On Proverbs 14

V28 He who is slow to anger has great understanding,
But he who is quick-tempered exalts folly.

Lot's of famous proverbs in this chapter. There are a few issues that can cause me to boil over too quickly. This proverb reminds me that my list should be much shorter. I think it is easier for me to quell my anger if I have a little time to think about almost any issue. It's the gut reaction that gets me in trouble.

On Proverbs 13

V3 The one who guards his mouth preserves his life;
The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.

There are so many references to guarding our speech in Proverbs, it must be important! I can't be reminded too many times of this truth.

On Proverbs 12

v4a An excellent wife is the crown of her husband,

I could go on and on about this verse, but it is really true. Several of the verses in this chapter explain the results of being wicked or being righteous. This verse seems unrelated, other than by the thread of reasoning that the husband had enough sense to marry and excellent wife. Does that show wisdom? Maybe it is just God's blessing. Either way, I win!

On Chapter 11

v28 He who trusts in his riches will fall,
But the righteous will flourish like the green leaf.

I do not believe that there is any amount of money that can be trusted. I've seen my bank account go from what I thought would last for a month, to hoping payday would get here tomorrow. Although I've never been rich (in my own view), I know that the largest nest egg can be cracked and brought to ruin. God, on the other hand, can be trusted!

On Proverbs 10
 v1 A wise son makes a father glad,
But a foolish son is a grief to his mother.

No kidding. How blessed it is to have children who seek the Lord. Even when trouble is knocking at their door, and I am unable to help, I know that Tim and Julie, and their spouses, are relying on God. When I see my children seeking wisdom, "glad" is the understatement of the year. Neither of them are perfect, but I consistently see them working to gain wisdom.

On Proverbs 9

No single verse to quote on this chapter. The whole chapter contrasts wisdom and folly. It is remarkable how often people choose folly over wisdom. This chapter clearly frames the choice in spiritual terms with wisdom leading to life and folly leading to death.

On Proverbs 8

v10-11Take my instruction and not silver,
And knowledge rather than choicest gold.
For wisdom is better than jewels;
And all desirable things cannot compare with her.

All through Proverbs, wisdom is presented as a treasure. Solomon, who was probably richer than Bill Gates and Warren Buffet combined, says over and over that wisdom, understanding, and knowledge are better than all kinds of material wealth. It seems remarkable that wisdom is available for the taking - offered freely from the Bible and godly sources - but so many people would rather seek after silver, gold and jewels. Chapter 8 is another reminder that wisdom is far more valuable than material possessions.