Anger is something many of us deal with regularly. Proverbs 15 tells us that a soft answer will diffuse it. Harsh words stir it up.

Is your tongue wise or foolish? It can also be a tree of life. The wise spread knowledge. Your knowledge is known by the answers that you give.

The Lord watches all of us. Love and digestion are also referred to.     

Again, we are told that accepting correction is sensible. Discipline can be harsh and the one who hates it will die. Those who don’t want correction will not ask for advice. Good council and lack of advice are talked about once again. Listening to rebukes will make you wise. If you despise yourself, you ignore discipline.

Trouble comes with the wealth of the wicked. Joy and sadness are also discussed. A cheerful heart has a constant feast. Joy comes with a timely answer. Dishonest profits trouble a household. Bright eyes cheer a heart.

The fear of the Lord is not just the beginning of wisdom. It is taught by wisdom. Humility comes before honor.

Copyright 2021 by Charles Kensinger         

These Proverbs speak mostly to men, but in Chapter fourteen we read about the wise and the foolish woman. Are you building your family or tearing them down? Proud speech brings discipline. Wisdom protects us.

Respect of the Lord brings integrity as well as wisdom. An honest witness does not deceive and can save lives. Another word for the wise is perceptive. We can learn nothing from the foolish. Consider where you are going to stay on track.

Oxen can eat a lot, but they also can pay for their food with work. Paying people back is not considered an option for a fool. Our opinion about our actions do not make them correct.

Sharing our joy and heartache is mentioned in verses ten and 12. Sometimes, what we think is right leads to death. The patient will have understanding. Caution and carelessness are contradictory. Inexperience leads to foolishness.

Neighbors who hate the poor sin. We also need to be kind to them. Our plans can be good or evil. Hard work is profitable but try to avoid being overly vocal. Our tempers and jealousy can be a hazard to us. We aren’t the only ones that benefit from our wisdom and good deeds.

Copyright 2021 by Charles Kensinger         

Many of the Proverbs in chapter 13 deal with the same topics as previous chapters. A wise son follows his father’s discipline. The rod is a useful tool for discipline.

Mocker, treacherous, slacker, wicked, arrogant, contemptuous, stupid, and sinner are words that are used as opposites of wise, righteous, diligent, respectful, or sensible.

Again, we are told to guard what we say to prevent ruin. The New Testament warns us of the problems our tongues can cause. So, does Proverbs. Wicked or trustworthy messengers are also contrasted.

Rich and poor are another of the opposites we read about. Wealth can be obtained by fraud or by labor. An inheritance for grandchildren is wise. Wealth with no one to leave it for is not. We should eat until we are satisfied then stop.

Hope is another idea embraced here. Fulfilled hopes gives us life. Dashed desires bring depression. The wants of good people will be delivered, but those who are only serving themselves will be disappointed. 

Copyright 2021 by Charles Kensinger         

In Proverbs 12, it calls the person who hates correction stupid. What does it mean to be good? We all know what it means to scheme. If you are righteous your root is immovable. Wickedness will not make you secure.

Is your wife or husband a crown or do they cause your bones to rot?  Caring about the health of your animals shows the type of person you are. Working hard means that you will be able to eat. The lazy will not even prepare their own food.

Insight is another way wisdom is displayed. Listening to council show wisdom. Ignoring insults is also sensible. Rebellious speech will trap one. Good words will satisfy and cheer you up. Truth is forever while lying disappears in an instant.

Don’t let others think that you are more important than you are. Verse 23 states in differently from “It is better to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool, than to open it and remove all doubt.”  

We see many comparisons of the wicked and the righteous. How can you judge wickedness and righteousness? By their deceitfulness or honesty in advice. Our words are also an indicator of whether we obey God or seek our own profit.

Copyright 2021 by Charles Kensinger         

We are looking at dualities and opposites again in Proverbs 11. Honesty and integrity begin the chapter. The wicked fall as the blameless continue their road. Our treachery will cage us. The wicked go into trouble and tear down the community. The guidance of many councilors delivers us.

Pride is another theme that recurs in Proverbs. Humility is the converse of it and wisdom comes from humility. A man with understanding remains silent. The foolish Show contempt. If you look for trouble you will find it.

Let’s talk about what this chapter says about wealth. On the day of the Lord righteousness will rescue us while money will not. Hope placed in wealth will disappear. Signing as security for a stranger will bring suffering. Empty wages are earned by those who are evil. Giving freely leads to more funds and greed hurts the poor.  

Jehovah and man are another topic that is discussed. We should not place our hope in mankind, but in the Lord. Often it appears that our relationship with Yahweh can be seen in how we respond to others around us.

Copyright 2021 by Charles Kensinger         

Proverbs 10 begins with a wise son bringing joy to his father and a foolish boy gives his mother heartache. Once again, we look at many different sayings that come in pairs. The righteous will not be hungry. He denies the wicked what they want. Getting something without working for it is worthless. Hard work is its own reward. Walk in integrity and you will be secure. The pervert will be found out. A sly wink and foolish lips will cause grief and destruction. A righteous mouth is life, and the wicked mouth conceals violence.

Hatred causes conflicts and love covers up our sins. This means that God’s love from His Son will blot them out. The discerning speak wisdom and those without sense will be punished. Wisdom brings knowledge and foolishness destruction. Wealth is a fortified city.

Life is for those who follow instruction, fear the Lord, and know what is appropriate. Rejecting correction, concealing hatred, speak too much, struggle, and act shamefully will pay for their sins.

Many things are said about the righteous. They are blessed by Jehovah. Life comes from right living. They delight in wisdom. Their hope is joy. Solomon src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/bvE77pKHcMw” title=”YouTube video player” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write;

contradicts the saying “Only the good die young” in verse twenty-seven when he states the fear of the Lord prolongs life.

The slacker is like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes. Destruction awaits the malicious. A perverse tongue will be cut out which what the wicked say. The contradictory phrases make it easier to understand.

Copyright 2021 by Charles Kensinger         

Proverbs 9 continues to speak of wisdom as a part of creation. She has a house with seven pillars. She eats and drinks like us. She has female servants that call us to come to where she is. We are encouraged to leave inexperience behind.

What are the simple ways that are spoken of? Would you like to know if you are wise or a mocker? Verse eight says that a mocker will hate those who rebuke them, but a wise man will love them.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”  When we speak of fearing God, it is more respect than terror brought on by an evil master. We know that life is hard but living it with God will make it easier and longer.

Folly is also described as a woman. She entices the inexperienced and those who lack sense, also. Unlike wisdom she provokes theft and what most of us say when we are on a diet. If no one sees you eat it, it is tastier. Watch out. This is not good for you.

Copyright 2021 by Charles Kensinger