whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
2 A king's wrath is like the roar of a lion;
he who angers him forfeits his life.
3 It is to a man's honor to avoid strife,
but every fool is quick to quarrel.
4 A sluggard does not plow in season;
so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing.
5 The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters,
but a man of understanding draws them out.
6 Many a man claims to have unfailing love,
but a faithful man who can find?
7 The righteous man leads a blameless life;
blessed are his children after him.
8 When a king sits on his throne to judge,
he winnows out all evil with his eyes.
9 Who can say, "I have kept my heart pure;
I am clean and without sin"?
10 Differing weights and differing measures—
the LORD detests them both.
11 Even a child is known by his actions,
by whether his conduct is pure and right.
12 Ears that hear and eyes that see—
the LORD has made them both.
13 Do not love sleep or you will grow poor;
stay awake and you will have food to spare.
14 "It's no good, it's no good!" says the buyer;
then off he goes and boasts about his purchase.
15 Gold there is, and rubies in abundance,
but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.
Questions to consider:
- Categorize these proverbs as to (a) observation, (b) interpretation, (c) application.
- In what ways does each category reveal wisdom?
Possibilities for prayer:
How poignant verse 6 is! We are so willing to declare our unending, unfailing love for things and people, but when it really comes down to it, we are caught up in our own lives and thoughts and have a tendency to be unfaithful, even despite our best efforts. Today, let’s thank God for having both unfailing love AND faithfulness to His people. Where we fall short, God does not. So let’s take some time to be grateful for that.
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