Being an unusually busy day, I thought I’d point out a few proverbs that really grabbed my attention and offer some briefer than usual comments on each one.

“All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, But the LORD weighs the motives.” Proverbs 16:2, NAS95 — We’re all pretty good at justification and making things look pretty good, but God judges motives, too. You can’t hide stuff from God

“The LORD has made everything for its own purpose, Even the wicked for the day of evil.” Proverbs 16:4, NAS95 — We are all instruments of God; you have your purpose. Paul put it this way, “Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.” 2 Timothy 2:20, 21, NAS95. Which will you be?

“A worker’s appetite works for him, For his hunger urges him on.” Proverbs 16:26, NAS95 — Although it is a good thing to feed the hungry and clothe the needy, it’s also important to avoid enabling people, too. People tend to be more industrious, creative, and diligent, when there are consequences to their laziness — a major theme in several proverbs we’ve read already.

“Better is a dry morsel and quietness with it Than a house full of feasting with strife.” Proverbs 17:1, NAS95 — Would you rather be poor and happy and than rich and unhappy? That’s the point here. As valuable as the money, house, and baubles might be, there are things that are much more valuable. Choose wisely.

“A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding Than a hundred blows into a fool.” Proverbs 17:10, NAS95 — Stubbornness and an insistence on doing things their own way is one of the premier characteristics of the fool. Correction of a wise man, on the other hand, usually only has to happen once.

“Why is there a price in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, When he has no sense?” Proverbs 17:16, NAS95 — All the money in the world won’t buy ethics or good sense.

“He who separates himself seeks his own desire, He quarrels against all sound wisdom.” Proverbs 18:1, NAS95 — God’s wisdom calls for His people to be together, united, in fellowship. It’s when people want their own way that they decide to be divisive, unwilling to listen to the sound wisdom of God’s word.

“He also who is slack in his work Is brother to him who destroys.” Proverbs 18:9, NAS95 — Lack of diligence is not innocent or harmless. God’s wisdom says that it is the same as actually being destructive. My observation is, “Amen”.

“He who gives an answer before he hears, It is folly and shame to him.” Proverbs 18:13, NAS95 — Listen before you speak is such an important principle in life.

See you tomorrow, Lord willing.