In our previous Wisdom Note, we explored Proverbs 10:4-8. All of Proverbs give us bits of wisdom help us to live a rich and satisfying life while creating a living legacy. If you miss any of our Wisdom Notes please go to the blog to catch previous installments.
The Book of Proverbs is considered the book of wisdom. This week we will explore the verses 9-13 of Chapter 10:
As we begin a new year, it is a good time to consume and then reflect on these short and concise nuggets of wisdom. As mentioned before, regardless of whether you consider yourself a person of faith, the common sense tidbits of wisdom found in Proverbs will apply to everyone. Let’s continue as we gain wisdom, insight, and understanding with each new bite.
Part of that balanced life is taking the time to gain wisdom through the study of wise information and following in the footsteps of those individuals who have proven themselves to be wise through a long life of wisdom and integrity. Who we become in the future is strongly influenced by what we allow into our minds today and who we invest time with on a regular basis. That brings us to our starting point for today which is…
People with Integrity Walk Safely – Proverbs 10:9-13
Let’s transport ourselves in our minds and visualize we are sitting around the campfire today. As we gaze into the fire, we listen in on the conversations of others that are with us today. Whenever we listen to others, we need to make sure that we filter what is being said through truths found in God’s Word. Only then can we make sure that what we are allowing to enter into our minds is right, just, and pure. Let’s begin with verse 9.
People with integrity walk safely,
but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed.
Wisdom-Trek is based on the analogy that life is like a journey. Each day we make choices that impact our trek in life. If we choose what is good and truthful, then we will gain integrity, and our walk will support our choices. You could say that our path will be straight and solid. If we refuse to make choices that are good and based on God’s wisdom, then we are in danger. This is like a traveler who wanders onto the wrong trail, one that is crooked and full of obstacles. This person will soon slip and fall, and it will be evident to everyone that they have taken the wrong path.
People who wink at wrong cause trouble,
but a bold reproof promotes peace.
Contrary to the current environment of political correctness when someone ignores or winks at wrong choices, it never turns out well. It causes trouble because there are moral absolutes in our world. There may be times when we need to offer a bold reproof so that the peace found in God’s Word can be restored. Let us be careful that we are standing on moral absolutes, though, and not just our own conviction about a particular issue. In any situation, the greatest commandment is to love God and love others. All of our actions should reflect this.
The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain;
the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.
When a person who is good and godly speaks, we should listen. That person’s words bring life to us. They are like water that pours from a fountain. That person’s words, like the water, are plentiful and good. And the person’s words bless everyone who listens to him. Ask yourself, “Are your words a life-giving fountain bringing healing to those who are hurting?” In contrast to this when a person who is neither good nor godly speaks, do not listen! Their words will cause trouble for everyone who listens to them. A person may say one thing, but their actions will reflect their true intentions.
Hatred stirs up quarrels,
but love makes up for all offenses.
Hatred of anyone is a terrible cancer in your own soul. When we find ourselves with even a tinge of disrespect, dislike, or hatred in our hearts for another person, especially if it is someone close to us, then everything we say and every action we take will be prone to arguments and quarrels. In contrast to that, when we truly love someone, and I mean unconditional love, then we look at that person differently. Love covers their offenses toward us. This is a beautiful line. When we love someone, we tend to overlook offenses. We do not dwell on their mistakes. Our love makes up or covers their mistakes so that we do not think about their offense or offensive practices.
Wise words come from the lips of people with understanding,
but those lacking sense will be beaten with a rod.
People who take the time to study so that they will gain an understanding about life will also become wise. They will gain wisdom, insight, understanding, and discernment. They will not keep this wisdom just to themselves, but as they speak it will become very evident that they have obtained wisdom through the counsel that they provide to others. In contrast to the wise person, a person who lacks basic common sense will be like a stubborn donkey that needs continual prodding to move forward in life. Because of their unwise and foolish choices, they will suffer the consequences in all areas of life.
There are so many morsels of wisdom found in the book of Proverbs. As we uncover each one, let them melt within your soul in the same manner that chocolate melts in a finely made s’more. Let them permeate your thoughts and impact your life so that your living legacy will shine through for everyone to see. We will continue with a few more nuggets of wisdom from Chapter 10 in our next installment. In addition to our weekly Wisdom Notes, encourage your friends and family to also join us on our daily podcast – Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.
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