GOD’S WISDOM
for
Men, Women, Children
and
Their Children’s Children …
Seek Wisdom
“If any of you lacks wisdom,
let him ask of God,
who gives to all liberally
and without reproach,
and it will be given to him.
But let him ask in faith,
with no doubting,
for he who doubts
is like a wave of the sea
driven and tossed by the wind.”
(James 1:5-7)
The true child of God will go through severe testing in this life. Simply stated, this short life IS a test. As with any test, we will encounter many choices, decisions, problems, and difficulties along the way. God knows this, and He knew it before He placed each of us on this Earth. This is why He gave us His Word … the Bible. God speaks to Mankind (whom He created) through the Bible and lovingly offers Wisdom, guidance, and direction to help us through the choices and decisions we will confront throughout this life. He lays down some basic rules on how we are to live, and warns of consequences when we disregard or disobey them. God also instructs us to cast all our heavy burdens, cares, and worries upon Him, in faith.
Unfortunately, many of us will ignore and refuse to listen to God’s instructions as we struggle to solve all of life’s problems ourselves without seeking Him or His counsel. Through faith, He promises to help us, teach us, strengthen us, comfort us, and show us the way as we go through the trials and difficulties we will surely face in this life …
“For whoever finds me (Wisdom)
finds life, and obtains favor
from the Lord”
(Proverbs 8:35)
The book of Proverbs provides the essentials in knowing Wisdom. Learning these rules and applying them daily to our lives will keep us safe “from defeat and disaster” (Proverbs 3:23). Blessings and warnings. Wisdom directs us how to relate to God, family, loved ones, friends, employers, acquaintances, strangers, and even our enemies. The early Hebrew rabbinical writings called the book of Proverbs Sepher Hokhmah … the “Book of Wisdom.”
We are told why God gave us Proverbs …
“To teach His people how to live—
how to act in every circumstance,
for He wanted them to be
understanding, just, and fair
in everything they did.
“I (God) want to make the simple wise,
to know wisdom and understanding’”
(Proverbs 1:2-4 TLB)
Seek and you shall find …
Ask, and it shall be given.
“Ask, and it shall be given to you;
Seek, and you will find;
Knock, and it shall be opened to you.
For everyone who asks receives,
And he who seeks finds,
And to him who knocks
It will be opened.”
(Matthew 7:7-8)
The Proverbs
(A Selection)
To teach His children how to live …
1:5
A wise man will hear
and increase learning.
1:7
The fear of the Lord
is the beginning of knowledge;
(Fear the consequences of disobeying God)
1:7
But fools despise wisdom and instruction
1:8
Listen to your father and mother.
What you learn from them
will stand you in good stead.
1:10
If sinners entice you,
Do not consent.
2:11-14
Discretion will watch over you
Understanding (God’s Word) will guard you,
Delivering you from the way of evil,
From the man who speaks perverse things,
From those who leave the path of uprightness
to walk in the ways of darkness.
From those who rejoice in doing evil.
2:16,18
To deliver you from the immoral woman
From the seductress
who flatters with her words.
For her house leads down to death
And her paths to the dead (Hell).
3:3
Never forget to be truthful and kind.
3:5
Trust in the Lord
with ALL your heart,
And lean not
on your own understanding.
3:6
In everything you do
put God first,
and He will crown your efforts
with success.
3:9
Honor the Lord
by giving Him the first part
of all your income,
and He will fill your barns.
(Also see Malachi 3:10)
3:11
Do not resent it
when God chastens
and corrects you,
for punishment is proof
of His love –
just as a father punishes
a son he delights in
to make him better.
(Also see Hebrews 12:5-7)
3:21
Have two goals:
– Wisdom, that is knowing and doing right
– Common sense
4:14
Do not enter the path of the wicked
And do not walk in the way of evil.
6:16
These six things
the Lord hates – yes, seven …
– A proud look (arrogance, selfishness, conceit)
– A lying tongue (lying and deceiving)
– Hands that shed innocent blood (violence)
– A heart that devises (or imagines) sinful plans
– Eagerness and willingness to do wrong
– A false witness speaking lies
– One who sows discord among brethren
8:14,23
“I, Wisdom,
give good advice and common sense.
From ages past I Am” (Eternal)
(“I Am” is a Name of God – Exodus 3:14)
10:17
Anyone willing to be corrected
is on the pathway to Life (in Heaven).
Anyone refusing has lost his chance.
10:26
A lazy fellow
is a pain to his employers –
like smoke in their eyes
or vinegar that sets
the teeth on edge.
11:1
The Lord hates cheating
and delights in honesty.
11:3
A good man is guided by his honesty.
The evil man is destroyed
by his dishonesty.
11:12
To quarrel with a neighbor is foolish;
a man with good sense holds his tongue.
11:14
Without wise leadership
a nation falls.
11:20
The Lord hates the stubborn,
but delights in those who are good.
11:22
A beautiful woman
lacking discretion and modesty
is like a fine gold ring
in a pig’s snout.
11:29
The fool who provokes his family
to anger and resentment
will finally have nothing
worthwhile left.
12:1
Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge,
but he who despises or refuses correction
is stupid.
12:15
A fool thinks he needs no advice …
but a wise man listens to others.
12:16
A fool is quick-tempered;
a wise man stays calm
when insulted.
12:17
A good man
is known by his truthfulness;
a false man by his deceit and lies.
12:22
God delights in those
who keep their promises,
and abhors those that don’t.
13:2
The good man wins his case
by careful argument.
The evil-minded only wants to fight.
13:3
Self-control means
controlling the tongue!
A quick retort can ruin everything.
13:10
Pride leads to arguments …
be humble, take advice
and become wise.
13:18
If you refuse criticism
you will end in poverty and disgrace.
13:24
If you refuse to discipline your son
it proves you don’t love him.
For if you love him
you will be prompt to punish him.
14:10
Only the person involved
can know his bitterness or joy …
no one else can really share it.
14:12
Before every man lies a wide
and pleasant road that seems right
but ends in death (Hell) …
(And, “Narrow is the gate
and difficult is the way
to life (in Heaven)”
(Matthew 7:14)
14:13
Laughter cannot mask
a heavy heart …
when the laughter ends,
the grief remains.
14:17
A short tempered man is a fool.
14:21
To despise the poor is a sin.
Blessed are those that pity them.
14:23
Work brings profit …
Talk brings poverty.
14:26
The fear of God
gives a man deep strength.
His children have a place
of refuge and security.
14:27
Fear of the Lord
is a fountain of life;
its waters keep a man (or woman)
from death
(Fear the consequences of disobeying God)
14:29
A wise man controls his temper.
He knows that anger causes mistakes.
14:30
A relaxed attitude
lengthens a man’s life …
jealousy rots it away.
14:31
Anyone who oppresses the poor
is insulting God who made them.
To help the poor is to honor God.
15:1
A soft answer turns away wrath,
but harsh words cause quarrels.
15:3
The Lord is watching everywhere
and keeps his eye on both
the evil and the good
15:4
Gentle words cause life and health.
Complaining brings discouragement.
15:15
When a man is gloomy,
everything seems to go wrong.
When he is cheerful,
everything seems right!
15:19
A lazy fellow
has trouble all through life.
15:22
Plans go wrong with too few counselors;
many counselors bring success.
15:31
The one who hears and profits
from Godly instruction and rebuke
will live among the wise.
He who rejects and disdains instruction
greatly harms himself.
15:33
Humility and fear of the Lord
will make you both wise and honored.
16:3
Commit your work to the Lord,
then it will succeed.
16:5
Pride disgusts the Lord.
Proud men will be punished.
16:9
A man’s mind (heart) makes plans –
But the Lord directs his steps.
16:11
The Lord demands fairness
in every business deal.
He established this principle.
16:18
Pride goes before destruction …
and arrogance before a fall.
16:19
Better poor and humble
than proud and rich.
16:20
God blesses those who obey Him.
16:24
Kind words are like honey –
enjoyable and healthful.
16:27
Idle hands are the devil’s workshop …
idle lips are his mouthpiece.
16:28
Gossip separates the best of friends.
16:31
White hair is a crown of glory
and is seen most among the godly.
16:32
It is better to be slow-tempered than famous.
16:33
We toss the coin,
but it is the Lord who controls its decision.
17:1
A dry crust eaten in peace
is better than steak every day
along with argument and strife.
17:6
An old man’s grandchildren
are his crowning glory.
A child’s glory is his father.
17:9
Love forgets mistakes …
nagging about them
parts the best of friends.
17:14
It is hard to stop a quarrel once it starts,
so don’t let it begin.
17:17
A true friend is always loyal,
and a brother is born to help
in a time of need.
17:18
It is poor judgement
to countersign another’s note,
to become responsible for his debts.
17:20
An evil man is suspicious of everyone.
17:25
A rebellious son is a grief to his father
and a bitter blow to his mother.
17:27
The man of few words
and settled mind is wise;
therefore, even a fool
is thought to be wise
when he is silent.
It pays him to keep his mouth shut.
18:1
The selfish man quarrels against
every sound principle of conduct
by demanding his own way.
18:3
Sin brings disgrace.
18:8
What dainty morsels rumors are.
They are eaten with great relish!
18:12
Pride ends in destruction;
humility ends in honor.
18:13
What a shame –
yes, how stupid! To decide
before knowing the facts.
18:15
The heart (mind) of the prudent
acquires knowledge (of God’s Word),
And the ear of the wise
seeks knowledge (of God’s Word)
18:17
Any story sounds true
until someone tells the other side
and sets the record straight.
18:18
A coin toss ends arguments
and settles disputes between
powerful opponents.
18:19
It is harder to win back
the friendship of an offended brother
than to capture a fortified city.
His anger shuts you out
like iron bars.
18:21
Those who love to talk
will suffer the consequences.
18:22
The man who finds a wife
finds a good thing …
she is a blessing to him
from the Lord.
19:1
Better be poor and honest
than rich and dishonest.
19:2
It is dangerous and sinful
to rush into the unknown.
19:11
A wise man restrains his anger
and overlooks insults.
This is to his credit.
19:13
A rebellious son
is a calamity to his father.
19:13
A nagging wife annoys
like a constant dripping.
19:15
A lazy man sleeps soundly –
and goes hungry.
19:16
Keep the commandments (of the Lord)
and keep your life (in Heaven) …
Despising them (the Commandments)
means death (in Hell).
19:17
When you help the poor
you are lending to the Lord –
and He pays wonderful interest
on your loans.
19:18
Discipline your son
in his early years
while there is hope.
If you don’t
you will ruin his life.
19:19
A short-tempered man
must bear his own penalty
you can’t do much to help him.
19:20
Get all the advice you can
and be wise the rest of your life.
19:22
Kindness makes a man (or woman) attractive.
19:23
Fear of God gives life, happiness,
and protection from harm.
19:26
A son who mistreats
his father or mother
is a public disgrace.
19:27
Stop listening
to teaching that contradicts
what you know is right.
20:1
Wine gives false courage;
hard liquor leads to brawls;
what fools men are
to let it master them,
making them reel drunkenly
down the street.
20:3
It is an honor for a man
to stay out of a fight.
Only fools insist on quarreling.
20:10
The Lord despises
every kind of cheating.
20:11
The character of even a child
can be known by the way he acts.
20:13
If you love sleep,
you will end in poverty.
Stay awake, work hard,
and there will be plenty to eat.
20:18
Don’t go ahead with your plans
without the advice of others;
don’t go to war until they agree.
20:19
Don’t tell your secrets to a gossip
unless you want them
broadcast to the world.
20:20
God puts out the light of the man
who curses his father or mother.
20:21
A fortune can be made from cheating,
but there is a curse that goes with it.
20:22
Do not repay evil for evil.
Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.
20:23
Cheating and dishonesty
is a foul stench (abomination)
to the Lord
20:24
Since the Lord
is directing our steps,
why try to understand everything
that happens along the way?
20:25
It is foolish and rash
to make a promise to the Lord
before counting the cost
(Wedding vows included)
20:27
A man’s conscience
is the Lord’s searchlight
exposing his hidden motives
21:2
We can justify our every deed
But God looks at our motives
21:3
God is more pleased
when we are fair and just
than when we give Him gifts.
21:4
Pride, lust, and evil actions
are all sin
21:5
Steady plodding brings prosperity;
hasty speculation brings poverty.
21:11
The wise man learns by listening.
21:13
He who shuts his ears
to the cries of the poor
will be ignored
in his own time of need.
21:14
An angry man is silenced
by giving him a gift.
21:19
Better to live in the desert
than with a quarrelsome,
complaining woman.
21:20
The wise man saves for the future,
but the foolish man spends
whatever he gets.
21:25
The lazy man longs for many things
but his hands refuse to work.
21:29
An evil man is stubborn,
a godly man will reconsider.
21:31
Go ahead and plan for conflict,
but victory comes from the Lord
(and always remember to thank Him).
22:3
A prudent man
foresees danger (evil) and prepares.
The fool goes blindly on and suffers
22:4
True humility
and respect for the Lord
lead a man to riches, honor,
and long life.
22:6
Train a child in the way
he should go
and when he is older
he will not depart from it.
22:7
Just as the rich rule the poor,
so the borrower is servant to the lender.
22:15
A child’s heart
is filled with rebellion,
but punishment will
drive it out of him.
22:17
Listen to this wise advice;
follow it closely,
for it will do you good,
and you can pass it on to others:
“Trust in the Lord.”
22:24
Keep away from angry,
short-tempered men,
lest you learn to be like them
and endanger your soul.
23:4
Don’t weary yourself
trying to get rich.
Why waste your time?
For riches can disappear
as though they had
the wings of a bird!
23:12
Apply your heart to instruction
and your ears to words of knowledge
23:13
Don’t fail to correct your children.
Discipline won’t hurt them!
They won’t die if you use a stick on them!
Punishment will keep them
out of Hell.
23:19
O my son,
be wise and stay in God’s paths;
don’t carouse with drunkards and gluttons,
for they are on their way to poverty.
And remember that too much sleep
clothes a man with rags
23:29
Whose heart is filled
with anguish and sorrow?
Who is always fighting and quarreling?
Who is the man with bloodshot eyes
and many wounds?
It is the one who spends
long hours in the taverns,
trying out new mixtures.
Don’t let the smooth
taste of wine deceive you.
For in the end it bites
like a poisonous serpent;
it stings like an adder
24:8
To plan (or imagine) evil
is as wrong as doing it.
24:3
Any enterprise is built by wise planning,
becomes strong through common sense,
and profits wonderfully
by keeping abreast of the facts
24:10
You are a poor specimen
if you can’t stand the pressure of adversity.
24:17
Do not rejoice
when your enemy falls
Let there be no gladness
when he stumbles
24:19
Do not envy the wicked.
Do not covet his riches.
For the evil man has no future;
his light will be snuffed out (in Hell)
24:26
It is an honor to receive a frank reply.
24:27
Develop your business first
before building your house.
24:32
“A little extra sleep,
A little more slumber,
A little folding of the hands to rest”
means that poverty will
break in on you suddenly like a robber,
and violently like a bandit.
25:12
It is a badge of courage
to accept valid criticism.
25:13
A faithful employee
is as refreshing as a cool day
in the hot summertime.
25:14
One who boasts and
doesn’t give or do
what he promised
is like a cloud
blowing over a desert
without dropping any rain
25:15
Be patient
and you will finally win,
for a soft tongue
can break hard bones
25:17
Don’t visit your neighbor too often,
or you outwear your welcome
25:18
Telling lies about someone
is as harmful
as hitting him with an axe
or wounding him with a sword.
25:19
Putting confidence in an unreliable man
is like chewing with a sore tooth,
or trying to run on a broken foot
25:20
Being happy-go-lucky
around a person whose heart is heavy
is as bad as stealing
his jacket in cold weather,
or rubbing salt in his wounds
25:21
If your enemy is hungry,
give him food!
If he is thirsty,
give him something to drink!
This will make him feel
ashamed of himself,
and God will reward you.
25:23
As surely as a wind
from the north brings cold,
just as surely a retort causes anger!
25:24
It is better to live
in a corner of an attic
than in a beautiful home
with a cranky, quarrelsome woman.
25:27
Just as it is harmful
to eat too much honey,
so also it is bad for men
to think about all the honors
they deserve!
26:11
As a dog returns to his vomit,
so a fool repeats his sin and folly
26:12
There is one thing
worse than a fool,
and that is a man
who is conceited
26:13
The lazy man won’t go out and work.
“There might be a lion outside!” he says …
He sticks to his bed like a door to its hinges!
Yet, in his own opinion
he is smarter than seven wise men.
26:17
Yanking a dog’s ears
is no more foolish
than interfering in an argument
that isn’t any of your business.
26:20
Fire goes out for lack of fuel …
tensions disappear
when gossip stops.
26:24
A man with hate in his heart
may sound pleasant enough,
but don’t believe him;
for he is cursing you in his heart.
Though he pretends to be so kind,
his hatred will finally come to light
for all to see.
26:28
Flattery is a form of hatred
and wounds cruelly.
27:1
Don’t brag about your plans for tomorrow –
wait and see what happens.
27:2
Don’t praise yourself.
Let others do it!
27:4
Jealousy is more dangerous
and cruel than anger.
27:6
Faithful are the wounds of a friend,
But the kisses of the enemy are deceitful.
27:9
Friendly suggestions
are as pleasant as perfume.
27:10
Never abandon a friend –
either yours or your father’s.
27:12
A prudent man
foresees danger and prepares.
The simpleton never looks,
and suffers the consequences.
27:15
A constant dripping on a rainy day
and a contentious woman are much alike!
You can no more stop her complaints
than you can stop the wind
or hold onto anything with oil-slick hands.
27:19
A mirror reflects a man’s face,
but what he is really like
is shown by the kind
of friends he chooses.
27:20
Hell and Death are never full –
So the lusts of the eyes are never satisfied
27:23
Riches can disappear fast …
and the king’s crown
doesn’t stay in his family forever –
so watch your business interests closely.
Know the state of your flocks and herds.
28:1
The wicked flee
when no one is chasing them!
But the godly are bold as lions.
28:2
When there is moral rot within a nation,
its government topples easily.
But with honest, sensible leaders
there is stability in the land
28:6
Better to be poor and honest
than rich and a cheater.
28:13
He who covers and
refuses to admit his sins
will not prosper.
But if he will admit and forsake them,
he gets another chance
and will find mercy.
(Thank You, Lord!!!)
28:14
Blessed is the man who reveres God.
But the man who
hardens his heart against God
will fall into serious trouble.
28:19
Hard work brings prosperity …
playing around brings poverty.
28:22
Trying to get rich quick is evil
and leads to poverty.
28:23
In the end,
people appreciate frankness
more than flattery.
28:26
Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool!
But those who walk in God’s wisdom
will be delivered.
28:27
If you give to the poor,
your needs will be supplied!
But a curse upon those
who close their eyes to poverty.
29:15
Scolding and spanking a child
helps him to learn.
Left to himself,
he brings shame to his mother.
29:17
Discipline your son
and he will give you happiness
and peace of mind.
29:19
Sometimes mere words are not enough –
discipline is needed.
For the words may not be heeded.
29:20
There is more hope for a fool
than for a man of quick temper.
30:7-9
O God, I beg two favors
from You before I die –
First, help me never to tell a lie.
Second, give me neither poverty nor riches!
Give me just enough to satisfy my needs!
For if I am full (with food or money)
I may deny You
and feel content without You. (Deadly!)
30:17
A man who mocks his father
and despises his mother
shall have his eye plucked out by ravens
and eaten by vultures
(The darkness and torments of Hell are real)
31:30
Charm can be deceptive
and beauty doesn’t last,
but a woman who
fears and reverences God
shall be greatly praised.
Praise her for the
many fine things she does.”
Remember God Your Creator
“Before The Evil Days Come”…
God designed a sophisticated “early warning system” into Mankind. In these following verses, God poetically reveals to us the physical signs of aging are His way of warning us to “remember our Creator” and to place our love, faith, trust, and obedience in Him and in His Word before the time of our Earthly departure draws near, and while our Eternal destiny (whichever it may be) still awaits our arrival …
Ecclesiastes 12:1-8
“Remember now your Creator
in the days of your youth,
Before the evil (difficult) days come,
And the years draw near
of which you will say,
“I have no pleasure in them”;
Before the Sun and the light
and the Moon and the stars
are darkened,
(Before life loses its luster)
and the clouds return after the rain;
(Before the difficult times have taken their toll)
In the day when the keepers of the house tremble,
(When the legs grow weak)
And the strong men bow down;
(When the shoulders start to stoop)
When the grinders cease because they are few,
(When tooth problems increase)
And those that look
through the windows grow dim;
(When eyesight starts to fail)
When the doors are shut in the streets
And the sound of grinding is low;
(When the hearing starts to fail)
When one rises up at the sound of a bird,
(When small noises annoy or awaken us)
And all the daughters of music are brought low.
(When the voice wavers and can’t carry a tune)
Also they are afraid of height,
And of terrors in the way;
(When fears of falling or stumbling increase)
When the almond tree blossoms,
(When the hair starts turning white)
The grasshopper is a burden,
(When patience or endurance decrease)
And desire fails.
(When romance loses its luster)
For man (mankind – men and women)
Is going to his Eternal home,
(Either in Heaven or in Hell)
And the mourners go about the streets.
(Death will come to all of us)
Remember your Creator
before the silver cord is loosed,
(When the spine and back bend and weaken)
Or the golden bowl is broken,
(When the head or mind won’t hold thoughts)
Or the pitcher shattered at the fountain,
(When the lungs lose strength and capacity)
Or the wheel broken at the well.
(When the heart fails)
Then the dust (body) will return
to the Earth as it was
(All Earthly bodies will die and return to dust)
and the spirit returns to God
who gave it.”
The culmination of all Wisdom
“Let us hear the conclusion
of the whole matter:
Fear God
and keep His Commandments,
For this is the whole duty of Man
(whom God created).
For God will bring
every work into judgment,
Including every secret thing,
Whether good or evil.”
(Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)
“It is appointed
for men
(mankind – all men and women)
to die once
But, after this
The Judgment.”
(Hebrews 9:27)
Please Remember …
The Kingdom of Heaven is available to every man, woman, boy, and girl in this world, no matter who they are, where they live, or what they have done. It is freely offered to any and all who will receive it. Simply learn of Jesus, the promised Messiah, believe He willingly and lovingly died on the Cross for all of your sins and was raised from the grave the third day and is now seated on His Throne in the Kingdom of Heaven waiting patiently while the good news (Gospel) is spread around the world to every tongue, tribe, and nation. Learn of Him and believe in Him … for He was the only one who has ever loved you enough to substitute Himself for you on the Cross (which represents the suffering that will be found in Hell). He shed His blood, suffered, and died on the Cross to save you from your sins and from the utter darkness, aloneness, and torment of Hell, if you will accept it, believe it, and trust in it. This is why Jesus is called Savior … His Name in Hebrew means “Savior.” He now lovingly and graciously offers you life in Heaven, and we are warned it is a ‘take it or leave it’ proposition. We have to consciously receive it and accept it in faith. If you sincerely admit you have sinned (and need a Savior to get into Heaven) and ask Jesus (Yeshua) to come into your life while fully trusting in Him alone to save you from your sins … and turn back to God while trying to stop doing (and saying) those things God says are wrong, you will go to Heaven … and with open arms and tears of joy He will receive all who will come to Him in faith and in love … it’s God’s promise!!!
Jesus greatly LOVED us to save us from Hell …
All God asks of us is that we love Him for all He has done for us.
Now, to strengthen you through life’s battles … Facing Our Fears >>
Now, you can rest in God’s loving assurance of life in Heaven … God’s Promise >>>