Proverbs 18, “Power of Words” & “Living in Harmony”
These proverbs somewhat fell under two main categories for me and I found interesting comparisons to the book of James.
Power of our Words (18:4, 6-8, 13, 21) listed here in Proverbs echoes the power of the tongue mentioned in James 3:2-10:
· Note how “powerful” our tongue can be – it can be used to bless or curse; to encourage or discourage; to bring life or death to our hearers. See also Proverbs 15:1.
Living in Harmony (various Proverbs)
· With God (18:12, 14, 15)
· With Family (18:22)
· With Fellow Man (18:5, 17-19)
· With Authority (18:9)
Other Categories:
· Family – 18:22
· Practical / Social – 18:17-19
· Financial –
· Marital – 18:22
· Moral – 18:5
· Vocation – 18:9
· Living Righteously – 18:12, 14, 15
· Encouraging Promises – 18:10, 14, 24
Proverbs 19, “Inward & Outward”
Various components within this chapter as it deals with our personal hearts and motives which then spill over in our relationships with those around us (family, friends, society, etc.). Note that when we find ourselves “walking” with the Lord and obeying His word, when we chose to allow the fruits of the spirit to shine through, it is much easier to love others and to weather the storms of life.
Note the importance of the inward focus of God’s wisdom and righteousness: 19:1-3, 8, 16, 23, 30
How are we supposed to treat others … esp. the poor as noted here in Proverbs? See 19:4, 7, 17
Paul’s commands to “walk by the Spirit”
Jesus’ command to love God and then neighbor – Matthew 6:36-40
Other Categories:
· Family – 19:13-14, 18, 26-27
· Practical / Social – 19:25, 28-29
· Financial – 19:10, 19:19
· Marital – same as family
· Moral – 19:5, 9, 28-29
· Vocation – 19:15, 24
· Living Righteously – 19:11, 16, 23
Proverbs 20, “Divine Counsel”
Faithfulness, integrity, and righteousness resonate through this chapter:
· 20:5, “counsel in heart of man deep water, but man of understanding will draw it out”
· 20:6 “who can find a faithful man” when we’re so apt to toot our own horn?
· 20:7, “righteous walks in integrity and his legacy continues”
· 20:9, Gospel … Who is clean? Who is holy? NO ONE except thru the blood of Jesus Christ. We cannot stand on our own righteousness – we stand only because of His work on the cross!
· 20:24, “God orders our steps”
· 20:27, “God knows our hearts” – our deepest joys, fears, worries, doubts, etc.
Other Categories:
· Family – 20:11, 20
· Practical / Social – 20:3
· Financial – 20:10, 23 (dishonest weights & scales)
· Moral – 20:22
· Vocation – 20:4, 13
· Living Righteously – verse above & 20:29
What about 20:21 – any thoughts?
What about 20:2, 8, 26, 28 about the King/Authority?
Proverbs 21, “Lessons Learned”
Highlight the following verses:
· Proverbs 21: 2, 3, 21 as it relates to our “acceptable sacrifices to the Lord”
· Read also Micah 6:6-8 & 1 Samuel 15:22
Note the difference in how the scoffer & wise receive their “lessons” in verse 11
Scoffer’s (one who mocks God) punishment actually reaches the simple by an example and provides a lesson of someone not to follow; however, when the wise is instructed, knowledge is received which provides profit and instruction.
Other Categories:
· Social / Practical – 21:5, 13, 16
· Marital – 21:9, 19
· Moral – 21:6, 7, 8
· Vocation – 21:25
· Living Righteously – 21:2, 3, 21, 31
In closing, read 21:31. Where is our deliverance? Our victory is of the Lord. Remember Israelites before Crossing the Red Sea ? We often mirror the Israelites at times – review /read Exodus 14:10-14 & also Romans 8:31-38.
