Vs. 2, “Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.”  I’m reminded of the book of James to be slow to speak and quick to listen.  If we are honest with ourselves, I think we are more foolish than we would like to admit.  Fools talk and talk (vs. 2), fools cause strife (vs. 6), fools jump to conclusion (vs. 13).  Yikes, guilty as charged!  We are also reminded how valuable friendship is to us again (vs. 24)


Regarding application…Dealing with Disputes.  Vs. 19, “A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city; disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.”  While I’ve never seen a barred gate of a citadel, I can imagine it being very hard to get through.  Disputes in life are bound to happen.  But it’s how we deal with them that will determine if love and forgiveness will transpire.  Before long, those gates can separate us so much that we just give up.  As the year of 2010 comes to a close, that is one of the things you can smash in your life.  Smash disputes like young Josiah smashed the idols in Judah!  Draw nearer to each other and allow love to cover over a multitude of sins!

Vs. 2, “All  person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the LORD.”  There are times in our life where we make plans….but when the time comes….God is the One who is going to have the last word!  We may make a great boast, but only God can give the final answer.  Ask any non-believer about salvation and here is a response you will see quite often, “I’m a pretty good person, I haven’t done anything horrible…as long as you are good, you’ll go a good place.”  There are even a great deal of Christians who convince themselves that nothing is really wrong with their walk.   We need to hold up a mirror of the Word of God and let it reveal to us who we really are.

Vs. 3, “The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.” We cannot hide from the eyes of the Lord.  All the comparisons to good and evil throughout Proverbs are measured in our own lives by the Lord.  He knows our actions but more importantly he knows the intent of the heart.  We are exhorted to watch our tongues (vs. 4, 7) but don’t  forget that we must watch our thoughts too!  


Regarding application…Discipline from Parents.  Vs. 5, “A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.”  It’s not an easy thing to defer to a parent’s discipline.  The fact is, sometimes parents are wrong!  However, that does not give us the right disobey and react with disrespect.  When I was a young, I used to mutter under my breath and think my mom didn’t understand.  But I was a very foolish boy.  Take time to appreciate your parents and humble yourself in times of correction and discipline.  

Vs. 2, “Whoever fears the LORD walks uprightly, but those who despise him are devious in their ways.”  There are so many ways to be wise as we continue on in the Proverbs.  Each sentence provides morsels of wisdom as we apply it to our lives.  We can choose to be wise or devious (vs. 2).  We can choose to be foolish or smart (vs. 7).  We can choose to be wicked or righteous (vs. 11).  We can choose to be gullible or wise (vs. 15).  We can choose to be kind to people or turn away from people (vs. 21).  We can choose to be hardworking or lazy (vs. 23). We can choose to be truthful or dishonest (vs. 25).  We can choose to be righteous or sinful (vs. 34).


Regarding application…We Need Patience.  Vs. 29, “Whoever fears the LORD walks uprightly, but those who despise him are devious in their ways.”  In a world of instant gratification…I think its safe to say we need some patience in our lives.  Throughout my life, I have found God has humbled me often when it comes to patience.  I thought I would be married by 25…but it took me till 34.  I thought I would have four kids by now, but I’m 37 and still patiently waiting.  But I know God has His ways and His timing.  As we round out the last week of 2010, let us be patient for our hopes and dreams as 2011 arrives.  

Vs. 6, “The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires.”  We see Solomon contrast righteousness and evil throughout this chapter.  When we desire to be a righteous person there is absolutely an advantage!  We see often the benefits that God can bless us with from Vs. 4, 6, 8, 9, 21.  But don’t forget that this is not fail-safe way to prevent trials in our life.  God has His ways of doing things.  But also, we see a life that when lived with evil intentions.  See the outcomes of evil…disgrace, wrath, trapped, destroy, deceptive.  


Regarding application…Deception.  Vs. 3, “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.”   When I was in 5th grade…I did a very dishonest act.  On one of my math tests I got a “F”.  Back then…I still cared what I got regarding grades =).  One of the requirements was that each student who got an “F” had to take the test back home to one of their parents and have them sign the test indicating that they had seen it.  It wasn’t that I was terrified I woluld be grounded…but it was more like I was ashamed of myself…because I knew I could have done better.  I found my father’s signature in his office and spent over an hour practicing his signature.  I forged my father’s signature on the test…thinking the teacher will never know.  Boy, was I wrong!!!  It was foolish then and it is a foolish thingnow to do in our lives.  Being dishonest in anything we do can only bring negative things into our lives.  It can damage our reputation…it can hurt others deeply…and most important it grieves the Lord!  Let us be people who live “honest” lives in all we do.  Little “white lies” can catch up with the best of anyone.  Sometimes, I think we are dishonest because we are afraid others will not accept us for our faults.  That’s why I forged my father’s signature.  Pray that you would not be a deceptive person!

Vs. 8, “The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.”  How important it is to be a person who desires to be wise.  There are opportunities that God gives us to make choices in this life.  When we make the right decisions we see the good consequences that come of it; bringing joy to parents, God providing food and protection, God blessing our lives, and having joy in this life, etc.  


Regarding application…Danger of Words  Vs. 18, “Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool.”  Question: Have you ever stretched the truth when talking about another person?  Have you ever gossiped or slandered someone out of hatred?  It is a foolish thing to store up hatred and slander others.  In a time where our words are not just said and disappear…we must be very mindful of how we communicate.  So many of us text, email, facebook, twitter, blog, etc.  What we say can have a lasting affect.  Let us be people who wisely choose our words and adhere to the old adage, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it.”