PROVERBS 21
RIGHTEOUSNESS IS MORE VALUABLE THAN SACRIFICE
Solomon knows that even a king's plans are determined by God, not even royalty on earth has authority over their way. Everyone thinks that they are right in their own way, but God is the only one who can evaluate our intentions. Although God has the final say, the diligent are more likely to succeed than those who are in a rush.
Being righteous and just is more valuable to God than any sacrifice we could offer. Whoever ignores the needs of others will one day be in need themselves and no one will answer. Wisdom is greater than rich wines or oils, and whoever values material things will be disappointed in the long run. Whoever pursues righteousness will come out ahead.
The lazy and selfish will never have enough, but the wise, generous person will always have an abundance. The righteous person considers their ways and values knowledge, wisdom, and understanding.
PROVERBS 22
A GOOD NAME IS BETTER THAN GREAT RICHES
Solomon writes that having a reputable name is worth more than riches and having favor is better than silver or gold. Whoever borrows from someone is indebted to their lender. God is the maker of everything and everyone, regardless of their wealth or status. It is wrong to steal from the poor or make promises that you can’t keep.
The wise and prudent person can see trouble coming, but the simple walk right into problems. Thorns and snares await the corrupt, but whoever has protected their souls from evil will be far away from trouble. If children are taught these traits growing up, they will continue in wisdom all their life.
Whoever has a pure heart and gracious speech will be in good company. Don’t hang out with scoffers, they’ll bring strife, quarreling, and abuse along with them. Instead, keep your ear out for wisdom and apply the knowledge to your heart.
PROVERBS 23
WARNING AGAINST DRUNKENNESS AND GLUTTONY
Solomon advises not to give into gluttony or lavish delicacies. Wealth is not worth toiling over; it will only bring you temporary happiness or fleeting contentment. Instead, applying your heart to instruction and gaining wisdom will make your heart glad.
Don’t waste your life on drunkenness. Those who overindulge will become poor and sleep their lives away. Being drunk will cause your heart to utter perverse things and lead to strife.
If you teach your children and correct their mistakes, they will grow up to be wise and delight their parents. Whoever raises their children with understanding will end up rejoicing with them in gladness.
PROVERBS 24
WISDOM IS LIKE A HOUSE BUILT ON A FIRM FOUNDATION
Solomon describes wisdom as a house built on a firm established foundation and rooms filled with precious riches. Knowledge is gained by wise guidance and an abundance of counselors. When we find wisdom, it is sweet like honey and gives hope for the future.
Even when our enemies fail, we should not rejoice. If possible, we should redirect those who are headed in a bad direction and hold back those going towards ruin.
Whoever is lazy and sluggish will allow their fields to become overgrown and ruled by thorns. In these situations, poverty sneaks up quickly like an armed robber.
PROVERBS 25
THE VALUE OF THE RIGHT WORDS AT THE RIGHT TIME
Solomon continues sharing his wisdom and encouraging the reader to focus on self-awareness. Someone with understanding and self-awareness can apply their wisdom over a wide scope of issues, knowing not to over-indulge or overstay their welcome. When you’re around leaders or people of status, there is no need to elevate yourself or prove your importance. Let them seek out your value, don’t be a show-off.
When you conflict with someone, go straight to that person to avoid having regret or causing shame. Using the right words and the right timing is like finding a gold ring that fits perfectly. Trusting in someone who hasn’t proven trustworthy is like biting down on a tooth with a toothache—painful and unreliable.
Solomon compares a person without self-control to a home without locks or security, meaning they are not safe and will be taken advantage of.
PROVERBS 26
FOOLS RETURN TO THE SAME MISTAKES
Solomon shares some harsh words regarding the foolish. When dealing with foolish people, sometimes it is better to not respond or sink to their level. Even when fools speak proverbs or wisdom, their words are pointless because they can’t take their own advice.
Solomon compares foolish people who repeatedly make the same mistakes to dogs who eat their own vomit. The only person with less potential than a fool is an arrogant person who only values their own opinion.
Solomon speaks of the power of speech. It is dangerous to spew hurtful words and then pretend they were merely a joke. Argumentative people who speak like this don’t know when to stop. People who use flattery and lies to get ahead are not trustworthy friends.
PROVERBS 27
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH GOOD COMPANY
Solomon offers wisdom about being diligent and prudent, specifically when it comes to keeping good company. While enemies have no problem offering up lies and flattery, a true friend will give honest advice. Just like iron sharpens iron, surrounding yourself with good people will help you grow.
Be attentive to what you’ve been entrusted with, including your work, relationships, and time. There is no reason to brag about yourself; praise will mean more coming from other people. Wise people can anticipate danger, but the simple person will walk headfirst into trouble.
Proverbs 27:17 - Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
PROVERBS 28
THE DILIGENT WILL PROSPER
Solomon encourages the act of confession, saying that whoever confesses will receive forgiveness, but those who conceal their sin will not be successful. Similarly, Solomon says that only the wicked run away or hide when they feel threatened or exposed, while the righteous are bold with nothing to hide. It is better to be poor and righteous than rich and corrupt.
Solomon warns against greed and trying to rush wealth. Whoever is diligent in their work will prosper, but the negligent who waste their time will experience poverty. Being greedy will only cause you trouble, but the person who trusts God will have a heart that is open to receive His goodness.
Because God is just, those who seek Him and know His Word will have a better understanding of justice. Generosity combats greed and serves as the best investment you can make.
PROVERBS 29
REMAIN HUMBLE AND HAVE COMPASSION
Solomon offers wisdom around having discernment, warning us to be cautious and careful with our words and judgments. The foolish person will indulge themselves in saying every complaint that enters their mind, but the wise person is selective with sharing their gripe. Even the fool is wiser than the person who talks before thinking!
Solomon advises us to be sympathetic to others, without giving others’ input too much control or influence. While we should have compassion and understanding for others, if we value people’s opinions over God’s, we are setting ourselves up for failure. The righteous person is able to enjoy their life, but a wicked person gets tangled up in their sin.
In all of these areas, remain humble, because pride has the ability to ruin everything.
PROVERBS 30
GOD’S WORD IS THE SOURCE OF WISDOM
This chapter is accredited to a man named Agur, who gives insight into using God’s Word as a source of wisdom. Agur describes himself as lacking wisdom and understanding, calling himself stupid and weary.
Agur acknowledges the vast power of God, saying that He can do what no other can. The wisdom and capability of God far surpass that of mankind. But because of God’s Word, humanity has access to God’s wisdom. Agur claims every word of God proves true and warns against adding our intentions or meanings to God’s Word. God alone is the author of wisdom, there is nothing we can add to make His Word better!
Agur ends his oracle by listing his observations around things that are never satisfied, things that amaze him, and things that are small but wise.
PROVERBS 31
THE WOMAN WHO FEARS THE LORD
This chapter is authored by King Lemuel, who is sharing wisdom taught to him by his mother. King Lemuel is not referenced anywhere else in Scripture, and the name is thought to be a pseudonym for Solomon. Regardless of the author, this book offers advice to men about having integrity and choosing a wife with integrity.
The woman described in this chapter is a description of a faithful, excellent wife. The author describes this type of woman as someone who fears God above all else and lives according to God’s wisdom and laws. This woman is defined by strength and dignity, and because of her faith, she is able to look to the future with hope. Beauty and charm are intriguing, but those qualities are fleeting. Instead, seek a diligent woman who loves God.
Proverbs 31:30 - Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.