Proverbs 23:9-14

Sayings 9-12: Appling your heart to wisdom.
v.9 (Saying 9) Advice to a fool. Don't give advice to a fool, he will just despise you for your good sense. Wisdom in a fool's ear is wasted breath. See 9:7-8 (don't bother correcting a mocker).
v.10-11 (Saying 10) Strong redeemer. Do not move the ancient landmark of your neighbor (22:28) or enter take the fields of the defenseless orphan. The Lord himself is their strong redeemer (Ps 119:154) and will plead their cause against you. The wise man will avoid any unfair business practice whether done surreptitiously or in the courts.
v.12 (Saying 11) Knowledge. Apply your heart to instruction and listen (very carefully) to words of knowledge. See 2:2-3. Wisdom cannot be obtained without dogged determination. Echos 22:17.
v.13-14 (Saying 12) Discipline. Warning to not withhold discipline (or instruction) from a child. If you spank him he will not die, but rather you will save his soul from Sheol. Discipline has character building as its goal, not merely behavioral change. You spank not out of anger, but out of a desire to teach your child good virtues. Discipline is rooted in love, 13:24.


Read Proverbs 23:9-14