the proverbs of solomon, continued proverbs...
TRANSCRIPT
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THE PROVERBS OF SOLOMON, CONTINUED
PROVERBS 12:1-28
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The Proverbs of Solomon, continued
Text:
Proverbs 12:1-28,
1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
but he who hates correction is stupid.
2 A good man obtains favor from the LORD,
but the LORD condemns a crafty man.
3 A man cannot be established through wickedness,
but the righteous cannot be uprooted.
4 A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown,
but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.
5 The plans of the righteous are just,
but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.
6 The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood,
but the speech of the upright rescues them.
7 Wicked men are overthrown and are no more,
but the house of the righteous stands firm.
8 A man is praised according to his wisdom,
but men with warped minds are despised.
9 Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant
than pretend to be somebody and have no food.
10
A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal,
but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.
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11
He who works his land will have abundant food,
but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment.
12
The wicked desire the plunder of evil men,
but the root of the righteous flourishes.
13
An evil man is trapped by his sinful talk,
but a righteous man escapes trouble.
14
From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things
as surely as the work of his hands rewards him.
15
The way of a fool seems right to him,
but a wise man listens to advice.
16
A fool shows his annoyance at once,
but a prudent man overlooks an insult.
17
A truthful witness gives honest testimony,
but a false witness tells lies.
18
Reckless words pierce like a sword,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
19
Truthful lips endure forever,
but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
20
There is deceit in the hearts of those who plot evil,
but joy for those who promote peace.
21
No harm befalls the righteous,
but the wicked have their fill of trouble.
22
The LORD detests lying lips,
but he delights in men who are truthful.
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23
A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself,
but the heart of fools blurts out folly.
24
Diligent hands will rule,
but laziness ends in slave labor.
25
An anxious heart weighs a man down,
but a kind word cheers him up.
26
A righteous man is cautious in friendship,
but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
27
The lazy man does not roast his game,
but the diligent man prizes his possessions.
28
In the way of righteousness there is life;
along that path is immortality. (NIV)
Introduction:
I. Proverbs 12 provides instructions in proper living. (Smith)
Commentary:
Proverbs 12:1, Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he
who hates correction is stupid. (NIV)
I. Whoever loves discipline (instruction, correction) loves knowledge…
A. Knowledge, according to Bland, includes information and
wisdom, understanding and the ability to live successfully.
B. “Correction is the way to knowledge,” Clarke wrote.
II. but he who hates correction (instruction, reproof) is stupid (brutish).
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A. The word stupid refers, Smith stated, to someone who is like a
beast in that he is insensible to higher aspirations.
1. Psalm 73:22, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a
brute beast before you. (NIV)
2. Proverbs 30:2, Surely I am only a brute, not a man; I
do not have human understanding. (NIV)
B. He who hates correction receives no more benefit from
instruction than an ox does from a goad, Clarke concluded.
Proverbs 12:2, A good man obtains favor from the LORD, but the
LORD condemns a crafty man. (NIV)
I. A good (pure, straightforward) man obtains favor from the Lord, …
A. Having God’s favor assures Divine blessing on the good
person. (Smith)
1. Proverbs 8:35, For those who find me find life and
receive favor from the LORD. (NIV)
B. God will reward righteousness! (Coffman)
1. The belief that the righteous will be blessed and the
wicked punished is a basic biblical doctrine.
2. The doctrine of retribution, the cause and effect principle,
is not always the result of natural consequences, but is
sometimes the result of divine intervention, Bland well
wrote.
C. A good man is one having a pure heart free from evil thoughts.
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1. Psalm 73:1, Surely God is good to Israel, to those who
are pure in heart. (NIV)
II. But the Lord condemns a crafty man (a man of wicked devices).
A. Those who are crafty, whose thoughts are perverse but clever,
will be condemned, punished by the Lord. (Smith)
1. Proverbs 14:17, A quick-tempered person does foolish
things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated.
(NIV)
B. God will condemn wickedness! (Coffman)
C. The crafty man, as used in this verse, Bland wrote, refers to one
who keeps his thoughts hidden, secret, because he is making plans
to hurt others.
Proverbs 12:3, A man cannot be established through wickedness,
but the righteous cannot be uprooted. (NIV)
I. A man cannot be established through wickedness,…
A. The reference here is to a tree which most certainly would only
be made weaker and caused to rot by wickedness. (See Smith)
1. Proverbs 10:25, When the storm has swept by, the
wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.
(NIV)
B. A man cannot make himself secure by wickedness. (Douay
Version via Coffman)
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1. Coffman further stated, “Wickedness does not work, not
even in business.”
C. “The produce of goodness is permanent because it has God’s
blessing in it; the fruit of wickedness, or the property procured by
wickedness, is transitory, because it has God’s curse in it,” Clarke
wrote.
II. but the righteous cannot be uprooted.
A. The “tree” (person) rooted in righteousness grows strong and is
healthy. (See Smith.)
1. Job 14:7-9, At least there is hope for a tree: If it is cut
down, it will sprout again, and its new shoots will not fail.
Its roots may grow old in the ground and its stump die in
the soil, yet at the scent of water it will bud and put forth
shoots like a plant. (NIV)
2. Ephesians 3:17, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts
through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and
established in love, (NIV)
3. Proverbs 12:12, The wicked desire the plunder of evil
men, but the root of the righteous flourishes. (NIV)
B. The righteous are secure in the love and blessings of God.
C. The righteous are constructing a life, a character that is strong
and permanent. (See Bland)
D. Clarke wrote, “The righteous has his root in God; and therefore
he shall not be moved.”
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Note: The Pulpit Commentary states that verses 4-12 contain proverbs
concerning the management of a house and business.
Proverbs 12:4, A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown,
but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones. (NIV)
I.. A wife of noble (strong, virtuous) character is her husband’s crown
(pride and joy), …
A. An honorable, virtuous and intelligent wife is a great help to
her husband in every way. (See Smith.)
1. Ruth 3:11, And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I
will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town
know that you are a woman of noble character. (NIV)
2. Proverbs 31:10, A wife of noble character who can
find? She is worth far more than rubies. (NIV)
B. The woman described is one strong in mind, body or both, The
Pulpit Commentary states.
1. The Pulpit Commentary further states, “Such a woman is
not simply loving and modest and loyal, but is a crown to her
husband; is an honor to him, adorns and beautifies his life,
making as it were a joyous festival.”
II. but a disgraceful wife is like decay (cancer) in his bones.
A. An immoral, lazy, selfish wife is a total discredit (disgrace) to
her husband and is a great hindrance to all the good he tries to do.
(See Smith.)
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1. The “disgraceful wife” is the exact opposite of the “wife
of noble character.”
2. Proverbs 14:30, A heart at peace gives life to the body,
but envy rots the bones. (NIV)
3. Habakkuk 3:16, I heard and my heart pounded, my
lips quivered at the sound; decay crept into my bones,
and my legs trembled. Yet I will wait patiently for the day
of calamity to come on the nation invading us. (NIV)
Note: This, of course, is true inversely of husbands of noble or
disgraceful character in regard to their wives.
B. Bland wrote, “The actions of one spouse profoundly influence
the other.
C. Clarke reminds us that immoral spouses bring diseases home to
their companions.
1. A disgraceful wife makes her husband terminally ill!
Proverbs 12:5, The plans of the righteous are just, but the advice of
the wicked is deceitful. (NIV)
I. The plans (thoughts) of the righteous are just (right),…
A. Smith wrote, “His designs are well intentioned and morally
sound because the mind of the righteous man is disciplined by
wisdom.”
B. “Honest people will treat you fairly,” Coffman wrote quoting
the Good News Bible.
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C. “Good people are fair and honest in the things they plan to do,”
Coffman wrote quoting the Easy to Read Version of the Bible.
II. but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.
A. The counsel of the wicked is not to be trusted and certainly not
to be followed.
B. “The wicked only want to deceive you,” Coffman wrote
quoting the Good News Bible.
C. “Don’t trust the things an evil person tells you,” Coffman
wrote quoting the Easy to Read Version of the Bible.
Proverbs 12:6, The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the
speech of the upright rescues them. (NIV)
I. The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood,…
A. Smith wrote, “The wicked conspire together and plot murder, a
bloody ambush.”
1. Proverbs 1:10-16, My son, if sinful men entice you, do
not give in to them. If they say, “Come along with us; let’s
lie in wait for innocent blood, let’s ambush some harmless
soul; let’s swallow them alive, like the grave, and whole,
like those who go down to the pit; we will get all sorts of
valuable things and fill our houses with plunder; cast lots
with us; we will all share the loot”— my son, do not go
along with them, do not set foot on their paths; for their
feet rush into evil, they are swift to shed blood. (NIV)
2. 1 Kings 21:13, Then two scoundrels came and sat
opposite him and brought charges against Naboth before
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the people, saying, “Naboth has cursed both God and the
king.” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to
death. (NIV)
3. 1 Kings 21:1-16, Some time later there was an incident
involving a vineyard belonging to Naboth the Jezreelite.
The vineyard was in Jezreel, close to the palace of Ahab
king of Samaria. Ahab said to Naboth, “Let me have
your vineyard to use for a vegetable garden, since it is
close to my palace. In exchange I will give you a better
vineyard or, if you prefer, I will pay you whatever it is
worth.” But Naboth replied, “The LORD forbid that I
should give you the inheritance of my ancestors.” So
Ahab went home, sullen and angry because Naboth the
Jezreelite had said, “I will not give you the inheritance of
my ancestors.” He lay on his bed sulking and refused to
eat. His wife Jezebel came in and asked him, “Why are
you so sullen? Why won’t you eat?” He answered her,
“Because I said to Naboth the Jezreelite, ‘Sell me your
vineyard; or if you prefer, I will give you another
vineyard in its place.’ But he said, ‘I will not give you my
vineyard.’” Jezebel his wife said, “Is this how you act as
king over Israel? Get up and eat! Cheer up. I’ll get you
the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.” So she wrote
letters in Ahab’s name, placed his seal on them, and sent
them to the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city
with him. In those letters she wrote: “Proclaim a day of
fasting and seat Naboth in a prominent place among the
people. But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have
them bring charges that he has cursed both God and the
king. Then take him out and stone him to death.” So the
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elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city did as
Jezebel directed in the letters she had written to them.
They proclaimed a fast and seated Naboth in a prominent
place among the people. Then two scoundrels came and
sat opposite him and brought charges against Naboth
before the people, saying, “Naboth has cursed both God
and the king.” So they took him outside the city and
stoned him to death. Then they sent word to Jezebel:
“Naboth has been stoned to death.” As soon as Jezebel
heard that Naboth had been stoned to death, she said to
Ahab, “Get up and take possession of the vineyard of
Naboth the Jezreelite that he refused to sell you. He is no
longer alive, but dead.” When Ahab heard that Naboth
was dead, he got up and went down to take possession of
Naboth’s vineyard. (NIV)
B. Evil people along with their words are set to do others harm.
II. but the speech of the upright rescues them.
A. The speech of the upright rescues them from the evil
conspirators just mentioned. (Smith)
1. “The good plead the cause of the oppressed and use their
eloquence on their behalf,” Smith wrote…
B. Righteous people and their speech are set on doing good for
others.
Proverbs 12:7, The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the
house of the righteous stands firm. (NIV)
I. Wicked men are overthrown and are no more,…
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A. The wicked are overthrown, often quick, and are no longer a
threat to good people.
1. Proverbs 10:25, He who gathers crops in summer is a
prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a
disgraceful son. (NIV)
2. Proverbs 11:7, Hopes placed in mortals die with them;
all the promise of their power comes to nothing. (NIV)
3. The wicked may be overthrown by the just judgments of
God, financial reversals, sicknesses, family problems or other
such like adversities. (See Smith)
4. Job 20:5, that the mirth of the wicked is brief, the joy
of the godless lasts but a moment. (NIV)
B. Wickedness provides no security.
II. but the house of the righteous stands firm.
A. The family of the righteous can withstand all of the tribulations
of life, “the assaults of misfortune and the schemes of enemies.”
(Smith)
1. Matthew 7:24-27, “Therefore everyone who hears
these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a
wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came
down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat
against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its
foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these
words of mine and does not put them into practice is like
a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came
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down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat
against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” (NIV)
B. Righteousness provides security.
Proverbs 12:8, A man is praised according to his wisdom, but men
with warped minds are despised. (NIV)
I. A man is praised according to his wisdom,…
A. Intelligence and common sense are commendable attributes,
especially when a person’s life is governed by them. (See Smith.)
1. 1 Samuel 18:5, Whatever mission Saul sent him on,
David was so successful that Saul gave him a high rank in
the army. This pleased all the troops, and Saul’s officers
as well. (NIV)
2. The person whose mouth makes good sense deserves
praise. (See Bland.)
3. Proverbs 27:21, The crucible for silver and the furnace
for gold, but people are tested by their praise. (NIV)
II. but men with warped minds are despised.
A. The person(s) with distorted views of things which lead to evil
and harmful decisions and actions cause them to be despised by
others. (See Smith.)
B. Men in question here have “distorted views of things, judge
unfairly, have no sympathy for others” and will be despised. (The
Pulpit Commentary)
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Note: Notice that this proverb follows the better-than format. Other
examples, Bland observed, are found in Proverbs 15:16-17, Better a
little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil.
Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf
with hatred. (NIV)
Proverbs 12:9, Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant than
pretend to be somebody and have no food. (NIV)
I. Better to be (lightly esteemed) a nobody and yet have a servant, …
A. Smith wrote, “This is a picture of a man who performs the
humble tasks of a servant in order to have the money to purchase
for his family the necessities of life.”
B. “It is better to be an ordinary man working for a living, a man of
low rank with a servant, …” (Coffman quoting James Moffatt’s
Translation of the Bible.)
C. Bland cites two ways of translating this verse: viz, …
1. If the NIV, as above, is correct, the verse describes a
modest standard of living by having just one servant.
2. The RSV follows the LXX and translates the verse as,
“Better is a man of humble standing who works for himself
(i.e., he is his own servant) which emphasizes the value of
those who are able to provide for basic needs from their own
labor and industriousness.
3. Either translation praises the humble person of integrity.
D. Clarke quotes the Vulgate as reading, “Better is the poor man
who provides for himself, than the proud who is destitute of
bread.”
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II. than pretend to be somebody and have no food.
A. The person depicted here pretends to be something he is not, a
person who does without basic necessities in order to impress
others. (See Smith).
B. “…than one who makes a show and has to do his own work.”
(Coffman quoting James Moffatt’s Translations of the Bible)
C. The person here is a pretender, a hypocrite whose family is left
to go hungry. (See Bland.)
D. Bland well wrote, “Being satisfied with a modest standard of
living is better than trying to deceive others into believing that you
are better off than you really are.”
E. “Respectful mediocrity is better than boastful poverty,” The
Pulpit Commentary advises.
Proverbs 12:10, A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal,
but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel. (NIV)
I. A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, …
A. Kindness to animals was mandated by the law of Moses.
1. Exodus 20:10, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the
LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work,
neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or
female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner
residing in your towns. (NIV)
2. Exodus 23:4-5, “If you come across your enemy’s ox or
donkey wandering off, be sure to return it. If you see the
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donkey of someone who hates you fallen down under its
load, do not leave it there; be sure you help them with it.
(NIV)
3. Deuteronomy 22:6, 7, 10, If you come across a bird’s
nest beside the road, either in a tree or on the ground,
and the mother is sitting on the young or on the eggs, do
not take the mother with the young. You may take the
young, but be sure to let the mother go, so that it may go
well with you and you may have a long life. Do not plow
with an ox and a donkey yoked together. (NIV)
4. Deuteronomy 25:4, Do not muzzle an ox while it is
treading out the grain. (NIV)
B. The person who treats his animals well will certainly treat his
family and others with great kindness. (See Smith.)
1. A righteous person is merciful to man and beast alike and
free of cruelty. (See Clarke.)
C. Verses 10 and 11 have a reference to agriculture, here to farm
animals. (See Bland.)
D. “God’s mercies are over all his works; he saves both man and
beast; he hates nothing he has made,” The Pulpit Commentary
reads.
1. Psalm 36:6, Your righteousness is like the highest
mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, LORD,
preserve both people and animals. (NIV)
2. Psalm 113:9, He settles the childless woman in her
home as a happy mother of children. Praise the LORD.
(NIV)
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3. Jonah 4:11, And should I not have concern for the
great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a
hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell
their right hand from their left—and also many
animals?” (NIV)
II. but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.
A. The best the wicked can do is bad!
B. “The heart of the wicked is cruel, without mercy.” (Coffman
quoting the Cross-Reference Bible)
C. The righteous are kind while the wicked exploit others. (See
Bland.)
Proverbs 12:11, He who works his land will have abundant food, but
he who chases fantasies lacks judgment. (NIV)
I. He who works his land will have abundant food,…
A. Hard work is here commended.
B. This proverb is a reference to the agrarian lifestyle typical of
the time.
1. Proverbs 28:19, Those who work their land will have
abundant food, but those who chase fantasies will have
their fill of poverty. (NIV)
2. Proverbs 10:5, He who gathers crops in summer is a
prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a
disgraceful son. (NIV)
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3. Proverbs 20:4, Sluggards do not plow in season; so at
harvest time they look but find nothing. (NIV)
4. Proverbs 27:18, 23-27, The one who guards a fig tree
will eat its fruit, and whoever protects their master will be
honored. 23 Be sure you know the condition of your flocks,
give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not
endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all
generations. When the hay is removed and new growth
appears and the grass from the hills is gathered in, the
lambs will provide you with clothing, and the goats with
the price of a field. You will have plenty of goats’ milk to
feed your family and to nourish your female servants.
(NIV)
C. The wise person exercises discipline, diligence and
consistency, Bland stated.
1. God blesses the labor of such a person, Clarke added.
II. but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment (is void of
understanding);
A. Chasing fantasies (worthless dreams, worthless pursuits) is
futile and the person who engages in this type of behavior doesn’t
have good judgment.
B. Chasing fantasies profits absolutely nothing, but contributes to
poverty by diverting energy that could have been used in
productive activities to activities that produce nothing of value.
1. “It also shows moral weakness and depravity,” The Pulpit
Commentary states.
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C. The person who spends his time “chasing rainbows” is not very
smart. (See Coffman quoting the Anchor Bible.)
1. Clarke mentioned he had seen a number of such people
come to poverty.
Proverbs 12:12, The wicked desire the plunder of evil men, but the
root of the righteous flourishes. (NIV)
I. The wicked desire the plunder of evil men, …
A. The wicked person wants what evil people have gained by
crimes and other unethical means thinking this will give him the
security he is too lazy to get by honest labor. (See Smith.)
1. The wicked desire the support of evil men. (The Pulpit
Commentary)
B. The Anchor Bible via Coffman notes that the Hebrew here is
obscure.
1. This has occasioned various emendations.
II. but the root of the righteous flourishes.
A. On the other hand, the righteous prosper by reason of their
conducting business with high principles. (See Smith.)
B. Their righteous lives are well rooted in goodness which
provides sustenance and well-being!
Note: Proverbs 12:13-25 relates in one way or another to speech, Bland
observed.
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Proverbs 12:13, An evil man is trapped by his sinful talk, but a
righteous man escapes trouble. (NIV)
I. An evil man is trapped (snared) by his sinful talk,…
A. An evil man who tries to harm others by what he says actually
is himself ensnared by what he says. (See Smith.)
1. Matthew 12:37, For by your words you will be
acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.
(NIV)
2. Proverbs 18:7, The mouths of fools are their undoing,
and their lips are a snare to their very lives. (NIV)
B. “A man who deals in lies and false oaths will sooner or later be
found out to his own ruin,” Clarke wrote.
1. Psalm 7:15-16, Whoever digs a hole and scoops it out
falls into the pit they have made. The trouble they cause
recoils on them; their violence comes down on their own
heads. (NIV)
2. Psalm 9:16, The LORD is known by his acts of justice;
the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands.
(NIV)
II. but a righteous man escapes trouble.
A. Righteous people speak kindly and honestly and, in this way,
avoid trouble with others.
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B. “The man who is calm and considerate for others will himself
be treated with pity and consideration,” The Pulpit Commentary
states.
Proverbs 12:14, From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good
things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him. (NIV)
I. From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things…
A. A man’s words are like seed producing in kind; words and
actions involving love, favor and respect produce deeds of love,
favor and respect in return. (See Smith.)
1. Proverbs 13:2, From the fruit of their lips people enjoy
good things, but the unfaithful have an appetite for
violence. (NIV)
2.Proverbs 14:14, The faithless will be fully repaid for
their ways, and the good rewarded for theirs. (NIV)
3.Proverbs 18:20, From the fruit of their mouth a
person’s stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips
they are satisfied. (NIV)
B. “A person is rewarded because of the good things that he says.
(Coffman quoting the Easy to Read Version of the Bible.)
1. Coffman advised “saying nice, friendly, complimentary
and gracious things to the people with whom we are in daily
contact.”
2. Matthew 12:37, For by your words you will be
acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
(NIV)
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II. as surely as the work of his hands rewards him.
A. The well-spoken words a person speak benefit him just as the
labor of the hands of a righteous man rewards him.
1. Isaiah 3:10-11, Tell the righteous it will be well with
them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds. Woe to
the wicked! Disaster is upon them! They will be paid back
for what their hands have done. (NIV)
2. Matthew 25:35, For I was hungry and you gave me
something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me
something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me
in, (NIV)
3. Romans 2:6, God “will repay each person according to
what they have done.” (NIV)
Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man
listens to advice. (NIV)
I. The way of a fool seems right to him (in his own eyes),…
A. Evidently the fool doesn’t know any better, “consults no one,
respects no other opinion,” (Smith), “refuses advice from others”
(Bland)
1. Proverbs 3:7, Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the
LORD and shun evil. (NIV)
2. Proverbs 26:5,12, 16 Answer a fool according to his
folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes. Do you see a
person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a
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fool than for them. A sluggard is wiser in his own eyes
than seven people who answer discreetly. (NIV)
3. Proverbs 16:2, All a person’s ways seem pure to them,
but motives are weighed by the LORD. (NIV)
II. but a wise man listens to advice.
A. A wise man is not adamant, is not a “know it all,” but listens to
prudent counsel, advice, not relying on his own unaided judgment.
(See The Pulpit Commentary.)
1. Proverbs 13:10, Where there is strife, there is pride,
but wisdom is found in those who take advice. (NIV)
2. Proverbs 14:12, There is a way that appears to be right,
but in the end it leads to death. (NIV)
3. Proverbs 16:25, There is a way that appears to be right,
but in the end it leads to death. (NIV)
4. Proverbs 21:2, A person may think their own ways are
right, but the LORD weighs the heart. (NIV)
Proverbs 12:16, A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent
man overlooks an insult. (NIV)
I. A fool shows his annoyance at once,…
A. The fool’s speech shows annoyance, anger, hostility.
1. The fool is easily and quickly upset, lacks self-control.
(See Smith.)
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B. Often fools make fools of themselves without even realizing
that this is what they are doing!
C. “A weak-minded man has no self government; he is easily
angered, and generally speaks whatever comes first to his mind,”
Clarke wrote.
1. The fool speaks without thinking; speaks first and thinks
later!
II. but a prudent man overlooks an insult.
A. A prudent person does not make a fool of himself by shooting
off his mouth, but overlooks, ignores insults. (See Smith.)
1. Proverbs 20:22, Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this
wrong!” Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you.
(NIV)
2. Proverbs 24:29, Do not say, “I’ll do to them as they
have done to me; I’ll pay them back for what they did.”
(NIV)
3. Matthew 5:39, But I tell you, do not resist an evil
person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to
them the other cheek also. (NIV)
4. Luke 6:29, If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to
them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not
withhold your shirt from them. (NIV)
B. Smith wrote the prudent man “knows it is best to let passion
cool before attempting to set things right.
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1. James 1:19, My dear brothers and sisters, take note of
this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak
and slow to become angry, (NIV)
Note: “Most of the proverbs in the rest of this chapter deal with the
tongue. There are a hundred verses in this whole book that deal, one
way or another, with the use of the tongue.” (Coffman quoting the
Interpreter’s Bible)
Proverbs 12:17, A truthful witness gives honest testimony, but a
false witness tells lies. (NIV)
I. A truthful witness gives honest testimony,…
A. This refers to the giving of testimony in court. (Smith)
1. Proverbs 6:16, 19, There are six things the LORD
hates, seven that are detestable to him: a false witness
who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in
the community. (NIV)
B. In giving honest testimony, the truthful witness contributes to
the cause of justice. (Smith)
II. but a false witness tells lies.
A. A false witness, a liar, is not interested in justice.
1. Proverbs 14:5, 15, An honest witness does not deceive,
but a false witness pours out lies. The simple believe
anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.
(NIV)
B. We are speaking here of perjured speech. (Smith)
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Proverbs 12:18, Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue
of the wise brings healing. (NIV)
I. Reckless words pierce like a sword,…
A. Reckless, thoughtless, rash, harmful, inflammatory speech
inflicts pain like a sword! (Smith)
B. Smith noted that the tongue can do as much harm as a sword.
II. but the tongue of the wise brings healing (health).
A. Smith observed that the tongue (words) of the wise brings
healing by soothing anguish and undoing injury.
1. Proverbs 4:20-22, My son, pay attention to what I say;
turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your
sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to
those who find them and health to one’s whole body.
(NIV)
2. Proverbs 10:11, The mouth of the righteous is a
fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals
violence. (NIV)
Proverbs 12:19, Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue
lasts only a moment. (NIV)
I. Truthful lips endure forever,…
A. Truth, Smith wrote, endures the test of time, “stands forever,”
Clarke added.
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1. “Truth crushed to earth shall rise again…” (Coffman
quoting William Cullen Bryant)
2. “Truth is consistent, invincible, enduring,” The Pulpit
Commentary states.
II. but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
A. Deceitful speech is temporary, is soon found out and punished.
(Smith and The Pulpit Commentary)
1. “But wounded error writhes in pain,” (Coffman quoting
William Cullen Bryant)
2. The lying tongue lasts about as long as the blink of an eye.
B. Falsehood is soon seen for what it is and is promptly rejected.
(See Clarke.)
1. Proverbs 19:9, A false witness will not go unpunished,
and whoever pours out lies will perish. (NIV)
2. Psalm 52:2-5, You who practice deceit, your tongue
plots destruction; it is like a sharpened razor. You love
evil rather than good, falsehood rather than speaking the
truth. You love every harmful word, you deceitful tongue!
Surely God will bring you down to everlasting ruin: He
will snatch you up and pluck you from your tent; he will
uproot you from the land of the living. (NIV)
Proverbs 12:20, There is deceit in the hearts of those who plot evil,
but joy for those who promote peace. (NIV)
I. There is deceit in the heart of those who plot evil (imagine evil),…
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A. Smith concluded the reference here is to those who give evil
advice which brings misfortune.
B. “Evil people always want to cause trouble…” (Coffman quoting
the Easy to Read Version of the Bible)
1. Proverbs 3:29, Do not plot harm against your neighbor,
who lives trustfully near you. (NIV)
II. but joy for those who promote peace (health, prosperity).
A. Counselors who promote peace bring joy to those who heed
their advice.
B. “…people who work for peace will be happy.” (Coffman
quoting the Easy to Read Version of the Bible)
Proverbs 12:21, No harm befalls the righteous, but the wicked have
their fill of trouble. (NIV)
I. No harm (mischief, evil) befalls the righteous…
A. Smith defines the “harm” here as the evil consequences that
follow evil doing.
1. The righteous simply do not engage in those evil things
which bring such disasters on the wicked.
a. Proverbs 22:8, Whoever sows injustice reaps
calamity, and the rod they wield in fury will be
broken. (NIV)
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2. Their nature simply does not permit the righteous to do
these evil things which bring such disasters on the wicked.
(See Smith.)
B. Clarke reminds us this is true because all things work together
for good to them that love God.
III. but the wicked have their full of trouble (evil, misfortune).
A. The wicked do wrong and bring upon themselves their fill of
trouble.
1. Consider the inmates in all our prisons, for example.
2. Sin and reap the consequences!
3. Psalm 32:10, Many are the woes of the wicked, but the
LORD’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in
him. (NIV)
Proverbs 12:22, The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men
who are truthful. (NIV)
I. The Lord detests lying lips,…
A. Proverbs 6:17, haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that
shed innocent blood, (NIV)
B. Proverbs 11:20, The LORD detests those whose hearts are
perverse, but he delights in those whose ways are blameless.
(NIV)
II. but he delights in men who are truthful (straightforward).
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A. Reference here is to people who act in good faith. (The
Pulpit Commentary)
Proverbs 12:23, A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself, but
the heart of fools blurts out folly. (NIV)
I. A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself,…
A. Smith identifies this as restrained speech.
B. A prudent man is cautious and reserved and is not inclined to
utter unadvisedly what he knows, Smith wrote.
1. Proverbs 11:13, A gossip betrays a confidence, but a
trustworthy person keeps a secret. (NIV)
2. Moffatt via Coffman wrote, “No Cautious man blurts out
all that he knows,…”
II. but the heart of fools blurts out folly.
A. Proverbs 15:2, The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,
but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. (NIV)
B. The fool speaks his folly without thinking.
C. Proverbs 13:16, All who are prudent act with knowledge,
but fools expose their folly. (NIV)
D. Proverbs 15:2, The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,
but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. (NIV)
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E. “A foolish man cannot help exposing the stupid ideas that arise
in his mind, which he considers wisdom.” (The Pulpit
Commentary)
Note: Verses 24-28 speak of how to succeed in life. (See The Pulpit
Commentary)
Proverbs 12:24, Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in slave
labor. (NIV)
I. Diligent (strong and active) hands will rule.
A. Wise hard workers arise to the top, become rulers,
administrators, employers of others, owners of businesses. (See
Smith.)
B. By their own industry they become independent and respected,
Clarke observed.
II. but laziness (slothfulness) ends in slave labor (under tribute).
A. The lazy person continues in a lowly, dependent role all his
life, with a “slave labor” position and mentality.
1. Proverbs 11:29, Whoever brings ruin on their family
will inherit only wind, and the fool will be servant to the
wise. (NIV)
2. Leviticus 25:39-40, “‘If any of your fellow Israelites
become poor and sell themselves to you, do not make
them work as slaves. They are to be treated as hired
workers or temporary residents among you; they are to
work for you until the Year of Jubilee. (NIV)
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B. The LXX via The Pulpit Commentary reads, “The crafty shall
be for plunder, i.e., they who think to succeed by fraud and trickery
shall become the prey of those who are stronger than themselves.
Proverbs 12:25, An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind
word cheers him up. (NIV)
I. An anxious (heavy) heart weighs a man down,…
A. This scribe, who worries that the world will suddenly stop
spinning, attests to the truthfulness of this proverb!
B. “People who allow themselves to mentally dwell on their
problems will be defeated by depression,” Smith wrote.
1. The cares of life bring dejection and despair,” Smith
stated.
2. Matthew 6:34, Therefore do not worry about
tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day
has enough trouble of its own. (NIV)
3. 1 Peter 5:7, Cast all your anxiety on him because he
cares for you. (NIV)
4. Proverbs 15:13, A happy heart makes the face cheerful,
but heartache crushes the spirit. (NIV)
5. Proverbs 17:22, A cheerful heart is good medicine, but
a crushed spirit dries up the bones. (NIV)
II. but a kind word cheers him up.
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A. The kind word can be described as encouraging speech, Smith
wrote.
B. Encouraging speech is uplifting and “has the power to transform
the mental and emotional state of another” person, Bland wrote.
C. When speaking to the sick, bereaved, troubled, emotionally
distressed, let us be very careful to speak words that help and heal,
not words that cut like a sword and add to the problems of the
suffering one to whom we are speaking.
Proverbs 12:26, A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the
way of the wicked leads them astray. (NIV)
I. A righteous man is cautious in friendship (is a guide to his neighbor),
…
A. Smith spoke of this as Guiding Speech.
B. This verse clearly states that the righteous, wise person is very
careful in selecting “friends” from whom he accepts advice and
counsel, but he is receptive to wholesome constructive advice.
C. “The righteous devises good to his neighbor,” Clarke wrote
quoting the Syriac version.
D. This verse has also been translated, “The righteous is more
excellent than his neighbor.” (See The Pulpit Commentary.)
1. “A good man is superior to others morally and socially, is
more respected and stands high though his worldly position
be inferior,” The Pulpit Commentary reads.
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2. The Pulpit Commentary states, “But the clause is better
translated, ‘The just man is a guide to his neighbor,’ directs
him in the right way.”
3. Another rendering of this verse reads, “The righteous wise
man will be a friend to himself.”
II. but the way of the wicked leads them astray (causes them to err).
A. The wicked are opinionated and refuse advice from anyone.
1. They mislead themselves, Smith stated.
B. But the righteous are consistently focused, while the wicked
have no focus, but wander around aimlessly. (Bland)
C. “Far from guiding others aright, the wicked, reaping the moral
consequences of their sin, drift hopelessly astray themselves,” The
Pulpit Commentary states.
1. Proverbs 13:21, Trouble pursues the sinner, but the
righteous are rewarded with good things. (NIV)
Proverbs 12:27, The lazy man does not roast his game, but the
diligent man prizes his possessions. (NIV)
I. The lazy (slothful) man does not roast his game (which he took in
hunting),…
A. The lazy man is too trifling to even roast, cook his food, game.
1. The lazy man does not finish what he has started. (See
Bland)
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2. That is certainly not the way to “get ahead, amount to
anything.”
3. The lazy man, wastes does not appreciate what God has
given him.
Note: Coffman observed that the Hebrew text here is obscure.
B. Laziness, indolence are despised through the book of Proverbs.
(See Bland)
1. Proverbs 26:13-16, A sluggard says, “There’s a lion in
the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets!” As a door
turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turns on his bed. A
sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he is too lazy to
bring it back to his mouth. A sluggard is wiser in his own
eyes than seven people who answer discreetly. (NIV)
II. but the diligent man prizes his possessions.
A. The hard working man appreciates what he has earned and
cares for it.
1. This speaks of a frugal person, Smith wrote.
Proverbs 12:28, In the way of righteousness there is life; along that
path is immortality. (NIV)
I. In the way (path) of righteousness there is life;…
A. Righteousness leads to life while sin leads to death. (Smith)
II. along that path is immortality (no death).
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A. Righteousness leads to life here and hereafter!
1. Proverbs 14:32, When calamity comes, the wicked are
brought down, but even in death the righteous seek
refuge in God. (NIV)
2. 2 Timothy 1:10, but it has now been revealed through
the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has
destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to
light through the gospel. (NIV)
3. The ways of the wicked lead to death. The ways of the
righteous lead to life.
B. Bland wrote, “The sages in Proverbs, though, do not appear to
have any understanding of life after death (this is true with the Old
Testament in general; there is no developed doctrine of the
resurrection).”
1. Bland continued, “It is best to translate the second line
this way: ‘On the journey of her pathway is no death,’
meaning no ‘spiritual death’.”
2. “In Proverbs, the one who lives an immoral life is ‘dead’,”
Conclusion:
I. Each individual must decide what kind of person he wants to be, what
kind of life he wants to live.
A. We can love counsel, be a good person, righteous, select a
noble husband/wife, just, prudent, truthful, etc, and live a happy,
respected life in this world and enjoy eternal life in the world to
come, or…
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B. We can hate correction, act stupidly, be crafty, unstable, select
a disgraceful husband/wife, give deceitful advice, act wickedly and
live miserably in this world and suffer eternally in hell fire.
C. In which path will you choose to walk?
II. Be sure you know in which path you are walking.
A. Don’t be confused into thinking you are in one path when in
fact you are actually walking in the other path.
B. Compare your acts and attitudes with the standards of Proverbs
12.
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Questions
Proverbs 12:1-28
(Questions based on NIV text)
1. In view of what is said in Proverbs 12, how successful have your been
in living up to these instructions? Give details. ___________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
2. How are discipline and knowledge related? ____________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
3. What kind of person hates correction? ________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
4. The __________ that the ___________ will be __________ and the
__________ __________ is a __________ ___________ __________.
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5. Who is a good man? ______________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
6. Explain the doctrine of retribution. ___________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
7. Describe a crafty man as the term is used in verse 2. _____________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
8. A man cannot be __________ established through __________, but
the __________ cannot be __________.
9. Give reasons the statement in question 8 above is true. ___________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
10. Verses 4-12 relate to what topics? ___________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
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__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
11. Describe a wife of noble character. What influence does she have on
her husband? _______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
12. Describe a disgraceful wife. What influence does she have on her
husband? __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
13. The ____________ are ___________. His ____________ are
__________ - __________ and __________ __________ because the
__________ of the __________ man is __________ by _____________.
14. The _____________ of the ____________ is __________. The
__________ of the __________ is not to be __________ and certainly
not to be __________.
15. __________ __________ along with their __________ are set to do
others __________. __________ __________ and their __________ are
set on __________ __________ for __________.
16. __________men are __________ often __________, and are no
longer a threat to __________ __________.
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17. The __________ of the _________ _can withstand all the
__________ of __________, the __________ of __________ and the
__________ of __________.
18. A __________ is __________ according to his __________,
__________ and __________ __________ when his __________ is
governed by these characteristics.
19. What is a warped mind? How are people with warped minds
regarded by others? _________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
20. Who is better, a nobody or a pretender? Explain your answer. _____
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
21. How important is it to be kind to animals? How can the sacrifice of
millions of animals be reconciled with being kind to animals? What
about slaughtering animals for food? Is that kind? _________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
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22. The _________ _________ of the __________ are __________.
The __________ the ________ can do is __________!
23. What good things come to the wise prudent worker? ____________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
24. What does the Bible say about those who chase fantasies, engage in
worthless pursuits? __________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
25. Does this prohibit setting goals and having future aspirations?
Explain your answer. _______________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
26. The __________ __________ wants what __________ __________
have __________ by __________ and other ___________ means
thinking this will give him the __________he is too __________ to get
by __________ __________.
27. The __________ of the world are __________ __________ in
____________ which provides _____________ and ______________ -
__________!
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28. What kids of speech are discussed in Proverbs 12? ______________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
29. How does sinful speech ensnare an evil man? _________________
__________________________________________________________
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30. How does a righteous man escape trouble? ____________________
__________________________________________________________
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31. Listen carefully for one twenty-four hour to everything you say and
think. How many of these things are good, positive, wholesome and
how many are bad, negative, corrupt? ___________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
32. Wholesome __________ can profit a person as surely as the
__________ of his __________ can produce _______________ for him.
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33. The __________ of a __________ seems__________ to him. He
__________ no one, __________, other __________, __________
__________from __________, but a __________ man __________ to
__________.
34. What does the Bible say about laziness, slothfulness? Is the lazy
person respected? ___________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
35. A __________ shows his __________ at once, is easily and quickly
__________ lacks __________ - __________, easily __________, and
generally speaks whatever comes __________ to his___________. The
__________ __________ without __________; __________
__________ and __________ __________!
36. In contrast with the food, a __________ man __________ an
__________, does not make a fool of himself by __________ off his
__________ but __________, __________ __________.
37. A __________ __________ gives __________ __________, but a
__________ __________ tells _______________.
38. __________, __________, __________, __________, __________
speech inflicts _________ like a sword; but the __________ of the
__________ bring __________ (__________).
39. During the last week, which of your words have inflicted pain and
which have brought health to others? What circumstances occasioned
each of these results? ________________________________________
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__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
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40. Contrast the longevity of truth and lies. What accounts for the
difference? ________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
41. __________ __________ cause __________, but __________ who
__________ __________ (__________, __________) will be happy.
42. Explain what, “No harm (mischief, evil) befalls the righteous” mean.
Why do righteous people suffer? ______________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
43. Show by biblical and secular examples that the wicked do indeed
have their fill of trouble. Are there exceptions to this rule? If so, what
accounts for these exceptions? _________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
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44. According to Proverbs 12, what things does the Lord detest? ______
__________________________________________________________
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45. According to Proverbs 12, in what things does the Lord delight? ___
__________________________________________________________
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46. Why would a prudent man keep his knowledge to himself? Where
would we be without school teachers and college professors? _________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
47. A __________ man cannot __________ __________ the
__________ __________ that arise in his __________, which he
considers __________.
48. How can we succeed in life? Base your answer on what is said in
verses 24 – 28. _____________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
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49.__________ __________ (__________ and __________)
__________ will __________. By their own __________ they become
__________ and __________.
50. What advantages and disadvantages does laziness offer? _________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
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51. Anxiety is a heavy burden grievous to be borne. How can a person
stop worrying? Be specific! Give step by step details. _____________
__________________________________________________________
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__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
52. When __________ to the __________, __________, __________,
__________, __________, let us be very careful to __________
__________ that __________ and __________, not words that cut like a
__________ and add to the __________of the __________ one to whom
we are __________.
53. In what ways is a righteous man a friend to himself? ____________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
54. How important to your health, happiness and success is the careful
formation of wholesome friendships? ___________________________
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__________________________________________________________
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55. How do you select, form your friendships? ___________________
__________________________________________________________
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__________________________________________________________
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56. The __________ man is too __________ to cook his own
__________. That is certainly not the way to __________ __________
or __________ to __________.
57. The __________ man __________ his __________. The
__________ __________ __________ _________ what he has
_________ and __________ for it.
58. _________ leads to __________ while __________ leads to
__________.
59. Did the author of Proverbs believe in life after death? Give reasons
for your answer. ____________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
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60. What kind of life to you want to live? When are you going to begin
living this chosen kind of life? If you have already begun, how are you
progressing? ______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
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