Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Proverbs 18:1-12

1 An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends; 

he defies all sound judgment.

2 A fool finds no pleasure in understanding 

but delights in airing his own opinions.

3 When wickedness comes, so does contempt, 

and with shame comes disgrace.

4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters, 

but the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.

5 It is not good to be partial to the wicked 

or to deprive the innocent of justice.

6 A fool's lips bring him strife, 

and his mouth invites a beating.

7 A fool's mouth is his undoing, 

and his lips are a snare to his soul.

8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; 

they go down to a man's inmost parts.

9 One who is slack in his work 

is brother to one who destroys.

10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; 

the righteous run to it and are safe.

11 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; 

they imagine it an unscalable wall.

12 Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, 

but humility comes before honor.

Questions to consider:
  • Observe the types of people in this passage. What happens to them? Why?
  • Can you find and explain the metaphors?
  • In what ways in your life is the name of the Lord a strong tower for you?
  • Memorize a proverb!

Possibilities for prayer:

It seems very telling that verse 11 says that the rich “imagine” their wealth to be an unscalable wall. This proverb can be a challenge to make us think more carefully about the things we value and imagine to our own saving graces. In what kinds of things are we putting our own trust, things that are not God or of God? Today, let’s confess our own “imagined unscalable walls,” and ask God to break those down so that He can build a real one, composed of His unfailing love, His grace, mercy, and compassion.