I am using the daily Bible reading schedule from “The Bible.net” for my daily Bible reading.

Today, I am reading and commenting on Proverbs 9-13.

Today’s passage continues the theme that Wisdom offers itself to all who will listen.  It does not take wealth, or special privilege to learn wisdom.  Of course, the same is true of Folly.  Foolishness offers itself to any who will take it.  Folly offers guilty pleasures but hides their true cost.  We live in an age where many speak of “privilege”, but the proverb writer reminds us that it does not take privilege to be wise and those born to privilege can be just as foolish as those born at a disadvantage.  More importantly, those born at a disadvantage can reap the benefits of wisdom if they so choose.  If you choose a life of self-discipline, good judgment, and wisdom you will reap the benefits they bring, no matter how much at a disadvantage you started out in life.

I am using the daily Bible reading schedule from “The Bible.net” for my daily Bible reading.

Today, I am reading and commenting on Proverbs 14-17.

Today’s passage contains a collection of pithy sayings which sum up wisdom.  Of course, that makes it hard to write a blog entry on it.  However, there are a couple of things which the sayings repeat in different ways.  One of those is the importance and value of choosing your words carefully.  Wisely spoken words can accomplish much to make your life better, but foolish statements will come back to haunt you.  The wise use few words, meaning that even a fool can appear wise if they limit what they say.  In fact, if a fool keeps quiet perhaps it is because they are learning wisdom.  The wise speak sparingly because in their humility they realize that they have nothing useful to say.  Closely related to that, the wise choose both their words and actions with care.  They do not rush in before they understand the situation.  Which leads us to the advice on controlling your temper.  Allowing anger to control your words and/or your actions will cause you to say or do foolish things.

Another set of thoughts contained within today’s passage to which, while related to the previous paragraph, I cannot easily transition follows.  If you look for trouble, or reasons to be unhappy, you will find them, but if you seek good and happiness you will find that instead.  Related to that, those who seek understanding and self-control will be better off and happier than those who seek wealth and power.  Which leads that trading time with those you love, and who love you, for wealth and power obtained by spending time with those you despise and who despise you is a loser’s game.  The advantages of wealth and power gained dishonestly are not worth the loss in self-respect and integrity.