January 5

The Book of Proverbs

By King Solomon and others

This book is one of many in the Bible that offers advice for good living.  What better way to start the new year than with the words of wisdom rendered by King Solomon?  I read this book every new year;  it runs only about 25 pages in my translation of the Bible, but I always glean new words of wisdom.  These proverbs address morality, justice, child-rearing, speech, and many other issues.  Here are a few favorites:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and do not lean on your own understanding. 

In all your ways acknowledge him, 

and he will make straight your paths. (ch 3, v 5-6)

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,

when it is in your power to do it. (ch 3, v 27)

The vexation of a fool is known at once,

but the prudent ignores an insult. (ch 12, v16)

Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding,

but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly. (ch 14, v 29)

Whoever ignores instruction despises himself,

but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence. (ch 15, v 32)

If one gives an answer before he hears,

it is his folly and shame. (ch 18, v 13)

Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth,
or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty. (ch 22, v 16)

By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established;
by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. (ch 24, v 3,4)

Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own

is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears. (ch 26, v 17)

Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity
than a rich man who is crooked in his ways (ch 28, v 6)

Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor
than he who flatters with his tongue (ch 28, v 23)

I could go on and on, especially as some of these verses have great relevance for our present circumstances.  The Lord surely answered King Solomon's prayer for wisdom (2 Chronicles 1:7-13).