The heart.
v.12 The mocker. The mocker will not accept correction (he resents it) and will not consult the wise (will not walk with the wise). The wise man (or woman) will, by implication, do just the opposite. A man becomes wise through instruction and association with the wise, the mocker rejects both. See also 15:10.
v.13 Happy heart. Your emotional state is reflected in your face and your soul. A happy (joyful) heart is reflected by a cheerful face (and spirit); a sad (troubled) heart by a crushed spirit (and face). Feelings deep inside will find a way out in your demeanor.
v.14 Discerning heart. Similar to 15:7 this proverb indicates that the wise are discerning and seek after knowledge. The fool feeds on (acquires) folly. Perhaps his own as in 26:11.
v.15 Cheerful heart. The days of the inwardly oppressed (or the needy) are evil, but the cheerful of heart feast continually. Life is hard, but if you adopt a cheerful attitude, the circumstances are irrelevant.

Contentment.
v.16 Spiritual wealth. Spiritual wealth is far better than material wealth. Fear of the Lord causes contentment and tranquility which is far better than the trouble and turmoil one may have with material wealth.
v.17 Love. Better a peanut butter sandwich with love than a Big Mac with hatred. Happy, loving relationships are to be preferred to a great meal with strife. Don’t despise humble circumstances if that is where you are.
v.18 Patience. It takes great patience to maintain the peace. The proverb contrasts the hot-tempered man with one who is slow to anger. The first stirs up trouble while the second calms the situation down.

The sluggard and fools.
v.19 The way of life. The way of a sluggard is blocked with many thorny obstacles. The way of the diligent, upright man is a smooth, level highway. See 28:19. Avoid laziness and pursue virtue.
v.20 Parental joy. A wise son causes joy for his parents, but the fool inflicts grief on his mother (see 10:1). That the fool despises his mother is evidenced by the grief he brings on her.
v.21 The straight course. The fool follows any whim and he lacks the good sense to see the folly in it. By contrast, the man of understanding stays on the straight and narrow path. The good lifestyle is built on wise decisions which is built on character which is built on knowledge.
v.22 Many advisers. Plans fail for lack of wise counsel, but with many (wise) advisers they succeed. See 11:14. This can be observed on a national level in things like the invasion of Iraq. Commit to submitting your plans to the wisdom of others. As an example, consider Rehoboam (1 Kgs 12:1-15).
v.23 A word in season. It is a joy to give an apt reply (timely and fitting advice) and very good is a word in season (which requires knowledge and wisdom).
v.24 Path of life. The path of life leads upward for the wise (prudent) to keep him from going downward to Sheol (the grave). “A life of wisdom preserves life” (Ross, 142).

These proverbs teach that the path of life leads upward (to heaven) for the wise. Have a cheerful attitude in whatever life circumstances you find yourself in. Associate yourself with those who can give wise counsel. Submit the plans of your life to the wisdom of others.

Read Proverbs 15:12-24.

Words of wisdom
v.1 A soft word. The wise will give a gentle answer (i.e., a conciliatory response during an argument or disagreement) that turns away wrath rather than using harsh language that stirs up anger. Gideon’s answer in Jgs 8:1-3 illustrates the point as does the story of Nabal and Abigail in 1 Sm 25:1-35. Prefer coolheadedness to hotheadedness.
v.2 Wise speech. Wise speech is characterized by excellence and knowledge. The fool gushes forth with his folly. We can often distinguish the wise and the fool by their speech. Prefer knowledge to stupidity.
v.3 Omniscience. The Lord is everywhere, sees everything, and knows everything. He keeps watch over the evil and the good (as an incentive for right conduct). Judgment is implied; see Heb 4:13. God is in control, therefore prefer good to evil.
v.4 Healing speech. Healing (calm) words bring life to the spirit while deceitful (perverse) words crush the spirit. See Prv 17:22. Prefer to speak healing rather than harm.
v.5 Discipline. It is foolish (or stupid) to spurn your father’s (or mother’s) discipline. The prudent man (or woman) heeds correction. Wisdom to teach others is learned by listening. Prefer heeding correction to spurning it.
v.6 Righteous reward. One reward for righteousness is prosperity. The contrast is with the troubled income of the wicked. The prosperity of the righteous is not necessarily material goods (but that is not to be excluded). Think perhaps of joy in living this life and reward in the life to come.
v.7 Lips of the wise. The lips of the wise spread knowledge (their words bring profit). The fool does not have knowledge (he is perverse). What we say comes from the heart, so the proverb says the fool’s heart lacks knowledge.

Way of wisdom
v.8 Worship. Your spiritual condition determine the acceptability of your worship. Prayer from the upright in heart pleases God. The worship acts (sacrifice) of the wicked are unacceptable to God (they are an abomination). See Ps 51:17, Prv 15:29.
v.9 Conduct. The way of the wicked is an abomination to God. God loves those who walk in the way of righteousness. The proverb makes a contrast between two paths (lifestyles), one God hates and the other God loves.
v.10 Discipline. Severe (or painful) discipline is in store for the one who leaves the path (of righteousness [life]) and the one who hates correction will die. See Rom 8:13. Prefer correction to death.
v.11 Divine omniscience. The Lord knows the heart (intents, motives, thoughts, etc.) of every person. He knows the remote underworld and therefore how much more the hearts of men. See Ps 44:21.

These proverbs teach about the way and speech of the wise. The purpose is to encourage right behavior and a right heart before God.

Read Proverbs 15:1-11

Kings and servants.
v.28 Multitude of people. A royal proverb. Political power varies with the number of people in the party. Without servants (people) a prince (king) is ruined. The king’s glory is in an abundance of subjects.
v.29 Patience. This proverb encourages the reader to cultivate understanding. A patient (slow to anger) man has great understanding (competence) but the quick-tempered man displays (exalts) his folly (stupidity).
v.30 Tranquility. It is healthy to find contentment and to be tranquil in heart. This tranquility gives life while jealousy and envy bring pain and problems (and ultimately death).
v.31 The poor. Contrasting the treatment of the poor, this proverb teaches that oppressing the poor insults his Maker, while kindness to the needy honors God. See Mt 25:31-46.
v.32 Calamity. The wicked are overthrown when calamity comes but the righteous find refuge, even in their death.
v.33 Wisdom. Wisdom rests in the heart of a man of understanding (discernment) and makes herself known even among fools (or possibly, is not known in fools).
v.34 Righteousness. Righteousness exalts a nation (brings it prosperity and power), while (the love of) sin is a national disgrace (diminishes the people).
v.35 Shame. A royal proverb. A wise servant earns the favor of the king, but the one who acts shamefully incurs his wrath. That is, a servant’s level of competence affects how he is perceived.

These proverbs encourage us to pursue wisdom, righteousness, and proper treatment of the needy. This reminds us of Micah 6:8

He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?

Righteousness results in a refuge that extends even into death.

Read Proverbs 14:28-35

The fear the Lord.
v.16 Avoid evil. A wise man is cautious (or fears the Lord, NIV) and shuns evil, but a fool is reckless and careless (and yet feels secure). The wise consider a matter while the fool simply reacts. See Phil 2:12.
v.17 Bad character (traits). Those with a quick temper acts foolishly (stupidly). A man of evil devices is hated. Evil devices refers to evil that has been carefully planned (schemed). Both the man of quick temper and the evil schemer lead to bad ends. See 12:2.
v.18 Knowledge. Here the prudent have (are crowned with) knowledge and the simple inherit (the shame of) folly.
v.19 Reward of the righteous. Evil men will bow down to (acknowledge and serve) the righteous. See Phil 2:10. The long run result of this principle is illustrated in Lk 16:19-31.
v.20 Popularity of riches. The poor are disliked by their neighbors while the rich are popular. Jesus said anyone in need is our neighbor, Lk 10:25-37.
v.21 The needy. He who despises his neighbor (who is needy) is a sinner. The one who is kind to the needy (neighbor and friends) will have God’s blessing (and be happy). Love your neighbor as yourself, Lev 19:18.
v.22 Conduct. Contrasts devising evil and devising good. Those who do the former go astray, while the who do the latter show (or find) steadfast love and faithfulness.
v.23 Hard work. In all hard work (toil) there is a profit, but mere (foolish) talk leads to poverty. Be more afraid of idle talk than of hard work. Talk is cheap but action leads to profit.
v.24 Wealth. The crown (symbol of honor) of the wise is his wealth, while the wealth of the fool is his folly (nothingness).
v.25 Truthful witness. This proverb contrasts truthful and false witnesses (in court). The truthful witness saves lives, the false witness is deceitful (and destroys lives). See 14:5.
v.26 Security. He who fears the Lord is secure and his children have a refuge (a secure fortress/confidence).
v.27 Fountain of life. Reverential fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a man away from the snares of death. See 13:14.

A wise man cautiously considers his steps. He is characterized by the fear of God which leads to life and security for him and his family. Quick-tempered fools alienate God and people they come into contact with.

Read Proverbs 14:16-27

Prudence and folly.
v.8 Consider your ways. The wisdom of the prudent is to carefully consider their ways (their path); but the folly of fools is to deceive themselves (and others).
v.9 Making amends. Fools ridicule the idea of making amends (for wrongs), while the upright show goodwill (and enjoy God’s favor).
v.10 Emotions are personal. The deepest emotional feelings of bitterness and joy can only be understood by the person with those feelings. Only God knows what is in the heart (15:11; Jer 17:10; 1 Sm 16:7). Don’t evaluate others based on outward appearance.
v.11 Prosperity. The house of the wicked will be destroyed; while the upright (those with wisdom and integrity) prosper. See 12:7.
v.12 The way of death. There is a way that seems right to a man but that ends in death. The ways of the world (evil) are deceptive. They may promise the good life, but in the end cannot deliver. See 12:15, 16:25, and Mt 7:13-14. The wise will constantly reevaluate their life path.
v.13 A grain of salt. Even in apparent joy the heart may ache inside. Take what you see in external appearance with a grain of salt. What seems joyful today may end in grief tomorrow.
v.14 Rewards for deeds. Both the backslider in heart and the good man will be filled with the fruit of his ways.
v.15 Discernment. The simple (fool) believes anything, but the prudent (wise) gives it careful consideration. See 9:6.

These proverbs remind us of the need to think critically and be careful to be on the right path (of wisdom). Remember that appearances can deceive.

Read Proverbs 14:8-15

Wisdom and the fool.
v.1 The wise woman. A wise woman brings prosperity to her household, but a foolish woman tears hers down with her own hands.
v.2 Fear of the Lord. The upright in walk fear the Lord, but the devious in his ways despises him.
v.3 The fools talk. The speech of the righteous brings safety (protection from needless pain). The talk of the fool brings punishment (a rod for his back).
v.4 The fool has no ox. The manger is clean where there are no oxen, but the strength of an ox brings abundant harvest. One must have oxen to produce crops. Although a farmer can save some work and expense by not having oxen, the benefit of keeping oxen far exceeds the cost.
v.5 A faithful witness. A faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness pours out lies (and does great harm). See 19:28.
v.6 Who finds wisdom. The mocker seeks (superficially) for wisdom but cannot find it. Wisdom comes easy for a man of understanding (who is open to correction, displays humility, and fears the Lord).
v.7 A foolish man. Don’t associate with the foolish man, knowledge is not found there. See 13:20.

The wise and foolish are contrasted in these proverbs. To follow the path of the wise, keep away from the company of fools. The upright walk in fear of God, don’t try to “go it alone” in life.

Read Proverbs 14:1-7

Wisdom and it’s rewards.
v.20 Proper company. Examine who you spend your time with as even your choice of companions has consequences. If you are associated with the wise you will become wise. Don’t associate with fools or you will suffer harm.
v.21 Prosperity. The righteous will be rewarded with prosperity but disaster (or evil) pursues the wicked (sinners).
v.22 Inheritance. A good man leaves an inheritance to his offspring, while the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous. The good person’s wealth lasts for their lifetime and for future generations. The wealth of the fool is only temporary.
v.23 Injustice. The poor man’s hard work may produce enough food, but injustice takes it away.
Discipline and eating.
v.24 Love and discipline. The father who loves his son will carefully discipline (loving correction) him. Sparing the rod from his back means you hate him.
v.25 Eating. The righteous will have enough to eat, but the wicked will suffer want. See 10:3.

The proverbs here affirm the righteous having enough for themselves and their children. But we must be careful not to crave riches or we will end up with nothing.

Read Proverbs 13:20-25

A desire fulfilled.
v.12 Hopes fulfilled or unfulfilled. It brings great encouragement to realize ones hopes and great discouragement or depression to fail to do so. The fulfillment of desire is compared to the tree of life implying life and the enjoyment thereof.
v.13 Heed instruction. There is a reward for respecting the commandment of the father (and obeying it). He who despises instruction will pay for it (some negative consequence).
v.14 Wise teaching. The teaching of the wise is here compared to a fountain of life that leads a man away from the snares of death. The fountain of life is associated with the fear of the Lord in 14:27.
v.15 Good sense brings favor. Good sense, sound judgment, and wise opinions bring one favor in the eyes of the community (and in God’s eyes). But the way of the treacherous (unfaithful) is their ruin.
v.16 The prudent. A man’s actions either display his wisdom or expose his folly. The prudent acts out of knowledge (an associate of wisdom) and wins favor. But the fool will make a fool of himself and earns shame.
v.17 The faithful messenger. The faithfulness of the messenger determines the success of the mission. The wicked messenger will have troubles while the faithful will bring healing.
v.18 Benefit of discipline. A correct response to discipline brings honor and success. Poverty and shame come to the one who ignores instruction. A man with discipline can control himself and focus on the task at hand.
v.19 A desire fulfilled. A good desire accomplished is a cause for joy. A fool will not give up his evil in order to attain to this result.

Don’t be a fool, listen to instruction and lead a life characterized by discipline, good sense, faithfulness, and prudence.

Read Proverbs 13:12-19

Wealth of the righteous.
v.7 Appearances can be deceiving. One person may pretend to be important and another may have wealth but not show it off. Honesty is better than pretension. The wise will not let appearances deceive them.
v.8 Disadvantage of wealth. The rich man is subject to kidnapping, blackmail and the like. He uses his wealth to get out of trouble. But the poor man is not put into such trouble in the first place (maybe because he is protected along with the righteous [v.6] or maybe because he has nothing worth stealing).
v.9 Endurance of the righteous. Here “light” represents life, joy and prosperity and “dark” represents adversity and death. The righteous are associated with light and the wicked with darkness. See 24:20.
v.10 Wisdom listens to advice. The wise listen to advice rather than quarrel out of pride. The proud refuse to listen and learn. See 12:15.
v.11 Honest investment. Steady (little by little) and wise (diligent) investment produces prosperity. But riches obtain quickly by some dishonest means (theft or speculation) will dwindle away. See 20:21.

These proverbs suggest that righteousness, wisdom and industry are to be preferred characteristics of our life.

Read Proverbs 13:7-11

Discipline and righteousness (1-6).
v.1 Discipline. The wise son listens to the instruction of his parents and responds appropriately. The scoffer is not teachable and will not listen to rebuke.
v.2 Appetite. The wise speak well and eat well as a result. The faithless, however, speak and eat violence (against others).
v.3 Guard your lips. This proverbs teaches the wisdom in using discretion in your speech. The one who guards his lips preserves his life; the one with the big mouth will be ruined.
v.4 Diligence. Here is a contrast in outcomes between the soul that is diligent, who is fully satisfied, and the soul of the sluggard, who craves but gets nothing. The sluggard is driven by cravings but these desires are never satisfied because he refuses to do the necessary work.
v.5 Truth. The righteous are characterized by hating falsehood (and loving the truth). The wicked bring on shame (by their falsehood).
v.6 Righteousness. The man of integrity is guarded by his righteousness. The sinner is overthrown by his wickedness.

This section describes outcomes for (1) listening to discipline, (2) speaking well (wisely), (3) using discretion, (4) diligence, (5) loving truth, and (6) righteousness. In each case the outcome is positive and is contrasted with the negative outcome of doing the opposite.

Read Proverbs 13:1-6