Thursday, August 12, 2010

Proverbs 15:16-33

17 Better a meal of vegetables where there is love 

than a fattened calf with hatred.

18 A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, 

but a patient man calms a quarrel.

19 The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, 

but the path of the upright is a highway.

20 A wise son brings joy to his father, 

but a foolish man despises his mother.

21 Folly delights a man who lacks judgment, 

but a man of understanding keeps a straight course.

22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, 

but with many advisers they succeed.

23 A man finds joy in giving an apt reply— 

and how good is a timely word!

24 The path of life leads upward for the wise 

to keep him from going down to the grave.

25 The LORD tears down the proud man's house 

but he keeps the widow's boundaries intact.

26 The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, 

but those of the pure are pleasing to him.

27 A greedy man brings trouble to his family, 

but he who hates bribes will live.

28 The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, 

but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.

29 The LORD is far from the wicked 

but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

30 A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, 

and good news gives health to the bones.

31 He who listens to a life-giving rebuke 

will be at home among the wise.

32 He who ignores discipline despises himself, 

but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.

33 The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom,

and humility comes before honor.

Questions to consider:

  • What attributes of the Lord are revealed here?
  • Can you account for the different attitudes of God toward the various types of people in this chapter?
  • Do you notice any metaphors? Explain them.
  • Memorize a proverb. Do you still remember Tuesday’s?

Possibilities for prayer:

I love when simple things that were written so long ago still ring of truth. Have you ever heard the saying “laughter is the best medicine?” Well, it seems like a version of that “proverb” existed long, long ago.
“A cheerful look brings joy to the heart,
And good news gives health to the bones.”
Let’s thank God for the way the gift of joy, and the way that it can be such a healing thing in our lives, in both the emotional and physical senses. Not only is joy a pleasant feeling, but it can even have nearly medicinal purposes!