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Proverbs Chapter Fifteen
March 4, 2017

Last week we saw that good decisions lead us closer to the path of righteousness, and bad decisions lead us away from this path. Proverbs extends this discussion through a study on the choice of words we use. With just the words we use we can avert anger or give anger a reason to blossom. With the words that come from our lips, we must be careful so that others may be edified and not broken. Those who are smart listen, even when they are told they are wrong. Both wicked and righteous people may have wealth, but the wealth of the righteous comes without trouble. Those who stray from God will be corrected; as much as God has hell and destruction before Him to use, His preference is to mold the hearts of people after His image and His likeness.

Proverbs 15:1-11
A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.  The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good.  A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, But perverseness in it breaks the spirit. A fool despises his father's instruction, But he who receives correction is prudent. In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, But in the revenue of the wicked is trouble. The lips of the wise disperse knowledge, But the heart of the fool does not do so. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But the prayer of the upright is His delight. The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But He loves him who follows righteousness. Harsh discipline is for him who forsakes the way, And he who hates correction will die. Hell and Destruction are before the LORD; So how much more the hearts of the sons of men.

Stay away from those who seem to know better than everyone else; these people will never learn. Those who understand will want to understand even more. Whenever plans are made, it is best to get advice from people who know what they are talking about realizing that this will add a layer of safety to what needs to be done. When it is time to take action, people who are happy will find ways to celebrate when those who are sad will find sadness within the happiest of occassions.

Proverbs 15:12-22 
A scoffer does not love one who corrects him, Nor will he go to the wise. A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness. All the days of the afflicted are evil, But he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast. Better is a little with the fear of the LORD, Than great treasure with trouble. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, Than a fatted calf with hatred. A wrathful man stirs up strife, But he who is slow to anger allays contention. The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, But the way of the upright is a highway. A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish man despises his mother. Folly is joy to him who is destitute of discernment, But a man of understanding walks uprightly. Without counsel, plans go awry, But in the multitude of counselors they are established.

The words we speak can bring joy to others and ourself. If the words we use show we do not value God, we need to remember that it is God who can destroy us as much as it is God who protects those who cannot protect themselves. Never be greedy to grow your wealth. If you are greedy you are more likely to take a bribe and destroy your life. Study how to answer instead of saying whatever comes to your mind. By studying wisdom we can develop respect and awe for God through humility.

Proverbs 15:23-33
A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, And a word spoken in due season, how good it is! The way of life winds upward for the wise, That he may turn away from hell below. The LORD will destroy the house of the proud, But He will establish the boundary of the widow. The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD, But the words of the pure are pleasant. He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, But he who hates bribes will live. The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil. The LORD is far from the wicked, But He hears the prayer of the righteous. The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, And a good report makes the bones healthy. The ear that hears the rebukes of life will abide among the wise. He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, But he who heeds rebuke gets understanding. The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, And before honor is humility.

By focusing on that which takes on the path of rigtheousness, we find ourselves drawing close to God; those who are wicked will find themselves far removed from God.

All verses are from the King James Version.
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