1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid. –The recurring theme of this book, Proverbs!
2 A good man obtains favor from the LORD, but a man of evil devices he condemns. – How important to you is what God thinks of you?
3 No one is established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous will never be moved. – like plants in shallow soil, wickedness may flourish for a while but then it withers!
4 An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones. – and vice-versa as well!
5 The thoughts of the righteous are just; the counsels of the wicked are deceitful. – this is a strong statement against hypocrisy and selfish deceit!
6 The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the mouth of the upright delivers them. – the tongue is the centre of this proverb and can be used for immense good or tragic evil , even murder!
7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous will stand. – this proverb is certainly not always lived out in this earthly span of life! Ask martyrs as they die or look at those who die famous and rich but anti-God. They approach death in reverse of this proverb! But what about after that? Heaven and hell are realities!
8 A man is commended according to his good sense, but one of twisted mind is despised. – The twisted mind can fool for a while but when seen for what it is, is despised! Good Sense may be unpleasant when set against personal desires but is to be commended! And it is by those who are not plain stupid!
9 Better to be lowly and have a servant than to play the great man and lack bread. – Live within your means! It is better to live simply within your means even if you have to basically do everything yourself, than to live a showy life style and be empty on the inside of life! Bread is needed for the soul as well as for the body!
Prayer: O God, Help me to understand and live by these pithy proverbs!
As I read it! 