Excerpts from Proverbs Chapter 22, NLT

“Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.

The rich and the poor have this in common: The Lord made them both.

A prudent person forsees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.

True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life.

Corrupt people walk a thorny, treacherous road; whoever values life will avoid it.

“Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.” (vv. 1-6)

Excerpts from Proverbs Chapter 21, NLT

“People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart.

The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just, than when we offer Him sacrifices.

Haughty eyes , a proud heart, and evil actions are all sin.

Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.” (vv 2-5)

“Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor.

The wise conquer the city of the strong and level the fortress in which they trust.

Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.” (vv. 21-23)

Excerpts from Proverbs Chapter 19, NLT

“Better to be poor and honest than dishonest and a fool.

Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good, haste makes mistakes.

People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord.

Wealth makes many “friends”; poverty drives them all away.” (vv.1-4)

“Discipline your children while there is hope. Otherwise you will ruin their lives.

Hot-tempered people must pay the penalty. If you rescue them once, you will have to do it again.

Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.

You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.” (vv. 18-21)

Excerpts from Proverbs Chapter 18 (NLT)

“Unfriendly people care only about themselves; they lash out at common sense.

Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.

Doing wrong leads to disgrace, and scandalous behavior brings contempt.

Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.” (vv. 1-4)

“Spouting off before listening to the fact is both shameful and foolish.

The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear a crushed spirit?

Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge.”
(vv. 13-15)

True Wisdom Comes From God

“If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with humility that comes from wisdom. But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.” (James 3:13-18, NLT)

Excerpts from Proverbs 16, NLT

“We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer.

People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives.

Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.

The Lord made everything for His own purposes, even the wicked for the day of disaster.”(vv. 1-4)

“When people’s lives please the Lord, even their enemies are at peace with them.

Better to have little with godliness, than be rich and dishonest.

We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” (vv. 7-9)

“Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust in the Lord will be joyful.

The wise are known for their understanding, and pleasant words are persuasive.

Discretion is a life-giving fountain to those who posses it, but discipline is wasted on fools.

From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive.

“Kind words are like honey – sweet to the should and healthy for the body.” (vv. 20-24)

“We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall.” (v. 33)

Excerpts from Proverbs 15 (NLT)

“The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping His eye on both evil and good.

Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” (vv. 3-4)

“Whoever abandons the right path will be severely disciplined; whoever hates correction will die.

Even Death and Destruction hold no secrets from the Lord. How much more does He know the human heart!

Mockers hate to be corrected, so they stay away from the wise.

A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit.” (vv. 10-13)

“Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!” (v. 23)

“A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health.” (v. 30)

Excepts from Proverbs 14, NLT

“Those who follow the right path fear the Lord; those who take the wrong path despise Him.” ( v.2)

“Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains.” (v. 13)

“Those who fear the Lord are secure; He will be a refuge for their children.” (v.26)

A peaceful heart leads our a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer to the bones.” (v. 30)

Excerpts from Proverbs 13 (NLT)

“A wise child accepts a parent’s discipline, a mocker refuses to listen to correction.

Wise words will win you a good meal, but treacherous people have an appetite for violence.

Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin anything.” (vv. 1-3)

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.

People who despise advise are asking for trouble; those who respect a command will succeed.

The instruction of the wise is like a life-giving fountain; those who accept it avoid the snares of death.

A person with good sense is respected; a treacherous person is headed for destruction.

Wise people think before they act; fools don’t- and even brag about their foolishness.” (vv. 12-16,NLT)