How many married men come home after a hard day’s work only to be given grief from their wives?
Solomon says the wise woman should work on being constructive and they should understand that most men often receive enough criticism at work without getting it at home too, Ephesians 5:22-23 / Colossians 3:18.
What does devious mean? It means to be sly or cunning, to be twisted, they have evil mind which actually hates God. Solomon says that the fool’s talk gets them into trouble.
When a farmer has no oxen for ploughing the fields, his food trough for his animals will be empty. Some people don’t want to get down to real work and get their hands dirty but what they don’t realise is that, that very dirt is providing their income.
If we don’t have other people in our life then our life becomes empty and meaningless. We should serve others and share our faith.
Why does a mocker who seeks wisdom never find any? Simply because they are not series about wisdom, Psalm 111:10.
Have you ever listened to someone’s worldly idea of wisdom? Most of the time it doesn’t make sense. Solomon says it’s a waste of time to stay in the presence of a fool because they will never say anything worthwhile.
Why don’t many people become Christians? They don’t realise they have a problem with sin and so because of that they don’t feel they have to deal with their sin. God is pleased with those who are serious and sober when it comes to their sin, they deal with it!
What does goodwill mean? It’s thinking the best about others. For example, when someone shouts at you or crashes into your car, how do you react?
There is an inner self which understands its own bitterness as well as its own joy.
Outsiders cannot understand what we are experiencing, this is why we don’t always have to say, ‘I know what you are going through’. We should say this only if and when we have gone through the same thing. If we haven’t, we don’t know!
People are always looking for shortcuts in life and even religion, many people rely on their feelings and emotions to guide them in life and religion. A way which, at the time seems like the very best way to go, may end up in death.
Life has its inexplicable aspects, this is why we always need God’s directions, Jeremiah 10:23 / Matthew 7:21-22.
Someone with no faith isn’t dependable or consistent, their actions will return to haunt them, Galatians 6:7-8.
A naive person is a simple person who lacks the caution and logical abilities of the prudent man. The arrogant and careless person is only concerned about their own talents and abilities.
What does it mean when it says that a fool will be reckless? It simply means they will make a lot of mistakes. Do Christians make mistakes? Yes. So, what’s the difference? Not as many.
Here Solomon gives an observation on the reality of life. It’s not the way it ought to be but is the way it often is, Luke 15:11-32.
These verses set forth a basic maxim of life, work produces more than talk does. The wise man believes in work while a fool can talk himself into poverty. We need to practice what we preach; we need to help those in need, Matthew 21:28-41.
The fear of the Lord will keep us from fatal pitfalls, disasters and premature death along the road of life. How can we recognise a false witness for Christ? We recognise them by their fruit, Matthew 7:15-20.
Have you ever seen a forest fire or a house fire? It goes out of control really fast, that’s what some people’s tempers are like today. The wise man knows that anger cripples their ability to make good decisions. People with quick tempers only add more trouble, James 1:19-20.
What effects does anger have on us and the people around us? It divides people, churches and as a result we make silly decisions.
Does anyone know the modern-day word which doctors and scientists now have to deal with? What causes more time off work than anything else? It’s stress and there is a definite connection between inner peace and good health. A lack of satisfaction destroys good health.
God has always wanted His people to look after the poor, those who have material possessions should always be looking out to help others who have little or none, Matthew 25:31-46.
Righteousness means doing the right thing in any given circumstance, including morals and ethics. Notice that national righteousness and sin are being discussed!
When sin reigns in a nation, bad things are the results. We only have to look at our society today so see that sin is reigning and as a result more bad things are happening.
Solomon reminds us that we can’t work on our own, we need each other. Kings need skilled and competent people for difficult national affairs.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."