January 17, 2024

What Is the Way that Seems Right to Man?

Proverbs 14

Michael Santiago Sr.
Wednesday's Devo

January 17, 2024

Wednesday's Devo

January 17, 2024

Wednesday's Devo

January 17, 2024

Wednesday's Devo

January 17, 2024

Big Book Idea

Living wisely; God's way.

Key Verse | Proverbs 14:12

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

Proverbs 14

1  The wisest of women builds her house,
    but folly with her own hands tears it down.
2  Whoever walks in uprightness fears the LORD,
    but he who is devious in his ways despises him.
3  By the mouth of a fool comes a rod for his back, 1 14:3 Or In the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride
    but the lips of the wise will preserve them.
4  Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean,
    but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.
5  A faithful witness does not lie,
    but a false witness breathes out lies.
6  A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain,
    but knowledge is easy for a man of understanding.
7  Leave the presence of a fool,
    for there you do not meet words of knowledge.
8  The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way,
    but the folly of fools is deceiving.
9  Fools mock at the guilt offering,
    but the upright enjoy acceptance. 2 14:9 Hebrew but among the upright is acceptance
10  The heart knows its own bitterness,
    and no stranger shares its joy.
11  The house of the wicked will be destroyed,
    but the tent of the upright will flourish.
12  There is a way that seems right to a man,
    but its end is the way to death. 3 14:12 Hebrew ways of death
13  Even in laughter the heart may ache,
    and the end of joy may be grief.
14  The backslider in heart will be filled with the fruit of his ways,
    and a good man will be filled with the fruit of his ways.
15  The simple believes everything,
    but the prudent gives thought to his steps.
16  One who is wise is cautious 4 14:16 Or fears [the LORD] and turns away from evil,
    but a fool is reckless and careless.
17  A man of quick temper acts foolishly,
    and a man of evil devices is hated.
18  The simple inherit folly,
    but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19  The evil bow down before the good,
    the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
20  The poor is disliked even by his neighbor,
    but the rich has many friends.
21  Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner,
    but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.
22  Do they not go astray who devise evil?
    Those who devise good meet 5 14:22 Or show steadfast love and faithfulness.
23  In all toil there is profit,
    but mere talk tends only to poverty.
24  The crown of the wise is their wealth,
    but the folly of fools brings folly.
25  A truthful witness saves lives,
    but one who breathes out lies is deceitful.
26  In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence,
    and his children will have a refuge.
27  The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life,
    that one may turn away from the snares of death.
28  In a multitude of people is the glory of a king,
    but without people a prince is ruined.
29  Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding,
    but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.
30  A tranquil 6 14:30 Or healing heart gives life to the flesh,
    but envy 7 14:30 Or jealousy makes the bones rot.
31  Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker,
    but he who is generous to the needy honors him.
32  The wicked is overthrown through his evildoing,
    but the righteous finds refuge in his death.
33  Wisdom rests in the heart of a man of understanding,
    but it makes itself known even in the midst of fools. 8 14:33 Or Wisdom rests quietly in the heart of a man of understanding, but makes itself known in the midst of fools
34  Righteousness exalts a nation,
    but sin is a reproach to any people.
35  A servant who deals wisely has the king's favor,
    but his wrath falls on one who acts shamefully.

Footnotes

[1] 14:3 Or In the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride
[2] 14:9 Hebrew but among the upright is acceptance
[3] 14:12 Hebrew ways of death
[4] 14:16 Or fears [the LORD]
[5] 14:22 Or show
[6] 14:30 Or healing
[7] 14:30 Or jealousy
[8] 14:33 Or Wisdom rests quietly in the heart of a man of understanding, but makes itself known in the midst of fools
Table of Contents
Introduction to Proverbs

Introduction to Proverbs

Timeline

Author and Date

Proverbs itself mentions Solomon (reigned c. 971–931 B.C.) as author or collector of its contents (1:1; 10:1), including the proverbs copied by Hezekiah’s men (25:1). There are also two batches of sayings from a group called “the wise” (22:17–24:22; 24:23–34), and “oracles” from Agur (30:1–33) and Lemuel (31:1–9). No author is named for the song in praise of the excellent wife that ends the book (31:10–31). Although Proverbs was begun in the time of Solomon, it probably was not in its present form until the time of Hezekiah (reigned c. 715–686 B.C.).

Theme

The goal of the book is stated right at the beginning (1:1–7): to describe what wisdom is and to help God’s people become wise. Wisdom is founded in the “fear of the Lord,” and it enables believers to express their faith in the practical details of everyday life.

Audience

The book is addressed to a young man. The situations he will face while he is young receive much attention. These situations supply concrete examples from which all readers can apply lessons to their own lives. Anyone who is wise and who pays attention will benefit (1:5) from this instruction.

Reading Proverbs

The reader of Proverbs must seek to understand the various types of people the book describes. The most obvious characters in the book are the wise, the fool, and the simple. Proverbs urges its readers to be wise, which means embracing God’s covenant and living out the covenant in everyday situations (compare 2:2; 10:1). The fool is the person who constantly opposes God’s covenant (1:7b). The simple is the person who is not firmly committed, either to wisdom or to folly; he is easily misled (14:15).

The first nine chapters of Proverbs are “wisdom poems” that urge the reader to pursue wisdom. The main section of Proverbs—the concise, memorable statements of two or three lines—begins in 10:1. Proverbs often seem to be mere observations about life, but their deeper meanings will reveal themselves if the following questions are kept in mind: (1) What virtue does this proverb commend? (2) What vice does it disapprove of? (3) What value does it affirm?

Key Themes

Proverbs offers wisdom on a wide array of topics from daily life: diligence and laziness (6:6–11); friendship (3:27–28; 18:24); speech (10:19–21); marriage (18:22; 19:14); child rearing (22:6); domestic peace (15:17; 17:1); work (11:1); getting along and good manners (23:1–2; 25:16–17; 26:17–19; 27:14); eternity (14:32; 23:17–18); and much more. It shows that “godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Tim. 4:8).

  1. God’s will is intensely practical, applying to every aspect of life. A proper relation to God involves trying hard to understand his truth, and then embracing and obeying that truth.
  2. A life lived by God’s will is a happy life (3:21–26).
  3. A life lived by God’s will is a useful life (3:27–28; 12:18, 25).
  4. A life lived by God’s will does not just happen. One must seek after it (9:1–6).

Outline

  1. Title, Goal, and Motto (1:1–7)
  2. A Father’s Invitation to Wisdom (1:8–9:18)
  3. Proverbs of Solomon (10:1–22:16)
  4. The Thirty Sayings of “the Wise” (22:17–24:22)
  5. Further Sayings of “the Wise” (24:23–34)
  6. Hezekiah’s Collection of Solomonic Proverbs (25:1–29:27)
  7. The Sayings of Agur (30:1–33)
  8. The Sayings of King Lemuel (31:1–9)
  9. An Alphabet of Womanly Excellence (31:10–31)
The Global Message of Proverbs

The Global Message of Proverbs

Proverbs: Wisdom for the World

The book of Proverbs is not simply a collection of “wise sayings” for life. It is heaven-sent help for stumbling sinners all over the world from every walk of life who are willing to listen to something other than their own fallen instincts. The “fool” in Proverbs is not someone who lacks intellectual capacity but one who stubbornly lives out of his own fallen intuitions, resisting instruction and correction. Likewise, the wise person in Proverbs is not someone who is intellectually superior but someone who humbly places himself beneath the authority of God. Such wisdom is for all God’s people everywhere.

In his great mercy God has clearly shown wisdom to the world—both through the instruction of his Word and in the person of his Son. The book of Proverbs summarizes true wisdom as rooted in the “fear of the LORD” (Prov. 1:7). In Jesus such wisdom takes on new clarity and glory as the one who is the “wisdom of God” (1 Cor. 1:24) and who “became to us wisdom from God” (1 Cor. 1:30). God’s global people are to receive such wise instruction, to base their wise living in the fear and worship of God, and to testify to a lost world about God’s saving wisdom.

God’s Wisdom Is Theological and Practical

In one sense wisdom is very much universal. It is difficult to find a culture or tradition without its own legacy of wise sayings. Some of these are culture-specific; others reflect the shared human experience.

Scripture’s admonition and exhortation about wisdom, however, is clear. Our faith is not to rest on man’s wisdom but is to be rooted in God’s power (1 Cor. 2:5). The wisdom of this world is “folly with God” (1 Cor. 3:19). Ultimate wisdom is from God (1 Cor. 1:30) and is revealed by God (1 Cor. 2:7). True wisdom is theological and God-given. Those who lack wisdom are to “ask God” for it (James 1:5). It is the Lord who gives wisdom (Prov. 2:6). In Proverbs 9:10 God’s people are reminded again that, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight” (compare 1:7). True wisdom is not the handy tips for life that get handed down from generation to generation among those who do not know God. True wisdom is divine. It is rooted in God’s own saving revelation to his people.

God’s wisdom is not only theological; it is also practical. Indeed, wisdom is practical because it is theological. Theology impacts daily life, and this is clearly seen in the instruction of Proverbs. Everyday life issues are addressed, including parental relations (Prov. 10:1; 15:20; 19:26; 23:25), marriage (5:18; 12:4; 18:22; 19:13–14; 31:10), money (3:9; 10:4; 11:1; 15:16; 16:11), and the power and danger of words (4:5; 7:5; 10:19; 16:24; 17:27). These are life issues that affect people of every age and place. Proverbs provides a picture of both the blessed life grounded in the fear of the Lord and the danger-filled and foolish life of those who despise the Lord’s wisdom and instruction (1:7).

God’s Wisdom Is Individual and Global

Individual wisdom. For every person, in every place, in every time, the message of Proverbs rings true: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 9:10). Wisdom from above is not mere advice or pithy sayings. Rather, the worthiest and most blessed advice flows from God, when he has his proper central place in the heart and worship of each individual created by his hand and in his image.

Global wisdom. The message of Proverbs is also global. This is true, first, because only God’s wisdom comprehensively instructs and skillfully dissects with perfect insight the hearts of mankind from every place and for every time. God’s wisdom is global, second, in that God’s global people are called to global engagement and a global mission. The Lord is not a tribal god. The teaching of Proverbs is not tribal lore. God’s wisdom is eternal and global. And God’s people are called to be instruments, through word and deed, of teaching his wisdom to the world. Those who are wise in God represent God to the world. For example, the wise exhibit generosity to the poor and the needy (Prov. 14:21, 31). The wise in God speak enduring and reliable wisdom to a world desperately looking for life-giving counsel. The wise in God feed even their own enemies (25:21).

Taking God’s Saving Wisdom to the World

In the book of Proverbs the Lord has equipped his people to fulfill his global and eternal purposes. God’s purpose is to reveal himself to and then through a people who will bring eternal blessing to the world, and that purpose is still unfolding around the world today (Matt. 28:18–20). In his kindness God has made known both the path of the wicked (Prov. 4:14) and the path of righteousness (12:28). The one leads to destruction and the other to life (11:19).

When love and grace is observed by the world in the lives of God’s people and supremely in the cross of Christ, it is indeed “folly” to them (1 Cor. 1:18, 21). But “the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Cor. 1:25). The wise in God share the good news of the wisdom of God in the gospel of Christ with nations both near and far. Such sharing, when it lands on receptive ears, is “like cold water to a thirsty soul” (Prov. 25:25).In grace God is opening blind eyes through the gospel to his glorious wisdom. In grace he has shown us and empowered us toward a life of God-honoring, upright living. In grace he will use us as his global ambassadors till the day we join in the angelic choir proclaiming, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen” (Rev. 7:12).

Job Fact #9: Proverbs in Job

Fact: Proverbs in Job

Proverbs in Job. In 17:5, Job may have been quoting a proverb to warn his friends not to make false accusations against him. Proverbs are an effective and memorable way of stating a truth. The book of Proverbs is a rich resource of such wisdom.

Proverbs Fact #1: Wisdom

Fact: Wisdom

Wisdom is a key term in Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. The word can mean “skilled at making sound decisions in life.” Proverbs 9:10 states that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”

Proverbs Fact #4: Garlands

Fact: Garlands

Garlands were wreaths woven from leaves and flowers. They were worn around the head or neck during various celebrations such as weddings. They were also symbols of honor for military success. In Proverbs, they symbolize the honor that comes from following the way of wisdom (4:9).

Proverbs Fact #7: The simple person

Fact: The simple person

The simple person (7:7) is one of the primary character types described in the book of Proverbs. The term describes someone who is immature and easily misled (14:15).

Proverbs Fact #10: A different kind of security

Fact: A different kind of security

A different kind of security. In biblical times, if a person was unable to pay his debt, the consequences could be serious. The whole family could be sold into slavery. If someone put up “security” for another person, he promised to pay that person’s debt if he was unable to do so himself. Proverbs teaches that putting up security for another person is generally unwise, since those who do so risk losing everything if the other person cannot pay his debt (11:15).

Proverbs Fact #27: Gluttony

Fact: Gluttony

Gluttony refers to excessive eating. The Bible condemns gluttony as well as drunkenness. Proverbs teaches that eating and drinking in excess can lead to poverty (23:19–21).

Proverbs Fact #28: Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs

Fact: Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs

Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs. Although most of the Proverbs were collected or written by King Solomon, who reigned from 971–931 B.C., the book of Proverbs did not exist in its present form until the time of King Hezekiah, some 200 years later. Hezekiah and “his men,” probably his scribes, recorded chs. 25–29.

Proverbs Fact #29: Rock badgers

Fact: Rock badgers

Rock badgers are small cliff-dwelling animals closely resembling guinea pigs. They live and forage for food in large groups and are good at hiding. They are best known for posting sentries that alert the group when danger is near. Perhaps it was this mark of wisdom that earned them a mention in Proverbs (30:26).

Proverbs Fact #13: Tents

Fact: Tents

Tents were the most common type of housing in biblical times, as is the case in some parts of the world today. The simple structure and sparse furnishings made them easy to move from place to place. Tents were made by setting poles in the ground, then stretching animal skin or cloth over the poles. Curtains could be used inside the tent to divide it into rooms. Mats often covered the floor, with an open area left in the middle for building a fire.

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

Romans 3 OT Reference
Sinful Condition
v. 10, none is righteous Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20
v. 11a, no one understands Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 11b, no one seeks for God Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one Ps. 14:3/53:3
Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips)
v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9)
v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips Ps. 140:3
v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness Ps. 10:7
Sinful Action
v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7
v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery Isa. 59:7
v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known Isa. 59:8
Summary Statement
v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes Ps. 36:1
Study Notes

Prov. 14:1–3 The benefits of the sensible labor of the wisest of women and the careful speech of the wise are contrasted with the harmful effects of the acts of folly and the words of the fool. with her own hands tears it down. Sinful people sometimes foolishly destroy the results of many years’ work.

Study Notes

Prov. 14:4 If the strength of the ox is the means for plowing the ground to produce abundant crops, then protecting oxen in a stable is a necessary part of the labor, even though it involves the unpleasant work of cleaning the stable. An empty stable may be clean (thus not requiring any unpleasant work), but it won’t produce any abundance.

Study Notes

Prov. 14:5–7 A person’s character is shown through his speech.

Study Notes

Prov. 14:9 guilt offering. See Lev. 5:14–6:7. The upright finds acceptance from the Lord because his sacrifice was sincerely given (see Lev. 1:3–4).

Study Notes
Proverbs Fact #13: Tents

Fact: Tents

Tents were the most common type of housing in biblical times, as is the case in some parts of the world today. The simple structure and sparse furnishings made them easy to move from place to place. Tents were made by setting poles in the ground, then stretching animal skin or cloth over the poles. Curtains could be used inside the tent to divide it into rooms. Mats often covered the floor, with an open area left in the middle for building a fire.

Study Notes

Prov. 14:8–15 This section begins and ends with contrasts between the prudent (vv. 8a, 15b) and fools and the simple (vv. 8b, 15a). A person’s conduct in life always has consequences.

Study Notes

Prov. 14:20 The poor is disliked is an observation on how the world works, not an endorsement of such an attitude (see v. 21; and note on 10:15).

Study Notes

Prov. 14:21 Proverbs commends being generous to the poor, particularly those among God’s people (see 19:17; 21:13; 31:20; see Deut. 15:7–11).

Study Notes

Prov. 14:24 The phrase the folly of fools brings folly appropriately captures the continuous nature of the foolish path. See v. 8; 16:22.

Study Notes

Prov. 14:26–27 The fear of the LORD brings the confidence of lasting security (v. 26) and molds a person’s character to follow the right path (v. 27).

Prov. 14:27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life. The “teaching of the wise” is also called a “fountain of life” in an otherwise identical proverb (13:14).

Study Notes

Prov. 14:34 Righteousness exalts a nation. Morally righteous behavior has far-reaching effects, especially when rulers make fair laws and show concern for their people.

Study Notes

Prov. 14:28–35 Verses 28 and 35, both of which concern a king, provide a frame for this paragraph. A person must rule his heart with wisdom (vv. 29–30, 33). He must understand that all are under a higher sovereign (v. 31). And he must have confidence that the wicked, however powerful they are, will be removed (v. 32).

S3:013 Proverbs 14

Listen Now

Dive Deeper | Proverbs 14

In the Old Testament Book of Judges, Israel was in a dark and disastrous season because "[e]veryone did what was right in his own eyes." (Judges 21:25) This puts a spotlight on the problem with worldly, human wisdom: it seems right! And without comparison to the divine perspective of the G.O.D. (Giver Of Direction), it looks pretty good. Human strategies and philosophies about life, in fact, have lured many people to be convinced by their appeal to our own "love me some me" notion of what is best. 

Those who choose not to seek God's opinion regarding the right path will pay a high price in the end. 

Proverbs allow us to circle the wagons on everything from parenting to marriage to money to friends to how to relate to the G.O.D. If we allow ourselves to drink deeply from the principles and wisdom of Proverbs when we make future decisions, it will save us time, grief, regret, and even money, so we may remain spiritually hydrated from the benefits package of kingdom living here and now.

This month's memory verse

with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

– Ephesians 4:2

Discussion Questions

1. When was the last time you or someone you're close to made an unwise decision and the thought came into your head, "What was I thinking/what were they thinking?" 

2. Have you even seen Proverbs as a Swiss army knife of sound principles for multiple decision-making scenarios? How does that change our need for securing wisdom?

3. Proverbs 14 illustrates "rules of engagement." How can you stay on guard against being lured outside your place of direction in Christ?

4. Does this passage impact your perception of God? What does this Proverb of Solomon teach us about God?

As we gear up to release even more features for Join The Journey in 2025, our staff team, unfortunately, no longer has the margin to continue to support the comment functionality. We have big things in store for Join The Journey 2025. Stay tuned!

MS

Michael Scaman

Art guide comments on a mural by the artist Shlomo entitled Proverbs 14 The museum art guide walked up to a colossal mural. He looked small in comparison. In fact the crowd themselves, as they looked on felt a strange awed feeling of being small but feeling good about it. And the guide opened his mouth. Let's take in this captivating mural "Proverbs 14" by none other than the brilliant artist Shlomo. So much going on . Draw your attention to just a few of the jaw-dropping vignettes brought to life by Shlomo's artistic genius: Shlomo's Building Drama: Picture Shlomo's brushstrokes capturing the essence of the wisest woman building her dream house, only to have folly swoop in and wreak havoc. It's like a dynamic dance of creation and destruction orchestrated by Shlomo's artistic flair. Uprightness vs. Devious Paths Showdown: Shlomo paints a vivid narrative of individuals strolling down the righteous path, showing reverence for the divine. On the flip side, he unveils the darker hues of those choosing devious routes, turning their backs on the sacred. It's a visual face-off brought to life by Shlomo's masterful strokes. Speech Duel by Shlomo: Imagine Shlomo's canvas hosting a dramatic dialogue between a faithful witness, a scoffer desperately seeking wisdom, and a fool adding chaos to the mix. Shlomo's brush becomes the storyteller, weaving a tale of truth, pursuit, and ignorance. Oxen Vibes and Shlomo's Harvest: Shlomo crafts a scene where oxen mess symbolizes the gritty work behind a bountiful harvest, missing from the picture is a spotless tidy manger trompe-l'oeil (fools the eye). Some say if you look at the tidy image the productive work image disappears. It's a masterpiece in contrasts, where Shlomo captures the essence of hard work leading to abundance, even if it involves a bit of mess. Consequences Unleashed by Shlomo: Shlomo takes you on an emotional rollercoaster, portraying the heart's bitterness, the downfall of the wicked's abode, and the seemingly right path spiraling into doom. Another trompe-l'oeil. The wicked look like they are falling off the mural some insist. Each stroke echoes the consequences of life, leaving an indelible mark on the canvas. So, there you have it – "Proverbs 14" brought to life by the one and only Shlomo. I hope you enjoyed your dive into Shlomo's world of wisdom and visual storytelling, and let the mural whisk you away on a journey of reflection and awe * Shlomo is a knickname for Solomon and in Hebrew the book of Proverbs is the Misla Shlomo, the book of Solomon
HS

Hugh Stephenson

Thank you Michael Scaman for another great comment. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. In fact, the best thing to do might be to do nothing. If you talk to Amy and get her back story she’ll tell you her turn towards the Lord began with Al-Anon and Overeaters anonymous in “about” 2008. With the Holy Spirit working through these programs and the friends she made there she began to experience a real change. It was about 2008 when she came to understand that there was no fixing me. The best thing to do was nothing. It didn’t take long for me to see the change in her. I started going to AA and to counseling. It took a few more years but in 2012 it all came crashing down for me. I saw that I was at the end of the end of the end. ——————————————————————————————————————————————— DISCLAIMER - Sometimes I call it as I see it. I don’t mean offense. Just stating the fact of what I see. In the Prodigal ministry we see many, many prodigal situations that can be tied to the massive rise in affluence in the last 10-12 years. Much of this affluence goes even further back than that to the boom of the 1990’s. Not to say that “most” are like this. But it is a large portion. I see this in affluent families in our wealth management business. Their affluence enables them to do or not do many things that might be normal in previous era. In many cases we spend more time in counseling them regarding their prodigal(s) than we do reviewing their wealth management needs. We get questions from affluent families about how to handle this or that aspect of the chaos that their prodigal family member causes. (Importantly, prodigals are no longer just parents versus children. We have prodigals who are spouses, siblings, parents, co-workers, bosses, subordinates…literally any imaginable relationship or setting.) One of the maxims we tell participants about the right kind of actions regarding their prodigals is this: Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Said another way, if they have made a foolish decision of commission or omission then let them experience the consequences of the decision. DO NOT FIX IT! Proverbs 29:19, 14:12. God has a design for each relationship and He makes it very clear. In the OT we don’t see bailouts of the Israelites. We see consequences of bad decisions. Occasionally, God will act with mercy. Or even pure grace. But it’s never a FIX that would result in enabling.
HS

Hugh Stephenson

So what is a loving approach to a prodigal? It may be to do nothing; i.e., “…leave him to himself…” From Constable’s notes- Pr 14:7. “When it becomes evident that a man is bent on folly, with no concern about righteousness, it is best to leave him to himself. To argue or reason with such a one is useless. It is defiling to the wise, and but gratifying to the pride of the fool. 'From such turn away [2 Tim. 3:5].'"[407] From Scripture- “…avoid such people”. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 - But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. Scripture - On the influence of friends (and I would argue social media). 1 Corinthians 15:33 - Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals." Specifically on Proverbs 14:12- “Without the additional light of divine revelation, we might conclude that any number of courses of action will lead to good ends ("a way which seems right"). Nevertheless, God's Word helps us to see the end of some of these paths so that we can avoid them. Salvation by works is one example of this. Following this path will lead to eternal "death." But the scope of this proverb includes all kinds of decisions that we are called upon to make. Someone once told me, "I was climbing the ladder of success, but then I discovered that it was leaning against the wrong wall." “ From Paul - (ESV) 2 Thess 3:14 If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother. 1 Cor 5:2 (ESV) Let him who has done this be removed from among you. 1 Cor 5:4-5 (ESV) When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, 5 you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord. The key phrase in this verse is “…so that...” Here is the big picture of God’s design- (ESV) 1 Th 4:10 But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, 11 and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, 12 so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one. Note in the verse above there is also “…so that…”
HS

Hugh Stephenson

So now you may be asking the question, “Why should I do nothing when I can do something?” Maybe you should do something. But be guided by the verses above plus many other relevant verses on discipline- And…consider that if you do nothing God may do something. Zechariah 13:9 “And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.” 1 Peter 1:7 
“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found to praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” There are many, many verses on being refined as gold is refined. Their trial might be the very thing that burns off their self-focused rebellion and gets them on their knees in surrender to Jesus as their savior. It was for me.
GJ

greg jones

Q1 When was the last time you or someone you're close to made an unwise decision and the thought came into your head, "What was I thinking/what were they thinking?" What time is it? If shame is ≥ “what was I thinking?” Then when God is in your thinking you’re probably allowing a past mistake to define how you think God sees your future. But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:21-23>folly of Proverbs+shame The fall of the temple and exiles are the results of epic folly in the stories of Israel and Judah. In the midst of experiencing the consequences of folly Jeremiah wrote Lamentations. That’s what he was thinking and that gives me hope when I think “what was I thinking?”
MS

Michael Sisson

Re: Pr 14:2 Proverbs 14:2 (NASB) He who walks in his uprightness fears the LORD, But >>>he who is devious in his ways despises Him.<<< cf. Jn 3:19-20. Re: Pr 14:20 Proverbs 14:20 (NASB) >>>The poor is hated even by his neighbor,<<< But those who love the rich are many. cf. Lk 6:20. Re: Pr 14:21 Proverbs 14:21 (NASB) >>>He who despises his neighbor sins,<<< But happy is he who is gracious to the poor. cf. 1Jn 2:9, 11; 3:15; 4:20
MA

Maryann Adams

I appreciate your devo, Michael! Glad for the Judges 21:25 reference which is always a "stop" for me, ie take a minute and see where I am like the Israelites, doing what's right in my own eyes. Often, it is a subtle sin, leading to a slow drift. God is gracious and merciful to us to forgive, time and time again! Re: decision-making...there is a great article by Blake, "Should I?", on pp. 54-57 in the JJ Journal.
SB

Sue Bohlin

Thank you, Michael! Hugh: maybe the next calligraphy I create for you should read, "Sometimes just DO NOTHING. --God."?? I appreciate verse 4, "Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox." It helps me remember the flip side of messy and hard. Like having so many littles in the church nursery we have trouble staffing the rooms--but lots of young families are usually a sign of a thriving, alive church. I am reminded of a long-ago Erma Bombeck essay called "Oatmeal Kisses": ------------------------- The baby is teething. The children are fighting. Your husband just called and said, “Eat dinner without me.” One of these days you’ll explode and shout to the kids, “Why don’t you grow up and act your age?” And they will. Or, “You guys get outside and find yourselves something to do. And don’t slam the door!” And they don’t. You’ll straighten their bedrooms all neat and tidy, toys displayed on the shelf, hangers in the closet, animals caged. You’ll yell, “Now I want it to stay this way!” And it will. You will prepare a perfect dinner with a salad that hasn’t had all the olives picked out and a cake with no finger traces in the icing and you’ll say, “Now THIS is a meal for company.” And you will eat it alone. You’ll say, “I want complete privacy on the phone. No dancing around, no pantomimes, no demolition crews. Silence! Do you hear?” and you’ll have it. No more plastic tablecloths stained with spaghetti, no more anxious nights under a vaporizer tent, no more dandelion bouquets, no more iron-on patches, wet, knotted shoestrings, tight boots, missing mittens, or ponytails falling out. Imagine, a lipstick with a point, no babysitter, washing clothes only once a week, no parent meetings, carpools, Christmas presents out of toothpicks and paste. No more wet oatmeal kisses. No more tooth fairy, giggles in the dark, or knees to heal. Only a voice crying, “Why don’t you grow up?” and the silence echoing, “I did” -------------------------
AL

Amy Lowther

1. I was outside this past Sunday in the frigid cold. I took my gloves off for about 30 seconds to use my phone. I thought it wouldn’t be a problem but my hands froze. So it was the wrong decision. 2. Yes, I think Proverbs is a helpful book of the Bible. Knowing it has good words and good expressions helps me to be motivated to secure wisdom through using it. 3. I can read a little bit each day in the Bible and apply it in daily life. I can attend service on Sunday and apply what I learn in daily life. 4. Yes, this passage has impacted my perception of God. This passage helps me understand God feels, “Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly”. Michael - Thank you for your ideas. You make a good point in saying “Human strategies and philosophies about life, in fact, have lured many people to be convinced by their appeal to our own "love me some me" notion of what is best”. God’s ideas should be included in “strategies and philosophies about life” so each of us can possess and present the best appeal and produce the best results.
LD

Lindsey Driscoll

Thank you Michael for your words reminding us God is the Giver of Direction. I see several verses today it speak to prudence as a mom in “little land” Proverbs 14:1 - how am I building my house spiritually? Proverbs 14:4 - a filthy manger means oxen are being used for work. Sometimes there is chaos before the order can be put back, or made new. Proverbs 14:17 - when I respond to a child with a quick temper instead of gracious loving correction I am tearing my house down Proverbs 14:23 - all hard work brings a profit. What profit to I want to see in my home? How am I working hard and depending on Lord to produce that.