The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 14

Proverbs 14:1-35 (NIV)

Proverbs 14

1 The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.

2 He whose walk is upright fears the LORD, but he whose ways are devious despises him.

3 A fool's talk brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them.

4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest.

5 A truthful witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies.

6 The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.

7 Stay away from a foolish man, for you will not find knowledge on his lips.

8 The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.

9 Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright.

10 Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.

11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish.

12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.

13 Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in grief.

14 The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, and the good man rewarded for his.

15 A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.

16 A wise man fears the LORD and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless.

17 A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated.

18 The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

19 Evil men will bow down in the presence of the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

20 The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends.

21 He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy.

22 Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find [a] love and faithfulness.

23 All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.

24 The wealth of the wise is their crown, but the folly of fools yields folly.

25 A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful.

26 He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.

27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.

28 A large population is a king's glory, but without subjects a prince is ruined.

29 A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.

30 A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

31 He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.

32 When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge.

33 Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning and even among fools she lets herself be known. [b]

34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.

35 A king delights in a wise servant, but a shameful servant incurs his wrath.

Footnotes:

1. Proverbs 14:22 Or show
2. Proverbs 14:33 Hebrew; Septuagint and Syriac / but in the heart of fools she is not known


5 examples of a faithful witness:

1. Joseph (Genesis 37:2)
2. John the Baptist (Matthew 3; John 1:7-28)
3. Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:5)
4. The apostles (Acts 5:320
5. Paul (Acts 20:21-27; 22:15)

4 examples of false witnesses:

1. 10 spies (Numbers 13:32)
2. False prophets (1 Kings 22:6-27)
3. Jewish men (Matthew 26:60-61)
4. Tertullus (Acts 24:1-9)

3 examples of finding not truth:

1. Jews in Christ's ministry (Matthew 13:15)
2. Jews in Paul's ministry (Acts 13:41)
3. Athenians (1 Corinthians 1:28; 2:8)

4 examples of following false ways:

1. Jeroboam (1 Kings 12:27-33; 14:7-11)
2. Josiah (2 Chronicles 35:20-24)
3. Paul (Philippians 3:4-7; 1 Timothy 1:13)
4. Jews (John 16:2; Acts 13:50)

5 examples of end of wrong way:

1. Nabal (1 Samuel 25:36-37)
2. Solomon (1Kings 11:1-8; Ecclesiastes 2:2)
3. Belshazzar (Daniel 5)
4. Israelites (Amos 6:3-7)
5. Judas (Acts 1:25)

5 blessings of the fear of God:

1. Strong confidence (v 20)
2. A place of refuge - security (v 26)
3. Eternal life (v 27)
4. Holiness of life and conduct (v 27)

7 examples of strong confidence:

1. Abraham (Genesis 22:3-10; Hebrews 11:19)
2. David (1 Samuel 30:6)
3. Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 32:7-8, 22)
4. 3 Hebrew children (Daniel 3:17-27)
5. Habakkuk (Habakkuk 3:17-19)
6. Peter (Acts 12:6)
7. Paul (2 Timothy 4:6-8)

4 examples of a hasty spirit:

1. Rehoboam (1 Kings 12)
2. Jehoram (2 Kings 5:7)
3. Jonah (Jonah 4:8-9)
4. Martha (Luke 10:40)

7 examples of destruction through sin:

1. Dathan (Numbers 16:33)
2. Israel (Exodus 32:28; 1 Corinthians 10:1-11)
3. Balaam (Numbers 31:8-10; Revelation 2:14)
4. Canaanites (Joshua 2:9; 5:1; Deuteronomy 9:5)
5. Hophni and Phinehas (1 Samuel 4:11)
6. Baal's prophets (1 King 18:40)
7. Belshazzar (Daniel 5:2-6, 30)

6 examples of righteous hoping in death:

1. Jacob (Genesis 49:18)
2. Joseph (Genesis 50:24-25; Hebrews 11:22)
3. David (2 Samuel 23:5; Psalm 17:15)
4. Stephen (Acts 7:55-60)
5. Paul (2 Timothy 4:6-8)
6. Peter (2 Peter 1:14-16; 3:13)

7 examples of sin being a reproach:

1. Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19)
2. Canaanites (Leviticus 18:24-30)
3. Egypt (Exodus 12:12; Ezekiel 29:1-15)
4. Amalekites (Exodus 17:16; 1 Samuel 15)
5. Babylon (Isaiah 14:4-23; 47:6-15)
6. Tyre (Ezekiel 28:2-8; Isaiah 23:1-9)
7. Ninevah (Zephaniah 2:13-15)

The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 13

Proverbs 13:1-25 (NIV)

Proverbs 13

¹ A wise son heeds his father's instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke.

² From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things, but the unfaithful have a craving for violence.

³ He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.

⁴ The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.

⁵ The righteous hate what is false, but the wicked bring shame and disgrace.

⁶ Righteousness guards the man of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.

⁷ One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.

⁸ A man's riches may ransom his life, but a poor man hears no threat.

⁹ The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.

¹⁰ Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.

¹¹ Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.

¹² Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

¹³ He who scorns instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command is rewarded.

¹⁴ The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.

¹⁵ Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful is hard. ^a]">[a]

¹⁶ Every prudent man acts out of knowledge, but a fool exposes his folly.

¹⁷ A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy envoy brings healing.

¹⁸ He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored.

¹⁹ A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil.

²⁰ He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.

²¹ Misfortune pursues the sinner, but prosperity is the reward of the righteous.

²² A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children, but a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous.

²³ A poor man's field may produce abundant food, but injustice sweeps it away.

²⁴ He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.

²⁵ The righteous eat to their hearts' content, but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.

Footnotes:

1. Proverbs 13:15 Or unfaithful does not endure

5 examples of hating lying:

1. Joseph (Genesis 46:31-24)
2.Samuel (1 Samuel 3:18)
3. Michaiah (1 Kings 22:13-14; Proverbs 14:5)
4. Jeremiah (26:1-15)
5. John the Baptist (Matthew 14:4)

5 examples - wicked coming to shame:

1. Jehoram (2 Chronicles 21:18-19)
2. Gehazi (2 Kings 5:27)
3. Jezebel (2 Kings 9:35)
4. Mannaseh (2 Kings 21:7-13)
5. Herod (Acts 12:21-23)

4 examples - pride causing contention:

1. Korah (Numbers 10)
2. Men of Ephraim (Judges 12:1-6)
3. Rehoboam (1 Kings 12)
4. The apostles (Luke 22:24)

3 examples of heart sickness:

1. Abraham (Genesis 15:2-3)
2. David (Psalm 42:1-3)
3. The disciples (Luke 24:17, 21)

4 examples of destruction:

1. World (Genesis 6:1; 1 Peter 3:20)
2. Israel (Deuteronomy 28:15-68)
3. Jehoiakim (Jeremiah 26:20-24)
4. Amaziah (2 Chronices 25:16-27)

4 examples of being rewarded:

1. Pharaoh's servents (Exodus 9:20-25)
2. Amaziah (2 Chronicles 25:6-11)
3. Ebed-melech (Jeremiah 39:15-18)
4. Josiah (2 Chronicles 34:27-30)

7 examples of obtaining favor:

1. Abraham (Genesis 23:10-11)
2. Joseph (Genesis 39:2)
3. Joshua (Joshua 6:27)
4. David (1 Samuel 18:14)
5. Abigail (1 Samuel 25:3, 18-34)
6. Daniel (Daniel 1:8-9; 6:3)
7. Samuel (1 Samuel 2:26)

3 examples laying self open to folly:

1. Balaam (Numbers 22:29-30)
2. Ahasueras (Esther 3:10-15)
3. Herod (Matthew 14:7; Mark 6:23)

4 examples of failure to correct sons:

1. Jacob (Genesis 37)
2. Eli (1 Samuel 3:13; 4:11)
3. David (2 Samuel 13:39; 14:25)
4. Samuel (1 Samuel 8:1-9)

The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 12

Proverbs 12:1-28 (NIV)

Proverbs 12

¹ Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.

² A good man obtains favor from the LORD, but the LORD condemns a crafty man.

³ A man cannot be established through wickedness, but the righteous cannot be uprooted.

⁴ A wife of noble character is her husband's crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.

⁵ The plans of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.

⁶ The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.

⁷ Wicked men are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous stands firm.

⁸ A man is praised according to his wisdom, but men with warped minds are despised.

⁹ Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant than pretend to be somebody and have no food.

¹⁰ A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.

¹¹ He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment.

¹² The wicked desire the plunder of evil men, but the root of the righteous flourishes.

¹³ An evil man is trapped by his sinful talk, but a righteous man escapes trouble.

¹⁴ From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him.

¹⁵ The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.

¹⁶ A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.

¹⁷ A truthful witness gives honest testimony, but a false witness tells lies.

¹⁸ Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

¹⁹ Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

²⁰ There is deceit in the hearts of those who plot evil, but joy for those who promote peace.

²¹ No harm befalls the righteous, but the wicked have their fill of trouble.

²² The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful.

²³ A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself, but the heart of fools blurts out folly.

²⁴ Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in slave labor.

²⁵ An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.

²⁶ A righteous man is cautious in friendship, ^a]">[a] but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

²⁷ The lazy man does not roast ^b]">[b] his game, but the diligent man prizes his possessions.

²⁸ In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality.

Footnotes:

1. Proverbs 12:26 Or man is a guide to his neighbor
2. Proverbs 12:27 The meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain.

6 examples of wicked counselors:

1. Korah and company (Numbers 10)
2. Jeroboam (1 Kings 12:28)
3. Sanballat (Nehemiah 6:2)
4. Haman (Esther 3:5-8)
5. Herod (Matthew 2:8, 16)
6. Judas (John 12:4-6)

3 examples - wicked being overthrown:

1. Pre-Adamites (Genesis 1:2; Isaiah 14:12-14; Jeremiah 4:23-26; 2 Peter 3:5-8)
2. Ante-diluvians (Genesis 6-8)
3. Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19)

3 examples - righteous houses standing:

1. Abraham (Genesis 17:19; Luke 1:70-73)
2. David (2 Samuel 7; Psalm 89:3-4)
3. Jacob (Luke 1:32-33)

4 examples of commending wisdom:

1. Joseph (Genesis 41:39)
2. David (2 Samuel 14:17-20)
3. Daniel (Daniel 5:16)
4. Paul (2 Peter 3:15-16)

3 examples of being despised:

1. Hophni and Phinehas (1 Samuel 1:3 - 2:30)
2. Nabal (1 Samuel 25:2, 17)
3. The prodigal son (Luke 15:15-16)

2 examples of tilling:

1. Isaac (Genesis 26:12)
2. Jacob (Genesis 30:14; Proverbs 28:19)

2 examples of following vain persons:

1. Abimelech (Judges 9; Proverbs 24:21)
2. Theudas (Acts 5:36-37)

5 examples of being snared by own lips:

1. Korah (Numbers 16:1-3, 31-35; Psalm 64:8)
2. The Amalekite (2 Samuel 1:2-6)
3. Adonijah (1 Kings 2:23)
4. Daniel's accusers (Daniel 6:24)
5. Jews (Matthew 27:25)

3 examples of deliverance:

1. Joshua and Caleb (Numbers 14:10, 24, 30)
2. Esther and her people (Esther 7:3-9:25)
3. Peter (Acts 11:2-18; 12:3-18)

4 examples of a fool's wrath:

1. Jehoram (2 Kings 6:31)
2. Jezebel (1 Kings 19:1-2)
3. Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 3:19)
4. Jews at Nazareth (Luke 14:28)

4 examples of prudence:

1. Gideon (Judges 8:2-3)
2. Saul (1 Samuel 10:27)
3. David (1 Samuel 17:29-30)
4. Hezekiah (Isaiah 36:21)

4 uses of the tongue:

1. Speaking truth (v 17; John 14:6)
2. Speaking lies (v 17; 1 Timothy 4:1-2)
3. Speaking cutting things (v 18; James 3)
4. Speaking blessing (v 19; Matthew 8:8)

4 examples of lying tongue judged:

1. Ahab (1 Kings 22:30, 37)
2. Hananiah (Jeremiah 28:2, 11)
3. Gehazi (2 Kings 5:22-27)
4. Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-10)

7 things God delights in:

1. Men that deal truthfully (v 22)
2. Just weights (Proverbs 11:1)
3. Men upright in their ways (Proverbs 11:20)
4. Prayers of the upright (Proverbs 15:8)
5. Lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth (Jeremiah 9:24)
6. The Messiah (Isaiah 42:1)
7. Israel (Isaiah 62:4)

3 examples of diligent bearing rule:

1. Eleazar (Genesis 24:2, 10)
2. Joseph (Genesis 39:4, 22)
3. Jeroboam (1 Kings 11:28)

4 examples of sorrow prostrating men:

1. Ezra (Ezra 9:3-10:3)
2. Nehemiah (Heemiah 1:4)
3. David (Psalm 40:12; 2 Samuel 18:33)
4. Jeremiah (Jeremiah 8:18; 9:1)

3 examples of good news making glad:

1. Jacob (Genesis 45:27)
2. Darius (Daniel 6:18-23)
3. Disciples (Matthew 28:5-8; Luke 24:32)

2 things in the path of righteousness:

1. Eternal life (v 28; Matthew 7:14)
2. Immortality (v 28; 1 Peter 3:4)

The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 11

Proverbs 11:1-31 (NIV)

Proverbs 11

¹ The LORD abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are his delight.

² When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

³ The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.

⁴ Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.

⁵ The righteousness of the blameless makes a straight way for them, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness.

⁶ The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires.

⁷ When a wicked man dies, his hope perishes; all he expected from his power comes to nothing.

⁸ The righteous man is rescued from trouble, and it comes on the wicked instead.

⁹ With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous escape.

¹⁰ When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.

¹¹ Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed.

¹² A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue.

¹³ A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.

¹⁴ For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.

¹⁵ He who puts up security for another will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to strike hands in pledge is safe.

¹⁶ A kindhearted woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth.

¹⁷ A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself.

¹⁸ The wicked man earns deceptive wages, but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.

¹⁹ The truly righteous man attains life, but he who pursues evil goes to his death.

²⁰ The LORD detests men of perverse heart but he delights in those whose ways are blameless.

²¹ Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free.

²² Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.

²³ The desire of the righteous ends only in good, but the hope of the wicked only in wrath.

²⁴ One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.

²⁵ A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

²⁶ People curse the man who hoards grain, but blessing crowns him who is willing to sell.

²⁷ He who seeks good finds goodwill, but evil comes to him who searches for it.

²⁸ Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.

²⁹ He who brings trouble on his family will inherit only wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise.

³⁰ The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.

³¹ If the righteous receive their due on earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner!

6 examples of shame through pride:

1. Lucifer (Isaiah 14:12-14; Ezekiel 28:11-17) 2. Miriam (Numbers 12:10) 3. Uzziah (2 Chronciles 26:16-21) 4. Nebuchanezzar (Daniel 4:30) 5. Moab (Zephaniah 2:8-10) 6. Ninevah (Zephaniah 2:15)

4 examples of wisdom to the lowly:

1. Joseph (Genesis 41:16, 38-39) 2. Solomon (1 Kings 3:5-13) 3. Daniel (2:20-21) 4. Jesus Christ (Luke 2:40, 51; Isaiah 11:1)

3 examples of guiding integrity:

1. Joseph (Genesis 39:4,22-23; 50;25) 2. Jesus Christ (Luke 2:40, 52; 1 Peter 2:21) 3. Paul (Galatians 2:20)

7 examples of perverseness:

1. Israel (Deuteronomy 1:43-44) 2. Balaam (Numbers 22:32; 31:8) 3. Hophni and Phinehas (1 Samuel 2:25; 4:11) 4. Saul (1 Samuel 15:23) 5. Absalom (2 Samuel 15:3-6) 6. Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17:1-23) 7. Ahab (1 Kings 21:25-26; 22:34-37)

3 examples of perishing hope:

1. Balaam's (Number 23:10; 31:8) 2. Absalom's (2 Samuel 18) 3. The rich fool's (Luke 12:16-21)

3 examples of the righteous delivered and the wicked perishing in their place:

1. Mordecai and Hman (Eshtehr 7:9-10) 2. Daniel and accusers (Daniel 6) 3. Israel and Egyptians (Exodus 14)

3 examples of joy in the righteous:

1. Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 29:3-36; 30:26) 2. Nehemiah (Nehemiah 2; 6:15; 8:17) 3. Mordecai (Esther 8:15-16)

3 examples of the wicked perishing:

1. Pharaoh (Exodus 15) 2. Sisera (Judges 5) 3. Athaliah (2 Kings 11:20)

6 examples of blessing by kindness:

1. The Kenites (1 Samuel 15:6) 2. David (1 Samuel 30:11-20) 3. Jonathan (2 Samuel 9:7; 21:7) 4. Job (Job 42:10) 5. Cornelius (Acts 10:4) 6. The Maltese (Acts 28:1-10)

6 examples of troubling self:

1. Cain (Genesia 4:10-12) 2. Joseph's brethren (Genesis 37; 42:21) 3. Adoni-bezek (Judges 1:6-7) 4. Agag (1 Samuel 15:33) 5. Haman (Esther 9:25) 6. Jonah (Jonah 4:1-3)

4 examples of deceitful workers:

1. Pharaoh (Exodus 1:20) 2. The Gibeonites (Joshua 9:4-21) 3. Absalom (2 Samuel 15) 4. Caiaphas (John 11:49-50)

5 examples of reward by right sowing:

1. Noah (Genesis 6:22; 7:1; Hebrews 11:7) 2. Abraham (Hebrews 6:15) 3. Joseph (Genesis 37-41) 4. Simeon (Luke 2:25-32) 5. Paul (1 Corinthians 9:1; 2 Timothy 4:7-8)

6 examples of being God's delight:

1. Enoch (Hebrews 11:5) 2. Noah (Genesis 6:8) 3. Israel (Deuteronomy 10:15) 4. The upright (Proverbs 11:20) 5. Saints and the excellent (Psalm 16:3) 6. Jesus Christ (Isaiah 42:1)

5 examples of judging wicked rebels:

1. The Babel builders (Genesis 11:1-9) 2. Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19) 3. Korah and company (Numbers 16) 4. Canaanite kings (Joshua 9-10) 5. The ten kings (Revelation 17-19)

4 examples - seed of righteous delivered:

1. Noah and family (Genesis 6-8) 2. Lot and family (Genesis 19:17-29) 3. The Jews (Esther 7-9) 4. The Hebrew children (Daniel 3)

3 examples of liberality blessed:

1. Widow (1 Kings 17:10) 2. The Shunammite (2 Kings 4:8, 37) 3. Publius (Acts 28:7-8)

The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 10

Proverbs 10:1-32 (NIV)

Proverbs 10

Proverbs of Solomon

¹ The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother.

² Ill-gotten treasures are of no value, but righteousness delivers from death.

³ The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.

⁴ Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.

⁵ He who gathers crops in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.

⁶ Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked. ^a]">[a]

⁷ The memory of the righteous will be a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.

⁸ The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.

⁹ The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.

¹⁰ He who winks maliciously causes grief, and a chattering fool comes to ruin.

¹¹ The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.

¹² Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.

¹³ Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment.

¹⁴ Wise men store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.

¹⁵ The wealth of the rich is their fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor.

¹⁶ The wages of the righteous bring them life, but the income of the wicked brings them punishment.

¹⁷ He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.

¹⁸ He who conceals his hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.

¹⁹ When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.

²⁰ The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value.

²¹ The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgment.

²² The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it.

²³ A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct, but a man of understanding delights in wisdom.

²⁴ What the wicked dreads will overtake him; what the righteous desire will be granted.

²⁵ When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.

²⁶ As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is a sluggard to those who send him.

²⁷ The fear of the LORD adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.

²⁸ The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.

²⁹ The way of the LORD is a refuge for the righteous, but it is the ruin of those who do evil.

³⁰ The righteous will never be uprooted, but the wicked will not remain in the land.

³¹ The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out.

³² The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse.

Footnotes:

1. Proverbs 10:6 Or but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence ; also in verse 11

3 examples of no profit to such gain:

1. Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 12:1-4, 9)
2. Gehazi (2 Kings 5:20-27; Proverbs 21:6)
3. The rich fool (Luke 12:20; Proverbs 11:28)

3 examples of righteousness delivering:

1. Noah (Genesis 7:1; Hebrews 11;7)
2. Daniel (Daniel 6)
3. Three Hebrew children (Daniel 3)

4 examples destroying goods of wicked:

1. Israel (Judges 6:1-4)
2. Samaria (1 King 18:2; 2 Kings 6:25)
3. Jerusalem (Lamentations 5:10; Zephaniah 1:18)
4. Chaldeans (Habakuk 2;8)

2 examples of gathering in summer:

1. Isaac (Genesis 26:12)
2. Joseph (Genesis 41)

6 examples of good remembrance:

1. Elisha (2 Kings 13:21)
2. Jehoiada (2 Chronicles 24:15-16)
3. Woman who anointed Jesus (Mark 14;9)
4. Mary, mother of Jesus (Luke 1:28, 48)
5. Dorcas (Acts 9:36-39; Proverbs 22;1)
6. Antipas (Revelation 2:13)

4 examples of bitter remembrance:

1. Balaam (2 Peter 2:15; Jude 11; Revelation 2:14)
2. Ahaz (2 Chronicles 28:22)
3. Athaliah (2 Chronciles 24;7)
4. Herod (Acts 12:22-23, Psalm 9:16)

4 examples-receiving commandments:

1. Abraham (Genesis 22; Hebrews 11;8, 17)
2. David (2 Samuel 7)
3. The widow (1 Kings 17:10-16)
4. Rechabites (Jeremiah 35:6-10)

2 examples of being discovered:

1. Korah and company (Numbers 16)
2. Diotrephes (3 John 9-10)

3 examples of stirring up strife:

1. Ishmael (Genesis 21:9-14)
2. Esau (Genesis (27:41-42)
3. The Jews (Acts 13:50; 14;2-4; 17:5-13)

4 examples of love covering sins:

1. Joseph (Genesis 40:15; 45:5-8)
2. David (2 Samuel 1)
3. Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:41; John 20-21)
4. Paul (Philemon 9-21)

3 examples of sinning by much talk::

1. Job (32:2; 34:5,12, 35:16; 42:3)
2. Job's comforters (32:3; 42:7-8)
3. Idle widows (1 Timothy 5;13)

3 examples of wisdom in speaking:

1. Eleazar (Genesis 24:2`1, Proverbs 15:28)
2. Aaron (Leviticus 10:3)
3. Saul (1 Samuel 15:27, Proverbs 11:12)

6 examples of godly instruction:

1, Job (4:3-4; 29:21-22)
2. David (Psalm 78:70-72)
3. Peter (Acts 4:1-4)
4. Philip (Acts 8:5-8)
5. Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:32-35)
6. Judas and Silas (Acts 15:32-33)

3 examples of fools dying:

1. Korah and company (Numbers 16)
2. Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:20-25)
3. The rich fool (Luke 12:16-26)

5 examples of the LORD making rich:

1. Abraham (Genesis 24:1)
2. Isaac (Genesis 25:11; 26:12)
3. Jacob (Genesis 28:4; 30:27)
4. Solomon (1 Kings 3:13)
5. Job (Job 42:10)

4 examples of righteous desire granted:

1. Hannah (1 Samuel 1:20)
2. Esther (4:16; 8:15-17)
3. Daniel (2:18-23; 9:1-23; 10:1-21)
4. Simeon (Luke 2:25-30)

4 examples of joy in hope:

1. Abraham (Romans 4:18-20)
2. Joseph (Psalm 105:17-21)
3. Hezekiah (Psalm 126)
4. Daniel (6:10)

4 examples of perishing expectation:

1. Goliath (1 Samule 17:44-51)
2. Athaliah (2 Kings 11:1-16)
3. Sennacherib (2 Kings 19:23, 37)
4. Herod (Matthew 2:18)

4 examples of sudden destruction:

1. Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19)
2. Pharaoh and army (Exodus 14:19-31)
3. Saul (1 Chronicles 10:13-14)
4. Jeroboam (1 Kings 14:7-11)

The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 9

Proverbs 9:1-18 (NIV)

Proverbs 9

Invitations of Wisdom and of Folly

¹ Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out its seven pillars.

² She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table.

³ She has sent out her maids, and she calls from the highest point of the city.

⁴ "Let all who are simple come in here!" she says to those who lack judgment.

⁵ "Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed.

⁶ Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.

⁷ "Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse.

⁸ Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you.

⁹ Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.

¹⁰ "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

¹¹ For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.

¹² If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer."

¹³ The woman Folly is loud; she is undisciplined and without knowledge.

¹⁴ She sits at the door of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city,

¹⁵ calling out to those who pass by, who go straight on their way.

¹⁶ "Let all who are simple come in here!" she says to those who lack judgment.

¹⁷ "Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!"

¹⁸ But little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of the grave. ^a]">[a]

Footnotes:

1. Proverbs 9:18 Hebrew Sheol

4 examples of forsaking things to live:

1. Moses (Hebrews 11:24-27)
2. Rahab (Joshua 2:9-13; 6:25; Hebrews 11:31)
3. Ruth (Ruth 1:16; 2:11-13)
4. Disciples (Matthew 4:18-22; 9:9)

3 examples - rebuking and being hated:

1. Joseph (Genesis 37:2, 18-28)
2. The prophet (2 Chronicles 25:16)
3. John the Baptist (Matthew 14:1-10)

3 examples - rebuking and being loved:

1. Nathan (2 Samuel 12)
2. Two disciples (Luke 24:25-29)
3. Peter (John 21:17; Galatians 2:11-14)

5 facts about a foolish woman:

1. She is clamorous - one in continual uproar; noisy; boisterous (v 13; 7:11)
2. Simple - silly; easily seduced (v 13; 2 Timothy 3:6)
3. Knoweth nothing - knows no shame; utterly ignorant and depraved (v 13)
4. She watches for victims of sin (v 14; Genesis 38:14; Jeremiah 3:2)
5. She is impudent or bold to call to any stranger and tempt the innocent to sin (v 15-17)

The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 8

Proverbs 8:1-36 (NIV)

Proverbs 8

Wisdom's Call

¹ Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice?

² On the heights along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand;

³ beside the gates leading into the city, at the entrances, she cries aloud:

⁴ "To you, O men, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind.

⁵ You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, gain understanding.

⁶ Listen, for I have worthy things to say; I open my lips to speak what is right.

⁷ My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness.

⁸ All the words of my mouth are just; none of them is crooked or perverse.

⁹ To the discerning all of them are right; they are faultless to those who have knowledge.

¹⁰ Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold,

¹¹ for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.

¹² "I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion.

¹³ To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.

¹⁴ Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have understanding and power.

¹⁵ By me kings reign and rulers make laws that are just;

¹⁶ by me princes govern, and all nobles who rule on earth. ^a]">[a]

¹⁷ I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.

¹⁸ With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver.

²⁰ I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice,

²¹ bestowing wealth on those who love me and making their treasuries full.

²² "The LORD brought me forth as the first of his works, ^b]">[b] , ^c]">[c] before his deeds of old;

²³ I was appointed ^d]">[d] from eternity, from the beginning, before the world began.

²⁴ When there were no oceans, I was given birth, when there were no springs abounding with water;

²⁵ before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was given birth,

²⁶ before he made the earth or its fields or any of the dust of the world.

²⁷ I was there when he set the heavens in place, when he marked out the horizon on the face of the deep,

²⁸ when he established the clouds above and fixed securely the fountains of the deep,

²⁹ when he gave the sea its boundary so the waters would not overstep his command, and when he marked out the foundations of the earth.

³⁰ Then I was the craftsman at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence,

³¹ rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind.

³² "Now then, my sons, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways.

³³ Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not ignore it.

³⁴ Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway.

³⁵ For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the LORD.

³⁶ But whoever fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death."

Footnotes:

1. Proverbs 8:16 Many Hebrew manuscripts and Septuagint; most Hebrew manuscripts and nobles-all righteous rulers


2. Proverbs 8:22 Or way ; or dominion


3. Proverbs 8:22 Or The LORD possessed me at the beginning of his work ; or The LORD brought me forth at the beginning of his work


4. Proverbs 8:23 Or fashioned

Wisdom personified. 20 personal acts:

1. Cries (8:1-3)
2. Stands (8:2)
3. Calls (8:4)
4. Speaks (8:4-9, 18)
5. Reproves (8:5)
6. Abhors sin (8:7)
7. Admonishes (8:10)
8. Searches (8:12)
9. Hates (8:13)
10. Counsels (8:14)
11. Advises (8:15)
12. Loves (8:17)
13. Leads (8:20)
14. Blesses (8:21)
15. Rejoices (8:30)
16. Delights (8:31)
17. Builds (9:1)
18. Cooks (9:2)
19. Plans (9:3)
20. Invites (9:5)

"17" better things in Proverbs:

1. Wisdom better than gold (3:14; 8:19)
2. Wisdom better than silver (3:14; 8:19)
3. Wisdom better than rubies (3:15; 8:11)
4. A despised man better than one who honors himself (12:9)
5. A little with fear of God is better than treasures with trouble (15:16)
6. A dinner of herbs with love is better tha afeast where hatred is (15:17)
7. A man slow to anger is better than a hot-tempered might man (16:32)
8. A man who rules his spirit is better than an intemperate hero (16:32)
9. A morsel of bread with quietness is better than a feast with strife (17:1)
10.An honest poor man is better than a fool with perverse lips (19:1)
11.A poor man is better than a liar (19:22)
12.It is better to dwell alone in a small place than in a large one with a brawling woman (21:9; 25:24)
13.It is better to dwell in the wilderness than with an angry and contentious woman (21:19)
14.It is better to be exalted than to be abased before men (25:7)
15.An open rebuke is better than secret love (27:5)
16.A near neighbor is better than a far-off brother (27:10)
17.A righteous poor man is better than a wicked rich man (28:6)

4 things the fear of God: Hatred of:

1. Evil (v 13)
2. The evil way (v 13)
3. Arrogancy (13)
4. Pride (v 13)

5 examples of loving wisdom:

1. Joseph (Genesis 37:2-17; 39:3-9; 41:38)
2. Samuel (1 Samuel 2:26; 7:3-17)
3. David (1 Samuel 17:37-46)
4. Solomon (1 Kings 3)
5. Daniel (1:1-21; 5:1-31)

Wisdom existed before:

1. God's creation of old (v 22)
2. The creation of the earth (v 23)
3. The depths and fountains of waters
4. The mountains and hills (v 25)
5. The earth, fields, and dust of the world (v 26)
6. The heavens and the clouds (v 28)
7. The laws governing creation (v 29)

The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 7

Proverbs 7:1-27 (NIV)

Proverbs 7

Warning Against the Adulteress

¹ My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you.

² Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.

³ Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.

⁴ Say to wisdom, "You are my sister," and call understanding your kinsman;

⁵ they will keep you from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words.

⁶ At the window of my house I looked out through the lattice.

⁷ I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who lacked judgment.

⁸ He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house

⁹ at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in.

¹⁰ Then out came a woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent.

¹¹ (She is loud and defiant, her feet never stay at home;

¹² now in the street, now in the squares, at every corner she lurks.)

¹³ She took hold of him and kissed him and with a brazen face she said:

¹⁴ "I have fellowship offerings ^a]">[a] at home; today I fulfilled my vows.

¹⁵ So I came out to meet you; I looked for you and have found you!

¹⁶ I have covered my bed with colored linens from Egypt.

¹⁷ I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon.

¹⁸ Come, let's drink deep of love till morning; let's enjoy ourselves with love!

¹⁹ My husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey.

²⁰ He took his purse filled with money and will not be home till full moon."

²¹ With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk.

²² All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer ^b]">[b] stepping into a noose ^c]">[c]

²³ till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life.

²⁴ Now then, my sons, listen to me; pay attention to what I say.

²⁵ Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths.

²⁶ Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng.

²⁷ Her house is a highway to the grave, ^d]">[d] leading down to the chambers of death.

Footnotes:

1. Proverbs 7:14 Traditionally peace offerings
2. Proverbs 7:22 Syriac (see also Septuagint Hebrew fool
3. Proverbs 7:22 The meaning of the Hebrew for this line is uncertain.
4. Proverbs 7:27 Hebrew Sheol

8 commands to sons:

1. Keep my words - guard against breaking God's commandments (v 1)
2. Lay up my commandments - take them into your bosom and into your heart (v 1)
3. Keep my commandments and live (v 2)
4. Keep my law as you would the pupil of the eye (v 2; Deuteronomy 32:10; Psalm 17:8; Zechariah 2:12)
5. Bind them upon your fingers (v 3)
6. Write them upon the table of your heart (v 3)
7. Make wisdom your sister (v 4)
8. Make understanding your kinswoman.

These last two expressions indicate acquaintance with wisdom and knowledge. The word kinswoman is used only here and in Ruth 2:1

These commands are warnings preparatory to the longer admonition against adultery, which is an often referred to subject with Solomon due to his many bitter experiences with strange woman.

He generally gave such commands before dealing with the subject (2:1-10 with 2:12,16; 5:1-2 with 5:3-6; 5:7 with 5:8:14; 5:15-19 with 5:20-23; 6:20-23 with 6:24-35; 7:1-4 with 7:5-23; 7:24 with 7:25-27; 9:1-6 with 9:13-18)

8 facts: A foolish young man I saw:

1. Among the simple, the young man (v 7; 1:4)
2. He was void of understanding. He did not have wisdom to discern the evil intended by the whore, nor did he have the character and courage to resist her flatteries (v 7)
3. He walked along the street near her corner where she waited for victims (v 8)
4. He went the way to her house (which was not necessarily on the corner (v 8, 12)
5. In the night he passed by where she waited on the corner (v 9)
6. He was met by the harlot (v 10)
7. He was persuaded by her to spend the night with her (v 11-21)
8. He went to his doom as an ox to the slaughter, as a fool to his punishment, and as a bird to the snare (v 22-23)

10 points about harlots:

1. Their attire or marks that advertise them for hire (v 10; Genesis 38)
2. Their subtilty of heart (v 10)
3. Their boisterous and loud disposition (v 11)
4. Their gad about disposition (v 11-12)
5. Their stubbornness and persistence in pursuing innocent victims (v 11).

They have no respect for the good of men, married or unmarried, innocent or guilty of immoral crimes. They gloat over causing young men to fall into sin and husbands to go astray

6. They are bold, unashamed, impudent, and unlawfully familiar (v 13)
7. They are flatterers (v 5, 14-21)
8. They are deceitful of heart (v 13-21)
9. They are liars (v 14-21)
10. They are tempters and seducers (v 13-21)

The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 6

Proverbs 6:1-35 (NIV)

Proverbs 6

Warnings Against Folly

1 My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have struck hands in pledge for another,

2 if you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth,

3 then do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor's hands: Go and humble yourself; press your plea with your neighbor!

4 Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids.

5 Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler.

6 Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!

7 It has no commander, no overseer or ruler,

8 yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.

9 How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep?

10 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest-

11 and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man. [a]

12 A scoundrel and villain, who goes about with a corrupt mouth,

13 who winks with his eye, signals with his feet and motions with his fingers,

14 who plots evil with deceit in his heart—he always stirs up dissension.

15 Therefore disaster will overtake him in an instant; he will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.

16 There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him:

17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood,

18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil,

19 a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.

Warning Against Adultery

20 My son, keep your father's commands and do not forsake your mother's teaching.

21 Bind them upon your heart forever; fasten them around your neck.

22 When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you.

23 For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life,

24 keeping you from the immoral woman, from the smooth tongue of the wayward wife.

25 Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes,

26 for the prostitute reduces you to a loaf of bread, and the adulteress preys upon your very life.

27 Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned?

28 Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched?

29 So is he who sleeps with another man's wife; no one who touches her will go unpunished.

30 Men do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his hunger when he is starving.

31 Yet if he is caught, he must pay sevenfold, though it costs him all the wealth of his house.

32 But a man who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself.

33 Blows and disgrace are his lot, and his shame will never be wiped away;

34 for jealousy arouses a husband's fury, and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge.

35 He will not accept any compensation; he will refuse the bribe, however great it is.

Footnotes:

1. Proverbs 6:11 Or like a vagrant / and scarcity like a beggar


5 facts of suretyship

1. Command against suretyship (Proverbs 12:26)
2. Command to get out of suretyship as quickly as possible (Proverbs 6:1-5)
3. Suretyship is a sign of lack of understanding (Proverbs 17:18)
4. Suffering and disappointment are what is promised in suretyship (Proverbs 11:15)
5. To refrain from suretyship is the only safe way (Proverbs 11:15)

15 ways of ants (6:6-8; 30:25)

1. Most laborious insects in existence
2. Most highly industrialized
3. Collect food in proper season
4. Fondly attached to the young
5. Have keen foresight for others
6. Work quietly without show
7. Work unweariedly until work is done
8. Work together in astonishing systems of organization to the best good of the whole community
9. Are ingenious carpenters and masons, building their own system of homes and underground tunnels
10. Keep their homes scrupulously clean
11. No one among them exists without a definite job in life to help meet the needs of the community
12. Fight to death to protect their own homes and young from enemies
13. Their social life compares with that of human beings in many respects
14. They are intelligent and wise
15. They carry out life's work without being forced to do so by a guide, overseer, or ruler

A worthless man; of Belial - His 7 sins:

1. Forward (perverse)
2. Winketh with his eyes
3. Speaketh with his feet
4. Teaches with his fingers
5. Frowardness (deceitfulness of heart)
6. Continual plots, schemes, and plans of sin
7. Soweth discord in familiies, churches, communities, or nations

3 places to bind truth:

1. Upon the heart (v 21)
2. Around the neck (3:3; 6:21)
3. Upon the fingers (7:3)

3 things truth is:

1. A lamp (v 23; Psalm 119:105)
2. A light (v 23; Psalm 119:105, 130)
3. Reproofs of instruction (v 23; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12)

7 things to be kept from:

1. The evil woman (v 24)
2. Her flattery (v 24)
3. Lust after her beauty (v 25)
4. Captivity by her eyelids (v 25)
5. Poverty through her (v 26)
6. Death by sin with her (v 26)
7. Sin with her (v 27-29)

6 evil effects of adultery:

1. Spiritual death (v 32; Romans 8:12-13)
2. Physical death (v 32; Leviticus 20:10, Deuteronomy 22:22)
3. Eternal death (v 32; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21; Revelation 21:8; 22:15)
4. A wound and dishonor. Among the Romans one caught in the act was delivered to the injured husband to be punished with infamy, disgrace, and even death if he willed (v 33-35)
5. Lasting reproach (v 33)
6. Blinding rage of the husband (v 34-35)