Introduction

The Book Of Proverbs are the words of King Solomon which

contain divinely inspired wisdom for our everyday use. At their
foundation is love and obedience to od! who is the source of all
true wisdom and guidance. The Proverbs offer a powerful insight
into human nature and its flaws. They also demonstrate how
mistakes "sin# can be avoided through a diligent obedience to
od$s laws! and loving conformity to %is will.
Proverbs is practical for us because it shows how to become
wise! make good decisions! and live according to od$s ideal.
The following te&ts show us how to do 'ust that! especially as it
relates to Training and True (ducation.
1
Chapter 1
1:5 - A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain
unto wise counsels:
1:10 - My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.
1:15 - My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:
Chapter 2
:11 - !iscretion shall preser"e thee, understanding shall keep thee:
Chapter 3
#:1 - My son, forget not my law; $ut let thine heart keep my commandments:
#: - %or length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
#:& - 'o shalt thou find fa"our and good understanding in the sight of (od and man.
#:5 - )rust in the *+,! with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
#:- - .n all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
#:/ - 0e not wise in thine own eyes: fear the *+,!, and depart from e"il.
#:1 - 2onour the *+,! with thy su$stance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase:
#:11 - My son, despise not the chastening of the *+,!; neither $e weary of his correction:
#:1# 3 2appy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
#:/ - 4ithhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to
do it.
#:1 - !e"ise not e"il against thy neigh$our, seeing he dwelleth securely $y thee.
#:#0 - 'tri"e not with a man without cause, if he ha"e done thee no harm.
Chapter 4
&:5 - (et wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my
mouth.

&:/ - 4isdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get
understanding.
&:1& - 5nter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of e"il men.
&:15 - A"oid it, pass not $y it, turn from it, and pass away.
Chapter 5
5:1 - My son, attend unto my wisdom, and $ow thine ear to my understanding:
5:/ - 2ear me now therefore, + ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth.
Chapter 6
-:- - (o to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and $e wise:
-:0 - My son, keep thy father6s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
Chapter 7
/: - 7eep my commandments, and li"e; and my law as the apple of thine eye.
/:# - 0ind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the ta$le of thine heart.
/:5 - *et not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths.
Chapter 8
8:10 - ,ecei"e my instruction, and not sil"er; and knowledge rather than choice gold.
8:18 - ,iches and honour are with me; yea, dura$le riches and righteousness.
8:#& - 0lessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my
doors.
8:#5 - %or whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall o$tain fa"our of the *+,!.
8:#- - 0ut he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me lo"e death.
Chapter 9
1:- - %orsake the foolish, and li"e; and go in the way of understanding.
1:/ - 2e that repro"eth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that re$uketh a wicked man
getteth himself a $lot.
#
1:1 - (i"e instruction to a wise man, and he will $e yet wiser: teach a 9ust man, and he will
increase in learning.
1:10 - )he fear of the *+,! is the $eginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is
understanding.
Chapter 10
10:1 - A wise son maketh a glad father: $ut a foolish son is the hea"iness of his mother.
10:5 - 2e that gathereth in summer is a wise son: $ut he that sleepeth in har"est is a son that
causeth shame.
10:1 - 2e that walketh uprightly walketh surely: $ut he that per"erteth his ways shall $e known.
10:1 - 2atred stirreth up strifes: $ut lo"e co"ereth all sins.
10:1& - 4ise men lay up knowledge: $ut the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.
10:18 - 2e that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.
10:0 - )he tongue of the 9ust is as choice sil"er: the heart of the wicked is little worth.
10:/ - )he fear of the *+,! prolongeth days: $ut the years of the wicked shall $e shortened.
10:#1 - )he mouth of the 9ust $ringeth forth wisdom: $ut the froward tongue shall $e cut out.
Chapter 11
11:1 - A hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neigh$our: $ut through knowledge shall the
9ust $e deli"ered.
11:15 - 2e that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretyship is sure.
11:& - )here is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is
meet, $ut it tendeth to po"erty.
11:5 - )he li$eral soul shall $e made fat: and he that watereth shall $e watered also himself.
11:- - 2e that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: $ut $lessing shall $e upon the head
of him that selleth it.
11:/- 2e that diligently seeketh good procureth fa"our: $ut he that seeketh mischief, it shall
come unto him.
11:8 - 2e that trusteth in his riches shall fall; $ut the righteous shall flourish as a $ranch.
&
11:#0 - )he fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
Chapter 12
1:1 - 4hoso lo"eth instruction lo"eth knowledge: $ut he that hateth reproof is $rutish.
1: - A good man o$taineth fa"our of the *+,!: $ut a man of wicked de"ices will he
condemn.
1:& - A "irtuous woman is a crown to her hus$and: $ut she that maketh ashamed is as
rottenness in his $ones.
1:10- A righteous man regardeth the life of his $east: $ut the tender mercies of the wicked are
cruel.
1:11 - 2e that tilleth his land shall $e satisfied with $read: $ut he that followeth "ain persons is
"oid of understanding.
1:18 - )here is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: $ut the tongue of the wise is health.
1:11 - )he lip of truth shall $e esta$lished for e"er: $ut a lying tongue is $ut for a moment.
1:0 - !eceit is in the heart of them that imagine e"il: $ut to the counsellors of peace is 9oy.
1: - *ying lips are a$omination to the *+,!: $ut they that deal truly are his delight.
1:# - A prudent man concealeth knowledge: $ut the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.
Chapter 13
1#:1 - A wise son heareth his father6s instruction: $ut a scorner heareth not re$uke.
1#: - A man shall eat good $y the fruit of his mouth: $ut the soul of the transgressors shall eat
"iolence.
1#:# - 2e that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: $ut he that openeth wide his lips shall ha"e
destruction.
1#:& - )he soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: $ut the soul of the diligent shall $e
made fat.
1#:10 - +nly $y pride cometh contention: $ut with the well ad"ised is wisdom.
1#:11- 4ealth gotten $y "anity shall $e diminished: $ut he that gathereth $y la$our shall
increase.
5
1#:1# - 4hoso despiseth the word shall $e destroyed: $ut he that feareth the commandment shall
$e rewarded.
1#:18 - :o"erty and shame shall $e to him that refuseth instruction: $ut he that regardeth reproof
shall $e honoured.
1#:0 - 2e that walketh with wise men shall $e wise: $ut a companion of fools shall $e
destroyed.
1#: - A good man lea"eth an inheritance to his children6s children: and the wealth of the sinner
is laid up for the 9ust.
1#:& - 2e that spareth his rod hateth his son: $ut he that lo"eth him chasteneth him $etimes.
Chapter 14
&:1 - %ools make a mock at sin: $ut among the righteous there is fa"our.
1&:1 - )here is a way which seemeth right unto a man, $ut the end thereof are the ways of
death.
1&:1- - A wise man feareth, and departeth from e"il: $ut the fool rageth, and is confident.
1&:1 - 2e that despiseth his neigh$our sinneth: $ut he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.
1&:# - .n all la$our there is profit: $ut the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.
1&:1 - 2e that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: $ut he that is hasty of spirit e;alteth
folly.
1&:#1 - 2e that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: $ut he that honoureth him hath mercy
on the poor.
1&:## - 4isdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: $ut that which is in the midst
of fools is made known.
1&:#& - ,ighteousness e;alteth a nation: $ut sin is a reproach to any people.
Chapter 15
15:1 - A soft answer turneth away wrath: $ut grie"ous words stir up anger.
15: - )he tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: $ut the mouth of fools poureth out
foolishness.
15:5 - A fool despiseth his father6s instruction: $ut he that regardeth reproof is prudent.
-
15:/ - )he lips of the wise disperse knowledge: $ut the heart of the foolish doeth not so.
15:10 - <orrection is grie"ous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall
die.
15:1# - A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: $ut $y sorrow of the heart the spirit is
$roken.
15:1- - 0etter is little with the fear of the *+,! than great treasure and trou$le therewith.
15:1/ - 0etter is a dinner of her$s where lo"e is, than a stalled o; and hatred therewith.
15:0 - A wise son maketh a glad father: $ut a foolish man despiseth his mother.
15:/ - 2e that is greedy of gain trou$leth his own house; $ut he that hateth gifts shall li"e.
15:# - 2e that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: $ut he that heareth reproof getteth
understanding.
15:## - )he fear of the *+,! is the instruction of wisdom; and $efore honour is humility.
Chapter 16
1-:# - <ommit thy works unto the *+,!, and thy thoughts shall $e esta$lished.
1-:/ - 4hen a man6s ways please the *+,!, he maketh e"en his enemies to $e at peace with
him.
1-:1- - 2ow much $etter is it to get wisdom than gold= and to get understanding rather to $e
chosen than sil"er=
1-:1/ - )he highway of the upright is to depart from e"il: he that keepeth his way preser"eth his
soul.
1-:18 - :ride goeth $efore destruction, and a haughty spirit $efore a fall.
1-: - >nderstanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: $ut the instruction of fools is
folly.
1-:# - )he heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.
1-:& - :leasant words are as a honeycom$, sweet to the soul, and health to the $ones.
1-:5 - )here is a way that seemeth right unto a man, $ut the end thereof are the ways of death.
1-:- - 2e that la$oureth la$oureth for himself; for his mouth cra"eth it of him.
/
1-:#0 - 2e shutteth his eyes to de"ise froward things: mo"ing his lips he $ringeth e"il to pass.
1-:#1 - )he hoary head is a crown of glory, if it $e found in the way of righteousness.
1-:# - 2e that is slow to anger is $etter than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that
taketh a city.
Chapter 17
1/:5 - 4hoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not
$e unpunished.
1/:8 - A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoe"er it turneth, it
prospereth.
1/:1# - 4hoso rewardeth e"il for good, e"il shall not depart from his house.
1/:1& - )he $eginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore lea"e off contention,
$efore it $e meddled with.
1/:15 - 2e that 9ustifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the 9ust, e"en they $oth are
a$omination to the *+,!.
1/:1/ - A friend lo"eth at all times, and a $rother is $orn for ad"ersity.
1/: - A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: $ut a $roken spirit drieth the $ones.
1/:& - 4isdom is $efore him that hath understanding; $ut the eyes of a fool are in the ends of
the earth.
1/:/ - 2e that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an e;cellent
spirit.
1/:8 - 5"en a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is
esteemed a man of understanding.
Chapter 18
18:& - )he words of a man6s mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a
flowing $rook.
18:- - A fool6s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
18:/ - A fool6s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
18:1 - 2e also that is slothful in his work is $rother to him that is a great waster.
8
18:1 - 0efore destruction the heart of man is haughty, and $efore honour is humility.
18:1# - 2e that answereth a matter $efore he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
18:15 - )he heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
18:1/ - 2e that is first in his own cause seemeth 9ust; $ut his neigh$our cometh and searcheth
him.
18:1 - !eath and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that lo"e it shall eat the fruit
thereof.
18: - 4hoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and o$taineth
18:& - A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh
closer than a $rother.
Chapter 19
11:1 - 0etter is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is per"erse in his lips, and is a
fool.
11:& - 4ealth maketh many friends; $ut the poor is separated from his neigh$our.
11:8 - 2e that getteth wisdom lo"eth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find
good.
11:1/ - 2e that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the *+,!; and that which he hath gi"en
will he pay him again.

11:18- <hasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.
Chapter 20
0:1 - 4ine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoe"er is decei"ed there$y is not wise.
0:# - .t is an honour for a man to cease from strife: $ut e"ery fool will $e meddling.
0:/ - )he 9ust man walketh in his integrity: his children are $lessed after him.
0:8 - A king that sitteth in the throne of 9udgment scattereth away all e"il with his eyes.
1
0:11 - 5"en a child is known $y his doings, whether his work $e pure, and whether it $e right.
0:15 - )here is gold, and a multitude of ru$ies: $ut the lips of knowledge are a precious 9ewel.
0:1- - )ake his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange
woman.
0:11 - 2e that goeth a$out as a tale$earer re"ealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that
flattereth with his lips.
0:0 - 4hoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall $e put out in o$scure darkness.
0: - 'ay not thou, . will recompense e"il; $ut wait on the *+,!, and he shall sa"e thee.
0:/ - )he spirit of man is the candle of the *+,!, searching all the inward parts of the $elly.
0:1 - )he glory of young men is their strength: and the $eauty of old men is the grey head.
Chapter 21
1:# - )o do 9ustice and 9udgment is more accepta$le to the *+,! than sacrifice.
1:& - A high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.
1:- - )he getting of treasures $y a lying tongue is a "anity tossed to and fro of them that seek
death.
1:1 - .t is $etter to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a $rawling woman in a wide
house.
1:1# - 4hoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, $ut shall not $e
heard.
1:1- - )he man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation
of the dead.
1:1 - 2e that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
1:# - 4hoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from trou$les.
Chapter 22
:1 - A (++! name is rather to $e chosen than great riches, and lo"ing fa"our rather than
sil"er and gold.
:- - )rain up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
10
:/ - 2e that maketh haste to $e rich shall not $e innocent.
:11 - 2e that lo"eth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall $e his friend.
:15 - %oolishness is $ound in the heart of a child; $ut the rod of correction shall dri"e it far
from him.
:1- - 2e that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that gi"eth to the rich, shall
surely come to want.
:1 - 'eest thou a man diligent in his $usiness? he shall stand $efore kings; he shall not stand
$efore mean men.
Chapter 23
#:& - *a$our not to $e rich: cease from thine own wisdom.
#:5 - 4ilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themsel"es
wings; they fly away as an eagle toward hea"en.
#:- - 5at thou not the $read of him that hath an e"il eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats:
#:/ - %or as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: 5at and drink, saith he to thee; $ut his heart is not
with thee.
#:1 - Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.
#:1# - 4ithhold not correction from the child: for if thou $eatest him with the rod, he shall not
die.
#:1- %or the drunkard and the glutton shall come to po"erty: and drowsiness shall clothe a
man with rags.
#:# - 0uy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.
Chapter 24
&:- - %or $y wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is
safety.
&:/ - 4isdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate.
&:8 - 0e not a witness against thy neigh$our without cause; and decei"e not with thy lips.
11
Chapter 25
5:1 - !e$ate thy cause with thy neigh$our himself; and disco"er not a secret to another:
5:11 - A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of sil"er.
5:1& - 4hoso $oasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.
5:1/ - 4ithdraw thy foot from thy neigh$our6s house; lest he $e weary of thee, and so hate thee.
5:18 - A man that $eareth false witness against his neigh$our is a maul, and a sword, and a
sharp arrow.
5:11 - <onfidence in an unfaithful man in time of trou$le is like a $roken tooth, and a foot out
of 9oint.
5:1 - .f thine enemy $e hungry, gi"e him $read to eat; and if he $e thirsty, gi"e him water to
drink:
5: - %or thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the *+,! shall reward thee.
5:5 - As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
5:8 - 2e that hath no rule o"er his own spirit is like a city that is $roken down, and without
walls.
Chapter 26
-: - As the $ird $y wandering, as the swallow $y flying, so the curse causeless shall not
come.
-:& - Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also $e like unto him.
-:5 - Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he $e wise in his own conceit.
-:8 - As he that $indeth a stone in a sling, so is he that gi"eth honour to a fool.
-:/ - 4hoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.
-:8 - A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted $y it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
Chapter 27
/:1 - 0oast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may $ring forth.
/: - *et another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.
1
/:5 - +pen re$uke is $etter than secret lo"e.
/:1- A prudent man foreseeth the e"il, and hideth himself; $ut the simple pass on, and are
punished.
/:18- 4hoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master
shall $e honoured.
Chapter 28
8:- - 0etter is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is per"erse in his ways,
though he $e rich.
8:8 - 2e that $y usury and un9ust gain increaseth his su$stance, he shall gather it for him that
will pity the poor.
8:1 - 2e that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, e"en his prayer shall $e a$omination.
8:10 - 4hoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an e"il way, he shall fall himself into his
own pit: $ut the upright shall ha"e good things in possession.
8:11 - )he rich man is wise in his own conceit; $ut the poor that hath understanding searcheth
him out.
8:1# - 2e that co"ereth his sins shall not prosper: $ut whoso confesseth and forsaketh them
shall ha"e mercy.
8:1& - 2appy is the man that feareth always: $ut he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into
mischief.
8:18 - 4hoso walketh uprightly shall $e sa"ed: $ut he that is per"erse in his ways shall fall at
once.
8:11 - 2e that tilleth his land shall ha"e plenty of $read: $ut he that followeth after "ain persons
shall ha"e po"erty enough.
8:0 - A faithful man shall a$ound with $lessings: $ut he that maketh haste to $e rich shall not
$e innocent.
8: - 2e that hasteth to $e rich hath an e"il eye, and considereth not that po"erty shall come
upon him.
8:& - 4hoso ro$$eth his father or his mother, and saith, .t is no transgression; the same is the
companion of a destroyer.
1#
8:5 - 2e that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: $ut he that putteth his trust in the *+,!
shall $e made fat.
8:- - 2e that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: $ut whoso walketh wisely, he shall $e
deli"ered.
8:/ - 2e that gi"eth unto the poor shall not lack: $ut he that hideth his eyes shall ha"e many a
curse.
Chapter 29
1:# - 4hoso lo"eth wisdom re9oiceth his father: $ut he that keepeth company with harlots
spendeth his su$stance.
1:5 - A man that flattereth his neigh$our spreadeth a net for his feet.
1:11 - A fool uttereth all his mind: $ut a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
1:15 - )he rod and reproof gi"e wisdom: $ut a child left to himself $ringeth his mother to
shame.
1:1/ - <orrect thy son, and he shall gi"e thee rest; yea, he shall gi"e delight unto thy soul.
1:0 - 'eest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
1:1 - 2e that delicately $ringeth up his ser"ant from a child shall ha"e him $ecome his son at
the length.
1: - An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man a$oundeth in transgression.
1:# - A man6s pride shall $ring him low: $ut honour shall uphold the hum$le in spirit.
1:5 - )he fear of man $ringeth a snare: $ut whoso putteth his trust in the *+,! shall $e safe.
1:/ - An un9ust man is an a$omination to the 9ust: and he that is upright in the way is
a$omination to the wicked.
1&
Chapter 30
#0:5 - 5"ery word of (od is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
#0:5 - )he ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;
#0:- - )he conies are $ut a fee$le folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;
#0:/ - )he locusts ha"e no king, yet go they forth all of them $y $ands;
#0:#0 - A lion which is strongest among $easts, and turneth not away for any;
#0:#1 - A greyhound; a he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up.
Chapter 31
#1:10 - 4ho can find a "irtuous woman? for her price is far a$o"e ru$ies.
#1:1# - 'he seeketh wool, and fla;, and worketh willingly with her hands.
#1:1& - 'he is like the merchants6 ships; she $ringeth her food from afar.
#1:15 - 'he riseth also while it is yet night, and gi"eth meat to her household, and a portion to
her maidens.
#1:1- - 'he considereth a field, and $uyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a "ineyard.
#1:1/ - 'he girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
#1:18 - 'he percei"eth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out $y night.
#1:11 - 'he layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
#1:0 - 'he stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
#1:& - 'he maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and deli"ereth girdles unto the merchant.
#1:5 - 'trength and honour are her clothing; and she shall re9oice in time to come.
#1:- - 'he openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
#1:/ - 'he looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the $read of idleness.
#1:#0 - %a"our is deceitful, and $eauty is "ain: $ut a woman that feareth the *+,!, she shall $e
praised.
15
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not
unto your own understanding. In all your ways
acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
Provers !"#$%

The )ord has promised to never leave us or forsake us* therefore we can put all our
faith and trust in %im. +hat does it mean to trust in the )ord, -t is to put all your faith
and trust in %im and believe that %e will take care of all problems that concern us. .or
as the scripture says! Trust in the )ord! with all your heart! and lean not unto your own
understanding. This is a call for us to put our hope and trust in the )ord. .or leaning to
our own understanding would mean that we are trusting in our own wisdom and not the
wisdom that comes from the )ord.
-f we are to be victorious over our problems and obstacles we face in life! we must
depend on the wisdom of the )ord. .or when circumstances come into our lives that
are beyond our control! we can see only the situation from the natural eye! but od
sees and knows what is beyond those circumstances. Therefore we must trust %im to
direct us in the right paths in order to resolve the problems.
+hen we go to od in prayer by faith "acknowledging %im# and ask for wisdom and
direction! %e will show you the directions to take. %e opens doors that seems
impossible to open and that no man can close. Therefore! this then is where our faith in
od/s word! %is promises! takes control of our mind and heart! so that we are able to
look beyond the circumstances and see od in the mist of it all! working all things
1-
together for our good. +e stand on od/s promises of what %e has spoken to us
through %is word.

Knowing that we can depend on od to be there in all of life/s difficulties! gives us the
strength to meet life/s daily obstacles and temptations.
1/
Lying lips are aomination to the Lord" ut they that
deal truly are His delight.& Provers '("((
The wise sayings of Solomon show that the opposite of truth is not error but evil. )ying
lips reflect more than misinformation or disinformation. )ying lips e&press the denial and
darkness that mark the path that leads away from od.
-t is against od/s nature to lie. od hates lying and deception. Solomon reminds us
that deception is the basis of betrayal. Betrayal destroys trust. +ithout trust and truth
there is no basis for loving relationships.
Truth is the essential foundation of good business! good government! and good
science. Truth is the basis of faithful marriages! lasting friendships! and a personal
relationship with od. )ies are hellish tactics of the devil. They are sources of darkness
rather than light! and sorrow rather than re'oicing. )ies steal honor for a moment! while
assuring that the honor will later turn into shame.
People may lie because they want to avoid hurting someone or to escape punishment.
But! no matter the circumstances! we must always aim to be truthful and trust that the
)ord will see you through.
18
Hatred stirreth up stri)es; ut love covereth all sins.&
$ Provers '*"'(
-t is better to love than to hate. +hen you hate a person! you hate od! because od is
love. The Bible says od is love! and he that dwells in love dwells in od! and od in
him. +e all are to love one another and be our brother/s keeper. The )ord says to love
your enemies and do good to those who hate you. +e all know this is a hard task but it
is never an easy road to travel when you are seeking the )ord. +hen you love instead
of hate! people will see the love in you and will in turn learn to love. 0o matter how
much hate a person has inside! love can melt away all that hate.
%ow did 1hrist demonstrate %is love for us, %e demonstrated %is love for us by dying
for our sins. 2o you want a greater love than this, +hy then can/t we love instead of
hate,
)ove can heal all relationship. -f it seems like your family is falling apart! its going to take
love to pull you together again. -t$s easy to argue and fight with those you love.
(specially as teenagers it is hard to treat your parents with respect and love. -t$s also
hard to e&press your love to those you are around a lot. But! you must let love bond and
heal your relationships. )ove makes us strong and hate makes us weak.
There are many gifts of od but! the greatest gift of all is the gift of love. The greatest
gift is love. Accept it from the )ord. Then! e&ercise it as much as you can in your life.
11
+ so)t answer turneth away wrath" ut grievous words
stir up anger.& $Provers '#"'
+hen we speak softly and be nice to someone instead of being angry! we can bring him
to shame. -t is difficult for someone to continue being mean to you if you don$t let it get
you angry. -t takes away their fun in it. So od$s advice is not only the better way to
handle the situation from %is end! but from ours also.
(ven though it$s true that a humble response to wrath will normally cause it to subside!
it$s e3ually true that some people will never be pacified. Because of long4term bitterness
and resentment! the tide of their wrath runs too high.
The only thing we can do5and the thing we must always do5is be meek and lowly in
the face of their anger and leave the conse3uences with od. This doesn$t mean we
must stay in an abusive situation! for no one has the right to mistreat another human
being. But it does mean we can by od$s grace respond calmly to another$s anger.
-t remains very true that most often! if we reply with a soft answer! it will calm the
second party. %owever! our soft answer also has a very soothing effect on our own
hearts6 -f we make the choice to show our love for the )ord through controlling our
speech! we are often 7rewarded/ by finding our own wrath and anger melt away.
Paul stated the matter this way8 9-f it is possible! as much as depends on you, live
peaceably with all men9 ":omans ;<8;=#. +e must be peacemakers even if others
refuse to be. Obedience is our 'ob* the rest we leave to od.
0
+e want a word that always works! an easy solution! a 3uick fi&. But some things in this
broken world can$t be fi&ed no matter what we do! so we must rely on od$s grace to
deal with them from day to day.
1alm! 3uiet words may not always turn away another$s wrath. >ou may be grieved
because they go unheeded! but you can never go wrong with a soft answer. To handle
a hard situation! try a soft answer.
1
,He that spareth his rod hateth his son" ut he that loveth
him chasteneth him etimes., $ Provers '!"(-
Proverbs covers the sub'ect of child rearing and corporal punishment beautifully.
1hildren! who are not properly disciplined! are among the most miserable of children.
.irst of all! discipline of children should begin at an early age! whenever a child begins
to defy the parent. :emember the old saying! "He who spares the rod, spoils the child."
0otice that the Bible says that all children have foolishness in their hearts. The Bible
definition of a fool means one who is a rebel! so this is saying that all children have
rebellion in them and when it surfaces! it is our duty as parents to drive it out of them.
+e are to do this by punishing them with a whack on the buttocks with a small reed4like
rod. This rod could be a switch from a fruit tree branch or a willow tree branch or a small
wooden spoon. -t is not to be a large heavy rod or anything that would cause permanent
physical damage.
The purpose of a spanking is not to cause any lasting bodily harm! but to cause spiritual
correction. A spanking should be swift and cause short lived pain that makes a point.
That point is that the small pain they feel now will prevent them from feeling great pain
by the act they are committing! which could cause them loss of their lives in some
cases. ".or instance! if a child tries to run across the street! they could be run over and
killed.#
Some people say that all spanking is child abuse! but this is totally wrong. The real
abuse to the child is not to spank them when they need correction. Of course! some

parents! who themselves are out of control! can abuse their children by beating them in
angry rages. This is child abuse! however! it does not 'ustify doing away with spanking
children if it is done properly! and for the right reasons. Parents who beat their children!
need help themselves. They are sinful people and they not only will abuse their children
by beating them! but will hurt them in other ways as well. ?any times! these same
children are left to go hungry and uncared for. They have no love. These kind of homes
need the love of 1hrist so that the whole family can be healed. +e are not to spank our
children with uncontrolled anger! and thus hand out un'ust punishment.
odly discipline will keep children from being dysfunctional later in life. +e are told as
1hristian parents to train our children in the ways of the )ord and when he grows up! he
will not depart from that training. 0otice it says 9train9 not 9teach.9 ?any parents teach
their children right from wrong! but have failed to 9train9 them to obey. Spanking is part
of the training. ?any parents yell and threaten their children! but never follow through
with the proper punishment and therefore their children get their own way. A disciplined
child will bring great delight to parents! while the child left alone will bring shame to the
home.
#