Don’t Forget God

Proverbs 16:1-15

“The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.” (Proverbs 16:1)

The intellectual capacity of a person comes from God, as does the ability to speak intelligibly.  It is foolish to think we can make decisions or take actions without his power when we are dependent on him for the ability to think logically.   

“All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.  Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.” (Proverbs 16:2-3)

It is natural for people to assume whatever they do is right, but God is more concerned whit the reasons or attitudes with which things are done.  By making sure what we do is in line what he wants, we can be sure he will bless our efforts.

“The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.” (Proverbs 16:4)

Colossians 1:16-17 says very much the same thing.  “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.”   Not only did he create them, but they exist right now because of him.  They were made for, for his pleasure, according to Revelation 4:8.  Even those who are evil serve a purpose in his plans.

“Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.” (Proverbs 16:5)

Everyone who has a proud attitude is disgusting to God.  He knows what they are really like, and they will not be able to escape his judgment, regardless how hard large a conspiracy there is to keep God from punishing them.  Revelation 19-20 describe the defeat of one such conspiracy.

“By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.” (Proverbs 16:6)

Many believe crime can be reduced by stiffer mandatory penalties.  Unfortunately such an approach often ignores mitigating circumstances, resulting in injustice and rebellion.  Careful review of the facts and matching the punishment to fit the crime is far more effective.   Teaching people to have a profound respect for God is an effective deterrent.

 

“When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.” (Proverbs 16:7)

When we are living in a fashion that is pleasing to God, even our enemies have no reason to attack us.   We aren’t doing anything to upset them, and God will keep them from attacking.

“Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.” (Proverbs 16:8)

It is better to have a little and know you have earned it and have a right to it than to have a huge income and know you got it dishonestly and don’t deserve it.

“A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)

A person can make all their plans and do what they think they should, but God determines the outcome.  Many of the motivational speakers ignore God’s role, telling people they can make it happen anyway if they just think the right way. 

“A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.” (Proverbs 16:10)

When the King allows God to direct his mouth he will not make inequitable and senseless judgments.  When he depends on his own intelligence he makes stupid decisions.  Just being in power does not make him right.

“A just weight and balance are the Lord's: all the weights of the bag are his work.” (Proverbs 16:11)

God made it possible for man to accurately measure and weigh things.   A fair and honest way of doing business are his intention. 

“It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.  Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.  The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.  In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.“ (Proverbs 16:12-15)

A government depends on the trust of its citizens to stay in power.   Destroying that trust by wrong doing is a hateful thing to any wise leader.    As a result they value those who can be trusted to tell the truth, even when it is not pleasant.  Because of its power, wise people do not defy the government but try to negotiate with it.  Having governmental approval can be a great blessing and their opposition can be fatal. 

What Are You Learning?

Proverbs 15:16-33

“Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.   Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.” (Proverbs 15:16-17)

It is better to have respect for god and a clear conscience than to be a multi-millionaire and live with the problems resulting from a guilty conscience or God’s judgment.  It is better to have nothing but some roadside plants to eat than to have a whole beef in the stall ready to butcher and live in an atmosphere of hate and animosity.  

“A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.” (Proverbs 15:18)

An angry attitude leads to actions and words that antagonize other people.  A person who doesn’t allow his anger to flare out of control does and says things that mollify other people instead of stirring them up.

“The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.” (Proverbs 15:19)

A lazy persons sees nothing but problems that will prevent his success.  The man who is focused on what is right and good sees ways around the problems and believes he can succeed.

“A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.” (Proverbs 15:20)

A wise thoughtful child makes his parents proud.  A foolish or wicked child rejects what his parents try toteach him because of a lack of respect, then embarrasses them by his foolish and evil behavior, implying they were lousy parents.

“Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.” (Proverbs 15:21)

A person who is too dumb to think about the consequences thinks acting stupid and doing dangerous things is funny.  A person who thinks things through can walk confidently, without fear of something bad happening.

“Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.” (Proverbs 15:22)

Without consideration of what is required, plans are likely to fail.  By getting plenty of information, success can be insured.

“A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!” (Proverbs 15:23)

The words a person uses affect his attitude and that of the people around him.  The right words at the right time can have a tremendous impact for good.

“The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.” (Proverbs 15:24)

The wise person lives trying to do better, so that he doesn’t face judgment in hell.

“The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.” (Proverbs 15:25)

Pride is one of the things God hates.  He will destroy the things a person is proud of.  He will provide for and help people who have nothing to be proud about.

“The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.” (Proverbs 15:26)

God hates the thoughts of a wicked person because thy govern his actions,  Proverbs 23:7 says, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he...”   A pure heart produces good pleasant words.  In Luke 6:45, Jesus said, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.”  His words demonstrate what a person really is.

“He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.” (Proverbs 15:27)

Paul told Timothy, “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows,” in I Timothy 6:10.   A covetous, materialistic attitude leads to problems for the family.  A person who will not accept bribes or favors escapes judgment.

“The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.” (Proverbs 15:28)

A righteous person thinks about what they say to avoid causing hurt feelings and misunderstandings.  The wicked don’t care whether what they say is right and say all kinds of wicked things.

“The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.” (Proverbs 15:29)

In Psalm 66:18-9, David said, ”If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.”  The wicked person is focused on evil things, and that focus breaks any connection with God.   His sin is blocking his signal.  The righteous, on the other hand has a clear signal.

“The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.” (Proverbs 15:30)

The look of pleasure in the eyes of little child when he receives a special gift gives the giver great satisfaction, and a compliment can make a person feel like a million dollars.

“The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.  He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.  The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.” (Proverbs 15:31-33)

A person who listens to advice and correction is a person will live with wise people.  a person who will not listen to others doesn’t value his own life very much, but people who will take the advice learn how to have a better life.  Respect for God is the basis for learning and wisdom.   Before one can earn great honor, he be humble enough to learn what is required to get it.

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. 

Sin Doesn’t Pay in The Long Term

Proverbs 14:22-35

“Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.” (Proverbs 14:22)

We have been told repeatedly that god will destroy those who persist in doing evil.  People who deliberately plan how to take advantage or otherwise do evil to get ahead are making a serious and costly mistake, bringing God’s judgment on themselves.  Those who plan good things will make be empowered to make good decisions and experience God’s blessings.

“In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.” (Proverbs 14:23)

Every kind of physical work accomplishes something of benefit, but talking accomplishes very little without physical action.   The subjects may be important, but the words will accomplish nothing by themselves.

  

“The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly.” (Proverbs 14:24)

The wise man’s belongings are a trophy signifying his wisdom.  The foolish person has nothing to show for his efforts but foolishness.  What is the value of the world’s largest chain of beer tabs or a collection of losing lottery tickets?  Even if it makes it into the guiness book of world records, it just shows how foolish a person has been.

“A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.” (Proverbs 14:24)

A witness who tells the truth sets innocent people free.  Some people set out to make people believe something that is false without actually lying, by leaving out information or making a play on words.  They are intentionally trying to deceive and are effectively lying even though technically they didn’t lie. 

“In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.  The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.” (Proverbs  14:26-27)

Respect for the Lord and his moral standards gives one confidence and a sense of value, so that even one’s descendants have something to cling to when they are struggling.  It produces a sense of wellbeing and direction that enables one to avoid the temptations that lead to death.

“In the multitude of people is the king's honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.” (Proverbs 14:28)

The power and respect a leader or ruler has earned is shown by the size of his following, but if he loses too many of his followers he will lose his position. 

“He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.” (Proverbs 14:29)

A person who doesn’t lose his temper easily is a person who thinks things through.  A person who gets angry easily isn’t concerned with what is right or good.  By his quick anger he encourages people not to think things through.

“A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.” (Proverbs 14:30)

A contented heart or attitude makes for a happy and satisfactory life.  Envy of what others have destroys happiness and eats away at one’s pleasure like bone cancer eats away the bones, making a person more and more miserable.  I Timothy 6:8 advises, “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”

“He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.” (Proverbs 14:31)

A person who takes advantage of the poor implies implies God favors some more than others and doesn’t treat everyone fairly.   A person who respects God is considerate of the poor or less fortunate.  Literally, a person’s attitude toward god can be seen by the way he treats other people. 

“The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.” (Proverbs 14:32)

The wicked person lives in denial that his actions deserve judgment.  As a result , the farther into sin he goes the harder it becomes to admit he is wrong and make changes.  The righteous has hope for after his death and consequently little reason to fear it because he faces his faults honestly and deals with them. 

“Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.” (Proverbs 14:33)

Wisdom sits quietly in the heart of people who really understand, waiting until it is needed.   Fools can’t wait to make their stupidity known.

“Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34)

A strong and Godly moral code brings respect to any nation.   A reputation for dishonesty, and immorality is and embarrassment to any people, causing them to be distrusted by other cultures.  At one time the United States was the most respected nation in the world, but as we have allowed our moral standards to slide, we have lost that respect. 

“The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.” (Proverbs 14:35)

An employer or ruler will honor and help an employee or representative who does his job well, but he will be angry and fire or imprison those who embarrass him by not doing their job properly.  

Fun and Laughter Don’t Fix The Problems

Proverbs 14:11-21

“The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.   There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Proverbs 14:11-12)

As we’ve been told repeatedly, God will destroy those who persist in doing evil, and will protect and bless those who do right, both in this earthly life, and in eternity.   There are various lifestyles that appeal to people and don’t seem particularly bad, but the result of those choices is the same as for deliberately doing what is considered evil.  Man’s conscience is perverted and cannot be trusted.

“Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.” (Proverbs 14:13)

Comedy and partying may temporarily distract on from their problems, but they do not resolve them.  They continue to grow unobserved until one day they can no longer be pushed out of sight.  Frequently, by the time fun no longer covers them, they have become so severe as to seem impossible to resolve, especially to people who have always avoided dealing with their problems.  Like comedian Robin Williams, suicide may be chosen as a way out. 

“The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.” (Proberbs 14:14)

A person with a selfish or rebellious attitude will always experience the consequences of their attitude, even when they do not practice it.  They will never be satisfied with the result.  The good person, on the other hand, can look back with no regrets and be satisfied with what he has accomplished. 

“The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.  A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.  He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.   The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.” (Proverbs 14:15-18)

Those who don’t think things through are like little child, believing everything they are told.  Thoughtful people are more cautious, alert for possible dangers.   When he senses danger, the wise man avoids the situation, but the fool is confident he can bluff his way through and get by with it, counting on gall and people’s aversion to confrontation to let him get by with it.  A person who depends on anger to get by, constantly flying off the handle is stupid, and a person who is rude or cruel and deceitful earns the hatred of those around him.    People who don’t think things through make foolish decisions but the careful learn as they go.  Even among animals, the most intelligent are cautious and aware of things around them.   

“The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.” (Proverbs 14:19)

Many criminals think of themselves as smarter than those who obey the law, but they still find themselves forced to yield to the demands of those who enforce it, seeking the law’s help for protection from their own enemies.   Even the most powerful dictator is forced to consider the good in his land.  Failure to appease them eventually results in being overthrown.

“The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.  He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.” (Proverbs 14:21)

Poor people are often ignored or spurned, even by their own neighbors, because they have little to offer that most people want.  People flock to the rich in hopes of getting something from him, no matter what he is like.    It is sin to look down on or be rude to our neighbor, no matter how poor he may be.   God will bless those who consider the plight of poor people.

Your Decisions Reflect Your Attitude

Proverbs 14:1-10

“Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.” (Proverbs 14:1)

Working as a plumber, it was shocking to see how many homes had holes kicked in the walls or broken fixtures.  People simply didn’t take care of what they owned, allowing it to deteriorate and lose its value.  In a fit of anger some deliberately broke windows or sheetrock walls.  Others sold their furniture and appliances to get drugs or alcohol, or the newest fashion clothing or game console.  Eventually they were forced to move because their house was no longer livable. 

Many times the people next door had no more income, and had older, and less expensive homes, but because they took care of it and worked to improve it, had very nice homes.  Foolish people don’t appreciate what they have, and fritter it away or lose it. 

“He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.” (Proverbs 14:2)

A man who maintains a high moral character demonstrates a deep respect for God.   A person who deliberately does things he knows are wrong demonstrates his disdain and lack of respect toward God.  A person’s lifestyle shows whether they respect God or not.

“In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.” (Proverbs 14:3)

Foolish people take pride in using their mouth like a club to get their way.  In doing so they offend a lot of people and frequently end up in fights.  Wise people are more careful in what they say, with the result they don’t make nearly as many enemies.  Giving people a piece of your mind may cost more than you can afford.

“Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.” (Proverbs 14:4)

It’s a lot easier to keep the barn clean if you don’t have any oxen or horses, but using them enables one to accomplish far more than he could do without one.  In the same way, keeping a spotless house is easier without a husband or children, and keeping a workshop clean is easier without any employees, but one is limited in what they can do as a result.  Their help is worth far more than what the extra cleaning requires. 

“A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.” (Proverbs 14:5)

An honest person does not intentionally lie.  A liar lies.  That’s what liars do.  It is silly to assume a person who has deliberately lied about one thing will not lie about something else.  A woman who marries a man who was unfaithful to his first wife and lied about it is silly to not expect him to do the same thing to her.  People are foolish to expect a politician who lies about his qualifications and beliefs to be honest when he is elected.    

“A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.” (Proverbs 14:6)

A person who thinks other people are dumb doesn’t learn even when he goes to school to get and education.  People who understand there are things they need to know find it easy to learn.  The person’s attitude has more effect on what they will learn than their actual intelligence.  As any good teacher can tell you, it is far easier to teach a mentally challenged child who has a good attitude than it is to teach a very bright child who is convinced he already knows everything about the subject. 

“Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.  The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.  Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.” (Proverbs 14:7-9)

When you realize somebody is foolish, don’t keep hanging around them.  Smart people think about what they are doing, but fools tell themselves it doesn’t matter what they do, deceiving themselves.  They think it is funny to do wrong, but good people earn people’s respect.

“The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.” (Proverbs 14:10)

You know your own feelings, and nobody else can tell you how to feel or force you to change your feelings.  Changes in your feelings have to come from within, by changing attitudes and thoughts.

Teach the Kids

Proverbs 13:13-25

 “Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.  The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.  Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.  Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.” (Proverbs 13:13-16)

A person who thinks other people are stupid and refuses to listen will be destroyed but a person who respects the advice of parents, teachers and authorities will receive a reward.  The teachings and rules of wise people help one avoid the traps in life that might kill or destroy, and teach how to enjoy life.  Life is hard for those who refuse to follow the rules and learn from others.  Smart people learn, but foolish people show off their stupidity.

“A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.   Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.” (Proverbs 13:17-18)

Wicked people get caught up in doing things that are wrong and cannot be trusted with responsibility.  Faithful people will do what they were sent to do, relieving one of his burden.  People who do not listen will end up broke and embarrassed while those who listen to warnings will be successful and respected. 

“The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.  He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.  Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.” (Proverbs 13:19-21)

Accomplishment of a goal is a sweet sensation, but fools hate the idea of giving up their sin to accomplish them.  Who a person associates with has a great deal of influence in what he will accomplish.  Association with wise people will tend to result in bing successful, but hanging out with lazy or foolish people will lead to failure and trouble.  As the saying goes, what goes around comes around.  Evil follows sin, and those who do right will be repaid. 

“A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.  Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.” (Proverbs 13:22-23)

A good man will have something worthwhile to leave for his descendants, even if it is just a good reputation.  Whatever a wicked person saves up will ultimately benefit those who have done right instead of his children.  Poor people do not get less than others, they just don’t make good use of it.  Because so much is wasted or lost by carelessness, they don’t have enough to do what is needed.

“He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.  The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.” (Proverbs 13:24-25)

People who don’t teach and correct their children don’t really care about them.  If they loved them they would teach them what is right to protect them from harm and keep them out of trouble.  It is far better to spank a child to teach him not to run into the street than to go to his funeral because he didn’t learn.  Those who do right will have a happy and satisfying life.  Those who do wrong will have a hard time.  Teach them to do right, even if you have to punish them to do it.