Pursue Wisdom & Righteousness
PROVERBS 19
If You Quit Listening
1Better to be poor and honest
than a rich person no one can trust.
2Ignorant zeal is worthless;
haste makes waste.
3People ruin their lives by their own stupidity,
so why does God always get blamed?
4Wealth attracts friends as honey draws flies,
but poor people are avoided like a plague.
5Perjury won’t go unpunished.
Would you let a liar go free?
6Lots of people flock around a generous person;
everyone’s a friend to the philanthropist.
7When you’re down on your luck, even your family avoids you—
yes, even your best friends wish you’d get lost.
If they see you coming, they look the other way—
out of sight, out of mind.
8Grow a wise heart—you’ll do yourself a favor;
keep a clear head—you’ll find a good life.
9The person who tells lies gets caught;
the person who spreads rumors is ruined.
10Blockheads shouldn’t live on easy street
any more than workers should give orders to their boss.
11Smart people know how to hold their tongue;
their grandeur is to forgive and forget.
12Mean-tempered leaders are like mad dogs;
the good-natured are like fresh morning dew.
13A parent is worn to a frazzle by an irresponsible child;
a nagging spouse is a leaky faucet.
14House and land are handed down from parents,
but a congenial spouse comes straight from God.
15Life collapses on loafers;
lazybones go hungry.
16Keep the rules and keep your life;
careless living kills.
17Mercy to the needy is a loan to God,
and God pays back those loans in full.
18Discipline your children while you still have the chance;
indulging them destroys them.
19Let angry people endure the backlash of their own anger;
if you try to make it better, you’ll only make it worse.
20Take good counsel and accept correction—
that’s the way to live wisely and well.
21We humans keep brainstorming options and plans,
but God’s purpose prevails.
22It’s only human to want to make a buck,
but it’s better to be poor than a liar.
23Fear-of-God is life itself,
a full life, and serene—no nasty surprises.
24Some people dig a fork into the pie
but are too lazy to raise it to their mouth.
25Punish the insolent—make an example of them.
Who knows? Somebody might learn a good lesson.
26Kids who lash out against their parents
are an embarrassment and disgrace.
27If you quit listening, dear child, and strike off on your own,
you’ll soon be out of your depth.
28An unprincipled witness desecrates justice;
the mouths of the wicked spew malice.
29The irreverent have to learn reverence the hard way;
only a slap in the face brings fools to attention.
All Prayed Up:
Dear Lord,
We come before You, seeking wisdom and understanding as we meditate on the words of Proverbs 19. You are the source of all wisdom, and we acknowledge that Your ways are perfect and just.
As we reflect on the verses of this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of seeking after Your righteousness. Help us to walk in integrity and honesty, understanding that a blameless life is a testimony to Your grace. Guide us to make choices that honor You and reflect Your character in all that we do.
In times of uncertainty, we trust in Your providence, knowing that our plans are in Your hands. May we be open to correction and instruction, recognizing that humility leads to growth and a deeper relationship with You.
Lord, we lift up those who are in need and those who are oppressed. Grant them Your mercy and deliverance, for You are the defender of the weak and the refuge of the weary.
Help us to guard our speech, for the power of life and death is in the tongue. May our words be filled with kindness, encouragement, and truth, reflecting the love that You have shown us.
In the name of Jesus, we pray.
Amen.
All Songed Up:
You Are My Strength | Hillsong Worship
Until Next Time Family
I Love You
(KISS)
Remember, Wisdom for Righteous Living and
Be Good To One Another
