the LORD detests them both.
16 Of what use is money in the hand of a fool,
since he has no desire to get wisdom?
17 A friend loves at all times,
and a brother is born for adversity.
18 A man lacking in judgment strikes hands in pledge
and puts up security for his neighbor.
19 He who loves a quarrel loves sin;
he who builds a high gate invites destruction.
20 A man of perverse heart does not prosper;
he whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble.
21 To have a fool for a son brings grief;
there is no joy for the father of a fool.
22 A cheerful heart is good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
23 A wicked man accepts a bribe in secret
to pervert the course of justice.
24 A discerning man keeps wisdom in view,
but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth.
25 A foolish son brings grief to his father
and bitterness to the one who bore him.
26 It is not good to punish an innocent man,
or to flog officials for their integrity.
27 A man of knowledge uses words with restraint,
and a man of understanding is even-tempered.
28 Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent,
and discerning if he holds his tongue.
Questions to consider:
- Compare verses 20 and 27-28.
- Do you notice any themes? Any metaphors?
- Memorize a proverb.
Possibilities for prayer:
I think that verse 27 helps us understand how knowledge and understanding can play out in our daily lives. If we have knowledge, we’re able to use restraint in our words, and if we truly have understanding, we’re able to be even-tempered. These actions can be reflections of the fact that we have knowledge and understanding. Today, let’s ask that we not only increase in knowledge and understanding, but that there would be reflections of these things in our lives through our actions and behaviors.
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