SCRIPTURE: PROVERBS 24
MEMORY VERSES:
“Do not envy wicked men, do not desire their company; for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about making trouble.” (Proverbs 24:1-2)
“Buy wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. (Proverbs 24:3-4)
“Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.” (Proverbs 24:14)
“Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your hearts rejoice, or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from him.” (Proverbs 24:17-18)
“do not fret because of evil men or be envious of the wicked, for the evil man has no future hope, and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.” (Proverbs 24:19-20)
“Whoever says to the guilty, “You are innocent” – people will curse him and nations denounce him. But it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and rich blessing will come upon them.” (Proverbs 24:24-25)
“An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.” (Proverbs 24:26)
“Do not say, “I’ll do to him as he has done to me; I’ll pay that man back for what he did.” (Proverbs 24:29)
“A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest – and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.” (Proverbs 24:33-34)
TABOO:
- Do not envy wicked men and do not desire their company. (v. 1)
- Do not raid the dwelling place of a righteous man’s house. (v. 15)
- Do not gloat when your enemy fails or rejoice when he stumbles. (v. 17)
- Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of the wicked. (v. 19)
- Do not join with the rebellious. (v. 21)
- Do not show partiality in judging. (v. 23)
- Do not testify against your neighbor without cause or use your lips to deceive. (v. 28)
- Do not say, “Ill do to him as he has done to me; I’ll pay that man back for what he did.” (v. 29)
- Do not be a sluggard doing nothing. (v. 30)
THE RIGHT THING TO DO:
- Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. (v. 11)
- Eat honey for it is good and sweet to your taste. (v. 13)
- Find wisdom for there is a future hope for you that will not be cut off. (v. 14)
- Fear the Lord. (v. 25)
- Give honest answer. (v. 26)
- Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house. (v. 27)
THOUGHTS:
Our bodies need regular exercise and nutritious food to build up strength. We also need to develop wisdom and knowledge because it is a vital part of strength to plan our strategies. (v. 5)
In any major decision, it is better to seek good advisers to help you expand your alternatives and evaluate your choices. It is never a sign of weakness to ask for advices. (v. 65)
Trials and troubles can help you grow stronger. Do not complain about your problems because it is training to to be strong to face more difficult situation in the future. (v. 10)
One that gives an honest straight forward answer is a true friend. (v. 26)
The common rule is: “Do unto others as what others have done unto you.” But the Bible says revenge belongs to the Lord.