19:1 Integrity is far more valuable than wealth, but most people don’t act as if they believe this. Afraid of not getting everything they want, they will pay any price to increase their wealth—cheating on their taxes, stealing from stores or employers, withholding tithes, refusing to give. But when we know and love God, we realize that a lower standard of living—or even poverty—is a small price to pay for personal integrity. Do your actions show that you sacrifice your integrity to increase your wealth? What changes do you need to make in order to get your priorities straight?
19:2 In spite of the dangers, we often rush into the unknown. Many people marry knowing what to expect of their partner or of married life. Others try illicit sex or drugs without considering the consequences. Some plunge into jobs without evaluating whether they are suitable to that line of work. Don’t rush into the unknown. Be sure you understand what you’re getting into and where you want to go before you take the first step. And if it still seems unknown, be sure you’re following God.
19:8 Is it good to love yourself? Yes, when your soul is at stake! This proverb does not refer to the self-centered person who loves and protects his or her selfish interests and will do anything to serve them. Instead, it encourages those who really care about themselves to seek wisdom.
19:17 In this proverb God identifies with the poor as Jesus does in Matthew 25:31-46. As our Creator, God values all of us, whether we are poor or rich. When we help the poor, we show honor both to the Creator and to his creation. God accepts our help as if we had offered it directly to him.
19:22 What makes a person desirable or attractive, according to this proverb, is kindness. There is a limit to what you can do with your outward appearance, but you can always develop your character and disposition. You can be as attractive as you want to be inwardly. What steps are you taking to improve?
19:23 Those who trust God are spared much harm because of their healthy habits, their beneficial lifestyle, and sometimes through God’s direct intervention. Nevertheless, the fear of the Lord does not always protect us from harm in this life: Evil things still happen to people who love God. This verse is not a universal promise, but a general guideline. It describes what would happen if this world were sinless, and what will happen in the new earth, when faithful believers will be under God’s protection forever. (See the note on 3:16, 17 for more about this concept.)
19:25 There is a great difference between the person who learns from criticism and the person who refuses to accept correction. How we respond to criticism determines whether or not we grow in wisdom. The next time someone criticizes you, make a point of listening carefully to all that is said. You might learn something.