Overall: For the remainder of Proverbs, to bring the greatest benefit, I will be focusing on the verses that will be the most practical and applicable to believers. We will not be able to cover every individual verse, but we will cover many of them.
Verse 1
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Parents will have either joy or grief from the behavior of their children.
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As a son or daughter, if you want your parents to have more joy about you, and therefore have a better relationship with you, make wise choices (Proverbs 15:20, 23:24-25).
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Verses 4-5
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You will have what you need in all areas of life if you are diligent—if you work well and work hard. Poverty comes from being lazy.
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If you are lacking anything in your life, it is often because you are lazy. Do what you can, first, to not be lazy.
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People who are diligent will grow and have what they need (2 Peter 1:5-8).
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Verse 5. You dishonor God, as His child, if you are not productive when you have the opportunity.
Verse 12
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Do not express hatred to people or you will only cause conflict in your relationships.
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If you love people, forgive their wrongs and do not bring them up later. This brings peace.
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Verse 14
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If you want to be wise, always work to gain more knowledge of God's Word. You cannot be truly wise without knowing the Word.
Verse 15
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Having wealth, although it cannot save you from death, does help to make you and your family more stable. Consider the value that wealth can bring, but do not trust in money. Trust in God.
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You can keep your trust in God, as money increases (Psalm 62:10), by staying prayerful at all times (1 Peter 5:7, Philippians 4:6) and always giving your money to help others (1 Timothy 6:18). Don't let wealth stop you from trusting God to provide for you, as all things come from Him.
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Verse 17
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You will go astray into bad decisions if you do not learn to receive correction.
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If you want to live well, warmly welcome correction from others, without trying to defend yourself.
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Verse 19
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It is sinful to talk too much. Do not be a person who talks all the time. Learn to hold back your words, and you will be wise.
Verse 24
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If your desires are good and godly, and your actions are right, what you desire will be given to you (1 John 5:14-15).
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If you want your desires and plans to come to pass, desire godly things and be obedient to the Word in your actions.
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Verse 26
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Do not send foolish or lazy people to do important tasks. This will be painful to you. This matters for businesses and employers also. Don't hire lazy people!
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You are being foolish if you try to accomplish things through lazy people.
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If you want to help someone who is lazy, first teach them to be diligent, and then you will be able to give them more opportunities to be helpful.
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Verse 27
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Remember that your life will be longer if you live godly; it will be shorter the more that you sin.