Instead of craving riches and what other people possess, a wise person sees the value of hard work, which prevents poverty. Sexual lust and alcoholism may be pleasurable for the short-term, but it leads to disappointment and confusion. However, wisdom is sweet to the soul and gives security and hope for the future. Wisdom and knowledge gained from many advisers allow your plans to succeed. Proverbs 23-24 shows the long-term benefits of wisdom.
Do not crave a ruler’s or stingy man’s deceptive food. You waste your compliments because their hearts are not with you. Do not overwork to gain temporary riches. Do not speak to a fool as he will scorn the wisdom of your words. Since God defends the fields of the fatherless, don’t move the boundaries as He will take up their case against you (Prov. 23:1-11). Wisdom prevents the craving for riches and what other people possess.
Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to knowledge. Do not withhold discipline from a child as the rod will save his soul from death. A father’s heart is glad when a son’s heart is wise and his lips speak righteously. Do not envy sinners but always fear the Lord zealously because of future hope. Keep your heart on the right path. Don’t join drunkards or gluttons who become poor (Prov. 23:12-21). Wisdom protects you from poverty caused by alcoholism and gluttony.
Get wisdom, discipline and understanding from your father and mother. The father of a wise son has great joy and delights in him. His righteousness protects him from prostitutes, wayward wife and alcoholism that multiplies unfaithfulness, confusion and dissatisfaction (Prov. 23:22-35). Parents’ wisdom protects you from sexual lust and party spirit that lead to confusion and dissatisfaction.
Do not envy or desire the company of evil men since their hearts plot violence. By wisdom a house is built, through understanding it is established and through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. A wise man has great power and a man of knowledge increases strength. Guidance and many advisers are required to wage a winning war. A fool has no wisdom to share with leaders. A schemer plots evil and men detest a mocker (Prov. 24:1-9).
Wisdom and knowledge from many advisers increase power and strength so you can adopt successful plans.
Those who falter in times of trouble have little strength. Rescue those being led away to death. God weighs hearts and repays according to what each has done. Those who find wisdom that is sweet to the soul have security and a future hope. A righteous man rises again even after falling seven times, but the wicked are brought down by calamity. If you gloat when your enemy falls, the Lord will turn his wrath away from him. Do not fret or be envious of the wicked who have no future hope (Prov. 24:10-20). Wisdom provides contentment and a future hope.
Fear the Lord and the king, but do not join the rebellious to be destroyed by calamity. People curse those who judge with partiality in telling the guilty that they are innocent. Rich blessing comes upon those who convict the guilty. An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips (Prov. 24:21-26). Wisdom enables blessing with discernment as you submit to the Lord and human authorities.
Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready before building your house. Testify truthfully against your neighbor without deception or revenge. A lazy man lacks judgment because his field has thorns everywhere, his ground is covered with weeds and his stone wall is in ruins, resulting in poverty and scarcity (Prov. 24:27-34). Wisdom promotes hard work in your vocation to prevent poverty and scarcity.
Consider the long-term benefits of wisdom and choose the one that is most meaningful to apply:
1. Prevents the craving for riches and what other people possess
2. Protects you from poverty caused by alcoholism and gluttony
3. Protects you from sexual lust and party spirit that lead to confusion and dissatisfaction
4. Increase power and strength from many advisers leading to successful plans
5. Provides contentment and a future hope
6. Wisdom experiences blessing as it submits to the Lord and human authorities in discerning people truthfully
7. Wisdom promotes hard work in your vocation to prevent poverty and scarcity
