Proverbs in 31 DaysSample

We must be careful in our reading of the proverbs. They are written as poetry, not promises. They offer generally true wisdom principles, but they are more complicated than a simple to-do list. Think of a proverb like a photograph: it can show you what something looks like, but it cannot capture every facet of the scenery. Proverbs employ word pictures and comparisons to show us what is commonly true in life. Let’s look at some of the ideas that are repeated/emphasized throughout Proverbs 19.

There is wisdom in waiting. Self-control will keep us from rushing into sin (v. 2), and patience prevents us from overreacting in the midst of conflict (v. 11).

Over and over again, seeking wisdom is recommended and even urged by the author. And all throughout the book, we see that seeking wisdom is rewarded. Verse 8 shows that those who value understanding will prosper, and verse 20 that listening well will make us wise.

There is a warning against slothfulness or laziness—that in the end it leads to hunger (v. 15). And verse 24 paints a picture of a sluggard being too lazy to even bring His hand back to His mouth to eat. Slothfulness will lead to hunger and to ruin.

Verses 5 and 9 share almost identical wording in their warning against lying. A false witness will not go unpunished. Lying is not without consequence, and so much so that it’s stated twice in this chapter.

The last section of Proverbs 19 makes the comparison between the features of a good life versus the description of the scoffer or mocker. The good life is in store for those who listen to instruction (v. 16), are kind to the poor (v. 17), care for and discipline their children (v. 18), acknowledge God’s rule (v. 21), and fear the Lord (v. 23). The fear of the Lord leads to life! By contrast, the characteristics of a scoffer include: disrespecting one’s parents (v. 26), not listening to sound teaching (v. 27), rejecting all notions of right and wrong (v. 28). And what follows the life of a scoffer are often beatings (v. 25, 29). This comparison is helpful in showing us what leads to life and what leads to destruction. May we be people who pursue what leads to life.