Proverbs 11:9-10

With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge and discernment the righteous will be rescued. When it goes well for the righteous, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.

In many ways, people take words and speaking for granted. Not enough attention is paid to what we say and how it affects those around us. People with bad intentions say untrue things about others, gossip, and damage people and their lives. God will protect the righteous, but the wicked will not be missed when they are gone.

Proverbs 11:7-8

When the wicked man dies his expectation will perish; and the hope of (godless) strong men perishes. The righteous is rescued from trouble, and the wicked takes his place.

When the wicked die, the hope in their power and wealth dies with them. They are no longer in control, and their hope in that power disappears. The righteous are rescued from trouble and continue to flourish with the help of God. The wicked man still active in their sins will replace the righteous man in that trouble.

Proverbs 11:5-6

The righteousness of the blameless will smooth their way and keep it straight, but the wicked will fall by his own wickedness. The righteousness of the upright will rescue them, but the treacherous will be caught by their own greed.

The righteous do not listen to the devil’s voice leading them into sin. The devil will talk to all of us, but we have the choice to accept or reject the advice. If what we hear does not line up with the word of God, we will stay on the smooth path. Our lives get bumpy and off-road when we choose to follow the thoughts and actions that lead to sin.

Proverbs 11:3-4

The integrity and moral courage of the upright will guide them, but the crookedness of the treacherous will destroy them. Riches will not provide security in the day of wrath and judgment, but righteousness rescues from death.

Whether we have integrity or not before the Lord matters. We can’t play with sin and still expect blessings. The darkness of sin pulls us and blinds our eyes to God’s wisdom. God is our only security in a compromised world.

Proverbs 11:2

When pride comes (boiling up with an arrogant attitude of self-importance), then come dishonor and shame, but with the humble (the teachable who have been chiseled by trial and who have learned to walk humbly with God) there is wisdom and soundness of mind.

A teachable heart tested by trials and circumstances learns that God has all the answers. Pride says a person has all the answers, knows everything, and doesn’t need help or instruction. A humble heart doesn’t struggle in the trial, tormented with fear and worry. They are already built up in the mind with wisdom from God, who helps them through.

Proverbs 11:1

A false balance and dishonest business practices are extremely offensive to the Lord, but an accurate scale is His delight.

In business, honest practices are essential! When a business cheats its customers, it offends God, and He cannot bless the business with increase. God wants to bless us so we can bless others, but we must be trustworthy with finances.

Proverbs 3:27-29
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it,” When you have it with you. Do not devise evil against your neighbor, who lives securely beside you.

If we want good things to happen in our lives, we must be good to others. We can’t treat others badly and expect to flourish. Don’t let sin harden the heart and breed selfishness. Some days we’ll be in need, and other days we’ll be the giver. God expects us to be kind to each other in either circumstance. 

Proverbs 3:24-26
When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden fear nor of the storm of the wicked when it comes; for the Lord will be your confidence, firm and strong, and will keep your foot from being caught.

When the Bible becomes so ingrained in our lives and the truths written become our reality, we will find perfect peace. We will not be shaken in a storm or tempted by evil. We will know and not doubt that the promises of God are real. It takes time, faith, and practice, but we can attain all that God promised. 

Proverbs 3:21-23
My son, let them not escape from your sight, but keep sound wisdom and discretion, and they will be life to your soul (your inner self) and a gracious adornment to your neck (your outer self). Then you will walk on your way securely and your foot will not stumble. 

Deuteronomy says that if they keep the law of God, they will prosper. They are to teach the laws of God to the children and talk about them daily with the family.  This was important to keep wisdom and knowledge of the ways of God fresh in their minds. Wisdom comes when we keep the mind focused on the Word and clear of clutter. 

Proverbs 3:18-20
She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy is everyone who holds her tightly. The Lord by His wisdom has found the earth; by His understanding He has established the heavens. By His knowledge the deeps were broken up and the clouds drip with dew.

Wisdom from heaven is the life-changing gamechanger in this fallen world. Without wisdom, we would not be led to salvation or a relationship with God. God created us and this world with a knowledge we cannot comprehend. Yet offers to us that same wisdom to guide our lives. Pray for wisdom for your life so that you may flourish on this earth.