Return to Index.

Proverbs Chapter Twenty-Three
April 29, 2017

In Proverbs Chapter Twenty-Two we read the importance of being diligent in what is done so that those in authority will notice your actions. This week, Proverbs help us to consider what is possible instead of dreaming about the near impossible or the impossible. When we are with those in authority, carefully consider what is before you because even the most pleasant things may be deceitful. Do not work for the purpose of becoming rich; you will never be satisfied. Instead be content with what you have and avoid all that is deceitful. Avoid helping a fool; gaining wisdom is something they won't do. Do not plunder those in need; God is their Redeemer. Focus on learning and knowledge.

Proverbs 23:1-12
When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee: And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite. Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat. Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats: For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words. Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words. Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless: For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee. Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.

Discipline your children; discipline will not kill your children. Remember that discipline and child abuse are not the same thing. The rod was a symbol of authority. Remember to use your authority as a parent to instill discipline, but do not use your authority as a reason to abuse your child. Consider that the wisdom that you have will bring joy to others. Never envy those who sin; instead live your life in awe of God. Avoid people who drink and eat too much; they will always come up short on cash. Respect your parents; even when they are old. Acquire truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding. Never surrender what you have. The parents of wise children rejoice greatly.

Proverbs 23:13-24
Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell. My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine. Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things. Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long. For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off. Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way. Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags. Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old. Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding. The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.

Let your parents rejoice in who you are; avoid those who live a life contrary to God's teachings; they might suck you into their misery. Don't use alcohol and drugs to feel good.

Proverbs 23:25-35
Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice. My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways. For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit. She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men. Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast. They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.

That good feeling brought about by drugs and alcohol is only temporary and you will find yourself in a vicious cycle.

All verses are from the King James Version.
This site provided by Tom Laign. To all who may believe differently, I also extend peace and love.
Copyright and Legal Information
Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information