Wednesday, July 13, 2022
22 A cheerful disposition is good for your health;
gloom and doom leave you bone-tired.
23 The wicked take bribes under the table;
they show nothing but contempt for justice.
24 The perceptive find wisdom in their own front yard;
fools look for it everywhere but right here.
25 A surly, stupid child is sheer pain to a father,
a bitter pill for a mother to swallow.
26 It’s wrong to penalize good behavior
or make good citizens pay for the crimes of others.
27 The one who knows much says little;
an understanding person remains calm.
28 Even dunces who keep quiet are thought to be wise;
as long as they keep their mouths shut, they’re smart.
-Proverbs 17:22-28 The Message
22 A joyful heart is good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
23 The wicked accepts a bribe in secret
to pervert the ways of justice.
24 The discerning sets his face toward wisdom,
but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.
25 A foolish son is a grief to his father
and bitterness to her who bore him.
26 To impose a fine on a righteous man is not good,
nor to strike the noble for their uprightness.
27 Whoever restrains his words has knowledge,
and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
28 Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise;
when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.
-Proverbs 17:22-28 ESV
Verse 22 study: The Bible contains humor; it’s rarely commented on. This verse says it is forthright praise of one’s capacity to laugh. To be joyful is to be ready to greet others with a welcome, a word of encouragement, enthusiasm for the task, and a positive outlook on the future. People like this are as welcome as pain-relieving medicine.
Verse 24 study: There is something to be said about big dreams. This proverb shows the folly of chasing fantasies (12:11). How much of your plans align with God? Being the kind of person he wants you to be. The goals of wisdom, honesty, patience, and love may not seem exciting, but they determine your eternal future. Think about your goals and ensure they are covered with the essential areas of your life. Learn the difference between wisdom and daydreaming.
11 Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread,
but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense.
-Proverbs 12:11 ESV
Verse 27 study: Restraint, meaning to control your speech. The wise know how to manage their tongue.
Verses 27-28 studies: This verse shows several benefits of keeping quiet.
- The best response is nothing if it is not worth saying it.
- You can learn from being quiet.
- You have common ground with wiser people.
Take time to pause, think, and listen so you will have something worthwhile to say when you speak.
Verse 28 study: Talking can reveal foolishness. Good judgments are quiet.
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