He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.
A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.
Proverbs 17:9-10
Proverbs
A Better Use of the Mouth and Words
The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips. Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Proverbs 16:23-25
Wisdom, the Fool; Sin and the Righteous
The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit. Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour. The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy
Proverbs 14:8-10
Destroyed or Rewarded?
Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded. The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
Proverbs 13:13-14
Speaking Truth
He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.
Proverbs 12;17-20
Within Cities: The Wicked And The Righteousness
When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting. By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.
Proverbs 11:10-12
Loose Lips Sink Ships
He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.
In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.
The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.
Proverbs 10:18-21
The Woman Without Wisdom
A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing. For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city, To call passengers who go right on their ways: Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.
Proverbs 9:13-18
A Thief, Adulterer, and Jealousy…
…Men do not despise a thief,
if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry;
but if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold;
he shall give all the substance of his house.
But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding:
he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.
A wound and dishonour shall he get;
and his reproach shall not be wiped away.
For jealousy is the rage of a man:
therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.
He will not regard any ransom;
neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.
Proverbs 6:30-35
Wisdom, Understanding, Discretion, and Knowledge
My son, attend unto my wisdom,
and bow thine ear to my understanding:
that thou mayest regard discretion,
and that thy lips may keep knowledge.
Proverbs 5:1-2
Be An Abomination To The Wicked
A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.
The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
Many seek the ruler’s favour; but every man’s judgment cometh from the LORD. An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.
Proverbs 29:22-27
When The Righteous Rejoice
He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor. He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination. Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession. The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out. When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.
Proverbs 28:8-12
Uses and Misuses of the Human Tongue
Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.
He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him; When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart. Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.
Proverbs 26:20-26
Guard Your Heart In The Way
Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long. For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off. Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.
Proverbs 23:17-19
“The Way” is through Jesus Christ, because He died for our sins on the cross, He was buried, and He rose again.
The way that wisdom guides Us in fearing the LORD.
The Pleasant and The Excellent Things
He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want. Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?
Proverbs 22:16-21
Hearts In The Hand Of The LORD
The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever He will.
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts. To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin. The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.
The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.
The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.
The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.
It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.
The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.
Proverbs 21:1-10
We Need Mercy and Truth Along With Wisdom
Man’s goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?
It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry.
A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.
The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.
Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.
The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head.
The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly.
Proverbs 20:24-30
The Idle Soul, Commandment Breaker, and The Poor
Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.
He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.
He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will He pay him again.
Proverbs 19:15-17
Knowledge Spares Words
He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
Proverbs 17:27-28
It is a wise individual who knows what to say, when to say it, and to whom it is said. The individual who is wise also knows how long to speak.
Even those who are foolish, ignorant willingly ignorant of God, when he remains silent is counted wise. Anyone who knows when to speak and when to be silent is a man of understanding.
As a Christian we ought always tell others of God’s gift to mankind; that is His Son Jesus Christ who died on the cross for out sins, was buried, and rose from the dead. To call on Him in the time He calls you is the wisest choice you will ever make.
Heart, Thoughts, and Peace
The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.
All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.
Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Proveorbs 16:1-7
The Wise Listens To Instruction…
The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise. He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
Proverbs 15:31-33
Living A Better Life
In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
In the multitude of people is the king’s honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.
He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.
He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.
The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.
Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.
Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
The king’s favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.Proverbs 14:26-35
The life of any human being on earth will be a better life lived when they fear the LORD. The rest of these Proverbs will be heard, and heeded through our respect and awe toward the GOD who made the heavens and the earth.
Note the warning, “He that oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker…” How are we doing with the poor? How am I doing with the poor?
The Wisdom of Guarding Your Mouth
A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke. A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence. He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
Proverbs 13:1-3
Jesus had a few words about the words we speak:
“But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.” Matthew 15:18.
Before that He said,
” Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.” Matthew 15:11
Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?” Matthew 15:17
So we must pay attention to the words we use when speaking, guard and keep out mouth from speaking ill of others, with other sinners,
Love Instruction and Knowledge
Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish. A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will He condemn. A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
Proverbs 12:1-3
Sometimes we do not like people who are trying to give us good advice or instruction on how or why we should do, or even not do something.
The one who loves and approves of someone giving good instruction, also loves knowledge.
The “Good man” obtains “Favor of the LORD”, but who is a good man? Those who are perfect before God. Those to whom God calls “Just.” Those who have believed God concerning what He says about His only begotten Son, who is Jesus the Christ.
A Well Of Life
The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.
In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.
Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.Proverbs 10:11-14
Our world, and our nation are in peril of perishing. We need men and women with righteousness through the Lord Jesus Christ to speak the word of God, which is the truth of God to all.
Look at the comparisons of each of these proverbs. The one with the righteous mouth is a well of life. Violence covers the mouth of the wicked. Hatred stirs up strife; but love covers all sins. When people hate righteousness, those who live for God and His word, it is quite an eye opener to watch the hatred flow.
How does the man or woman of God deal with such hatred? With love. Remember Jesus tells us, “Love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:27). Pray for them, love them by greeting when you see them around, do good to them no matter how they treat you. Treat your enemy the way you would like them to treat you. Hard? Yes! Quite doable when Jesus lives within you.
The Fire and Hammer 