The Importance of Instruction (Pvb 13)

¹ A wise son heeds his father's instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke. Part of a father’s job is to rebuke

² From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things, but the unfaithful have a craving for violence. Power in the tongue

³ He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.

⁴ The sluggard craves & gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied. Because they work for it & because God honors diligence (rule that governs the righteous & unrighteous alike)

⁵ The righteous hate what is false,
but the wicked bring shame & disgrace.

⁶ Righteousness guards the man of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.

⁷ One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth. Live humbly no matter how much you have, don’t live a showy life

⁸ A man's riches may ransom his life, but a poor man hears no threat. There are dangers associated with wealth

⁹ The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.

¹⁰ Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. Remember this!

¹¹ Dishonest money dwindles away,
but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow. Prudent, consistent investing – steady plodding

¹² Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. Do not withhold good from people

¹³ He who scorns instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command is rewarded.

¹⁴ The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death. Seek this out

¹⁵ Good understanding wins favor,
but the way of the unfaithful is hard. Take time to be one of understanding

¹⁶ Every prudent man acts out of knowledge, but a fool exposes his folly. Don’t be quick to act (or speak)

¹⁷ A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy envoy brings healing.

¹⁸ He who ignores discipline comes to poverty & shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored.

¹⁹ A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil. Change is hard, but important

²⁰ He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. Walk with the wise – seek them out

²¹ Misfortune pursues the sinner, but prosperity is the reward of the righteous.

²² A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children, but a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous.

²³ A poor man's field may produce abundant food, but injustice sweeps it away.

²⁴ He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him. This applies to business as well

²⁵ The righteous eat to their hearts' content, but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.