Proverbs 14

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.

14 The wise woman builds her house,
    but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.
2 Whoever fears the Lord walks uprightly,
    but those who despise him are devious in their ways.
3 A fool's mouth lashes out with pride,
    but the lips of the wise protect them.
4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty,
    but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests.
5 An honest witness does not deceive,
    but a false witness pours out lies.
6 The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none,
    but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.
7 Stay away from a fool,
    for you will not find knowledge on their lips.
8 The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways,
    but the folly of fools is deception.
9 Fools mock at making amends for sin,
    but goodwill is found among the upright.
10 Each heart knows its own bitterness,
    and no one else can share its joy.
11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed,
    but the tent of the upright will flourish.
12 There is a way that appears to be right,
    but in the end it leads to death.
13 Even in laughter the heart may ache,
    and rejoicing may end in grief.
14 The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways,
    and the good rewarded for theirs.
15 The simple believe anything,
    but the prudent give thought to their steps.
16 The wise fear the Lord and shun evil,
    but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure.
17 A quick-tempered person does foolish things,
    and the one who devises evil schemes is hated.
18 The simple inherit folly,
    but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19 Evildoers will bow down in the presence of the good,
    and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
20 The poor are shunned even by their neighbours,
    but the rich have many friends.
21 It is a sin to despise one's neighbour,
    but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.
22 Do not those who plot evil go astray?
    But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.
23 All hard work brings a profit,
    but mere talk leads only to poverty.
24 The wealth of the wise is their crown,
    but the folly of fools yields folly.
25 A truthful witness saves lives,
    but a false witness is deceitful.
26 Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress,
    and for their children it will be a refuge.
27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,
    turning a person from the snares of death.
28 A large population is a king's glory,
    but without subjects a prince is ruined.
29 Whoever is patient has great understanding,
    but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.
30 A heart at peace gives life to the body,
    but envy rots the bones.
31 Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker,
    but whoever is kind to the needy honours God.
32 When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down,
    but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God.
33 Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning
    and even among fools she lets herself be known.
34 Righteousness exalts a nation,
    but sin condemns any people.
35 A king delights in a wise servant,
    but a shameful servant arouses his fury.