Verse 2
-
Remember that you are not wise if you're not humble.
-
Don't let increasing wisdom cause you become a know-it-all. Always stay teachable, and listen to others.
-
If you see yourself as wise, this is pride (Romans 12:16). Humble people see themselves as always needing wisdom, so they always gain more. But prideful people won't listen, and this is shameful.
-
Verses 3,5-6,8,19
-
Focus on being Christ-like, and you will always know the right decisions to make. And those decisions will protect you from harm.
-
People who are obedient to God will escape most troubles in the world (Proverbs 12:21).
-
But those who go after sin do so to their own demise.
-
Verse 13
-
It is foolish to spread sensitive information. Be reserved in your thoughts.
-
Keep sensitive information private. In doing so you are being faithful to the person who told you, and you will keep their trust.
-
Verse 14
-
Your actions will be successful if you always seek counsel from multiple wise people in your life (Proverbs 15:22).
-
Do not take important actions without getting advice from others and listening to that advice.
-
Verse 15
-
Don't ever promise to pay for someone else's debt (Proverbs 22:26-27), especially if you don't know them really well.
-
It is better to help a person be able to pay for their own debt. This is a more valuable help.
-
Paying for someone that isn't wise with their money only hurts them; it does not help them. It may hurt you too.
-
-
Verse 17
-
If you are forgiving and kind to others, you will be happier and healthier. Always forgive!
-
But if you're rude or resentful towards anyone, you will only hurt yourself.
-
Verse 22
-
If you have outward beauty but lack in good character, it is false beauty.
-
Focus on your developing your character, not your outward appearance.
-
Verse 24-25
-
Verse 24. The more generous you are with your money, the more favor you will have from God to gain more. Be wise and generous with your money.
-
God gives more to those who are generous because He knows that they will do more good with their money (2 Corinthians 9:8-10).
-
-
Verse 25. You will grow the most in your life if you help others grow.
-
Serving others is always the best thing for yourself also.
-
But, like money, if you don't give your time and energy to others, and keep to yourself instead, you will not grow.
-
Verse 28
-
Don't trust in your money.
-
You are trusting in your money if you aren't praying and seeking God for help in everything you do. If you trust in God you will show it by always praying and seeking God's Word in all situations.
-
Verse 29
-
You will not have much help in life if you are troublesome to your own family.
-
Be careful to always treat your family well!
-
Verse 30
-
You will gain plenty of wisdom by always looking to lead others to salvation. Always look for opportunities to help someone get closer to Jesus.
-
People that you helped to save will bring you great joy!
-