1 A false balance is an abomination to the LORD,
but a just weight is his delight.
2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with the humble is wisdom.
3 The integrity of the upright guides them,
but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.
4 Riches do not profit in the day of wrath,
but righteousness delivers from death.
5 The righteousness of the blameless keeps his way straight,
but the wicked falls by his own wickedness.
6 The righteousness of the upright delivers them,
but the treacherous are taken captive by their lust.
7 When the wicked dies, his hope will perish,
and the expectation of wealth perishes too.
8 The righteous is delivered from trouble,
and the wicked walks into it instead.
9 With his mouth the godless man would destroy his neighbor,
but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.
10 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices,
and when the wicked perish there are shouts of gladness.
11 By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted,
but by the mouth of the wicked it is overthrown.
12 Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense,
but a man of understanding remains silent.
13 Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets,
but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.
14 Where there is no guidance, a people falls,
but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.
15 Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer harm,
but he who hates striking hands in pledge is secure.
Comment: Children as your father I am writing to you because I think that being wise and learning what God requires of us all is basic to successful life. I am really using one of Solomon’s Proverbs for the basis of my thinking. As Solomon did in his writing I will use a point system. 1. Cheating angers God, honesty underlies all His dealings. 2. Pride leads to disgrace whereas humility is ‘thumbs up’! 3. Integrity always outshines treachery. Treachery stinks! 4. In the day of Judgement money doesn’t count, being right with God does, and that means trusting and obeying Jesus. 5. If God forgives you, you are meant to live God’s way; the way of the world leads to ultimate failure. 6. Walk God’s way and you are promised success. Lust leads to treachery and failure. 7. Evil and thinking that your money weighs in the balances of God is rubbish! 8. As far as trouble is concerned all get it – but God helps those who follow in His way, whereas the wicked wade deeper into more problems. 9. Slander stops you getting on with your neighbours but speaking only known truth helps enormously! 10. Whereas people are glad when the wicked are removed from the scene they rejoice at seeing true Goodness. 11. Living aright helps the Community; evil living is horribly destructive. 12. Laughing at your neighbour is stupid. Even if he does something silly shutting up about his mistake is wise. 13. Slander may sometimes be true, but being a real friend often requires silence! 14. The advice of true, wise friends is worthy of consideration. Making decisions without good advice can lead to real trouble! 15. Unless you know what you are doing and after deep consideration are sure that it is right don’t invest in foolhardy projects. I might write some more another day, but I send this with love, Dad.
Prayer: May God give you the grace to at least consider these thoughts deeply!
As I read it! 