Wisdom, Day 21

Welcome to Day 21 of our Journey through “31 Days of Wisdom”!

Today’s categories are God’s sovereignty, spouses who quarrel, and the consequences of poor sense and bad choices.

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Right out of the gate we are told that even the rulers of the land are subject to God’s sovereignty, and this is common throughout the ancient texts and this book of wisdom. The regular person and those in authority are all to answer to and act within God’s own will. In other text we are instructed to respect and honor those in authority and to pray for them, even if do not agree with them. How does that wisdom and instruction measure up to the political climate wherever you are and when ever you read this? Remember, this is timeless wisdom that has been relevant for hundreds and hundreds of years.

I think we would all agree that it is far better to have peace at home. What are we each doing to be better partners, helpers, and mates at home? Twice this chapter mentions it is better to hide on the corner of the roof of your home or live in the desert than to be fighting and anxious at home. Here’s the secret sauce to peace at home: surrender… or yielding… or sacrifice. “Sacrifice toward the oneness of your relationship.” It takes two we’ve heard, and that’s true. It takes two people who are willing to sacrifice their self interest or preference for the greater unity, or what’s best for the relationship as a whole. Don’t fight, unite.

It is interesting how kindness and generosity are interwoven in the contrasts of good vs evil, or wicked vs righteous, or wise vs foolish. In our own personal and professional growth as people, and influencers of those around us, we are reminded it is not just about us and the direct impact our decisions have. We are reminded that along the way we are held accountable to the kindness and generous heart we share with others, even strangers. As we pursue wisdom and growth let us also make kindness and generosity hallmarks of our footprints and legacy.

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[shareable cite=”https://www.bible.com/bible/59/PRO.21.ESV”]1 The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.

2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart. 3 To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. 4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin. 5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty. 6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.

7 The violence of the wicked will sweep them away, because they refuse to do what is just. 8 The way of the guilty is crooked, but the conduct of the pure is upright. 9 It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife. 10 The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes. 11 When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise; when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge. 12 The Righteous One observes the house of the wicked; he throws the wicked down to ruin.

13 Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered. 14 A gift in secret averts anger, and a concealed bribe, strong wrath. 15 When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers. 16 One who wanders from the way of good sense will rest in the assembly of the dead. 17 Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich. 18 The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, and the traitor for the upright.

19 It is better to live in a desert land than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman. 20 Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it. 21 Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor. 22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty and brings down the stronghold in which they trust. 23 Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.

24 ‘Scoffer’ is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride. 25 The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. 26 All day long he craves and craves, but the righteous gives and does not hold back. 27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when he brings it with evil intent. 28 A false witness will perish, but the word of a man who hears will endure. 29 A wicked man puts on a bold face, but the upright gives thought to his ways. 30 No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the Lord. 31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.

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• YouVersion® Bible.com Reading Plans – Proverbs
• Matthew Henry’s Commentary from BibleGateway
• Top 5 Commentaries post from Ligonier’s Ministry
• Proverbs Resources from PreceptAustin