A scoffer does not like to be reproved; he will not go to the wise. – Criticism isn’t always negative. Often, when listened to, criticism can make a huge difference for good!
A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed. – What’s at your ‘core’ is usually obvious when people look at you!
The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly. – Some people’s thinking seems to be limited to their mouths, without travelling through their brains. Speaking from an understanding core value (the heart) is much better!
All the days of the afflicted are evil, but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast. – I think that ‘evil’ here means disadvantageous or nastily unpleasant. Optimism is ‘better’ for you than pessimism.
Better is a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble with it. – I think that modern people have been fooled to think that this proverb should be reversed. Money reigns, ‘poof’ to God!
Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a fattened ox and hatred with it. – I am a ‘carnivore’, but eating the meat, which I love, in the company described in this proverb, I agree with the sentiment. I’d rather be eating a salad with pleasant company!
A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention. – pretty obvious but by no means always practiced! Think before you blow a ‘foofle’ valve!
The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a level highway. – Have you ever been hiking through a forest and been caught on a ‘wait-a-while’ thorn tree? Ouch, I have been so caught! Walking with energetic people on God’s Highway is more pleasant than walking beside a foolish lazy no-hoper!
A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother. – Both parents are affected by the way their kids turn out! But mothers play a huge part in children’s development,
Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight ahead. – here ‘folly is substituted for ‘sluggard’ in the second from above proverb, but the thought is the same! Maybe, being a sluggard is being foolish!
Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed. – True, provided that they are good counsellors. Many who often push their thoughts fall into the fools category! We see many bad laws concerning morals, spending, goals enacted these days! But ordinary people, like us, must listen but be discerning!
Prayer: Your word says that you give wisdom those who ask. Help me to ask wisdom from and heed Your given wisdom, Lord god.
As I read it! 