Proverbs 15

Over August we're going to read through the book of Proverbs. There are 31 days in August and 31 chapters in Proverbs, so we'll be putting them up on Saturdays and Sundays too.

Instead of relying on other reflections on the passages, we want to make space for God to speak to us all in the expectation that we will be transformed into his likeness as we open ourselves to his Spirit and seek to live wise and godly lives.

Open yourself to the Spirit, ask him to highlight a particular verse, phrase or section for you to think about during the day.

Read the chapter slowly. If something jumps out at you or catches your attention stay with that for a while.

Ask yourself, does this make me feel uncomfortable/reassured/challenged?

Ask questions of the Proverb?
Why did the original writer think this was worth writing down?
How does did this apply to people's lives in the past?
How does it apply to my life now?

Ask the Spirit what he may be saying.
Is God calling me to change/repent/see things differently?
How would my life look different if I lived this out?
What steps can I take to make this happen?

Take this Proverb with you throughout the day and see how the wisdom of the ages can transform your life today.

15 A gentle answer turns away wrath,
    but a harsh word stirs up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,
    but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.
3 The eyes of the Lord are everywhere,
    keeping watch on the wicked and the good.
4 The soothing tongue is a tree of life,
    but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.
5 A fool spurns a parent’s discipline,
    but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.
6 The house of the righteous contains great treasure,
    but the income of the wicked brings ruin.
7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge,
    but the hearts of fools are not upright.
8 The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked,
    but the prayer of the upright pleases him.
9 The Lord detests the way of the wicked,
    but he loves those who pursue righteousness.
10 Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path;
    the one who hates correction will die.
11 Death and Destruction lie open before the Lord -
    how much more do human hearts!
12 Mockers resent correction,
    so they avoid the wise.
13 A happy heart makes the face cheerful,
    but heartache crushes the spirit.
14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge,
    but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.
15 All the days of the oppressed are wretched,
    but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.
16 Better a little with the fear of the Lord
    than great wealth with turmoil.
17 Better a dish of vegetables with love
    than a fattened calf with hatred.
18 A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict,
    but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.
19 The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns,
    but the path of the upright is a highway.
20 A wise son brings joy to his father,
    but a foolish man despises his mother.
21 Folly brings joy to one who has no sense,
    but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.
22 Plans fail for lack of counsel,
    but with many advisors they succeed.
23 A person finds joy in giving an apt reply –
    and how good is a timely word!
24 The path of life leads upward for the prudent
    to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead.
25 The Lord tears down the house of the proud,
    but he sets the widow's boundary stones in place.
26 The Lord detests the thoughts of the wicked,
    but gracious words are pure in his sight.
27 The greedy bring ruin to their households,
    but the one who hates bribes will live.
28 The heart of the righteous weighs its answers,
    but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.
29 The Lord is far from the wicked,
    but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
30 Light in a messenger's eyes brings joy to the heart,
    and good news gives health to the bones.
31 Whoever heeds life-giving correction
    will be at home among the wise.
32 Those who disregard discipline despise themselves,
    but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.
33 Wisdom's instruction is to fear the Lord,
    and humility comes before honour.