Meditation on Proverbs 14-15
Continuing the series — there are some really good things to consider as you make your way through this book. So many little wisdom deposits and deep places to go. This exercise in study is helping me glean Divine wisdom through the writings of a pretty wise man from thousands of years ago.
Chapter 14
- Wisdom is an incredible architect and builds a fantastic house. Someone without understanding comes along and destroys it little by little.
- Honesty shows respect to the Divine. Living opposite is an insult.
- We roll our eyes at people who say nonsensical things. But someone who speaks well with wisdom gets our respect.
- You need the right equipment if you want to have a successful harvest.
- A truth teller never goes wrong, but some people have a habit of lying.
- If you are cynical, you might be looking long and hard for bits of wisdom, but if you open your mind, you might just find it in plain sight!
- Don’t hang out with people who pull you down with their foolish words and actions.
- Wisdom keeps you on the straight road. Get distracted and off course and you will find yourself in the weeds.
- It’s foolish to mock morality — not understanding right from wrong, but those who seek a life with a moral foundation are rewarded.
- If you don’t stand with your friends during the tough times, they probably wont invite you to the party when things are good.
- It’s like bad living is a trashed out shack, and good living is a beautiful spacious cathedral.
- Sometimes you can take a path that seems like a good road to walk, but if you look closer you might find it leads to ruin.
- People wear masks — they look like they are living large and having fun, but really when everyone goes away, they sit alone with broken hearts.
- It all comes back to you — if you are mean and nasty, that will be your payback. If you are full of grace and kindness, that will be your reward.
- Gullible people fall for anything. Wisdom says to think about what you are being told and do some research.
- Wisdom says to pay attention to where you are walking so you can avoid a trap, but if you are cavalier and cocky, you might find yourself caught.
- When emotions are high, people often do dumb things that they end up regretting. And those that plan violence end up being despised in the end.
- People who live in dreams have a life built on illusion. The realist is rooted and grounded.
- Good will eventually triumph and evil will have no choice but to recognize that.
- People who live in calamity often get turned away, but people who are rich and stable seem to have a lot of support.
- If you have a neighbor who needs a hand, it’s not cool to ignore them. It is a blessing to be compassionate and giving!
- People who have nefarious plans end up losing in the end. Those who are honest and true are respected.
- Work is what puts food on the table and a roof over the head. Talk does nothing.
- Wisdom seeks more wisdom. Foolishness brings more foolishness.
- Truth saves. Lies betray.
- The Divine is a fortress of safety — for you and your families.
- The Divine life is one that is rich and pure — a life-giving stream of water, free of toxins and poisons that can hurt you.
- A good leader inspires loyalty and is honored by their followers. Without people behind them, they have nothing.
- Being slow to anger allows you to reflect and understand before you speak. Someone who is impetuous and short-tempered usually runs off at the mouth.
- Peace and a steady mind is healthy. One ruled by chaotic emotion ends up sick.
- Exploiting those who can’t help themselves is an insult to God. Show honor by your kindness to those in need.
- People who participate in plots and schemes end up empty. Honesty and integrity is a fortress of safety.
- Wisdom is found in those with a heart of discernment, and even those who aren’t seeking wisdom can see what they are missing out on.
- Following Divine guidance can change the course of a nation. Ignoring God will leave a nation weak and empty.
- You get honored for a job well done, but being lazy and irresponsible will get you a mark on your record.
Chapter 15
- A peaceful response can bring down anger, when you are harsh with your words, it can’t cause tempers to flare.
- Someone who is wise gives knowledge out like a fresh glass of water from a cool spring; but foolish people just dispense meaningless chatter and irritate like a dripping faucet.
- Just so you know, the Divine is aware of what is going on in the world, both good and bad.
- Kindness heals. Anger wounds.
- Those who are willing to be corrected are those with common sense. Those who aren’t end up in the ditch.
- Those who spend their lives pursuing foolishness end up in bankruptcy; those who pursue the Divine will grow strong and tall.
- Words that are perceptive bring knowledge to the hearer; but those who babble nonsense have nothing to offer.
- False piety is scorned. Genuine prayer and conversation is welcomed.
- Those who waste their time on meaningless pursuits do themselves no favors; but for those who stay true to the path — they get a reward.
- For those who leave the path and go their own way, it’s a rough rough leading to dead end.
- There are no secrets from God, not in the depths, nor the heights, nor even our hearts.
- People who think they know everything don’t like instruction or correction and so they avoid people of wisdom.
- A heart filled with cheer often shows up on your face, in a smile. It’s hard to make it through the day if your heart is heavy and sad.
- Those who seek knowledge and wisdom are always looking for deep wells to find more; and those who would rather stay on the surface fill themselves with empty calories.
- Misery in the heart = misery in your day-to-day. Hope and cheer in your heart = a day worth smiling about.
- A simple life in God is better than a riches and the headaches that come with it.
- A simple meal made with love is better than a massive feast simmering with anger.
- Quick to anger = fighting. Peace and calm = serenity now.
- The driveway to the lazy one’s house is overgrown and a mess of potholes; the driveway of the diligent is a smooth and pleasant path.
- A parent is proud when their child excels; but they are frustrated when their child is lazy and unmotivated.
- Those who are foolish will not respect the value of time. Those who are wise will understand its importance and make the most of it.
- You can watch your plans fail if you dont listen to wise counsel or succeed if you do.
- Good conversation is so refreshing and a pleasure to engage in. Those who say the right word or phrase at the right time can lift you up.
- Those who are wise are climbing ever upward, to greater heights. Those who are lost in their own pursuits often end up over a cliff at the bottom of the valleys.
- The arrogant usually end up broken at the end, but those who think they have to place to stand find the Divine is ever with them.
- Graceful and timely words are exalted to a place of honor. Words and schemes to destroy are relegated to the gutter.
- Those who are selfish and who exploit are those who destroy community.
- A good answer usually comes from someone who spends time praying about it. God is ever close to those who seek Him.
- Joy brings a twinkle to the eye and a happy heart, and good news makes you feel like dancing!
- If you want to have a good life, listen to wise advice and be honored.
- A selfish, undisciplined life is small and closed in. But a life in the Divine… that’s a wide open universe of possibility!
- Life skills 101: FIRST humility, THEN glory.