by Wells, Steve
3 The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.
4 A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.
5 Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.
6 Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.
7 Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.
8 A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.
10 A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.
11 An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
12 Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.
13 Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
14 The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.
15 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.
(17.15) “He that condemneth the just”
33 Has the ever been a just person?
16 Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?
(17.17-28)
17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
(17.17) “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
18 A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.
19 He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.
20 He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.
21 He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.
22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
(17.22) “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”
313 Is it good to be happy?
23 A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.
24 Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.
(17.24) “Wisdom is before him that hath understanding.”
25 A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.
26 Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.
(17.26) “To punish the just is not good.”
33 Has the ever been a just person?
27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
(17.27) “He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.”
28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
(17.28) “Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.”
PROVERBS 18
18 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
(18.2) “A fool hath no delight in understanding.”
3 When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
4 The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
(18.4) “The wellspring of wisdom [is] as a flowing brook.”
5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
(18.5) “It is not good to … overthrow the righteous in judgment.”
35 Has there ever been a righteous person?
6 A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
(18.6) “A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.” Fools are meant to be beaten.
(18.7-9)
7 A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
(18.7) “A fool’s mouth is his destruction.”
8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
(18.8) “The words of a talebearer are as wounds.”
9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
(18.9) “He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.”
10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
(18.10) “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.”
35 Has there ever been a righteous person?
(18.11-13)
11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
(18.11) “The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.”
12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.
(18.12) “Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.”
13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
(18.13) “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.”
“He that sups with the devil must have a long spoon.”
(Just joking. That’s not in Proverbs. It’s a line from the movie “Inherit the Wind.”)
14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?
15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
(18.15) “The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.”
16 A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
17 He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
20 A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
(18.22) “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing.”
15 Is marriage a good thing?
23 The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.
24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
(18.24) “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”
PROVERBS 19
(19.1-15)
19 Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.
(19.1) “Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.”
2 Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.
(19.2) “The soul be without knowledge, it is not good.”
3 The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.
4 Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his n
eighbour.
(19.4) “Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.”
5 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.
6 Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.
(19.6) “Every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.”
7 All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him.
8 He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.
(19.8) “He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.”
9 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.
10 Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.
11 The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.
(19.11) “The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.”
12 The king’s wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass.
13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.
14 House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.
15 Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.
(19.15) “Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.”
16 He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.
17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.
18 Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.
(19.18) “Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.” Beat your children and don’t stop just because they cry.
19 A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.
20 Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.
(19.20) “Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise.”
21 There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.
22 The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.
(19.22) “The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.”
23 The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.
(19.23) “The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.” If you’re afraid of God, nothing bad will ever happen to you.
310 Do bad things happen to good people?
24 A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.
(19.24) “A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.” I’m not sure what this means exactly, but I like to quote it to my son.
25 Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.
26 He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.
27 Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.
(19.27) “Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.”
28 An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.
29 Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.
(19.29) “Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.” Scorners (skeptics?) should be condemned; fools should be beaten.
PROVERBS 20
20 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
(20.1) “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”
71 Is it OK to drink alcohol?
2 The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.
(20.2) “The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.” It’s a sin to make a king angry.
3 It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.
4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.
(20.4) “The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.”
5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.
6 Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?
7 The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.
(20.7) “The just man walketh in his integrity.”
33 Has the ever been a just person?
8 A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.
(20.8) “A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.”
9 Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?
(20.9) “Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?”
229 Is everyone a sinner?
10 Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD.
(20.11-23)
11 Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.
(20.11) “Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.”
12 The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.
13 Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.
(20.13) “Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty.”
14 It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.
15 There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
(20.15) “The lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.”
16 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
17 Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.
(20.17) “Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.”
18 Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.
19 He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.
(20.19) “He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.”
20 Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.
21 An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.
22 Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.
23 Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good.
(20.23) “A false balance is not good.”
24 Man’s goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?
(20.24) “How can a man … understand his own way?” Humans can’t figure things out on their own.
25 It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enq
uiry.
26 A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.
(20.26) “A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.” A wise king will crush those that he considers “wicked.”
27 The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.
(20.27) “The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.”
28 Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.
29 The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head.
(20.29) “The beauty of old men is the grey head.”
30 The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly.
(20.30) “The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly.”
PROVERBS 21
(21.1) “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.”
21 The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
3 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
4 An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.
5 The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.
6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.
7 The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.
8 The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.
9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.
(21.9) “It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.”
10 The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.
11 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.