but accurate weights are his delight.
2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with humility comes wisdom.
3 The integrity of the upright guides them,
but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.
4 Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath,
but righteousness delivers from death.
5 The righteousness of the blameless makes a straight way for them,
but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness.
6 The righteousness of the upright delivers them,
but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires.
7 When a wicked man dies, his hope perishes;
all he expected from his power comes to nothing.
8 The righteous man is rescued from trouble,
and it comes on the wicked instead.
9 With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor,
but through knowledge the righteous escape.
10 When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices;
when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.
11 Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted,
but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed.
12 A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor,
but a man of understanding holds his tongue.
13 A gossip betrays a confidence,
but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.
14 For lack of guidance a nation falls,
but many advisers make victory sure.
15 He who puts up security for another will surely suffer,
but whoever refuses to strike hands in pledge is safe.
Questions to consider:
- How are (a) wickedness and (b) righteousness manifested in everyday (a) personal and (b) social life?
- What are God’s attitudes toward the (a) wicked and (b) righteous person?
- What metaphors do you see? What do they mean?
Possibilities for prayer:
Verse 14 stands out to me as incredibly relevant in our lives This proverb does not need to be explicitly referring to an actual nation, but can serve as a metaphor for, say, our lives. When we try to do things on our own, without guidance or help, it inevitably fails at some point, just like a nation. But with guidance and advice, particularly from God and from wise friends, we can make it through even some of the most difficult and confusing situations. Today, let’s ask that we would be wise and willing to ask for guidance and input, from God, and from those in our lives that we can trust to have God-given wisdom as well.
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