Words of Wisdom / Proverbs

Proverbs 10:1

A wise son makes a glad father,

But a foolish son is the grief of his mother.

Whether you are foolish or wise, you are impacting more than just yourself, but those around you. “You are who you surround yourself with.” - Be the person others want to surround themselves with. '

10:4-5

He who has a slack hand becomes poor,

but the hand of the diligent makes rich.

He who gathers in the summer is a wise son,

He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame.

Ultimately you are going to get what you put in. Hard work is rewarded and prosperity often comes to those who work for it. Similarly, no matter what season you’re in, you should never waste it. There is always room for growth especially in our relationship with the Lord.

10:11-12

The mouth of the righteous is a well of life,

But violence covers the mouth of the wicked.

Hatred stirs up strife,

but love covers all sin.

This is someone who speaks life giving words to others and themselves. Having a trait like this is as valuable as a well that gives life.

Hatred causes trouble, but love brings healing. “Love is the best construction on everything.”

11:23

A gracious woman retains honor,

but ruthless men retain riches.

“A mark of a gracious woman is that she carries honor and dignity.” -so what does honor and dignity look like? She cares less about appearances and more about the way she carries herself, treats others, and lives by her values.

12:25

Anxiety in the heart of a man causes depression,

but a good word makes it glad.

Solomon points to a possible source for why we experience depression. This is why it is so important to sink into the Lord’s word’s saying, “be anxious for nothing, and pray about everything” (Philippians 4:6-7).

A good word can help: “encouragement costs little from the one who gives it, but can do enormous good for the one who receives it.”

14:4

Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean,

but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.

Where there is no work being done, there is no mess or disorder. But there is a lot of good and increase from what an ox can do. Often times good things come from chaos & disorder, we shouldn’t always try to avoid it or be perfect all the time.

To be continued…