Proverbs | Chapter Summaries + Study QuestionsNäide

PROVERBS 20

WARNING AGAINST INSTANT GRATIFICATION

Solomon warns against instant gratification, saying that food in deceit will taste sweet at first, but later feels like a mouth full of gravel. Similarly, an inheritance or investment that is gained with haste will not be blessed or fruitful in the long term.

God is the creator of the eye that sees and the ear that hears. It is our responsibility to steward those creations in a conduct that is pure and upright. The one who speaks wisdom has lips more valuable than precious jewels.

Solomon advises us to not be led astray by wine and strong alcohol, saying that it leads to brawls. Similarly, fools will be quarreling and arguing, but the man of honor avoids strife. We don’t need to lash out at those who are wrong or evil, wait and let God be the one to administer justice.

Laziness is not a quality of the wise. The person who is too lazy to take care of their fields in the fall will not reap a harvest in the spring. People who sleep the day away will end up in poverty, but the one who spends the day fruitfully will have plenty.

STUDY QUESTIONS

• Throughout Proverbs, how are sluggards and lazy people described?
• How does God value both rest and hard work?
• According to Proverbs 20:22, what do the wise do instead of seeking revenge?