The Problem Is The Attitude, Not The Circumstances

Proverbs 15:1-15

“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)

How we respond to others affects their attitude toward us.  A calm polite response to a comment often alleviates the tension and defuses a situation.  An angry, belligerent or rude response nearly always aggravates the situation, infuriating the person. 

“The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.” (Proverbs 15:2)

Wise people use what they know to make logical and intelligent decisions, but fools ignore or pervert the facts, depending on sheer volume of arguments to prevent logical analysis.   Political ads provide a great example.

“The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” (Proverbs 15:3)

God is omnipresent and omniscient.  That just means he is everywhere and knows everything.  He sees every good action, and every bad one, and it is not possible to fool him.  Galatians 6:7 warns, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”  What a person has done will be remembered and rewarded accordingly.

   

“A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.” (Proverbs 15:4)

A conciliatory and encouraging tongue gives a great sense of wellbeing and peace, but one that is out of control destroys peace and confidence, leaving one depressed and upset.

“A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.” (Proverbs 15:5)

Only a fool thinks his parents are stupid and ignores what they try to teach him.  Smart people listen to what other’s advice and suggestions. 

“In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.” (Proverbs 15:6)

Righteous or good people have a lot of valuable things, but the things a wicked person accumulates cause him a lot of trouble. 

“The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.” (Proverbs 15:7)

Wise people have something worthwhile to share, the fool just wants to talk and has nothing of value to say.  It is a waste of time to listen to him.

“The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.   The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.” (Proverbs 15:8-9)

God is sickened by the attitude of the wicked and despises the things they do.  Even their sacrifices are insincere, just trying to buy him off, and he hates them.  People that love God practice the standards he has set.  John 14:23-24 says, “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.  He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.”  A person’s actions show whether he loves God or not.   He is thrilled just listening to those who love him,  They don’t need to give him anything to get his attention.

“Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.” (Proverbs 15:10)

People who deliberately do wrong resent being told about it.  They ignore the fact that the end result of not listening will be their own death. 

“Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?” (Proverbs 15:11)

God even knows every detail of what goes on in hell and the bottomless pit where the angels that rebelled are kept and what they are thinking.  It is pretty foolish to think he doesn’t know what we are thinking. 

“A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.” (Proverbs 15:12)

A person who thinks he is better and smarter than other people resents those who point out their mistakes, and will not ask others for advice, no matter how well they are qualified.   

“A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.” (Proverbs 15:13)

A cheerful attitude results in a smiling, cheerful face.  A sad attitude results in depression.

“The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.” (Proverbs 15:14)

Thoughtful and intelligent people are always looking to learn something, but foolish people devote all their attention to frivolous and foolish things. 

“All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.” (Proverbs 15:15)

People who feel sorry for themselves never have good days, but people who have a positive happy attitude enjoy every day.