Wise Up: Proverbs 14
Proverbs 14 (NIV)
1 The wise woman builds her house,
but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.
2 Whoever fears the Lord walks uprightly,
but those who despise him are devious in their ways.
3 A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride,
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 come abundant harvests.
5 An honest 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 fool,
for you will not find knowledge on their 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 appears to be right,
but in the end it leads to death.
13 Even in laughter the heart may ache,
and rejoicing may end in grief.
14 The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways,
and the good rewarded for theirs.
15 The simple believe anything,
but the prudent give thought to their steps.
16 The wise fear the Lord and shun evil,
but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure.
17 A quick-tempered person does foolish things,
and the one who devises evil schemes is hated.
18 The simple inherit folly,
but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19 Evildoers 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 It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor,
but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.
22 Do not those who plot evil go astray?
But those who plan what is good find 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 Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress,
and for their children it will be a refuge.
27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,
turning a person from the snares of death.
28 A large population is a king’s glory,
but without subjects a prince is ruined.
29 Whoever is patient has great understanding,
but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.
30 A heart at peace gives life to the body,
but envy rots the bones.
31 Whoever 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 seek refuge in God.
33 Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning
and even among fools she lets herself be known.
34 Righteousness exalts a nation,
but sin condemns any people.
35 A king delights in a wise servant,
but a shameful servant arouses his fury.
Great reminders once again about wisdom and its value in our everyday lives. May I always remember that God delights in a wise servant.
I love how our God loves and gives value to all of His creation, regardless of our station in life. We all matter so much to Him, poor, rich, healthy, ill, simple, brilliant. Oh what a kind Abba we have.
Proverbs 14:21 & 31
It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.
Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.
Being kind and caring for the needy is such a practical way to honor God.
There are many good verses today about deceit, discernment and fear (trust)
I love this one…
26 Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress,
and for their children it will be a refuge.
This one stood out to me as well, Annette. I love the visual image of a secure fortress.
I liked this one too. I want my home and my life to be a secure fortress to my daughter and my grandkids. Lord keep my eyes on you that I may fear you, worship you, and honor you.
Proverbs 14:30
A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.
I was just having a pity-party yesterday about how much progress “other people” have made and how little progress I feel that I’ve made. Being envious isn’t going to help or change anything. Having peace in my heart and trusting in the will of God is what I need to spend my thoughts on.
God has abundantly blessed us. But that is no guarantee that it will continue:
34 Righteousness exalts a nation,
but sin condemns any people.
It does make a difference how God’s People impact our neighbors and the World.
Very timely right now Norm.
I really liked this verse as well. We as a people and a nation must consider this. Thanks Norm for reminding me.
22 Do not those who plot evil go astray?
But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.
Aside from the occasional cranky thought, I don’t plot evil. But I’m not sure that I plan what is good either. I don’t think we’re talking family vacations here. We know that God’s plans for us are good, so He is good at it. Today I answer the invitation to become intentional about planning what is good. Lord please teach me and lead me in this matter.
3 A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride,
but the lips of the wise protect them.
Another reminder to mind our words. I must remember to ask God for wisdom before I speak.
1 The wise woman builds her house,
but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.
Lord, you have provided and blessed us with a place to call home. We have been there for 4 years and will continue to be there until you tell us to go. I thank you God for what you have given us. I ask that you keep me wise to continue to build up my home for Isaiah and I. Holy Spirit, help me not into foolish in my actions and words in our home. In the name of Jesus, AMEN!