Pr. 18: Even More Proverbs for Living

Proverbs 18:15 "The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out. "

It is implied here that there is great pleasure to be had in finding understanding. It's that "Aha!" moment that I've come to enjoy when reading through these scriptures with a willing heart and a mind open to learning. I express my opinion on these after reading, not like a fool, who does so beforehand, without really knowing what he's talking about. I've been that way long enough. (v. 2, 13)

Ever say something so foolish people wanted to give you a beating? Ever heard someone say something so foolish you wanted to pound them? (v. 6-7)

Gossip is tasty at first, satisfying. Feels good. But... (v. 8)

Pride in your wealth is misplaced. It will lead to destruction. (v. 11-12)

Get a second opinion. Listen to both sides of the story before passing judgment. (v. 17)

Don't want to show favoritism and invite quarrel? Cast lots. (v. 18)

I found good when I found my wife. She is a favor to me from the LORD. (v. 22)

If you have too many friends, that can lead to ruin. You have too many people to please. There's a friend that sticks closer than a brother. Where? Who? Do they have a specific friend in mind? A best friend? (v. 24)

Pr. 17: More Proverbs for Living

Proverbs 17:10 "A rebuke impresses a man of discernment more than a hundred lashes a fool."

Once again, unity with little is of more importance than a lavish banquet and strife. (v. 1)

Wisdom will rule. (v. 2)

God tests our hearts like we test gold in a fire, or silver in a crucible. And you say, "What's a crucible?" And I say, "It's an Arthur Miller play about the Salem witch trials. But it's also a container that can be heated to extreme levels to burn away impurities." In this case, silver. God wants us to rid ourselves of impurities. Of the extraneous. Anything that doesn't contribute to our strength in his service. (v. 3)

Don't make fun of poor people, come on. (v. 5) You show contempt for God who made them. Why he would make them poor, if that is the case, is beyond me.

Arrogant lips are unsuited to a fool? A fool has no business being arrogant. (v. 7)

Someone offends you? Drop it. That's right. Forget about it. How important can something be to separate you from your close friend? (v. 9, 14)

I love verse 10. It only takes one rebuke for a man of discernment, and that's more than enough. For a fool, you can beat it into his head 100 times and he won't get it. Classic.

A friend loves at all times. There it is, Proverbs 17:17. A brother is born for adversity, though. We have people to lean on to help us get through the tough times that will come.