Proverbs 31

Welcome to Day 31 of our “Walk through Proverbs!” Wow! That was the fastest month ever! Enjoy this tune from Donald Lawrence and all of the verses from Proverbs 31.  When we began our study, I mentioned that most of these wise sayings were written by King Solomon. This last chapter, however, was written by King Lemuel. * Please see the “About this Blog” tab for more information.

V1 These are the wise sayings of King Lemuel of Massa, taught to him at his mother’s knee.

V2 O my son, whom I have dedicated to The Lord,

V3 do not spend your time with women – the royal pathway of destruction.

V4 And it is not for kings, O Lemuel, to drink wine and whiskey.

V5 For if they drink they may forget their duties and be unable to give justice to those who are oppressed.

V6,7 Hard liquor is for sick men at the brink of death, and wine for those in deep depression. Let them drink to forget their poverty and misery.

V8 You should defend those who cannot help themselves.

V9 Yes, speak up for the poor and needy and see that they get justice.

V10 If you can find a truly good wife, she is worth more than precious gems!

V11 Her husband can trust her, and she will richly satisfy his needs.

V12 She will not hinder him, but help him all her life.

V13 She finds wool and flax and busily spins it.

V14 She buys imported foods, brought by ship from distant ports.

V15 She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household, and plans the day’s work for her servant girls.

V16 She goes out to inspect a field, and buys it; with her own hands she plants a vineyard.

V17 She is energetic, a hard worker,

V18 and watches for bargains. She works far into the night!

V19,20 She sews for the poor, and generously gives to the needy.

V21 She has no fear of winter for her household, for she has made warm clothes for all of them.

V22 She also upholsters with finest tapestry; her own clothing is beautifully made – a purple gown of pure linen.

V23 Her husband is well known, for he sits in the council chamber with the other civic leaders.

V24 She makes belted linen garments to sell to the merchants.

V25 She is a woman of strength and dignity, and has no fear of old age.

V26 When she speaks, her words are wise, and kindness is the rule for everything she says.

V27 She watches carefully all that goes on throughout her household, and is never lazy.

V28 Her children stand and bless her; so does her husband. He praises her with these words:

V29 “There are many fine women in the world; but you are the best of them all!”

V30 Charm can be deceptive and beauty doesn’t last, but a woman who fears and reverences God shall be greatly praised.

V31 Praise her for the many fine things she does. These good deeds of hers shall bring her honor and recognition from even the leaders of the nations.

~~~~~~~

Fret not, if you missed any days of the study! I shall continue to post them daily – at least one per day, maybe more.  This has been so exciting I don’t want it to end. My focus for the first round had to be what GOD says.  Each day next month, I will add more in the comment section and hope you’ll join in by doing the same.

Now, before you go, receive this blessing below. Listen to the words, ok?  If you’ve made it to this moment in time in this very blog, then this is

ESPECIALLY FOR YOU!

Thank You for All of Your Encouragement and Participation! Big Blessings to You!

Proverbs 30

Welcome to Day 30!

As we approach the last chapters of Proverbs, these final 2 days’ entries will begin with a song and be followed by the verses highlighted in personal study. As always, feel free to add your own in the comment section.  More information may be found on the “About this Blog” tab

Thanks for ‘Walking with me’ through Proverbs!

~~~~~~~

V1 These are the messages of Agur, son of Jakeh, from Massa, addressed to Ithiel and Ucal:

V2 I am tired out, O God, and ready to die. I am too stupid even to call myself a human being!

V3 I cannot understand man, let alone God.

V4 Who else but God goes back and forth to heaven? Who else holds the wind in His Fists, and wraps up the oceans in His Cloak? Who but God has created the world? If there is any other, what is his name – and his son’s name – if you know it?

V5 Every Word of God proves true. He defends all who come to Him for protection.

V6 Do not add to His Words, lest He rebuke you and you be found a liar.

V7 O God, I beg two favors from you before I die:

V8 First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches!  Give me just enough to satisfy my needs!

V9 For if I grow rich, I may become content without God. And if I am too poor, I may steal, and thus insult God’s Holy Name.

V10 Never falsely accuse a man to his employer, lest he curse you for your sin.

V11,12 There are those who curse their father and mother, and feel themselves faultless despite their many sins.

V13,14 They are proud beyond description, arrogant, disdainful. They devour the poor with teeth as sharp as knives!

V15,16 There are two things never satisfied, like a leech forever craving more: no, three things! no, four!

Hell

The barren womb

A barren desert

Fire

V17 A man who mocks his father and despises his mother shall have his eye plucked out by ravens and eaten by vultures.

V18,19 There are three things too wonderful for me to understand – no four!

How an eagle glides through the sky.

How a serpent crawls upon a rock.

How a ship finds its way across the heaving ocean.

The growth of love between a man and girl.

V20 There is another thing too: how a prostitute can sin and then say, “What’s wrong with that?”

V21,22,23 There are three things that make the earth tremble – no, four it cannot stand:

A slave who becomes a king,

A rebel who prospers.

A bitter woman when she finally marries.

A servant girl who marries her mistress’ husband.

V24-28 There are four things that are small but unusually wise:

Ants: they aren’t strong, but store up food for the winter

Cliff badgers: delicate little animals who protect themselves by living among the rocks.

The locusts: though they have no leader, they stay together in swarms.

The lizards: they are easy to catch and kill, yet are found even in king’s palaces!

V29,30,31 There are three stately monarchs in the earth – no, four:

The lion, king of the animals. He won’t turn aside for anyone.

The peacock.

The he-goat.

A king as he leads his army.

V32 If you have been a fool by being proud or plotting evil, don’t brag about it – cover your mouth with your hand in shame.

V33 As the churning of cream yields butter, and a blow to the nose causes bleeding, so anger cause quarrels.

Proverbs 29

Welcome to Day 29!

As we approach the last chapters of Proverbs, these final 3 days’ entries will begin with a song and be followed by the verses highlighted in personal study. As always, feel free to add your own in the comment section.  More information may be found on the “About this Blog” tab.

“The Word of The Lord is Great and Eternal and it shall last from age to age. The Word of The Lord is Great and Powerful. He honors it above His Name!!!”

*******

V1 The man who is often reproved but refuses criticism will suddenly be broken and never have another chance.

***

V5,6 Flattery is a trap; evil men are caught in it, but good men stay away and sing for joy.

V7 The good man knows the poor man’s rights; the godless don’t care.

V8 Fools start fights everywhere while wise men try to keep peace.

V9 There’s no use arguing with a fool. He only rages and scoffs, and tempers flare.

V10 The godly pray for those who long to kill them.

V11 A rebel shouts in anger; a wise man holds his temper in and cools it.

***

V13 Rich and poor are alike in this: each depends on God for light.

V14 A king who is fair to the poor shall have a long reign.

V15 Scolding and spanking a child helps him to learn. Left to himself, he brings shame to his mother.

***

V17 Discipline your son and he will give you happiness and peace of mind.

V18 Where there is ignorance of God, the people run wild; but what a wonderful thing it is for a nation to know and keep His Laws.

***

V20 There is more hope for a fool than for a man of quick temper.

***

V22 A hot tempered man starts fights and gets into all kinds of trouble.

V23 Pride ends in a fall, while humility brings honor.

V24 A man who assists a thief must really hate himself! For he knows the consequence but does it anyway.

V25 Fear of man is a dangerous trap, but to trust in God means safety.

V26 Do you want justice? Don’t fawn on the judge, but ask The LORD for it!

V27 The good hate the badness of the wicked. The wicked hate the goodness of the good.

Proverbs 28

Welcome to Day 28!

Please see the “About this Blog” tab and feel free to post your comments.  The following verses “leaped at me” so to speak, in my own study. Can’t wait to see yours! Big Blessings!

*******

V1 The wicked flee when no one is chasing them! But the godly are bold as lions!

V2 When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily; but with honest , sensible leaders there is stability.

V3 When a poor man oppresses those even poorer, he is like an unexpected flood sweeping away their last hope.

V5 Evil men don’t understand the importance of justice, but those who follow The LORD are much concerned about it.

V6 Better to be poor and honest than rich and a cheater.

V7 Young men who are wise obey the law; a son who is a member of a lawless gang is a shame to his father.

V8 Income from exploiting the poor will end up in the hands of someone who pities them.

V9 God doesn’t listen to the prayers of men who flout the law.

V10 A curse on those who lead astray the godly. But men who encourage the upright to do good shall be given a worthwhile reward.

V11 Rich men are conceited, but their real poverty is evident to the poor.

V12 When the godly are successful, everyone is glad. When the wicked succeed, everyone is sad.

V13 A man who refuses to admit his mistakes can never be successful. But if he confesses and forsakes them, he gets another chance.

V14 Blessed is the man who reveres God, but the man who doesn’t care is headed for serious trouble.

V17 A murder’s conscience will drive him into hell. Don’t stop him!

V18 Good men will be rescued from harm, but cheaters will be destroyed.

V19 Hard work brings prosperity; playing around brings poverty.

V20 The man who wants to do right will get a rich reward. But the man who wants to get rich quick will quickly fail.

V 22 Trying to get rich quick is evil and leads to poverty.

V23 In the end, people appreciate frankness more than flattery.

V24 A man who robs his parents and says, “What’s wrong with that? is no better than a murderer.

V25 Greed causes fighting; trusting God leads to prosperity.

V26 A man is a fool to trust himself! But those who use God’s Wisdom are safe.

 

Thank you, ChristArt.com!

 

V27 If you give to the poor, your needs will be supplied! But a curse upon those who close their eyes to poverty.

V28 When the wicked prosper, good men go away; when the wicked meet disaster, good men return.

Proverbs 27

Welcome to Day 27!

When the idea first came to me to do this study of The Proverbs, I was reading Chapter 27. I made notes of the following verses from that study and began to prepare for a chapter per day beginning the first of the month.

Feel free to add the ones that spoke to you in the comment section each day. See more info on the “About this Blog” tab.

(I have really enjoyed this journey and can’t believe we’re already to Day 27!) Wow! Look at God!

V1 Don’t brag about your plans for tomorrow – wait and see what happens.

V2 Don’t praise yourself; let others do it!

V3 A rebel’s frustrations are heavier than sand and rocks.

V4 Jealousy is more dangerous and cruel than anger.

V5 Open rebuke is better than hidden love!

V6 Wounds from a friend are better than kisses from an enemy!

V7 Even honey seems tasteless to a man who is full; but if he is hungry, he’ll eat anything!

V8 A man who strays from home is like a bird that wanders from its nest.

V9 Friendly suggestions are as pleasant as perfume.

V10 Never abandon a friend – either yours or your father’s. Then you won’t need to go to a distant relative for help in your time of need.

V11 My son, how happy I will be if you turn out to be sensible! It will be a public honor to me.

V12 A sensible man watches for problems ahead and prepares to meet them. The simpleton never looks, and suffers the consequences.

——-

V17 A friendly discussion is as stimulating as the sparks that fly when iron strikes iron.

V18 A workman may eat from the orchard he tends; anyone should be rewarded who protects another’s interests.

V19 A mirror reflects a man’s face, but what he is really like is shown by the kinds of friends he chooses.

V20 Ambition and death are alike in this: neither is ever satisfied.

V21 The purity of silver and gold can be tested in a crucible, but a man is tested by his reaction to men’s praise.

V22 You can’t separate a rebel from his foolishness though you crush him to powder.

Proverbs 26

Welcome to Day 26! * Please see the “About this blog tab” and feel free to comment each day. Thank you very much for participating. Big Blessings to You!

~~~~~~~

V1 Honor doesn’t go with fools any more than snow with summertime or rain with harvest time!

V2 An undeserved curse has no effect. It’s intended victim will be no more harmed by it than by a sparrow or swallow flitting through the sky.

V3 Guide a horse with a whip, a donkey with a bridle, and a rebel with a rod to his back!

V4,5 When arguing with a rebel, don’t use foolish arguments as he does or you will become as foolish as he is! Prick his conceit with silly replies! <– paraphrased version, see pic below)

V6 To trust a rebel to convey a message is as foolish as cutting off your feet and drinking poison!

V7 In the mouth of a fool a proverb becomes as useless as a paralyzed leg.

V8 Honoring a rebel will backfire like a stone tied to a slingshot!

V9 A rebel will misapply an illustration so that its point will no more be felt than a thorn in the hand of a drunkard.

V10 The master may get better work from an untrained apprentice than from a skilled rebel.

V11 A dog returns to his vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.

V12 There is one thing worse than a fool, and that is a man who is conceited.

V13 The lazy man won’t go out and work. “There might be a lion outside!” he says.

V14 He sticks to his bed like a door to its hinges!

V15 He is too tired even to lift his food from his dish to his mouth!

V16 Yet in his own opinion he is smarter than seven wise men.

V17 Yanking a dog’s ears is no more foolish than interfering in an argument that isn’t any of your business.

V18,19 A man who is caught lying to his neighbor and says, “I was just fooling,” is like a madman throwing around firebrands, arrows and death!

V20 Fire goes out for a lack of fuel, and tensions disappear when gossip stops.

V21 A quarrelsome man starts fights as easily as a match sets fire to paper.

V22 Gossip is a dainty morsel eaten with great relish.

V23 Pretty words may hide a wicked heart, just as a pretty glaze covers a common clay pot.

V24,25,26 A man with hate in his heart may sound pleasant enough, but don’t believe him; for he is cursing you in his heart. Though he pretends to be so kind, his hatred will finally come to light for all to see.

V27 The man who sets a trap for others will get caught in it himself. Roll a boulder down on someone, and it will roll back and crush you.

V28 Flattery is a form of hatred and wounds cruelly. CLB

—

V28 from the NIV  —“A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.”

Proverbs 25

Verses as recorded in The Children’s Living Bible, Tyndale copyright 1971…Please see the “About this blog tab,” and join us in the comment section.

V1 These Proverbs of Solomon were discovered and copied by the aides of King Hezekiah of Judah:

V2,3 It’s God’s Privilege to conceal things, and the king’s privilege to discover and invent. You cannot understand the height of heaven, the size of the earth, or all that goes on in the king’s mind!

V4,5 When you remove dross from silver, you have sterling ready for the silversmith. When you remove corrupt men from the king’s court, his reign will be just and fair.

V6,7 Don’t demand an audience with the king as though you were some powerful prince. It is better to wait for an invitation rather than to be sent back to the end of the line, publicly disgraced!

V8,9,10 Don’t be hot headed and rush to court! You may start something you can’t finish and go down before you neighbor in shameful defeat. So discuss the matter with him privately. Don’t tell anyone else, lest he accuse you of slander and you can’t withdraw what you said.

V11 Timely advice is as lovely as golden apples in a silver basket.

V12 It is a badge of honor to accept valid criticism.

V13 A faithful employee is as refreshing as a cool day in the hot summertime.

V14 One who doesn’t give the gift he promised is like a cloud blowing over a desert without dropping any rain.

V15 Be patient and you will finally win, for a soft tongue can break hard bones.

V16 Do you like honey? Don’t eat too much of it, or it will make you sick!

V17 Don’t visit your neighbor too often, or you will outwear your welcome!

V18 Telling lies about someone is as harmful as hitting him with an axe, or wounding him with a sword, or shooting him with a sharp arrow.

V19 Putting confidence in an unreliable man is like chewing on a sore tooth or trying to run on a broken foot.

V20 Being happy go lucky around a person whose heart is heavy is as bad as stealing his jacket in cold weather, or rubbing salt in his wounds.

V21,22 If your enemy is hungry, give him food! If he is thirsty, give him something to drink! This will make him feel ashamed of himself, and God will reward you.

V23 As surely as a wind from the north brings cold, just as surely a retort causes anger!

V24 It is better to live in a corner of an attic than in a beautiful home with a cranky, quarrelsome woman.

V25 Good news from far away is like cold water to the thirsty.

V26 If a godly man compromises with the wicked, it is like polluting a fountain or muddying a spring.

V27 Just as it is harmful to eat too much honey, so also it is bad for men to think about all the honors they deserve!

V28 A man without self control is as defenseless as a city with broken down walls.

Proverbs 24

Happy Sunday and Welcome to Day 24! * Please see the “About this blog tab” and feel free to comment each day. Thank you for participating. Big Blessings to You!

*******

V1 Don’t envy godless men; don’t even enjoy their company.

V2 For they spend their days plotting violence and cheating.

V3,4 Any enterprise is built by wise planning, becomes strong through common sense, and profits wonderfully by keeping abreast of the facts.

V5 A wise man is mightier than a strong man. Wisdom is mightier than strength.

V6 Don’t go to war without wise guidance; there is safety in many counselors.

V7 Wisdom is too much for a rebel. He’ll not be chosen as a counselor!

V8 To plan evil is as wrong as doing it.

V9 The rebel’s schemes are sinful, and the mocker is the scourge of all mankind.

V10 You are a poor specimen if you can’t stand the pressure of adversity.

V11,12 Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don’t stand back and let them die. Don’t try to disclaim responsibility by saying you didn’t know about it.  For God, who knows all hearts, knows yours, and He knows you knew! And He will reward everyone according to his deeds.

V13,14 My son, honey whets the appetite, and so does wisdom! When you enjoy becoming wise, there is hope for you! A bright future lies ahead!

V15,16 O evil man, leave the upright man alone, and quit trying to cheat him out of his rights. Don’t you know that this good man, though you trip him up seven times, will each time rise again? But one calamity is enough to lay you low.

V17 Do not rejoice when your enemy meets trouble. Let there be no gladness when he falls –

V18 for The Lord may be displeased with you and stop punishing him!

V19,20 Don’t envy the wicked. Don’t covet his riches. For the evil man has no future; his light will be snuffed out.

V21,22 My son, watch your step before The Lord and the king, and don’t associate with radicals. For you will go down with them to sudden disaster, and who knows where it all will end?

V23 It is wrong to sentence the poor, and let the rich go free.

V24 He who says to the wicked, “You are innocent,” shall be cursed by many people of many nations;

V25 but blessings shall be showered on those who rebuke sin fearlessly.

V26 It is an honor to receive a frank reply.

V27 Develop your business first before building your house.

V28,29 Don’t testify spitefully against an innocent neighbor. Why lie about him? Don’t say, “Now I can pay him back for all his meanness to me!”

V30,31 I walked by the field of a certain lazy fellow and saw that it was overgrown with thorns, and covered with weeds; and its walls were broken down.

V32,33 Then, as I looked, I learned this lesson:

“A little extra sleep,

A little more slumber

A little folding of the hands to rest”

V34 means that poverty will break in upon you suddenly like a robber, and violently like a bandit.

Proverbs 23

Welcome to Day 23! * Please see the “About this blog tab” and feel free to comment each day. Thank you for participating. Big Blessings to You!

*******

V1,2,3 When dining with a rich man, be on your guard and don’t stuff yourself, though it all tastes so good; for he is trying to bribe you, and no good is going to come of his invitation.

V4,5 Don’t weary yourself trying to get rich, Why waste your time? For riches can disappear as though they had the wings of a bird!

V6,7,8 Don’t associate with evil men; don’t long for their favors and gifts. Their kindness is a trick; they want to use you as their pawn. The delicious food they serve will turn sour in your stomach and you will vomit it, and have to take back your words of appreciation for their “kindness.”

V9 Don’t waste your breath on a rebel. He will despise the wisest advice.

V10,11 Don’t steal the land of defenseless orphans by moving their boundary marks, for their Redeemer is strong; He Himself will accuse you.

V12 Don’t refuse to accept criticism; get all the help you can.

V13,14 Don’t fail to correct your children; discipline won’t hurt them! They won’t die if you use a stick on them! Punishment will keep them out of hell.

V15,16 My son, how I will rejoice if you become a man of common sense. Yes, my heart will thrill to your thoughtful, wise words.

V17,18 Don’t envy evil men but continue to reverence The Lord all the time, for surely you have a wonderful future ahead of you. There is hope for you yet!

V19,20,21 O my son, be wise and stay in God’s paths; don’t carouse with drunkards and gluttons, for they are on their way to poverty. And remember that too much sleep clothes a man with rags.

V22 Listen to your father’s advice and don’t despise an old mother’s experience.

V23 Get the facts at any price, and hold on tightly to all the good sense you can get.

V24,25 The father of a godly man has cause for joy – what pleasure a wise son is! So give your parents joy!

V26,27,28 O my son, trust my advice – stay away from prostitutes. For a prostitute is a deep and narrow grave.  Like a robber, she waits for her victims as one after another become unfaithful to their wives.

V29,30 Whose heart is filled with anguish and sorrow? Who is always fighting and quarreling? Who is the man with bloodshot eyes and many wounds? It is the one who spends long hours in the taverns, trying out new mixtures.

V31 Don’t let the sparkle and the smooth taste of strong wine deceive you.

V32 For in the end it bites like a poisionous serpent; it stings like an adder.

V33 You will see hallucinations and have delirium tremens, and you will say foolish, silly things that would embarrass you no end when sober.

V34 You will stagger like a sailor tossed at sea, clinging to a swaying mast.

V35 And afterwards you will say, “I didn’t even know it when they beat me up…Let’s go and have another drink!”

Proverbs 22

V1 If you must choose, take a good name over great riches; for to be held in loving esteem is better than silver or gold.

V2 The rich and the poor are alike before The Lord who made them all.

V3 A prudent man foresees the difficulties ahead and prepares for them; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.

V4 True humility and respect for The Lord lead a man to riches, honor and a long life.

V5 The rebel walks a thorny, treacherous road; the man who values his soul will stay away.

V6 Teach a child to choose the right path, and when he is older he will remain upon it.

V7 Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender.

V8 The unjust tyrant will reap disaster and his reign of terror shall end.

V9 Happy is the generous man, the one who feeds the poor.

V10 Throw out the mocker, and you will be rid of tension, fighting and quarrels.

V11 He who values grace and truth is the king’s friend.

V12 The Lord preserves the upright but ruins the plans of the wicked.

V 13 The lazy man is full of excuses. “I can’t go to work!” he says. “If I go outside I might meet a lion in the street and be killed!”

V14 A prostitute is a dangerous trap; those cursed of God are caught in it.

V15 A youngster’s heart is filled with rebellion, but punishment will drive it out of him.

V16 He who gains by oppressing the poor or by bribing the rich shall end in poverty.

V 17,18,19 Listen to this wise advice, follow it closely, for it will do you good, and you can pass it on to others: Trust in The Lord.

V20 ,21 In the past, haven’t I been right? Then believe what I am telling you now, and share it with others.

V22-23 Don’t rob the poor and sick! For The Lord is their defender. If you injure them He will punish you.

V24,25 Keep away from angry short tempered men, lest you learn to be like them and endanger your soul.

V26,27 Unless you have the extra cash on hand, don’t countersign a note. Why risk everything you own? They’ll even take your bed!

V28 Do not move the ancient boundary marks. That is stealing.

V29 Do you know a hard-working man? He shall be successful and stand before kings!