Proverbs 26, foolishness!

Pro 26:4, Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Lest you also be like him. 

When a fool pours out his foolishness it is best not to answer him. People may think that you’re as foolish as the fool!

Pro 26:5, Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own eyes.

But, at times, it may the right thing to answer a fool; where wisdom may be heard! One may contradict the other, but a wise man studies, and knows when to answer!

Pro 15:28, THE HEART OF THE RIGHTEOUS STUDIES HOW TO ANSWER, But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil.  

Pro 26:11, AS A DOG RETURNS TO HIS OWN VOMIT, SO A FOOL REPEATS HIS FOLLY.

There are many who leave the faith only to return to their previous sins (vomit)!

2Co 11:3, But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 

Pro 26:12, DO YOU SEE A MAN WISE IN HIS OWN EYES? THERE IS MORE HOPE FOR A FOOL THAN FOR HIM.

Even more than a fool is a pride filled person who will not listen to anyone! He is wise in his own eyes!

Pro 16:18, Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. 

Jas 4:6, …Therefore He says: “GOD RESISTS THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” 

Pro 26:20, WHERE THERE IS NO WOOD, THE FIRE GOES OUT; AND WHERE THERE IS NO TALEBEARER, STRIFE CEASES.

To a talebearer information about others is too juicy not to tell other talebearers; “do you know what she did…”, “can you believe that she…”.  REMEMBER GOD SEES ALL THAT YOU DO, YOUR NOT GETTING AWAY WITH IT!

Pro 26:22, THE WORDS OF A TALEBEARER ARE LIKE TASTY TRIFLES, AND THEY GO DOWN INTO THE INMOST BODY. 

Jas 3:6, AND THE TONGUE IS A FIRE, A WORLD OF INIQUITY. THE TONGUE IS SO SET AMONG OUR MEMBERS THAT IT DEFILES THE WHOLE BODY, AND SETS ON FIRE THE COURSE OF NATURE; AND IT IS SET ON FIRE BY HELL. 

IF THIS IS YOU THEN STOP; AT THE END YOUR ONLY HURTING YOURSELF!

Proverbs 23, Life is short, and Eternity is long!

Pro 23:1-3, When you sit down to eat with a ruler, Consider carefully what is before you; And put a knife to your throat If you are a man given to appetite. Do not desire his delicacies, FOR THEY ARE DECEPTIVE FOOD.

If a rich man has placed a banquet before you consider, why is he doing this? The rich do not give away their favors for free, but want something more valuable from you!

Dan 1:8, BUT DANIEL PURPOSED IN HIS HEART THAT HE WOULD NOT DEFILE HIMSELF WITH THE PORTION OF THE KING’S DELICACIES, NOR WITH THE WINE WHICH HE DRANK;…

Daniel would have ruined his relationship with the living GOD by eating defiled food offered to idols and demons!  

Pro 23:9, DO NOT SPEAK IN THE HEARING OF A FOOL, FOR HE WILL DESPISE THE WISDOM OF YOUR WORDS. 

A while back I was talking to some co-workers of mine about the LORD and HIS word. One of them mocked me over and over again for several weeks! HE was a fool!

Pro 23:13-14, DO NOT WITHHOLD CORRECTION FROM A CHILD, FOR IF YOU BEAT HIM WITH A ROD, HE WILL NOT DIE. YOU SHALL BEAT HIM WITH A ROD, AND DELIVER HIS SOUL FROM HELL.

If you love your child then correct him/her with the rod of correction! BUT IF YOU REFUSE, DON’T WORRY FOR THE STATE PENITENTIARY WILL CORRECT HIM FOR YOU!

Pro 23:17-18, DO NOT LET YOUR HEART ENVY SINNERS, BUT BE ZEALOUS FOR THE FEAR OF THE LORD ALL THE DAY; FOR SURELY THERE IS A HEREAFTER, AND YOUR HOPE WILL NOT BE CUT OFF.

The world says, “LIFE IS SHORT, ENJOY IT”, but HIS word tells us, “ETERNITY IS LONG PREPARE FOR IT”! Don’t envy sinners for their eternal reward will be found in the pit! Seek the LORD and live!

Isa 38:18, NLT, For the dead cannot praise YOU; they cannot raise their voices in praise. Those who go down to the grave can no longer hope in YOUR faithfulness. 

Rev 20:15, And ANYONE NOT FOUND WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF LIFE WAS CAST INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE. 

IS YOUR NAME WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF LIFE?

Proverbs 22, Whom the LORD loves HE chastens!

Pro 22:2, THE RICH AND THE POOR HAVE THIS IN COMMON, THE LORD IS THE MAKER OF THEM ALL. 

People often treat a person of wealth with more dignity and respect than a poor man! GOD has made them both! Never show favoritism to any person, (James 2:2-5)!

Deu 10:17-18, FOR THE LORD YOUR GOD IS GOD OF GODS AND LORD OF LORDS, THE GREAT GOD, MIGHTY AND AWESOME, WHO SHOWS NO PARTIALITY NOR TAKES A BRIBE. He administers justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing.

Pro 22:6, TRAIN UP A CHILD IN THE WAY HE SHOULD GO, AND WHEN HE IS OLD HE WILL NOT DEPART FROM IT. 

We, as parents, need to teach our kids the proper path to take in life. Teaching them the word of GOD, and being examples on how to live life! They made depart for a season or two, YET, when they get older and wiser they will return!

Deu 6:7, YOU SHALL TEACH THEM DILIGENTLY TO YOUR CHILDREN, AND SHALL TALK OF THEM WHEN YOU SIT IN YOUR HOUSE, WHEN YOU WALK BY THE WAY, WHEN YOU LIE DOWN, AND WHEN YOU RISE UP. 

Pro 22:15, FOOLISHNESS IS BOUND UP IN THE HEART OF A CHILD; THE ROD OF CORRECTION WILL DRIVE IT FAR FROM HIM. 

Our children are beauty in our eyes, but they are little sinners at heart! It’s up to the parent to drive away foolishness with the rod of correction; NOT THE ROD OF ABUSE!

Heb 12:11, Now NO CHASTENING SEEMS TO BE JOYFUL FOR THE PRESENT, BUT PAINFUL; NEVERTHELESS, AFTERWARD IT YIELDS THE PEACEABLE FRUIT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS TO THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN TRAINED BY IT. 

Pro 19:18, CHASTEN YOUR SON WHILE THERE IS HOPE, AND DO NOT SET YOUR HEART ON HIS DESTRUCTION. 

It may not be joyful for the parent or child, but it is a necessary thing to do! Remember, even the LORD disciplines those HE loves!

Heb 12:6, FOR WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE CHASTENS, AND SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES.”

Proverbs 18, Seeking HIM who is closer than a brother!

Pro 18:2, A FOOL HAS NO DELIGHT IN UNDERSTANDING, BUT IN EXPRESSING HIS OWN HEART.

It is foolishness not to seek GOD’s wisdom and understanding; for life is short and eternity long!

Amo 5:4, For thus says the LORD to the house of Israel: “SEEK ME AND LIVE; 

Pro 1:7, THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF KNOWLEDGE, BUT FOOLS DESPISE WISDOM AND INSTRUCTION. 

Pro 18:6-7, A fool’s lips enter into contention, And HIS MOUTH CALLS FOR BLOWS. A fool’s mouth is HIS DESTRUCTION, AND HIS LIPS ARE THE SNARE OF HIS SOUL.

It is in the nature of a fool to argue and his words demonstrates his stupidity! Never argue with a fool it only makes you like him!

Pro 26:4, Do not answer a fool according to his folly, LEST YOU ALSO BE LIKE HIM. 

Pro 18:10-11, The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe. THE RICH MAN’S WEALTH is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own esteem.

There are many who place their trust in their wealth, but only the righteous can see true wealth in the LORD! Wealth comes and goes, but the LORD is always present!

1Ti 6:17-19, Command those WHO ARE RICH in this present age not to be haughty, NOR TO TRUST IN UNCERTAIN RICHES BUT IN THE LIVING GOD, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, THAT THEY BE RICH IN GOOD WORKS, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation FOR THE TIME TO COME, THAT THEY MAY LAY HOLD ON ETERNAL LIFE.

Pro 18:24, A man who has friends must himself be friendly, BUT THERE IS A FRIEND WHO STICKS CLOSER THAN A BROTHER. 

Having good friends only brings joy to one’s life, but we need to seek HIM is closer than any brother or friend, JESUS!

Joh 15:14-15, YOU ARE MY FRIENDS IF YOU DO WHATEVER I COMMAND YOU. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; BUT I HAVE CALLED YOU FRIENDS, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.

Do you know HIM? Do you know what HE did for you? Seek the LORD for the time of HIS coming is near! Be ready!

Proverbs 17, Love covers up sin!

Pro 17:1, Better is a dry morsel with quietness, Than a house full of feasting with strife. 

Imagine a home filled with hatred, envy, and strife; not even the best food in the world would taste good in the mist of these people! A dry piece of bread in quietness / peace is by far more enjoyable!

Pro 15:17, Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, Than a fatted calf with hatred. 

Psa 37:16-17, A LITTLE THAT A RIGHTEOUS MAN HAS IS BETTER THAN THE RICHES OF MANY WICKED. For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, BUT THE LORD UPHOLDS THE RIGHTEOUS.

Pro 17:3, The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, BUT THE LORD TESTS THE HEARTS. 

As fire refines both silver and gold, the LORD test the heart of his servants! Do we serve to glorify the LORD or ourselves? Our works will be tested by the LORD for HE seeks true faith in HIM!

1Pe 1:7, THAT THE GENUINENESS OF YOUR FAITH, BEING MUCH MORE PRECIOUS than gold that perishes, THOUGH IT IS TESTED BY FIRE, MAY BE FOUND TO PRAISE, HONOR, AND GLORY AT THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST, 

1Co 3:13, EACH ONE’S WORK WILL BECOME CLEAR; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; AND THE FIRE WILL TEST EACH ONE’S WORK, OF WHAT SORT IT IS. 

Pro 17:9, He who covers a transgression seeks love, BUT HE WHO REPEATS A MATTER SEPARATES FRIENDS. 

What type of friend are you? Do you spread rumors of someone or do you cover/hide someone’s shame?

1Pe 4:8, And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “LOVE WILL COVER A MULTITUDE OF SINS.” 

Pro 17:27-28, He who has knowledge spares his words, And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.

I’m reminded of this quote from Abraham Lincoln, “It is better to keep your mouth shut and let them think you a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt”!  SOMETIMES IT’S JUST BEST TO KEEP QUIET AND LISTEN; BE THERE FOR A SOMEONE IN THEIR TIME OF NEED!

Jas 1:19, SO THEN, MY BELOVED BRETHREN, LET EVERY MAN BE SWIFT TO HEAR, SLOW TO SPEAK, slow to wrath; 

Proverbs 12, Instruction and guidance from GOD!

Pro 12:1, Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, BUT HE WHO HATES CORRECTION IS STUPID.

Today, for many, stupidity is a crown of the woke, unwilling to hear a different point of view. They don’t receive correction but doubles down on stupidity! God help us!

Pro 12:4, AN EXCELLENT WIFE IS THE CROWN OF HER HUSBAND, But she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones. 

Being successful at work means little if you come home every day to a combative wife! The LORD has truly blessed me with an awesome, beautiful, and godly lady! Thank you, LORD!

Pro 19:14, Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers, BUT A PRUDENT WIFE IS FROM THE LORD. 

Pro 12:10, A RIGHTEOUS MAN REGARDS THE LIFE OF HIS ANIMAL, But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. 

How we treat our pets say a lot about us, remember they were created by GOD as we were! HE watches over them daily!

Luk 12:6, “Are not FIVE SPARROWS sold for two copper coins? And NOT ONE OF THEM IS FORGOTTEN BEFORE GOD. 

Pro 12:22, LYING LIPS ARE AN ABOMINATION TO THE LORD, BUT THOSE WHO DEAL TRUTHFULLY ARE HIS DELIGHT.

We need to hate what HE hates and love what HE loves. Lying lips only causes trouble. Tell the truth even if it hurts your friends!

Pro 27:6, Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. 

Pro 12:26, THE RIGHTEOUS SHOULD CHOOSE HIS FRIENDS CAREFULLY, FOR THE WAY OF THE WICKED LEADS THEM ASTRAY. 

This is awesome advice to all; for it has been said, “SHOW ME YOUR FRIENDS AND I WILL SHOW YOU YOUR FUTURE”!  Who are your friends? How much do they influence you?

Pro 18:24, A man who has friends must himself be friendly, BUT THERE IS A FRIEND WHO STICKS CLOSER THAN A BROTHER. 

GOD will never leave you nor forsake you, and if you do what HE says to do, then HE is your friend who sticks closer than any brother!

Joh 15:13-14, Greater love has no one than this, THAN TO LAY DOWN ONE’S LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS. YOU ARE MY FRIENDS IF YOU DO WHATEVER I COMMAND YOU. 

Proverbs 11, Don’t trust in riches!

Pro 11:1, Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, But a just weight is His delight. 

GOD deeply cares if you rob the poor, dishonest scales, fraud are an abomination to HIM!

Deu 25:15-16, You shall have a perfect and just weight, a perfect and just measure, that your days may be lengthened in the land which the LORD your God is giving you. For all who do such things, all who behave unrighteously, are an abomination to the LORD your God.

Pro 11:4, Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, But righteousness delivers from death. 

What good is earthly wealth in the day of wrath? Will you bribe GOD with useless things?

1Ti 6:17-19, Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, NOR TO TRUST IN UNCERTAIN RICHES BUT IN THE LIVING GOD, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. LET THEM DO GOOD, THAT THEY BE RICH IN GOOD WORKS, READY TO GIVE, WILLING TO SHARE, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

Pro 11:22, As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout, So is a lovely woman who lacks discretion. 

Who would put a golden ring in a pig’s snout, it just doesn’t fit so is a lovely woman who lacks discretion! A while back in school I saw this beautiful young lady who called the attention of all who had seen her! When I spoke to her, she cursed more than any sailor could ever do. It just didn’t fit, and her beauty left!

Pro 21:19, Better to dwell in the wilderness, Than with a contentious and angry woman.

Pro 11:28, HE WHO TRUSTS IN HIS RICHES WILL FALL, BUT THE RIGHTEOUS WILL FLOURISH LIKE FOLIAGE. 

Do you place your trust in money or in GOD? Wealth is a useful tool.  Like a hammer in the hand of a builder with it he can build a home, help his family and friends. YET to trust in it is foolish!

Psa 62:10, Do not trust in oppression, Nor vainly hope in robbery; IF RICHES INCREASE, DO NOT SET YOUR HEART ON THEM. 

Pro 11:30, The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, AND HE WHO WINS SOULS IS WISE. 

True wisdom is he that wins souls for the LORD; for the time is short and many perish not knowing the HIM as savior!

Rom 3:23, FOR ALL HAVE SINNED AND FALL SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD, 

Proverbs 10, Contrasting the wise and foolish!

Most of these individual proverbs are in contrast, where they are contrasting the wise with the foolish, or the wicked with the righteous. Or the diligent with the slothful.

Pro 10:1, The proverbs of Solomon: A WISE SON MAKES A GLAD FATHER, BUT A FOOLISH SON IS THE GRIEF OF HIS MOTHER.

I’ve witness many times a mother worrying for her son, where is he, what’s is he doing, is he ok? A wise son/daughter brings joy to their parents especially when they walk in truth!

3Jn 1:4, I HAVE NO GREATER JOY THAN TO HEAR THAT MY CHILDREN WALK IN TRUTH. 

Pro 10:4-5, He who has a slack hand becomes poor, But the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a wise son; He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame.

The diligent creates wealth, but the lazy causes shame for their parents!

Pro 10:8, THE WISE IN HEART WILL RECEIVE COMMANDS, But a prating fool will fall. 

A wise man will receive instruction and grow in wisdom, but the idol talk of a fool will be his downfall!

Ecc 10:12, The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, BUT THE LIPS OF A FOOL SHALL SWALLOW HIM UP; 

Pro 10:13, Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding, But a rod is for the back of him who is devoid of understanding.

The rod of correction if often needed to give understanding to children, but a fool will need to correction for a lifetime!

Pro 22:15, Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of correction will drive it far from him.

Pro 10:25, When the whirlwind passes by, the wicked is no more, BUT THE RIGHTEOUS HAS AN EVERLASTING FOUNDATION. 

The wicked have no foundation and their lives only create havoc like a whirlwind, but the foundation of the righteous is the LORD JESUS! HE is the rock of our faith, and we will be with HIM for eternity!

Isa 55:6-7, Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the LORD, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.

Proverbs 9:7-18, wisdom or folly chose one!

Pro 9:7-8, “He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, And he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself. Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; REBUKE A WISE MAN, AND HE WILL LOVE YOU.

The servants went out inviting the simple to wisdom’s home, Yet there are many who don’t care for the invitation! A mocker will laugh and twist your words, but a man who seeks wisdom will listen up!

Pro 12:1, WHOEVER LOVES INSTRUCTION LOVES KNOWLEDGE, BUT HE WHO HATES CORRECTION IS STUPID. 

Pro 9:9, Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

How do you act if someone corrects you in truth? Do you want to win a conversation or learn from it? A true friend will and should correct you, but how will you take it?

Pro 27:6, Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. 

Pro 9:13-15, A foolish woman is clamorous; She is simple, and knows nothing. For she sits at the door of her house, On a seat by the highest places of the city, To call to those who pass by, Who go straight on their way:

Verses 1-6, we have a wise woman calling people, now we see a foolish woman doing the same!

Pro 9:16-17, “WHOEVER IS SIMPLE, LET HIM TURN IN HERE”; AND AS FOR HIM WHO LACKS UNDERSTANDING, SHE SAYS TO HIM, “STOLEN WATER IS SWEET, AND BREAD EATEN IN SECRET IS PLEASANT.”

Temptation is everywhere; a wise man will keep on going, but a fool would not think twice! Apparently, this foolish woman is married but she offers herself up to any willing!

Pro 5:15, Drink water from your own cistern, And running water from your own well. 

Pro 9:18, BUT HE DOES NOT KNOW THAT THE DEAD ARE THERE, THAT HER GUESTS ARE IN THE DEPTHS OF HELL. 

Two voices calling you in two different directions; One leads to life the other death! In the middle of both wisdom and folly is verse 10

Pro 9:10, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. 

The reverence of GOD will keep you away from folly and it will keep you from stumbling!

Gen 4:7, If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, SIN LIES AT THE DOOR. AND ITS DESIRE IS FOR YOU, BUT YOU SHOULD RULE OVER IT.” 

Proverbs 8:1-9, The LORD speaks to all you are willing to listen!

Pro 8:1-3, Does not wisdom cry out, And understanding lift up her voice? She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, Beside the way, where the paths meet. She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, At the entrance of the doors:

Wisdom is not hidden and cries out for us to hear! Look around, everything around us was created by GOD!

Psa 19:1-3, … The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. DAY UNTO DAY UTTERS SPEECH, AND NIGHT UNTO NIGHT REVEALS KNOWLEDGE. THERE IS NO SPEECH NOR LANGUAGE WHERE THEIR VOICE IS NOT HEARD.

Do you not hear the cry of wisdom? Only foolish men would say this is all by accident!

Psa 14:1, …THE FOOL HAS SAID IN HIS HEART,”THERE IS NO GOD.” … 

Pro 8:4-6, “TO YOU, O MEN, I CALL, And my voice is to the sons of men. O you simple ones, understand prudence, And you fools, be of an understanding heart. LISTEN, FOR I WILL SPEAK OF EXCELLENT THINGS, AND FROM THE OPENING OF MY LIPS WILL COME RIGHT THINGS;

God speaks to everyone for HE wants all men to come to faith in HIM! To the simple, get self-control, to the fool open your heart and listen; for the LORD speaks of excellent things!

2Pe 3:9, … but is longsuffering toward us, NOT WILLING THAT ANY SHOULD PERISH BUT THAT ALL SHOULD COME TO REPENTANCE.

Pro 8:7-8, FOR MY MOUTH WILL SPEAK TRUTH; WICKEDNESS IS AN ABOMINATION TO MY LIPS. ALL THE WORDS OF MY MOUTH ARE WITH RIGHTEOUSNESS; NOTHING CROOKED OR PERVERSE IS IN THEM.

The LORD’s word can be trusted! HE can’t lie and HE keeps HIS promises! HIS word is truth filled with righteousness!

Psa 12:6, THE WORDS OF THE LORD ARE PURE WORDS, Like silver tried in a furnace of earth, PURIFIED SEVEN TIMES. 

Pro 8:9, THEY ARE ALL PLAIN TO HIM WHO UNDERSTANDS, AND RIGHT TO THOSE WHO FIND KNOWLEDGE. 

The word of GOD, in general, is not hard to understand, but one must dive in deeper into the stories and teachings of HIS word! If you ponder HIS word you will hear HIM speaking to you and guiding you on the path to take! Remember, HE is faithful, and HE is always teaching and speaking!

Pro 25:2, IT IS THE GLORY OF GOD TO CONCEAL A MATTER, BUT THE GLORY OF KINGS IS TO SEARCH OUT A MATTER.