What is a proverb? A good definition of a biblical proverb is “a short saying that expresses a general truth for practical, godly living. a biblical proverb is “a short saying that expresses a general truth for practical, godly living.
The book of Proverbs reminds us that a lifetime of following God and living a wise and disciplined life leads to good results. We may not see day by day that progress is being made, but rest assured making wise choices has consequences over time. The opposite is also true, living as unwise, likewise, has consequences. As I was reading the 13th chapter of Proverbs, I saw a clear and concise listing of the traits of wise living and the results that come to the prudent. In contrast, there was a list of decisions and actions taken by foolish people and the resulting consequences of such a life. So I have listed 13 of the decisions and actions that a wise person should pursue and the corresponding unwise way to live.
13 simple ways to live wisely:
I have included Proverbs 13
1 A wise son hears his father’s instruction,
but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.
2 From the fruit of his mouth, a man eats what is good,
but the desire of the treacherous is for violence.
3 whoever guards his mouth preserves his life;
he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.
4 the soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing,
while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.
5 The righteous hates falsehood,
but the wicked brings shame1 and disgrace.
6 Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless,
but sin overthrows the wicked.
7 aOne pretends to be rich,2 yet has nothing;
another pretends to be poor,3 yet has great wealth.
8 The ransom of a man’s life is his wealth,
but a poor man hears no threat.
9 the light of the righteous rejoices,
but the lamp of the wicked will be put out.
10 fBy insolence comes nothing but strife,
but with those who take advice is wisdom.
11 wealth gained hastily4 will dwindle,
but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.
12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.
13 Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself,
but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded.
14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
that one may turn away from the snares of death.
15 Good sense wins favor,
but the way of the treacherous is their ruin.7
16 Every prudent man acts with knowledge,
but a fool flaunts his folly.
17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble,
but a faithful envoy brings healing.
18 Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction,
but whoever heeds reproof is honored.
19 A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul,
but to turn away from evil is an abomination to fools.
20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,
but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
21 Disaster pursues sinners,
but the righteous are rewarded with good.
22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children,
but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous.
23 The fallow ground of the poor would yield much food,
but it is swept away through injustice.
24 whoever spares the rod hates his son,
but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.
25 the righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite,
but the belly of the wicked suffers want.
What is a proverb? A good definition of a biblical proverb is “a short saying that expresses a general truth for practical, godly living. a biblical proverb is “a short saying that expresses a general truth for practical, godly living.
1 Wise people listen to instructions, the unwise don’t (v.1)
2 Guard your mouth—protect your life (v.3)
3 Be diligent in all you do and you will be rewarded. There is no reward for laziness (v4)
4 Righteousness will guard your life….sin overthrows the wicked (v6)
5 Wealth should be accumulated bit by bit…wealth gained hastily dwindles (11)
6 Revere the Word is the way of the wise….despising the Word is the way of the foolish (13)
7 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life (14)
8 Good sense wins favor (15)
9 A prudent person acts with knowledge…fools flaunt their knowledge or lack thereof! (16)
10 A wise person heeds reproof and correction….the unwise ignore knowledge to their own peril and will
come to ruin. (18)
11 If you associate and travel with the wise you will become wise…if your companions are
fools you will suffer harm. (20)
12 The righteous will receive a final reward…disaster pursues the unwise. (21)
13 The wise respond to discipline…the unwise lack discipline (24)
This is a list worth pondering. Let us all live as wise not as unwise.
