Category: Wisdom

The tongue of the righteous is choice silver,
    but the heart of the wicked is of little value.

Summary: Purity is something that can be measured in metallurgy, but when it comes to hearts, only God knows what the imperfections are. 

Sin is not ended by multiplying words,
    but the prudent hold their tongues.

Summary: Solomon points us to a hazard that James warns about in his letter (James 3:1-12). Words are powerful. It is a power that is easily misused and causes damage not only to others but to ourselves. 

Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips
    and spreads slander is a fool.

Summary: Today’s passage is like a puzzle box. There are several parts that make it interesting. With a few deft strokes of the pen, Solomon paints another portrait of the fool in a new pose. 

Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life,
    but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.

Summary: Who is watching you? What do people think of you? Does it matter? Yes, it does! We are always watching others and taking clues from what they do. People are watching you, too. If you care about others, the first order of business is setting a good example for them. 

The wages of the righteous is life,
    but the earnings of the wicked are sin and death.

Summary: We discussed this verse a little in yesterday’s meditation on verses 15-16. Today we look at verse 16 by itself. The meanings of the words in this verse hold the key to understanding what “life” and “death” mean from God’s point of view. /

The wealth of the rich is their fortified city,
    but poverty is the ruin of the poor.
The wages of the righteous is life,
    but the earnings of the wicked are sin and death.

Summary: Quicksand is a real thing, and a metaphor for ground that is soft and deep. Today’s proverbs look simple on the surface, but they are very deep. 

The wise store up knowledge,
    but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.

Summary: What is knowledge? The answer to that question leads us to turn to God. Only God truly “knows” all that there is to know. 

Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning,
    but a rod is for the back of one who has no sense.

Summary: How do we get “sense”? Is there a place for beatings in this world? This short proverb opens the door to a difficult topic that touches each of our lives.