He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck,
shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. (v1)
When God gives correction, it’s mercy....an invitation to turn. But if we keep stiffening our neck and refusing to listen, there comes a point where destruction follows. Not because God delights in it, but because rejecting wisdom has consequences. The longer we resist His voice, the harder our hearts become.
A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards. (v11)
Probably not a popular truth with this generation....but not EVERYTHING we feel needs to come spilling out of our mouths. A fool has no filter......whatever is on the inside comes rushing out. That was ME.....pre-Jesus (does that even make sense? haha...) FORMER Jill had no filter! FORMER Jill was a fool!
Wisdom knows how to pause, weigh words, and let emotions settle before speaking. Sometimes the best thing you can do is hold your tongue until you can speak with clarity instead of heat.
Where there is no vision, the people perish:
but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. (v18)
This verse is often quoted, but it’s deeper than goal-setting. “Vision” here is knowing and keeping the Word of God. Without God’s truth guiding us, we wander aimlessly, stumbling into destruction. But when we follow His Word, we find stability and joy. It’s not just about having a plan.....it’s about anchoring that plan in God’s wisdom.
Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him. (v20)
That’s pretty blunt. Quick words can do lasting damage. Hasty (impulsive) speech leaves no room for thought, no room for the Spirit to guide. And Solomon says that someone who can’t control their tongue is in worse shape than a fool. I don't know about you, but this verse pushes me to slow down, think, and let God temper my responses.
A man’s pride shall bring him low:
but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. (v23)
Pride has a way of promising elevation but delivering humiliation. It puffs us up, but the fall always comes. Humility, on the other hand, may not look flashy, but it leads to honor.....the kind of honor that God Himself gives. THAT'S the kind of honor that I want!
Pride shouts; humility lasts.
The fear of man bringeth a snare:
but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe. (v25)
People-pleasing is an unhealthy trap. Fear of what others think ties us up in knots, keeping us from living in freedom. But when our trust is rooted in the Lord, we find a security that no human opinion can shake. This verse tells us to stop living for their approval and start living in His. That’s where true safety is found!
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