Verses 3-4
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The wisdom of God's Word will make your household stable and secure, and it will bring practical, financial value to your family.
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Don't underestimate the value of having your home founded on God's Word. Read and apply the Word in your home in order to have a prosperous and healthy household.
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Verses 5-6
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Remember that the wisdom of God's Word and the wisdom of people around you will bring you the strength to stand and succeed even in the face of great opposition.
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Look to the Word and look to wise people around you always!
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Verse 7
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You are being foolish if you think that the wisdom of God's Word is too high-level for you or too great for you to understand.
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Remember that the Word is meant for you to understand it. Seek wisdom and you will find it!
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Verse 9
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Planning to do or participating in something foolish, even for entertainment, is sinful (Ephesians 5:4).
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Don't look for enjoyment in any foolish entertainment.
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Verse 10
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Losing faith in hard times is a matter of our own weakness. If we are strong, we will not lose heart in difficult times.
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Grow your faith and wisdom now, and you will be able to handle hardship better. Don't blame something else for your own weakness.
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Verses 11-12
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If you notice someone getting into sin, do something to help them. If you know it's happening, and you do nothing, this is sin for you, and God will hold you accountable for it.
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Remember James 5:19-20: “Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.”
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But, “...If you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand” (Ezekiel 3:18).
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Verses 17-18
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Don't be happy when sinners suffer for their sins. This would be sinful for you.
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God doesn't have any pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 33:11); you shouldn't either. Pray for the wicked for repent, and have compassion.
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Verses 21-22
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Don't partner with people that are capricious, inconsistent, or unreliable (Proverbs 25:19). This will bring pain to you.
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Work with stable, consistent people in important tasks.
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Verses 23-25
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Don't try to make bad behaviors seem good, or downplay sin (whether that of others or yourself). Instead, be honest and expose what is sinful; this will bring you good.
Verses 27
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Focus on more critical actions before moving on to less important ones. Also be prepared to finish what you start, and be well-prepared for things that will come in the future (Luke 14:28-30). Here are some practical examples of this:
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If you're a young person, cultivate good habits before you look for a spouse/boyfriend/girlfriend;
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If you're building a business, start with wise counsel and careful planning;
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Make sure that you have ample savings before making large purchases, etc.
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Verses 30-34
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A messy home and property is a mark of laziness.
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Keep your home and belongings clean and maintained.
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And wake up earlier if you want to help overcome laziness in your life. Don't sleep in.
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