SCRIPTURE: PROVERBS 23
MEMORY VERSES:
“Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off tot he sky like an eagle.” (Proverbs 23:4-5)
“Do not eat the food of a stingy man, do not crave his delicacies; for he is the kind of man who is always thinking about the cost. “Eat and drink,: he says to you, but his heart is not with you.” (Proverbs 23:6-7)”
“Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless, for their Defender is strong; he will take up their case against you.” (Proverbs 23:10-11)
“Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with the rod, he will not die. Punish him with the rod and save his soul from death.” (Proverbs 23:13-14)
“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.” (Proverbs 23:17)
“Listen to your father, who gave your life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.” (Proverbs 23:22)
“Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding.” (Proverbs 23:23)
THE DON’TS:
- Do not crave for delicacies of a ruler. (v. 3)
- Do not wear yourself out to get rich. (v. 4)
- Do not eat the food of a stingy man or crave his delicacies. (v. 6)
- Do not speak to a fool. (v. 9)
- Do not move an ancient boundary stone. (v. 10)
- Do not withhold discipline from a child. (v. 13)
- Do not let your heart envy sinners. 9v. 17)
- Do not join those who drink too much wine. (v. 20)
- Do not despise your mother when she is old. (v. 22)
- Do not sell the truth. (v. 23)
- Do not gaze at wine. (v. 31)
THE DO’S:
- Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge. (v. 12)
- Punish the child with the rod and save his soul from death. (v. 14)
- Always be zealous for the fear of the Lord. (v. 17)
- Be wise and keep your heart in the right path. (v. 19)
- Listen to your father, who gave you life. (v. 22)
THOUGHTS:
Beware of strong drink. Instead of wealth, it gives poverty. Instead of pleasure, it gives misery. For a short time, the drinker feels good but at the end, the drunkard and gluttons become poor and will be clothed in rags. Do not seek relief of anguish and sorrow by drinking alcohol. Seek God to give your real relief from your agony.
Be careful when eating with an important or influential person because he may have other ulterior motives. No good will come from the meal.
Don’t spend your time chasing fleeting earthly treasures. Instead, store up treasures in heaven.
Many parents are reluctant to discipline their children for fear of resentment. But correction will prevent them from foolish moves that will kill them.