Proverb 22

Proverbs 22:1-2 (KJV): 1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold. 2 The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.

Proverbs 22:1-2 (AMP): 1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold. 2 The rich and poor meet together; the Lord is the Maker of them all. Verse 1 It is wise to choose a good name and Gods favor over money. Solomon, who wrote this proverb from experience, could testify to this, since he was given a similar choice. At the beginning of his reign, God appeared to him in a dream, permitting him to ask for whatever he wanted. Solomon requested an understanding heart to serve his people. Because this request honored God, God also gave him riches, power, and honor (1 Kings 3:11-14). Solomon had the loving favor of God upon him. The favor of God comes in many forms such as protection, health, blessing, and favor with people. In the New Testament, we find that Jesus had that favor on his life as He increased in wisdom (Luke 2:52). Situations often arise in which we must choose between obtaining better-paying positions or other advantages, versus honoring God. For example: Some jobs might offer large salaries, but require that we compromise our integrity, or God may call us to leave a lucrative business to preach His Word. God may not bless us with wealth such as Solomons, but if we honor Him above worldly gain and prestige, and walk in fellowship with Him, He will bless us in this life with His favor and daily provision, and in the next life, with imperishable riches. Verse 2 In this world, the rich and poor have little in common and rarely meet. One day, however, all men will stand together before the judgment seat of God (Romans 14:11-12). There will be neither rich nor poor, only people giving accounts of their deeds to an impartial Judge. At that time, money will not do the rich any good, as they will not be able to pay off God for a favorable report about their lives. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad (2 Corinthians 5:10-11a). Jesus is a righteous Judge, because He came to earth as a Man to save people, giving His life on the cross. He didnt come to judge people, but to save them. In eternity,

we will be judged by our adherence (or lack thereof) to the Word of God and Jesus commandments. If we confess our sins, He will forgive and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:8-9). We can look forward to seeing the Savior who loves us instead of dreading to face Christ on the Day of Judgment as a sinner to be condemned. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day (John 12:46-48).

3 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished. 4 By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life. Verse 3 Prudence (the ability to make sound judgments), enables us to avoid Satanic entrapments. It develops as we grow in the knowledge of good and evil by daily walking with God and obeying the principles in His Word. Developing a sensitivity and instant obedience to Gods voice is prudent, because God will warn us of evils that we have no way of knowing about apart from Him. Many Christians testify of having been saved from life-threatening situations because they heard a warning in their hearts from the Lord. The Bible is full of accounts of how the Lord preserved the lives of His children by warning them of danger. Even the life of Jesus, as a child, was saved when an angel of the Lord warned Joseph in a dream to flee Bethlehem (Matthew 2:13-14). God warned Noah of the coming catastrophic flood, and told him how to build an ark and make provision for survival. God warned Lot and his family of the coming destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and told them to flee. God warned a Pharaoh in Egypt, through a dream, to prepare for seven years of abundance that would be followed by seven years of famine in the days of Joseph. He warned the Israelites in Egypt that the angel of death would kill the first-born of every family and told them to place the blood of a lamb on the lintels and door posts of their houses so that the destroyer would pass over them. God warned Nineveh of impending judgment through Jonah. The Lord still warns individuals and nations today (through the Bible and His servants) to repent so that they will not be destroyed. When any nations sins reach a certain level, judgment is inevitable if that nation does not repent. God does not desire to see any individual or nation destroyed by the fruit of their own sins. He even spared a heathen nation (the Amorites) for a while longer, until their cup of iniquity was full and He could no longer tolerate their sin. But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full (Genesis 15:16).

Verse 4 We can escape destruction and find riches, and honor by humbling ourselves before the Lord. He wants to bless us. The curses coming upon our nations are not from Him, but are the result of rejecting Him and idolizing such things as materialism, lust, and perversion (Jeremiah 2:19). It is never too late to seek the Lord. He is loving and forgiving, and yearns to bring us into a Promised Land of safety and blessing. He Himself paid the penalty of our sins for us. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you (1 Peter 5:6-10).

5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them. 6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Verse 5 The froward (rebellious) person will end up on a path that is hedged in with thorns and snares. Many young people reject or ignore the advice of their parents and elders to their own hurt, learning everything the hard way. That way of living is like walking at night down a path full of holes that is overgrown with thorny bushes, and without a guiding light. Young people who love the Lord and have respect for authorities will keep or guard their souls. Those who are chaste and keep their virginity escape the ravages of sexually-transmitted diseases and scarred emotions. When they meet their mates, their path can begin together without the snares of pain and guilt because they have no past sexual sins to mar their relationship. Verse 6 We are told in this verse to train up our children in the Lord. Many parents grieve over children who have gone astray from Christian teachings. They wonder why they do not walk in what they were taught. One possible reason is that they were not trained to walk in Gods ways, but only told about the things of God. There is a big difference between teaching and training. The duty of parents is to help their children find the right path through teaching (giving information); and then to help them stay on the right path through training (integrating the teaching into the lifestyle); third, to pray and ask the Lord to help them recognize their childrens Godgiven gifts and direct them into the callings He has for them. Training involves enforcing and reinforcing what is taught, and requires discipline, diligence, and commitment from parents. When parents abdicate the position of a mentor, their children derive their values from the world; from humanistic teachers in public schools, from baby-sitters, secular movies, videos, CDs, games, books, magazines, and last but not least, their own peers.

The Bible commands children to obey their parents in all things if they want to please the Lord. (Of course, this means in all moral and right things. There are corrupt parents who would ask their children to do evil things, and a child should not obey in those things.) Parents are also told not to provoke their children to anger, and thereby discourage them. Parents are to be kind and good to their children, since the Lord is kind and good to us, His spiritual children. Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged (Colossians 3:20-21). If we call on Him, He will give us the wisdom, love, and patience to raise our children properly even in a wicked world, so that when they are grown, they will not depart from Gods ways.

Proverbs 22:7-8 (KJV): 7 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. 8 He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail. erse 7 Having wealth is not a sin, since there were many people in the Bible who were very wealthy, such as David, Solomon, Job, and Abraham. All of these men had hearts toward God and He used them to bless others. However, being rich or poor in this world does not define our relationship with God. Some rich men are very poor in Gods eyes because they do not serve Him. Others, who are poor in this world, are very rich because they are in right standing with God, having the true riches of His love, faith, peace, favor, joy, and much more. How we use money is one of the means by which God tests our hearts. Jesus said, He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? (Luke 16:10-11). I have observed over and over again that when a person fails in the small issues, he also fails in larger issues. People who say they will call right back and fail to do so will also fail to send the check they said they would send. (I am not referring to occasional oversights, since we all forget things occasionally, but of habitual failings.) When I was young, I had a neighbor who always blamed the untidiness of her apartment on the fact that it was too small to keep in order. She would complain to her husband that if he would just get her a bigger house, she would be able to keep it tidy. They finally did get a bigger house, but rather than keeping it nice, she just kept a bigger mess instead! I never give someone an important job, until I first see how they will handle a less important one, because I have found this scripture to be absolutely true. Some people are waiting until they have more money to give their tithes and offerings. These persons will never have more money to give until they are faithful to give out of what they have. The Bible speaks of giving a tithe (ten-percent) to the Lord. We can give this much to the Lords work, whether we have little or much. If I earn a dollar, I can give a dime to the Lord. Giving is one way in which we can get out

of debt because it releases the favor of God toward us. Getting out of debt is always wise. As long as we are in debt, we are servants to those who have lent us the money. Because we must work to pay them back, we are, in a sense, working for them. Just as servants are not free to do as they would like to do, debt limits our ability to be free to go where the Lord calls us. Verse 8 Bad things are bound to happen to people who continually threaten others with angry words to get them to do things. These people are manipulators; however, in time, their angry words will fail to get them what they want, and people will finally leave them to their own devices.

Proverbs 22:9-10 (KJV): 9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor. 10 Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease. Verse 9 One of the things Paul the Apostle said to the leaders of the church of Ephesus when he saw them for the last time, was that they should support the weak and poor. Paul reminded the leaders that he himself had given to others while ministering in Ephesus for three years and that Jesus had said that it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:33-35). Later, while in prison, he encouraged the Corinthian church to give cheerfully and not grudgingly, because God loves a cheerful giver. But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). God gives to us in the same way that we give to others. If we give generously, we will reap bountifully. If we give sparingly, that is the way we will reap. Someone who has a bountiful eye gives generously and graciously. People who give like that will always be blessed. When we give, we not only help those who are needy, but we also help ourselves, because God always repays a kindness. Continuous giving creates a wonderful cycle that blesses everybody. Sometimes we may be the giver, and sometimes we are the receiver. At times, we all need help. God did not make us to be totally independent. We need each other. Verse 10 Strife and contention break out when a scorner is among people. Scorners reject authority, thinking themselves more knowledgeable or capable than the person in authority. They incite others to murmur and complain, question and reproach those in authority, and contend about issues and take sides. To eliminate strife and contention the instigators of discontent must be dealt with. There are two ways to do this. One is to actually drive out, or dismiss, the one who is the cause of the strife. The other is take that person aside, confront them about their behavior,

and warn them that if they do not cease causing strife, corrective measures will be taken. Troublemakers, whether in the church, the office, or even the home, must be dealt with; not only to re-establish order, but to help the troublemaker. Since our goal is peace, not more strife, we must handle these situations with wisdom. Whether dealing with an adult or child, we must do so in love, with redemptive purposes in mind. We must also prepare ourselves first, praying for wisdom and insight, and then against any spirits of strife. We must remember that our real enemy is the devil, not people. If we will pray for the people involved and resist the devil, he will flee. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you (James 4:7).

Proverbs 22:11-12 (KJV): 11 He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend. 12 The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor. Verse 11 This verse can refer to righteous earthly kings, such as Solomon, the king who wrote it, but ultimately it refers to Jesus, the King of kings. The great King loves us and purifies us by His own blood that we may have friendship with God. Those who desire and strive to keep a pure heart will certainly have an audience with King Jesus, Who said, Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God (Matthew 5:8). How do we keep our hearts pure? One must begin by acknowledging that one is a sinner, accepting Jesus as Savior, and asking for forgiveness. Even after we do this, there will still be sins, and sometimes strongholds, from which we must be delivered. We must ask God daily to cleanse our minds from things we embraced before we were born again. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man (Mark 7:21-23). Our hearts are changed and we grow more like Jesus each time we overcome temptation. The more pure our hearts become, the more pure our speech will become. Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching (Hebrews 10:22-25). Should we fail to resist a temptation, God will forgive us. However, if we keep yielding to sin and do not strive to resist it, our hearts can become a little more

hardened against the things of God each time we sin. If this continues, we can harden our hearts to the point that God will withdraw His grace and allow us to suffer the fruit of our own sins. Verse 12 God not only preserves knowledge, but also those who have His knowledge. The Bible contains the knowledge that we most need. One reason why many Christians are overcome by the devils tactics is their ignorance of Gods Word. My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children (Hosea 4:6). Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).

Proverbs 22:13-14 (KJV): 13 The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets. 14 The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.

Verse 13 This verse demonstrates another characteristic of the slothful; they convince themselves to avoid responsibility with any kind of excuse. The slightest inconvenience or difficulty will keep a sluggard from going outside to get to work, just as the imagined fears of the idle person will also do. Solomon lived in a country where lions lived, but it was as unlikely then as now that a lion would have gotten within the gates of Jerusalem. Wild animals avoid large cities. Idle people easily become prey to wild imaginations and fears as well as physical disorders. A slothful man will use excuses to keep from doing his duty or going to work, just as this man used the excuse that he was afraid of a lion killing him. Whatever goals or call of God that we may have, there will always be obstacles to overcome in order to fulfill them. As Christians, we can rely on Gods grace and strength to help us in all things and to develop an overcoming spirit. One cannot escape from a lazy mindset without the desire to change. When a person repents of slothfulness and cries out to God for help to overcome it, God begins to deliver him from his old nature and enables him to find satisfaction in working. He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap (Ecclesiastes 11:4). Verse 14 The Bible warns people to avoid speaking with loose and immoral women who may trap and seduce them with flattery and convincing words. An adulteress tempting words are like flimsy branches and leaves, covering a deep pit that is dug to trap a wild beast. The unsuspecting animal walks right over it and falls in. Of course, the reverse is true also, as lustful men can lure unsuspecting females too, but since King Solomon wrote these Proverbs, he addresses this from a male standpoint.

Ultimately, the men who become ensnared by loose women are those who ignore Gods Word. They are full of pride and think they can escape the consequences of resisting Gods principles and ignoring His advice. They allow their lust and pride to rule them. Scripture states that God resists the proud. But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble (James 4:6). God cannot help people who consistently refuse His ways.

Proverbs 22:15-16 (KJV): 15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. 16 He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want. Verse 15 The Bible says that foolishness is in the hearts of all children. This is expressed by several words in Hebrew. One definition of foolishness is silliness. Children are notorious for doing silly things that could endanger their lives. Another Biblical definition of foolishness is rebellion, which can reside in a child even at a very young age. Both silliness and rebellion are dangerous attributes. When rebellion surfaces in a child, it is the parents duty to drive it out. In Day 97 we looked at the fact that if we love our children, we will consistently discipline them. In Day 175 we saw that it is important to begin disciplining our children at an early age, and that we must not allow their crying to deter us from disciplining them. In Day 235 we will look at how to discipline a child according to Biblical guidelines. Children who are not properly disciplined are among the most miserable of children. Unruly and spoiled children are not the blessings that they should be to parents. When a child is given no boundaries, he or she feels lost. Children must have boundaries that are consistently maintained. If they are not maintained, it causes great harm to a child, since he will not only be in dangerous territory, but will also lose respect for authority. This is where we find so many of the youth of today. They are rebels who not only disrespect, but they openly defy all authority figures, such as teachers, policemen, clergy, and their own parents. The blame rests upon the parents of these children for not consistently disciplining them, as Proverbs teaches: Withold not discipline from the child, for if you strike and punish him with the (reedlike) rod, he will not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell. (Proverbs 23:13-14). Verse 16 If we take advantage of the poor and use them for our own advantage to make money, we ourselves will become poor. The Bible also tells us that if we give gifts to the rich to gain an advantage or favor from them, that will also bring us to want. There is nothing wrong with giving a wealthy friend a gift if it is given with the proper motives, and not with a manipulative reason. God looks at our hearts and motives and if they are impure, we will reap what we sow toward others. According

to this scripture, when we take advantage of the poor and pander to the rich, we will come to poverty.

Proverbs 22:17-18 (KJV): 17 Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. 18 For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. Learning to claim Gods Word is important. Confessing it aloud helps us to remember it. It also builds our faith and helps us to hold on to Gods promises when it is a real battle to do so. We must confess what Gods Word says about our circumstances and ourselves, not what the world or our fears may tell us. Speaking Gods Word causes the rest of our words to begin to line up with it. We should confess the Word over our problems, instead of confessing only our problems. When feeling discouraged or doubtful, we must continue to confess in faith what the Bible says about us or our situations. We must, however, be careful to have a Biblical (and not merely a positive) confession.[1] A Biblical confession speaks Gods Word back to Him, while a positive confession is simply speaking what one wants to hear and is directed primarily toward self-interest. We honor God by lining up what we think and say with His truth and trusting Him to provide our needs because we know He is good. Our aim must never be to try to manipulate God into doing what we want. Some so-called confession teachers say we should never speak anything negative; we should never say that we have an illness or a problem. This is not what the Bible teaches. We can certainly state the facts, but we should always resolve to speak the greater facts of Gods Word over them. Faith-filled words invite the Holy Spirit into the problem. For example, in telling people that you are under an attack of illness, it would be wise to phrase it like this: My doctor says I have (name the disease or condition), but I believe that God is my Healer and therefore I am claiming the Scripture that says, ...by the stripes of Jesus I am healed (1 Peter 2:24b). Would you agree with me in prayer for healing? The Bible contains many promises that we may claim. If we do not know what God says about a problem, we need only open the Bible and research the subject to learn what God has promised to do for us in each particular circumstance. Abraham is a wonderful example of believing Gods promises and acting in faith. God promised Abraham that his descendents would be exceedingly numerous. Although Abraham knew he was too old to father children, he ...staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform (Romans 4:2021).

Proverbs 22:19-21 19 So that your trust [belief, reliance, support and confidence] may be in the Lord, I have made known these things to you today, even to you. 20 Have I not written to you (long ago) excellent things in counsels and knowledge, 21 To make you know the certainty of the words of truth, that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?

As Solomon often addressed his sons in his proverbs, God, who inspired the Proverbs, also addresses His children through them. Proverbs reveals truth to us, so that we may put our trust in the Lord (verse 19). The entire Bible contains the words of truth to which verse 21 refers. God is the truth, the certainty, behind the Scripture. What is truth? Actually, the question should be, Who is truth? We find that answer in the Bible, in both the Old Testament and New Testament. Solomon prophetically says in verse 20, Have I not written to you (long ago) excellent things in counsels and knowledge (AMP). Ascribe ye greatness unto our God. He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he (Deuteronomy 32:3b and 4). God is a God of truth. Jesus said that He Himself is the truth. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me (John 14:6). He also said that we could receive the Holy Spirit who is the Spirit of Truth. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you (John 14:16-17). Therefore, if we desire to know the truth, we must seek to know our Father God through His Son Jesus Christ. After we receive Jesus in our hearts, we must read and obey His Word if we want to walk in truth. The Bible tells us we have an enemy who is opposed to the truth and tries to keep us from knowing it. The devil is a liar and the father of lies. Everyone is fathered either by God or the devil, and each life reflects Gods or Satans character. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? He that is of God heareth Gods words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God (John 8:44-47). To walk in truth, we must daily seek to know and obey Jesus better. The more we know Him, the more truth we know, and the more brightly shines the spiritual light in which we walk. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light

shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it notThat was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world (John 1:4,9).

Proverbs 22:22-23 22 Rob not the poor (being tempted by their helplessness), neither oppress the afflicted at the gate (where the city court is held), 23 For the Lord will plead their cause, and deprive of life those who deprive the poor and afflicted. Unlike the rich, the poor are vulnerable, having no means of protecting themselves; therefore, those who exploit them are detestable in the eyes of God. No person is less important to God than another. God loves the poor and instructs His followers to help them. Psalm 41:1-3 records special promises that God makes to those who consider and help the poor. Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness. Here God says He will bless them and deliver them in their time of trouble. He will preserve them and keep them alive. Then, to top it off, He promises to heal them when they languish on a sick bed. What wonderful promises for simply helping others! Helping the poor does not mean helping the lazy. The Bible clearly teaches that those who do not work should not eat. Lazy busybodies and those who engage in disorderly conduct need instruction on changing their ways, not material help. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12). However, to neglect those who are truly needy and helpless, is sin. Ungodly societies that destroy their weak and burdensome members are eventually destroyed. The last part of verse 22 warns against using the law to oppress the poor. Our present-day judicial system has drifted away from its original intent to convict lawbreakers and protect the innocent. Swift punishment of the guilty has been abandoned. Court appeals and delays stretch into costly trials lasting for years at public expense. Criminals are often not even sentenced. Many lawyers misuse the law for personal gain, obtaining settlements for clients in amounts far above rightful compensation, as well as people who want to use the legal system beyond what would be a fair settlement. Outlandish court rulings, so lucrative for lawyers, have a domino effect on the American economy. Doctors, professionals, companies, etc., must insure themselves heavily against lawsuits. Higher insurance rates result for everyone, increasing costs for medical services and everything else. If justice is to be seen in America again, we must return to Biblical principles and shape our laws by

them. The Lord requires justice for all people, rich and poor. We should pray for godly judges in our courts, and vote for men of character who will make good judges. The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God (2 Samuel 23:3).

Proverbs 22:24-25 (KJV): 24 Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: 25 Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul. Angry people are always stirring up trouble. Todays verses warn that if we associate with an angry man, we will learn to think and act as he does. An angry mob starts by someone getting mad about an issue, and then inciting others to take up their offences. A man given to anger vents his feelings through angry words (from swearing to verbal abuse) and violent actions (from breaking things to hurting people), or both. His ways are foolish, for he speaks and acts rashly. He is unstable; no one knows when his anger will be kindled next. His ways encourage selfishness, pride, impatience, irritability, and lack of self-control. Once established, these patterns are hard to break. Many evil consequences are reaped from them, including bringing curses on himself from things he says in anger; gaining a bad reputation; and damaged relationships with his loved ones. For this reason, friendship or even casual association with a person given to anger (or any other sin), is harmful. This does not mean that when we come in contact with sinners we should become cold and aloof or isolate ourselves from them. It simply means that we should not form relationships with them. Children are especially prone to the influence of others. Parents should warn their children to choose their friends very carefully, and be aware of who they hang out with. We all ought to choose friends, and especially spouses, carefully, and pay attention to whom they associate with. He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed (Proverbs 13:20). To grow spiritually, we need the company of those who are walking in the spirit. We should not befriend people simply because they are intelligent or even because they attend many church meetings. We should look for those who know and practice Gods Word. These are industrious, godly Christians walking with the Lord and growing in the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), not carnal, smug, or pleasureseeking people who only profess to be Christians. Scripture instructs us not to be yoked in marriage, friendship, or business with unbelievers. We must choose our relationships wisely. Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God,

and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you (2 Corinthians 6:14-17).

Proverbs 22:26-27 (KJV): 26 Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts. 27 If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee? Verse 26 As we saw in Day 36, it is unwise to become surety for someone elses debt, or to co-sign someone elses loan. This verse speaks of striking hands. Years ago in America, many people entered formal agreements merely by shaking hands. A handshake sealed a bargain, signifying that a person was giving his word to uphold his end of an agreement. Because most people were honorable, they carried out their part of the agreement; when they gave their word, they kept it. Today we still shake hands on an agreement, but only after we have signed papers that legally bind us to fulfill the conditions of the contracts that we have signed. We should take every agreement that we sign very seriously. Giving our word to do something is a serious thing before God and people. Even if we are not legally bound to do something, as Gods children we must keep our word when we give it, though it may be inconvenient or damaging financially, socially, or in any other way. In Psalm 15:4 David, describing the characteristics of a godly man, said that he ...sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. Often after telling someone that I would do something I have wished that I had not done so, for it became very difficult for me to keep my word. At times, we have all sworn to our own hurt, but God expects us to keep our word, just as He keeps His Word, even if it hurts to do so. Verse 27 Many people request loans in order to maintain an unaffordable lifestyle, rather than for emergency help. Often, it becomes too difficult for them to keep up the loan payments and the co-signer is held accountable. This not only creates a financial burden for the co-signer, but jeopardizes his own financial position if he is unable to assume the requirements of the loan. Depending on the laws involved, it might even lead to the loss of his house and furniturehis bed being literally taken from him. At the very least, it could damage his credit. Co-signing loans for those who have not learned Biblical financial principles is actually unkind. Ultimately, loans do not help them, and many later feel animosity toward those who helped them incur the debt by co-signing the loan. Do these verses imply that we should never help those who ask us for financial help? Certainly not; but rather that we be wise in giving help. We must be careful to help those with genuine needs, but not necessarily by co-signing a loan for them. Perhaps the Lord would want us just to giveinstead of loanto them. Proverbs 22:26-27 (KJV):

26 Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts. 27 If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee? erse 26 As we saw in Day 36, it is unwise to become surety for someone elses debt, or to co-sign someone elses loan. This verse speaks of striking hands. Years ago in America, many people entered formal agreements merely by shaking hands. A handshake sealed a bargain, signifying that a person was giving his word to uphold his end of an agreement. Because most people were honorable, they carried out their part of the agreement; when they gave their word, they kept it. Today we still shake hands on an agreement, but only after we have signed papers that legally bind us to fulfill the conditions of the contracts that we have signed. We should take every agreement that we sign very seriously. Giving our word to do something is a serious thing before God and people. Even if we are not legally bound to do something, as Gods children we must keep our word when we give it, though it may be inconvenient or damaging financially, socially, or in any other way. In Psalm 15:4 David, describing the characteristics of a godly man, said that he ...sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. Often after telling someone that I would do something I have wished that I had not done so, for it became very difficult for me to keep my word. At times, we have all sworn to our own hurt, but God expects us to keep our word, just as He keeps His Word, even if it hurts to do so. Verse 27 Many people request loans in order to maintain an unaffordable lifestyle, rather than for emergency help. Often, it becomes too difficult for them to keep up the loan payments and the co-signer is held accountable. This not only creates a financial burden for the co-signer, but jeopardizes his own financial position if he is unable to assume the requirements of the loan. Depending on the laws involved, it might even lead to the loss of his house and furniturehis bed being literally taken from him. At the very least, it could damage his credit. Co-signing loans for those who have not learned Biblical financial principles is actually unkind. Ultimately, loans do not help them, and many later feel animosity toward those who helped them incur the debt by co-signing the loan. Do these verses imply that we should never help those who ask us for financial help? Certainly not; but rather that we be wise in giving help. We must be careful to help those with genuine needs, but not necessarily by co-signing a loan for them. Perhaps the Lord would want us just to giveinstead of loanto them.

Proverbs 22:28 (KJV) 28 Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set. This verse has both natural and spiritual implications. Landmarks in ancient Israel marked property boundaries. A stone, a stake, or other monument was used to establish and prevent infringement of property rights. A wicked person would remove a landmark, either out of coveting someone else's property or to mislead people in order to attack them. In Western cultures, a landmark has come to mean primarily some conspicuous object or building that serves as a guide to travelers. Therefore, this verse is telling us to respect the property rights of others, as well as the hereditary rights that our fathers have set up in the past. Neither should we tear down a marker that is used for guidance. This causes confusion and can cause people to lose their way. For instance, when I go back to my old home town, they have changed the streets and torn down old buildings. I cannot find my way around and must get a new map or ask a local person for directions. This does not mean we should not change things for the better - but with change we need to consider those who look for the old landmarks, and identify the old streets by leaving or referencing the old names. Young Christians should respect their elder's boundaries. There are reasons for the boundaries, and the younger generation would be wise to honor them. This is actually part of obeying the commandment to honor our parents (Exodus 20:12). Young people, in their desire for independence, will often disregard their elder's advice, sometimes to their own detriment. Satan is trying to rid our nation of the ancient moral landmarks that our founding forefathers set in place, especially the Ten Commandments. He knows that without these standards in the earth, he will be able to destroy society. Without respect for authority, our world will be reduced to chaos. The same can also apply to teachings. Some of the so-called "new" teachings in the Church are really not new at all, but old erroneous ones. They are "winds of doctrine" that toss people to and fro. The Lord gave the church apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to help us walk in the right way, that we may mature in Christ. It is wisdom to listen to our godly church elders. "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ" (Ephesians 4:11-14).

Proverbs 22:29 (KJV) Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men. This verse declares that those who are diligent in business will receive an audience with "kings," or people of high position. In our nation, because of sin, business ethics are deteriorating. The emphasis of most businesses is not on ethical practices, but on how to make a profit. It is not wrong for a business to make money, since that is what it is supposed to do; but it is wrong to emphasize money over honest business principles. Some businessmen think that giving tithes and offerings fulfills their calling. This is commendable, but every disciple of the Lord has a higher calling: to be totally dedicated to Jesus in everything they do. Giving is only one of those things. Every Christian has the primary call to share the Gospel, as Jesus commanded in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). This is our true vocation. It is fulfilled through our avocation, which is our means of livelihood. Wherever we are in life, we are to share the gospel. A stay-at-home mother's field would be her home and neighborhood. She raises her children in the nurture of the Lord, and shares the Gospel with her neighbors. An employee's field is his workplace. He tries to be the best employee possible to demonstrate the nature of Jesus to his employer and those around him. A minister's field is his congregation, as he helps equip them to minister the Gospel wherever they go. "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might..." (Ecclesiastes 9:10a). A businessman or businesswoman should run their businesses in such a way that all may see Jesus through it. They can offer prayer meetings after work hours, or many other things as the Lord leads them. Does this mean that they should neglect their business or turn it into what resembles a church service? No, it means basing their business operations on Biblical principles. Practicing diligence, honesty, and justice with other businessmen and their employees, will make them successful. Their main objective however, is to witness to their employees not only by what they say, but by demonstrating kindness through their actions: by investing in providing a safe work environment; being as generous with salaries and bonuses as possible; being kind in correcting mistakes; being understanding when employees have problems, and serving their customers from the heart. Diligence in business will bring recognition from people in positions of power, enabling a man to stand before them in confidence. Many businessmen who have practiced evil in their corporations are paying the price for it. However, good businessmen stand out by providing shining examples of what a business should look like. These will not go unnoticed, but will be recognized in their communities. Most importantly, they will receive the approval of the King of kings. That is true success!