Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Proverbs 18:13-24

13 He who answers before listening— 

that is his folly and his shame.

14 A man's spirit sustains him in sickness, 

but a crushed spirit who can bear?

15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; 

the ears of the wise seek it out.

16 A gift opens the way for the giver 

and ushers him into the presence of the great.

17 The first to present his case seems right, 

till another comes forward and questions him.

18 Casting the lot settles disputes 

and keeps strong opponents apart.

19 An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, 

and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.

20 From the fruit of his mouth a man's stomach is filled; 

with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.

21 The tongue has the power of life and death, 

and those who love it will eat its fruit.

22 He who finds a wife finds what is good 

and receives favor from the LORD.

23 A poor man pleads for mercy, 

but a rich man answers harshly.

24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, 

but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Questions to consider:

  • Can you find and explain the metaphors?
  • What themes do you see?
  • Do you remember the proverb you memorized yesterday? How is it applicable to your life?

Possibilities for prayer:

I really like the way verse 15 lets us know that a sign of wisdom is the actual seeking of knowledge. It’s not enough to merely sit around waiting for knowledge to find us and fill us up--if we are wise, we will be looking for that knowledge all around us: in conversations with friends and family, in church, in small groups, etc. Today, let’s ask for the wisdom to recognize the knowledge existing all around us, just waiting for our ears to “seek it out.”