Proverbs 14-15

Proverbs 14-15

Since much of the book of Proverbs is a sort of random collection of observations, here are some random thoughts from today’s reading.

14:5—A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them.

The wise and the foolish are so often identified by their manner of speech—or lack of speech. So often the wise thing is to keep one’s mouth shut and listen; and so often I just open ‘er up and let her rip. There’s a quip attributed either to Abraham Lincoln or Mark Twain (though neither probably said it): “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and to remove all doubt.” Sage words.

14:8—The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.

Again, wisdom is recognized by thoughtful planning. Human nature tends to assume and leap. The proverbs declare that it is prudent to ‘look before you leap.’ (Of course, that proverbial wisdom has its counterpoint in not dithering about. Sometimes wisdom is seen in decisiveness, too.)

14:10—Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.

Here’s an interesting one, because we so often recognize that sharing our burdens can ease them.  Sometimes it just feels better to talk about what’s troubling us, and we have a call to listen sympathetically to others. (Carry one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ, Galatians 6:2).  Yet, this proverb also recognizes the loneliness that sin imposes on us.  We can never fully share our hurts and our joys. Expressing them may help, but in many ways they remain uniquely our.

14:12—There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.

Wisdom calls for discernment.  Sometimes it seems the right path, but it isn’t. How do you know? Do your homework, consider your options, pray…and realize that sometimes we just make mistakes.

15:1—A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

            This one seems to speak for itself, although it is hard to keep a gentle spirit and a gentle tongue when things are heating up.

15:16-17—Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil. Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred.

            Talk about counter-intuitive! We live a society that values consumption and accumulation.  Security and well-being have a ton to do with the status of our 401(k)s in modern American. But wisdom recognizes that accumulation brings its own troubles; contentment—that’s the key!

15:18—A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.

            Learning to keep temper in check seems to be an important theme.

15:22—Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

            I have been in school for a long time—a long time. High school, college, grad school (twice now)—and I’ve never really been taught to collaborate.  I mean, schools try, but almost everyone hates a group project, because one slacker pulls down all of our grades. Success comes to the individual. I mean, even in a team sport, it happens.  Fantasy football buffs are more concerned with individual performances than team results; the Pro Football Hall of Fame celebrates individual achievements.  But the proverb reminds us: there’s wisdom in consultation.  An outside adviser may well see something obvious that we’ve missed.