Proverbs 18: 13-24….Pray and Think and Learn!

13 If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame. – It is sad and foolish to only listen and fail to hear what is being said. To not even consider the person’s words is stoooopid! You in the end might disagree, that’s OK, then argue your case.!
14 A man’s spirit will endure sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear? – Surely faith in God helps! And a ‘sincere hug’ and ‘a listening ear’ can help!
15 An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. – The heart gains knowledge through both the eye and the ear! Don’t keep it in the head – rather let it go to your core values!
16 A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before the great. – Does ‘this ‘makes room’ mean that when recognized it will be appreciated?
17 The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him. – People can lie convincingly. Listen to all the evidence. On the other side listen to what others say about you!
18 The lot puts an end to quarrels and decides between powerful contenders. Is a ‘lot’ like ‘drawing the short straw’? Or is it more what Urim and Thummim were about – taking an issue to be judged by God’s law?
19 A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle. Family relationships are precious and powerful. They must be handled wisely.
20 From the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips. – Anatomically the stomach is satisfied by good things passing through the lips. Here the ‘stomach’ is used to describe one’s heart or core values. And the ‘lips’ means all the ways through which we gain useful knowledge!
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. – Love here is used in the sense of ‘using wisely’. Appreciate this truth and be careful because you can both destroy or build up with what you say.
22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD. – I’m sure glad that I found mine!
23 The poor use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly. – Sadly those able to help often turn selfishly away! I think to their own hurt!
24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. – True at a human level, but much more true if you build up a friendship with God!

Prayer: Help me to keep on learning and being prepared to change until You take me home, Father.