Be With The Wise II

Saturday, June 18, 2022

6 A God-loyal life keeps you on track;

    sin dumps the wicked in the ditch.

7 A pretentious, showy life is an empty life;

    a plain and simple life is a full life.

8 The rich can be sued for everything they have,

    but the poor are free of such threats.

9 The lives of good people are brightly lit streets;

    the lives of the wicked are dark alleys.

10 Arrogant know-it-alls stir up discord,

    but wise men and women listen to each other’s counsel.

-Proverbs 13: 6-10 The Message

6 Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless,

    but sin overthrows the wicked.

7 One pretends to be rich yet has nothing;

    another pretends to be poor yet has great wealth.

8 The ransom of a man’s life is his wealth,

    but a poor man hears no threat.

9 The light of the righteous rejoices,

    but the lamp of the wicked will be put out.

10 By insolence comes nothing but strife,

    but with those who take advice is wisdom.

Verse 6 study: Guards protect your belongings or yourself. Living right is like having a guard by your side. Choices made for the good set into motion other opportunities for good. Evil intentions go the same but differently because it is the opposite direction. When you decide to obey God’s Word, it will bring a greater sense of order in your life, while disobeying will bring more confusion and destruction. The right choices will reflect your integrity. Obedience brings the most outstanding safety and security.

Verse 7 study: When you are greedy, it is the same as being counterproductive. When you are generous, it enriches one way or another.

Verse 10 study: Humility is a hard thing to say and admit. “I was wrong,” or “I need advice” requires genuine humility. When you see pride, you see quarrel. It stirs up conflict and divides people. If you are constantly arguing, look in your life for pride. Be open to advice from others, ask for help when needed, and be willing to admit your mistakes.