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Proverbs Chapter Nineteen
April 1, 2017

Last week we saw that people who are looking out only for themselves isolate themselves from others, even when it makes no sense. We also learned to be friendly to all whom we meet as we remember our place in life. This week we learn that it is better to be poor with integrity than a rich fool. Though it isn't mentioned directly, we can extrapolate that it is even better to be wealthy provided we are wealthy with integrity. As we accumulate the things of life, especially money, we will develop friends we never knew before. As we lose wealth those closest to us tend to forget we exist. Part of living with integrity is never forgetting about those who are down on their luck. Those who are down on their luck have a hard time gaining friends; those with money to burn don't have this problem. The value in knowledge is that with knowledge wisdom might come. Wisdom does not always come with knowledge; there are many educated fools. Wisdom will help get us through the more difficult times in life.

Proverbs 19:1-10
Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool. Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth. The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD. Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour. A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape. Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts. All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him. He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good. A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish. Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.

It has been said discretion is the better part of valor and with discretion comes the ability to defer anger. We should never give discretion to anger so that it rules in our life. Avoid causing anger with people of authority; instead seek their favor. Value the gifts received through inheritance; value even more the people in our life who are a blessing from God. Remember that a life without purpose is one that causes an attitude of laziness. Each day is an opportunity to live a life that fulfills the purpose that God has given us. Part of our purpose should revolve around others in and out of our life; remember that as we help those in need, it is as if we are helping God and God will remember this deed of good. Never be afraid to instill discipline in your child; but remember to do so only in ways that will help them become caring and productive adults. Never abuse your child.

Proverbs 19:11-19
The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression. The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass. A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping. House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD. Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger. He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die. He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again. Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying. A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.

When making decisions get advice and check that advice with what God would expect; always follow God. Be kind to others as we live a life in awe of God. Be careful of those who seem to always know better; if they actually did know better they would probably be in charge and/or have financial means. When working with a person who has a good level of understanding, challenging this person's ideals will make a better person.

Proverbs 19:20-29
Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand. The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar. The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil. A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again. Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge. He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach. Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge. An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity. Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.

All verses are from the King James Version.
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