by Wells, Steve
PROVERBS 10
10 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.
(10.1a) “The proverbs of Solomon” See 1.1 note.
(10.1b) “A wise son maketh a glad father.”
2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.
3 The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.
(10.3) “The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.” God never allows good people to go hungry or the wicked to become wealthy.
35 Has there ever been a righteous person?
4 He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.
5 He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.
6 Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
7 The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.
(10.6-7) “Blessings are upon the head of the just … The memory of the just is blessed.”
33 Has there ever been a just person?
8 The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.
9 He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.
10 He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.
(10.10) “He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.”
11 The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
(10.11) “The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life.”
35 Has there ever been a righteous person?
12 Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.
(10.12) “Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.”
13 In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.
(10.13a) “In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found.”
(10.13b) “A rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.” Beat the people who don’t understand with a rod.
14 Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.
(10.14) “Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.”
293 Is wisdom a good thing?
15 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.
16 The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.
(10.16) “The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.”
304 Are we saved by faith alone?
35 Has the ever been a righteous person?
17 He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.
18 He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.
(10.18) “He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.”
19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
20 The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.
(10.20) “The tongue of the just is as choice silver.”
33 Has the ever been a just person?
21 The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.
(10.21) “The lips of the righteous feed many.”
35 Has there ever been a righteous person?
22 The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.
23 It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.
24 The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.
(10.24) “The desire of the righteous shall be granted.”
35 Has there ever been a righteous person?
25 As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.
(10.25) “As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more.”
157 Does hell exist?
26 As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.
27 The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.
(10.27a) “The fear of the LORD prolongeth days.”
132 Should we fear God
(10.27b) “The years of the wicked shall be shortened.”
292 Do the wicked lived long and prosper?
28 The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.
(10.28) “The hope of the righteous shall be gladness.”
35 Has there ever been a righteous person?
29 The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
30 The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.
(10.30) “The righteous shall never be removed.”
35 Has there ever been a righteous person?
31 The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.
32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.
(10.32) “The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable.”
35 Has there ever been a righteous person?
PROVERBS 11
11 A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.
2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
(11.2) “When pride cometh, then cometh shame.”
3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
4 Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.
5 The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
6 The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.
7 When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth.
8 The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.
(11.8) “The righteous is delivered out of trouble.”
35 Has the ever been a righteous person?
9 An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.
(11.9) “Through knowledge shall the just be delivered.”
33 Has the ever been a just person?
10 When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.
(11.10) “When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth.”
35 Has there ever been a righteous person?
11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
(11.12-17)
12 He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.
(11.12) “He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.”
13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
(11.13) “A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.”
14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
15 He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.
16 A gracious woman retaineth
honour: and strong men retain riches.
17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
(11.17) “The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.” Okay, I don’t know about the soul stuff, but I like the general idea.
18 The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.
19 As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.
20 They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.
21 Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
(11.21) “The seed of the righteous shall be delivered.”
35 Has there ever been a righteous person?
22 As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.
(11.22) “As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.”
23 The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.
(11.23) “The desire of the righteous is only good.”
35 Has there ever been a righteous person?
24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.
25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
(11.25) “The liberal soul shall be made fat.”
26 He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.
27 He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.
28 He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.
(11.28) “The righteous shall flourish as a branch.”
35 Has the ever been a righteous person?
29 He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.
(11.29) “He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind.” A nice thought and a great movie.
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
(11.30) “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life.”
35 Has the ever been a righteous person?
31 Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.
(11.31) “The righteous shall be recompensed in the earth.”
35 Has the ever been a righteous person?
PROVERBS 12
12 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.
(12.1) “Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge.”
2 A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.
3 A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
(12.3) “The root of the righteous shall not be moved.”
35 Has the ever been a righteous person?
4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.
(12.4) “A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.”
5 The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.
(12.5) “The thoughts of the righteous are right.”
35 Has the ever been a righteous person?
6 The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.
7 The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.
(12.7) “The house of the righteous shall stand.”
35 Has the ever been a righteous person?
8 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.
9 He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.
10 A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
(12.10) “A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.”
35 Has the ever been a righteous person?
11 He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.
12 The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.
(12.12) “The root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.”
35 Has the ever been a righteous person?
13 The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.
(12.13) “The just shall come out of trouble.”
35 Has there ever been a just person?
14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him.
(12.15-20)
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
(12.15) “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.”
16 A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.
17 He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
(12.17) “He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.”
18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
(12.19) “The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.”
20 Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.
(12.20) “Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.”
21 There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.
(12.21) “There shall no evil happen to the just.” Bad things only happen to bad people.
310 Do bad things happen to good people?
35 Has there ever been a just person?
22 Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.
(12.22) “Lying lips are abomination to the Lord.”
86 Is it wrong to lie?
23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.
24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.
(12.25) “Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.”
26 The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.
(12.26) “The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour.”
35 Has the ever been a righteous person?
27 The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.
28 In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.
(12.28) “The way of righteousness is life: and in the pathway thereof there is no death.” Righteous people never die, they just smell that way.
PROVERBS 13
13 A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.
(13.1) “A wise son heareth his father’s instruction.”
2 A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.
3 He that keepeth his mouth keepet
h his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
4 The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.
(13.4) “The soul of the diligent shall be made fat.” God makes the diligent fat. (Lazy people are skinny and poor.)
5 A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.
(13.5) “A righteous man hateth lying.”
86 Is it wrong to lie?
35 Has there ever been a righteous person?
6 Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.
7 There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.
8 The ransom of a man’s life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.
9 The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.
(13.9) “The light of the righteous rejoiceth.”
35 Has there ever been a righteous person?
10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
11 Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.
12 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.
(13.12) “Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.”
13 Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.
(13.13) “Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.”
(13.14-12)
14 The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
(13.14) “The law of the wise is a fountain of life.”
15 Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.
16 Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.
(13.16) “Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.”
17 A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.
18 Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.
19 The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.