“The hopes of the godly result in happiness, but the expectations of the wicked come to nothing.”
Death is a destroyer. The hopes of the godly center on God Himself, and thus result in happiness not only in this life, but also—much more—in the next.
(Proverbs 9) A favor
“So don’t bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you. But correct the wise, and they will love you. Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn even more.”
Don’t turn a deaf ear when others criticize you. Often, they are doing you a favor.
(Proverbs 8) Be in awe
“I was there when he set the limits of the seas, so they would not spread beyond their boundaries. And when he marked off the earth’s foundations.”
It is very easy to take nature for granted. But we didn’t make it. God did. Be in awe and give thanks.
(Proverbs 7) The poor guy
“He followed her at once, like an ox going to the slaughter. He was like a stag caught in a trap.”
The poor guy is blind to the big picture. He does not know (or does not care) that tragedy awaits him.
(Proverbs 6) How little
“There are six things the LORD hates—no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family.”
The LORD God is not an aloof Deity with little knowledge or concern over what goes on down here on earth.
It is quite the contrary. The problem seems to be that he has designed a world where his care and concern is displayed through his children.
As one of his children, I am increasingly aware of how little I really know; how little I really care. O LORD, help me!
(Proverbs 4) Guard your heart
“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”
This is perhaps the most important advice any young person can be given. There is so much in this world that competes for the affections and the energies of a young person. There are so many ways to get tripped up, or to get on the wrong road altogether. Guard—diligently guard your heart.
(Proverbs 3) Act like it
If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say, “Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.”
What we do is a reflection of who we are. So, if you are a Christ-follower, act like it.
(Proverbs 2) And best of all
“For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
The LORD God is infinite in his understanding, flawless in his character, and wise in all his ways. And best of all, he desires to share himself with us.
(Proverbs 1) About giving
“Such is the fate of all who are greedy for money; it robs them of life.”
Life is about giving. It is not about taking. In fact, the more you give, the richer your life will be.
(1 Kings 4) Wiser than all
“He was wiser than anyone else, including Ethan the Ezrahite and the sons of Mahol: Heman, Calcol, and Darda. His fame spread throughout all the surrounding nations. He composed some 3,000 proverbs and wrote 1,005 songs. He could speak with authority about all kinds of plants, from the great cedar of Lebanon to the tiny hyssop that grows from cracks in a wall. He could also speak about animals, birds, small creatures, and fish. And kings from every nation sent their ambassadors to listen to the wisdom of Solomon.”
Mahol had three sons, and each of them was very gifted. We might use the term genius to describe them. And yet Solomon was wiser than all of them. This was truly Israel’s golden age.
