A Righteous Life
How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is
to be chosen rather than silver. The highway of the upright avoids evil; those
who guard their way preserve their lives. Pride goes before destruction,
and a haughty spirit before a fall. It is better to be of a lowly spirit among
the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud. Those who are attentive to a
matter will prosper, and happy are those who trust in the LORD. The wise of
heart is called perceptive, and pleasant speech
increases persuasiveness. Wisdom is a fountain of life to one who has it, but
folly is the punishment of fools. The mind of the wise makes the speech
judicious, and adds persuasiveness to their lips. Pleasant words are like a
honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. Sometimes there is a
way that seems to be right, but in the end it is the way to death. The appetite
of workers works for them; their hunger urges them on. Scoundrels concoct evil,
and their speech is like a scorching fire. A perverse person spreads strife,
and a whisperer separates close friends. The violent entice their neighbors,
and lead them in a way that is not good. One who winks the eyes plans perverse
things; one who compresses the lips brings evil to pass. Gray hair is a crown
of glory; it is gained in a righteous life. One who is slow to anger is better
than the mighty, and one whose temper is controlled
than one who captures a city.
Proverbs 16:16-32
The book of Proverbs is filled with comparisons that point us
toward the right pathway in life. The purpose of the book is to give the reader
knowledge and wisdom based on the fear of the LORD.
It is better to be humble among the poor than to be proud among
the wealthy. It is better to control our temper than to rule a city. Some
people have the ability to be both wise and wealthy. But when faced with a
choice between the two, Proverbs says wisdom is the better alternative.
A little wisdom is better than a lot of
wealth.
Our Daily Bread –