Proverbs 19:8-15 – Things to avoid in life

A person who has wisdom understands and learns much in life. He is sensible and wise and will make the most of life ensuring that his capacity is maximized. He is also one who seeks understanding and allows wisdom to dictate how he should conduct his life. He is aware that there are traits in life that will not contribute to meaningful relationship. He knows that to exist harmoniously with others, it is needful for him to identify what will disrupt relationship and will do all he can to avoid those traits.

Proverbs 19:9 says that the first thing we need to avoid is to bear false witness. It is a bad thing to tell untruth and get someone into trouble. A person who perjures will not escape punishment. God had stated this clearly in the Ten Commandments. He said that we must not bear false witness. Hence, we must be truthful and not spread falsehood.

The second thing a wise person will avoid is overdoing life. Verse 10 says, “Luxury is not fitting for a fool; much less for a slave to rule over prince.” It is inappropriate for one lacking sense to be given luxury. He won’t know how to handle it. He will surely misuse and squander the privilege he is given. The second half of this verse also suggests that we should wisely appraise a person and appropriately assign tasks that befit his capability. It is foolhardy to appoint someone into a position he is not capable of handling. Some people are promoted to incompetence. It is certainly unwise to give to an abusive servant power, because he has the tendency to become tyrannical.   

Proverbs 19:11-12 tell us the third thing we should avoid is unrestraint anger. A person with discretion does not fly off the handle needlessly. He will instead show great restraint and is not annoyed by pettiness. He will not lower his dignity to pick a quarrel over petty little matter. It is foolishness to arouse the anger of someone in authority. He will deal with us harshly when that happens. But when we do what is right and pleasing to him, we gain his favour. That is as refreshing as the morning dew.   

The fourth thing we do not want is to have a home that lacks harmony. Two individuals are singled out to show how disharmony in a home can be created. They are a foolish son and a nagging wife. A foolish son has the tendency of making bad decision that will bring the father to ruin. Because of his love for his son, the father will have to keep contending with the wrong decision this foolish son has made. A nagging wife is a constant irritation to the husband. Her nagging is likened to a leaky tap that keeps on dripping, creating needless annoyance and provocation. Both the foolish son and nagging wife will create disharmony for the home. A man who has wise children and an understanding wife is truly blessed. A good wife is a great blessing from the LORD.  

The fifth thing that’s not fitting for fruitful living is laziness. While he should be working, a lazy man would rather sleep. Without a doubt, laziness is a foolish strategy for living. Why? Because it will lead to self-destruction. It will lure one into idleness and lead to a life of poverty and want. Life is a gift from God, and we must exercise proper stewardship of our time, talents and treasures. How we handle them will determine how meaningful life will be. So, in Ephesians 5:15-17, Paul admonishes us to “…be careful how you walk, …making the most of your time, … do not be foolish, … understand what the will of the Lord is.”