Proverbs 19:25
Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge. (v.25,ESV).
When simple see the silliness of scoffers they will learn;
and knowledge will be gained by those with wits that can discern!
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Proverbs 19:22, 23
What is desired in a man is steadfast love, and a poor man is better than a liar (v.22,ESV).
I will not impress my Father
with my trophies won in sport;
for I know that He would rather
see what I through love have wrought!
The fear of the LORD leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm (v.23,ESV).
To fear the Lord will lead to life,
for fear shows our respect
for God's great power to still all strife
that might harm His elect!
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Psalm 17:1-15
I am innocent, LORD, and I will see your face! When I awake, all I want is to see you as you are. (v.15,CEV).
Those whose sins have been forgiven will see Jesus face to face. It will not be a dream! We will live with Him forever thanks to the cleansing away of our sins at Calvary.
I have tried, by my behaviour,
to obey God's holy Word;
taking Jesus as my Saviour
also means He is my Lord!
In my heart He dwells forever,
and one day I'll see His face;
and that day will come whenever
I have run my earthly race!
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Proverbs 19:20, 21
Pay attention to advice and accept correction, so you can live sensibly (v.20,CEV).
If you would live a life well spent,
accept advice that is well meant! *
We may make a lot of plans, but the LORD will do what he has decided (v.20,CEV).
Though we scheme and plan
and do all we can
to ensure we live our way,
God will always do
what He wanted to
to ensure that we don't stray!
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Proverbs 19:16
Obey the Lord's teachings and you will live-- disobey and you will die (v.16,CEV).
The Lord's teachings are clearly set out in the Bible. The verse reminds us that they are there to be obeyed - if we want to live {in heaven with Him] forever. Those who choose to ignore God's unchangeable word and teach what He opposed will die [spiritually, that is, be separated from God forever in eternity].
'Obey the Lord if you would live
and garner all that He can give.
But if His teachings you defy,
you'll never live with Him on high!'
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Proverbs 18:14-15
Being cheerful helps when we are sick, but nothing helps when we give up (v.14,CEV).
If, when we are sickly, we still give a smile,
we will feel much better within a short while;
but if we feel hopeless, and think all is lost,
then nothing will help us no matter the cost.
An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge (v.15,ESV).
Those who know seek more to 'know',
and listen, that their 'know' can grow!
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Psalm 3:1-8
But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. (v.3).
What wonderful peace David enjoyed because of his faith in God. Even when his world was in turmoil, with his own son, Absalom, trying to kill him, David saw his God as a protector (shield), as someone to worship for the great glory in Himself, and One Who can lift up Believers when they are feeling down.
My glorious God is my Protector;
when I'm down He lifts me up;
He alone has earned my worship;
He alone can fill my cup!
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Proverbs 17:27-28
Intelligent people choose their words carefully. Those who know what they are doing remain calm. (v.27,ERV). Silent fools seem wise. They say nothing and appear to be smart. (v.28,ERV).
If we choose our words with care
and we never rant nor swear,
we will be considered as intelligent;
if we do not have much brain
but from talking we refrain
we will still seem wise of purpose and intent!
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v.29. The LORD is far from the wicked: but He hears the prayer of the righteous.
The sins of the wicked keep them far from the Lord;
He won't hear their prayers; that's what we read in His Word.
For those who live for Him, lifting up His name on high,
will know their prayers are heard be it now or by and bye.
v.30. The light of the eyes rejoices the heart: and a good report makes the bones fat.
When someone smiles at you in love
it seems like sunshine from above;
and when there is good news to tell
it makes you feel that 'all is well'.
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v.24 The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.
The way to good life is the heavenly road;
the wise on that highway would tread
that they might escape from that dreaded abode
called hell, which is home to the dead.
v.25. The LORD will destroy the house of the proud but establish the home of the widow.
The Lord will destroy the house of the proud
for they do not honour His Name;
but He has a home for those in the crowd
who serve Him with no thought of fame.
v.26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
The thoughts of the wicked are loathed by the Lord,
for they do not honour His Word;
but words that are spoken by those who are pure
are words that forever endure.
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v.20. A wise son makes his father glad: but a foolish man despises his mother.
v.21. A man without wisdom enjoys stupidity; but a man of understanding will do what is right. (My paraphrase).
The good a wise son does
is sure to make his father glad;
a foolish son who does not care
will make his mother sad.
There are those men, though quite unwise,
who think they're smart in their own eyes;
but men who understand God's way
will pray for guidance every day.
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v.18. A man easily angered is sure to cause strife; but one who is cautious will lead a calm life.
v.19. The man who is idle much trouble will see; while paths for the righteous will far smoother be.
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v.15. When Believers are quite ill it's about the physical; those we call 'afflicted' will suffer in the spiritual.
v.16. Rather own but little yet be walking with the Lord than to have great troubles, even though you have a hoard.
v.17. Better to have little, with a family full of love, than to live in hatred, 'though you own a treasure trove!
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Proverbs 15:12-14
v. 12. Those who scorn to hear the truth from sense are far removed,
nor will they seek wiser help in case they be reproved.
v. 13. Laughter is the way to go if smiles we want to share;
spirits break in hearts that sorrow more than they can bear.
v.14. For the bright, to have more knowledge is what they would gain;
but for fools, from foolishness they simply can't refrain.
