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Proverbs Chapter Twenty
April 8, 2017

Last week we read that it is better to be poor with integrity than to be a rich fool. We were also cautioned on the judgment and punishment we desire for others as God might measure that back on us. This week we are taught that foolish people are deceived by wine and alcoholic beverages. People who respect authority understand it is best to not anger those in positions of power, and that instead of getting into everybody else's business, it is best to stop from anything that can cause trouble. Most people have an opinion about whatever is being discussed; a wise person will understand what others are thinking. People tend to see themselves as good though faithful people can be hard to find. Remember that anything that is good in us comes from God, and that God hates what is evil.

Proverbs 20:1-10
Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul. It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling. The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing. Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out. Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find? The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him. A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes. Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin? Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD.

Even children are known by how they act; God who is the Father of all, knows each and everyone of us. Seek more in your life than rest and leisure, and remember that negotiation is part of life; don't be taken advantage of by others. In life, the most precious possession is knowledge; knowledge provides opportunities beyond the most precious jewels and metals. Be careful not to associate with those who gossip; if they talk about others with you, it won't be long until they talk about you with others. In all that you say, always be respectful of your parents.

Proverbs 20:11-20
Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right. The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them. Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread. It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth. There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman. Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel. Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war. He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips. Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.

Good things that last take time. Be patient and wait on God, even when you feel you are the victim. God wants us to be devoted to him with knowledge and awareness. He does not want us to devote anything to him quickly and later regret it. During life there are different marks of greatness. Young people are great through strength and older people are great through wisdom.

Proverbs 20:21-30
An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed. Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee. Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good. Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way? It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry. A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them. The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly. Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy. The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head. The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly.

All verses are from the King James Version.
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