Being The Conductor of Your Life I

Tuesday, August 2, 2022

The Cure Comes Through Discipline

22 A sterling reputation is better than striking it rich;

    a gracious spirit is better than money in the bank.

2 The rich and the poor shake hands as equals—

    God made them both!

3 A prudent person sees trouble coming and ducks;

    a simpleton walks in blindly and is clobbered.

4 The payoff for meekness and Fear-of-God

    is plenty and honor and satisfying life.

5 The perverse travel a dangerous road, potholed and mud-slick;

    if you know what’s good for you, stay clear of it.

-Proverbs 22:1-5 The Message

22 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,

    and favor is better than silver or gold.

2 The rich and the poor meet together;

    the Lord is the Maker of them all.

3 The prudent see danger and hide,

    but the simple go on and suffer for it.

4 The reward for humility and fear of the Lord

    is riches, honor, and life.

5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked;

    whoever guards his soul will keep it far from them.

Proverbs 22:1-5 ESV

Verse 1 study: Having a reputation is part of wisdom. Riches are not discouraged but should be put into the proper perspective.

Verse 2 study: Regardless of inequalities of this life, riches and poor is under God as Creator and Judge. These meet together.

Verse 4 study: A life led by wisdom tends to prosperity. Israel’s sages pointed out that the right relationship with the Lord is the right decision that grows your life.

This proverb is a general observation that would have applied to an obedient Israelite living in Solomon’s God-fearing kingdom. Some were martyrs at a young age, and some gave away their wealth for God’s kingdom. The book of Proverbs describes life the way it should be. It doesn’t dwell on exceptions.

Verse 5 study: Thornes and snares are metaphors for the misfortunate of life that result from a breakdown of the true life-given order. Guarding his soul is showing his life in the wisdom of God.