These verses are self-explanatory but we could ask ourselves, were we wise sons when we were younger? If so, in what way? If not, in what away? Maybe we should all ask ourselves if we recognise that we’re all responsible for our own actions, James 3:2.
Lazy people want things but don’t have them, while the diligent person has them, why? Because they are willing to work for the things they want, Proverbs 21:25.
Who likes seeing evil done to someone? Solomon tells us that both extremes are bad, the idea is that we should simply be honest and humble. We must remember we are rich in Christ, 2 Corinthians 8:9.
Have you ever seen the film ‘Ransom’ with Mel Gibson? In the film, Mel Gibson is rich and willing and able to pay the demanded ransom. However, he rebukes the man who wants the ransom money and refuses to pay because there is no reason to blackmail him. Our ransom has been paid by Christ, Mark 10:45.
Have you ever met someone who is a complete know it all? Solomon tells us that a ‘know it all’ loses the value of useful and sometimes critical conversation with others. We must be willing not only to listen to advice but put that advice into practice.
Who has a savings account? Solomon tells us that obtaining money little by little is the best way. Anyone who ‘gets rich quick’, i.e. stealing, lottery, etc. is unstable and will probably lose it quickly.
Expectations which repeatedly fail to be realised have a way of discouraging us. Those who despise the word of the teacher, the person who disregards the guidance of a wise teacher will ruin themselves, while the person who respects the teachings of the wise will find success.
These verses again state a basic principle of education. The one who wants to be wise will keep company with the wise, this is because wise people will always stimulate the development of other people who are wise. Unfortunately, the opposite is true, fools lead to fools, and sadly there are more fools than wise men!
‘Trouble pursues the sinner, but the righteous are rewarded with good things. A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous. An unploughed field produces food for the poor, but injustice sweeps it away.’ Proverbs 13:21-23
Proverbs are concerned with the general rule but there are exceptions like men like Job, Ecclesiastes 2:26. We also read of another illustration of the injustices done to the poor.
Even when they are productive, someone will always try to ruin their efforts. Whenever someone is successful there is always someone else waiting in the wind to take it from you.
Human rights campaigners have a field day with verses like these, but this verse supports physical punishment as a proper form of parental discipline, Hebrews 12:7.
Here again, is the simple reminder if a person works they will have food, but if they don’t work, they cant expect food on the table to eat.
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."