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“He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy” (28:13) Here we have an expression of the sweet, forgiving grace of God. We are all sinners. Let’s admit it, and then turn to our Savior, Who will never drive us away.

“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” (27:17 ESV) This verse can remind us of the value of attending Bible class. When we study together we sharpen one another’s understanding of God’s Word. God puts us into a family of believers. How blessed we are when we take advantage of our fellow Christians’ Scriptural insights

“Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.” (26:20 NIV ’84) If no wood is put on the fire, it dies out. If one refrains from gossip, it’s hard to keep a quarrel burning hot. The Spirit and Word will help us speak words of kindness and love.

“Do not say, ‘I will do to him just as he has done to me.’” (24:29) In clear contrast to the prevailing attitude of the world, God’s people are called to do good to their enemies. Our aim is to “walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us.” (Ephesians 5:2)

“Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established; By knowledge the rooms are filled With all precious and pleasant riches.” (24:3-4) When wisdom from above builds the house, that house is filled with the “pleasant riches” of the love, forgiveness, and patience of Jesus.

“There is a lion outside! I shall be slain in the streets!” (22:13) Lazy people will dream up the most outrageous reasons to get out of work. Redeemed by the blood of Christ and sanctified by the Holy Spirit, we have every reason to work hard and to do our best to the glory of God.

Proverbs speaks of two different types of safety. One leads to true and lasting security, while the other only offers a false security. “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe. The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own esteem.” (18:11-12)

“Pride goes before destruction.” (16:18) Unchecked sinful pride leads to eternal destruction. Pray for humble hearts so that we place God’s wisdom above our proud, sin-tainted reason. “God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus.” (Galatians 6:14)

Proverbs offers more than guidance for daily life. In several places it teaches that the Word of God gives eternal life. “The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.” (13:14 ESV) As Peter once said of Jesus: “You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68)

There is a sharp contrast between how the godly ( the believer in Christ) and the wicked (the unbeliever) communicate. “There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword. But the tongue of the wise promotes health.” (12:18) The Gospel of Christ ,above all else, gives health to our sin stricken souls.

Many blessings flow from a godly life. Some examples: “When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom.” (11:2)) A gracious woman retains honor, But ruthless men retain riches. (11:16) Yes, blessing flow from a godly life. Yet we remember sinners are saved by grace alone through faith in Jesus alone.

We come back to the core message of Proverbs. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (9:10) True wisdom is found only in the Lord. (Again, the pinnacle of all wisdom is Christ crucified.) Sadly, most choose folly over wisdom. Only by God’s grace can we cling in faith to wisdom.