Proverbs 13-14

Proverbs 13-14

Chapter 13: Evil Pursues the Sinner

                This, like many of the Proverbs has many words of wisdom, here are the ones I think are most important, followed by my thoughts.

                “There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.” (Proverbs 13:7)

                Sweet and simple… MONEY is not everything. You can be happy with money or without and sad with money or without money.

                “Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.” (Proverbs 10:10)

                When people “have to be right” and cannot swallow their pride, you will have arguments.

                “Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.” (Proverbs 13:11)

                Money gained through unethical or immoral means will really have no value. However, money that is earned through ethical and moral means will mean something. Essentially, having money is not a bad thing; it is what you chose to do with it that makes you a good or bad person. If you worked hard for your money, it is yours to keep!

“Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.” (Proverbs 13:21)

                Anytime you sin, evil is drawn in and will surround you.

“A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children…” (Proverbs 13:22)

                A good man will leave behind something of himself to his children and grandchildren. I don’t believe that this has to just be money… it could be a life lesson or some sort of family heirloom or tradition.

“He that spareth the rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.” (Proverbs 13:24)

                Those parents who refrain from disciplining their children are bad parents. If a child does not hate or despise their parents at one point in their life, then they have failed. Sometimes parents have to be tough… even if that include a smack on the head or a spanking. There is a difference between tough love and abuse. Good parents know that sometimes you have to do these things.

Chapter 14: Truth and Lies

                “A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies… knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth. Go from the presence of a foolish man, when tou perceives not in him the lips of knowledge.” (Proverbs 14:5-7)

                Those who are going to lie, are going to lie. If someone is doing that and is acting foolishly… don’t converse with that person… go from them!

                “Fools make a mock at sin…” (Proverbs 14:9)

                We see a lot of this in the modern world, those who say that the Bible is silly or that religion is silly… or even that God doesn’t exist. One person who does not find this mocking to be amusing is God, so we shouldn’t give into those fools.

                “The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.” (Proverbs 14:15)

                This is something very interesting and I find to be a great principle in the LDS church… One of our fundamentals states: “We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may” (Articles of Faith, 11)

                Right there it states that men are free to choose. We shouldn’t believe every word, we should question and question some more. Then we can know for ourselves and not follow what someone else tells us.

                “A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.” (Proverbs 14:25)

                Many churches out there are sadly built for gain. This does not discredit good churches with good church-goers. But those who are “true” witnesses will not speak lies and will only have a desire to save souls.

                “Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.” (Proverbs 14:33)

                If you are among fools, you to will become one or be known as one.