Proverbs 15 HUMAN BEHAVIOR In the Proverbs there are many references to words and the way we use them. Also, there are references made to work in a variety of ways, and why it is important. The walk of a wise person is addressed often, because what we say and what we do is made real, by our attitude and conduct. When relationships are tested by emotional outbursts, the situation between people can rapidly deteriorate into positions of opposition that can potentially remain. There is a simple way to defuse the tension. A calm thoughtful answer takes away the tension so that reasonable and quiet dialogue can take place. This is not surrender on the part of one to the other, but a means of coming to a conclusion that removes the strain on the relationship. Wisdom provides the right words and the way to use them.
Clear explanation of what is right by a wise man gives understanding. A whole lot of words pouring out of the mouth of a fool makes no sense, provides no understanding, and gives no help. Keep things simple and to the point. There are no secret sins that escape God’s eyes, nor are there things done privately or anonymously of which He is not aware. The actions and attitudes, the motives and results of everything we do is seen by the Lord. Don’t even try to deceive Him. You’ll lose. Words have the power to build or crush; to heal or to destroy. The tone of voice and the sensitivity of words and how they are used, can help and heal a hurting soul. Harsh criticism and cutting sarcasm from a thoughtless person can kill a sensitive soul.
There are times when parents need to correct as well as instruct their children. It is not always appreciated by young adults or older children who think they have already arrived at maturity. They are sure they know quite a bit more than their parents who are from a past generation. A sensible, prudent young person has looked ahead far enough to know they need guidance that comes from experience. Prayer, Bible reading, and open conversations in a Christian home, make that home a treasure house. All that is needed for successful and godly living, stability and character building, is best taught in the home where godly parents care for and guide their family in the ways of the Lord. Whatever those who do not want God in their homes allow in, will not bring treasure, but ruin. Uncontrolled access to a computer, to TV, to all books and magazines, to games and unsupervised time spent with friends, brings ruin to lives and families – and nations.
The experiences of God at work in a wise man or woman that are passed on to others, brings benefit to those who hear them. Those who want to go their own way and do their own thing without any interference, are fools. Some sinful people think they can get favor with God if they give money to a church, a charity or some foundation that does good things. Actually, that attitude and action is an abomination to God because it implies that God is limited in His power and ability, and He is able to be manipulated by the largesse of people. The first mention of prayer in the book of Proverbs assures us of the Lord’s delight when people know Him and want to communicate with Him personally.
What is the pattern of life of the wicked? How about the life of the righteous? Arrogance, independence, self-centered and sinful life patterns of the wicked is detested by the Lord. The lifestyle and spiritual direction and conduct of a righteous person is pleasing to the Lord, and He assures them of His love. When a person knows what is right and then goes another way, he or she will experience stern correction. “Whom the Lord loveth, He chastens.” If a person hates correction and will not take it, he is a candidate for death which awaits the Christ rejector. God has no difficulty understanding the hearts of people who chose evil over good. He has full access to both the grave and that which is beyond the grave. He knows all about hell and destruction about which we know very little. How much more does He know about us who are alive now. Nothing about us: our minds, our attitudes, our actions, our words – nothing is hidden from God!
There are a lot of people who don’t like to be corrected. It is hard on our pride to learn that we are not right about everything. Those who mock wise counsel and scoff at those who want to give them wise counsel, are avoided by people who know them. Pride and haughty ways reject advice given, and it doesn’t take long to show. Our face often reveals what is inside. A smile that does not reach the eyes is generally put on, and can be quickly gone. One who is happy in spirit reflects that happiness outwardly. A sad face may mean someone is hurt, is broken-hearted, is sorrowing and is going through a real hard time. It is then a caring person needs to come alongside to give comfort. A person of understanding and intelligence wants to know more, so applies themselves to feed their mind and soul. What we read, listen to, and watch needs to be filtered by the truths of the word of God which gives us discernment from God. The fool feeds on foolishness to get more foolishness.
Our attitude affects our personality, and our personality has an effect on how we view each event in life. What I allow my soul and spirit to feed on, affects how I observe and live my life. I can be pessimistic or optimistic about every situation I am called upon to pass through, depending on my kind of thinking. The real value of anything in life depends on my attitude toward the Lord. Respect and reverence for Him can make a cup of rice, a treasure and a pleasure. One blanket on the floor with a calm spirit is more comforting and restful that a wonderful bed, a big bank account and a huge house without having the love of God in one’s heart. If a change of attitude is needed, make it!
To sit at a table with loved ones and very simple fare, makes it a wonderful time of fellowship and joy. One the other hand, a $100.00 a plate dinner where there is tension and underlying hatred, will not only “leave a bad taste in your mouth,” but will give you a bad stomach that lasts. The uncontrolled hot-head creates strife and dissension, whether he or she is at home, in a business meeting or taking leadership on a job. A calm person who does not react quickly to and unexpected crisis, an unprovoked personal attack or a problem that seems unsolvable at first, keeps his counsel and keeps quiet. Before speaking he considers what he can say that will avoid dissension and disarm touchy people.
A lazy person sees problems everywhere he turns. To him the obstacles are his reason not to go to work and remove them. An upright person builds their life and work on the solid foundation of the word of God and love for God. He continues to go confidently forward in faith. A son who has listened and learned from parental advice makes his father happy. The son who doesn’t pay attention to wisdom, but chooses foolishness and treats his mother with contempt as if she doesn’t know anything, is a first-class fool. Foolish people get a laugh out of foolishness that has no reasonable point. They have no reason for living beyond what brings instant satisfaction, and they don’t bother to think ahead. A sensible person finds his satisfaction in the things that are real. They have meaning, so that person is committed to keeping a straight course in life with a goal to live for.
When we take good advice from wise counselors, that will help our plans to succeed and our hopes to come to pass. Without advice from those who can see what we can’t see, our plans will fail. A word of counsel spoken at the right time, can make a lot of difference in the life of another person. To be able to say the right word to meet the need of a friend or another person, gives joy to the one who gives advice and is good for the one who takes it to heart. Putting into practice biblical principles for living, will result in the wise person going to heaven. It will also keep those who live godly from going to hell. We either go forward in life by the grace and power of God, or we go backward to a lost eternity. There is no standing still possible.
Proud people, and all they have hoped for and gained by their own effort without any thought of God, will lose it all. The inheritance passed on to a widow, the Lord will not allow to be taken from her by greedy men. Those who plan, scheme and grab everything they can get at the expense of others, are detested and rejected by the Lord. Gracious words spoken by someone who is upright and cares for others, are pure and appreciated by the Lord. A person who bribes others and is willing to cut corners to satisfy his greed, will find trouble at home with those of his own family. The one who is fair and honest, will enjoy a good life.
There is a need to take time to nurture relationships which can be delicate and hard to maintain. A wise person will take all the time needed before speaking or taking action. A wicked person doesn’t care but just spouts out words that can hurt others because they are sinful. Sin separates us from God and often separates us from people who love God. When the wicked call for help, the Lord does not answer. “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” On the other hand, He does hear the call of the righteous that comes from those with a pure heart and clean hands. The eyes of a person often reveal the joy that is within their soul. We often hear people say, “His eyes lit right up when he saw her!” That “light” brings joy to the heart. A cheerful person has a good impact on those around him as well as experiencing joy in his own heart.
“An ear that hears” and heeds corrective counsel is wise, and will find that there are other wise people who want him around them and want to share the experience of “life indeed.” One who refuses correction and resents and rejects discipline, will soon hate themselves, even though they might not grasp the sad outcome when rebuke is first given. A wise person will take correction, be glad for it, and will greatly profit from it all of their lifetime. When one hears what the word of the Lord says, and practices what is taught in the fear of the Lord, he is given needed wisdom for living as God intends. Humility before the Lord opens the way for Him to give honor with His blessings. Obedience brings wisdom. Humility brings honor.