The Good Woman

Proverbs 31:10-31

“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.  The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.  She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.” (Proverbs 31:10-12)  

Bathsheba warned Solomon about the dangers of alcohol, especially for those in positions of leadership, and gave him advice regarding its proper use.   Sexual involvement also plays a very important role in person’s ability to lead other people and make good choices.  With this in mind, she advises Solomon about the things to look for in in deciding whether to get involved. 

She points out that good trustworthy women are rare and thus very valuable.   Solomon tells us how rare in Ecclesiastes 7:27-28.  “Behold, this have I found, saith the preacher, counting one by one, to find out the account: Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found.”   Only about one person in a thousand, whether men or women, can be depended on to be honest and good. 

A truly good woman’s husband safely trust her to work with him to further their goals.  As a result, he will not need to constantly work overtime or find other ways to make up for her doing her own thing or demanding her own way.  Solomon says it would be better to be dead than to be stuck with a selfish greedy and controlling woman in Ecclesiastes 7:26.  “And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.”  A man who pleases the Lord will be able to escape such a woman, but one who ignores God’s plan risks being taken in and destroyed by her. 

The good woman will encourage her husband, and keep in mind his goals and needs.  The selfish and wicked woman runs her husband down, to her friends and family, uses their resources to satisfy herself without concern for what he needs or wants, is disrespectful and disparaging toward him, lies to him, and constantly tries to manipulate him to get her own way.    She may destroy his reputation, his credit, his business, or his family, and seriously damage his confidence and self-respect by constantly undercutting his decisions or plans. 

“She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.  She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.  She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.” (Proverbs 31:13-15)

The good woman is willing to work to make sure those who depend on her have what they need.  She makes the effort to get up early to see that they are fed before they go to work or school, and she is willing to go out of her way to get good deals on clothing and groceries, and to provide the best meals possible for her family.   

“She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.  She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.  She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.” (Proverbs 31:16-18)

Because she has earned her husband’s trust, she is free to purchase property and plant a garden or field to supplement their income and provide things they couldn’t have otherwise.  She personally takes care of it so it doesn’t become a burden for him, and knowing that what she is doing is worthwhile.   

“She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.  She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.  She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.  She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.” (Proverbs 31:19-22)  

The good woman is not selfish, but reaches out to help others in need, willing make clothing or whatever is needed to take care of her family, learning to make nice things for her family and dressing them all in clothing that reflects well on the family.  She dresses and maintains her appearance in a way that makes her husband proud of her. 

“Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.” (Proverbs 31:23)

Partly because of her efforts, the husband is able to involve himself with affairs of the community and develop a degree of respect because she doesn’t run him down or publicly embarrass him, and he is able to commit to help people without fear of upsetting her. 

“She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.  Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.  She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.  She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.” (Proverbs 31:24-27)  

The good woman contributes to the income of the home, developing and using her skills to produce things others desire.  She is constantly working and getting things done, but doesn’t allow herself to become bitter about what all she is doing, taking her anger out on others.  Her family is her first priority. 

“Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.  Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.” (Proverbs 31:29-29)  

In the future her her children will remember her with fondness and appreciate her love and concern for them.  Her husband will also have a high level of appreciation of what she does.  She will stand out above anyone else to those who know her, and especially her immediate family and friends.  Her husband will not be looking for a replacement. 

“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.  Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.” (Proverbs 31:30-31)

A beautiful appearance may keep a person from seeing what a woman is really like, but as the old saying goes, beauty is only skin deep, and doesn’t really matter.  The heart attitude is far more important in the long run, and a woman who respects and honors God will be far better than one who just looks pretty.  In the long term, the results of her actions and life style will determine the respect and love she receives. 

She's the kind of woman the guys should look for, and the girls should strive to be.  

Proper usage of Alcohol

Proverbs 31:1-9

“The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.” (Proverbs 31:1)

The word used here is only translated as prophecy in this verse and in Proverbs 31:1.  It means literally a burden, a guideline or set of rules that his mother taught him.  Lemuel means the one who belongs to God, and refers to Solomon.  Here he is sharing some of the advice his mother tried to teach him.   He starts with some general advice for political leaders.

“What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?  Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.   It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.” (Proverbs 31:2-5)  

In I Corinthians 6:12, Paul said, “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.”  Under the Law many things were forbidden, but as Christians we are not under the law.  Nevertheless, there are things Christians should avoid.  Some things harm us physically or damage our reputations more than any benefit they might provide while others take control of our thinking and destroy our focus.  Bathsheba warned Solomon that both sexual involvement and alcohol posed special serious threats for those in power. 

Sexual involvement often leads to cover ups, manipulation and blackmail.  By getting involved, one gives up his independence.  Alcohol impairs one’s logical thinking processes and judgment, leading to poor decisions.  While they are problems for ordinary people, they can have a disastrous effect for many people when they involve a leader or ruler.  Bathsheba centers her advice on these two areas. 

Many today tout the health benefits of drinking a little alcohol every day as justification for social drinking.  While there  are some medicinal benefits form the use of alcoholic Beverages, few seem to realize how small the quantities recommended are,   The recommendation is that an adult man drink no more than one eight ounce glass of wine or one and a half ounce shot of hard liquor per day.    More than that does more harm than good.  A woman should not consume more than half as much.  Similar health benefits can be obtained by eating a healthy diet without the risk, and research indicates that one four ounce glass of fresh grape juice will provide the same benefit as a four ounce glass of wine.

“Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.   Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.” (Proverbs 31:6-7)  

Hard liquor was to be used to deaden the pain for those who were seriously injured.  Wine was recommended as an antidepressant.  These are valid medical uses even today, but like any prescription drug, can lead ot problems if over used.   In addition, Paul recommended Timothy to use a little wine for his stomach problems in I Timothy 5:23.   “Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.”  Their wine was not pasteurized and thus provided live probiotic bacteria that would help digestive problems that modern commerciwines do not.   Because it was stored in wineskin instead of glass bottles, much of the alcohol evaporated, reducing the alcohol content and making the wine mellow and less harmful to the digestive system.    

“Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.  Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.” (Proverbs 31:8-9)  

As ruler, Solomon had a responsibility to protect people from more powerful interests and see that the laws were enforced equitably regardless of financial or political power.  It was and is critical that a leader’s judgment not be impaired by alcohol or drugs or influenced by sexual involvement.  Limiting alcohol usage to proper medical uses will prevent problems in that area.  

Learning From Groups

Proverbs 30:18-33

“There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not: The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid.  Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.” (Proverbs 30:18-20)

Despite all his wisdom, there were some things Solomon couldn’t fully understand.  How can an eagle fly, just soaring on the wind currents with no apparent effort?  How can a snake move across a rock, climbing into seemingly impossible places with no legs or arms to propel them?  How can a ship loaded with hundreds of thousands of tons of cargo float?  Though we have scientific explanations today, they are still amazing.   Science can explain attraction between men and women as part of the evolutionary survival mechanism, but they cannot explain what happens when a person falls in love or the complex emotions that are involved. 

It is just as hard to understand how a person can claim to love another person and go out and cheat on them sexually and insist they haven’t done anything wrong or that their mate has no right to be upset.  People can maintain amazing levels of denial in the face of obvious guilt and  despite serious problems. 

“For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear: For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat; For an odious woman when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress.” (Proverbs 30:21-23)

There are some things that result in people becoming unbearable.  A servant or slave who feels he has been taken advantage of often treats those who are under him even worse than he was treated, taking out his anger on innocent people.  A fool who has everything he wants may feel he has the solution to everyone else’s problems and try to force them to do things his way.  An obnoxious person has to pretend to be nice if they are to find a partner, but once they have the wedding, they no longer have to pretend and become even more obnoxious and abusive.

“There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise: The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer; The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks; The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands; The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces.” (Proverbs 30:24-27)

There are some little things most people never notice that have some important lessons to teach.  Though they are very small, ants are able to survive the winters in good shape because they work all summer getting ready.  Conies, marmots an rock squirrels are small and fairly defenseless and are sought as food by fierce predators.  They are able to survive because they make their dens among the rocks where the predators can’t easily get to them.   Alone locusts are easily caught by birds and other insect eaters.  In huge swarms, the birds and other predators can only kill a few, ensuring that many survive.  By careful planning and keeping out of sight, spiders are able to survive and thrive in even the most hostile environments where every effort is made to dislodge them.

“There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in going: A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any; A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up.” (Proverbs 30:29-31)

There are some things that are impressive to watch.  A lion walks confidently through the forest with no sign of fear or concern, making him an impressive sight.  A greyhound runs so fluidly and effortlessly that is is a joy to watch him run.  A mature goat is stately and magnificent to watch.  In the same way, a king who is confident that his followers support him has an easy assurance that less popular rulers can’t match.   He doesn’t have to worry about defending himself, nor does he take the offensive, believing the best defense is a good offence.

“If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.” (Proverbs 30:32)

If you’ve bragged about knowing or doing something, or have thought evil thought s about somebody, put your hand over your mouth to keep it from saying things it shouldn’t and getting you into trouble.  Some things are better left unsaid.

“Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.” (Proverbs 30:33)

Vigorous stirring and shaking of natural whole milk will eventually cause the particles of fat to clump together and produce butter.  Twisting somebody’s nose will eventually cause their nose to start bleeding.  In the same way, constantly doing things to irritate and annoy people will eventually result in them getting mad.  Don’t blame them for what you caused.

The Generation Gap

Proverbs 30:1-17

“The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal, Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man.  I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy.“ (Proverbs 30:1-3)

Here Solomon refers to when he was first anointed as king and God told him to ask for what ever he wanted describing his sense of inadequacy.   Agur means the one who has been received by wise people, speaking of himself.  He is the son of Jakeh, the obedient one(David).  He speaks to Ithiel, the one who has arrived or is there(God), and Ucal, who devoured his enemies(God).   

I Kings 3:7-9 describes the event in detail.  “And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.  And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.  Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?”  Solomon recognized he could not successfully lead Israel without God’s wisdom and direction.

“Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell?  Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.  Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” (Proverbs 30:4-6)

No one else has the power God has to go into heaven or come back to earth, or to control the winds or dam up the waters and keep them in place.  No one else could make every detail in the most remote part of the earth, nor can they call God by name as a personal friend.  Everything God says can be trusted, and he will protect his people.  He will not ignore people adding to his words and claiming it came from him.

“Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die: Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.” (Proverbs 30:7-9)

There were two things Solomon wanted God do for him.  First, he wanted to be able to tell what was important and true and what was not.  Secondly, he asked to be kept from being very rich, or very poor because he saw a very real danger in either one.   Having too much makes a person feel tht he doesn’t need God, while too little results in frustration and a tendency to blame God.  God answered the prayer, giving Solomon the wisdom to know what was important and recognize the lies.  Unfortunately, Solomon got greedy, gathering all the wealth he could get, 

“Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty.” (Proverbs 30:10)

Don’t accuse somebody else’s employee of not doing their job.  They may get mad and file a complaint against you or tell others.  If it turns out you were wrong, it will damage your reputation.   Romans 14:4 asks, “Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.”

“There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.  There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.  There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.  There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.  ” (Proverbs 30:11-14)

The word translated generation here refers to what we usually mean when we say generation, a particular group of similar ages.  There is a tendency for young people to lose their respect for their parents and ancestors and to accept moral standards that are unacceptable to God or their parents.  There is a tendency for the younger generation to think they are better and smarter than those who have gone before. And they tend to think they have the right and power to get rid of poverty and need, whether by taking from those who have more, or by killing off those they see as inferior.  Neither approach works.

 

“The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough: The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough. “(Proverbs 30:15-16)

Leaches live off other animals and constantly siphon off the nutrients the animal worked for.  The same thing happens when people begin to depend on others to support them.   Once they develop that attitude, they will never be content with what they have, but will constantly be craving or demanding more.   

“The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.” (Proverbs 30:17)

Though they don’t understand it, the generation that thinks they are so much better than their parents will ultimately be worse off.   There was a reason why the old generation had the standards they kept.  They prevented a lot of problems.

People React to How They Are Treated

Proverbs 29:15-27

“The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.” (Proverbs 29:15)

Teaching and correction and punishment teach a child to think things through and make good decisions.   A child who is left to himself without guidance will embarrass his parents because he has no basis on which to make good decisions. 

“When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.” (Proverbs 29:16)

People naturally push the limits and when wickedness is accepted by society, people feel free to do more and worse things.  Crime and immorality begins to grow, but it will only be about a generation before the society collapses and those who have done right will live to see the collapse.

“Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.  Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” (Proverbs 29:17-18)

This verse is very closely related to verse 15.  If you don’t want to be ashamed by your children’s behavior, take the trouble to teach them to make good decisions and do what is right and you can be proud instead.  Without a sense of direction, people destroy themselves.    People who know and keep God’s commands are blessed in many ways.  John 14:21 promises, “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.”

“A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.” (Proverbs 29:19)

People resent being ordered around and told what to do.  They may be afraid to say anything to those in authority, but that doesn’t mean they agree, or that they are going to do as ordered.  Their failure to respond usually indicates a sense of resentment rather than of misunderstanding.   

“ Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.” (Proverbs 29:20)

A person who is quick to jump to conclusions or make commitments frequently commits to things that will not work and pride or other factors may make it very difficult to change his direction.   There’s more hope for an idiot than for a person who can’t admit they made a bad decision. 

“He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.” (Proverbs 29:21)

By carefully nurturing a good relationship with an employee, avoiding a bossy, dictatorial style will result in an employee who likes and wants to work with his employer like a boy wanting to work with his father. 

“An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.” (Proverbs 29:22)

Angry people say and do things that irritate and anger other people, resulting in conflict.  A person who allows his anger to get out of control does all kinds of things that are not right, from cussing an innocent person out, to putting people’s lives in danger.  It’s better to avoid such people.

“A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.” (Proverbs 29:23)

A person’s pride prevents him from admitting mistakes or dangers, leading to humiliation and failure.  A person who doesn’t have that kind of pride and honestly admits his weaknesses will receive respect and praise. 

“Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.” (Proverbs 29:24)

A person who hangs out with thieves doesn’t have much self-respect or consider his life worth much.  Thieves often justify their stealing by running down other people to make it look like they have no right to what they own.  Their associates and friends listen to that abuse of other people and don’t try to stop it because they don’t value people, including themselves. 

“The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.  Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD.” (Proverbs 29:25-26)

Fear of what others think or will do prevents many people from accomplishing worthwhile things, making them dependent on other people.  Putting our trust in the Lord frees us from the concern about whether other people will help or oppose one’s plans.  Most people are concerned about government’s approval, but God’s approval is the only one that really matters.   

“An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.” (Proverbs 29:27)

Honest, morally upright people despise dishonest and immoral people, and dishonest, immoral people despise those who do what is right. 

Leaders Set The Tone

Proverbs 29:1-14

“He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.” (Proverbs 29:1)

A person who gets angry and refuses to listen when mistakes or sins are pointed out will inevitably face judgment and destruction.  There is no way to escape it.

“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.” (Proverbs 29:2)

When honest moral people are in control, ordinary people are happy, but when wicked people gain control, ordinary people fear for their survival. 

“Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.” (Proverbs 29:3)

A child who learns and makes wise decisions makes his parents happy, but one who gets caught up in prostitution or sexual promiscuity spends everything he or his parents have saved. 

“The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.” (Proverbs 29:4)

Leaders who make informed and honest decisions strengthen their country, but those who pay attention to the lobbyists and favor those who give donations or bribes destroy the country. 

“A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.” (Proverbs 29:5)

A person who gives insincere praise has an ulterior motive and is using his flattery to trap you into doing something.   Watch out.

“In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.” (Proverbs 29:6)

Evil people set traps that may harm themselves or other people, and have to be careful not to get caught in it.  People who do right don’t set traps and don’t need to be so careful.  They can enjoy themselves, knowing there is no danger of getting hurt. 

“The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.  Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath. ” (Proverbs 29:7-8)

Good people think about the consequences of their actions on other people.  Wicked people think it doesn’t matter how other people are affected and show them no respect.    Disrespectful people offend other people and cause a lot of people a lot of trouble.  Wise people try to work things out and avoid conflict

“If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.” (Proverbs 29:9)

It is impossible to win an argument with a fool, no matter how smart you are.  They will not change their opinion regardless of logic, threats and anger or even being mocked for being stupid.  There is no use trying to convince him.   

“The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.” (Proverbs 29:10)

Murderers and violent criminals hate those who stand for what is right, but honest and good people seek to become his friends. 

“A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.” (Proverbs 29:11)

A fool blurts out his opinion but a wise person keeps his mouth shut and waits until he has the facts to make a valid decision before telling everyone what he thinks. 

“If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.” (Proverbs 29:12)

A corrupt politician who listens to lies without checking them out encourages corruption among his staff and associates.

“The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.” (Proverbs 29:13)

The poor and the dishonest often try to do business together.  Both of them learn from the experience.   The poor man learns not to trust the grandiose promises, while the crook learns that there are limits to what he can take without consequences. 

“The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever. “(Proverbs 29:14)

A ruler or government that is fair to the poor makes them happy, and they will not rebel against it, but will support it as long as possible.  At the same time, God will bless by extending their reign.

Knowing What To Expect From People

Proverbs 28:15-28

“As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.  The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.” (Proverbs 28:15-16)

Animals such as lions or bears may kill other animals or destroy things with no thought of the future effects of their actions, wiping out a food source or leaving themselves without shelter.  A wicked ruler, government or employer is only concerned with immediate results and has a similar disregard for the effects of the actions on those they depend on.  A ruler who doesn’t understand the effects of his actions becomes a tyrant and earns the people’s hatred.  A ruler who hates selfishness and greed gets the people’s respect and love, and ensures their continued support. 

“A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.” (Proverbs 28:17)

In Genesis 9:6 God commanded, “Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.”   Anyone who attacks another person seriously injuring or killing them is to be punished. Even to the point of being killed if they have killed another.  It is wrong to try to protect them from that punishment.   

“Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.” (Proverbs 28:18)

A person who lives in a good manner will be protected by God, but a person who refuses to do right will be destroyed.   While doing Good is not enough to save us, it clearly indicates whether we are saved or not, according to I John 3:7-10.  “Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.  He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.   Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.  In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.”

“He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.  A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent. “ (Proverbs 28:19-20)

A person who takes care of his business will have plenty to live on.  A person who hangs around with or follows the advice of people who don’t do anything worthwhile will always be poor and struggling to get by.    A consistent steady worker will have plenty, but as person who tries to rich in a hurry will end up doing things that are wrong.

“To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.” (Proverbs 28:21)

A person who holds some people in higher regard than others is already inclined to their side and will distort the truth in their favor for no more than the price of a meal.  They don’t really need to even bribe him.   

“He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.” (Proverbs 28:22)

A person who is in a hurry to get rich is not focused on pleasing God or doing what is right.  He ignores the judgment of God for sin and that God has repeatedly stated he will take away what the property of those who get rich by cheating or taking advantage of others. 

“He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.” (Proverbs 28:23)  

While they may not like it when you tell them they are wrong, people who listen and make the corrections will appreciate the advice later and respect the person who gave it far more than they will someone who told they were right and encouraged them to do it wrong.

“Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.” (Proverbs 28:24)  

A person who thinks he has a right to take what belongs to his parents without their permission is no different that the vandals who go around destroying other people’s property.  

“He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.”  He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.” (Proverbs 28:25-26)  

A person who thinks he is smarter or better than other people causes fights, and conflict.  A person who depends on the Lord will be blessed for his faith, but one who depends on his own intelligence or emotions is stupid.  Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”  A wise person will not just follow his heart, and as a result will escape a lot of problems. 

“He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.” (Proverbs 28:27)  

A person who cares and helps the poor will have enough to get by, but one who ignores them will be hated by a lot of people. 

“When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.” (Proverbs 28:28)

When wicked men gain power, the people have to hide what they accomplish to protect it from seizure, but when the wicked are destroyed, those who do right are free to profit openly.