In part one (see Delving into the Collection of Solomon’s Proverbs), we studied the first half of King Solomon’s greatest body of work with regards to his proverbs. Let’s continue…
He begins by impressing the great importance of consulting and including Jehovah in everything you do:
The plans and reflections of the heart belong to man, but the [wise] answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
All the ways of a man are clean and innocent in his own eyes [and he may see nothing wrong with his actions], but the Lord weighs and examines the motives and intents [of the heart and knows the truth].
Commit your works to the Lord [submit and trust them to Him], and your plans will succeed [if you respond to His will and guidance]. Pr. 16:1 – 3. AMP
He who pays attention to the word [of God] will find good, and blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired) is he who trusts [confidently] in the Lord. Pr. 16:20 AMP
A person keeps his heart in the right place through a sincere reverence of God, living in godly ways, and remembering who’s in charge:
By mercy and lovingkindness and truth [not superficial ritual] wickedness is cleansed from the heart, and by the fear of the Lord one avoids evil. Pr. 16:6 AMP
A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], but the Lord directs his steps and establishes them. Pr. 16:9 AMP
There is always a fork in the road in your life. It is imperative that you follow your Creator’s path, and avoid the pride that would keep you from doing so:
The highway of the upright turns away and departs from evil; he who guards his way protects his life (soul). Pr. 16:17 AMP
The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them. Pr. 20:7 NLT
Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. Pr. 22:6 NLT
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Pr. 17, 18. AMP
Jehovah would have us see peace in all situations. One of those ways is to keep that peace at home:
Better is a dry morsel [of food served] with quietness and peace than a house full of feasting [served] with strife and contention. Pr. 17:1 AMP
Peace comes with love, and it is glaringly apparent when that love is missing:
Those who mock the poor insult their Maker; those who rejoice at the misfortune of others will be punished. Pr. 17:5 NLT
Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need. Pr. 21:13 NLT
Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor. Pr. 22:9 NLT
Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends. Pr. 17:9 NLT
Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before a dispute breaks out. Pr. 17:14 NLT
A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered. Pr. 17:27 NLT
Our ultimate security always belongs with our Maker:
The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe. Pr. 18:10 NLT
The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear a crushed spirit? Pr. 18:14 NLT
To walk with God, we must have our wits about us and avoid those things that impair them:
Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls. Those led astray by drink cannot be wise. Pr. 20:1 NLT
Next up: King Solomon with a Little Help from His Friends?
Goodnight and God bless.