The practical, although challenging, advice given in the book of Proverbs is worthy of careful study. Here’s the rest of my abbreviated list of what God is asking us to do with his help.
Be financially wise.
“Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow” (13:11).
“Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness.” One version says, “Have the wisdom to show restraint.” (23:4).
“The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live” (15:27).
Choose friends wisely.
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm” (13:20).
“A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much” (20:19).
Discipline your kids.
“Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them” (13:24).
“Discipline your children, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to their death” (19:18).
“A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother…Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire” (29:15,17).
Be willing to give and receive godly counsel.
“Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor rather than one who has a flattering tongue” (28:23).
“A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence” (15:5).
“Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise. Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding” (15:31-32).
Overlook offense. Control your temper.
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends” (17:9).
“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense” (19:11).
“It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel” (20:3).
Be self-controlled.
“Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags” (23:20-21).
“If you find honey, eat just enough—too much of it, and you will vomit” (25:16).
Appreciate your wife.
“He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord” (18:22).
“Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord” (19:14).
“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies” (31:10).
Whew! That’s plenty for me to work on! How about you? Which one do you find the most challenging?
Of course, I didn’t cover everything the book of Proverbs has to say. ‘Hope you’ll spend some time reading it on your own in the coming weeks, and that you’ll share your discoveries with me.
Smoother Sailing 