but a harsh word stirs up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,
but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.
3 The eyes of the LORD are everywhere,
keeping watch on the wicked and the good.
4 The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life,
but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.
5 A fool spurns his father's discipline,
but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.
6 The house of the righteous contains great treasure,
but the income of the wicked brings them trouble.
7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge;
not so the hearts of fools.
8 The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked,
but the prayer of the upright pleases him.
9 The LORD detests the way of the wicked
but he loves those who pursue righteousness.
10 Stern discipline awaits him who leaves the path;
he who hates correction will die.
11 Death and Destruction lie open before the LORD—
how much more the hearts of men!
12 A mocker resents correction;
he will not consult the wise.
13 A happy heart makes the face cheerful,
but heartache crushes the spirit.
14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge,
but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.
15 All the days of the oppressed are wretched,
but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.
16 Better a little with the fear of the LORD
than great wealth with turmoil.
Questions to consider:
- What are the characteristics of the speech of a wise and foolish man?
- To what extent are you wise in your speech?
- Relate good and evil with the wise and fools.
- Remember your proverb from yesterday? Try!
Possibilities for prayer:
Solomon makes an interesting point in verse 16: it’s better to not have many material possessions but to have the fear of the Lord than it is to have much in the midst of turmoil. This proverb seems to suggest the great value that should be placed on the fear of the Lord. And really, we shouldn’t be surprised that Solomon values this concept so much--we learned earlier that it is the fear of the Lord that can lead to wisdom, and wisdom is priceless. Today, let’s ask God for a new perspective on the things that we have (or don’t have, as the case may be), asking that we might be grateful for whatever God has given us, but that we would also see the value in the less material things in our lives as well.
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