Worth remembering

Some of these I am very familiar with and use often ("A piece of work" and "what's done is done"), but others were a surprise to me. I had no idea that he said things like "fair play", "foul play" or "lie low".  Then I thought of Jesus and the two things that came to my mind were from the following two passages of Scripture...

Luke, Chapter 23

 33 When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified him there with the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left.
  34 Jesus said, "“Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”"

John, Chapter 19

 30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, "“It is finished.”" He bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.

 Jesus was all about forgiveness and accomplished it for all who obey him.  I know that there are many, many other things he said that are memorable (Matthew chapter 5 to 7 for example) but the ones I listed above are there because they mean I have hope.  I know that I am a flawed human being and deserve punishment for the sins I have committed in my life, but if Jesus wants me to be forgiven and has accomplished the means for my forgiveness... all I have to do is to obey his Gospel (see Acts, chapter 2) and be faithful.  That's it... he will take care of the rest.  To some, Shakespeare may seem far more eloquent and memorable, but to me, Jesus' simple words will be remembered long after the memory of Shakespeare  has been forgotten.

Oct. 15 Proverbs 18-20

Oct. 15

Proverbs 18-20

Pro 18:1 An unfriendly man pursues selfishness, and defies all sound judgment.

Pro 18:2 A fool has no delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own opinion.

Pro 18:3 When wickedness comes, contempt also comes, and with shame comes disgrace.

Pro 18:4 The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters. The fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook.

Pro 18:5 To be partial to the faces of the wicked is not good, nor to deprive the innocent of justice.

Pro 18:6 A fool's lips come into strife, and his mouth invites beatings.

Pro 18:7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are a snare to his soul.

Pro 18:8 The words of a gossip are like dainty morsels: they go down into a person's innermost parts.

Pro 18:9 One who is slack in his work is brother to him who is a master of destruction.

Pro 18:10 The name of Yahweh is a strong tower: the righteous run to him, and are safe.

Pro 18:11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, like an unscalable wall in his own imagination.

Pro 18:12 Before destruction the heart of man is proud, but before honor is humility.

Pro 18:13 He who gives answer before he hears, that is folly and shame to him.

Pro 18:14 A man's spirit will sustain him in sickness, but a crushed spirit, who can bear?

Pro 18:15 The heart of the discerning gets knowledge. The ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

Pro 18:16 A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.

Pro 18:17 He who pleads his cause first seems right; until another comes and questions him.

Pro 18:18 The lot settles disputes, and keeps strong ones apart.

Pro 18:19 A brother offended is more difficult than a fortified city; and disputes are like the bars of a castle.

Pro 18:20 A man's stomach is filled with the fruit of his mouth. With the harvest of his lips he is satisfied.

Pro 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; those who love it will eat its fruit.

Pro 18:22 Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor of Yahweh.

Pro 18:23 The poor plead for mercy, but the rich answer harshly.

Pro 18:24 A man of many companions may be ruined, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

 

Pro 19:1 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is perverse in his lips and is a fool.

Pro 19:2 It isn't good to have zeal without knowledge; nor being hasty with one's feet and missing the way.

Pro 19:3 The foolishness of man subverts his way; his heart rages against Yahweh.

Pro 19:4 Wealth adds many friends, but the poor is separated from his friend.

Pro 19:5 A false witness shall not be unpunished. He who pours out lies shall not go free.

Pro 19:6 Many will entreat the favor of a ruler, and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.

Pro 19:7 All the relatives of the poor shun him: how much more do his friends avoid him! He pursues them with pleas, but they are gone.

Pro 19:8 He who gets wisdom loves his own soul. He who keeps understanding shall find good.

Pro 19:9 A false witness shall not be unpunished. He who utters lies shall perish.

Pro 19:10 Delicate living is not appropriate for a fool, much less for a servant to have rule over princes.

Pro 19:11 The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger. It is his glory to overlook an offense.

Pro 19:12 The king's wrath is like the roaring of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.

Pro 19:13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father. A wife's quarrels are a continual dripping.

Pro 19:14 House and riches are an inheritance from fathers, but a prudent wife is from Yahweh.

Pro 19:15 Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep. The idle soul shall suffer hunger.

Pro 19:16 He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, but he who is contemptuous in his ways shall die.

Pro 19:17 He who has pity on the poor lends to Yahweh; he will reward him.

Pro 19:18 Discipline your son, for there is hope; don't be a willing party to his death.

Pro 19:19 A hot-tempered man must pay the penalty, for if you rescue him, you must do it again.

Pro 19:20 Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter end.

Pro 19:21 There are many plans in a man's heart, but Yahweh's counsel will prevail.

Pro 19:22 That which makes a man to be desired is his kindness. A poor man is better than a liar.

Pro 19:23 The fear of Yahweh leads to life, then contentment; he rests and will not be touched by trouble.

Pro 19:24 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

Pro 19:25 Flog a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke one who has understanding, and he will gain knowledge.

Pro 19:26 He who robs his father and drives away his mother, is a son who causes shame and brings reproach.

Pro 19:27 If you stop listening to instruction, my son, you will stray from the words of knowledge.

Pro 19:28 A corrupt witness mocks justice, and the mouth of the wicked gulps down iniquity.

Pro 19:29 Penalties are prepared for scoffers, and beatings for the backs of fools.

 

Pro 20:1 Wine is a mocker, and beer is a brawler. Whoever is led astray by them is not wise.

Pro 20:2 The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion. He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life.

Pro 20:3 It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife; but every fool will be quarreling.

Pro 20:4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter; therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.

Pro 20:5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.

Pro 20:6 Many men claim to be men of unfailing love, but who can find a faithful man?

Pro 20:7 A righteous man walks in integrity. Blessed are his children after him.

Pro 20:8 A king who sits on the throne of judgment scatters away all evil with his eyes.

Pro 20:9 Who can say, "I have made my heart pure. I am clean and without sin?"

Pro 20:10 Differing weights and differing measures, both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh.

Pro 20:11 Even a child makes himself known by his doings, whether his work is pure, and whether it is right.

Pro 20:12 The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, Yahweh has made even both of them.

Pro 20:13 Don't love sleep, lest you come to poverty. Open your eyes, and you shall be satisfied with bread.

Pro 20:14 "It's no good, it's no good," says the buyer; but when he is gone his way, then he boasts.

Pro 20:15 There is gold and abundance of rubies; but the lips of knowledge are a rare jewel.

Pro 20:16 Take the garment of one who puts up collateral for a stranger; and hold him in pledge for a wayward woman.

Pro 20:17 Fraudulent food is sweet to a man, but afterwards his mouth is filled with gravel.

Pro 20:18 Plans are established by advice; by wise guidance you wage war!

Pro 20:19 He who goes about as a tale-bearer reveals secrets; therefore don't keep company with him who opens wide his lips.

Pro 20:20 Whoever curses his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in blackness of darkness.

Pro 20:21 An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning, won't be blessed in the end.

Pro 20:22 Don't say, "I will pay back evil." Wait for Yahweh, and he will save you.

Pro 20:23 Yahweh detests differing weights, and dishonest scales are not pleasing.

Pro 20:24 A man's steps are from Yahweh; how then can man understand his way?

Pro 20:25 It is a snare to a man to make a rash dedication, then later to consider his vows.

Pro 20:26 A wise king winnows out the wicked, and drives the threshing wheel over them.

Pro 20:27 The spirit of man is Yahweh's lamp, searching all his innermost parts.

Pro 20:28 Love and faithfulness keep the king safe. His throne is sustained by love.

Pro 20:29 The glory of young men is their strength. The splendor of old men is their gray hair.

Pro 20:30 Wounding blows cleanse away evil, and beatings purge the innermost parts.

Oct. 15 Ephesians 6

Oct. 15

Ephesians 6

Eph 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

Eph 6:2 "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with a promise:

Eph 6:3 "that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth."

Eph 6:4 You fathers, don't provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Eph 6:5 Servants, be obedient to those who according to the flesh are your masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Christ;

Eph 6:6 not in the way of service only when eyes are on you, as men pleasers; but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;

Eph 6:7 with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men;

Eph 6:8 knowing that whatever good thing each one does, he will receive the same again from the Lord, whether he is bound or free.

Eph 6:9 You masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with him.

Eph 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might.

Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Eph 6:12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world's rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Eph 6:13 Therefore, put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand.

Eph 6:14 Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

Eph 6:15 and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the Good News of peace;

Eph 6:16 above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one.

Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the spoken word of God;

Eph 6:18 with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints:

Eph 6:19 on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the Good News,

Eph 6:20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Eph 6:21 But that you also may know my affairs, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will make known to you all things;

Eph 6:22 whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our state, and that he may comfort your hearts.

Eph 6:23 Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Eph 6:24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love. Amen.

James, Chapter 5, Mark Copeland

                         "THE EPISTLE OF JAMES"

                              Chapter Five

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THE CHAPTER

1) To appreciate the need for patience in times of oppression

2) To see the value of prayer and confessing sins in times of sickness

SUMMARY

The final chapter opens with a strong condemnation toward the rich who
were oppressing the poor while living in pleasure and luxury.  Most 
likely these were rich unbelievers such as those mentioned earlier (cf.
2:6-7).  The Lord heard the cries of those defrauded, and judgment was
to come upon the rich who had condemned and murdered the just.  This
passage may be an allusion to the destruction of Jerusalem foretold by
Jesus in Matthew 24 and fulfilled in A.D. 70.  James counsels his
brethren to patiently wait for the coming of the Lord, and to establish
their hearts.  Appealing to the farmer, the prophets, and to Job as
examples of patience, he also warns against grumbling against one
another and swearing rash oaths (1-12).

The last half of the chapter provides a call to prayer and praise.  The
suffering are to pray, the cheerful are to sing praises, and the sick
are to call for the elders of the church.  The elders were to pray over
the sick and anoint with oil in the name of the Lord.  What is 
uncertain is whether the anointing was sacramental or medicinal (I
think the latter, see Review Questions below).  In answer to the prayer
of faith, the Lord will raise the sick and also forgive sins if they
had been committed.  In this context James encourages Christians to
confess their sins to one another and pray for one another that they
may be healed.  He reminds them of the value of fervent prayer by the
righteous, using Elijah as an example of how God answers prayer
providentially.  The epistle then closes with a reminder that turning a
sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover
a multitude of sins (13-20).

OUTLINE

I. TRUE RELIGION DISPLAYS PATIENCE UNDER OPPRESSION (1-12)

   A. GOD'S ANGER AT RICH OPPRESSORS (1-6)
      1. The rich are called to weep and howl for the miseries to come
         upon them
         a. Their riches are corrupted
         b. Their garments are moth-eaten
         c. Their gold and silver are corroded
            1) Which will be a witness against them
            2) Which will eat their flesh like fire
         d. They have heaped up treasure in the last days
      2. The reasons for God's anger against the rich
         a. They have defrauded the laborers who mowed their fields
            1) Keeping back wages owed them
            2) The cries of the reapers have been heard by the Lord of
               Sabaoth (Hosts)
         b. They have lived in pleasure and luxury, fattening their
            hearts in a day of slaughter
         c. They have condemned and murdered the just who does not
            resist them

   B. A CALL FOR PATIENCE UNDER OPPRESSION (7-12)
      1. Be patient until the coming of the Lord
         a. Consider the patience of the farmer
         b. Establish your hears, for the coming of the Lord is at hand
      2. Do not grumble against one another
         a. Lest you be condemned
         b. The Judge is standing at the door
      3. Remember the examples of suffering and patience
         a. Such as the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord and
            are blessed for their endurance
         b. Such as the perseverance of Job, to whom the Lord proved
            very compassionate and merciful at the end
      4. Above all, do not swear (make rash oaths)
         a. Either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath
         b. Let your "Yes" mean "Yes," and your "No" mean "No"
         c. Lest you fall into judgment

II. TRUE RELIGION BLESSED THROUGH PRAYER, SINGING, AND CONCERN FOR THE
    ERRING (13-20)

   A. THE BLESSING OF PRAYER AND SONG (13-18)
      1. If anyone is suffering, let him pray
      2. If anyone is cheerful, let him sing psalms
      3. If anyone is sick, let him call for the elders of the church
         a. Let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name
            of the Lord
         b. The prayer of faith will save (heal) the sick, and the Lord
            will raise him up
         c. If he has committed sins, he will be forgiven
         d. Confess your trespasses to one another and pray for one
            another
            1) That you may be healed
            2) For the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man
               avails much
               a) The example of Elijah, a man with a nature like ours
               b) He prayed that it would not rain, and no rain fell
                  for three years
               c) He prayed again, the heaven gave rain, and the earth
                  produced its fruit

   B. THE BLESSING OF LOVE FOR ERRING BRETHREN (19-20)
      1. He who turns back one who wanders from the truth will save a
         soul from death
      2. He who turns a sinner from the error of his way will cover a
         multitude of sins

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
   - True religion displays patience under oppression (1-12)
   - True religion blessed through prayer, singing, and concern for the
     erring (13-20)

2) Who is being condemned in verses 1-6 of this chapter? (1)
   - Those who are rich (probably unbelievers who had been oppressing
     Christians, cf. Jm 2:6-7)

3) What sort of miseries were to come upon them? (1-3)
   - Their riches are to be corrupted, their garments moth-eaten
   - Their gold and silver will be corroded, and serve as a witness
     against them
   - Such corrosion will eat their flesh like fire

4) Why is God so angry at these rich? (3-6)
   - They have heaped up treasure in the last days
   - They have defrauded their workers by keeping back what is owed
     them
   - They have lived in pleasure and luxury, fattening their hearts
   - They have condemned and murdered the just, who does not resist
     them

5) What are the Christians to do in response to such oppression? (7-12)
   - Be patient until the coming of the Lord
   - Establish their hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand
   - Don't grumble against one another, for the Judge is standing at
     the door
   - Do not swear (make rash oaths), but let their "yes" be "yes" and
     their "no" mean "no"

6) What three examples does James provide to encourage patience? (7-11)
   - The farmer who waits patiently for the precious fruit of the earth
   - The prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord
   - The perseverance of Job

7) What does James encourage one to do when suffering?  When cheerful?
   (13)
   - To pray when suffering
   - To sing praises when cheerful

8) What is one who is sick to do? (14)
   - Call for the elders of the church

9) What are they to do? (14)
   - Pray over the sick, anointing with oil in the name of the Lord

10) Is "anointing with oil" sacramental or medicinal?
   - "Some commentators consider this anointing with oil to be a 
     sacramental anointing, but others consider it a medicinal anointing.
     In defense of the medicinal anointing, Burdick wrote the following:
     `There are a number of reasons for understanding this application of
     oil as  medicinal rather than sacramental. The word aleipsantes
     ("anoint") is not the usual word for sacramental or ritualistic 
     anointing. James could have used the verb chrio if that had been what
     he had in mind. The distinction is still observed in modern Greek,
     with aleipho meaning "to daub," "to smear," and chrio meaning "to 
     anoint." Furthermore, it is a well-documented fact that oil was one
     of the most common medicines of biblical times. See Isaiah 1:6 and
     Luke 10:34. Josephus (Antiquities, 17, 172 [vi. 5]) reports that
     during his last illness Herod the Greek was given a bath in oil in
     hopes of effecting a cure. The papyri, Philo, Pliny, and the 
     physician Galen all refer to the medicinal use of oil. Galen 
     described it as "the best of all remedies for paralysis" (Deut 
     Simplicium Medicamentorum Temperamentis, 2.10ff.). It is evident,
     then, that James is prescribing prayer and medicine.'" (New 
     Commentary, James, Fausset, and Brown)

11) What will save (or heal) the sick?  Who will raise him up? (15)
   - The prayer of faith
   - The Lord

12) What if the one who is sick has committed sins? (15)
   - He will be forgiven

13) What are Christians to do?  Why? (16)
   - Confess sins one to another and pray for one another
   - That they may be healed

14) What avails much?  Who is a good illustration of this? (16-18)
   - The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man
   - Elijah

15) What happens when one turns a sinner from the error of his way?
    (19-20)
   - A soul is saved from death
   - A multitude of sins is covered

Excuses, excuses

Right; obviously this is the "real" reason!!????  This sounds ridiculous, but one excuse is as good as another if you really don't want to do something.  Virtually ANYTHING can be justified if you want to!!!  This does not make the chosen thing right, it just makes it palatable to you.  Excuses are something we all do at one time or another and this passage from the book of Luke is a prime example...

Luke, Chapter 14

16 But he said to him, "“A certain man made a great supper, and he invited many people.  17 He sent out his servant at supper time to tell those who were invited, ‘Come, for everything is ready now.’  18 They all as one began to make excuses.

“The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please have me excused.’

  19 “Another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I must go try them out. Please have me excused.’

  20 “Another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I can’t come.’

  21 “That servant came, and told his lord these things. Then the master of the house, being angry, said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor, maimed, blind, and lame.’

  22 “The servant said, ‘Lord, it is done as you commanded, and there is still room.’

  23 “The lord said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.  24 For I tell you that none of those men who were invited will taste of my supper.’”"

  25 Now great multitudes were going with him. He turned and said to them,  26  "“If anyone comes to me, and doesn’t disregard his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he can’t be my disciple.  27 Whoever doesn’t bear his own cross, and come after me, can’t be my disciple. 28 For which of you, desiring to build a tower, doesn’t first sit down and count the cost, to see if he has enough to complete it?  29 Or perhaps, when he has laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, everyone who sees begins to mock him,  30 saying, ‘This man began to build, and wasn’t able to finish.’  31 Or what king, as he goes to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand?  32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends an envoy, and asks for conditions of peace.  33 So therefore whoever of you who doesn’t renounce all that he has, he can’t be my disciple. 

There is a cost to becoming a Christian.  You will have to give up self indulgent ways and submit your will to God.  Truthfully, at times this is difficult, but the end result is worth it!!!  Its interesting to me that the three excuses given in vss. 18-20 were commonly accepted ones to keep someone from serving in the army, but they were disavowed by Jesus.  He made the choice simple; the world or him... and the choice would be made on the basis of love.  So, who or what you love determines you choices... makes sense to me.  I didn't really believe the magnet thing anyway!!!!!

Oct. 14 Proverbs 15-17

Oct. 14

Proverbs 15-17

Pro 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Pro 15:2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of fools gush out folly.

Pro 15:3 Yahweh's eyes are everywhere, keeping watch on the evil and the good.

Pro 15:4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but deceit in it crushes the spirit.

Pro 15:5 A fool despises his father's correction, but he who heeds reproof shows prudence.

Pro 15:6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure, but the income of the wicked brings trouble.

Pro 15:7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so with the heart of fools.

Pro 15:8 The sacrifice made by the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh, but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

Pro 15:9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh, but he loves him who follows after righteousness.

Pro 15:10 There is stern discipline for one who forsakes the way: whoever hates reproof shall die.

Pro 15:11 Sheol and Abaddon are before Yahweh-- how much more then the hearts of the children of men!

Pro 15:12 A scoffer doesn't love to be reproved; he will not go to the wise.

Pro 15:13 A glad heart makes a cheerful face; but an aching heart breaks the spirit.

Pro 15:14 The heart of one who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.

Pro 15:15 All the days of the afflicted are wretched, but one who has a cheerful heart enjoys a continual feast.

Pro 15:16 Better is little, with the fear of Yahweh, than great treasure with trouble.

Pro 15:17 Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is, than a fattened calf with hatred.

Pro 15:18 A wrathful man stirs up contention, but one who is slow to anger appeases strife.

Pro 15:19 The way of the sluggard is like a thorn patch, but the path of the upright is a highway.

Pro 15:20 A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish man despises his mother.

Pro 15:21 Folly is joy to one who is void of wisdom, but a man of understanding keeps his way straight.

Pro 15:22 Where there is no counsel, plans fail; but in a multitude of counselors they are established.

Pro 15:23 Joy comes to a man with the reply of his mouth. How good is a word at the right time!

Pro 15:24 The path of life leads upward for the wise, to keep him from going downward to Sheol.

Pro 15:25 Yahweh will uproot the house of the proud, but he will keep the widow's borders intact.

Pro 15:26 Yahweh detests the thoughts of the wicked, but the thoughts of the pure are pleasing.

Pro 15:27 He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live.

Pro 15:28 The heart of the righteous weighs answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes out evil.

Pro 15:29 Yahweh is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

Pro 15:30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart. Good news gives health to the bones.

Pro 15:31 The ear that listens to reproof lives, and will be at home among the wise.

Pro 15:32 He who refuses correction despises his own soul, but he who listens to reproof gets understanding.

Pro 15:33 The fear of Yahweh teaches wisdom. Before honor is humility.

 

Pro 16:1 The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from Yahweh.

Pro 16:2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but Yahweh weighs the motives.

Pro 16:3 Commit your deeds to Yahweh, and your plans shall succeed.

Pro 16:4 Yahweh has made everything for its own end-- yes, even the wicked for the day of evil.

Pro 16:5 Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to Yahweh: they shall certainly not be unpunished.

Pro 16:6 By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for. By the fear of Yahweh men depart from evil.

Pro 16:7 When a man's ways please Yahweh, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Pro 16:8 Better is a little with righteousness, than great revenues with injustice.

Pro 16:9 A man's heart plans his course, but Yahweh directs his steps.

Pro 16:10 Inspired judgments are on the lips of the king. He shall not betray his mouth.

Pro 16:11 Honest balances and scales are Yahweh's; all the weights in the bag are his work.

Pro 16:12 It is an abomination for kings to do wrong, for the throne is established by righteousness.

Pro 16:13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings. They value one who speaks the truth.

Pro 16:14 The king's wrath is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it.

Pro 16:15 In the light of the king's face is life. His favor is like a cloud of the spring rain.

Pro 16:16 How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! Yes, to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.

Pro 16:17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil. He who keeps his way preserves his soul.

Pro 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Pro 16:19 It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, than to divide the plunder with the proud.

Pro 16:20 He who heeds the Word finds prosperity. Whoever trusts in Yahweh is blessed.

Pro 16:21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent. Pleasantness of the lips promotes instruction.

Pro 16:22 Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, but the punishment of fools is their folly.

Pro 16:23 The heart of the wise instructs his mouth, and adds learning to his lips.

Pro 16:24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

Pro 16:25 There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.

Pro 16:26 The appetite of the laboring man labors for him; for his mouth urges him on.

Pro 16:27 A worthless man devises mischief. His speech is like a scorching fire.

Pro 16:28 A perverse man stirs up strife. A whisperer separates close friends.

Pro 16:29 A man of violence entices his neighbor, and leads him in a way that is not good.

Pro 16:30 One who winks his eyes to plot perversities, one who compresses his lips, is bent on evil.

Pro 16:31 Gray hair is a crown of glory. It is attained by a life of righteousness.

Pro 16:32 One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty; one who rules his spirit, than he who takes a city.

Pro 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from Yahweh.

 

Pro 17:1 Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife.

Pro 17:2 A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who causes shame, and shall have a part in the inheritance among the brothers.

Pro 17:3 The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold, but Yahweh tests the hearts.

Pro 17:4 An evildoer heeds wicked lips. A liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.

Pro 17:5 Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker. He who is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished.

Pro 17:6 Children's children are the crown of old men; the glory of children are their parents.

Pro 17:7 Arrogant speech isn't fitting for a fool, much less do lying lips fit a prince.

Pro 17:8 A bribe is a precious stone in the eyes of him who gives it; wherever he turns, he prospers.

Pro 17:9 He who covers an offense promotes love; but he who repeats a matter separates best friends.

Pro 17:10 A rebuke enters deeper into one who has understanding than a hundred lashes into a fool.

Pro 17:11 An evil man seeks only rebellion; therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.

Pro 17:12 Let a bear robbed of her cubs meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.

Pro 17:13 Whoever rewards evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.

Pro 17:14 The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam, therefore stop contention before quarreling breaks out.

Pro 17:15 He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the righteous, both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh.

Pro 17:16 Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, seeing he has no understanding?

Pro 17:17 A friend loves at all times; and a brother is born for adversity.

Pro 17:18 A man void of understanding strikes hands, and becomes collateral in the presence of his neighbor.

Pro 17:19 He who loves disobedience loves strife. One who builds a high gate seeks destruction.

Pro 17:20 One who has a perverse heart doesn't find prosperity, and one who has a deceitful tongue falls into trouble.

Pro 17:21 He who becomes the father of a fool grieves. The father of a fool has no joy.

Pro 17:22 A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Pro 17:23 A wicked man receives a bribe in secret, to pervert the ways of justice.

Pro 17:24 Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.

Pro 17:25 A foolish son brings grief to his father, and bitterness to her who bore him.

Pro 17:26 Also to punish the righteous is not good, nor to flog officials for their integrity.

Pro 17:27 He who spares his words has knowledge. He who is even tempered is a man of understanding.

Pro 17:28 Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise. When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be discerning.