by Wells, Steve
(13.19) “The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.”
20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
(13.20) “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise.”
21 Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.
(13.21) “To the righteous good shall be repayed.”
35 Has there ever been a righteous person?
22 A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.
(13.22) “A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.”
301 Is it good to be wealthy?
23 Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.
24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
(13.24) “He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.” Beating your children with a rod is a sure sign of parental love.
25 The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.
(13.25) “The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.” How to tell the good from the bad: Good people are fat and get plenty to eat, and wicked are the ones who go hungry.
35 Has there ever been a righteous person?
PROVERBS 14
14 Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.
2 He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.
(14.2) “He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD.”
132 Should we fear God?
3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.
4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.
5 A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.
(14.5) “A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.”
6 A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.
(14.7-33) Wisdom, sadness, anger, mercy, truth, wisdom and folly.
7 Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.
(14.7) “Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.”
8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.
(14.8) “The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.”
9 Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.
(14.9) “Among the righteous there is favour.”
35 Has there ever been a righteous person?
10 The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.
(14.10) “The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.”
11 The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.
12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.
(14.13) “Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.”
14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.
15 The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.
(14.15) “The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.”
308 Should we believe everything?
16 A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.
(14.16) “A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.”
17 He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.
(14.17) “He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.”
18 The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
(14.18) “The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.”
19 The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
(14.19) “The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.”
35 Has there ever been a righteous person?
20 The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.
(14.20) “The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.”
21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.
(14.21) “He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.”
22 Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.
(14.22) “Do they not err that devise evil?”
23 In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.
24 The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly.
25 A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.
(14.25) “A deceitful witness speaketh lies.”
26 In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.
27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
28 In the multitude of people is the king’s honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.
29 He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
(14.29) “He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.”
30 A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.
31 He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.
32 The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.
(14.32) “The righteous hath hope in his death.”
35 Has there ever been a righteous person?
33 Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.
(14.33) “Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.”
34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
35 The king’s favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.
PROVERBS 15
(15.1-7) “A soft answer turn away wrath” and other nice proverbs about speech.
15 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
(15.1) “A soft answer turneth away wrath.”
2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
(15.2) “The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.”
3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
(15.3) “The eyes of the Lord are in every place.”
18 Does God know everything?.
4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
(15.4) “A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.”
5 A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth
reproof is prudent.
6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
(15.6) “In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.”
301 Is wealth a sign of righteousness or of wickedness?
35 Has there ever been a righteous person?
7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.
(15.7) “The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.”
8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
9 The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
10 Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.
11 Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?
12 A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.
(15.13-15) Happiness and understanding
13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
(15.13) “A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.”
14 The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
(15.14) “The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.”
15 All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.
(15.15) “All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.”
16 Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.
(15.17-21) Food, anger, sloth, and wisdom.
17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
(15.17) “Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.”
18 A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
(15.18) “A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.”
19 The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.
(15.19a) “The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns.”
(15.19b) “The way of the righteous is made plain.”
35 Has there ever been a righteous person?
20 A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.
(15.20) “A wise son maketh a glad father.”
21 Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.
(15.21) “Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom.”
22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
23 A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
24 The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.
25 The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.
26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.
28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
(15.28) “The heart of the righteous studieth to answer.”
35 Has there ever been a righteous person?
29 The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
(15.29) “The Lord … heareth the prayer of the righteous.”
35 Has there ever been a righteous person?
30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.
(15.30) “A good report maketh the bones fat.”
31 The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
(15.31) “The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.”
32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
(15.32) “He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.”
33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
(15.33) “The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom.”
132 Should we fear God?
PROVERBS 16
16 The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.
2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.
3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
4 The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
(16.4) “The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.” God made bad people for the pleasure of punishing them.
311 Does God want some to go to hell?
5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
7 When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
(16.7) “When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.”
312 If God likes you, will everyone else?
8 Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.
9 A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
(16.10-15) The divine right of kings
10 A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.
(16.10) “A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.”
11 A just weight and balance are the LORD’S: all the weights of the bag are his work.
12 It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.
(16.12) “The throne is established by righteousness.”
13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.
(16.13) “Righteous lips are the delight of kings.”
14 The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.
(16.14) “The wrath of a king is as messengers of death.”
15 In the light of the king’s countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.
(16.15) “In the light of the king’s countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.”
16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
(16.16) “How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!”
293 Is wisdom a good thing?
17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
(16.18-32) Pride, wisdom, and understanding.
18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
(16.18) “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”
19 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
(16.19) “Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.”
20 He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whos
o trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.
21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
(16.21) “The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.”
22 Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.
(16.22) “Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it.”
23 The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.
(16.23) “The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.”
24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
(16.24) “Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.”
25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
26 He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.
27 An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.
28 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.
(16.28) “A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.”
29 A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.
30 He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.
31 The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.
(16.31) “The hoary head [gray hair] is a crown of glory.”
32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
(16.32) “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.”
33 The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.
(16.33) “The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.”
All games of chance (gambling) are controlled by God.
PROVERBS 17
17 Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.
2 A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.