SCRIPTURE: PROVERBS 20
MEMORY VERSES:
“Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.” (Proverbs 20:1)
“It is to a man’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.” (Proverbs 20:3)
“Differing weights and differing measures – the Lord detests them both.” (Proverbs 20:10)
“Food gained by fraud tastes sweet to a man, but he ends up with a mouth full of gravel.” (Proverbs 20:17)
“A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much.” (Proverbs 20:19)
“Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you.” (Proverbs 20:22)
“The Lord detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him.” (Proverbs 20:23)
“The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.” (Proverbs 20:29)
“Blows and wounds cleanse away evil, and beatings purge the inmost being.” (Proverbs 20:30)
CAUSE AND EFFECT:
- Strong drink – trouble (v. 1)
- Strife – ends in quarrel (v. 3)
- Laziness – poverty (v. 4)
- Dishonesty – cannot enjoy the after taste. (v. 17)
- Inheritance – will not be blessed at the end. (v. 21)
- Rash promises – regret (v. 25)
SIGNS OF MEN OF GOOD CHARACTER:
- He avoids strife. (v. 3)
- He is a man of understanding. (v. 5)
- He leads a blameless life whose children are blessed. (v. 7)
- His lips speak knowledge. (v. 15)
- He makes plans by seeking advice to attain guidance. (v. 17)
- He waits for God to deliver him. (v. 22)
- His strength is his glory. (v. 29)
THOUGHTS:
IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER:
- Strong drink is unpleasant and dangerous. It will cause trouble.
- Sleep is essential for good health. But tooo much sleep will result in poverty.
- Differing weights and dishonest scales will make you profitable financially, but dishonesty affects your integrity and makes you untrustworthy.
- Gossip betrays confidence and you will end up with no friends at all.
- Rash promises will make you regret later. When you make a vow, make sure that you weigh the consequences of breaking that vow. It is better not to make promises than to make them then later not keep them.
- Discipline is essential to make a child’s conduct pure and right.
