Life Principles 1

New Guest: Like this one, most posts are devotional; those related to CAR BIZ can be found by searching for that title. You might start with 'Welcome,' the first post in the archives, dated November 12, 2008, where I introduce myself and the blog.

Friday, September 11, 2009
Devotions: Proverbs 17

A modest meal in peace is better than a feast amid strife. A wise slave will rule over a profligate son, and will claim a part of the inheritance with the family heirs. Crucibles and furnaces try metals; the Lord tries hearts. The evil and liars listen to wicked and mischievous talk. Mock the poor, and you insult God; laugh at someone’s calamity, and He will judge you. Grandchildren are the crown of the aged; sons receive glory from their fathers. Fine speech is unbecoming a fool; even less fitting is false speech from a prince. Bribes are like magic, producing prosperity wherever they are employed. Forgive an offense and be loved; gossip, and lose a friend. One just rebuke has more impact on a man of understanding than a hundred blows to a fool. An evil man foments rebellion, but an evil messenger will be sent against him. Better to meet a she-bear robbed of her cubs than a fool caught up in his folly. If you return evil for good, evil will fasten on your household. To initiate strife is like starting a leak; quit before a quarrel floods over you. God hates those who justify the wicked or condemn the righteous. Fools can’t buy wisdom. A friend loves always; a brother is born for adversity. Those who offer surety for neighbors are senseless and in peril. Love transgression and you reap strife; live licentiously, and find destruction. Crooked minds and perverse tongues breed poverty and calamity. Stupid, foolish sons rob their grieving fathers of joy. A cheerful heart is good medicine; a downcast spirit makes brittle bones. The wicked accept bribes to pervert the course of justice. A man of understanding sets his face toward wisdom; fools gaze toward the ends of the earth. Foolish sons grieve their fathers and embitter their mothers. It is wrong to fine the righteous or flog the noble. Restrain your talk, and you grow in knowledge; keep a cool spirit, and gain understanding. Even a silent fool seems wise; keep still, and be considered intelligent.