Today's Reading:

Proverbs 13
Proverbs 14
Proverbs 15
Proverbs 16

Smart people think before they act, while the fool shows off their foolishness. This can be seen on social media pages today. Even though it is not nice, this is the only book in the Bible where it is okay to call someone “dumb” or “stupid” by using the word “folly.”

The wise understand the truth that you are not to waste your time arguing with a fool, as you will not learn anything from them or gain from it. Each person has their own unique pain and joy. No one can truly feel what you feel, you cannot fully “walk in their shoes.” This is deep psychological insight wrapped in ancient wisdom.

Do you sometimes act or speak without thinking first? Who in your life right now do you need to be more careful with your words around, and how can you respond with wisdom instead of folly this week?

Today’s reading continued the collection of Solomon’s proverbs, contrasting the wise with the foolish and the righteous with the wicked person about everyday life situations. In chapter 10, Scripture states that a wise son brings his father joy, and now in chapter 13, we learn the wise son will heed his father’s instruction. It is good advice, and then goes on to say that foolish people mock corrections and refuse to learn.

Honest people cannot stand lying, while the wicked lie constantly and eventually end up embarrassed. One classic verse on speech was 13:3: “Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.” This chapter also had observations about lazy people and those who pretend to be something they are not.

Some people fake being wealthy for show but are actually broke. This social idea is still relevant today as we see people trying to “keep up with the Joneses.” The rich may try to buy their way out of danger, but the poor do not even have to worry about being kidnapped. Good people have a bright and joyful life, while the “light” (success or wealth) of the wicked will eventually go out. The rich scheme brings short-term wealth, but honest work will bring lasting wealth. When waiting a long time for something, it can be discouraging, but it will be refreshing once it's here.

If you spend time with wise people, you will grow wiser. If you hang out with fools, you are inevitably going to get hurt. In Proverbs 13:22, it states that a good person leaves an inheritance for the grandkids, but a sinner’s wealth will end up with better people. Then comes the well-known verse on discipline: “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them” (13:24). This is about loving correction, not abuse. Letting kids run wild is not love. The righteous have what they need, while the wicked are never satisfied.

Chapter 14 continues with practical wisdom for daily life. Verse 14:4 has humor, “Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of the ox comes an abundant harvest.” In other words, “no pain, no gain.” A clean barn may look nice, but it means no work and no food, but a messy barn with strong oxen means you will prosper. A fool avoids work because it is hard and messy, yet “all hard work brings a profit” (14:23).

Something can feel or look good, but if it is wrong, it will still lead to destruction. We cannot follow our ways, trusting in our own understanding of what is best; we must follow God’s ways. The wise will think carefully before acting, but the simple and gullible person falls for every scam. The careful person will have wisdom and respect. Inner peace makes you healthier, while jealousy and envy will literally eat you up inside and make you sick. Wise people carry their wisdom quietly, but it becomes obvious when fools are around.

Chapter 15 gives insight into how we respond to correction and the power of speech and attitude. One argument or harsh word can escalate the situation to WWIII, but a gentle answer can turn away anger. God’s protection comes over the wise. We are called to speak wisely even when life is difficult. Life is not always easy for the wise; we still must ask for His nearness. The wise share useful knowledge, and the fool spews nonsense. Proverbs 15:7 tells the truth that a happy poor home is better than a rich and angry one. The hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, and the patient person can calm it.

Chapter 16 shifts the focus to God’s sovereign control over human plans and interactions. We can make plans, but the Lord ultimately directs our steps. We tend to justify ourselves, but He knows our true motives. He guides us with the verse, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans” (Proverbs 16:3). That is how goals can be reached. Then in verse 16:18, “Pride goes before destruction”, is a classic warning. We are reminded to think about the Word of God and heed those instructions and walk in humility and self-control. As wisdom is in the heart and takes self-control. We must remember that no matter how bad things are, God is still in control of what happens. Avoid being the fool and put wisdom first with trust in God’s final say.

Today's Discussion question:

Do you sometimes act or speak without thinking first? Who in your life right now do you need to be more careful with your words around, and how can you respond with wisdom instead of folly this week?

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