Solomon's Proverbs 13 (Pr 22)

In whom do we put our confidence? Let’s finish Solomon’s Proverbs and begin the wise words in Proverbs 22.

What are both a good reputation and being highly respected more valuable than?

A good name is more desirable than great riches, and loving favor is better than silver and gold. (Pr 22:1 WEB)

How are the rich and poor alike in one important common trait?

The rich and the poor have this in common: the Lord made them both. (Pr 22:2 CEB)

When should we do the intelligent thing and head for the hills to hide?

When you see trouble coming, don't be stupid and walk right into it— be smart and hide. (Pr 22:3 CEV)

What happens to those who deeply respect and humbly honor the Lord?

The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life. (Pr 22:4 ESV)

What dangers are in the path of the crooked? Should we avoid such people?

There are thorns and snares on the path of the crooked; the one who guards himself stays far from them. (Pr 22:5 HCSB)

How important is training our children in where they should go in life?

Train a child in the way appropriate for him, and when he becomes older, he will not turn from it. (Pr 22:6 ISV)

Who really rules a country no matter what political system we live under?

The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. (Pr 22:7 KJV)

What happens to those who spread injustice? Will their oppression end?

He who sows unrighteousness will reap iniquity, And the rod of his fury will end. (Pr 22:8 LSB)

If there are two kinds of people, givers and takers, how are the givers blessed?

One who is generous will be blessed, Because he gives some of his food to the poor. (Pr 22:9 NASB)

What kind of person needs to be asked to leave a church, or a business?

Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended. (Pr 22:10 NIV)

What is the destiny of a person that is totally trustworthy and filled with grace?

He who loves purity of heart And has grace on his lips, The king will be his friend. (Pr 22:11 NKJV)

If God preserves true knowledge, what does he do with the words of deceitful liars?

The Lord preserves those with knowledge, but he ruins the plans of the treacherous. (Pr 22:12 NLT)

What kinds of excuses does a lazy person invent not to go to work?

The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside! I will be killed in the streets!” (Pr 22:13 WEB)

What is the mouth of an adulterous, seducing woman like?

The mouth of a mysterious woman is a deep pit; those under the Lord’s wrath will fall in it. (Pr 22:14 CEB)

How can we help children to grow out of being young and foolish?

All children are foolish, but firm correction will make them change. (Pr 22:15 CEV)

What two bad practices bring consequences of poverty?

Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth, or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty. (Pr 22:16 ESV)

Wise Words

As we begin a new section of excellent sayings or words of the wise, who should we put our confidence in?

Listen closely, pay attention to the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge. For it is pleasing if you keep them within you and if they are constantly on your lips. I have instructed you today—even you—so that your confidence may be in the Lord. Haven’t I written for you thirty [or excellent] sayings about counsel and knowledge, in order to teach you true and reliable words, so that you may give a dependable report to those who sent you? (Pr 22:17-21 HCSB)

How strongly does God defend the poor against those who would rob them?

Don’t rob the poor person because he is poor, and don’t crush the helpless in court, for the Lord will plead their case and ruin the lives of those who ruin them. (Pr 22:22-23 ISV)

Why should we not get too close to anyone with a bad temper?

Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul. (Pr 22:24-25 KJV)

Why should we not get our finances mixed up in other people’s debts?

Do not be among those who strike hands in pledge, Among those who become guarantors for debts. If you have nothing with which to pay, Why should he take your bed from under you? (Pr 22:26-27 LSB)

Should we be really careful not to disturb a property boundary marker?

Do not move the ancient boundary Which your fathers have set. (Pr 22:28 NASB)

What often happens to someone who diligently becomes a master in their craft?

Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank. (Pr 22:29 NIV)

What happens when we have confidence in the Son of God?

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. (1 John 5:14 NKJV)

In whom do we put our confidence? You decide!

Solomon's Proverbs 12 (Pr 21)

Are we wisely preparing for Christ’s coming? Let’s begin in Proverbs 21.

Does God have ultimate control over what government leaders decide? Can He change their thoughts, like changing a stream’s course?

The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will. (Pr 21:1 ESV)

Do we all believe our way is right? Does the Lord judge our motives?

All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the Lord evaluates the motives. (Pr 21:2 HCSB)

What is more important to God than all the offerings made under the sacrificial system?

To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. (Pr 21:3 ISV)

How does God judge the arrogance, pride and the actions of the wicked?

An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin. (Pr 21:4 KJV)

What are the results of a hardworking industrious life, versus those who chase a quick profit?

The thoughts of the diligent lead surely to profit, But everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty. (Pr 21:5 LSB)

What happens to the plans of those who choose wealth gained by deceptive lies?

The acquisition of treasures by a lying tongue Is a fleeting vapor, the pursuit of death. (Pr 21:6 NASB)

Why do the bad things that evil people do eventually destroy them?

The violence of the wicked will drag them away, for they refuse to do what is right. (Pr 21:7 NIV)

What is the difference between guilty and pure people?

The way of a guilty man is perverse; But as for the pure, his work is right. (Pr 21:8 NKJV)

Why is a marriage based upon continual criticism rather than daily encouragement doomed to fail?

It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home. (Pr 21:9 NLT)

Do wicked people enjoy doing bad things? Do neighbors ever see any mercy from them?

The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes. (Pr 21:10 WEB)

Do fools only learn from severe punishment, while the wise learn from just a hint?

When a mocker is punished, the naive person gains wisdom; when insight comes to the wise, knowledge increases. (Pr 21:11 CEB)

Does God always know what the wicked do and eventually punish them?

The Righteous One observes the house of the wicked; he throws the wicked down to ruin. (Pr 21:12 ESV)

How important does God consider answering the cry of the poor?

The one who shuts his ears to the cry of the poor will himself also call out and not be answered. (Pr 21:13 HCSB)

Does a secret bribe or payment calm even a very angry person?

Privately given gifts pacify wrath, and payments made secretly appease great anger. (Pr 21:14 ISV)

What are the consequences of practicing justice or injustice?

It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. (Pr 21:15 KJV)

What is the consequence of wandering from the path of wisdom?

A man who wanders from the way of insight Will rest in the assembly of the dead. (Pr 21:16 LSB)

What is the financial consequence of overspending on expensive luxuries?

One who loves pleasure will become a poor person; One who loves wine and oil will not become rich. (Pr 21:17 NASB)

When trouble comes will the wicked pay the penalty and not the righteous?

The wicked become a ransom for the righteous, and the unfaithful for the upright. (Pr 21:18 NIV)

Is life better alone in the desert than with a complaining spouse?

Better to dwell in the wilderness, Than with a contentious and angry woman. (Pr 21:19 NKJV)

What is the difference in possessions between a spendthrift and a wise saver?

The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get. (Pr 21:20 NLT)

What are the consequences of choosing to do what is honest and kind?

He who follows after righteousness and kindness finds life, righteousness, and honor. (Pr 21:21 WEB)

What does it take to have victory in life’s great battles?

A wise person fought a city of warriors and brought down the stronghold in which they felt safe. (Pr 21:22 CEB)

How wise is it to guard our mouths by being careful what we say?

Watching what you say can save you a lot of trouble. (Pr 21:23 CEV)

Do proud people think that they are superior, and expose it by how they act?

“Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride. (Pr 21:24 ESV)

What is the consequence of being a lazy person who refuses to work?

A slacker’s craving will kill him because his hands refuse to work. (Pr 21:25 HCSB)

Are there two kinds of people, greedy takers and righteous givers?

All day long he continues to crave, while the righteous person gives without holding back. (Pr 21:26 ISV)

Is a church offering from a wicked man just an abomination, but even worse when he brings it with ulterior motives?

The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind? (Pr 21:27 KJV)

Will lying witnesses eventually be discovered and fail, while one who listens to the truth will survive?

A false witness will perish, But the man who listens will speak forever. (Pr 21:28 LSB)

Do fraudsters often feign confidence, while an honest person thinks things through?

A wicked person displays a bold face, But as for the upright, he makes his way sure. (Pr 21:29 NASB)

Can any mere human wisdom or understanding stand up against God?

There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord. (Pr 21:30 NIV)

Though our human weapons are prepared, who determines the outcome of a battle?

The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But deliverance is of the Lord. (Pr 21:31 NKJV)

What made the difference between the five prepared virgins and five unprepared? Are we getting ready for the coming of the Bridegroom?

but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. (Mat 25:4 NLT)

Are we wisely preparing for Christ’s coming? You decide!

Solomon's Proverbs 11 (Pr 20)

Is wisdom still important for us under the new covenant? Let’s continue in Proverbs 20.

Is it really wise to drink alcohol to the point of intoxication?

Wine is a mocker, intoxicating drink a brawler, And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise. (Pr 20:1 NASB)

Is it wise to anger the officials of any form of human government?

A king’s wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion; those who anger him forfeit their lives. (Pr 20:2 NIV)

What kind of man gets too easily involved in any kind of quarrel?

It is honorable for a man to stop striving, Since any fool can start a quarrel. (Pr 20:3 NKJV)

What happens to those who are too lazy to act at the right seasons in life?

Those too lazy to plow in the right season will have no food at the harvest. (Pr 20:4 NLT)

Though many people are reluctant to give us their deepest held advice, what can we do to encourage them to share it?

Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out. (Pr 20:5 WEB)

Though many people will proclaim their goodness and loyalty, how hard is it to actually find such a person?

Many people will say that they are loyal, but who can find a reliable person? (Pr 20:6 CEB)

If we were blessed to have God-fearing parents, what does God do for their children who follow their examples?

Good people live right, and God blesses the children who follow their example. (Pr 20:7 CEV)

Though prophetically described as beasts, do human governments also do good, by discouraging crime?

A king who sits on the throne of judgment winnows all evil with his eyes. (Pr 20:8 ESV)

Which of us can claim total perfection and the absence of all sin?

Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am cleansed from my sin”? (Pr 20:9 HCSB)

What is an example of dishonest business practices that God hates?

False weights and measures— the Lord surely detests both of them. (Pr 20:10 ISV)

Does faith reveal itself by good works, or does faith exist alone without any fruits?

Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right. (Pr 20:11 KJV)

Are the intricate complexities of the ear and the eye, evidence of intelligent design?

The hearing ear and the seeing eye, Yahweh has made both of them. (Pr 20:12 LSB)

What are the consequences for a lazy man who is more fond of sleep than work?

Do not love sleep, or you will become poor; Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with food. (Pr 20:13 NASB)

What kind of lies does a dishonest buyer tell the seller about his purchases?

“It’s no good, it’s no good!” says the buyer— then goes off and boasts about the purchase. (Pr 20:14 NIV)

What is far more valuable than gold or precious jewels?

There is gold and a multitude of rubies, But the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. (Pr 20:15 NKJV)

If someone invests in foolish schemes, how should we secure our own money?

Get security from someone who guarantees a stranger’s debt. Get a deposit if he does it for foreigners. (Pr 20:16 NLT)

Though food gotten by dishonesty may taste good immediately, how does it taste in the long term?

Fraudulent food is sweet to a man, but afterwards his mouth is filled with gravel. (Pr 20:17 WEB)

How important is getting wise advice in waging life’s many battles?

Plans are firmed up by advice; wage wars with good guidance. (Pr 20:18 CEB)

What is the kind of person that we don’t want to confide in or accept advice from?

Stay away from gossips— they tell everything. (Pr 20:19 CEV)

How important is it to honor our parents, as imperfect as they are?

If one curses his father or his mother, his lamp will be put out in utter darkness. (Pr 20:20 ESV)

What usually happens when an inheritance is received while we are still young and foolish?

An inheritance gained prematurely will not be blessed ultimately. (Pr 20:21 HCSB)

Rather than take personal revenge for a wrong done against us, what should we do?

Don’t say “I’ll avenge that wrong!” Wait on the Lord and he will deliver you. (Pr 20:22 ISV)

Rather than treating all customers honestly, what kind of business has double standards?

Divers weights are an abomination unto the Lord; and a false balance is not good. (Pr 20:23 KJV)

Do any of us really know enough to fully see where our life is going?

The steps of a man are from Yahweh, How then can man understand his way? (Pr 20:24 LSB)

Is it foolish to impulsively set aside an offering as holy and then change our minds?

It is a snare for a man to devote rashly something as holy, And afterward to reconsider his vows. (Pr 20:25 NKJV)

Is it wise for any national leader to purge criminals from society?

A wise king scatters the wicked, And drives a threshing wheel over them. (Pr 20:26 NASB)

Does God see right through any pretense and performance to what’s really inside us?

The human spirit is the lamp of the Lord that sheds light on one’s inmost being. (Pr 20:27 NIV)

Is a national leader who acts in love also loved in return, and does this mutual love secure his leadership?

Unfailing love and faithfulness protect the king; his throne is made secure through love. (Pr 20:28 NLT)

Does each age in life have its distinctive mark of beauty?

The glory of young men is their strength. The splendor of old men is their gray hair. (Pr 20:29 WEB)

Does severe punishment, by either a criminal justice system or by the consequences of life, remove evil from society?

Blows and bruises remove evil; beatings cleanse the inner parts. (Pr 20:30 CEB)

What was the advice of James for the saints about wisdom?

Are any of you wise or sensible? Then show it by living right and by being humble and wise in everything you do. (James 3:13 CEV)

Is wisdom still important for us under the new covenant? You decide!

Solomon's Proverbs 10 (Pr 19)

Does the world always welcome Godly wisdom? Let’s continue in Proverbs 19.

What is better than being a foul mouthed liar and a fool?

It's better to be poor and live right than to be a stupid liar. (Pr 19:1 CEV)

What is the result of ignorant desire and being too hasty in decision making?

Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way. (Pr 19:2 ESV)

Though he may blame God, what really ruins a man’s life?

A man’s own foolishness leads him astray, yet his heart rages against the Lord. (Pr 19:3 HCSB)

What kind of friends flock around wealth, and what kind abandon a poor person?

Wealth brings many friends, but a poor man is deserted by his friend. (Pr 19:4 ISV)

What are the natural consequences for a life or a business built on lies?

A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape. (Pr 19:5 KJV)

Who flocks around someone in any society with power?

Many will seek the favor of a noble man, And everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts. (Pr 19:6 LSB)

How hard hearted are friends and family towards the poor?

All the brothers of a poor person hate him; How much more do his friends abandon him! He pursues them with words, but they are gone. (Pr 19:7 NASB)

Do wisdom and understanding make our lives better?

The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper. (Pr 19:8 NIV)

What will happen to the person who deals in falsehood and lies?

A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who speaks lies shall perish. (Pr 19:9 NKJV)

Is something wrong when a fool lives in luxury or someone only fit for unskilled labor takes a leadership role?

It isn’t right for a fool to live in luxury or for a slave to rule over princes! (Pr 19:10 NLT)

How does good sense act towards anger? How honorable is it to ignore an offense?

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

When is a country’s leader terrifying to his people and when is he as refreshing as dew?

A raging king roars like a lion; his favor is like the dew on the grass. (Pr 19:12 CEB)

What are foolish children and a quarreling spouse like to live with?

Foolish children bring disgrace to their fathers. A nagging wife goes on and on like the drip, drip, drip of the rain. (Pr 19:13 CEV)

How much more valuable is a good wife than a real estate fortune?

House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord. (Pr 19:14 ESV)

Is a lazy person likely to ever succeed in the workplace?

Laziness induces deep sleep, and a lazy person will go hungry. (Pr 19:15 HCSB)

What kind of person keeps themself safe, and what happens to those who despise God’s ways?

Whoever obeys a commandment keeps himself safe, but someone who is contemptuous in conduct will die. (Pr 19:16 ISV)

Under both old and new covenants, how important is it to have compassion upon the poor?

He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again. (Pr 19:17 KJV)

How soon should we begin disciplining our children, and what is the result of not doing so?

Discipline your son while there is hope, And do not direct your soul to put him to death. (Pr 19:18 LSB)

Are there consequences of anger from which a person cannot be rescued?

A person of great anger will suffer the penalty, For if you rescue him, you will only have to do it again. (Pr 19:19 NASB)

How can someone become accepted as one of the wise people?

Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise. (Pr 19:20 NIV)

Though billions of people have a wide variety of plans in mind, whose purpose will prevail?

There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand. (Pr 19:21 NKJV)

What about loyalty and honesty make a person superior?

Loyalty makes a person attractive. It is better to be poor than dishonest. (Pr 19:22 NLT)

What does a deep honor and respect for God result in?

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

Are some people too lazy to lift a hand to feed themselves?

Lazy people bury their hand in the bowl; they won’t even put it to their mouth. (Pr 19:24 CEB)

Does life teach even an arrogant fool, to be wiser? Does a person with wisdom learn from just a hint of correction?

Stupid fools learn good sense by seeing others punished; a sensible person learns by being corrected. (Pr 19:25 CEV)

What happens to those who abuse and evict their parents?

He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother is a son who brings shame and reproach. (Pr 19:26 ESV)

What happens to someone who thinks that they have outgrown listening to instruction?

If you stop listening to correction, my son, you will stray from the words of knowledge. (Pr 19:27 HCSB)

What kind of individual is a threat to the justice system in any society?

A corrupt witness mocks justice, and the wicked person feeds on iniquity. (Pr 19:28 ISV)

What do any wise lawmakers do to overcome those who would destroy justice?

Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools. (Pr 19:29 KJV)

What often happens to those who are truly wise in a corrupt society?

On account of this, behold, I am sending you prophets and wise men and scribes; some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will flog in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city (Mat 23:34 LSB)

Does the world always welcome Godly wisdom? You decide!

Solomon's Proverbs 9 (Pr 18)

Has humanity generally lacked wisdom? Let’s look at Proverbs 18.

What motivates people to separate themselves from others, and refuse to listen to good advice?

Unfriendly people look out for themselves; they bicker with sensible people. (Pr 18:1 CEB)

What motivates an opinionated person to constantly talk and rarely listen?

Fools have no desire to learn, instead they would rather give their own opinion. (Pr 18:2 CEV)

What follows a wicked life, and what kind of life brings disrespect?

When wickedness comes, contempt comes also, and with dishonor comes disgrace. (Pr 18:3 ESV)

What is the value in listening to what others have to say?

The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters, a flowing river, a fountain of wisdom. (Pr 18:4 HCSB)

How dangerous is it to show favor to anyone who continually commits crimes?

It’s not good to be partial towards an evil person, thereby depriving the righteous of justice. (Pr 18:5 ISV)

What kind of person constantly starts arguments, and what are they inviting?

A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes. (Pr 18:6 KJV)

What do the many words of fools bring down upon themselves?

A fool’s mouth is his ruin, And his lips are the snare of his soul. (Pr 18:7 LSB)

What are the words of a person who tears others down behind their backs?

The words of a gossiper are like dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts of the body. (Pr 18:8 NASB)

Is a lazy worker similar to a destroyer to any business venture?

One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys. (Pr 18:9 NIV)

In the battleground of this world’s craziness, where can we flee for safety?

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe. (Pr 18:10 NKJV)

How is wealth a mere delusion and not a real tower of safety?

The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense; they imagine it to be a high wall of safety. (Pr 18:11 NLT)

What are the consequences of two different ways of life, pride and humility?

Before destruction the heart of man is proud, but before honor is humility. (Pr 18:12 WEB)

What are people who answer a matter without listening to hear it out?

Those who answer before they listen are foolish and disgraceful. (Pr 18:13 CEB)

It is hard not to give up in hard times, but what are we encouraged to do?

Being cheerful helps when you are sick, but nothing helps when you give up. (Pr 18:14 CEV)

What does a wise and intelligent person seek to acquire?

An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. (Pr 18:15 ESV)

Is a gift always a bribe or sometimes just a rite of passage?

A gift opens doors for a man and brings him before the great. (Pr 18:16 HCSB)

Is it wise to hear just one side of a story and make a hasty judgment?

The first to put forth his case seems right, until someone else steps forward and cross-examines him. (Pr 18:17 ISV)

Can agreeing to flip a coin or cast lots settle a dispute?

The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty. (Pr 18:18 KJV)

Is it harder to win back an offended friend than to capture a fortified city?

A brother offended is harder to win over than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a citadel. (Pr 18:19 LSB)

How important are tact and diplomacy in business dealings?

With the fruit of a person’s mouth his stomach will be satisfied; He will be satisfied with the product of his lips. (Pr 18:20 NASB)

Will we all have to eat our words, whether they were good or evil words?

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. (Pr 18:21 NIV)

Was God’s original creation of Eve, a wife for Adam, designed to be a good thing?

He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from the Lord. (Pr 18:22 NKJV)

In this world do the rich take unfair advantage of their money?

The poor plead for mercy; the rich answer with insults. (Pr 18:23 NLT)

Can many so-called friends abandon us, while a true friend is more loyal than family?

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

Why is the final call for wisdom in the Bible, to calculate the number of the beast’s name? Did Daniel describe successive human governments as beasts? Is understanding the failure of human governments wisdom?

It will not allow anyone to make a purchase or sell anything unless the person has the mark with the beast’s name or the number of its name. This calls for wisdom. Let the one who understands calculate the beast’s number, for it’s a human being’s number. Its number is six hundred sixty-six. (Rev 13:17-18 CEB)

Has humanity generally lacked wisdom? You decide!