Proverbs About Everyday Affairs

Proverbs 13:1-12

“A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.  A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.  He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.” (Proverbs 13:1-3)

A wise child listens to their parent’s advice, but one who lacks respect will not listen even when he is in trouble.  A respectful attitude and response will make friends.  A bad attitude and response will make enemies and lead to violent confrontations and  physical injury or death.   It is crucial that children be taught to have respect if they are to have a good life.

“The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.” (Proverbs 13:4)

The lazy man wants everything and resents the fact that he has nothing, but he will not put out the effort to get it.  The person who is willing to work for what he wants will be satisfied because he has a goal to work toward and a sense of accomplishment.

“A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.  Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.” (Proverbs 13:5-6)

A righteous or good man hates falsehood but a wicked person is disgusting and dishonest.  Eventually, the truth will come out and he will be shamed.  The righteous attitude will guide and keep the good man doing what is right, but his attitude will defeat a wicked man’s good intentions and end up in him doing wrong.

“There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.” (Proverbs 13:7)

There are greedy people who will do anything to get rich, who end up with nothing but some belongings nobody would want, and sometimes they lose even those.  There are people who give away everything they have and they have friends and family, and often have more belongings than the greedy person.   

“The ransom of a man's life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.” (Proverbs 13:8)

In times of trouble, what a person has saved up may save his life.  Unfortunately many poor people ignore the warnings to save.  As a result they have no protection when trouble comes.

“The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.” (Proverbs 13:9)

It is a joy to know a righteous person and be around them.  Wicked people drive people away and they don’t want to even think about them.  A person’s moral attitude determines how well he is accepted by other people. 

“Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.” (Proverbs 13:10)

Every argument or fight is the result of pride.  People who have been properly instructed don’t let their pride cause them to get into a fight.  By doing so they avoid the risk of physical injury or punishment for fighting.

“Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.” (Proverbs 13:11)

Things which were received without being legitimately earned quickly lose their value.  As the old saying goes, “Easy come, easy go.”  They do not encourage a person to do more.  Things that were the result of legitimate work retain their value and tend to result in more accomplishments.  Studies have shown that most people who win a lottery or get an unearned award are worse off a year later than they were when they received it. 

 

“Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.” (Proverbs 13:12)

Delay in attainment of a goal is really discouraging, but when it is finally attained, it means even more, overriding all the depression and discouragement.

Contrast Of the Attitudes of Righteousness and Evil

Proverbs 12:17-28

“He that speaketh truth showeth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.  There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.  The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment. ” (Proverbs 12:17-19)

There is a tendency to not think about what we are saying.  In Matthew 12:36-37 Jesus warned, “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.   For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”

 We are repeatedly told that our words show what is in our heart.  A person who habitually tells the truth demonstrates an attitude of doing right while one who lies indicates they are trying to deceive and trick people.  Some people use their mouth to emotionally devastate people but wise and good people use it to build up instead.  Lies are only temporary expedients that soon lose their value, whereas the truth produces permanent benefits.

“Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.  There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.  Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight. ” (Proverbs 12:20-22)) 

People who dream up evil things deceive themselves into believing hurting others will make them happy, but those who do and encourage others to treat people properly experience the happiness and joy the others miss.  The person who does evil will have more trouble than he can imagine, while the person who does right will escape most of it.  God hates lies and dishonesty, but he is delighted by honesty and truthfulness. 

“A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.” (Proverbs 12:23)

A wise, careful person doesn’t tell everything he thinks he knows, but a foolish person tells more than he knows, making his foolishness apparent to those who those who do know. 

“The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute. ” (Proverbs 12:4)

The person who has taken care of his business will eventually come to the top, being in charge, but the man who doesn’t take care of his business will constantly go farther into debt and under other people’s power.   

“Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad” (Proverbs 12:25).

Sorrow, discouragement and fear make a man feel depressed and hopeless.   Just a few words of encouragement can completely reverse that depression and produce a sense of rejoicing instead.

“The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them. ” (Proverbs 12:26)

The man who does right and has an attitude of doing right is better than those around him, but like his neighbors, he can be tempted by the apparent success of the wicked around him.

“The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious. ” (Proverbs 12:27))

The lazy indolent man has to depend on others for his food, and it means little to him, but the man who worked for it can take pleasure in knowing he earned it. 

“In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.” (Proverbs 12:28)

A righteous attitude and lifestyle leads to a peaceful and happy life, and eventually to eternal life in heaven.  Even at its worst, there is still a sense that life has meaning and hope.    

Attitudes Influence One’s Actions

Proverbs 12:1-16

“Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.” (Proverbs 12:1)

A person who loves studying and learning values knowing things highly, but a person who isn’t interested in learning to live his daily life better is like a wild animal that lives solely by instinct.

“A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.  A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved. ” (Proverbs 12:2-3)

Once again we are reminded that a good man is blessed by God, but a wicked man will be judged and condemned.   Like a gardener pulling weeds, God will prevent the evil from reaching maturity, but will not interfere with the growth of those who do right.

“A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.” (Proverbs 12:4)

Virtue is defined as “goodness, morality, or right thinking and action.”  A woman who exhibits these characteristics is a valuable trophy to her husband.  A wife who constantly embarrasses him, whether by reckless spending or outlandish behavior or constantly putting him down is like a bone cancer, slowly eating away at his happiness and self-esteem.

“The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.  The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.  The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand. ” (Proverbs 12:5-7)

The opinions of a man who has a righteous attitude can be trusted, but a wicked person’s advice is not to be trusted.  Even when he is not trying to trick you himself, his judgment is biased by his attitude.  Wickedness leads people to believe they will profit by destroying others, but ultimately it destroys the doer, while righteousness preserves him.

 “A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised. ” (Proverbs 12:8) 

People will respect a man for his wisdom, but they despise a man who is deliberately contrary or obnoxious. 

“He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread. ” (Proverbs 12:9)

A man who nobody respects or defers but is successful in his business is more valuable than anybody who considers himself important but can’t even feed himself. 

 

“A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. ” (Proverbs 12:10) 

A good person cares about others, including his animals.  Even when they are trying to be nice, wicked people are inconsiderate and hurtful. 

“He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding. ” (Proverbs 12:11)

A person who takes care of his business will have enough to eat, but a person who hangs out with people who don’t do anything but mess around is being dumb.

 

“The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.  The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.   A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompense of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him. ” (Proverbs 12:12-14)

The wicked person wants an easy way to catch things quickly, but the righteous patiently waits for them to grow.  His own mouth gets the wicked into trouble, but the man who does right escapes it.  A person will get exactly what he deserves.

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.  A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame. ” (Proverbs 12:15-16)

Wise men seriously consider conflicting advice, before making their decision.  People who don’t even consider other people’s opinions are foolish.  A fool doesn’t hesitate to lose his temper and lets everyone know he is angry.  Smart people don’t embarrass themselves by letting their temper get out of hand.

What Should You Expect?

Proverbs 11:18-31

“The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.  As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.” (Proverbs 11:18-19)

Wicked people constantly try to deceive others to attain their ends.  What they seldom realize is that they are the ones most completely deceived.  In their effort to take advantage of others, they are unknowingly committing suicide, both physically and spiritually, just as surely as the alcoholic or drug addict. 

While not all people who do right live a long time, doing right tends to result in a longer, happier life.  Even those who don’t live long are assured of eternal rewards for having done right.  Scripture is very clear every person will be judged and rewarded or punished according to what they have done in life. 

 

“They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.  Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.” (Proverbs 11:20-21)

Occasionally, in raising animals, there is one who simply refuses to stay where they are supposed to be.  They deliberately tear down fences or whatever else in required to get away.  If left with the herd. Others learn from them and begin to behave the same way, so farmers or breeders hate to have them in the herd and get rid of them to save the hassle.  The forward person is a person is much like that animal who refuses to cooperate with the farmer.  God despises the attitude and actions, and will punish them for their behavior, no matter how many others join their rebellion or decide to support their actions.

Like a good farmer, god enjoys working with the people who are upright and cooperative, and makes sure they and their descendants escape the suffering the wicked experience. 

“As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.” (Proverbs 11:22)

Pigs instinctively use their nose to root in the dirt.  If a gold ring is placed in their snout, they will not value it, but will use it like a shovel to help them dig, ruining the ring.  In the same way, a beautiful woman who doesn’t make good choices uses her beauty to help her dig in the filth and muck of a ruined life. 

“The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.” (Proverbs 11:23)

A righteous or good person wants good from his life and choses to do good to get it.  The person who does wicked things has no reason to expect anything but anger as a result of his behavior.

“There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.  The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.  He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.” (Proverbs 11:24-26)

There are times to save, and times to not save.  When planting, the more seed one plants and the more effort one puts out to make it grow, the larger ones reward.  Saving to much seed at planting time may result in not having enough when winter comes.   The person who is liberal with his seed and waters it well is assured of having a good crop and the person who reaches out to help others will receive help himself.  A person who is stingy and selfish will be hated of his neighbors.

“He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.” (Proverbs 11:27)

People’s attitude determines what they will get out of life.  If they go out looking for a fight or to get into trouble they will surely succeed because their attitude antagonizes other people.  People who want to get along make the effort to get along and do not antagonize people. 

“He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.” (Proverbs 11:28)

Belongings are easily lost and the person who depends on them for security will lose out.  The person who does right will not be destroyed by the loss of his property, because his worth doesn’t rest in his belongings.

“He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.” (Proverbs 11:29)

Imagine trying to catch the wind in a box and save it for a hot day.  When you open the box, the wind won’t be there.  In the same way, a person who causes his family trouble will one day find out his family isn’t there to help him when he needs them.

 

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” (Proverbs 11:30)

This verse is often used to encourage people to witness, to go “soul winning. ”  Such a use is a distortion of what the verse means.  Solomon has repeatedly stressed that doing what is right results in God’s blessings, and tends to lead to a longer, more satisfactory life.  It is wise to earn the respect and friendship of other people.

“Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.” (Proverbs 11:31)

The righteous will surely be repaid and rewarded for what they have done.  The wicked and sinners are even more sure to be repaid for their actions.  

Character Will Affect Relationships

Proverbs 11:1-17

“A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.” (Proverbs 11:1)

An abomination is something a person loathes or finds very disgusting, something he hates.  One thing that God loathes is cheating in business dealings, by using an inaccurate scale to weigh things for example.  He loves honest practices.

“When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2)

Pride leads to over confidence, carelessness, and a lack of planning.  This results in failure and embarrassment.  People tend to think things through more carefully who know their own limitations.  As a result, they don’t crash as often or as badly.

   

“The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.  Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.   The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.  The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.  When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth.  The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.”  (Proverbs 11:3-8)

People who have an established moral standard the practice have no problem deciding what is right or wrong.  People who do not establish limits on what they will do eventually get into things that destroy them because they have no guidelines.  When judgment comes, their wealth will not protect them, but a reputation for doing what is right will.  Those who have done evil will suffer the consequences of their actions, and what they hoped to gain by them will be lost.  They will suffer the hurts they inflicted on others for ever.

“An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.   When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.  By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.” (Proverbs 11:9-11)

People tend to judge others on the basis of what they know about themselves.  A hypocrite accuses his neighbor of what he does himself, and because of his understanding is able to make a case and destroy his neighbor.  Through his knowledge of what is right the honest and good man will be able to defend himself.  When the good and honest are encouraged and the evil are driven out, the community is grows strong and the people are happy.  When the evil speak freely, they destroy the strength and happiness.

“He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.  A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.” (Proverbs 11:12-13)

Stupid people assume other people are dumb or dishonest, but smart ones wait to find out.  Some people can’t wait to tell what they know and reveal things they shouldn’t but people who can be trusted don’t go around telling everything they know. 

“Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:4)

In situations where nobody knows what to do, people make mistakes, but where there are a lot of people with experience to advise them, they are unlikely to make serious mistakes if they are willing to listen.

“He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.” (Proverbs 11:15)

It is impossible to be sure what other people will do, and if you have taken responsibility for the actions of someone you don’t know, such as co-signing for a loan or posting bail, you are likely to end up paying for it.  A person who hates the idea of other people taking responsibility for a person’s actions can be trusted to take responsibility for his own. 

  

“A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.” (Proverbs 11:16)

A compassionate and polite woman will earn and keep people’s respect just as a strong man will keep what he has from being taken.

 

“The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.” (Proverbs 11:17)

The kind and compassionate man who doesn’t give everybody what he thinks they deserve earns the appreciation of people around him, and has peace and a clear conscience.  One who is cruel and demanding earns his neighbors hatred and has to live with a guilty conscience and fear of what others will do to him.

Contrasting Results Of Right And Wrong

Proverbs 10:13-32

“In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.  Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.” (Proverbs 10:13-14)  

People who understand things talk intelligently, and are constantly learning.  Foolish people who don’t care to learn constantly offend people and get themselves into trouble.

“The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.” (Proverbs 10:15)

When trouble comes, the wealthy person has something saved up to enable him to ride out the trouble.  The poor man has nothing saved, and loses everything because he doesn’t.

“The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.   He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.” (Proverbs 10:16-17)

The work a good man does tends to improve his life.  The attitude of the wicked tends to sin, and as Romans 6:23 says, “…the wages of sin is death...” A person who learns to do what is right is in the way that leads to life, but a person who refuses to learn is making a serious mistake.

“He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.” (Proverbs 10:13)

A person who pretends to be friends with people he hates, or one who tells lies about people is stupid.  Sooner or later the truth will come out and he will be caught.  They will be justified in their anger toward him.

“In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.” (Proverbs 10:19)

When people talk a lot, there are always things they have not thought through carefully, that are not quite what they should be.  It is better not to talk so much so you don’t say things you don’t mean or that are not true.

“The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.   The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.” (Proverbs 10:20-21)

A good and righteous man says things that are encouraging and help a lot of people to have better life.  The wicked person has nothing of value to offer, and those who don’t bother to learn can’t even help themselves.

“The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.” (Proverbs 10:22)

When God blesses a person, there are lots of benefits and no regrets.  Many times things people have sought are not blessings but curses. 

“It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.” (Proverbs 10:23)

Fools think it is funny to cause other people trouble.   Vandals and looters never stop to think about the people who they hurt and offend by their behavior, who have to pay for the damage.  A thinking person wisely refrains from doing such things.

“The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.  As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.” (Proverbs 10:24-25)

The very thing the wicked person tries to avoid will one day happen to him.  His freedom and pleasure are only momentary, almost as fleeting as a whirlwind.  Those who do right will attain the things they longed for, and their pleasure is founded on eternal principles.

“As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.” (Proverbs 10:26)

Sending a lazy person out to do job is as irritating as a drink of vinegar is to your mouth or a puff of smoke is to your eyes.  It is something to be avoided if at all possible. 

“The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.  The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.  The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.  The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.” (Proverbs 10:27-30)

Respectful obedience to God will result in a long, prosperous, and satisfying life, and result in eternal life.  Those who do not obey will find this life unsatisfactory, and hopeless, and ultimately spend eternity in hell. 

“The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.  The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.” (Provervs 10:31-32)

Good people speak good and useful things, in a polite and acceptable manner, and people value what they have to say.  Wicked people often make no effort to control their tongue and people look for ways to shut them up.  James 1:26 says, “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.”  It doesn’t matter how important a position in a religious organization a person may hold, if he cannot or will not control his mouth, he is not a good person.

Actions And Attitudes Define The Person

Proverbs 10:1-12

“The proverbs of Solomon.

A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.” (Proverbs 10:1)

Having explained the importance and value of wisdom, Solomon is ready to start sharing what he had learned with his readers.  He does so in the form of proverbs or short, easily remembered sayings.  They can be taught to even very small children, but are applicable to every living person. 

Parents can take pride in intelligent and successful children, but even the most doting mother will ultimately be embarrassed by a child who will not make an effort to learn or do anything.  People’s attitudes and actions affect their relationships with those who love them most.

 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.  The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked. ” (Proverbs 10:2-3)

Things obtained by fraud and wicked means have no lasting value.   Because they have not been earned they have little meaning to the person who has them, but in addition, God will cause them to lose their value or be taken away.  While he may not have as much, the person who got what he has by legitimate means will enjoy it far more, and God will protect it for them. 

“He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.  He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.” (Proverbs 10:4-5)

A person who applies himself to taking care of business is sure to have more than enough, possibly even becoming rich, but the person who makes no effort becomes progressively poorer.  If he won’t even get out of bed take advantage of easy and readily available opportunities, even his parents will be embarrassed by his lack of initiative. 

“Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.  The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.” (Proverbs 10:6-7)

People appreciate those who do what is right and want to do nice things for the, and they will be remembered with fondness.  A wicked person is hated and people look for an opportunity to hurt him.  They would prefer not to even think of him, but when they do, it is usually with revulsion.

“The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.” (Proverbs 10:8)

A person with a wise attitude will listen to instructions.  A person who doesn’t think he needs to listen will invariably mess up and get into trouble because he was talking instead of listening. 

“He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.” (Proverbs 10:9)

A person who does what is right doesn’t have to worry about getting caught for something wrong, but sooner or later the person who tries to get by with doing wrong will get caught. 

“He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.  “(Proverbs 10:10)

A person who is always trying to do things behind peoples backs causes trouble, but a person who only listens to himself gets himself into trouble. 

“The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.” (Proverbs 10:11)

A good or righteous person says things that are helpful and encouraging, but a wicked person says cruel and hateful things.  You can tell what kind of person they are by what comes out of their mouth.  Matthew 12:34 says, ”…for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”

“Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.” (Proverbs 10:12)

A person who constantly tries to stir up conflict between a certain person or group and other people, constantly reminding them of past wrongs or accusing them of evil intentions hates that person or group.   A person who loves a person tends to overlook or downplay their wrongs.  Once again, the words and actions indicate what a person is really like.