Proverbs

This Proverb says, “Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances. Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear.” The words we speak to others are very important. Our words can be helpful. They can also cause damage, lasting damage. Therefore, we should be careful when choosing our words. As this Proverb says, good words or good advice…

This Proverb says, “Do not go out hastily to argue your case; otherwise what will you do in the end when your neighbor puts you to shame? Argue your case with your neighbor and do not reveal the secret of another, lest he who hears it reproach you, and the evil report about you not pass away.” When we are discussing a contentious issue with someone, we should not be unprepared. Rather, we should carefully think…

This Proverb says, “Do not claim honor in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of great men; For it is better that it be said to you, “come up here,” than that you should be put lower in the presence of the Prince, whom your eyes have seen.” This Proverb is a message about humility. It is far better to be a humble rather than a prideful person. The…

This Proverb says, “Take away the dross from the silver, and there comes out a vessel for the Smith; take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness.” What is dross? Dross is something which is regarded as worthless or rubbish. Dross may be compared to our own imperfections. Because of sin, no person in the world is perfect before God, because God's standard is perfection. We are all…

This Proverb says, “I passed by the field of the sluggard, and by the vineyard of the man lacking sense; and behold, it was completely overgrown with thistles. Its surface was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down. When I saw, I reflected upon it. I looked and received instruction. A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, then your poverty will come as a robber,…

This Proverb says the following in regards to a person who has wronged you: “Do not say, ‘Thus I shall do to him as he has done to me. I will render to the man according to his work.’” When a person does something bad to you it is natural to want to get even with that person. It is natural to want to hurt that person, as they hurt you. However, that is not…

This Proverb says, “Prepare your work outside, and make it ready for yourself in the field. Afterwards, then, build your house.” During the time this Proverb was written, people survived by growing crops and raising animals. They were farmers, and their food came from the land. Cultivating the land and planting crops was more important than building a house. People would live in temporary shelters until their food source was secure. When people properly prioritized…

This Proverb says, “He kisses the lips who gives a right answer.” The New English Bible translates, “A straightforward answer is as good as a kiss of friendship.” A kiss in our society signals physical affection. However, in many societies a kiss represents allegiance or friendship with no physical meaning. This Proverb is talking about honesty. It means being honest with others about our own failures and shortcomings. Everybody has failures and shortcomings. We usually try…

This Proverb says, “To show partiality in judgment is not good. He who says to the wicked, “you are righteous,” people will curse him. Nations will abhor him; but to those who rebuke the wicked will be delight, and a good blessing will come to them.” The Bible says that God desires justice and righteousness. Being biased in our judgment does not produce justice. When judges rule unfairly, a nation is destabilized, and people are…

This Proverb says, “My son, fear the Lord and the King. Do not associate with those who are given to change. For their calamity will rise suddenly, and who knows the ruin that will come from both of them?” There are many people who have believed in God and Jesus Christ for a while. However, later they may have turned away from their belief. This is because with belief in God comes accountability. When we believe…