [my] sons, listen to me;
those who keep my ways are happy.
33 Listen to instruction and be wise;
don't ignore it.
34 Anyone who listens to me is happy,
watching at my doors every day,
waiting by the posts of my doorway.
35 For the one who finds me finds life
and obtains favor from the LORD,
36 but the one who sins against me harms himself;
all who hate me love death."
Proverbs 8 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
Wisdom's Appeal
1 Doesn't Wisdom call out?
Doesn't Understanding make her voice heard?
2 At the heights overlooking the road,
at the crossroads, she takes her stand.
3 Beside the gates at the entry to the city,
at the main entrance, she cries out:
4 "People, I call out to you;
my cry is to mankind.
5 Learn to be shrewd, you who are inexperienced;
develop common sense, you who are foolish.
6 Listen, for I speak of noble things,
and what my lips say is right.
7 For my mouth tells the truth,
and wickedness is detestable to my lips.
8 All the words of my mouth are righteous;
none of them are deceptive or perverse.
9 All of them are clear to the perceptive,
and right to those who discover knowledge.
10 Accept my instruction instead of silver,
and knowledge rather than pure gold.
11 For wisdom is better than precious stones,
and nothing desirable can compare with it.
12 I, Wisdom, share a home with shrewdness
and have knowledge and discretion.
13 To fear the LORD is to hate evil.
I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct,
and perverse speech.
14 I possess good advice and competence;
I have understanding and strength.
15 It is by me that kings reign
and rulers enact just law;
16 by me, princes lead,
as do nobles [and] all righteous judges.
17 I love those who love me,
and those who search for me find me.
18 With me are riches and honor,
lasting wealth and righteousness.
19 My fruit is better than solid gold,
and my harvest than pure silver.
20 I walk in the way of righteousness,
along the paths of justice,
21 giving wealth as an inheritance to those who love me,
and filling their treasuries.
22 The LORD made me
at the beginning of His creation,
before His works of long ago.
23 I was formed before ancient times,
from the beginning, before the earth began.
24 I was brought forth
when there were no watery depths
and no springs filled with water.
25 I was brought forth
before the mountains and hills were established,
26 before He made the land, the fields,
or the first soil on earth.
27 I was there when He established the heavens,
when He laid out the horizon on the surface of the ocean,
28 when He placed the skies above,
when the fountains of the ocean gushed forth,
29 when He set a limit for the sea
so that the waters would not violate His command,
when He laid out the foundations of the earth.
30 I was a skilled craftsman beside Him.
I was His delight every day,
always rejoicing before Him.
31 I was rejoicing in His inhabited world,
delighting in the human race.
32 And now, [my] sons, listen to me;
those who keep my ways are happy.
33 Listen to instruction and be wise;
don't ignore it.
34 Anyone who listens to me is happy,
watching at my doors every day,
waiting by the posts of my doorway.
35 For the one who finds me finds life
and obtains favor from the LORD,
36 but the one who sins against me harms himself;
all who hate me love death."
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Proverbial Insight 11/7/09
Key verse for Nov. 7: Proverbs 7:25-26
Proverbs 7 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
1 My son, obey my words,
and treasure my commands.
2 Keep my commands and live;
protect my teachings
as you would the pupil of your eye.
3 Tie them to your fingers;
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Say to wisdom, "You are my sister,"
and call understanding [your] relative.
5 She will keep you from a forbidden woman,
a stranger with her flattering talk.
A Story of Seduction
6 At the window of my house
I looked through my lattice.
7 I saw among the inexperienced,
I noticed among the youths,
a young man lacking sense.
8 Crossing the street near her corner,
he strolled down the road to her house
9 at twilight, in the evening,
in the dark of the night.
10 A woman came to meet him,
dressed like a prostitute,
having a hidden agenda.
11 She is loud and defiant;
her feet do not stay at home.
12 Now in the street, now in the squares,
she lurks at every corner.
13 She grabs him and kisses him;
she brazenly says to him,
14 "I've made fellowship offerings;
today I've fulfilled my vows.
15 So I came out to meet you,
to search for you, and I've found you.
16 I've spread coverings on my bed —
richly colored linen from Egypt.
17 I've perfumed my bed
with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
18 Come, let's drink deeply of lovemaking until morning.
Let's feast on each other's love!
19 My husband isn't home;
he went on a long journey.
20 He took a bag of money with him
and will come home at the time of the full moon."
21 She seduces him with her persistent pleading;
she lures with her flattering talk.
22 He follows her impulsively
like an ox going to the slaughter,
like a deer bounding toward a trap
23 until an arrow pierces its liver,
like a bird darting into a snare —
he doesn't know it will cost him his life.
24 Now, [my] sons, listen to me,
and pay attention to the words of my mouth.
25 Don't let your heart turn aside to her ways;
don't stray onto her paths.
26 For she has brought many down to death;
her victims are countless.
27 Her house is the road to Sheol,
descending to the chambers of death.
Proverbs 7 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
1 My son, obey my words,
and treasure my commands.
2 Keep my commands and live;
protect my teachings
as you would the pupil of your eye.
3 Tie them to your fingers;
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Say to wisdom, "You are my sister,"
and call understanding [your] relative.
5 She will keep you from a forbidden woman,
a stranger with her flattering talk.
A Story of Seduction
6 At the window of my house
I looked through my lattice.
7 I saw among the inexperienced,
I noticed among the youths,
a young man lacking sense.
8 Crossing the street near her corner,
he strolled down the road to her house
9 at twilight, in the evening,
in the dark of the night.
10 A woman came to meet him,
dressed like a prostitute,
having a hidden agenda.
11 She is loud and defiant;
her feet do not stay at home.
12 Now in the street, now in the squares,
she lurks at every corner.
13 She grabs him and kisses him;
she brazenly says to him,
14 "I've made fellowship offerings;
today I've fulfilled my vows.
15 So I came out to meet you,
to search for you, and I've found you.
16 I've spread coverings on my bed —
richly colored linen from Egypt.
17 I've perfumed my bed
with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
18 Come, let's drink deeply of lovemaking until morning.
Let's feast on each other's love!
19 My husband isn't home;
he went on a long journey.
20 He took a bag of money with him
and will come home at the time of the full moon."
21 She seduces him with her persistent pleading;
she lures with her flattering talk.
22 He follows her impulsively
like an ox going to the slaughter,
like a deer bounding toward a trap
23 until an arrow pierces its liver,
like a bird darting into a snare —
he doesn't know it will cost him his life.
24 Now, [my] sons, listen to me,
and pay attention to the words of my mouth.
25 Don't let your heart turn aside to her ways;
don't stray onto her paths.
26 For she has brought many down to death;
her victims are countless.
27 Her house is the road to Sheol,
descending to the chambers of death.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Proverbial Insight 11/6/09
Key verse for Nov. 6: Proverbs 6:29
Proverbs 6 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
Financial Entanglements
1 My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor
or entered into an agreement with a stranger,
2 you have been trapped by the words of your lips —
ensnared by the words of your mouth.
3 Do this, then, my son, and free yourself,
for you have put yourself in your neighbor's power:
Go, humble yourself, and plead with your neighbor.
4 Don't give sleep to your eyes
or slumber to your eyelids.
5 Escape like a gazelle from a hunter,
like a bird from a fowler's trap.
Laziness
6 Go to the ant, you slacker!
Observe its ways and become wise.
7 Without leader, administrator, or ruler,
8 it prepares its provisions in summer;
it gathers its food during harvest.
9 How long will you stay in bed, you slacker?
When will you get up from your sleep?
10 A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the arms to rest,
11 and your poverty will come like a robber,
your need, like a bandit.
The Malicious Man
12 A worthless person, a wicked man,
who goes around speaking dishonestly,
13 who winks his eyes, signals with his feet,
and gestures with his fingers,
14 who plots evil with perversity in his heart—
he stirs up trouble constantly.
15 Therefore calamity will strike him suddenly;
he will be shattered instantly—beyond recovery.
What the LORD Hates
16 Six things the LORD hates;
in fact, seven are detestable to Him:
17 arrogant eyes, a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,
18 a heart that plots wicked schemes,
feet eager to run to evil,
19 a lying witness who gives false testimony,
and one who stirs up trouble among brothers.
Warning against Adultery
20 My son, keep your father's command,
and don't reject your mother's teaching.
21 Always bind them to your heart;
tie them around your neck.
22 When you walk here and there, they will guide you;
when you lie down, they will watch over you;
when you wake up, they will talk to you.
23 For a commandment is a lamp, teaching is a light,
and corrective instructions are the way to life.
24 They will protect you from an evil woman,
from the flattering tongue of a stranger.
25 Don't lust in your heart for her beauty
or let her captivate you with her eyelashes.
26 For a prostitute's fee is only a loaf of bread,
but an adulteress goes after [your] very life.
27 Can a man embrace fire
and his clothes not be burned?
28 Can a man walk on coals
without scorching his feet?
29 So it is with the one who sleeps with
another man's wife;
no one who touches her will go unpunished.
30 People don't despise the thief if he steals
to satisfy himself when he is hungry.
31 Still, if caught, he must pay seven times as much;
he must give up all the wealth in his house.
32 The one who commits adultery lacks sense;
whoever does so destroys himself.
33 He will get a beating and dishonor,
and his disgrace will never be removed.
34 For jealousy enrages a husband,
and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge.
35 He will not be appeased by anything
or be persuaded by lavish gifts.
Proverbs 6 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
Financial Entanglements
1 My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor
or entered into an agreement with a stranger,
2 you have been trapped by the words of your lips —
ensnared by the words of your mouth.
3 Do this, then, my son, and free yourself,
for you have put yourself in your neighbor's power:
Go, humble yourself, and plead with your neighbor.
4 Don't give sleep to your eyes
or slumber to your eyelids.
5 Escape like a gazelle from a hunter,
like a bird from a fowler's trap.
Laziness
6 Go to the ant, you slacker!
Observe its ways and become wise.
7 Without leader, administrator, or ruler,
8 it prepares its provisions in summer;
it gathers its food during harvest.
9 How long will you stay in bed, you slacker?
When will you get up from your sleep?
10 A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the arms to rest,
11 and your poverty will come like a robber,
your need, like a bandit.
The Malicious Man
12 A worthless person, a wicked man,
who goes around speaking dishonestly,
13 who winks his eyes, signals with his feet,
and gestures with his fingers,
14 who plots evil with perversity in his heart—
he stirs up trouble constantly.
15 Therefore calamity will strike him suddenly;
he will be shattered instantly—beyond recovery.
What the LORD Hates
16 Six things the LORD hates;
in fact, seven are detestable to Him:
17 arrogant eyes, a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,
18 a heart that plots wicked schemes,
feet eager to run to evil,
19 a lying witness who gives false testimony,
and one who stirs up trouble among brothers.
Warning against Adultery
20 My son, keep your father's command,
and don't reject your mother's teaching.
21 Always bind them to your heart;
tie them around your neck.
22 When you walk here and there, they will guide you;
when you lie down, they will watch over you;
when you wake up, they will talk to you.
23 For a commandment is a lamp, teaching is a light,
and corrective instructions are the way to life.
24 They will protect you from an evil woman,
from the flattering tongue of a stranger.
25 Don't lust in your heart for her beauty
or let her captivate you with her eyelashes.
26 For a prostitute's fee is only a loaf of bread,
but an adulteress goes after [your] very life.
27 Can a man embrace fire
and his clothes not be burned?
28 Can a man walk on coals
without scorching his feet?
29 So it is with the one who sleeps with
another man's wife;
no one who touches her will go unpunished.
30 People don't despise the thief if he steals
to satisfy himself when he is hungry.
31 Still, if caught, he must pay seven times as much;
he must give up all the wealth in his house.
32 The one who commits adultery lacks sense;
whoever does so destroys himself.
33 He will get a beating and dishonor,
and his disgrace will never be removed.
34 For jealousy enrages a husband,
and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge.
35 He will not be appeased by anything
or be persuaded by lavish gifts.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Proverbial Insight 11/5/09
Key verse for Nov. 5: Proverbs 5:22
Proverbs 5 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
Proverbs 5
Avoid Seduction
1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom;
listen closely [a] to my understanding
2 so that [you] may maintain discretion
and your lips safeguard knowledge.
3 Though the lips of the forbidden woman drip honey
and her words are [b] smoother than oil,
4 in the end she's as bitter as wormwood
and as sharp as a double-edged sword.
5 Her feet go down to death;
her steps head straight for Sheol.
6 She doesn't consider the path of life;
she doesn't know that her ways are unstable.
7 So now, [my] sons, listen to me,
and don't turn away from the words of my mouth.
8 Keep your way far from her.
Don't go near the door of her house.
9 Otherwise, you will give up your vitality to others
and your years to someone cruel;
10 strangers will drain your resources,
and your earnings will end up in a foreigner's house.
11 At the end of your life, you will lament
when your physical body has been consumed,
12 and you will say, "How I hated discipline,
and how my heart despised correction.
13 I didn't obey my teachers
or listen closely [c] to my mentors.
14 I was on the verge of complete ruin
before the entire community."
Enjoy Marriage
15 Drink water from your own cistern,
water flowing from your own well.
16 Should your springs flow in the streets,
streams of water in the public squares?
17 They should be for you alone
and not for you [to share] with strangers.
18 Let your fountain be blessed,
and take pleasure in the wife of your youth.
19 A loving doe, a graceful fawn—
let her breasts always satisfy you;
be lost in her love forever.
20 Why, my son, would you be infatuated
with a forbidden woman
or embrace the breast of a stranger?
21 For a man's ways are before the LORD's eyes,
and He considers all his paths.
22 A wicked man's iniquities entrap him;
he is entangled in the ropes of his own sin.
23 He will die because there is no instruction,
and be lost because of his great stupidity.
Footnotes:
a. Proverbs 5:1 Lit wisdom; stretch out your ear
b. Proverbs 5:3 Lit her palate is
c. Proverbs 5:13 Lit or turn my ear
Proverbs 5 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
Proverbs 5
Avoid Seduction
1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom;
listen closely [a] to my understanding
2 so that [you] may maintain discretion
and your lips safeguard knowledge.
3 Though the lips of the forbidden woman drip honey
and her words are [b] smoother than oil,
4 in the end she's as bitter as wormwood
and as sharp as a double-edged sword.
5 Her feet go down to death;
her steps head straight for Sheol.
6 She doesn't consider the path of life;
she doesn't know that her ways are unstable.
7 So now, [my] sons, listen to me,
and don't turn away from the words of my mouth.
8 Keep your way far from her.
Don't go near the door of her house.
9 Otherwise, you will give up your vitality to others
and your years to someone cruel;
10 strangers will drain your resources,
and your earnings will end up in a foreigner's house.
11 At the end of your life, you will lament
when your physical body has been consumed,
12 and you will say, "How I hated discipline,
and how my heart despised correction.
13 I didn't obey my teachers
or listen closely [c] to my mentors.
14 I was on the verge of complete ruin
before the entire community."
Enjoy Marriage
15 Drink water from your own cistern,
water flowing from your own well.
16 Should your springs flow in the streets,
streams of water in the public squares?
17 They should be for you alone
and not for you [to share] with strangers.
18 Let your fountain be blessed,
and take pleasure in the wife of your youth.
19 A loving doe, a graceful fawn—
let her breasts always satisfy you;
be lost in her love forever.
20 Why, my son, would you be infatuated
with a forbidden woman
or embrace the breast of a stranger?
21 For a man's ways are before the LORD's eyes,
and He considers all his paths.
22 A wicked man's iniquities entrap him;
he is entangled in the ropes of his own sin.
23 He will die because there is no instruction,
and be lost because of his great stupidity.
Footnotes:
a. Proverbs 5:1 Lit wisdom; stretch out your ear
b. Proverbs 5:3 Lit her palate is
c. Proverbs 5:13 Lit or turn my ear
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Proverbial Insight 11/4/09
Key verse for Nov. 4: Matt 18:7
7 Woe to the world because of offenses. For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes.
Proverbs 4 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
A Father's Example
1 Listen, [my] sons, to a father's discipline,
and pay attention so that you may gain understanding,
2 for I am giving you good instruction.
Don't abandon my teaching.
3 When I was a son with my father,
tender and precious to my mother,
4 he taught me and said:
"Your heart must hold on to my words.
Keep my commands and live.
5 Get wisdom, get understanding;
don't forget or turn away from the words of my mouth.
6 Don't abandon wisdom, and she will watch over you;
love her, and she will guard you.
7 Wisdom is supreme—so get wisdom.
And whatever else you get, get understanding.
8 Cherish her, and she will exalt you;
if you embrace her, she will honor you.
9 She will place a garland of grace on your head;
she will give you a crown of beauty."
Two Ways of Life
10 Listen, my son. Accept my words,
and you will live many years.
11 I am teaching you the way of wisdom;
I am guiding you on straight paths.
12 When you walk, your steps will not be hindered;
when you run, you will not stumble.
13 Hold on to instruction; don't let go.
Guard it, for it is your life.
14 Don't set foot on the path of the wicked;
don't proceed in the way of evil ones.
15 Avoid it; don't travel on it.
Turn away from it, and pass it by.
16 For they can't sleep
unless they have done what is evil;
they are robbed of sleep unless they make someone stumble.
17 They eat the bread of wickedness
and drink the wine of violence.
18 The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,
shining brighter and brighter until midday.
19 But the way of the wicked is like the darkest gloom;
they don't know what makes them stumble.
The Straight Path
20 My son, pay attention to my words;
listen closely to my sayings.
21 Don't lose sight of them;
keep them within your heart.
22 For they are life to those who find them,
and health to one's whole body.
23 Guard your heart above all else, [a]
for it is the source of life.
24 Don't let your mouth speak dishonestly,
and don't let your lips talk deviously.
25 Let your eyes look forward;
fix your gaze [b] straight ahead.
26 Carefully consider the path [c] for your feet,
and all your ways will be established.
27 Don't turn to the right or to the left;
keep your feet away from evil.
Footnotes:
a.Proverbs 4:23 Or heart with all diligence
b.Proverbs 4:25 Lit eyelids
c.Proverbs 4:26 Or Clear a path
7 Woe to the world because of offenses. For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes.
Proverbs 4 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
A Father's Example
1 Listen, [my] sons, to a father's discipline,
and pay attention so that you may gain understanding,
2 for I am giving you good instruction.
Don't abandon my teaching.
3 When I was a son with my father,
tender and precious to my mother,
4 he taught me and said:
"Your heart must hold on to my words.
Keep my commands and live.
5 Get wisdom, get understanding;
don't forget or turn away from the words of my mouth.
6 Don't abandon wisdom, and she will watch over you;
love her, and she will guard you.
7 Wisdom is supreme—so get wisdom.
And whatever else you get, get understanding.
8 Cherish her, and she will exalt you;
if you embrace her, she will honor you.
9 She will place a garland of grace on your head;
she will give you a crown of beauty."
Two Ways of Life
10 Listen, my son. Accept my words,
and you will live many years.
11 I am teaching you the way of wisdom;
I am guiding you on straight paths.
12 When you walk, your steps will not be hindered;
when you run, you will not stumble.
13 Hold on to instruction; don't let go.
Guard it, for it is your life.
14 Don't set foot on the path of the wicked;
don't proceed in the way of evil ones.
15 Avoid it; don't travel on it.
Turn away from it, and pass it by.
16 For they can't sleep
unless they have done what is evil;
they are robbed of sleep unless they make someone stumble.
17 They eat the bread of wickedness
and drink the wine of violence.
18 The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,
shining brighter and brighter until midday.
19 But the way of the wicked is like the darkest gloom;
they don't know what makes them stumble.
The Straight Path
20 My son, pay attention to my words;
listen closely to my sayings.
21 Don't lose sight of them;
keep them within your heart.
22 For they are life to those who find them,
and health to one's whole body.
23 Guard your heart above all else, [a]
for it is the source of life.
24 Don't let your mouth speak dishonestly,
and don't let your lips talk deviously.
25 Let your eyes look forward;
fix your gaze [b] straight ahead.
26 Carefully consider the path [c] for your feet,
and all your ways will be established.
27 Don't turn to the right or to the left;
keep your feet away from evil.
Footnotes:
a.Proverbs 4:23 Or heart with all diligence
b.Proverbs 4:25 Lit eyelids
c.Proverbs 4:26 Or Clear a path
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Proverbial Insight 11/3/09
Key verse for Nov. 3: Proverbs 3:33
Proverbs 3 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
Trust the LORD
1 My son, don't forget my teaching,
but let your heart keep my commands;
2 for they will bring you
many days, a full life, [a] and well-being.
3 Never let loyalty and faithfulness leave you.
Tie them around your neck;
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will find favor and high regard
in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own understanding;
6 think about Him in all your ways,
and He will guide you on the right paths.
7 Don't consider yourself to be wise;
fear the LORD and turn away from evil.
8 This will be healing for your body [b]
and strengthening for your bones.
9 Honor the LORD with your possessions
and with the first produce of your entire harvest;
10 then your barns will be completely filled,
and your vats will overflow with new wine.
11 Do not despise the LORD's instruction, my son,
and do not loathe His discipline;
12 for the LORD disciplines the one He loves,
just as a father, the son he delights in.
Wisdom Brings Happiness
13 Happy is a man who finds wisdom
and who acquires understanding,
14 for she is more profitable than silver,
and her revenue is better than gold.
15 She is more precious than jewels;
nothing you desire compares with her.
16 Long life [c] is in her right hand;
in her left, riches and honor.
17 Her ways are pleasant,
and all her paths, peaceful.
18 She is a tree of life to those who embrace her,
and those who hold on to her are happy.
19 The LORD founded the earth by wisdom
and established the heavens by understanding.
20 By His knowledge the watery depths broke open,
and the clouds dripped with dew.
21 Maintain [your] competence and discretion.
My son, don't lose sight of them.
22 They will be life for you [d]
and adornment [e] for your neck.
23 Then you will go safely on your way;
your foot will not stumble.
24 When you lie [f] down, you will not be afraid;
you will lie down, and your sleep will be pleasant.
25 Don't fear sudden danger
or the ruin of the wicked when it comes,
26 for the LORD will be your confidence [g]
and will keep your foot from a snare.
Treat Others Fairly
27 When it is in your power, [h]
don't withhold good from the one to whom it is due.
28 Don't say to your neighbor, "Go away! Come back later.
I'll give it tomorrow"—when it is there with you.
29 Don't plan any harm against your neighbor,
for he trusts you and lives near you.
30 Don't accuse anyone without cause,
when he has done you no harm.
31 Don't envy a violent man
or choose any of his ways;
32 for the devious are detestable to the LORD,
but He is a friend [i] to the upright.
33 The LORD's curse is on the household of the wicked,
but He blesses the home of the righteous;
34 He mocks those who mock,
but gives grace to the humble.
35 The wise will inherit honor,
but He holds up fools to dishonor. [j]
Footnotes:
a. Proverbs 3:2 Lit days, years of life
b. Proverbs 3:8 Lit navel
c. Proverbs 3:16 Lit Length of days
d. Proverbs 3:22 Or be your throat; Hb nephesh can mean throat, soul, or life.
e. Proverbs 3:22 Or grace
f. Proverbs 3:24 LXX reads sit
g. Proverbs 3:26 Or be at your side
h. Proverbs 3:27 Lit in the power of your hands
i. Proverbs 3:32 Or confidential counsel
j. Proverbs 3:35 Or but haughty fools dishonor, or but fools exalt dishonor
Proverbs 3 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
Trust the LORD
1 My son, don't forget my teaching,
but let your heart keep my commands;
2 for they will bring you
many days, a full life, [a] and well-being.
3 Never let loyalty and faithfulness leave you.
Tie them around your neck;
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will find favor and high regard
in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own understanding;
6 think about Him in all your ways,
and He will guide you on the right paths.
7 Don't consider yourself to be wise;
fear the LORD and turn away from evil.
8 This will be healing for your body [b]
and strengthening for your bones.
9 Honor the LORD with your possessions
and with the first produce of your entire harvest;
10 then your barns will be completely filled,
and your vats will overflow with new wine.
11 Do not despise the LORD's instruction, my son,
and do not loathe His discipline;
12 for the LORD disciplines the one He loves,
just as a father, the son he delights in.
Wisdom Brings Happiness
13 Happy is a man who finds wisdom
and who acquires understanding,
14 for she is more profitable than silver,
and her revenue is better than gold.
15 She is more precious than jewels;
nothing you desire compares with her.
16 Long life [c] is in her right hand;
in her left, riches and honor.
17 Her ways are pleasant,
and all her paths, peaceful.
18 She is a tree of life to those who embrace her,
and those who hold on to her are happy.
19 The LORD founded the earth by wisdom
and established the heavens by understanding.
20 By His knowledge the watery depths broke open,
and the clouds dripped with dew.
21 Maintain [your] competence and discretion.
My son, don't lose sight of them.
22 They will be life for you [d]
and adornment [e] for your neck.
23 Then you will go safely on your way;
your foot will not stumble.
24 When you lie [f] down, you will not be afraid;
you will lie down, and your sleep will be pleasant.
25 Don't fear sudden danger
or the ruin of the wicked when it comes,
26 for the LORD will be your confidence [g]
and will keep your foot from a snare.
Treat Others Fairly
27 When it is in your power, [h]
don't withhold good from the one to whom it is due.
28 Don't say to your neighbor, "Go away! Come back later.
I'll give it tomorrow"—when it is there with you.
29 Don't plan any harm against your neighbor,
for he trusts you and lives near you.
30 Don't accuse anyone without cause,
when he has done you no harm.
31 Don't envy a violent man
or choose any of his ways;
32 for the devious are detestable to the LORD,
but He is a friend [i] to the upright.
33 The LORD's curse is on the household of the wicked,
but He blesses the home of the righteous;
34 He mocks those who mock,
but gives grace to the humble.
35 The wise will inherit honor,
but He holds up fools to dishonor. [j]
Footnotes:
a. Proverbs 3:2 Lit days, years of life
b. Proverbs 3:8 Lit navel
c. Proverbs 3:16 Lit Length of days
d. Proverbs 3:22 Or be your throat; Hb nephesh can mean throat, soul, or life.
e. Proverbs 3:22 Or grace
f. Proverbs 3:24 LXX reads sit
g. Proverbs 3:26 Or be at your side
h. Proverbs 3:27 Lit in the power of your hands
i. Proverbs 3:32 Or confidential counsel
j. Proverbs 3:35 Or but haughty fools dishonor, or but fools exalt dishonor
Monday, November 2, 2009
Proverbial Insight 11/2/09
Key verse for Nov. 2: Proverbs 2:20-21
Proverbs 2 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
Wisdom's Worth
1 My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,
2 listening closely [a] to wisdom
and directing your heart to understanding;
3 furthermore, if you call out to insight
and lift your voice to understanding,
4 if you seek it like silver
and search for it like hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and discover the knowledge of God.
6 For the LORD gives wisdom;
from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He stores up success [b] for the upright;
He is a shield for those who live with integrity
8 so that He may guard the paths of justice
and protect the way of His loyal followers.
9 Then you will understand righteousness, justice,
and integrity—every good path.
10 For wisdom will enter your mind,
and knowledge will delight your heart.
11 Discretion will watch over you,
and understanding will guard you,
12 rescuing you from the way of evil—
from the one who says perverse things,
13 [from] those who abandon the right paths
to walk in ways of darkness,
14 [from] those who enjoy doing evil
and celebrate perversity,
15 whose paths are crooked,
and whose ways are devious.
16 It will rescue you from a forbidden woman,
from a stranger [c] with her flattering talk,
17 who abandons the companion of her youth
and forgets the covenant of her God;
18 for her house sinks down to death
and her ways to the land of the departed spirits.
19 None return who go to her;
none reach the paths of life.
20 So follow the way of good people,
and keep to the paths of the righteous.
21 For the upright will inhabit the land,
and those of integrity will remain in it;
22 but the wicked will be cut off from the land,
and the treacherous uprooted from it.
Footnotes:
a.Proverbs 2:2 Lit you, stretching out your ear
b.Proverbs 2:7 Or resourcefulness
c.Proverbs 2:16 Or foreign woman
Proverbs 2 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
Wisdom's Worth
1 My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,
2 listening closely [a] to wisdom
and directing your heart to understanding;
3 furthermore, if you call out to insight
and lift your voice to understanding,
4 if you seek it like silver
and search for it like hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and discover the knowledge of God.
6 For the LORD gives wisdom;
from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He stores up success [b] for the upright;
He is a shield for those who live with integrity
8 so that He may guard the paths of justice
and protect the way of His loyal followers.
9 Then you will understand righteousness, justice,
and integrity—every good path.
10 For wisdom will enter your mind,
and knowledge will delight your heart.
11 Discretion will watch over you,
and understanding will guard you,
12 rescuing you from the way of evil—
from the one who says perverse things,
13 [from] those who abandon the right paths
to walk in ways of darkness,
14 [from] those who enjoy doing evil
and celebrate perversity,
15 whose paths are crooked,
and whose ways are devious.
16 It will rescue you from a forbidden woman,
from a stranger [c] with her flattering talk,
17 who abandons the companion of her youth
and forgets the covenant of her God;
18 for her house sinks down to death
and her ways to the land of the departed spirits.
19 None return who go to her;
none reach the paths of life.
20 So follow the way of good people,
and keep to the paths of the righteous.
21 For the upright will inhabit the land,
and those of integrity will remain in it;
22 but the wicked will be cut off from the land,
and the treacherous uprooted from it.
Footnotes:
a.Proverbs 2:2 Lit you, stretching out your ear
b.Proverbs 2:7 Or resourcefulness
c.Proverbs 2:16 Or foreign woman
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Proverbial Insight 11/1/09
Key verse for Nov. 1: Proverbs 1:32
Proverbs 1 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
The Purpose of Proverbs
1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
2 For gaining wisdom and being instructed;
for understanding insightful sayings;
3 for receiving wise instruction
[in] righteousness, justice, and integrity;
4 for teaching shrewdness to the inexperienced, [a]
knowledge and discretion to a young man—
5 a wise man will listen and increase his learning,
and a discerning man will obtain guidance—
6 for understanding a proverb or a parable, [b]
the words of the wise, and their riddles.
7 The fear of the LORD
is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction. [c]
Avoid the Path of the Violent
8 Listen, my son, to your father's instruction,
and don't reject your mother's teaching,
9 for they will be a garland of grace on your head
and a [gold] chain around your neck.
10 My son, if sinners entice you,
don't be persuaded.
11 If they say—"Come with us!
Let's set an ambush and kill someone. [d]
Let's attack some innocent person just for fun! [e]
12 Let's swallow them alive, like Sheol,
still healthy as they go down to the Pit.
13 We'll find all kinds of valuable property
and fill our houses with plunder.
14 Throw in your lot with us,
and we'll all share our money" [f] —
15 my son, don't travel that road with them
or set foot on their path,
16 because their feet run toward trouble
and they hurry to commit murder. [g]
17 It is foolish to spread a net
where any bird can see it,
18 but they set an ambush to kill themselves; [h]
they attack their own lives.
19 Such are the paths of all who pursue gain dishonestly;
it takes the lives of those who profit from it. [i]
Wisdom's Plea
20 Wisdom calls out in the street;
she raises her voice in the public squares.
21 She cries out above [j] the commotion;
she speaks at the entrance of the city gates:
22 "How long, foolish ones, will you love ignorance?
[How long] will [you] mockers enjoy mocking
and [you] fools hate knowledge?
23 If you turn to my discipline, [k]
then I will pour out my spirit on you
and teach you my words.
24 Since I called out and you refused,
extended my hand and no one paid attention,
25 since you neglected all my counsel
and did not accept my correction,
26 I, in turn, will laugh at your calamity.
I will mock when terror strikes you,
27 when terror strikes you like a storm
and your calamity comes like a whirlwind,
when trouble and stress overcome you.
28 Then they will call me, but I won't answer;
they will search for me, but won't find me.
29 Because they hated knowledge,
didn't choose to fear the LORD,
30 were not interested in my counsel,
and rejected all my correction,
31 they will eat the fruit of their way
and be glutted with their own schemes.
32 For the waywardness of the inexperienced will kill them,
and the complacency of fools will destroy them.
33 But whoever listens to me will live securely
and be free from the fear of danger."
Footnotes:
a. Proverbs 1:4 Or simple, or gullible
b. Proverbs 1:6 Or an enigma
c. Proverbs 1:7 This verse states the theme of Pr.
d. Proverbs 1:11 Lit Let's ambush for blood
e. Proverbs 1:11 Lit person for no reason
f. Proverbs 1:14 Lit us; one bag will be for all of us
g. Proverbs 1:16 Lit to shed blood
h. Proverbs 1:18 Lit they ambush for their blood
i. Proverbs 1:19 Lit takes the life of its masters
j. Proverbs 1:21 Lit at the head of
k. Proverbs 1:23 Lit back to my reprimands
Proverbs 1 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
The Purpose of Proverbs
1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
2 For gaining wisdom and being instructed;
for understanding insightful sayings;
3 for receiving wise instruction
[in] righteousness, justice, and integrity;
4 for teaching shrewdness to the inexperienced, [a]
knowledge and discretion to a young man—
5 a wise man will listen and increase his learning,
and a discerning man will obtain guidance—
6 for understanding a proverb or a parable, [b]
the words of the wise, and their riddles.
7 The fear of the LORD
is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction. [c]
Avoid the Path of the Violent
8 Listen, my son, to your father's instruction,
and don't reject your mother's teaching,
9 for they will be a garland of grace on your head
and a [gold] chain around your neck.
10 My son, if sinners entice you,
don't be persuaded.
11 If they say—"Come with us!
Let's set an ambush and kill someone. [d]
Let's attack some innocent person just for fun! [e]
12 Let's swallow them alive, like Sheol,
still healthy as they go down to the Pit.
13 We'll find all kinds of valuable property
and fill our houses with plunder.
14 Throw in your lot with us,
and we'll all share our money" [f] —
15 my son, don't travel that road with them
or set foot on their path,
16 because their feet run toward trouble
and they hurry to commit murder. [g]
17 It is foolish to spread a net
where any bird can see it,
18 but they set an ambush to kill themselves; [h]
they attack their own lives.
19 Such are the paths of all who pursue gain dishonestly;
it takes the lives of those who profit from it. [i]
Wisdom's Plea
20 Wisdom calls out in the street;
she raises her voice in the public squares.
21 She cries out above [j] the commotion;
she speaks at the entrance of the city gates:
22 "How long, foolish ones, will you love ignorance?
[How long] will [you] mockers enjoy mocking
and [you] fools hate knowledge?
23 If you turn to my discipline, [k]
then I will pour out my spirit on you
and teach you my words.
24 Since I called out and you refused,
extended my hand and no one paid attention,
25 since you neglected all my counsel
and did not accept my correction,
26 I, in turn, will laugh at your calamity.
I will mock when terror strikes you,
27 when terror strikes you like a storm
and your calamity comes like a whirlwind,
when trouble and stress overcome you.
28 Then they will call me, but I won't answer;
they will search for me, but won't find me.
29 Because they hated knowledge,
didn't choose to fear the LORD,
30 were not interested in my counsel,
and rejected all my correction,
31 they will eat the fruit of their way
and be glutted with their own schemes.
32 For the waywardness of the inexperienced will kill them,
and the complacency of fools will destroy them.
33 But whoever listens to me will live securely
and be free from the fear of danger."
Footnotes:
a. Proverbs 1:4 Or simple, or gullible
b. Proverbs 1:6 Or an enigma
c. Proverbs 1:7 This verse states the theme of Pr.
d. Proverbs 1:11 Lit Let's ambush for blood
e. Proverbs 1:11 Lit person for no reason
f. Proverbs 1:14 Lit us; one bag will be for all of us
g. Proverbs 1:16 Lit to shed blood
h. Proverbs 1:18 Lit they ambush for their blood
i. Proverbs 1:19 Lit takes the life of its masters
j. Proverbs 1:21 Lit at the head of
k. Proverbs 1:23 Lit back to my reprimands
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