#927 Proverbs 22 A Good Name

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,

and favor is better than silver or gold.

2 The rich and the poor meet together;

the Lord is the Maker of them all.

3 The prudent sees danger and hides himself,

but the simple go on and suffer for it.

4 The reward for humility and fear of the Lord

is riches and honor and life.

5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked;

whoever guards his soul will keep far from them.

6 Train up a child in the way he should go;

even when he is old he will not depart from it.

7 The rich rules over the poor,

and the borrower is the slave of the lender.

8 Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity,

and the rod of his fury will fail.

9 Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed,

for he shares his bread with the poor.

10 Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out,

and quarreling and abuse will cease.

11 He who loves purity of heart,

and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.

12 The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge,

but he overthrows the words of the traitor.

13 The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside!

I shall be killed in the streets!”

14 The mouth of forbidden women is a deep pit;

he with whom the Lord is angry will fall into it.

15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,

but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.

16 Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth,

or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.

Words of the Wise

17 Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise,

and apply your heart to my knowledge,

18 for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you,

if all of them are ready on your lips.

19 That your trust may be in the Lord,

I have made them known to you today, even to you.

20 Have I not written for you thirty sayings

of counsel and knowledge,

21 to make you know what is right and true,

that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?

22 Do not rob the poor, because he is poor,

or crush the afflicted at the gate,

23 for the Lord will plead their cause

and rob of life those who rob them.

24 Make no friendship with a man given to anger,

nor go with a wrathful man,

25 lest you learn his ways

and entangle yourself in a snare.

26 Be not one of those who give pledges,

who put up security for debts.

27 If you have nothing with which to pay,

why should your bed be taken from under you?

28 Do not move the ancient landmark

that your fathers have set.

29 Do you see a man skillful in his work?

He will stand before kings;

he will not stand before obscure men. Proverbs 22 ESV

Proverbs 22

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches - Do not sell out; you may say "integrity", over and over again, but it will be lost to you. It will not be the truth no matter how much you insist upon the claim.

The Lord is the maker of them all - Every life matters because we were made in the image of God, not for what a man has, his looks, wealth or lack. God has put integrity as the mark above all these things. We only have the right to point out those behaviors which have already been judged. The greatest in the kingdom of heaven will be considered the least by men's standards here.

26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness, to rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, and over all the earth itself and every creature that crawls upon it.” 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.… Genesis 1: 26-27

…19 By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground—because out of it were you taken. For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.” 20 And Adam named his wife Eve, because she would become the mother of all the living. Genesis 3: 19-20

But the simple go and suffer for it - No discernment; he cannot see the danger ahead or does not understand the magnitude. He does not recognize the times, the changing of the sky, the seasons, or the temperament of those who can do him harm. 

…2 But He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘The weather will be fair, for the sky is red,’ 3 and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but not the signs of the times! 4 A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” Then He left them and went away.… Matthew 16: 2-4

The reward for humility and fear of the Lord - 

…42 but I know you, that you do not have the love of God within you. 43 I have come in My Father’s name, and you have not received Me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will receive him. 44 How can you believe if you accept glory from one another, yet do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?… John 5: 42-44

…10 But when you are invited, go and sit in the last place, so that your host will come and tell you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in front of everyone at the table with you. 11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” 12 Then Jesus said to the man who had invited Him, “When you host a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or brothers or relatives or rich neighbors. Otherwise, they may invite you in return, and you will be repaid.… Luke 14: 10-12

Train up a child in the way he should go - Do not leave this to the world, schools, culture, television, make sure that you acknowledge both the blessing and responsibility of children. Teach them what God says, and pray for Him to keep them in the way. Speak and walk before them in a manner worthy of our Lord.

And the borrower is slave of the lender - We have been taught the opposite in this day, that if you want something now then you should have it now. If you don't have the money for it then borrow the money. We have taught our children to seek needless debt, and we have become slaves to our appetites. 

I shall be killed in the streets - These are the words of the sluggard, there is a lion outside, so he cannot go to work. People find it difficult to accept that death is the wage of every man. The sluggard uses this as an excuse not to work, for he fears for his life, but he is really just lazy. I drive a car to work every day with the knowledge that people get into car accidents. I have proof, for I see them pulled off to the side every day, and I have been in accidents myself, but if I stay home then I and my family will starve. Work is necessary to life, but those who will not force the sluggard to work will end up being his slave.

Folly is bound up in the heart of a child - If you do not discipline your children then life will. The same people who tell you not to withhold anything from them, to give in to all their whining, will be the same people to call the cops on your kids when their "rights" are infringed upon. 

Or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty - It's strange but people suck up like this every day. They will walk past a poor man to give a rich man what he doesn't need.  

…26 If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless. 27 Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1: 26-27

For the Lord will plead their cause - You will not win in this court, there will be a reckoning.

Make no friendship with a man given to anger - It will come back to haunt you. Those who do not have self control will always justify their wrath, will pull out grenades for every small thing, destroying friendships and making every man their enemy. It is self righteous and they think that all the world should bow to their ego.

Do not move the ancient landmark - This is a form of stealing, trying to expand into another's land. Respect other people's property.

Do you see a man skillful in his work - These men are a pleasure to watch and appreciate in their craft. They perform at a high level and this is to the pleasure of good kings, who would seek to reward such labor. 

#926 Proverbs 21 Eye Ways

The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord;

he turns it wherever he will.

2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,

but the Lord weighs the heart.

3 To do righteousness and justice

is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart,

the lamp of the wicked, are sin.

5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance,

but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.

6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue

is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.

7 The violence of the wicked will sweep them away,

because they refuse to do what is just.

8 The way of the guilty is crooked,

but the conduct of the pure is upright.

9 It is better to live in a corner of the housetop

than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.

10 The soul of the wicked desires evil;

his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes.

11 When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise;

when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.

12 The Righteous One observes the house of the wicked;

he throws the wicked down to ruin.

13 Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor

will himself call out and not be answered.

14 A gift in secret averts anger,

and a concealed bribe, strong wrath.

15 When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous

but terror to evildoers.

16 One who wanders from the way of good sense

will rest in the assembly of the dead.

17 Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man;

he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.

18 The wicked is a ransom for the righteous,

and the traitor for the upright.

19 It is better to live in a desert land

than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman.

20 Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling,

but a foolish man devours it.

21 Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness

will find life, righteousness, and honor.

22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty

and brings down the stronghold in which they trust.

23 Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue

keeps himself out of trouble.

24 “Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man

who acts with arrogant pride.

25 The desire of the sluggard kills him,

for his hands refuse to labor.

26 All day long he craves and craves,

but the righteous gives and does not hold back.

27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination;

how much more when he brings it with evil intent.

28 A false witness will perish,

but the word of a man who hears will endure.

29 A wicked man puts on a bold face,

but the upright gives thought to his ways.

30 No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel

can avail against the Lord.

31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle,

but the victory belongs to the Lord. Proverbs 21 ESV

Proverbs 21

He turns it wherever He will - God is the true sovereign, and this is a comfort when we look at our leaders, because they are all sinful creatures like ourselves. A king can purpose something in his mind, but God knows his heart, and He may obstruct, remove obstruction, or change the king's mind. Our rulers are also a reflection of our general state, of both God's judgement and His mercy. It is our tendency to view them in a harsher way, assigning evil, or too lightly, not speaking up for good. They are just men after all, and we should have enough humility, realizing our own lack, to pray for them, and hope for their best in doing justice.

1 First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered on behalf of all men 2 for kings and all those in authority, so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,… 1 Timothy 2: 1-3

…11 The magicians could not stand before Moses, because the boils had broken out on them and on all the Egyptians. 12 But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had told Moses. Exodus 9: 11-12

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes - We are all the heroes in our story because we think too highly of ourselves. Even our ideals of humility are fraught with pride, evaluating ourselves as humble, logical, reasonable creatures, or for some as necessarily arrogant. All are hypocrites, thinking we choose justly, spinning the results of our decisions in a way that paints us in the best light. We cannot tolerate a true portrait of ourselves for that is not the picture we see in our mind's eye.

As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone. 19 You know the commandments, ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” 20 And he said to Him, “Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth up.” 21 Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 22 But at these words he was saddened, and he went away grieving, for he was one who owned much property. Mark 10: 17-22

To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice - It is the fallacy of a fallen nature, just like being right in our own eyes, to put more upon religious ceremony and ritual than obedience to God. The prosperity and self help teachers of our day, have called it science what is really superstition. "I give this, God has to give me back what I want. I send Him beads, trinkets, repetitious prayers, give to this ministry, and God gives me back the desires of my heart," though the heart is wicked and deceitful above all things. We think we may steal in one place, but make up for it in confession before a "priest", cover our sins with Hail Mary, or by giving a gift to a supposed "man of God". The God of the Bible is not worshiped this way.

…4 because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. 5 Therefore, when Christ came into the world, He said: “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You prepared for me. 6 In burnt offerings and sin offerings You took no delight.… Hebrews 10: 4-6

…2 You crave what you do not have; you kill and covet, but are unable to obtain it. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask. 3 And when you do ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may squander it on your pleasures. 4 You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God.… James 4: 2-4

But everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty - Consider the cost. Look at what resources you have, weigh the risk verses the gain, be reasonable in your estimations. There is a lot of waste with poor stewardship and not researching and planning properly. Carefully listen to what people propose, seek good counsel, and that may protect you from the snake oil salesman.

…27 And whoever does not carry his cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple. 28 Which of you, wishing to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost to see if he has the resources to complete it? 29 Otherwise, if he lays the foundation and is unable to finish the work, everyone who sees it will ridicule him,…Luke 14: 27-29

It is better to live in a corner of a housetop - 

What a great affliction it is to a man to have a brawling scolding woman for his wife, who upon every occasion, and often upon no occasion, breaks out into a passion, and chides either him or those about her, is fretful to herself and furious to her children and servants, and, in both, vexatious to her husband. If a man has a wide house, spacious and pompous, this will embitter the comfort of it to him—a house of society (so the word is), in which a man may be sociable, and entertain his friends; this will make both him and his house unsociable, and unfit for enjoyments of true friendship. It makes a man ashamed of his choice and his management, and disturbs his company. What many a man is forced to do under such an affliction. He cannot keep up his authority. He finds it to no purpose to contradict the most unreasonable passion, for it is unruly and rages so much the more; and his wisdom and grace will not suffer him to render railing for railing, nor his conjugal affection to use any severity, and therefore he finds it his best way to retire into a corner of the house-top, and sit alone there, out of the hearing of her clamour; and if he employ himself well there, as he may do, it is the wisest course he can take. Better do so than quit the house, and go into bad company, for diversion, as many, who, like Adam, make their wife’s sin the excuse of their own. - Matthew Henry

When a scoffer is punished the simple becomes wise - He learns from their mistake, and will avoid the same action because of the consequence, but the reverse is also true. 

Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor - It is sad when we hit the state in which we cannot be bothered. It is sad when we speak up only for someone else to intervene, but will not take up the cross our-self.

A gift in secret averts anger - Abigail

Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man - He will have no restraint, borrow and beg to keep in his way.

The wicked is a ransom for the righteous -

The wicked, that are the troublers of a land, ought to be punished, for the preventing and turning away of those national judgments which otherwise will be inflicted and in which even the righteous are many times involved. Thus when Achan was stoned he was a ransom for the camp of righteous Israel; and the seven sons of Saul, when they were hanged, were a ransom for the kingdom of righteous David. 2. What is often done by the providence of God: The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked comes in his stead, and so seems as if he were a ransom for him, ch. 11:8 . God will rather leave many wicked people to be cut off than abandon his own people. I will give men for thee, Isa. 43:3, Isa. 43:4 . - Matthew Henry

Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue - A hard lesson, and pride will not acknowledge the seriousness of these words. 

For his hands refuse to labor - He loves ease and it starves him to death. Teach your children this.

#925 Proverbs 20 The Bottle

Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler,

and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.

2 The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion;

whoever provokes him to anger forfeits his life.

3 It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife,

but every fool will be quarreling.

4 The sluggard does not plow in the autumn;

he will seek at harvest and have nothing.

5 The purpose in a man's heart is like deep water,

but a man of understanding will draw it out.

6 Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love,

but a faithful man who can find?

7 The righteous who walks in his integrity—

blessed are his children after him!

8 A king who sits on the throne of judgment

winnows all evil with his eyes.

9 Who can say, “I have made my heart pure;

I am clean from my sin”?

10 Unequal weights and unequal measures

are both alike an abomination to the Lord.

11 Even a child makes himself known by his acts,

by whether his conduct is pure and upright.

12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye,

the Lord has made them both.

13 Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty;

open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread.

14 “Bad, bad,” says the buyer,

but when he goes away, then he boasts.

15 There is gold and abundance of costly stones,

but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.

16 Take a man's garment when he has put up security for a stranger,

and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for foreigners.

17 Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man,

but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel.

18 Plans are established by counsel;

by wise guidance wage war.

19 Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets;

therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.

20 If one curses his father or his mother,

his lamp will be put out in utter darkness.

21 An inheritance gained hastily in the beginning

will not be blessed in the end.

22 Do not say, “I will repay evil”;

wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you.

23 Unequal weights are an abomination to the Lord,

and false scales are not good.

24 A man's steps are from the Lord;

how then can man understand his way?

25 It is a snare to say rashly, “It is holy,”

and to reflect only after making vows.

26 A wise king winnows the wicked

and drives the wheel over them.

27 The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord,

searching all his innermost parts.

28 Steadfast love and faithfulness preserve the king,

and by steadfast love his throne is upheld.

29 The glory of young men is their strength,

but the splendor of old men is their gray hair.

30 Blows that wound cleanse away evil;

strokes make clean the innermost parts. Proverbs 20

Proverbs 20

Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler - It is a mocker to the one who abuses it, and it makes them easy to be mocked by others. I remember waking up in beds I never would have entertained sober. I have heard the horror stories from girls who have woken up not knowing who or how many had violated them. I have known the brawler, been the brawler, but can't recall what led to the fight. There was a man where I lived who drank with us often, and he was hit in the head with a pool stick, died later that night, from an aneurysm, walking up his driveway. Another man I knew to be an angry drunk was shot by his best friend when the two were arguing over drinks while out hunting. I have blamed alcohol on plenty of occasions, but if that is what led me to sin then my lack of moderation must also be a sin. I have been fortunate on so many occasions that I did not get a DUI, that the other person walked away from the fight, when I was barely able to stand, much less able to defend myself. 

The Bottle

It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife - Men have a warped sense of honor, and rarely see it as their ego, but rather portray it as just wrath. Even more rare is the man who looks ahead to it and stops it before it begins.

“To stint it rather than to stir it; to be first in promoting peace and seeking reconciliation, as Abraham did in the controversy with Lot.” (Trapp)

But a faithful man who can find - Everyone claims friend, "I would die for you brother", but words are cheap. Peter denied Christ 3 times after he had pledged his undying devotion to Him.

…33 Peter said to Him, “Even if all fall away on account of You, I never will.” 34“Truly I tell you,” Jesus declared, “this very night before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” 35 Peter replied, “Even if I have to die with You, I will never deny You.” And all the other disciples said the same thing.… Matthew 26: 33-35

Who can say, "I have made my heart pure, I am clean from my sin - The self righteous will utter as much here, but they have not even stood before God cloaked in the whirl wind. All have sinned and fallen short, continue to have iniquity in their heart, and the heart is deceitful above all things, telling a man that he is righteous in himself.

…3 Do You open your eyes to one like this? Will You bring him into judgment before You? 4 Who can bring clean out of unclean? No one! 5 Since his days are determined and the number of his months is with You, and since You have set limits that he cannot exceed,… Job 14: 3-5

“Only vain people can boast that they have pure hearts. But the boast, far from showing their goodness, demonstrates their blindness. Man is so depraved that he cannot understand his own depravity.” (Bridges)

…7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.… 1 John 1: 7-9

Bad, bad, says the buyer - He tells the seller how worthless his product is, picks it apart, and then goes away bragging about what a steal he got it for. The hypocrisy comes in that he would sell it for much more than he paid for it, convincing another buyer that it was precious, an heirloom, desirable. 

Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man -

“Such a bitter-sweet was Adam’s apple, Esau’s mess, the Israelites’ quails, Jonathan’s honey, the Amalekites’ cakes after the sack of Ziklag, [1 Samuel 30:16] Adonijah’s dainties, [1 Kings 1:9] which ended in horror; ever after the meal is ended, comes the reckoning.” (Trapp)

If one curses his father or mother - 

1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2“Honor your father and mother” (which is the first commandment with a promise),… Ephesians 6: 1-2

Do not say, "I will repay evil" - 

…18 If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.”… Romans 12: 18-20

It is a snare to say rashly, "it is holy" - We speak to quickly when we speak in the moment of emotional euphoria or stressful anxiety. It is not wise to make vows and then later consider the cost. Words are a small thing to us, but not to God. Keep your promises and keep your tongue.

A wise king winnows the wicked - He looks upon his administration and removes those that would be a blemish or stumbling block to justice. Fools put men in power who operate under the table and abuse position for favors. No just rule can come from them because they are not servants to the people or God, Who has made all men in His image. It makes kingdoms, corporations and all places under the charge of the narcissist, the greedy, the corrupt, a place much less than it could be, and a horror for some.

#924 Proverbs 19 Better Than Money

Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity

than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.

2 Desire without knowledge is not good,

and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.

3 When a man's folly brings his way to ruin,

his heart rages against the Lord.

4 Wealth brings many new friends,

but a poor man is deserted by his friend.

5 A false witness will not go unpunished,

and he who breathes out lies will not escape.

6 Many seek the favor of a generous man,

and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.

7 All a poor man's brothers hate him;

how much more do his friends go far from him!

He pursues them with words, but does not have them.

8 Whoever gets sense loves his own soul;

he who keeps understanding will discover good.

9 A false witness will not go unpunished,

and he who breathes out lies will perish.

10 It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury,

much less for a slave to rule over princes.

11 Good sense makes one slow to anger,

and it is his glory to overlook an offense.

12 A king's wrath is like the growling of a lion,

but his favor is like dew on the grass.

13 A foolish son is ruin to his father,

and a wife's quarreling is a continual dripping of rain.

14 House and wealth are inherited from fathers,

but a prudent wife is from the Lord.

15 Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep,

and an idle person will suffer hunger.

16 Whoever keeps the commandment keeps his life;

he who despises his ways will die.

17 Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord,

and he will repay him for his deed.

18 Discipline your son, for there is hope;

do not set your heart on putting him to death.

19 A man of great wrath will pay the penalty,

for if you deliver him, you will only have to do it again.

20 Listen to advice and accept instruction,

that you may gain wisdom in the future.

21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man,

but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

22 What is desired in a man is steadfast love,

and a poor man is better than a liar.

23 The fear of the Lord leads to life,

and whoever has it rests satisfied;

he will not be visited by harm.

24 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish

and will not even bring it back to his mouth.

25 Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence;

reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge.

26 He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother

is a son who brings shame and reproach.

27 Cease to hear instruction, my son,

and you will stray from the words of knowledge.

28 A worthless witness mocks at justice,

and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.

29 Condemnation is ready for scoffers,

and beating for the backs of fools. Proverbs 19 ESV

Proverbs 19

Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity - 

For the clinical pragmatist this will violate his world view; he or she will not see how it could possibly be better to be poor. They will see an advantage in claiming integrity, but since it is not the aim of their pursuit, not held above gain, the end will justify their means. They tell white lies, half truths, turn red in the face when their integrity is brought into question, but it is pride and words. They read books on how to win friends and influence people, how to look and sound sincere, what and what not to say, social reeds blowing in the wind, but never looking to clean more than the outside of the cup. I like how it says "his integrity", for those I have described, it does not belong to them, it is show, borrowed from books. I have known a few men who had integrity, not perfect, for no one here is, but they struggled and strive for it, that their words measured to the weight of their actions. They loved justice, but also showed much mercy. I knew a woman, who was also not without fault, but broken over her sins, prayerful and kind to all, realizing the image of God in everyone she met. She prayed for enemies and friends alike, and used the same words with the poor as with the rich. She was my mother. I saw her way as a disadvantage in this world, and for a long time I went another way. 

Desire without knowledge is not good -  The passionate think they are in the right because of the feelings that are invoked. Their actions flow from emotion, and they feel justified whatever the course. 

…11 There is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. 12 All have turned away; they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one. 13“Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.” “The venom of vipers is on their lips.”…

…14“Their mouths are full of cursing and of bitterness.” 15 Their feet are swift to shed blood; 16 ruin and misery lie in their wake,… Romans 3: 11-16

…6 Their cobwebs cannot be made into clothing, and they cannot cover themselves with their works. Their deeds are sinful deeds, and acts of violence are in their hands. 7 Their feet run to evil; they are swift to shed innocent blood. Their thoughts are sinful thoughts; ruin and destruction lie in their wake. 8 The way of peace they have not known, and there is no justice in their tracks. They have turned them into crooked paths; no one who treads on them will know peace.… Isaiah 59: 6-8

His heart rages against the Lord - "Do this and you shall live", the law is for the lawless, the same would cry for justice against another, but yell at God when justice finds them. We would have all the benefits of God, but not want there to be a God. If there is then everything is His fault, even though we have claimed our autonomy, praised our free will, made the decision to walk the path we are on against His and other's admonishment. We receive in ourselves the consequences of our actions, and then cry out unfair. Pride refuses shame and fuels wrath. Stand in front a charging bull, and then be mad at God when you are trampled. 

…11“Who told you that you were naked?” asked the LORD God. “Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” 12 And the man answered, “The woman whom You gave me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate it.” 13 Then the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” “The serpent deceived me,” she replied, “and I ate.”… Genesis 3: 11-13

Wealth brings many new friends - Sarcasm can be so refreshing to the one who is willing to understand.

Many seek the favor of a generous man - He will need much discernment.

It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury - Be careful who you elect, don't put a fool in a position of power, for he is only their for the benefits.

Much less for a slave to rule over princes - Do not set him up for failure in that which he has not been prepared. He may become the new oppressor. It is like the person who is poor with money winning the lottery. Joseph was the favored son of his father, knew some of livestock, was sold by his brothers into slavery, but God prepared him to rule. He rose to the top of Potiphar's house, was a trusted prisoner, known for wisdom, and then brought to the highest seat. David was a shepherd, a boy, a young man who killed a giant, served in the king's courts, in his army, was anointed but did not seek the life of the present king. He waited for God's time in this. Many have risen to power by overthrow, and made a more wicked state.

Good sense makes one slow to anger - Be quick to forgive, but slow to take insult, lest your anger become wrath.

…19 But Joseph replied, “Do not be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this— to preserve the lives of many people. 21 Therefore do not be afraid. I will provide for you and your little ones.” So Joseph reassured his brothers and spoke kindly to them.… Genesis 50: 19-21

And a wife's quarreling is a continual dripping of rain - This is probably best understood in modern English as nagging. That is a wearisome thing. 

But a prudent wife is from the Lord - Her thoughts are towards preparedness, and she is not a product of your making, but a gift from God. She seeks the best for her family and manages their affairs well. 

Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord - This is so much, time, money, food, clothing, spiritual guidance and friendship. Yes, friendship, for all else have steered clear of his misfortune. 

Discipline your son, for there is hope - If you don't then you push him towards folly, certainly towards death. My generation left off parenting for entertainment, delusion, self esteem, and acted as though expectations and accountability were somehow cruel, but the end of their liberalism has been most devastating. 

And will not even bring it back to his mouth - He is so lazy that he cannot even feed himself. A full fridge will spoil because he cannot bring himself to prepare a meal. Those that carry the sluggard in this, that work when he will not, they are his slaves, and he is a wicked master seeking his own destruction. 

He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother - This was a hard lesson for me when I heard about the state of the man who never lifted a finger to support me. Someone else had already hung up the phone when they were told of my dad and step mom's condition, and all I could think is don't return evil for evil. If you leave them in this state then most people will understand it. What do I owe him? I don't know him, and what I have seen is a man who is self serving, two people who are parasitic in nature, but what did God owe me? I won't lie to you, it hasn't been easy, but I have changed a lot since I brought them under my roof. It is not a feel good, Hallmark channel story, where everyone becomes sweet and grateful, no, the steps are small, but I am learning to love someone who doesn't love me, and what could be more Christlike than that. I appreciate the love of God more every day. If I abandoned my dad in his old age, then how would I be any different than him?

…7 Give these instructions to the believers, so that they will be above reproach. 8 If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 9 A widow should be enrolled if she is at least sixty years old, the wife of one man,… 1 Timothy 5: 7-9

A worthless witness mocks at justice - They are not there to be just, to tell the truth, but for some other sort of payment. No truth, no justice.

#923 Proverbs 18 Bubble Boy

Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire;

he breaks out against all sound judgment.

2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,

but only in expressing his opinion.

3 When wickedness comes, contempt comes also,

and with dishonor comes disgrace.

4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters;

the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.

5 It is not good to be partial to the wicked

or to deprive the righteous of justice.

6 A fool's lips walk into a fight,

and his mouth invites a beating.

7 A fool's mouth is his ruin,

and his lips are a snare to his soul.

8 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;

they go down into the inner parts of the body.

9 Whoever is slack in his work

is a brother to him who destroys.

10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower;

the righteous man runs into it and is safe.

11 A rich man's wealth is his strong city,

and like a high wall in his imagination.

12 Before destruction a man's heart is haughty,

but humility comes before honor.

13 If one gives an answer before he hears,

it is his folly and shame.

14 A man's spirit will endure sickness,

but a crushed spirit who can bear?

15 An intelligent heart acquires knowledge,

and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

16 A man's gift makes room for him

and brings him before the great.

17 The one who states his case first seems right,

until the other comes and examines him.

18 The lot puts an end to quarrels

and decides between powerful contenders.

19 A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city,

and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.

20 From the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach is satisfied;

he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,

and those who love it will eat its fruits.

22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing

and obtains favor from the Lord.

23 The poor use entreaties,

but the rich answer roughly.

24 A man of many companions may come to ruin,

but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18 ESV

Proverbs 18 

Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire - He is opinionated, but cannot hear reason against what he has decided to believe. Rather then seek counsel, he would remain in a bubble. If he wants your opinion then he will give it to you first. Even if what he heard from another were true; he is locked into his isolation, and must stand for what he proclaims. He will argue just to argue; it is pride and wisdom is found in humility, so she is not welcome on his island.

But only in expressing his opinion - He has fallen in love with the sound of his own voice.

38 In His teaching Jesus also said, “Watch out for the scribes. They like to walk around in long robes, to receive greetings in the marketplaces, 39 and to have the chief seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 40 They defraud widows of their houses, and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation.”… Mark 12: 38-40

When wickedness comes, contempt comes also - It always leaves a blemish. Whatever was good before, people cannot see anymore. It is why we have church discipline spelled out so clearly by Paul, and why we are to confront sin and false teachers. It dishonors the church when we let wickedness remain unchallenged; it dishonors Christ. So many go out in the name of Christ, claiming to be students of great men, but they have fallen away, entertained and then promoted another gospel. 

1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is intolerable even among pagans: A man has his father’s wife. 2 And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have been stricken with grief and removed from your fellowship the man who did this? 3 Although I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit, and I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present.… 1 Corinthians 5: 1-3

…31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God. 32 Do not become a stumbling block, whether to Jews or Greeks or the church of God, 33 just as I try to please everyone in all I do. For I am not seeking my own good, but the good of many, that they may be saved.… 1 Corinthians 10: 31-33

The words of a man's mouth are deep waters -

The similitudes here seem to be elegantly transposed. 1. The well-spring of wisdom is as deep waters. An intelligent knowing man has in him a good treasure of useful things, which furnishes him with something to say upon all occasions that is pertinent and profitable. This is as deep waters, which make no noise, but never run dry. The words of such a man’s mouth are as a flowing brook. What he sees cause to speak flows naturally from him and with a great deal of ease, and freedom, and natural fluency; it is clean and fresh, it is cleansing and refreshing; from his deep waters there flows what there is occasion for, to water those about him, as the brooks do the low grounds. - Matthew Henry

A fool's lips walk into a fight - If it weren't for my mouth, fueled by my pride, I could have learned some other way than the hard way.

The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels -

Like as when men are wounded (so the margin reads it); they pretend to be very much affected with the miscarriages of such and such, and to be in pain for them, and pretend that it is with the greatest grief and reluctance imaginable that they speak of them. They look as if they themselves were wounded by it, whereas really they rejoice in iniquity, are fond of the story, and tell it with pride and pleasure. Thus their words seem; but they go down as poison into the innermost parts of the belly, the pill being thus gilded, thus sugared. 2. As wounds (so the text reads it), as deep wounds, deadly wounds, wounds in the innermost parts of the belly; the venter medius vel infimus—the middle or lower belly, the thorax or the abdomen, in either of which wounds are mortal. The words of the tale-bearer wound him of whom they are spoken, his credit and interest, and him to whom they are spoken, his love and charity. - Matthew Henry

The name of the Lord is a strong tower - In contrast - a rich man's wealth is his strong city. One is eternal in the heavens, the other corrupted and passing away.

But humility comes before honor -

…16 For You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; You take no pleasure in burnt offerings. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. 18 In Your good pleasure, cause Zion to prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem.… Psalm 51:17

…9 Grieve, mourn, and weep. Turn your laughter to mourning, and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you. 11 Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the Law and judges it. And if you judge the Law, you are not a practitioner of the Law, but a judge of it.… James 4: 9-11

If one gives an answer before he hears - Too often, it happens way too often, before we know all of the facts. 

The one who states his case first seems right - Children do this, they run to authority before the other can speak, hoping for a determination before the other can present their case. Adults do this in corporations, in court, emotionally charged, seeking to win rather than to be just.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue -  

1. A man may do a great deal of good, or a great deal of hurt, both to others and to himself, according to the use he makes of his tongue. Many a one has been his own death by a foul tongue, or the death of others by a false tongue; and, on the contrary, many a one has saved his own life, or procured the comfort of it, by a prudent gentle tongue, and saved the lives of others by a seasonable testimony or intercession for them. And, if by our words we must be justified or condemned, death and life are, no doubt, in the power of the tongue. Tongues were Aesop’s best meat, and his worst. 2. Men’s words will be judged of by the affections with which they speak; he that not only speaks aright (which a bad man may do to save his credit or please his company), but loves to speak so, speaks well of choice, and with delight, to him it will be life; and he that not only speaks amiss (which a good man may do through inadvertency), but loves to speak so (Ps. 52:4 ), to him it will be death. As men love it they shall eat the fruit of it. - Matthew Henry

He who finds a wife finds a good thing - I once decided I would never get married, but aside from my relationship to Christ it has been my greatest and growing joy. She calls me out on my bull, yet loves me beside myself. My relationship with her has helped my relationship with God to grow. I want to see her grow, be esteemed as a woman of God, true, compassionate, a wise mother. I want to know what sort of man God would have me to be, so that I am a good husband by His standard.