Can we learn the difference between worthless worldly wisdom and true wisdom? Let’s continue in Proverbs 7.
Though we may make many plans, in whose hands is the final outcome?
The plans of the heart belong to a person, But the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. (Pr 16:1 NASB)
Though we may believe that we are doing right, whose judgment counts in the end?
All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord. (Pr 16:2 NIV)
If we commit our work to the Lord, will He grant us success?
Commit your works to the Lord, And your thoughts will be established. (Pr 16:3 NKJV)
Is everything that happens, good or bad, already thought through in God’s great plan?
The Lord has made everything for his own purposes, even the wicked for a day of disaster. (Pr 16:4 NLT)
What does God truly think about pride? Will He bless it or punish it?
Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to Yahweh; they shall certainly not be unpunished. (Pr 16:5 WEB)
Do God’s mercy and truth forgive our sins, while the fear of God turns us from sin?
Love and faithfulness reconcile guilt; the fear of the Lord turns away evil. (Pr 16:6 CEB)
Under what conditions will the Lord cause even our enemies to make peace with us?
When we please the Lord, even our enemies make friends with us. (Pr 16:7 CEV)
What often ignored ingredient makes living poor better than great wealth?
Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice. (Pr 16:8 ESV)
Though we may make our plans, who ultimately determines our path?
A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord determines our ultimate end. (Pr 16:9 HCSB)
Because a king represents God, does He expect the crown to judge righteously?
When a king is ready to speak officially, what he says should not err with respect to justice. (Pr 16:10 ISV)
Are honest business dealings the way that the Lord honors?
A just weight and balance are the Lord's: all the weights of the bag are his work. (Pr 16:11 KJV)
Is any position of government leadership established by God if that leader works in righteousness?
It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, For in righteousness a throne is established. (Pr 16:12 LSB)
Does a king prefer honest advisors or dishonest?
Righteous lips are the delight of kings, And one who speaks right is loved. (Pr 16:13 NASB)
Right or wrong, does a government directive made in anger, still carry weight?
A king’s wrath is a messenger of death, but the wise will appease it. (Pr 16:14 NIV)
When anyone in charge of a human government genuinely smiles at you, what does that mean for you?
In the light of the king’s face is life, And his favor is like a cloud of the latter rain. (Pr 16:15 NKJV)
What life changing things are much more important to have than great wealth?
How much better to get wisdom than gold, and good judgment than silver! (Pr 16:16 NLT)
Is there a grand highway in life that protects a life from grave dangers?
The highway of the upright is to depart from evil. He who keeps his way preserves his soul. (Pr 16:17 WEB)
What are the great inherent consequences of a life filled with pride and arrogance?
Pride comes before disaster, and arrogance before a fall. (Pr 16:18 CEB)
What is a far better choice in life than plundering the wealth of others?
You are better off to be humble and poor than to get rich from what you take by force. (Pr 16:19 CEV)
What blessings await those who meditate on God’s word and trust Him?
Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord. (Pr 16:20 ESV)
If we have wise thoughts, will we gain a reputation for knowing what’s right? If we speak kind words, will people accept our teaching?
Anyone with a wise heart is called discerning, and pleasant speech increases learning. (Pr 16:21 HCSB)
Is good sense life-giving, but does life punish those who foolishly refuse wisdom?
Anyone who has understanding is a fountain of life, but foolishness brings punishment to fools. (Pr 16:22 ISV)
Does wisdom come from a wise heart and express it wisely to make learning wisdom a joy?
The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips. (Pr 16:23 KJV)
Known for its health benefits since ancient times when taken in moderation, how are kind words like honeycomb?
Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. (Pr 16:24 LSB)
Do our highly intelligent, highly educated world leaders indoctrinate us with ways that seem right, but cause wars, diseases, and financial ruin?
There is a way which seems right to a person, But its end is the way of death. (Pr 16:25 NASB)
What drives most people to get a job that they hate, working for people who do not really care for them?
The appetite of laborers works for them; their hunger drives them on. (Pr 16:26 NIV)
What motivates some people to look for trouble, and spread evil words like a wildfire?
An ungodly man digs up evil, And it is on his lips like a burning fire. (Pr 16:27 NKJV)
Who cannot be trusted to keep matters confidential and protect our reputation?
A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends. (Pr 16:28 NLT)
What kind of man should we avoid and definitely not follow?
A man of violence entices his neighbor, and leads him in a way that is not good. (Pr 16:29 WEB)
Should we pay attention to small gestures that may indicate someone that we should not trust?
Those who wink their eye plot destruction; those who purse their lips plan evil. (Pr 16:30 CEB)
When we see someone with white hair, do we stop and consider the right living behind it?
Gray hair is a glorious crown worn by those who have lived right. (Pr 16:31 CEV)
What personal character trait is better than great worldly power?
Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. (Pr 16:32 ESV)
Who determines the outcome of every roll of the dice, every shuffle of the cards?
The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord. (Pr 16:33 HCSB)
Does God differentiate between the fake wisdom of the world and true wisdom?
Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in the ways of this world, he must become a fool to become really wise. For the wisdom of this world is nonsense in God’s sight. For it is written, “He catches the wise with their own trickery,” and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are worthless.” (1 Cor 3:18-20 ISV)
Can we learn the difference between worthless worldly wisdom and true wisdom? You decide!
