Contributor: Adewale Abiona
CHAPTER 11
Vs 1,3 - The Lord detests the use of dishonest scales, but He delights in accurate weights. Honesty guides good people; dishonesty destroys treacherous people.
Here we see the benefits of righteousness and the pitfalls of wickedness in various aspects of life (vs 6-7). Vs 21 talk about beauty without discretion is like gold in the snout of a pig. Vs 25 explained that the generous will prosper and be refreshed, just as their good deed is refreshing to others.
The actions of the godly leave a positive impact on the people and in the community but the wicked is not so, people rejoice at their demise. (vs 10-11, 29-31)
CHAPTER 12
Whosoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid(vs1). The diligent will get the reward they deserve(vs24). Hash words break relationship, but a careful and a thoughtful word brings healing(vs18).
This chapter present the difference in character of the wise and the foolish. The wise are those that are disciplined and happy when corrected. It shows the contrast in the behaviour of the wicked and the righteous and what will be their end. One important thing and an encouragement for everyone who stand for the truth is that lies will soon be exposed(vs19). It also highlights the importance of a godly wife (vs5).
CHAPTER 13
In this chapter we more of the consequences of our choices. If we are going to get the best out of life and fit into God’s plan and purpose for our life, we are encouraged to follow path of the righteous.
Godliness guards the path of the blameless, but the evil are misled by sin (vs6). The rich can pay a ransom for their lives, but the poor won’t even get threatened. The life of the godly is full of light and joy, but the light of the wicked will be snuffed out (vs8-9). Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble (vs20).
CHAPTER 14
When we look at this chapter, it is very clear that the mouth of the fool is a rod that beats them(vs3). Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains(vs13). In other words, pain the ungodly might be hiding with a big smile, you may not understand. Vs19 goes further to say, “Evil people will bow before good people; the wicked will bow at the gates of the godly”, that is evil will never prevail.
In vs26-27 is a clear distinction of what those who fear the Lord get compared to the ungodly. “Those who fear the Lord are secure; he will be a refuge for their children. Fear of the Lord is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death”
CHAPTER 15
In this chapter, we can see the impacts of the godly (wise) and the ungodly (foolish), wherever they are, in the family, community fellowship or the nation at large. Godly people are a treasure, bringing peace and harmony while the ungodly brings trouble. There is treasure in the house of the godly, but the earnings of the wicked bring trouble (vs6). Vs3 The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good, and in vs8 it says The Lord reject the sacrifice of the wicked and honour the prayer of the upright. Vs 17 sum it all up for us, it is better to dwell where love is than where riches abound with wickedness. “A bowl of vegetables with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate”.
CHAPTER 16
This sum of this chapter is that God determines what will happen. Yes, we can make plan as man and set thing in motion, but the outcome will only be according to His plan for his own children. But for the ungodly, it will be according to his principles. (vs1, 33). Isaiah 3:10-11 As a godly person, when the motive is right and are in line with His plan (vs2), then you will ask a thing or plan something, and it will come to pass because your heart was guided by Him and that you have taken counsel from His word. Even when there are oppositions of the wicked, vs7 says when your lifestyle pleasant to Him, even your enemies will be at peace with you. When we consider Vs 18 & 25 pride goes before a fall…& there is a part that seems right to man, but it ends in failure, you will see that both is saying the Lord determines how everything will end. The pride will fall from their horse back and those who think they are wise in their own eyes will definitely fail.
CHAPTER 17
This chapter show how our personality in terms of the words of our mouth and the thought of our heart affects our life and relationships. It Start by showing us what privilege and favour wisdom can bring to us, access to what we have no right to. Vs 2 A wise servant will rule over the master’s disgraceful son and will share the inheritance of the master’s children and ends with vs 28 a fool is considered wise because they understand when to silent.
Just one example in vs 9 “Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends”. Both our mouth and heart are required in the fulfilment of the above verse. With your heart you will forgive and with your mouth you will proclaim it. By doing, what the verse is saying, you will keep your relationship intact and give yourself a peaceful atmosphere.
CHAPTER 18
Verse 1-6 list some of the things a foolish person delights in, but will also ruin themselves with their own mouth vs7.
Vs 21 The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. Through this chapter we understand that wisdom is profitable to direct, especially when it comes to engaging other people. Vs 18 says “Flipping a coin can end arguments; it settles disputes between powerful opponents”. Leaving an argument can preserve life just as engaging in some can destroy. Again, we see how the life of the wise can be preserved and how a fool can endangered their own life. It also mentions in vs 16 that a man’s gift(wisdom and godly character) will make room for him and position them for favour, including good wife/husband
A fool delights in his own opinions. The name of LORD is a strong tower. A gift opens the way. The tongue can bring life or death.
CHAPTER 19 - 20
There is a call for us to make a wise choice; honesty over dishonesty (19 vs 5, 9, 28-29). To be generous instead of being stingy (19 vs 17),
To be diligent rather than being lazy (19 vs 15,24; 20 vs13) because laziness tend to poverty and the poor are alone(19 vs 4,7)
To discipline children when they are much younger than indulging them (19 vs18)
These is because people ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord (19 vs 3)
To be sober and of an humble spirit than to be fill with wine and alcohol and be led astray. (20 vs1)
It is emphasised once again that the Lord sees the heart of everyone, and He will expose the hidden thing, therefore we need to purify our heart.
Wisdom suggests that we let go and let God since He will determine the outcome (20 vs 24) The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendour of the old. (20 vs29). It is advisable that the young once allow themselves to be guided (19 vs 2)
In conclusion, there is wisdom for everyday living, covering every aspect of our life. The choice is ours, to be wise and be saved or to be fools and reap the consequence that comes with it.
Whatever your choice is, it will show in your character, conduct. (20 vs 11) “There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death” (14:12).
