Delving Into the Collection of Solomon’s Proverbs

Last time, we examined the first 9 chapters of the book of Proverbs, which focused primarily on the value of wisdom, (see What Is Wisdom and Why is it so Important?)

Now, we will look at King Solomon’s stockpile of his work, regarding a variety of subjects. Chapter 10 is a bit of a gateway, connecting Chapter 9 to the rest of his Holy Spirit-inspired wisdom.

Proverbs 10:1 – 22:16

A wise child brings joy to a father; a foolish child brings grief to a mother. Pr. 10:1 NLT

A wise youth harvests in the summer, but one who sleeps during harvest is a disgrace. Pr. 10:5 NLT

Lazy people are soon poor; hard workers get rich. Pr. 10:4 NLT

            So here, we have taken another look at applied wisdom as well as the destruction laziness brings.

                  Next, Solomon contrasts evil vs good:

Tainted wealth has no lasting value, but right living can save your life. Pr. 10:2 NLT

People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed. Pr.10:9 NLT

The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions. Pr. 10:11 NLT

Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses. Pr. 10:12 NLT

            What is the answer?

People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray. Pr. 10:17 NLT

And,

The [reverent] fear of the Lord [worshiping, obeying, serving, and trusting Him with awe-filled respect] prolongs one’s life, but the years of the wicked will be shortened. Pr. 10:27 AMP

            Solomon then expands upon evildoings. These concern honesty:

The Lord detests the use of dishonest scales, but he delights in accurate weights. Pr. 11:1 NLT

Honesty guides good people; dishonesty destroys treacherous people. Pr. 11:3 NLT

The godly are directed by honesty; the wicked fall beneath their load of sin. Pr. 11:5 NLT

            Next, he tackles the ultimate outcome of those who are defiant in their sins:

Riches won’t help on the day of judgment, but right living can save you from death. Pr. 11:4 NLT

When the wicked die, their hopes die with them, for they rely on their own feeble strength. Pr. 11:7 NLT

The godly are rescued from trouble, and it falls on the wicked instead. Pr. 11:8 NLT

Evil people will surely be punished, but the children of the godly will go free. Pr. 11:21 NLT

The godly can look forward to a reward, while the wicked can expect only judgment. Pr. 11:23 NLT

            Solomon reveals the treachery of the tongue, and those who chase after foolish things:

A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies has no sense. Pr. 12:11 NLT

Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards. Pr. 12:14 NLT

Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others. Pr. 12:15 NLT

Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed. Pr. 12:19 NLT

The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth. Pr. 12:22 NLT

            Here, Solomon touches upon disciplining a child:

A wise child accepts a parent’s discipline; a mocker refuses to listen to correction. Pr. 13:1 NLT

Hope delayed makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life. Pr. 13:12 CSB

                  (Referring to the practice of patience, when working towards a goal.)

The teaching of the wise is a fountain and source of life, so that one may avoid the snares of death. Pr. 13:14 AMP

Poverty and shame will come to him who refuses instruction and discipline, but he who accepts and learns from reproof or censure is honored. Pr. 13:18 AMP

He who withholds the rod [of discipline] hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines and trains him diligently and appropriately [with wisdom and love]. Pr. 13:24 AMP

            King Solomon moves on into the arena of self-control:

The naive or inexperienced person [is easily misled and] believes every word he hears,
But the prudent man [is discreet and astute and] considers well where he is going. Pr. 14:15 AMP

The naive [are unsophisticated and easy to exploit and] inherit foolishness,
but the sensible [are thoughtful and far-sighted and] are crowned with knowledge. Pr. 14:18 AMP

He who is slow to anger has great understanding [and profits from his self-control] … Pr. 14:29 AMP

            You will never have the life that nourishes you, unless you have God in it:

The Lord detests the way of the wicked, but he loves the one who pursues righteousness. Pr. 15:9 CSB

Whoever abandons the right path will be severely disciplined; whoever hates correction will die. Pr. 15:10 NLT

Better is a little with the [reverent, worshipful] fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it. Pr. 15:16 AMP

The [chosen] path of life leads upward for the wise, that he may keep away from Sheol (the nether world, the place of the dead) below. Pr. 15:25 AMP

The Lord is far from the wicked [and distances Himself from them], but He hears the prayer of the [consistently] righteous [that is, those with spiritual integrity and moral courage]. Pr. 15:29 AMP

Stay tuned for part two!

Goodnight and God bless.