Does wisdom alone make a good person or are other attributes needed? Let’s begin in Proverbs 23.
Should we be on guard when dining with a powerful man? Can his banquet be a deception?
While dining with a ruler, pay attention to what is put before you. If you are a big eater, put a knife to your throat; don’t desire all the delicacies, for he might be trying to trick you. (Pr 23:1-3 NLT)
Is it a waste of time to wear ourselves out chasing empty temporary things like riches?
Don’t weary yourself to be rich. In your wisdom, show restraint. Why do you set your eyes on that which is not? For it certainly sprouts wings like an eagle and flies in the sky. (Pr 23:4-5 WEB)
Should we avoid eating with self-centered people whose generosity is a scam? Will your stomach turn once you realize their deceit?
Don’t eat food with stingy people; don’t long for their delicacies, because they are like a hair in the throat. They say to you, “Eat and drink!” but they don’t mean it. You will eat scraps and vomit them out. You will waste your pleasant words. (Pr 23:6-8 CEB)
Should we waste time talking to fools or will they despise the wisdom of our words?
Don't talk to fools— they will make fun of you. (Pr 23:9 CEV)
How bad is it to deliberately move a property boundary marker?
Do not move an ancient landmark or enter the fields of the fatherless, for their Redeemer is strong; he will plead their cause against you. (Pr 23:10-11 ESV)
Should we learn to discern between a true education and mere indoctrination in this world’s myths?
Apply yourself to discipline and listen to words of knowledge. (Pr 23:12 HCSB)
Is corporal punishment, administered without abuse, valid in protecting a child’s future decision making abilities?
Don’t withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with a rod, he won’t die. Punish him with a rod, and you will rescue his soul from Sheol [the grave]. (Pr 23:13-14 ISV)
Does a parent rejoice when their child makes wise decisions and speaks what is right?
My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine. Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things. (Pr 23:15-16 KJV)
Should we be envious of wrongdoers or hope and trust in God’s blessing for doing things right?
Do not let your heart be jealous of sinners, But be zealous in the fear of Yahweh always. Surely there is a future, And your hope will not be cut off. (Pr 23:17-18 LSB)
What is likely to happen if we hang out with heavy drinkers and overeaters?
Listen, my son, and be wise, And direct your heart in the way. Do not be with heavy drinkers of wine, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat; For the heavy drinker and the glutton will come to poverty, And drowsiness will clothe one with rags. (Pr 23:19-21 NASB)
How good is listening to the wisdom of our parents even in their old age? Is giving them reason to rejoice a good thing?
Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Buy the truth and do not sell it—wisdom, instruction and insight as well. The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him. May your father and mother rejoice; may she who gave you birth be joyful! (Pr 23:22-25 NIV)
Should we trust our hearts to God and stay away from promiscuous women?
My son, give me your heart, And let your eyes observe my ways. For a harlot is a deep pit, And a seductress is a narrow well. She also lies in wait as for a victim, And increases the unfaithful among men. (Pr 23:26-28 NKJV)
Is there danger of anxiety, sorrow, fighting and suffering in drinking too much alcohol?
Who has anguish? Who has sorrow? Who is always fighting? Who is always complaining? Who has unnecessary bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? It is the one who spends long hours in the taverns, trying out new drinks. Don’t gaze at the wine, seeing how red it is, how it sparkles in the cup, how smoothly it goes down. For in the end it bites like a poisonous snake; it stings like a viper. You will see hallucinations, and you will say crazy things. You will stagger like a sailor tossed at sea, clinging to a swaying mast. And you will say, “They hit me, but I didn’t feel it. I didn’t even know it when they beat me up. When will I wake up so I can look for another drink?” (Pr 23:29-35 NLT)
Is wisdom by itself an attribute of only good people or can even a snake be wise?
Behold, I send you out as sheep among wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. (Mat 10:16 WEB)
Does wisdom alone make a good person or are other attributes needed? You decide!
