Proverbs 15:12-24

The heart.
v.12 The mocker. The mocker will not accept correction (he resents it) and will not consult the wise (will not walk with the wise). The wise man (or woman) will, by implication, do just the opposite. A man becomes wise through instruction and association with the wise, the mocker rejects both. See also 15:10.
v.13 Happy heart. Your emotional state is reflected in your face and your soul. A happy (joyful) heart is reflected by a cheerful face (and spirit); a sad (troubled) heart by a crushed spirit (and face). Feelings deep inside will find a way out in your demeanor.
v.14 Discerning heart. Similar to 15:7 this proverb indicates that the wise are discerning and seek after knowledge. The fool feeds on (acquires) folly. Perhaps his own as in 26:11.
v.15 Cheerful heart. The days of the inwardly oppressed (or the needy) are evil, but the cheerful of heart feast continually. Life is hard, but if you adopt a cheerful attitude, the circumstances are irrelevant.

Contentment.
v.16 Spiritual wealth. Spiritual wealth is far better than material wealth. Fear of the Lord causes contentment and tranquility which is far better than the trouble and turmoil one may have with material wealth.
v.17 Love. Better a peanut butter sandwich with love than a Big Mac with hatred. Happy, loving relationships are to be preferred to a great meal with strife. Don't despise humble circumstances if that is where you are.
v.18 Patience. It takes great patience to maintain the peace. The proverb contrasts the hot-tempered man with one who is slow to anger. The first stirs up trouble while the second calms the situation down.

The sluggard and fools.
v.19 The way of life. The way of a sluggard is blocked with many thorny obstacles. The way of the diligent, upright man is a smooth, level highway. See 28:19. Avoid laziness and pursue virtue.
v.20 Parental joy. A wise son causes joy for his parents, but the fool inflicts grief on his mother (see 10:1). That the fool despises his mother is evidenced by the grief he brings on her.
v.21 The straight course. The fool follows any whim and he lacks the good sense to see the folly in it. By contrast, the man of understanding stays on the straight and narrow path. The good lifestyle is built on wise decisions which is built on character which is built on knowledge.
v.22 Many advisers. Plans fail for lack of wise counsel, but with many (wise) advisers they succeed. See 11:14. This can be observed on a national level in things like the invasion of Iraq. Commit to submitting your plans to the wisdom of others. As an example, consider Rehoboam (1 Kgs 12:1-15).
v.23 A word in season. It is a joy to give an apt reply (timely and fitting advice) and very good is a word in season (which requires knowledge and wisdom).
v.24 Path of life. The path of life leads upward for the wise (prudent) to keep him from going downward to Sheol (the grave). “A life of wisdom preserves life” (Ross, 142).

These proverbs teach that the path of life leads upward (to heaven) for the wise. Have a cheerful attitude in whatever life circumstances you find yourself in. Associate yourself with those who can give wise counsel. Submit the plans of your life to the wisdom of others.

Read Proverbs 15:12-24.

Proverbs 15:1-11

Words of wisdom
v.1 A soft word. The wise will give a gentle answer (i.e., a conciliatory response during an argument or disagreement) that turns away wrath rather than using harsh language that stirs up anger. Gideon's answer in Jgs 8:1-3 illustrates the point as does the story of Nabal and Abigail in 1 Sm 25:1-35. Prefer coolheadedness to hotheadedness.
v.2 Wise speech. Wise speech is characterized by excellence and knowledge. The fool gushes forth with his folly. We can often distinguish the wise and the fool by their speech. Prefer knowledge to stupidity.
v.3 Omniscience. The Lord is everywhere, sees everything, and knows everything. He keeps watch over the evil and the good (as an incentive for right conduct). Judgment is implied; see Heb 4:13. God is in control, therefore prefer good to evil.
v.4 Healing speech. Healing (calm) words bring life to the spirit while deceitful (perverse) words crush the spirit. See Prv 17:22. Prefer to speak healing rather than harm.
v.5 Discipline. It is foolish (or stupid) to spurn your father's (or mother's) discipline. The prudent man (or woman) heeds correction. Wisdom to teach others is learned by listening. Prefer heeding correction to spurning it.
v.6 Righteous reward. One reward for righteousness is prosperity. The contrast is with the troubled income of the wicked. The prosperity of the righteous is not necessarily material goods (but that is not to be excluded). Think perhaps of joy in living this life and reward in the life to come.
v.7 Lips of the wise. The lips of the wise spread knowledge (their words bring profit). The fool does not have knowledge (he is perverse). What we say comes from the heart, so the proverb says the fool's heart lacks knowledge.

Way of wisdom
v.8 Worship. Your spiritual condition determine the acceptability of your worship. Prayer from the upright in heart pleases God. The worship acts (sacrifice) of the wicked are unacceptable to God (they are an abomination). See Ps 51:17, Prv 15:29.
v.9 Conduct. The way of the wicked is an abomination to God. God loves those who walk in the way of righteousness. The proverb makes a contrast between two paths (lifestyles), one God hates and the other God loves.
v.10 Discipline. Severe (or painful) discipline is in store for the one who leaves the path (of righteousness [life]) and the one who hates correction will die. See Rom 8:13. Prefer correction to death.
v.11 Divine omniscience. The Lord knows the heart (intents, motives, thoughts, etc.) of every person. He knows the remote underworld and therefore how much more the hearts of men. See Ps 44:21.

These proverbs teach about the way and speech of the wise. The purpose is to encourage right behavior and a right heart before God.

Read Proverbs 15:1-11

Proverbs 14:28-35

Kings and servants.
v.28 Multitude of people. A royal proverb. Political power varies with the number of people in the party. Without servants (people) a prince (king) is ruined. The king's glory is in an abundance of subjects.
v.29 Patience. This proverb encourages the reader to cultivate understanding. A patient (slow to anger) man has great understanding (competence) but the quick-tempered man displays (exalts) his folly (stupidity).
v.30 Tranquility. It is healthy to find contentment and to be tranquil in heart. This tranquility gives life while jealousy and envy bring pain and problems (and ultimately death).
v.31 The poor. Contrasting the treatment of the poor, this proverb teaches that oppressing the poor insults his Maker, while kindness to the needy honors God. See Mt 25:31-46.
v.32 Calamity. The wicked are overthrown when calamity comes but the righteous find refuge, even in their death.
v.33 Wisdom. Wisdom rests in the heart of a man of understanding (discernment) and makes herself known even among fools (or possibly, is not known in fools).
v.34 Righteousness. Righteousness exalts a nation (brings it prosperity and power), while (the love of) sin is a national disgrace (diminishes the people).
v.35 Shame. A royal proverb. A wise servant earns the favor of the king, but the one who acts shamefully incurs his wrath. That is, a servant's level of competence affects how he is perceived.

These proverbs encourage us to pursue wisdom, righteousness, and proper treatment of the needy. This reminds us of Micah 6:8

He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?

Righteousness results in a refuge that extends even into death.

Read Proverbs 14:28-35

Proverbs 14:16-27

The fear the Lord.
v.16 Avoid evil. A wise man is cautious (or fears the Lord, NIV) and shuns evil, but a fool is reckless and careless (and yet feels secure). The wise consider a matter while the fool simply reacts. See Phil 2:12.
v.17 Bad character (traits). Those with a quick temper acts foolishly (stupidly). A man of evil devices is hated. Evil devices refers to evil that has been carefully planned (schemed). Both the man of quick temper and the evil schemer lead to bad ends. See 12:2.
v.18 Knowledge. Here the prudent have (are crowned with) knowledge and the simple inherit (the shame of) folly.
v.19 Reward of the righteous. Evil men will bow down to (acknowledge and serve) the righteous. See Phil 2:10. The long run result of this principle is illustrated in Lk 16:19-31.
v.20 Popularity of riches. The poor are disliked by their neighbors while the rich are popular. Jesus said anyone in need is our neighbor, Lk 10:25-37.
v.21 The needy. He who despises his neighbor (who is needy) is a sinner. The one who is kind to the needy (neighbor and friends) will have God's blessing (and be happy). Love your neighbor as yourself, Lev 19:18.
v.22 Conduct. Contrasts devising evil and devising good. Those who do the former go astray, while the who do the latter show (or find) steadfast love and faithfulness.
v.23 Hard work. In all hard work (toil) there is a profit, but mere (foolish) talk leads to poverty. Be more afraid of idle talk than of hard work. Talk is cheap but action leads to profit.
v.24 Wealth. The crown (symbol of honor) of the wise is his wealth, while the wealth of the fool is his folly (nothingness).
v.25 Truthful witness. This proverb contrasts truthful and false witnesses (in court). The truthful witness saves lives, the false witness is deceitful (and destroys lives). See 14:5.
v.26 Security. He who fears the Lord is secure and his children have a refuge (a secure fortress/confidence).
v.27 Fountain of life. Reverential fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a man away from the snares of death. See 13:14.

A wise man cautiously considers his steps. He is characterized by the fear of God which leads to life and security for him and his family. Quick-tempered fools alienate God and people they come into contact with.

Read Proverbs 14:16-27

Proverbs 14:8-15

Prudence and folly.
v.8 Consider your ways. The wisdom of the prudent is to carefully consider their ways (their path); but the folly of fools is to deceive themselves (and others).
v.9 Making amends. Fools ridicule the idea of making amends (for wrongs), while the upright show goodwill (and enjoy God's favor).
v.10 Emotions are personal. The deepest emotional feelings of bitterness and joy can only be understood by the person with those feelings. Only God knows what is in the heart (15:11; Jer 17:10; 1 Sm 16:7). Don't evaluate others based on outward appearance.
v.11 Prosperity. The house of the wicked will be destroyed; while the upright (those with wisdom and integrity) prosper. See 12:7.
v.12 The way of death. There is a way that seems right to a man but that ends in death. The ways of the world (evil) are deceptive. They may promise the good life, but in the end cannot deliver. See 12:15, 16:25, and Mt 7:13-14. The wise will constantly reevaluate their life path.
v.13 A grain of salt. Even in apparent joy the heart may ache inside. Take what you see in external appearance with a grain of salt. What seems joyful today may end in grief tomorrow.
v.14 Rewards for deeds. Both the backslider in heart and the good man will be filled with the fruit of his ways.
v.15 Discernment. The simple (fool) believes anything, but the prudent (wise) gives it careful consideration. See 9:6.

These proverbs remind us of the need to think critically and be careful to be on the right path (of wisdom). Remember that appearances can deceive.

Read Proverbs 14:8-15

Proverbs 14:1-7

Wisdom and the fool.
v.1 The wise woman. A wise woman brings prosperity to her household, but a foolish woman tears hers down with her own hands.
v.2 Fear of the Lord. The upright in walk fear the Lord, but the devious in his ways despises him.
v.3 The fools talk. The speech of the righteous brings safety (protection from needless pain). The talk of the fool brings punishment (a rod for his back).
v.4 The fool has no ox. The manger is clean where there are no oxen, but the strength of an ox brings abundant harvest. One must have oxen to produce crops. Although a farmer can save some work and expense by not having oxen, the benefit of keeping oxen far exceeds the cost.
v.5 A faithful witness. A faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness pours out lies (and does great harm). See 19:28.
v.6 Who finds wisdom. The mocker seeks (superficially) for wisdom but cannot find it. Wisdom comes easy for a man of understanding (who is open to correction, displays humility, and fears the Lord).
v.7 A foolish man. Don't associate with the foolish man, knowledge is not found there. See 13:20.

The wise and foolish are contrasted in these proverbs. To follow the path of the wise, keep away from the company of fools. The upright walk in fear of God, don't try to "go it alone" in life.

Read Proverbs 14:1-7

Proverbs 13:20-25

Wisdom and it's rewards.
v.20 Proper company. Examine who you spend your time with as even your choice of companions has consequences. If you are associated with the wise you will become wise. Don't associate with fools or you will suffer harm.
v.21 Prosperity. The righteous will be rewarded with prosperity but disaster (or evil) pursues the wicked (sinners).
v.22 Inheritance. A good man leaves an inheritance to his offspring, while the sinner's wealth is laid up for the righteous. The good person's wealth lasts for their lifetime and for future generations. The wealth of the fool is only temporary.
v.23 Injustice. The poor man's hard work may produce enough food, but injustice takes it away.
Discipline and eating.
v.24 Love and discipline. The father who loves his son will carefully discipline (loving correction) him. Sparing the rod from his back means you hate him.
v.25 Eating. The righteous will have enough to eat, but the wicked will suffer want. See 10:3.

The proverbs here affirm the righteous having enough for themselves and their children. But we must be careful not to crave riches or we will end up with nothing.

Read Proverbs 13:20-25

Proverbs 13:12-19

A desire fulfilled.
v.12 Hopes fulfilled or unfulfilled. It brings great encouragement to realize ones hopes and great discouragement or depression to fail to do so. The fulfillment of desire is compared to the tree of life implying life and the enjoyment thereof.
v.13 Heed instruction. There is a reward for respecting the commandment of the father (and obeying it). He who despises instruction will pay for it (some negative consequence).
v.14 Wise teaching. The teaching of the wise is here compared to a fountain of life that leads a man away from the snares of death. The fountain of life is associated with the fear of the Lord in 14:27.
v.15 Good sense brings favor. Good sense, sound judgment, and wise opinions bring one favor in the eyes of the community (and in God's eyes). But the way of the treacherous (unfaithful) is their ruin.
v.16 The prudent. A man's actions either display his wisdom or expose his folly. The prudent acts out of knowledge (an associate of wisdom) and wins favor. But the fool will make a fool of himself and earns shame.
v.17 The faithful messenger. The faithfulness of the messenger determines the success of the mission. The wicked messenger will have troubles while the faithful will bring healing.
v.18 Benefit of discipline. A correct response to discipline brings honor and success. Poverty and shame come to the one who ignores instruction. A man with discipline can control himself and focus on the task at hand.
v.19 A desire fulfilled. A good desire accomplished is a cause for joy. A fool will not give up his evil in order to attain to this result.

Don't be a fool, listen to instruction and lead a life characterized by discipline, good sense, faithfulness, and prudence.

Read Proverbs 13:12-19

Proverbs 13:7-11

Wealth of the righteous.
v.7 Appearances can be deceiving. One person may pretend to be important and another may have wealth but not show it off. Honesty is better than pretension. The wise will not let appearances deceive them.
v.8 Disadvantage of wealth. The rich man is subject to kidnapping, blackmail and the like. He uses his wealth to get out of trouble. But the poor man is not put into such trouble in the first place (maybe because he is protected along with the righteous [v.6] or maybe because he has nothing worth stealing).
v.9 Endurance of the righteous. Here "light" represents life, joy and prosperity and "dark" represents adversity and death. The righteous are associated with light and the wicked with darkness. See 24:20.
v.10 Wisdom listens to advice. The wise listen to advice rather than quarrel out of pride. The proud refuse to listen and learn. See 12:15.
v.11 Honest investment. Steady (little by little) and wise (diligent) investment produces prosperity. But riches obtain quickly by some dishonest means (theft or speculation) will dwindle away. See 20:21.

These proverbs suggest that righteousness, wisdom and industry are to be preferred characteristics of our life.

Read Proverbs 13:7-11

Proverbs 13:1-6

Discipline and righteousness (1-6).
v.1 Discipline. The wise son listens to the instruction of his parents and responds appropriately. The scoffer is not teachable and will not listen to rebuke.
v.2 Appetite. The wise speak well and eat well as a result. The faithless, however, speak and eat violence (against others).
v.3 Guard your lips. This proverbs teaches the wisdom in using discretion in your speech. The one who guards his lips preserves his life; the one with the big mouth will be ruined.
v.4 Diligence. Here is a contrast in outcomes between the soul that is diligent, who is fully satisfied, and the soul of the sluggard, who craves but gets nothing. The sluggard is driven by cravings but these desires are never satisfied because he refuses to do the necessary work.
v.5 Truth. The righteous are characterized by hating falsehood (and loving the truth). The wicked bring on shame (by their falsehood).
v.6 Righteousness. The man of integrity is guarded by his righteousness. The sinner is overthrown by his wickedness.

This section describes outcomes for (1) listening to discipline, (2) speaking well (wisely), (3) using discretion, (4) diligence, (5) loving truth, and (6) righteousness. In each case the outcome is positive and is contrasted with the negative outcome of doing the opposite.

Read Proverbs 13:1-6

Proverbs 12:24-28

The diligent and the slothful.
v.24 The diligent will rule. The diligent at work rise to the top, while the lazy person sinks to the bottom. At the bottom they may be put to forced labor.
v.25 Encouragement. Anxiety weighs a person down, but a kind word of encouragement will cheer him up. Seek to turn someone's depression into happiness by saying a good word. The work of a good person bears fruit.
v.26 Avoid dangerous friendships. This proverb advises choosing your friendships carefully. The way of the wicked leads nowhere.
v.27 Diligence leads to success. A lazy person cannot bring a project to completion (roast his game), but the diligent are successful and obtain wealth.
v.28 Righteousness leads to immortality. Those who live a righteous life by faith are on their way to a stable life here and ultimately eternal life.

There are to paths, one leads to eternal life (the path of wisdom) the other to death (the path of folly). These proverbs encourage us to choose the path of the diligent and righteous.

Read Proverbs 12:24-28

Proverbs 12:13-23

Truthful speech.
v.13 Transgression of the lips. The evil man is ensnared (or trapped) by his wicked talk, but a righteous man escapes trouble (by holding his tongue). Don’t get yourself in a bind by what you say. “Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive,” — Sir Walter Scott.
v.14 Good speech. The fruit of good speaking brings prosperity (good things) just as we would expect diligent work to also prosper us. If your conversation is wise and honoring to God, it will result in blessing.
v.15 Good listening. The way of a fool is to go along the path that seems right to him, even when good advice is offered. The wise will recognize and accept good advice.
v.16 Ignore an insult. The fool shows his opponent at once that he is injured (easily provoked), while the wise is more shrewd (silent) and ignores the insult. Prudence can hold back and not give the enemy the satisfaction of knowing you were hurt.
v.17 Truthful speaking. A true witness can be counted on to always speaks the truth on the witness stand. The false witness utters lies and deceits. The setting may be business dealings or court cases; in either case, always tell the truth.
v.18 Healing words. Rash words (reckless talk) pierce like a sword (wounds), but the words spoken by a wise man bring healing (because they are true, kind, and encouraging).
v.19 Truth outlasts lies. Truthful speech lasts forever, but lies last only for a moment. A lie will eventually be found out.
v.20 Plan peace. There is joy (inner contentment) for those who plan (advise) peace, but not for those who devise (plan) evil in their hearts.
v.21 Security of the righteous. The wicked get their fill of trouble (evil) but no harm (calamity) comes upon the righteous. The idea may be what they ultimately get in the end.
v.22 Speak truthfully. Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but he delights in the ones who speak truthfully.
v.23 Discretion. The prudent restrain themselves (use discretion in their speech), while the fool blurts out folly.

We are here taught the value of wisely using speech (verses the way of a fool). This includes times of silence contrasted with a babbling fool. Exercise discernment when speaking, words cannot be taken back. Truth brings healing and builds trusting relationships.

Read Proverbs 12:13-23

Proverbs 12:8-12

Honor and shame.
v.8 Appreciation of wisdom. A man with good sense (capacity to think straight) is commended (by the community); while a man with a twisted mind is despised. Praise for a person is in proportion to the wisdom he displays. Note that honor and shame are great motivators.
v.9 Humility. It is better to live modestly and have some of the conveniences of life then to live outside your means for show and thereby lack the essentials.
v.10 Compassion for animals. Your character is indicated by how much compassion you have for your animals. The righteous cares for the needs of his animals while the wicked is cruel. It is better to be the righteous person's cat than the wicked person's neighbor. If a person is kind to his animals, how much more so to fellow human beings. Even the compassion of the wicked is done cruelly.
v.11 Diligence. You ensure that you will have income (and food to eat) through diligent work, not by following worthless pursuits. See also 28:19.
v.12 Fruit. There are rewards for the righteous (root) who bear fruit, but the wicked covets the spoil of evil doers. The righteous work for what they own, but the wicked want what belongs to others.

This section comments on character and how communities assign praise or blame. The wise person wins honor while the wicked earns shame.

Read Proverbs 12:8-12

Proverbs 12:1-7

Learning and standing firm (1-7).
v.1 Discipline. This proverbs tells us that to refuse correction (pride) is stupid. If we want to improve ourselves, we must accept correction and learn from it (and from our mistakes). This willingness to listen to correction (humility) leads us to wise speaking and teaching so that others may learn as well.
v.2 Good conduct. The good man (a man of good conduct) is here contrasted to the man of evil devices (the crafty or one who schemes). The good obtains the Lord's favor and the crafty are condemned.
v.3 Stability. A society cannot endure for long if founded on evil principles. Only righteousness brings stability (deep rooted). The wicked cannot be established (find security and stability), they will surely perish. See 10:25.
v.4 The noble wife. A husband's happiness in life is impacted by the moral character (or lack thereof) of his wife. See 31:10-31, Ru 3:11, and 1 Cor 11:7. A wife of noble character is a "crown" (a symbol of honor) to her husband. Character is the most important quality to find in a mate.
v.5 Thoughts. Here we learn that the thoughts (or plans/intentions) of righteous people are just. However, the advice of the wicked is deceitful and will lead to evil.
v.6 Skillful speech. The wicked make a trap of false accusations, but the righteous is able to avoid this danger by his speech. He does this through wisdom and knowledge gain by discipline.
v.7 Security. The wicked are "overthrown," that is completely destroyed. On the other hand the righteous have security and stability in times of trouble (they will stand firm).

This section provides several significant motivations to learn knowledge and wisdom and live a righteous life of stability. Studying the book of proverbs can help you gain this wisdom.

Read Proverbs 12:1-7

Proverbs 11:20-31

Conduct and discretion.
v.20 Conduct pleasing to the Lord. The Lord abhors those with a twisted (evil) mind; but he delights in those who follow a blameless course in life. See also 17:20.
v.21 The certainty of punishment. The righteous (and offspring) escape punishment; but for the wicked it is absolutely certain.
v.22 Beauty without discretion. A woman with no discretion is compared to a pig with a gold ring in its snout. The pig does not know the value of the gold ring; likewise a woman without discretion. Physical beauty without character is out of place (just like the gold ring on the pig). Note that it is possible to have both beauty and good judgment (Abigail, 1 Sm 25). See 31:30.
v.23 Desire and expectation. God rewards the righteous with good; but the wicked with wrath. See also 10:24, 28.
Giving and receiving.
v.24-25 Generosity and prosperity. The proverbs here present a paradox. The one who is generous toward others is provided for himself. One who withholds what is right is not provided for himself. One who nurtures others will himself be nurtured. See 2 Cor 9:6.
v.26 Socially responsible business. This proverb counsels against morally wrong business prices. We have the picture on one withholding something the people need presumably to drive prices up. The one who sells (what the people need, e.g. food) is crowned with blessing.
v.27 Desires in life. If you diligently seek God's favor (wisdom), you will find it. If you seek evil (folly), it will find you.
v.28 Security. Your object of faith in life determines your (eternal) security. Trust in riches and you will come to ruin in life (fall dead like a dried up leaf, Mk 10:23). Trust in God and you will flourish like a green leaf (a symbol for prosperity, Ps 1:3).
Fruit and households.
v.29 Trouble and poverty. He who troubles his household (bring harm on those closest to him) will gain nothing for it and may have to become a servant to the wise. (See Lk 15:11-32.)
v.30 Fruit of a righteous life. A righteous life brings forth fruit and a tree of life (i.e., the fruit will sustain and nourish life). The second half of the verse indicates the wise will win souls (for the Lord).
v.31 Wage for sin. If the righteous suffer the wage of their sin, then certainly the wicked will, and much more. The sense may be that the righteous are rewarded for their good deeds and evildoers for their misdeeds (1 Pt 4:18).

This section of proverbs provides ample motivation to live a life of wisdom and righteousness and run away from a life of folly and wickedness.

Read Proverbs 11:20-31

Proverbs 11:1-19

Honesty, humility and integrity.
v.1 Honesty. The Lord delights in honest dealings in your business. Dishonesty is an abomination to him. We should avoid anything that is an abomination to God. (See 16:11.)
v.2 Humility. With humility comes wisdom and the avoidance of disgrace. Pride points to folly and arrogance. The proud think they can abuse others without being called to account. Their foolish behavior brings shame.
v.3 Integrity. Contrasts the integrity of the upright and the crookedness of the treacherous. The faithless are destroyed by their duplicity. Integrity serves as a guide to the faithful.
Fate of the righteous and wicked.
v.4 Righteousness. You can use wealth (riches) in a righteous way, but this proverb shows that their is no security in wealth itself. Only righteousness delivers one from death when disaster strikes (divine justice).
v.5-6 Righteous and wicked conduct. The righteous enjoy security, while the sins of the wicked catch up with him. (Evil itself will haunt the evil.)
v.7 Don't put hope in money. The hopes and dreams of the wicked die with them. Don't build your hope on money (which does not survive death).
v.8 Just retribution. The trouble that the righteous escape falls on the wicked. In the end people get what they deserve (here the "end" may include the afterlife). Daniel's enemies are eaten by the lions meant for him (Dn 6).
Right and wrong speech.
v.9 Safety from slander. This proverb indicates that the righteous can escape devastating slander through knowledge.
v.10 Joy when the righteous prevail. There is joy both when the righteous prevail and when the wicked do not. The city is glad when the outcomes are fitting because too often they are not.
v.11 Speech that is helpful or harmful. Words have a great effect on society, either harmful in the case of wicked speech or helpful when the righteous speak. The words of the righteous are a blessing on the community (the city is exalted). The words of the wicked are disastrous (the city is overthrown).
v.12 Be a good neighbor. A man who lacks sense belittles his neighbor; but a man of understanding remains silent. If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.
v.13 Keeping confidence. This proverb contrasts the gossip and the trustworthy man (or woman). Like the last verse the righteous keeps silent.
v. 14 Good advice. Wise and intelligent counselors are essential to the stability of a nation or people. Pray that our leaders will seek the advice of many wise counselors.
Wages and outcomes.
v.15 Avoid pledges. If you want to remain financially sound, do not pledge security for a stranger (or others). See also 17:18 and 20:16.
v.16 Kindness brings respect. One can seize (only) wealth by violent means, but respect comes (only) to the gracious. It is better to be poor with honor than rich without it.
v.17 Kindness is better than cruelty. Contrast between dispositions. Kindness is healthy (beneficial), but anger (or cruelty) is harmful to yourself (and others).
v.18 Rewards justly earned. The prosperity of the wicked does not last. You will earn rewards based on your character. That is to say, you reap what you sow.
v.19 Conduct brings life or death. The righteous will live and the evil will die. Life and death (beyond the grave) result from moral choices we make.

Pursue righteousness and your reward will surely be life (and death otherwise).

Read Proverbs 11:1-19

Proverbs 10:17-32

The effects of obedience and disobedience (17).
v.17 Whoever follows Wisdom’s instruction is on the path to life. But whoever rejects it will lead others astray (from the path to life). Learning from your mistakes is a key to gaining wisdom. The fool refuses to learn from the constructive criticism of his teachers.

The effects of righteous and wicked speech (18-21).
v.18-19 The fool multiplies his words, (concealing his hatred with) lies, and utters slander; but, whoever restrains his lips is prudent. Speech should follow reflection about the impact of your words (15:28).
v.20-21 The tongue of the righteous is as valuable as silver and nourishes many (edifies/builds up). But the heart of the wicked (and his speech) is of little worth and he dies for lack of sense (or character).

The expectation and hope of the righteous and wicked contrasted (22-32).
See also Ps 37.
v.22-23 The blessing of the Lord brings wealth without painful toil. Doing wrong brings pleasure to a fool; but wisdom pleasure to a man of understanding.
v.24-26 What the wicked man dreads will come upon him; but to the righteous, his desire will be granted to him (Ps 37:4). The wicked cannot weather trouble (their way ends in ruin); but the righteous have a firm foundation (they are on way of the Lord).
v.27-30 Contrasting expectations for the righteous and wicked. The righteous has days added to his life and his expectation is joy. The wicked have shortened years and their hope perishes.
v.31-32 The words of the righteous bring forth wisdom and life; the wicked speak perversity and end in death.

Pray that your words will bring forth life, for yourself and others, like the righteous person described in this poem. Good people use few, well-chosen words. The wicked say things that are worthless and perverse.

Read Proverbs 10:17-32

Proverbs 10:1-16

The first collection of Solomon's proverbs.
Antithetical proverbs (10:1-15:29), righteous versus wicked.
v.1a Inscription attributing this collection of proverbs (10:1-22:16) to Solomon.
v.1b Contrast of (psychological) effect on parents of the wise son and the foolish son.
v.2-5 Contrasting the wealth of the wise and foolish sons. The wise find salvation and the foolish find death. In a paradox, we are told that the wealth of the wicked does not profit him (no eternal value). God protects the righteous but does not care for the needs of the wicked.
v.6-9 The effects, on yourself, of good and bad speech contrasted. The righteous receive blessings and the babbling fool comes to ruin.
v.10 Transition from v.6-9 to v.11-14. Once again the babbling fool comes to ruin.
v.11-14 The effects, on others, of good and bad speech contrasted. The righteous utters life-giving words; but the wicked violence. In v.12 we learn that love covers up the wrongs that tend to separate us. The wise accumulate wisdom while the fool brings on ruin with his mouth.
v.15-16 The wealth of the righteous is eternal life; the wages of the wicked are sin and death.

The wise will soak up this book’s wisdom and knowledge and speak words of life (and the wicked will be ruined by his speech). The “riches” of this world don't guarantee happiness. Our character determines how we use our wealth. Righteous living leads to a meaningful life, while the wicked earn ruin.

Read Proverbs 10:1-16

Proverbs 9

The young man is addressed first by Woman Wisdom (1-6) and then by Woman Folly (13-18) with intervening wisdom advice (7-12).
v.1-6 Wisdom has built her house and prepares a feast. She invites the simpleminded to come to her feast and leave simple ways behind and walk in the way of understanding.
v.7-12 Advice contrasting wisdom (the wise) and folly (the scoffer). This may be a continuation of Wisdom's instruction in v.1-6. The passage reminds us that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” If you don't listen to criticism and acknowledge your errors, you are doomed to repeat them.
v.13-18 Folly issues her rival invitation to dine (but on stolen food). The last verse, however, shows the awful consequences to choosing her path (i.e., death).

This is the final chapter in the first part of Proverbs (1-9). It requires the reader to make the fundamental life decision of choosing the way of wisdom or the way of folly. Choose well my friend.

Read Proverbs 9