King James Version, with Nii Okai's journal notes · 14 notes
1A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
Being easily angered is not wise. Many times Proverbs speaks against it.
2The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
3The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
4A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
5A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.
6In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
Righteousness equates to wisdom. Because we find riches in the house of the wise, and here we find riches in the house of the righteous.
7The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.
8The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
9The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
10Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.
Bam. It is done.
11Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?
12A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.
13A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
14The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
Knowledge must be sought; that is how it is obtained. It does not just come naturally to us.
15All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.
Could this then mean that, regardless of the environment, we can choose how we react and remain happy 😊 and of a merry heart in spite of the external factors?
16Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.
This brings balance to righteousness and wisdom invariably leading to riches.
17Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
Some things are better than others. Of course, we will all prefer a good fatty dinner, but love is better than hatred.
18A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
This is akin to a soft answer turning away wrath.
19The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.
You can barely make any progress with the slothful... They will delay you perpetually.
20A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.
21Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.
22Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
Wisdom for me. The many things I wish to achieve that seem to have stalled or seem difficult to take off. Wisdom will set them free.
Hmm 🤔, the key for establishment is counsel, wise counsel.
23A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
24The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.
25The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.
26The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
Not just the words, but the very thought of the wicked the Lord detests...
And again, not just the words, but even the thoughts of the pure are a delight to the Lord.
27He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.
28The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
We should not be quick to answer.
29The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
30The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.
31The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
32He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
33The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
Hmm. This is a key wisdom key. Having respect for God and obeying the dictates of his law gives wisdom.
Before honour is humility, not rashness and pompousness.
The question then becomes, what is humility?