On Proverbs 23

v9 Do not speak in the hearing of a fool,
For he will despise the wisdom of your words.

This one seems dangerous to me. Sometimes it is the fool who needs to hear about God's wisdom and His way of living the most. If I am silent, I may miss an opportunity to guide another into a saving relationship with God. I've seen this truth in action though. I've recently seen people overtly endorsing practices that are contrary to scripture and when challenged, they truly despise the wisdom from the Bible. The public spectacle of embracing same-sex "marriage" and looking on those who hold to biblical values as mentally deficient or at least uncultured is the prime example.
What to do? I try to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, and speak when prompted but remain silent unless I get the go-ahead. I'm not 100% sure I always choose the best route.

On Proverbs 22

v10 Drive out the scoffer, and contention will go out,
Even strife and dishonor will cease.

I've heard this verse quoted several times. It is amazing how we sometimes go overboard in trying to exhibit kindness and patience to someone who is bent on contention and strife. This proverb seems to say that it is wise to know when to be kind and accepting, and when to put a stop to strife and contention. I probably err on the side of a lack of patience, but it is good to know that even Solomon advises that there should be a limit.

On Proverbs 21

v9 It is better to live in a corner of a roof
Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.
v19 It is better to live in a desert land
Than with a contentious and vexing woman.

I think the stereotype of the contentious woman is over done. While these verses are certainly true, in both cases, the word "woman" could be replaced with "spouse" and still be true. I'm blessed to live with a fantastic woman and these verses remind me that I don't want to become contentious or vexing to her.

On Proverbs 20

v29 The glory of young men is their strength,
And the honor of old men is their gray hair.

Although my hair gets grayer by the day, I don't feel like an old man. I am very aware that I'm not as strong as I used to be. This verse reminds me that wisdom should come with age. I guess that when I look in the mirror and see a few more gray hairs, I should be reminded that I need to continue to seek the wisdom that God wants me to have.

On Proverbs 19

v11 A man’s discretion makes him slow to anger,
And it is his glory to overlook a transgression.

Somehow I have made my way into a profession where many of my colleagues are quite easily offended. I frequently hear people say how they have been offended by some word or deed. The forgiving spirit that v11 talks about is a great reminder that I don't need to fall into the trap of being offended by every little remark or action. "Overlook it" is some great advice.

On Proverbs 18

v6-7 A fool’s lips bring strife,
And his mouth calls for blows.
A fool’s mouth is his ruin,
And his lips are the snare of his soul.
v 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit.

These themes of good words and life contrasted with death repeat again and again. Verse 21 is a great connection between these two themes. It is a great reminder of the power of words.

On Proverbs 17

v 28 Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise;
When he closes his lips, he is considered prudent.

It is so easy to try to 'out talk' someone. I've seen wisdom demonstrated through silence more often than in any other way.