Great teaching here for general living. These Proverbs are particularly ascribed to Solomon – Prov 10:1.
Proverbs 10: The Proverbs of Solomon
1 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.
2 Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death.
3 The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.
4 A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.
5 He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame.
6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
7 The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.
8 The wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin.
9 Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.
10 Whoever winks the eye causes trouble, but a babbling fool will come to ruin.
11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
12 Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.
13 On the lips of him who has understanding, wisdom is found, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks sense.
14 The wise lay-up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near.
15 A rich man's wealth is his strong city; the poverty of the poor is their ruin.
16 The wage of the righteous leads to life, the gain of the wicked to sin.
17 Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who rejects reproof leads others astray.
18 The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever utters slander is a fool.
19 When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.
20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is of little worth.
21 The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense.
22 The blessing of the LORD makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.
23 Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool, but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.
24 What the wicked dreads will come upon him, but the desire of the righteous will be granted.
25 When the tempest passes, the wicked is no more, but the righteous is established forever.
26 Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him.
27 The fear of the LORD prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be short.
28 The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish.
29 The way of the LORD is a stronghold to the blameless, but destruction to evildoers.
30 The righteous will never be removed, but the wicked will not dwell in the land.
31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off.
32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse.
Proverbs 11:
1 A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is his delight.
2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.
3 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.
4 Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.
5 The righteousness of the blameless keeps his way straight, but the wicked falls by his own wickedness.
6 The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the treacherous are taken captive by their lust.
7 When the wicked dies, his hope will perish, and the expectation of wealth perishes too.
8 The righteous is delivered from trouble, and the wicked walks into it instead.
9 With his mouth the godless man would destroy his neighbour, but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.
10 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish there are shouts of gladness.
11 By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is overthrown.
12 Whoever belittles his neighbour lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.
13 Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.
14 Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counsellors there is safety.
15 Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer harm, but he who hates striking hands in pledge is secure.
16 A gracious woman gets honour, and violent men get riches.
17 A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself.
18 The wicked earns deceptive wages, but one who sows righteousness gets a sure reward.
19 Whoever is steadfast in righteousness will live, but he who pursues evil will die.
20 Those of crooked heart are an abomination to the LORD, but those of blameless ways are his delight.
21 Be assured, an evil person will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will be delivered.
22 Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman without discretion.
23 The desire of the righteous ends only in good; the expectation of the wicked in wrath.
24 One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.
25 Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.
26 The people curse him who holds back grain, but a blessing is on the head of him who sells it.
27 Whoever diligently seeks good seeks favour, but evil comes to him who searches for it.
28 Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.
29 Whoever troubles his own household will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.
31 If the righteous is repaid on earth, how much more the wicked and the sinner!
Things to think about…
1. In Proverbs 10 and 11 we see the rhythmic patterns Solomon uses to describe the way one is blessed or cursed/judged depending on their actions and heart motivations. This way of writing is very effective on the mind and therefoirs the conscience. Eg, ‘If you do this then this will occur, but on the other hand if you choose this then this will occur’. These are very good instructions for the practical steps needed in our faith.
2. We never read in the bible that “The Lord helps those who help themselves”. But if we did, it would probably be near Prov 10:1-5. The Lord blesses practical principles. If you are lazy you will lack the essential necessities for life on this earth. Christians should never be known for their laziness. If you find a lazy Christian, my encouragement is to rebuke them sharply – they deserve it. Christ worked hard. Paul says to the lazy Thessalonians “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat” 2Thes 3:10.
3. We see the rest of Proverbs 10 speaks about what wisdom looks like. It is interesting that a holy life and the label of being ‘righteous’ is associated with those who are wise. Prov 10:17-21 refer to the words (the lips) of the righteous. Just as James says in the NT, our words have an influence and an effect on our lives and the lives of others. We have often heard, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say it at all”. We should probably add the word ‘wise’ in there as well. If others were asked how your words define you. How would they answer? Encourager, whinger, divisive, joyful, doubter, gracious, blunt, positive, etc? Why don’t you ask a trusted friend and find out!
4. Proverbs 11:12 echoes what was said in point 3 and Prov 10:13 by speaking against gossips. Contrast this with Prov 11:14. Good accountability is found when people share with good counsellors to gain wide and wise advice.
5. Here’s a blessing for praying parents, especially for the children who have not been following the Lord as they should, “the offspring of the righteous will be delivered.”, Prov 11:21.
6. This should be the catch phrase of those that put themselves up on ‘Only Fans’, “Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman without discretion”, Prov 11:22.
7. There is some very sound economic advice here in Proverbs 11:24-29. It is really a summary of ‘you will reap what you sow’. Look at the things that are mentioned – money, water, grain – in the positive; but favour, riches, troubles – in the negative. What are you sowing into your life and into the lives of others?
8. Soul winners are wise! Prov 11:30. Let’s be wise and capture souls for Christ.
Vision Point for cell groups
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Title was “The only desire to have” – Reading Proverbs 12:18-29
1. Discuss your understanding of the current news cycle and how we get information. Is it effective in promoting context and truth on any given topic? Discuss.
2. What is the difference between intelligence and wisdom? Reading the bible is surely a good thing, but does the practise always bring wisdom? Discuss.
3. The Apostle Paul mentions wisdom in a different way to Solomon. Read 1Cor 1:19-27 and discuss.
4. Jay asked that you do a self-assessment on the amount of time you read, study the scriptures or put on praise music, podcasts etc that are good for your soul as opposed to watching Facebook, Instagram, Tic:Toc, LinkedIn etc.
Prayer Points
1. Sally Gauntlett and dear Richard.
2. Peace to rest over Ukraine.
3. Folk sick with Flu A and Covid – relief and healing.
4. Pray for other building projects – café roof, the repair of the house roof.
5. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. More new folk came to CBC on Sunday.
2. Worship on Sunday – thankyou and technical team.
3. All those who faithfully serve in ministries, Worship, Sound/Technical/Kids Church/ Cell Groups/Admin - Bulletins/Finances/Property/Welcoming/Spiritual Leadership/Cafe
4. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
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Catechism question for June...
Q. 5. Will the bodies of the dead be raised to life again? A. Yes; "There shall be a resurrection of the dead, both the just and the unjust.
