It is obvious that the book of Proverbs
sets out to show us how wise and sensible living looks like. In so doing the
author brings out two sets of lifestyles adopted by the wise as well as the
foolish. They are contrasted to bring out the characteristic of each so that as
we reflect on them we can discerningly choose the right path.
Verse 12 tells us that mockers or
scoffers will not welcome correction. They are egotistical and arrogant and
will resent counsel that will enable them to set their course straight. They
will avoid people whom they should go to for counsel, but they just won’t even
though they know they will be help. Such a person is self-absorbed and too
proud to seek the counsel of the wise. In verse 14, we are told that this type
of people thrives on folly. They are gratified by nonsense and foolish stuff.
They have no desire to seek godly counsel and the Word of God is furthest from their
desire. As quickly as they gullibly accept senseless talks they will also disseminate
them. In verse 14, we are also shown another kind of people. They are the type that
hunger for knowledge because they do not presume to know everything. They are
aware that there is always more to learn in life and they are a long way to arrive
at where they ought to be. Hence, they maintain a seeking heart, desiring to
know and understand more. And it is true that the more knowledge they acquire,
the more they realize how little they know.
Know it or not, our outer disposition has
a way of revealing our inner condition. When our inner being is aligned and peaceful,
they are visibly clear on our face. Our face is a clear indicator of the
condition of our soul. Our outward appearance reveals the condition of our
heart. Our appearance will reveal our ability to cope with the stresses of
life. One who has a gloomy outlook of life shows how conflicted he is within.
He is a pessimist and can only see gloom and doom. He sees only the hole in a
doughnut and will miss the dough. He fails to realize that outlook affects the way
we go about life. Even a poor person can find life meaningful when he
cultivates a spirit of positivity. Our
mentality is a determining factor to the richness of life. Even if we have
little, we learn to make the most out of life. Verses 16-17 tell us that a rich
relationship with God is better than great wealth. Why? It’s because when we
have a relationship with God we have peace of mind and minimum worries. With
plenty of riches people are taken up with care and worry, wondering how to preserve
them. When a person has precious little, he learns to make do with what he has.
Such a person is not encumbered with many choices to make. But when one has
plenty he becomes choosy and that can induce undue anxiety and care.
In verses 18 and 19, we see two destructive forces in life. They are
anger and laziness. One who is hot-headed generates strives. Whereas a calm and
collected person can squash a dispute quickly. It always takes two persons to quarrel. But
when one of them chooses to keep his cool and refuses to be uptight, the anger
and heat will soon dissipate. Laziness tends to hinder a person from engaging
in needful task. Even though the hedges of his house are infested with thorns
he still refuses to bulge. Whereas the upright takes a different stunt. They are
diligent and go about their tasks resolutely. He is not hindered by what seems
like an impasse. He finds ways and means to turn them into highways for
progress. So choose and live wisely each day!
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