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!
