Proverbs

This Proverb says, “He whose ear listens to life giving reproof will dwell among the wise. He who neglects discipline despises himself, but he who listens to reproof acquires understanding.” What does reproof mean? In a Biblical sense, reproof means chastising a person for the sins in their life. It means scolding or rebuking a person who has turned away from God for sinful pursuits. Being rebuked or chastised for misbehaving is not a pleasant experience. We…

This Proverb says, “The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayers of the righteous.” The Bible indicates that God does not hear or answer all prayers. Rather, He answers prayers that are in accordance with His Word. The Bible says, “Delight yourself in the lord and he will grant you the desires of your heart.” Those who delight themselves in the Lord believe in God and live their lives according to God's…

These passages contain two Proverbs. The first Proverb says, “He who profits illicitly troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live.” This passage indicates that wealth gained through dishonest means will not truly benefit a person or their family. It may enable the acquisition of things. However, such wealth will not satisfy. This person will not be able to truly enjoy their dishonest gain. Quite the contrary, such wealth will lead to…

These passages contain two Proverbs. The first Proverb says, “The path of life leads upward for the wise, that he may keep away from Sheol below.” The Bible says that there are two possible destinations for all human beings after they die. Some will go to Heaven. The others will go to Hell. Heaven has been defined as a glorious place of paradise above the Earth. Whereas, Hell is described as a dark and foreboding…

These Proverbs say, “Without consultation, plans are frustrated, but with many counselors they succeed. A man has joy in an apt answer, and how delightful is a timely word.” When making important decisions it is helpful to get advice from people we trust. One person cannot know or discern all aspects of a situation requiring a decision. Another person may perceive different aspects or potential pitfalls of a wrong decision. Therefore, it is good to consider…

These Proverbs say, "A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish man despises his mother. Folly is joy to him who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight.” Both Proverbs contrast a foolish and a wise person. The first Proverb speaks of a son who makes his father glad because of his wisdom in the choices he makes for his life. Such a son makes choices that are grounded in the good…

This Proverb says, “A hot tempered man stirs up strife, but the slow to anger pacifies contention.” The best way to magnify an argument is to respond in anger. The best way to defuse an argument is to be calm and seek to pacify the situation. Unfortunately, it is more natural to respond in anger than it is to be calm and seek for peace. Therefore, one must have self-control to turn away from anger. However,…

These passages say, “All of the days of the afflicted are bad, but a cheerful heart has a continuous feast. Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure and turmoil with it. Better is a dish of vegetables where love is, than a fattened ox and hatred with it.” People who believe in God the Father and Jesus Christ live according to the Word of God, the Bible. God grants these…

These passages contain three Proverbs: The first Proverb says, “A scoffer does not love one who reproves him, he will not go to the wise.” A scoffer is a person who rejects God's Truth. Such a person ridicules the Word of God as being a fantasy and irrelevant to today's world. Such a person is not comfortable in the presence of those who believe the Word of God to be truth. Therefore, they will avoid…

This Proverb says, “Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the Lord, how much more the hearts of men.” The Bible says that God knows and sees everything here on Earth. Nothing escapes His notice. There is no place where one may hide from God. The Bible also says that God knows our thoughts, hears our words, and sees our deeds. King David said to God in Psalm 139, “You know when I sit down and when I…