July 5 A READ PROVERBS 18–21
Wisdom in Daily Choices
OVERVIEW
Had all the proverbs composed by Solomon during his lifetime been a part of the inspired book of Proverbs, it would have stretched to more than three thousand verses (1 Kings 4:32)—making it by far the longest book in the Bible. But the nine hundred or so inspired maxims actually contained in Proverbs will provide a lifetime of challenge on the daily issues of life: speech, conduct, money, avoiding evil, maintaining proper motives, and walking in integrity.
MY DAILY WALK
A teacher sent home this note pinned to the coat of an unruly student: “Dear Mrs. Jones: I regret to inform you that your son Robert is disruptive. He needs a good spanking, and I strongly urge you to give him one.” The next day this reply came back pinned to Bobby’s jacket: “Dear Mrs. Smith: Spank him yourself; he hasn’t disobeyed me.”
The right discipline tailored to the right person in the right situation—that’s the challenge of anyone entrusted with leadership authority. But beware. There is something potentially as dangerous as exercising no discipline: exercising the same discipline in every situation.
According to 19:25, there are three kinds of temperament and three kinds of discipline, one appropriate to each temperament. How would Solomon tell you to discipline the following?
The mocker: ________
The simpleminded: ________
The wise: ________
Now ask the Lord, “In whose life do you desire me to be a discerning disciplinarian?”
CHILD TRAINING IS CHIEFLY A MATTER OF KNOWING WHICH END OF THE CHILD TO PAT—AND WHEN.
INSIGHT
Recluses Included | Prov. 18:1
Verse 18:1 describes a self-centered, antisocial person who separates himself from the community—the kind that can tear a community apart. The New Testament gives a great antidote to the problem. You can read it in Hebrews 10:24-25.
INSIGHT
How’s Your Heart? | Prov. 20:9
Open-heart surgery is not a twentieth century invention as you might have thought. It’s as old as the book of Proverbs. As you read through the book, you’ll discover the word heart used more than fifty times, showing it is through the heart—and a proper heart attitude—that you find and apply God’s wisdom for your Christian walk. (See, for example, 20:9.)
1Unfriendly people care only about themselves;
they lash out at common sense.
2Fools have no interest in understanding;
they only want to air their own opinions.
3Doing wrong leads to disgrace,
and scandalous behavior brings contempt.
4Wise words are like deep waters;
wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.
5It is not right to acquit the guilty
or deny justice to the innocent.
6Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels;
they are asking for a beating.
7The mouths of fools are their ruin;
they trap themselves with their lips.
8Rumors are dainty morsels
that sink deep into one’s heart.
9A lazy person is as bad as
someone who destroys things.
10The name of the LORD is a strong fortress;
the godly run to him and are safe.
11The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense;
they imagine it to be a high wall of safety.
12Haughtiness goes before destruction;
humility precedes honor.
13Spouting off before listening to the facts
is both shameful and foolish.
14The human spirit can endure a sick body,
but who can bear a crushed spirit?
15Intelligent people are always ready to learn.
Their ears are open for knowledge.
16Giving a gift can open doors;
it gives access to important people!
17The first to speak in court sounds right—
until the cross-examination begins.
18Flipping a coin* can end arguments;
it settles disputes between powerful opponents.
19An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city.
Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars.
20Wise words satisfy like a good meal;
the right words bring satisfaction.
21The tongue can bring death or life;
those who love to talk will reap the consequences.
22The man who finds a wife finds a treasure,
and he receives favor from the LORD.
23The poor plead for mercy;
the rich answer with insults.
24There are “friends” who destroy each other,
but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.