Romans 8, Matthew 5, Philippians 2, Psalm 23, Deuteronomy 6, Exodus 12, Acts 2… these are some of the all time classic chapters of the Bible. But after my devotions this week, I have a new one for my list of favorite chapters, Proverbs 18.
Proverbs means, instead of many words. They are an eclectic collection of wise and godly sayings that are boiled down to just a few words from lifetimes of experience.
So the 18th chapter of Proverbs is not a flowing narrative, but a vast array of nuggets of wisdom, some of which I long to share with you in today’s blog by highlighting them.
1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
3 When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
4 The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds , and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. (These proverbs are summed up in verse 21)
9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. (when you don’t know where to turn, turn into the castle of God’s safe haven!)
11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty , and before honour is humility. 13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. (gather all the info before you spout off!)
14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear? (daggers in the heart are always debilitating)
15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
16 A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men. (the way to a person’s heart? Bring a gift!)
17 He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him. (You just can’t convince some people, it is their way or the highway.)
18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty. (Disagree? Toss a coin, 2 out of three, and call the matter settled.)
19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle. (Best to not be offensive, that is a whole lot easier than damage control.)
20 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled .
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD. (‘nuff said!)
23 The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.
24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly : and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. (You need friends? Duh! Be friendly.)
See, I told you it was a great chapter.
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