Proverbs 28:5 ” Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand it fully.”

The world has a hard time distinguishing between right and wrong, especially when wrong seems to be glamorized  in all forms of entertainment.   Discerning between good and evil should be a simple thing.  But it takes a heart that’s filled with fairness, honor and integrity that can fully differentiate between the two.

Proverbs 10:4 ” Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.”

A colorful word that the writers of Proverbs use for a lazy person is sluggard.  Idle hands and a poor work ethic will never lead to anything good in life…while hardworking, untiring hands  are strong, powerful and lead to prosperity.

Proverbs 14:2 ” He whose walk is upright fears the Lord, but he whose ways are devious despises Him.”

It’s simple…dishonest people don’t like God. Deceitful people  abhor and hate Him. Why so?  Well, when the light of truth shines brightly on sin it causes people to feel guilty and they become  defensive…and in turn angry and scornful. Most people know they’re sinning…they just don’t want God pointing it out to them.

Proverbs 25:24 ” Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.”

When I was growing up, husbands had their garages to escape to…now they have their fancy  “Man Caves.”  Either way,  what are they getting away from?  Has the family unit disintegrated into constant dissension and strife… with no one winning just everyone losing?

 

Proverbs 15:1 ” A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Elsewhere in Proverbs it says, “…Patience can persuade with a gentle tongue.”  Many times, it’s just the tone of our voice that makes all the difference on how our message is received.

Proverbs 15:28 ” The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.”

Elsewhere in Proverbs it says, ” The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways.”  Sometimes it’s better  to just  keep your mouth shut than to spout off with whatever’s on your mind.  The world is full of foolish nonsense and chatter…as wise Believers, we need to weigh our words.

Proverbs 25: 9-10 ” If you argue your case with a neighbor, do not betray another man’s confidence, or he who hears it may shame you and you will never lose your bad reputation.”

The old saying goes something like…Loose lips sink ships.  Integrity, honesty, and good moral character are foundational traits for a good reputation.  How people view our position and standing demonstrates who we are as a person.  A good reputation is easy to lose and very hard to get back.

Proverbs 3: 1-2 ” My son, do not forget My teaching, but keep My commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.”

Sure, there’s eternal benefits to obeying the Word of God and His commands.  But there are many practical benefits and blessings we may not always think of…things like health, peace, and security, which eludes the world, but for Believers… are just a wonderful part of living our life for the Lord.

Proverbs 1:8 ” Listen, my son to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.”

As children we may not look like we’re listening…but our heart is attentive.  As teenagers we roll our eyes and sigh…thinking our parents are so out of touch and old fashion…but our heart is listening.  And when we finally reach adulthood with some age under our belt, we look back at all the godly instruction and disciple we’ve received by our parents…and decide,  they really did know best.

Proverbs 6:23 ” For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life.”

We all want long life, health, and prosperity…but what does it take to achieve these things?  This verse states that we need to first accept instruction and discipline from the Lord, and then allow it to be assimilated and incorporated into every part of our life…and into every action and behavior .