July 15, 2018 Bible Study — Choose Who You Hang Out With Wisely

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 22-24.

    Today’s passage begins with the final few short proverbs that we have been reading over the last few days, then transitions into a section of longer sayings. The shorter sayings are one phrase long, the longer sayings are two or three phrases long. All of these sayings contain wisdom which can help us live richer, fuller, happier lives. However, they are not really connected to each other in any other way.

    However, once again there are themes here which the writer returns to multiple times. The writer reminds us that God looks after the poor. If we use our resources to aid the poor God will bless us, but if we use our resources to oppress the poor, God will make us pay. The writer goes into more depth on his advice that we choose who we spend time with and who we seek to emulate with care. If we spend time with people who cannot control their temper, we will learn not to control our own temper. On the other hand if we spend time with people who are wise, we will gain wisdom. Evil people stir up trouble, if you spend time with them, or even just emulate them, you are likely to find yourself caught up in that trouble. Spend time with those who do good and you will find yourself doing good, which will lead to more blessings than you can imagine (Do not mistake blessings and material wealth. While blessings are sometimes material wealth, the ones to be truly desired are not). Seek to emulate the good done by others and you will find eternal happiness and joy.