Proverbs 10 - 12 (6th June) - Weiling

Theme and Message of Proverbs
According to the prologue (1:1-7), Proverbs was written to give “prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young” (1:4), and to make wise men wiser (1:5). Acquiring wisdom and knowing how to avoid the pitfalls of folly will lead to health and success. Although Proverbs is a practical book dealing with the art of living, it bases wisdom solidly on the fear of the Lord. (1:7)

Most of the proverbs today are antithetical, using the conjunction but to contrast the path of folly with the path of faith. The proverbs are varied but practical: teaching you how to use your money, not to shoot your mouth off, how to select friends… etc. Perhaps as you read through the proverbs today, the Holy Spirit highlighted some that He wants to speak to you about. Ask yourself, what are the proverbs that speak most clearly to your need today?

The following headings are not really the only prevailing main points to the chapters but are just some points I’m highlighting.

Proverbs 10 – Mouths and Money
v.19-21; 31-32 We see that we need to restrain our tongue, because when we talk too much, “transgression (or sin) is unavoidable”. (James3: 5) Like a small spark, a word from our mouth can start a fire. But, the mouth can also bless. The heart and mouth are closely related as we read in these verses. Often, what we say is a reflection of what is in our hearts. If there is resentment or frustration, what we say are often bitter.

Proverb 10 also instills the fear of the Lord regarding money. We are cautioned that “ill-gotten gains do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death” and also, “it is the blessing of the Lord that makes rich, and He adds no sorrow to it”. Therefore, do not put money above God. God knows what you need and He will provide. Fear Him and seek to be righteous instead.

Proverbs 11 – Generosity
v.24-26 spoke to me as I read through this chapter. The teaching is indeed quite contrary to what the world says to us. We are usually tempted to look out for ourselves or to preserve ourselves. Often, it’s because of fear or selfishness. However, we are taught today not to withhold or hoard, but to give and be generous.

Do you believe that God is the Source, that He is your provider? God wants us to give and to bless because that will make us to be like Him, He who loves to give and bless (us)! “He who waters will himself be watered”. Amen!

Proverbs 12 – Guidance and Counsel
“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid”. (v.1)
Often, discipline and sound advice are hard to swallow. But if we look at it objectively and positively, we can learn from it and improve. If we simply shut our ears to it, we miss the chance we can to learn from it.

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel.” (v.15)
However, be careful whose counsel you listen to. “The thoughts of the righteous are just, but the counsels of the wicked are deceitful”. Ask God for wisdom and discernment. One very safe advice: Check with your pastors and leaders :) Don’t simply choose to hear what you want to hear.