The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 20

Proverbs 20:1-30 (NIV)

Proverbs 20

¹ Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.

² A king's wrath is like the roar of a lion; he who angers him forfeits his life.

³ It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.

⁴ A sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing.

⁵ The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.

⁶ Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find?

⁷ The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him.

⁸ When a king sits on his throne to judge, he winnows out all evil with his eyes.

⁹ Who can say, "I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin"?

¹⁰ Differing weights and differing measures— the LORD detests them both.

¹¹ Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right.

¹² Ears that hear and eyes that see— the LORD has made them both.

¹³ Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare.

¹⁴ "It's no good, it's no good!" says the buyer; then off he goes and boasts about his purchase.

¹⁵ Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.

¹⁶ Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if he does it for a wayward woman.

¹⁷ Food gained by fraud tastes sweet to a man, but he ends up with a mouth full of gravel.

¹⁸ Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance.

¹⁹ A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much.

²⁰ If a man curses his father or mother, his lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.

²¹ An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning will not be blessed at the end.

²² Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you.

²³ The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him.

²⁴ A man's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way?

²⁵ It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows.

²⁶ A wise king winnows out the wicked; he drives the threshing wheel over them.

²⁷ The lamp of the LORD searches the spirit of a man ^a]">[a] ; it searches out his inmost being.

²⁸ Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure.

²⁹ The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.

³⁰ Blows and wounds cleanse away evil, and beatings purge the inmost being.

Footnotes:

1. Proverbs 20:27 Or The spirit of man is the LORD 's lamp

8 examples of intoxication:

1. Noah (Genesis 9:20-21)
2. Lot (Genesis 19:30-38)
3. Nabal (1 Samuel 25:36)
4. Elah (1 Kings 16:8-10)
5. Ben-hadad (1 Kings 20:16-21)
6. Ephraim (Isaiah 28:7)
7. Belshazzar (Daniel 5)
8. Ninevah (Nahum 1:10)

3 examples from ceasing from strife:

1. Abraham (Genesis 13:7-9)
2. Isaac (Genesis 26:12-30)
3. David (1 Samuel 25:32-34)

5 examples proclaiming own goodness:

1. Absalom (2 Samuel 15:4)
2. Jehu (2 Kings 10:16, 31)
3. The scribes (Matthew 6:2; 23:5)
4. The rich young ruler (Matthew 19:20-22)
5. The Pharisees (Luke 18:9-14)

3 unfailing laws:

1. He that curses father and mother shall be put to death and leave no posterity (Proverbs 20:20; Exodus 21:17; Leviticus 20:9)
2. Inheritances hastily gotten generally lead to idleness, pride, and sin (Proverbs 20:21)
3. To recompense evil for evil will not be blessed of the LORD; but those who trust God to reward evil in His own time shall be saved (Proverbs 20:22)

The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 19

Proverbs 19:1-29 (NIV)

1 Better the poor whose walk is blameless than a fool whose lips are perverse.

2 Desire without knowledge is not good — how much more will hasty feet miss the way!

3 A person’s own folly leads to their ruin,yet their heart rages against the LORD.

4 Wealth attracts many friends,but even the closest friend of the poor person deserts them.

5 A false witness will not go unpunished,and whoever pours out lies will not go free.

6 Many curry favor with a ruler,and everyone is the friend of one who gives gifts.

7 The poor are shunned by all their relatives — how much more do their friends avoid them! Though the poor pursue them with pleading,they are nowhere to be found.[a]

8 The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.

9 A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will perish.

10 It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury — how much worse for a slave to rule over princes!

11 A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.

12 A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.

13 A foolish child is a father’s ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like the constant dripping of a leaky roof.

14 Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.

15 Laziness brings on deep sleep, and the shiftless go hungry.

16 Whoever keeps commandments keeps their life, but whoever shows contempt for their ways will die.

17 Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.

18 Discipline your children, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to their death.

19 A hot-tempered person must pay the penalty; rescue them, and you will have to do it again.

20 Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.

21 Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.

22 What a person desires is unfailing love[b]; better to be poor than a liar.

23 The fear of the LORD leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.

24 A sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth!

25 Flog a mocker, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke the discerning, and they will gain knowledge.

26 Whoever robs their father and drives out their mother is a child who brings shame and disgrace.

27 Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.

28 A corrupt witness mocks at justice, and the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil.

29 Penalties are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools.

Footnotes:

1. Proverbs 19:7 The meaning of the Hebrew for this sentence is uncertain.
2. Proverbs 19:22 Or Greed is a person’s shame

The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 18

Proverbs 18:1-24 (NIV)

1 An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends and against all sound judgment starts quarrels.

2 Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.

3 When wickedness comes, so does contempt, and with shame comes reproach.

4 The words of the mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream.

5 It is not good to be partial to the wicked and so deprive the innocent of justice.

6 The lips of fools bring them strife, and their mouths invite a beating.

7 The mouths of fools are their undoing, and their lips are a snare to their very lives.

8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.

9 One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.

10 The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

11 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it a wall too high to scale.

12 Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.

13 To answer before listening — that is folly and shame.

14 The human spirit can endure in sickness,but a crushed spirit who can bear?

15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.

16 A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.

17 In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines.

18 Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart.

19 A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city; disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.

20 From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied.

21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

22 He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.

23 The poor plead for mercy, but the rich answer harshly.

24 One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 17

Proverbs 17:1-28 (NIV)

Proverbs 17

¹ Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, ^a]">[a] with strife.

² A wise servant will rule over a disgraceful son, and will share the inheritance as one of the brothers.

³ The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart.

⁴ A wicked man listens to evil lips; a liar pays attention to a malicious tongue.

⁵ He who mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.

⁶ Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.

⁷ Arrogant ^b]">[b] lips are unsuited to a fool— how much worse lying lips to a ruler!

⁸ A bribe is a charm to the one who gives it; wherever he turns, he succeeds.

⁹ He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.

¹⁰ A rebuke impresses a man of discernment more than a hundred lashes a fool.

¹¹ An evil man is bent only on rebellion; a merciless official will be sent against him.

¹² Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly.

¹³ If a man pays back evil for good, evil will never leave his house.

¹⁴ Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.

¹⁵ Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent— the LORD detests them both.

¹⁶ Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom?

¹⁷ A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

¹⁸ A man lacking in judgment strikes hands in pledge and puts up security for his neighbor.

¹⁹ He who loves a quarrel loves sin; he who builds a high gate invites destruction.

²⁰ A man of perverse heart does not prosper; he whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble.

²¹ To have a fool for a son brings grief; there is no joy for the father of a fool.

²² A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

²³ A wicked man accepts a bribe in secret to pervert the course of justice.

²⁴ A discerning man keeps wisdom in view, but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth.

²⁵ A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to the one who bore him.

²⁶ It is not good to punish an innocent man, or to flog officials for their integrity.

²⁷ A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.

²⁸ Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.

Footnotes:

1. Proverbs 17:1 Hebrew sacrifices
2. Proverbs 17:7 Or Eloquent

6 examples of being tested:

1. Abraham (Genesis 22)
2. Israel (Deuteronomy 8:2)
3. Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 32:31)
4. Mary and Martha (John 11:5-6)
5. Rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16-22)
6. The Syrophenecian woman (Matthew 15:23-28)

4 great sins:

1. Lying (v 4)
2. Deceit (v 4)
3. Mockery (v 5)
4. Gloating (v 5)

2 examples of mocking the poor:

1. Princes of Judah (Isaiah 3:14-15; 10:2)
2. The rich (James 5:4)

4 examples of beginning strife:

1. The Ephraimites (Judges 12:1-6)
2. Abner (2 Samuel 2:14-17)
3. Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 10:1-16)
4. Jeroboam (2 Chronicles 13:17)

4 examples of condemning the just:

1. The counsellors (Ezra 4:1-16)
2. Ahab and Jezebel (1 Kings 21:5-24)
3. The Jews (Matthew 27:11-50)
4. Tertullus (Acts 24:1-9)

7 examples of lack of wisdom:

1. Israel (2 Chronicles 30:10)
2. The Jews (Luke 4:28)
3. Herod Antipas (Luke 23:11)
4. The Jews (John 5:40; 8:45)
5. Athenians (Acts 17:32-33)
6. Felix (Acts 24:25-27)
7. Herod Agrippa (Acts 26:28)

10 examples of lasting friendship:

1. Abraham (Genesis 14:14)
2. Joseph (Genesis 45:5; 50:2)
3. Moses (Exodus 32:11-13; Deuteronomy 9:18-29)
4. Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:33)
5. Barzillai (2 Samuel 19:32)
6. Ahikam (Jeremiah 26:24)
7. Ebed-melech (Jeremiah 38:7)
8. Paul (Philemon 12, 20)
9. Barnabas (Acts 9:27)
10.Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:26)

4 examples of sparing words:

1. Aaron (Leviticus 10:3)
2. Moses (Numbers 16:4; 20:6)
3. Samuel (1 Samuel 8:6-8)
4. Christ (1 Peter 2:23)

The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 16

Proverbs 16:1-33 (NIV)

Proverbs 16

¹ To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the reply of the tongue.

² All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD.

³ Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.

⁴ The LORD works out everything for his own ends— even the wicked for a day of disaster.

⁵ The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.

⁶ Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil.

⁷ When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.

⁸ Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.

⁹ In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

¹⁰ The lips of a king speak as an oracle, and his mouth should not betray justice.

¹¹ Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are of his making.

¹² Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness.

¹³ Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value a man who speaks the truth.

¹⁴ A king's wrath is a messenger of death, but a wise man will appease it.

¹⁵ When a king's face brightens, it means life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.

¹⁶ How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!

¹⁷ The highway of the upright avoids evil; he who guards his way guards his life.

¹⁸ Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

¹⁹ Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.

²⁰ Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.

²¹ The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction. ^a]">[a]

²² Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it, but folly brings punishment to fools.

²³ A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction. ^b]">[b]

²⁴ Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

²⁵ There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.

²⁶ The laborer's appetite works for him; his hunger drives him on.

²⁷ A scoundrel plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.

²⁸ A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.

²⁹ A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him down a path that is not good.

³⁰ He who winks with his eye is plotting perversity; he who purses his lips is bent on evil.

³¹ Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.

³² Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.

³³ The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.

Footnotes:

1. Proverbs 16:21 Or words make a man persuasive
2. Proverbs 16:23 Or mouth / and makes his lips persuasive

3 examples of being clean in own eyes:

1. Jehu (2 Kings 10:16, 31)
2. Pharisee (Luke 18:11-14)
3. Paul (Acts 26:9)

5 examples of plans being established:

1. Jacob (Genesis 32:24-30; 46:1-6)
2. David (1 Samuel 17:45; 30:8-19)
3. Ezra (8:21-32)
4. Esther (Esther 4::14-17; 8:15-17)
5. Daniel (Daniel 6:10)

8 examples of being directed by God:

1. Joseph's brethren (Genesis 37:18-28; 45:5)
2. Paraoh's daughter (Exodus 2:5)
3. Saul (1 Samuel 9:3-16; 23:26-28)
4. Jesse (1 Samuel 16:8-11, 17:23, 53)
5. Syrians (2 Kings 5:2)
6. Zaccheus (Luke 19:1-10)
7. The Samaritan woman (John 4:7)
8. Saul (Acts 9:1-18)

15 facts about kings:

1. They are to rule in justice (Proverbs 16:10; 29:14; 31:5, 8,9)
2. To be righteous (Proverbs 16:12)
3. Stand for righteousness (Proverbs 16:12; 25:5)
4. Delight in truth (Proverbs 16:13)
5. Love the righteous (Proverbs 16:13; 20:26)
6. Have power of death (Proverbs 16:14)
7. Can be pacified (Proverbs 16:14)
8. Their favor is a blessing (Proverbs 16:15)
9. Must not be provoked (Proverbs 20:2)
10.Are to be feared by the wicked (Proverbs 20:8)
11.Are preserved by mercy and truth (Proverbs 20:28)
12.To be respected (Proverbs 24:21)
13.Are a stabilizing influence to a people (Proverbs 29:4)
14.Are to be virtuous and sober (Proverbs 31:1-4)
15.Are to obey the law (Proverbs 31:5)

7 examples of pride before destruction:

1. Asabel (2 Samuel 2:18-23)
2. Ben-hadad (1 Kings 20:3; 11, 32)
3. Babylon (Isaiah 47:10-11)
4. Azariah (Jeremiah 43:2-11)
5. Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:30-31)
6. Edom (Obadiah 3-4)
7. Herod Agrippa (Acts 12:21-23)

8 fundamental principles of life:

1. Handle matters wisely (Proverbs 16:20)
2. Trust in the Lord (Proverbs 16:20)
3. Be wise and prudent (Proverbs 16:21)
4. Increase knowledge (Proverbs 16:21)
5. Be sympathetic and understanding (Proverbs 16:22)
6. Reject folly and be open to instruction and education (Proverbs 16:22)
7. Speak always in wisdom (Proverbs 16:23)
8. Be pleasant and kind (Proverbs 16:24)

5 examples of wise hearts:

1. Eleazar (Genesis 24:34-49)
2. Jacob (Genesis 47:9)
3. Jesus Christ (Matthew 22:46; Luke 2:40-52)
4. Peter (Acts 3:12)
5. Paul (Acts 13:16-21; 14:17; 17:28; 24:25; 26:2-27; 1 Timothy 1:12-16)

6 common classes:

1. The laboring man (Proverbs 16:26)
2. The ungodly man (Proverbs 16:27)
3. The perverse man (Proverbs 16:28)
4. The whisperer (Proverbs 16:28)
5. The violent man (Proverbs 16:29)
6. The older man (Proverbs 16:31)

4 examples of sowing strife:

1. Princes of Ammon (2 Samuel 10:3)
2. Ziba (2 Samuel 16:3)
3. The Chaldeans (Daniel 3:18-13)
4. Herodias (Mark 6:19-20)

5 examples of righteous hoary heads:

1. Jacob (Genesis 47:9; 48:1)
2. Samuel (1 Samuel 12:2-4; 25:1)
3. Barzillai (2 Samuel 19:32-37)
4. Elisha (2 Kings 13:14)
5. Jehoida (2 Chronicles 24.15-16)

5 examples of slow to anger:

1. Isaac (Genesis 26:13-35)
2. Joseph (Genesis 37:23-36; 39:7-23)
3. Samson (Judges 16)
4. David (1 Samuel 17:22-51; 19:1-24:22)
5. Paul (2 Corinthians 6:4; Titus 1:7)

7 examples of being soon angry:

1. Cain (Genesis 4)
2. Esau (Genesis 27:41-46)
3. Simeon and Levi (Genesis 49:5-7)
4. Moses (Exodus 32:19)
5. Balaam (Numbers 22:22, 27)
6. Saul (1 Samuel 20:30, 34)
7. Jonah (Jonah 4)

The Book of Proverbs: School of Wisdom - 15

Proverbs, 15:1-33 (NIV)

Proverbs 15

¹ A gentle answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger.

² The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.

³ The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.

⁴ The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

⁵ A fool spurns his father's discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.

⁶ The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings them trouble.

⁷ The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools.

⁸ The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.

⁹ The LORD detests the way of the wicked but he loves those who pursue righteousness.

¹⁰ Stern discipline awaits him who leaves the path; he who hates correction will die.

¹¹ Death and Destruction ^a]">[a] lie open before the LORD—how much more the hearts of men!

¹² A mocker resents correction; he will not consult the wise.

¹³ A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.

¹⁴ The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

¹⁵ All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.

¹⁶ Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil.

¹⁷ Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred.

¹⁸ A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel.

¹⁹ The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.

²⁰ A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.

²¹ Folly delights a man who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding keeps a straight course.

²² Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

²³ A man finds joy in giving an apt reply—and how good is a timely word!

²⁴ The path of life leads upward for the wise to keep him from going down to the grave. ^b]">[b]

²⁵ The LORD tears down the proud man's house but he keeps the widow's boundaries intact.

²⁶ The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but those of the pure are pleasing to him.

²⁷ A greedy man brings trouble to his family, but he who hates bribes will live.

²⁸ The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.

²⁹ The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

³⁰ A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.

³¹ He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise.

³² He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.

³³ The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, ^c]">[c] and humility comes before honor.

Footnotes:

1. Proverbs 15:11 Hebrew Sheol and Abaddon
2. Proverbs 15:24 Hebrew Sheol
3. Proverbs 15:33 Or Wisdom teaches the fear of the LORD

5 examples of turning away wrath:

1. Aaron (Leviticus 10:16-20)
2. Reubenites (Joshua 22:15-34)
3. Gideon (Judges 8:1-3; Proverbs 15:18)
4. Hannah (1 Samuel 1:15-17)
5. Abigail (Samuel 25:23)

5 examples of grievous words:

1. The Ephraimites (Judges 12:1-4)
2. Men of Israel and Judah (2 Samuel 19:41)
3. Saul and Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:30-34)
4. Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 10:13-16
5. Eliphaz (Job 22:5)

3 examples of God seeing evil:

1. Adam and Eve (Genesis 3)
2. Achan and his sin (Joshua 7)
3. Belshazzar (Daniel 5)

3 examples of God seeing good:

1. Abraham (Genesis 22)
2. Joseph (Genesis 39)
3. Jesus Christ (Acts 10:38)

46 ways of a fool: He:

1. Is jealous and envious (1 Samuel 26:21)
2. Insensible to danger (2 Samuel 3:33)
3. Denies God (Psalm 14:1; 53:1)
4. Is ignorant of the future (Psalm 49:10)
5. Is ignorant of God (Psalm 92:6)
6. Is a whoremonger (Proverbs 7:22)
7. Reject's God's commandments (Proverbs 10:8)
8. Chatters empty talk (Proverbs 10:8, 10)
9. Utters slander (Proverbs 10:18)
10. Is a mischief maker (Proverbs 10:23)
11. Is self-conceited (Proverbs 12:15)
12. Proclaims foolishness (Proverbs 12:23)
13. Parades his own folly (Proverbs 13:16)
14. Quick-tempered (Proverbs 14:17)
15. Rages and lives in sin (Proverbs 14:16)
16. Pours out foolishness (Proverbs 15:2)
17. Despises parents (Proverbs 15:5)
18. Incapable of decent speech (Proverbs 17:7)
19. Does not profit by reproof (Proverbs 17:10)
20. Is insensible (Proverbs 17:12)
21. Is not interested in wisdom (Proverbs 17:16)
22. Is a shame to parents (Proverbs 17:21)
23. Is always dissatisfied (Proverbs 17:24)
24. Is contentious (Proverbs 18:6)
25. Has no delight in knowledge (Proverbs 18:2)
26. Is perverse in speech (Proverbs 19:1)
27. Cannot appreciate luxury and honor (Proverbs 19:10; 26:1, 8)
28. Is a meddler (Proverbs 20:3)
29. Despises wisdom (23:9)
30. Is incapable of wisdom (Proverbs 24:7)
31. Gives foolish answers (Proverbs 26:4-5)
32. Is not dependable (Proverbs 26:6)
33. Is hopeless (Proverbs 26:12)
34. Is inseparable from folly (Proverbs 26:11; 27:22)
35. Trusts in himself (Proverbs 28:26)
36. Utters all he knows (Proverbs 29:11)
37. Is unbearable (Proverbs 30:21-22)
38. Walks in darkness (Ecclesiastes 2:14)
39. Destroys self (Ecclesiastes 4:5; 10:12)
40. Is light and frivolous (Ecclesiastes 7:6)
41. Acknowledges he is a fool (Ecclesiastes 10:3)
42. Is full of empty words (Ecclesiastes 10:14)
43. Has no foresight (Matthew 7:26; 25:2-3)
44. Is covetous (Luke 12:20-21)
45. Constantly debates non-essentials (2 Timothy 2:23)
46. Is ignorant (1 Peter 2:15)

3 examples of wicked sacrificing:

1. Cain (Genesis 4:5)
2. Saul (1 Samuel 15)
3. Jews (Isaiah 1:11-15; 66:3)

3 examples of hating reproof:

1. Ahab (2 Chronicles 18:7; Proverbs 17:4)
2. The Jews (Amos 5:10)
3. The Pharisees (Luke 7:30)

4 examples of seeking knowledge:

1. Solomon (1 Kings 3:5-10; Proverbs 19:8)
2. Queen of Sheba (1 Kings 10; Matthew 12:42)
3. The Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:28)
4. The Bereans (Acts 17:11)

4 contrasted ways:

1. The way of the wise - way of the fool
2. The way of life - the way of death
3. The way above - the way beneath
4. The way to heaven - the way to hell

6 examples of hating own soul:

1. Dathan (Numbers 16:12-14, 31-33)
2. Zedekiah (2 Chronicles 36:12; Jeremiah 39:1-7)
3. Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:27-33)
4. Belshazzar (Daniel 5:22-30)
5. The Jews (Matthew 23:34-38)
6. The Gadarenes (Luke 8:37)

4 examples of getting knowledge:

1. Job's friends (Job 42:7-9)
2. The Samaritan woman (John 4:17)
3. Two disciples (Luke 23:26-32)
4. Paul (Acts 9:6-22)

12 blessings of fear of the Lord: It

1. Is the beginning of the wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10)
2. Determine destiny (Proverbs 1:29)
3. Helps depart from evil (Proverbs 3:7; 16:6)
4. Is to hate evil (Proverbs 8:13)
5. Prolongs days (10:27)
6. Gives strong confidence (Proverbs 14:26)
7. Is a fountain of life (Proverbs 14:27)
8. Produces satisfaction (Proverbs 15:16)
9. Is the instruction of wisdom (Proverbs 15:33)
10. Tends to life (Proverbs 19:23)
11. Gives riches, honor and life (Proverbs 22:4)
12. Brings blessings (Ecclesiastes 8:12)

5 examples of humility before honor:

1. Joseph (Genesis 39:1 - 41:57)
2. Gideon (Judges 6:15)
3. Daniel (Daniel 2:30-48)
4. Hananiah (Nehemiah 7:2)
5. Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:5-11)

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)