As I read this chapter, I felt it crucial to underscore a ‘few verses,’ as we ALL need the wisdom that comes from the very Breath of God. Yet, as I read, I couldn’t possibly choose one or two well-spoken verses, because each one can radically change one’s perspective-IF taken to heart and put into practice.
1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise adorns 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 soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.
5 A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.
6 The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings ruin.
7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the hearts of fools are not upright.
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 anyone who leaves the path; the one who hates correction will die.
11 Death and Destruction lie open before the LORD— how much more do human hearts!
12 Mockers resent correction, so they avoid 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 small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred.
18 A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient 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 brings joy to one who has no sense, but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.
22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.
23 A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!
24 The path of life leads upward for the prudent to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead.
25 The LORD tears down the house of the proud, but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place.
26 The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but gracious words are pure in his sight.
27 The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one 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 Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.
31 Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.
32 Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.
33 Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor.
The Holy Bible: Emphasis is mine in all instances.
How amazing life would be, if ONLY we would make it our daily goals, to heed the instructions of King Solomon. He was not perfect, by far, yet as the man who was wisely endowed from God, King Solomon-through the Holy Spirit of God, gave us words to live by.
He failed in his own life by not following his own words. Why? Because there is intelligence and there is common sense. One can be highly intelligent-a gift from God, but if not combined with the common sense to use that intelligence-we may as well be as dumb as a rock.
We must always be mindful of consequences! God will forgive us when we behave foolishly-if we repent, but He never promised we would not have to deal with the consequences of our behavior, choices, decisions, etc.
Sin can be forgiven. Consequences can live on……for the rest of our lives!
THINK before you act!
Run With Endurance, The Race God Has Set Before You.
Hebrews 12:1
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