PROVERBS 22:1-29
V1: "Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold."
In the lives of a believer following the path of righteousness, we place certain characteristics above the valuable treasures of the world. One of those characteristics is having a good reputation. The Bible says here in this verse that it is better to have a good reputation with others than to be rich. To be honored righteously and held in high esteem for doing things God's way has more value than silver and gold. If anything, our biggest takeaway is that what lies within us is worth so much more to the Lord than any earthly riches we can obtain.
V2: "The rich and poor have this in common: The Lord made them both."
Oftentimes, the rich develop this mindset that they are above everyone and are placed on a higher pedestal than others. That is not true at all. We see here in this verse the very simple truth we often overthink and overlook: God made both the rich person and the poor person. No matter your economic status, rest assured in the fact that the Lord, maker of the Heavens and Earth made you in His Image. Your class didn't stop Him from going to the Cross. If anything, He loves us all the same, and we need to make sure we love one another as so.
V3: “A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.”
A synonym for a prudent person is a wise person. The Bible says here in this verse that a prudent person is the kind of person who sees foreseen dangers and acts in wisdom and carefully takes precautions. Godly wisdom gives us insight into the situations life throws our way, and it helps us avoid the wrong path of danger.
V4: "True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life."
Oftentimes, we place all of our time and energy investing in materialistic and temporary things. At the end of the day, if we want to be rich in Christ, be honored by Him, and live a long life led by the Lord, we have to be humble and fear the Lord wholeheartedly. When we invest in kingdom things, we are promised to reap these kingdom blessings!
V5: "Corrupt people walk a thorny, treacherous road; whoever values life will avoid it."
The road of righteousness is a way that leads to life. The sinful, corrupt, and dark path is ridden with trials, tribulations, and thorns, and leads to nothing but death. If it is your life that you value, make sure that you choose the path of righteousness.
V8: "Those who plant injustice will harvest disaster, and their reign of terror will come to an end."
The philosophy that "you reap what you sow" matters in all aspects of our lives. The people that sow injustice and things that are not of the Lord will reap nothing but disaster. Because they chose to put in evil, that is what they will get in return.
V9: "Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor."
A generous person is called blessed by the Lord solely because of their servanthood. Instead of being stingy with what they have, they choose to share. Instead of being greedy, they give. Instead of selfishly living in the overflow, they open their arms to serve. These are the people who are called blessed.
V12: "The Lord preserves those with knowledge, but he ruins the plans of the treacherous."
The people with Godly knowledge and wisdom guiding their lives are favored by the Lord. The schemes and plans of the treacherous bring nothing pleasing to the Lord, and as a result, are destroyed.
Sayings of the Wise (VS 17-29)
"Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction. For it is good to keep these sayings in your heart and always ready on your lips. I am teaching you today—yes, you—so you will trust in the Lord. I have written thirty sayings for you, filled with advice and knowledge. In this way, you may know the truth and take an accurate report to those who sent you. Don’t rob the poor just because you can, or exploit the needy in court. For the Lord is their defender. He will ruin anyone who ruins them. Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people, or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul. Don’t agree to guarantee another person’s debt or put up security for someone else. If you can’t pay for it, even your bed will be snatched from under you. Don’t cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers set up by previous generations. Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than working for ordinary people."
These instructions of wisdom were laid out to us by God to help us in the way we live. These wise headings and warnings are for our benefit. When we live noble and honest lives for the Lord, we don't have anything to fear, as any judgment from Him will not affect us. It is important to be intentional with the way that we live and the path that we follow. If we keep God's instructions close within our hearts, we will never stray or stumble off His path.
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