Wisdom Calls

THE BOOK OF PROVERBS

PARAPHRASED

Copyright © 2012 XP Publishing

All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other – except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior permission of the author.

Compiled by Patricia King and Larry Witten

Published by XP Publishing

A department of XP Ministries

P.O. Box 1017, Maricopa, Arizona 85139

www.XPpublishing.com

ISBN: 978-1-621660-68-2

Printed in the United States of America.

For worldwide distribution.

Dedicated

to those who

hunger and thirst

for wisdom

Contents

Proverbs 9:1-6

Proverbs 1

Proverbs 2

Proverbs 3

Proverbs 4

Proverbs 5

Proverbs 6

Proverbs 7

Proverbs 8

Proverbs 9

Proverbs 10

Proverbs 11

Proverbs 12

Proverbs 13

Proverbs 14

Proverbs 15

Proverbs 16

Proverbs 17

Proverbs 18

Proverbs 19

Proverbs 20

Proverbs 21

Proverbs 22

Proverbs 23

Proverbs 24

Proverbs 25

Proverbs 26

Proverbs 27

Proverbs 28

Proverbs 29

Proverbs 30

Proverbs 31

Decree for Wisdom

Suggested Resources

FROM THE DESK OF

Patricia King

I have always loved the Book of Proverbs in the Holy Bible. In this hour of moral and spiritual confusion, decay, and turmoil, the practical and eternal wisdom found in the Book of Proverbs is more needed than ever.

I desired to write Wisdom Calls as a modern day paraphrase of the Book of Proverbs in order for us to both comprehend, receive, and apply the wisdom that God reveals through it.

James declared:

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

James 1:5 (NASB)

I am praying for an entire generation to be filled with wisdom – His glorious wisdom that offers the benefits of long life, riches, honor, right standing and favor before God and man, success, and fruitfulness... a wisdom that when received, will draw the created to the Creator.

Wisdom is calling YOU. May you be filled and blessed with His glorious wisdom as you meditate on the words penned in this book.

Proverbs 9:1-6

Wisdom has built her house,

She has hewn out her seven pillars;

She has prepared her food, she has mixed her wine;

She has also set her table;

She has sent out her maidens, she calls

From the tops of the heights of the city:

“Whoever is naive, let him turn in here!”

To him who lacks understanding she says,

“Come, eat of my food

And drink of the wine I have mixed.

Forsake your folly and live,

And proceed in the way of understanding.”

Proverbs 1

PARAPHRASED

The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel, were written to help you know wisdom, receive instruction, and teach you to live as God intended. They will help you understand how to live your life – the God-designed way.

They will show you what is right, just, and fair. They will teach the innocent and inexperienced everything they need to know and show the younger generation how God intended their lives to look.

Those who are already wise will become wiser still and those of understanding will gain a greater depth of wisdom, get fresh insight, and learn answers to perplexing questions and deep mysteries.

The first step to obtaining knowledge is to fear God – respect Him in every way, and always honor Him. Be the opposite of the fool who does not esteem Him or obey His counsel. Be wise and reap the blessings, rather than foolish and glean the misfortunes.

Pay close attention to the teachings and instruction of your godly father and mother. They will cause you to rise above the crowd and mark you for success.

If others ask you to do things that you know will get you in trouble, do not follow them. Their temptations will only bring you down. They might say, “Come with us and we will bully a loser. We will rough him up and take his stuff. Join us and we’ll split the take with you.”

Child of God, hear me. Do not walk down their path. They run toward evil and plan to harm others. Ignore them and turn in the other direction, because they are headed for ruin and you do not want to jump into the pit of destruction with them. There is definitely a bad end for everyone who chooses to harm others and do wrong.

Wisdom shouts in the streets; her voice is so loud everyone can hear.

At the mall she cries out, at the courthouse she shares her wisdom: “How long, O simpleminded ones, will you love being ignorant?”

“How long, O mockers, will you continue in your cynicism? How long, O fools, will you continue to hate knowledge? Make a U-turn and come to me, and I will pour out on you the spirit of understanding.”

“I will explain wisdom and make you wise. I have called you repeatedly but you always hang up. I reached out to you but you brushed me off. You insist on going the way you think is best, but you will learn the truth. Because you turned away from my counsel, despised correction, and rejected helpful discipline, I will laugh when your misguided ways cause you to crash and burn and lose everything. Then you will understand that wrong living always produces a bad life.”

“You will need me then but, because you ignored my calls, your desperate calls for help will go unanswered. You hated knowledge, refused to honor and fear God, rejected my advice, and declined my offer to show you the right way to live. As a result, you will have to lie in the bed you made and swallow the bitter fruit of your own choices. However, the one who listens to me (wisdom) will enjoy a ‘good life’ filled with peace and be protected from evil.”

Proverbs 2

PARAPHRASED

My friend, please listen to the wisdom I’m sharing with you. Receive into your mind and heart the counsel of the Lord. Make every effort to understand His ways – commit your heart to this quest.

If you passionately long for insight, understanding, and a heart full of wisdom with the same passion you would have following a map to buried treasure, you will discover the fear of the Lord and the knowledge of God.

For the Lord generously gives wisdom to anyone who asks, explains knowledge and understanding, and blesses the upright with common sense. In addition, He personally protects those who walk in integrity.

He makes sure that you always get justice, and that right and good always prevail. God defends your path to the future He has planned for you.

You will understand what is good, right, and fair when you pursue God and His wonderful gifts of wisdom, discernment, and understanding. He will be your directional finder on the journey of life.

Wisdom will enter your heart and knowledge will fill your mind with delight. Insight will watch out for you and good sense will protect you from foolish, rebellious, and evil people. You will shun the followers of the dark side who love harming others and creating vicious schemes displeasing to God. Those losers play an evil game but they end up taking back roads that lead to dead ends.

By making good sense your friend, you will be rescued from the Casanovas or Jezebels who seduce with flattering flirty words. They have broken their promises of fidelity and their lives are doomed. Even if they appear happy for a season, each time they are unfaithful brings them a step closer to hell. Those who they seduce are also doomed to never fulfill their life’s purpose or reach their God-intended potential.

Choose to be upright, considerate, and a lover of God. Travel through life on roadways of righteousness and walk on paths established by the Lord – they lead to a fulfilling life and rewarding destiny.

Join with those who walk in righteousness doing good and you will enjoy the blessings of this season of your life and be part of the story God is writing today. The wicked, the corrupt, and the dishonest, however, will lose their lives and vanish from the story like bit players in a crowd scene.

Proverbs 3

PARAPHRASED

Listen, child of God, and don’t forget what I have taught you – let your heart keep His precious commandments. If you do so, you will enjoy a long, good life full of blessing and harmony.

Don’t let kindness and truth leave you. Write them with permanent ink in your memory, and tie a string around your finger if it will remind you. If you live by these values, you will have a life filled with favor with both God and man.

Trust the Lord in all things and don’t try to figure everything out on your own. Don’t let your mind get in the way of hearing God’s voice and receiving His directions. Listen to Him; He will keep you on track.

Don’t be a know-it-all. Instead, humble yourself before God, respect His wisdom, and turn your back on evil. It will be healing to your body, and even your bones will have new vigor.

Honor God with all you have and give Him the first and best of all you earn. If you do this, everything remaining will be blessed, thrive, and multiply.

Do not resent God’s discipline or reject His loving correction. The Lord only disciplines those He loves, as a father reprimands the child he adores. Correction is for your good – it returns your focus to the right path.

You are blessed when you obtain wisdom and benefit when you gain understanding, because the dividend is far higher than the profits from silver or the gains from gold. Wisdom is more precious than jewels and nothing you can think of compares with it.

Wisdom holds long life in her right hand and in her left are riches and honor. Her ways are enjoyable and her pathways are peaceful. Wisdom is a tree of life and a source of happiness to those who hug her.

By wisdom God created the earth and by understanding He made the heavens. By His knowledge He called forth the rivers, caused springs to burst forth, and made the dew to descend at night.

Friend, always hold on to sound wisdom, clear thinking, and common sense, and don’t allow anything to steal your focus from them. They will keep you strong and happy, fit and attractive. You will be safe when you travel, and wrong decisions will not cause you to miss a step. You can rest without being afraid and your sleep will be sweet and sound.

There is no need to fear a disaster or be anxious over instabilities. Even if everything goes crazy around you, God is right there with you to keep you safe, protected, and steady.

If you have the ability and the means to do good to someone with a valid need, do it! Don’t tell them, “Come back tomorrow,” when they need your help now.

Never take advantage of your neighbor – he trusts you. Be a good neighbor. Do not fight with a person who has done you no harm; don’t be a big bully. Do not be like the violent or copy their ways, because the Lord finds them detestable but is a friend of the upright. God curses the house of the wicked with turmoil and disaster but blesses the home of the good person and fills it with peace.

God mocks the mocker but gives grace to those who are mistreated and in trouble. The wise inherit honor but fools reap shame.

Proverbs 4

PARAPHRASED

Child of God, listen carefully to some fatherly counsel and learn how to live right. This is really good advice so do not take it lightly. When I was a young boy and the center of my parent’s attention, my father taught me to hear and obey the words of godly instruction so that I could live a full and meaningful life.

He would say, “Do everything to obtain wisdom and understanding – make it your passionate purpose.” Never walk away from wisdom because she guards your life. Love her and she will watch over you.

Before you move forward on anything, get wisdom and acquire understanding. Embrace wisdom and never let her go – you will by no means be sorry. She will make your life glorious. Prize her and she will lift you up and promote you. She will make you appreciated and a pleasure to be around.

My friend, accept this advice and your life will be full and rich. I have directed you in the way of wisdom and led you on principled paths. When you walk, you will not go off track or stumble. Hold fast to instruction and do not let go; guard it with your life because it is your life.

Never agree with evil people or follow their ways. Avoid them like a nasty disease and walk forward in life always choosing what is right. Those with evil intents are always plotting wickedness and love to persuade others to join them, but you are to always do what is right and good.

The food of the evil is wickedness and their drink is violence, but the righteous walk a path of light that shines ever brighter. Right-living people glow with light and shine more and more as the years go by, but the wicked grow darker and darker until they are staggering along their descending path.

My friend, pay attention to these words, and listen to these sayings. Never let them leave your sight; keep them in your heart, for they are life to those who discover them and give health and vitality to your body, soul, and spirit.

Protect your heart above everything else, because your entire life flows from that part of you – it’s the very core of your being.

Do not speak lies, not even white lies; always be truthful.

Keep your attention focused ahead on the path God has set before you and do not allow anything or anyone to distract you. By carefully watching how you walk, your road in life will be smooth. Never take a detour from what is right and good, but always turn away from evil.

Proverbs 5

PARAPHRASED

My friend, pay attention to godly wisdom and listen carefully to His understanding so that you can speak the truth without half-truths, rumors, or slander.

The lips of seductive, unfaithful people are as alluring as honey and their soft, smooth speech is captivating. Nevertheless, in the end they are bitter people who wound their victims and drag them to hell.

They have no clue about right behavior or how to have a good life. Their ways are wobbly and they don’t even know it.

I am telling you as straight as I can, stay far away from those people! Don’t even go to their part of town.

If you do, the great life God intended for you will be given to another and you will have missed your purpose and wasted your life and gifts. You will lose everything you have desired and worked toward, and you’ll groan with regret your entire life. I know you do not want to be a senior citizen filled with regrets who admits, “I hated instruction, despised discipline, and rejected correction. I did not listen to my instructors and mentors, so I wasted my days on the earth because I lived a compromised life.”

Do not expose or share the private parts of your body with others. They are yours alone and are not to be shown or touched by others, even if they insist. If you keep yourself pure, you will be refreshing like a fresh-flowing fountain.

Once you marry, you can share deep, intimate times with your spouse – but not until then. Enjoy the person you marry, for they will be like your personal angel. Share intimacy with them and always delight in them.

In this way, intimacy with your spouse will be blessed and you will be happy and enjoy your marriage without regrets. Sex with your spouse is much more satisfying than going for cheap thrills with shameless lovers who merely produce pleasure for a moment and then leave you defiled and empty.

God watches the path you take and sees every action you make. Anyone who lives a life of disobedience to God’s instruction is asking for really hard times. Your sin will always overtake you and make you its prisoner. This type of foolishness always ends badly.

Proverbs 6

PARAPHRASED

If you have been impulsive and committed yourself financially to someone or locked yourself into a deal with a stranger, if you have made risky promises that you cannot keep and have put yourself in a tough situation, I strongly urge you to do anything to get out of trouble. Go as soon as possible with desperate remorse, asking for mercy. Ask to be released from your commitment. Do it immediately! The longer you wait the more difficult it will become to get out. Like the hunted fleeing the hunter, run and deliver yourself.

Look at the ants, lazybones, and wise up. The ant has no boss to tell it what to do and does not need one. Instinctively, they carefully stockpile provision during the summer harvest to eat during scarce times in the winter.

How long will you continue in your laziness, doing nothing yet expecting someone to meet your needs and desires? Come on – wake up and smell the coffee, you lazy one!

The attitude of “a little sleep here, a little nap there, a day off here and a day off there,” and thinking that others will do the work for you while you do nothing, will bring you to poverty and ruin. Don’t think that you will prosper being lazy – no, no, you will lose everything and in the end have nothing.

A worthless and wicked person uses foul language and lies. These kinds of people wink at each other, give secret signals, and cross their fingers behind their back.

With immoral hearts, they continually think up nasty plans and attempt to turn even the best of friends against each other. Sudden disaster will come to people like that. They had better be careful because one day it will all catch up with them and, like Humpty Dumpty, they will be smashed beyond “putting it back together again.”

God despises seven things:

Proud eyes and a mouth that lies,

Hands that create trouble instead of bless,

A heart that plans to bring harm,

A witness who is fake and tells the story all wrong,

Causing friends to turn on each other.

My friend, follow the godly instructions of your parents. Keep them sealed in your heart and commit them to memory. They will guide you and protect you wherever you go, whatever you do. When you go to sleep, they will guard you and when you wake up, they will show you what to do next.

The sound counsel of God is like a streetlight, His teaching is a headlight, and His discipline and correction illuminate the road to a good life.

If you pay attention to these vital things, they will keep you from the seducer and the flattering tongue of the unfaithful, immoral person. Do not crave their good looks or allow their alluring eyes to get to you. A lover reduces a person to dinner, a movie, and a source of sexual satisfaction. The unfaithful person hunts for those who will give them the precious things they desire.

Can you start a fire in your lap and not burn your clothes, or walk on hot charcoals without scorching your feet? That is just like an unfaithful person who commits fornication or adultery – one way or another they will be punished.

You might excuse a person who steals because they are hungry. However, when caught they must repay you sevenfold and if necessary give up everything they own.

The one who commits adultery with another’s spouse has no sense; they are destroying themselves. They can expect great pain in life and a ruined reputation. A cheated spouse will retaliate with a fierce rage of jealousy and can’t be bought off. Nothing will calm them down or cause them to back off.

Proverbs 7

PARAPHRASED

My friend, listen carefully to my words and act on them. Hold dear my wise counsel for when you need it. If you do what I tell you, you will have a great life. Keep my teaching as your central focus and remind yourself of my instruction throughout the day. Tape God’s Word to your mirror or somewhere you will always see it; keep it in your heart and before your eyes.

Treat wisdom as a beloved older sister and call understanding your mentor, and they will keep you from the adulterous person who would sweet-talk you into a dilemma.

From my office window, I noticed a foolish guy headed for the office of a loose woman. He thought he would only walk by, but at that moment the woman came out to greet him, dressed provocatively with the obvious intention of seducing him. Forward rebellious women lurk around every corner and strut down the streets looking for prey.

So she seized him and kissed him. She said, “I’m finished for the day and ready to have a good time. I’ve been looking for you – and here you are! Come home with me. I have food, candles, and wine prepared just for you. We will make passionate love all night long. My husband is out of town on business and won’t be back for several days.”

With many persuasive words, she seduced him and lured him with enticing lips. As a cow headed to slaughter or a rabbit hopping into a snare, he followed her.

So my friend, please take these words to heart. Do not take them lightly. Avoid women like that, stay far away from them. You cannot begin to count the people who have been ruined by her spell once they come under her seductive power. She has brought many an unsuspecting man to his end. Her house is the pathway to both hell and death.

Proverbs 8

PARAPHRASED

Do you hear wisdom calling? Can you hear understanding raise her voice? On a high place where she can see everything, in the busiest part of town, she takes her stand. At the entrance to the city and in its center, she cries out:

“Senseless people, yes, I mean you, so listen up. Learn common sense and understand wisdom.

“I speak sensible things, my words will instruct you how to live well, prosper, and have a good future. I speak only the pure, unembellished truth. Dishonest language, corrupt ways, and evil plans are detestable to me. Everything that comes from my mouth is honest; there is nothing deceitful or perverted in my speech.

“My words are straightforward and make perfect sense to those who desire understanding; they are suitable to those who would discover knowledge.

“Choose my teachings and discipline over the pursuit of money, and God’s knowledge over a desire for the world’s riches. For wisdom is better than anything money can buy or the world can offer. Nothing you desire in the world even comes close to the value of God’s wisdom. Gather together all the gold and silver in the entire world and it pales in comparison to the value of God’s wisdom.

“I, wisdom, live with insight and uncover knowledge and intuition.

“The fear of the Lord causes you to hate evil with a passion along with pride, arrogance, malicious deeds, and twisted speech.

“Good, sound counsel and common sense describe me. I am wisdom and understanding, and I am full of power.

“By me, heads of state properly govern their nations and make laws that are just and fair to their people. By me, all who legitimately exercise authority rule with integrity.

“I love those who love me; and those who truly desire and diligently search will find me. Riches, honor, wealth, and righteousness are with me.

“My reward is better than the richest bank account and my yield is higher than the choicest investment.

“I cruise the HIGHways called Righteousness Road and Justice Parkway – this is where you can find me. On those access roads, I lavish the ones who love me with riches and fill their lives with unbelievable treasure.

“God formed me before creating anything else. From everlasting I was established – from the very beginning before anything in the earth was made, I was formed. When there were no oceans or rivers and before the mountains appeared and the hills were formed, I existed.

“Before God made the fields or even a speck of dust, He conceived me. When He established space and the galaxies, I was His companion. When He filled the oceans and drew the boundary for the sea, I was present.

“Yes, I was right at His side as His master architect when He laid the earth’s foundations. I was a source of His delight and I rejoiced before Him.

“Day after day, I applauded His wonderful works and celebrated the creation of mankind with great joy.

“Therefore, my children, listen to my teachings and advice. Those who keep my ways will be happy, blessed, and overflowing in goodness.

“Heed my instruction without fail and you will become wise.

“Blessed are those who listen to me and daily seek my counsel and direction.

“Those who find me find life and favor from the Lord. However, those who wrong me or miss me only hurt themselves. All who hate me are merely pursuing death.”

Proverbs 9

PARAPHRASED

Wisdom has built a magnificent house and furnished it with seven pillars. She has prepared a

many-course banquet of delicious foods and prepared her wine. She set her table beautifully and assigned her servants to their places.

She then went out and invited everyone to her feast. She boldly shouted, “Whoever is confused or ignorant about life, come with me. I have prepared a wonderful banquet of delights and you are welcome to dine with me. Eat my food and drink my wine. It is free. Forsake your lack of understanding and wrong philosophies and find a new life with understanding and meaning.”

If you attempt to correct a cynic, you will be sorry for he will insult you. Moreover, if you attempt to bring discipline and good sense to a wicked man, you will receive abuse. Don’t even think of trying to discipline a mocker for he will hate you.

Spend your energy on the one who longs to know wisdom. He will be thankful for your correction and discipline. When you give him good counsel, he will grow in wisdom. This is a good investment of your time and energy because when you teach a righteous man, he will increase his knowledge.

The reverential awe of your Creator is the basis of wisdom and you cannot become wise without fully respecting and honoring God as your Maker. Comprehending Him and His holiness will grant you understanding.

If you love wisdom and walk beside her, your days will be increased and you will live a long life.

If you pursue and embrace wisdom, you are doing yourself a big favor and your life will go well, but if you are haughty in your false understanding, ridicule real wisdom, and live careless and foolishly, you will be sorry.

The woman of foolishness is rowdy, ignorant, and knows nothing about life. She sits out in front of a coffee shop where everyone who walks by can see her. She winks and flirts with passersby. If they show any interest she says, “Come with me and have a good time. Don’t worry about doing wrong or being unfaithful. Come on!” Then she whispers in their ear, “No one will ever know.”

The ignorant and foolish become captivated by her faulty philosophy of reality and follow her. The pathway of those who disbelieve the godly worldview leads to an early death and a sinner’s hell. Those who follow her and never awaken to the truth end up there.

Proverbs 10

PARAPHRASED

Wise children make their fathers glad, but foolish kids make their mother’s heart sad.

If you gain prosperity through dishonesty, you will lose it all and end up with nothing but trouble. An honest, moral life, however, delivers you from ruin.

When a right-living person is hungry, God always makes sure they have what they need, but He ignores the appetite of the wicked.

The person who does not work ends up impoverished, but if you are hardworking and diligent you will end up prosperous in all things.

You are wise if you harvest your field when it is ripe but foolish if you are too lazy to bring in the crop at the right time.

Blessings are piled upon those in right standing with God, but the mouth of the wicked conceals their cruel intentions.

Good, honest people will be well remembered for generations to come, but the names of the infamous will arouse disdain.

Wise workers appreciate instruction, but rebellious buffoons headed for catastrophe, not so much.

The honest in their dealings are blessed, but those who are devious can expect an arrest.

He who cunningly winks his eye is ready to cause trouble and a bigmouth fool will blab the wicked plans of his heart.

The mouth of a good person is a fountain of life, but the words of the wicked conceal hatred and violence.

Hatred causes big trouble, but love covers offenses like a bubble.

A person with insight will speak wisdom, but one who lacks sense needs a spanking.

Wise people collect knowledge but the know-it- all who knows nothing creates problems for everyone.

The wealth of the rich is their protection, but the poverty of the foolish is their ruin.

The person who does right enjoys the wages of a great life, but income earned by the wicked is punishment.

The road to a delightful existence is a disciplined life. However, those who ignore correction are headed down a road to the bad side of the tracks.

Those who hide their hatred – lie, lie, oh how they lie – and those who openly slander others are smart alecks just asking for trouble.

Talk a lot and you are bound to sin, but be reflective and thoughtful and you are wise.

The words of a good person are precious and profound, but the blathering of the wicked is baloney.

Many find nourishment from the words of the godly, but the foolish starve to death for lack of understanding.

The blessing of the Lord makes you rich in such a way that it does not bring sadness to you or anyone else.

Fools love to play around with wickedness, but the wise person gets deep pleasure from right living.

A wicked person’s nightmares eventually become reality and the dreams of good people come to pass.

When rains of misfortune come, the wicked are swept away, but godly people who stand firm on their solid foundation are not overwhelmed.

A lazy workman is trouble beyond belief – like a mouthful of flies or smoke in your eyes.

Those who fear the Lord eventually die of old age, but the wicked are cut down in their prime.

The desires of good people bring great joy, but the ambitions of the wicked are for naught.

The ways of God are a strong backing to those who live right, but to wrongdoers they are an obstruction leading to ruin.

Good people will never be shaken – they will stand on terra firma forever – but the future of the wicked is not on the earth.

The mouth of the righteous flows with wisdom like a fresh-running river, but the rotten tongue of the wicked will be snipped off.

The words of a righteous person bring a harvest of good, but the wicked person’s statements contaminate the hearts of the hearers.

Proverbs 11

PARAPHRASED

God hates cheating and dishonesty in financial dealings. However, He loves it when you are fair and do what is right.

When you walk in self-importance and arrogance, you will stumble on shame and disgrace, but those who renounce self get a hold of wisdom.

Integrity is a guide for the honest; however, the crookedness of the deceitful guides them to ruin.

In the day of complete calamity, your money won’t save you, but an upright and principled person will walk successfully through any circumstances.

The life of the righteous will be a smooth path, but the feet of the wicked become entangled in their wicked acts; it is really simple – good character, good life; bad character, bad life.

When a wicked man dies, that’s it; he has no more time to make things right.

A righteous person is rescued from trouble, but a wicked person runs straight into it and gets stuck.

The uncontrolled tongue of the godless spreads destruction; the knowledge of the godly protects them.

When it goes well for the upright, everyone is delighted; when it goes bad for evil doers, everyone shouts for joy.

Bless your city and it will prosper, but when the wicked curse it they tear it down.

You show a lack of good sense when you belittle someone; even if you think they deserve it, the insightful person keeps silent.

A blabbermouth finds it impossible to keep a secret, but a person with integrity will not violate a confidence.

People go astray if they do not have the advice of wise consultants, but with an assortment of advisors there is success.

Never sign a loan for someone you hardly know or you will definitely get burned. In fact, don’t take a chance on signing anyone’s loan if you want to keep your good credit.

A gracious woman gains honor, but ruthless men attain only riches.

A kind and merciful person receives blessing in return, but the cruel bring retribution on themselves.

Money earned through deceptive means is cursed, but the honest person who works with integrity gets a permanent and satisfying reward.

If you are good and honest, your life will be full, but if you pursue evil, it will bring you emptiness and death.

God hates those who have a corrupt mind, but He delights in a person who walks in purity.

You can count on this, evil people will not go unpunished – God may give them time to make things right, but their day of reckoning always comes; those who are obedient to God will be safe on Judgment Day.

A beautiful woman without discretion is like a pig wearing diamond earrings.

The desires of good people always lead to great results, but the ambitions of the wicked end in anger and frustration.

Those who generously share with others increase in every conceivable way. However, the ones who withhold what is justly owed lose what they have.

The generous person prospers and the one who blesses others is blessed in return.

Men curse the person who withholds a necessity in short supply just to get a better price, but they bless the one willing to sell during tough times.

The person who always tries to do good encounters favor, but evil returns like a boomerang to the one seeking to do evil.

If you put your trust in money, you will be disappointed when it fails you. The righteous who put their trust in God prosper no matter what happens.

If you exploit or mistreat your family, you will become heir to nothing but air, and you’ll wind up serving the wise.

The acts of a righteous person plant seeds that become a life-giving tree that sustains them. The act of winning souls is wise.

If the righteous are rewarded while on earth how much more will the wicked and sinners receive their just reward?

Proverbs 12

PARAPHRASED

If you love learning, you must also love being corrected when it is needed. Hating discipline is a sure sign of weakmindedness.

The Lord approves those who are good but condemns those who plan evil.

A person who acts wickedly is unstable – they are standing in quicksand. But the righteous have firm footing because they are established on solid ground.

An excellent wife is a crown of joy to her husband, but a woman who shames and dishonors him is like osteoporosis.

The opinions of a good person are pure and just, but the counsel of the wicked is full of deceit.

The words of the wicked are like an ambush by deadly assassins, but the words of the righteous save the innocent.

Eventually, the lives of evil people end without a trace, but the company of the righteous stand firm.

A person who is wise and insightful will be honored, but a person who speaks perverted nonsense will be despised.

It is better to be humble and hardworking with little than be a person who is proud and boastful with nothing to show for their big talk.

A good person takes care of their pets and livestock, but the best kindness available from the wicked is still abusive.

One who works hard will always have plenty to eat, but one who spends his time on get-rich-quick schemes and fantasies will suffer lack.

The wicked in heart try to steal from other crooks but it never ends well. The fruit of the honest and good-living person is unfailing.

An evil man is trapped by his foolish words, but the righteous escape any such trouble.

When you speak godly and positive words, their good results will give you satisfaction, and honest work brings a reliable return.

A fool always thinks he is right, but a wise man is open to insightful counsel before acting.

When you have a short fuse and fly off the handle in public, you will be labeled a fool, but an insightful person works things out in private.

The person who loves truth simply speaks the truth, but a false witness fabricates fibs and falsifies facts.

Rash, angry words are like a stab in the back, but the words of the wise are a healing ointment.

Truth-filled words live forever, but lies are dead even before they hit the ground.

Those who think up evil plans have hearts filled with deception, but those who desire to bring peace are filled with joy.

Evil cannot overwhelm a godly person. but the wicked are plagued by it.

The Lord loathes lying lips, but those who treat people with integrity and honesty are His delight.

A wise person does not flaunt his knowledge, but a fool talks constantly, exposing his ignorance.

The hard working person will be promoted, but the lazy person is on his way out.

Worry weighs down the heart, but encouraging words elevate it.

A righteous person will lead others into making wise decisions, but if you follow the wicked you will be led astray.

The man who does nothing has nothing to eat, but a purposeful person always has plenty.

The way of righteousness is filled with life and there is no death on this pathway.

Proverbs 13

PARAPHRASED

A wise child of God accepts the instruction of the Holy Spirit when He shows us things that are detrimental to spiritual growth and wellbeing; to ignore correction is foolishness.

When you speak kind words, kindness will be returned to you. But a bully is so insecure that he must promote violence and hatred to feel good about himself.

The one who watches what they say protects themselves from going down, but a careless talker is only a word away from shipwreck.

The lazy soul always wants the latest things but never has them, but the diligent, hard working person is able to fulfill their own desires.

Good people despise lies, but the wicked are angry, rebellious, and full of falsehoods. The weird way they act makes them appear totally ridiculous and causes those around them to feel uncomfortable and disgusted.

When you’re living the best way you know, God’s power of righteousness is an armor of light that guards and protects you; those living wicked lives are naked.

Some people pretend to be rich and they talk the talk, but in reality they have nothing. Others act as if they are poor yet have great wealth.

Only the extremely wealthy have to worry about being kidnapped. Everyone else has no such worries.

When you constantly remind yourself that God loves you, actually cares about you and for you, what’s to do but rejoice? Pre-Christians live sad lives until they come to the light.

The arrogant who believe themselves better than others are constantly in conflict to maintain their fiction, but with no ego to protect, good people can learn from each other.

When wealth is obtained dishonestly or without effort, a person doesn’t appreciate the amount of work it represents so they fail to respect it, but those who work for their riches respect it and increase it even more.

When you give up on your hopes and dreams, you become deeply depressed, but when your desire is fulfilled, you receive a new lease on life.

People who believe the Bible is nothing but fables and foolishness one day will find themselves in “time out,” but those who believe it is the Word of God and act accordingly will live in the “reward zone.”

Do you want to know how to live a happy, satisfying, fulfilling life? Or do you need help with a difficult decision? The teaching of God’s wise ones is like a fountain of life. Step into the fountain, get under the jets of water, open your mouth, and drink in wisdom.

The Creator made life to work a certain way so when you embrace understanding of those ways you will naturally be favored and your life will be blessed. However, if you refuse to believe in God’s ways, you have chosen a very difficult route.

Those who act out of their knowledge of divine design are the real experts, but those who believe everything resulted from an evolutionary accident babble about ancient aliens.

Whose report will you believe? The ungodly who bring you natural facts or the godly who bring you spiritual help and healing.

Want to get an “A” in the class called “Advanced Living”? You’ve got to be teachable about spiritual concepts, not self-absorbed, lazy, and defiant.

When a God-given desire, dream, or goal is fulfilled – how sweet it is! The person who chooses wickedness despises good and godly desires but craves fulfillment of selfish longings and fleshly passions.

You become like the people you hang out with. Associate with wise people to become wise or join the godless clique to be … well, the other way.

Who do you want chasing you down, hardship or prosperity? The sinner can expect to be tackled by tough times but God’s kids are pursued by prosperity.

Good people leave a spiritual and natural inheritance to their descendants; the bad guy’s bucks end up in the hands of people God knows and trusts.

The ability to earn a good living is available to the hardworking poor unless injustice keeps them from it.

The person who refrains from disciplining their child loves themselves more than the child, but those who correct their children show true love.

God sees to it that the person who does right has more than enough, but the wicked bent on satisfying carnal desires can never be fully gratified.

Proverbs 14

PARAPHRASED

The wise spouse puts effort into building up their marriage and rearing their children in a godly way. A foolish spouse has no regard for the needs of their mate or children because they are consumed with meeting their own needs and desires; consequently, the spouse is disappointed and the children are needy.

If you respect and honor the Lord, you will walk in uprightness and integrity, but the dishonest, devious person despises God’s ways because they make them feel convicted.

Saying thoughtless and idiotic things is asking for trouble, but wise words shield you from danger.

Don’t worry about the “loose ends” that accompany trying new God-ideas to reach your goal. They won’t be as bad as you think and can be tied up after accomplishing your objective. If you don’t take the risk of doing the new, you can likely avoid the mess. However, continuing with what you are comfortable doing is unlikely to achieve your purpose in this season.

You can trust everything an honest person says, but all the conversations of a liar are filled with talk to make them look good or exaggerations motivated by a deceitful purpose.

Those who have no appreciation for godly wisdom always make bad decisions. Even though they may try to impress you by acting as if they are seeking wisdom, it is beyond their comprehension. On the other hand, the one with a commitment to godliness increases in knowledge and understanding.

Do not hang out with godless fools. They are deceived and deceitful, and before you know it you will not be able to recognize the difference between right and wrong. Fools make fun of sin and secretly poke fun at those who want to do what is right. However, those who befriend godly people find favor with God and man.

If you allow bitterness to grow in your heart when you are wronged, you will become an angry, spiteful person who spreads their venom to their children and others they influence.

Those who take the path of disbelief in God and disregard godly ways make wrong choices that destroy them and their families, but those who walk in righteousness flourish in life.

Many think the way they are living is acceptable, even though God’s Word says differently. Those who go their own way will eventually find that their path leads to a dead end filled with darkness, trouble, and death.

You might see a person laughing, putting on a show of being merry even though their heart is filled with pain. A person’s outward display may not reflect their inner feelings.

Sometimes sin produces a season of happiness but sadly it is only for a time, because at the end there is always grief.

Unless the backslider changes their heart, they will face the hard consequences of their choices, but the good person will be satisfied with their life.

The naïve person believes whatever is said, but the sensible person considers and ponders what they hear.

A wise man is careful where they go and what they do and avoids evil, but the foolish live arrogant and careless lives.

Proverbs 15

PARAPHRASED

A quiet response calms the furious, but insults and mockery are like taunting a mother bear.

Good teachers make knowledge appealing, but idiots spout things that are hard to hear.

God has video cameras everywhere; He monitors everything – good and bad.

Kind words bring healing; cruel remarks slash and pierce the soul.

Why do you despise correction from your teachers? If you appreciated instruction, you could be brilliant.

The godly enjoy a rich life, but the wicked create a miserable existence for themselves.

The enlightened one shares from a full heart, but the foolish have nothing to give.

God loathes the pompous piety of the hypocrite but adores the devotion of His children.

God hates the ways of evil but loves those who aggressively pursue His ways.

Those who take the fork in the road to evil find themselves in the kingdom of tribulation; death awaits the ones who fail to return to the HIGH way.

If God can see into hell, the very heart of the dragon’s domain, don’t you think He can perceive what is in the hearts of Adam’s children?

The arrogant mocker sneers at sound advice and crosses the street to avoid people with wisdom.

A person wears their mood on their face; when happy they beam, when brokenhearted they cloud up.

The intelligent person craves understanding, but the know-it-all delights in misinformation.

A pessimist lives in anxiety and fear, but the optimist is joyful regardless of the circumstances.

Those who have nothing but their love for the Lord are better off than people who have much but live in turbulence.

Better a salad with someone who is sweet than a steak dinner with one who is sour.

The bad-tempered person throws gasoline on the fire, but the even-tempered one uses a fire extinguisher.

The undiscerning become entangled in barbed wire, but the person of discernment walks free on the highway of happiness.

A smart kid makes his dad happy and only an idiot embarrasses his mom.

The airhead wastes his life pursuing pleasure, but the one who “gets it” finds his passion and mission.

Act without advice and your projects will nose-dive, but with expert counsel they will fly.

Don’t you love it when God answers the questions on your heart? It is delightful to get His timely and definitive word.

The pathway of the spiritually discerning rises ever upward in life and after death continues its ascent to the streets of gold.

The Lord will dismantle the legacy of an arrogant CEO, but He will maintain the heritage of the righteous laborer.

Evil thoughts outrage the Lord, but He finds cheerful and wholesome words pleasing.

The greedy carry misfortune home, but the one who hates bribes brings home the bread of life.

The righteous man ponders his answers carefully, but the unrighteous doesn’t hesitate to spout dishonest words.

God is a million miles from the wicked but close enough to the upright to hear their whispered prayer.

Smiling eyes make your heart happy, and good news is like a delectable dessert.

Eagerly receive constructive criticism and you will be joining the board of directors.

When you hate correction and self-control, you act like a spoiled brat, but change your attitude and you can become accomplished.

The basis for wisdom is a clear understanding that God is so much higher than you that He is somewhat intimidating and deserves your awe and reverence. Before you can receive honor, you must recognize your position relative to His – He is Creator, you are the created; He is Father, you are son or daughter. Got it? Live it and join the wise!

Proverbs 16

PARAPHRASED

Men make plans using their best reasoning, but the perfect solution comes from the Lord.

You can be faultless in your own mind,but God looks beyond your viewpoint and considers hidden motives.

When you give your ideas over to the Lord, He will bring your thinking into alignment with His and cause your plans to succeed.

God made everything to have a unique purpose and to fulfill His purpose; even the wicked have a part to play on judgment day.

The egotistical and arrogant are utterly disgusting to God; you can take it to the bank that a day will come when they will receive their just rewards.

By love, mercy, and genuineness a person makes things right with his fellow man and with God; by understanding God’s magnificence and mind-blowing supremacy, a person concludes that it would be stupid to sin.

When you live in harmony with God, even your adversaries retire from the battlefield.

Better a small income earned honestly than billions of dollars in ill-gotten gains.

We consider all possible routes when we plan our trip; however, God moves our feet to the best path.

As kings who receive divine revelation, we must be faithful to believe in and not rationalize “words” we get.

God established the principle of fairness – it’s important to Him; He watches carefully to make certain we act honestly in business dealings and relationships.

Our kingship is due to our kinship with God and based on the righteousness we receive through Him. When we turn toward sin, we damage that relationship and consequently undermine our spiritual power.

Wise leaders prefer people who speak candidly, and they give them favor.

When your boss is angry with you, your livelihood is at risk, but a smart person seeks reconciliation.

Your King smiles down at you and His pleasure causes showers of blessing and favor to revitalize you.

You are on a treasure hunt for wisdom and understanding, not a quest for financial security and wealth.

Take the trail that goes to Righteous Mountain but avoid Immorality Peak. Oh, and be careful each step of the way, a stumble could cost your life.

The road to self-destruction is paved with pride and the footpath of the haughty is booby trapped.

It’s better to be humble hearted and live on the wrong side of town than to party with the proud posse.

If you are looking for the “good life,” you can find all the keys in God’s Word, and for a blessed life you can trust in God’s goodness.

When you become wise, you are honored for your brilliance and when your words are appealing, people will listen to and benefit from your instructions.

Understanding is like a refreshing dip in a cool pool, but the folly of fools lands them in hot water.

A wise heart will tell you what to say and how to express it in the most effective way.

A compassionate conversation is both invigorating and restorative to the hearer.

The wrong way can look right, but for the gullible it can be a death trap.

Needs and desires are like a carrot just beyond reach, they lead you on to excellence.

Evil people find ammunition to use against others, and spew it from their machine-gun mouth to destroy them.

Troublemakers plant minefields of discord and the best of friendships may be destroyed by their slander.

Violent, covetous men entice their friends into evil destructive paths. A wink or grin means a person is hatching mischief, a sneer means the dirty deed is done.

Those who have a long life should receive honor; longevity is the reward for living worthily.

Restraining your emotions makes you stronger than a bodybuilder, and mastering self-control means you have won a greater victory than the warrior king who overcomes a walled city.

Things that seem completely accidental are actually caused or allowed by God, and they benefit you one way or another.

Proverbs 17

PARAPHRASED

A dry crust of bread in quietness is better than a feast filled with strife.

A wise servant will be given authority over a son who acts disgracefully and will share in the family inheritance as if he were a son.

Silver is refined in a pot and gold is purified in the fire, but your heart is tested by the Lord.

Those who are evil love gossip, and liars enjoy hearing slander.

Whoever ridicules the poor insults his Maker, and the person who laughs at the downfall of another will be in big trouble.

Grandchildren are a reward and source of delight to their grandparents, and children take pride in their mother and father.

Eloquent words are as unexpected from the mouth of a fool as lies are from the mouth of a prince.

A bribe is an object of fascination to the one who receives it and the source of good fortune to the one who gives it.

Love flourishes when a wrongdoing is covered with forgiveness, but to make an issue of it will separate you from even your most intimate friend.

A word of constructive criticism is more meaningful to a person of understanding than severe discipline that is given to a fool.

The person who opposes authority is bent on chasing after evil and will encounter a brutal lesson.

It is better to meet a bear who has lost her cubs than a simpleton whose foolishness has been exposed.

A curse comes upon the life of a person who has returned evil to a person who has been good to them.

Starting an argument is like opening a dam’s floodgates, so stop it before you get in over your head.

If you vindicate an evil person or find an innocent one guilty, the result is the same – your actions are loathsome to the Lord.

Why waste time and money trying to educate a fool who has no heart to learn?

A friend loves you no matter what happens, and your brother is created for tough times.

A person lacking in good judgment guarantees another’s debt in the presence of witnesses.

The one who loves conflict also loves to sin and, regardless of the security measures he takes, devastation will find him.

An evil-hearted person will not have a good life, and the one who speaks degrading and perverse words will plunge into depravity.

Those who raise a self-confident fool for a son have created their own trouble, and the parents of the fool receive no happiness from him.

A cheerful, positive attitude is a good prescription for health, but a defeated, negative spirit is unhealthy.

A bad person takes secret bribes and their corruption creates unfairness and injustice.

The person of understanding remains focused on godly wisdom, but the fool is always looking about for devious insights.

A thoughtless and irresponsible son brings heartbreak to his father and suffering to his mother.

A wise person speaks few words and is calm. Even a foolish person who remains silent is perceived to be wise and by keeping his mouth shut is considered intelligent.

Proverbs 18

PARAPHRASED

The person who separates himself from God and His people only cares about himself; he looks for any excuse to belittle godly wisdom to justify his immoral behavior.

Fools do not enjoy the give-and-take of talking with thoughtful people, but instead prefer blurting out the ridiculous thoughts of their childish hearts.

When wickedness walks in, it brings scorn for all that is right and good, and its scandalous behavior is shameful.

The words of a wise person are plentiful and deeply profound; their continuous flow of fresh wisdom and clear knowledge is like a pitcher of sparkling water to a parched soul.

To give preference to an evil person and thereby deprive a good person of justice is immoral.

A fool’s words cause strife and get him into fights.

A fool’s words are his downfall and become the trap that brings him to ruin.

The whispers of a gossiper are like candy with a sour center – sweet to taste but if swallowed they create a bitter heart.

The person who does nothing to help himself is suicidal; he is destroying himself.

The name of the Lord is a high tower of strength that people in right standing with God can run to and be elevated above the reach of every kind of evil.

The rich think their wealth provides them safety from every kind of assault, but their security is only in their imagination.

The egotistical person is racing toward the edge of a cliff; a humble person is on the road to greatness.

Answering before a person finishes speaking is stupid, presumptuous, and rude.

A person can endure and rise above pain and illness, but a person who has lost all hope will not last very long.

Wise men and women pursue life-long learning and they are always searching for fresh insight.

Your God-given gifts – everyone has them – will provide you a wonderful future and bring you into the company of greatness.

The first presentation of a thing is always convincing until it is thoughtfully examined.

When faced with a tough decision, making a blind choice is better than creating gridlock and conflict caused by indecision.

An offended friend is almost impossible to win back to your side; arguments create barriers that separate you from your friends.

Your speech brings you internal satisfaction and your words produce the harvest you desire, whether for good or evil.

Your tongue wields the power of death or life to the things in your sphere of influence; those who understand this skill will enjoy its rewards.

Finding a good spouse is like finding a treasure; you not only enjoy a good life, but God’s favor will cover your marriage like a canopy.

The poor must plead in supplication but the rich demand arrogantly, with no concern for others.

Friends may wound or betray you, but the One who truly loves you always remains loyal no matter what happens.

Proverbs 19

PARAPHRASED

It is better to be poor and honorable than a prosperous scam artist. It’s stupid to be an idiot rushing to goof up. The clueless often ruin their lives and then foolishly blame it on God.

When you are prosperous, people can’t wait to be your friend, but nobody wants to associate with a person down on their luck.

Truth or consequences: an untruth spoken about another person always brings punishment; everyone who slanders will suffer the consequences.

There is a press of people seeking help from a person of power, and everybody panders to a charitable person.

In hard times your family avoids you, your friends disappear. You can try to explain but they won’t listen.

Those who chase wisdom practice an acceptable form of self-love, and when they apply wisdom and understanding, they create a “good life.”

Slanderers get everything they deserve, and those who spread lies perish.

A life of luxury is unsuitable for an irresponsible person, just as an army private should not give orders to a general.

A person with good sense controls his emotions and earns respect by overlooking mistreatment.

The rage of a person in authority is terrifying but their favor is as reassuring as a gentle rain.

An unteachable son is devastating to his father, and a continually complaining wife is like the constant dripping of Chinese water torture.

Houses and wealth are an inheritance from one’s parents; God gives an even better gift, an insightful wife.

Being lazy is like living in a daze and it will not put food on the table or pay the bills.

Living by God’s guidelines brings long life, but despising God’s ways shortens your days.

The person who is helpful and kind to the poor is lending to the Lord, and He always pays His debts.

Discipline your son while he is young enough to learn from it, but don’t overdo it and hurt him.

An angry man creates his own consequences and if you rescue him once, you can expect to do it again and again.

Do you want things to get better and better? Then pay close attention to your training and welcome correction.

You can make many and various plans, but God’s guidance is your best strategy.

The best trait you can possess is kindness, and it is better to be a bag lady than a liar.

Reverencing and obeying God will lead to a wonderful life where you can sleep peacefully every night, untouched by evil.

The lazy are so lethargic they have food on their fork but won’t even raise it to their mouth.

Discipline a scoffer and he will become sharper, but reprimand a person of understanding and he becomes discerning.

Striking your father and disowning your mother makes you an appalling, despicable person.

Stop listening to authority figures and you will become lost in the jungle of the ignorant.

A dishonest eyewitness makes a travesty of justice and his words spew perversion.

Mockers are destined for a verbal thrashing, and self-confident fools are ripe for a serious attitude adjustment.

Proverbs 20

PARAPHRASED

Wine can make you say stupid things and alcohol can make you do stupid things; so isn’t it stupid to get drunk?

A leader with a bad temper can become an angry beast; feed the animals at your own risk.

The honorable person evades a fight, but fools inspire conflict.

The lazy who fail to prepare for their harvest never have one and end up beggars.

Strategies for success lay hidden deep in the well of the heart, but a wise person is able to lower a bucket and bring them to the surface.

Many claim to be loyal and trustworthy, but where can you find those who actually are?

Godly people walk in integrity and their children follow in their footsteps and become blessed.

Those with a king’s anointing can deal justly in all matters because they can discern good from evil.

Can you honestly state, “I have cleansed myself from sin and I am pure”?

The Lord despises even slight dishonesty and a “little bit” of cheating. Even a young person is considered trustworthy if they have displayed integrity.

God equipped you with ears that hear and eyes that see, so be alert and discerning.

Don’t be passive about your life or you will miss your mission and lose the opportunity to “make a difference.” Wake up to what God is doing around you, in you, and wants to do through you.

There are those who would steal what is precious by saying it is valueless; should they succeed, they will later brag about taking from you that which was priceless and irreplaceable.

Gold, diamonds, and rubies are like gravel compared to pearls of wisdom from the lips of the knowing.

Get guarantees for loans made to strangers and be suspicious of what an outsider gives you as collateral.

What is gained through deceit is tasty for the moment but soon becomes nasty.

Get sound advice when making plans, and only implement them after experts have reviewed them.

Gossips reveal secrets, so why hang out with a parrot?

Those who curse their parents lose their zest for life and become depressed.

Wealth acquired by deception will, in the end, become a stumbling block.

Don’t put yourself on the path of vengeance when you are wronged; wait for the Lord to make things right.

God despises a double standard and a two-faced person.

God intends the things that occur in your life for your good, so expect to be surprised.

Be slow to give your word; take time to determine all the consequences.

The smart thing is to separate the good from the bad and then carefully sift it to ensure getting every speck of evil.

God looks at you through your heart and clearly perceives every hidden intention and secret desire.

Bonds of love and faithfulness make for a good leader, and he secures his position by showing integrity in all his relationships.

The pride of the youthful is their physical strength, and the dignity of the more mature is their wisdom and experience.

Strong discipline drives evil away, effectual correction reaches all the way to the innermost being.

Proverbs 21

PARAPHRASED

The mind of a leader is subject to the Lord, and He determines the course it follows.

Everyone believes their actions are justified, but God views our hidden motivations.

In our day, right living and justice are the sacrifices God desires; that is how we “worship [Him] in spirit and in truth.”

The wicked are arrogant and prideful, and their behavior is sinful.

Those who carefully plan before acting will succeed; however, the person who acts without forethought is disaster-prone.

If your strategy for success includes lying, any payoff will only be temporary and your scheme could cost you your life.

The plunder of the wicked becomes a noose around their neck because they reject acting fairly.

Crooked people snake through the back alleys, but a good person prefers an unswerving course.

You are better off in a backyard tent than in the house with a harassing, nit-picking spouse.

Evil people get their kicks doing cruel tricks; they are incapable of having feeling for their friends and neighbors.

When the smug are corrected, even the simple learn a lesson, but the teachable person understands by merely being told.

A godly person learns a lesson by observing the tragic end of the wicked.

To ignore genuinely needy people can bring you down to walk in their shoes, where you will be ignored, too.

If someone is upset with you, give them a thoughtful gift in private; but if they are fuming mad, you need to spend a lot more money.

Good people love to see justice done, but justice is terrifying to those who break the law.

People who stray from common sense eventually land in the company of the dead.

Pleasure seekers end up with empty lives, and gluttons will never get enough.

The very traps the wicked lay for the honorable instead ensnare the conspirators.

Life is better in a desert shack without air conditioning than in a climate-controlled mansion with a hot-tempered spouse.

Smart people save and invest for a first-class future, the not-so-smart spend their money as fast as they can get it.

Those who are determined to live a life of goodness, love, and kindness will enjoy their lives and also have prosperity and honor.

The best-defended territory of the enemy stands no chance against a God-wise person; he or she will pull down the enemy’s stronghold.

Do you want to keep trouble away? Be careful what you say.

Can you define the word “mocker”? That is a person who is self-important and egotistical, who behaves brutally.

Those who love to be lazy bring ruin to themselves by doing nothing. All their efforts are spent thinking about having enough to fulfill their desires. However, a person whose efforts are spent working hard has all he needs and enough to share.

Insincere religious acts by evil people, especially those with wicked intentions, are abominable to God.

The words of a false witness will fall to the ground, but the testimony of the honest person will stand.

The deceitful pretend they are confident in what they do, but godly people have complete confidence and never have to act assured.

There is no scheme, no matter how clever, that can prevail against God or His intentions for the earth or for you.

Prepare the best you can for your battle, but the victory will come from the Lord.

Proverbs 22

PARAPHRASED

The value of a good reputation exceeds a billionaire’s fortune; favor with God and man is worth more than a ton of gold.

Both rich men and poor men are the same in one very important way: God made them both.

The sensible person takes a hike when they spot evil coming, but the simpleminded blunders on and gets banged up.

If you will be a person who loves the Lord, holds Him in awe and the highest regard, and can remain humble, then you are on the fast track to riches, honor, and a great life.

The corrupt have chosen a difficult way filled with razor wire and booby traps, but those who value their lives take a different path.

Train your child in the knowledge of God, establish him or her on their personal pathway and, even if they take an erroneous exit, they will find their way back to the right route.

Rich people control the lives of the poor; however, you can remain your own person if you stay out of debt.

The person who plants injustice will reap futility and misfortune, and his fury will be futile.

The tender-hearted person gives generously and blesses those who honestly need help; because of his kindness, he will also be blessed.

Want to restore harmony and teamwork? Excommunicate the arrogant lout who disrespects everyone else.

The person who is pure in heart and speech is a friend of God and of the powerful.

The Lord preserves truth and those who speak it, but He destroys distortion and deception.

An inch of snow and the lazy declare a snow day. “Oh, it’s too dangerous to drive today!” they say.

The words of a seducer are a snare and the person not in good standing with God will fall for it, be deceived, and become ensnared.

Children are naturally disobedient and careless, but strong consistent discipline is a sure cure.

If your get-rich-quick plan is to rip off the poor and buy off the rich, bad news, buddy; your payoff will be a room in the poor house.

If you are ready to be a wise one, pay very close attention to the following, absorb each truth and allow it to create a paradigm shift in your understanding. The best thing is to meditate on and memorize these words so this wisdom is on the tip of your tongue when needed. I’m giving you these secrets so you will know to put your trust in the Lord. I am sharing wisdom and knowledge with you because I want you to have a quick and correct response to the one who put you where you are.

Do not take from the poor because they are defenseless; also, do not take people to court merely because you can defeat them. The Lord is the defender of the poor and vulnerable, and He will take their case.

Whatever you steal from them, He will take from you and return to them, up to and including your life!

Do not befriend those who easily blow up, or socialize with hotheads, or you will become like them and before you know it find yourself in hot water.

Do not co-sign for someone’s loan or agree to pay their debt. If they default and you don’t have the money to pay the loan shark, he will take everything you have. You could be sleeping on the street!

Do not try to commandeer your neighbor’s land by moving boundary markers that were settled long ago.

Do you see a person who is skilled at his profession? That one is destined for great things and will work with powerful men.

Proverbs 23

PARAPHRASED

When you dine with a person of significance, conduct yourself with full awareness of what is going on. If you love to eat, don’t start eating immediately, wait for the other person and observe what they do. If they are filling their plate from a bowl containing exotic foods, avoid it. If you are offered the exotic dish, decline it, because you don’t know their motives.

Do not work eighteen-hour days in pursuit of money. Wise up – chasing after riches is no way to live. Money is like sand slipping through your fingers and like a bird on a limb – one minute it’s there and the next moment it has disappeared.

Do not allow a penny-pinching person to pick up the check for dinner, and don’t get what they order.

Even though they offer to pay and say, “Get anything on the menu,” they actually begrudge every penny you spend. They will make you regret anything you order, and your compliments will be wasted.

Do not waste your time giving sound advice to fools. They will disregard your words and despise you for them.

Do not try to defraud a person of what belongs to them or take from someone who can’t defend their right of ownership. They have a powerful Advocate who will make certain they receive justice. Pay close attention and grasp this truth! I’m not talking to your hand but to your heart.

Do not accept the myth that discipline destroys the creativity of your children. They will not be harmed by punishment. In fact, suitable physical discipline is the only way to keep them off the path that leads to a hellish life and hereafter.

When you demonstrate understanding by your actions, I’m so proud of you that I do cartwheels on the inside, and when your words show insight and understanding, I feel like throwing a party.

Do not allow yourself to envy rebels, but always remain loyal to the Lord and His ways. As long as you stay faithful to what is right and good, you can have

hope for a bright future that no one can take away from you. Smart people like you stay away from alcohol, drugs, carousing, and living on charity due to their laziness. Those who go that way end up with miserable lives and have nothing.

Listen carefully to your dad and don’t neglect the advice of your mom because she is from another generation. Pay the price to get knowledge – you need it for a good life. Don’t give up early on your pursuit of an education. Become a life-long learner, always learning new things and getting greater understanding. The father of a son who maintains his relationship with God is the happiest of men and proud to be his father. Make us proud of you and bring joy to the woman who gave you life – your mother.

Now, pay careful attention and believe what I’m about to tell you. A woman who flaunts her sex will cause you to fall from right standing with God, and an unfaithful wife will lure you into dangerous situations. These designing women will ambush you to steal your virtue and everything else. They love to make men unfaithful to their convictions and to their wives.

Who has problems and unhappiness? Who has arguments and complaints? Who has bruises and injuries for no good reason? Who has bloodshot eyes? Is it not the boozer or drug abuser? Do not find your pleasure in getting loaded and yearning to get high. Your last dose will knock you out and cause you to hallucinate and say crazy things. You will stumble about like a sailor in a storm, and the world will seem to move beneath your feet. You will feel like someone beat you up and wonder when you will wake up. Then, because you are addicted, you will immediately want to start the process all over again.

Proverbs 24

PARAPHRASED

Don’t be jealous of the possessions of immoral people, or befriend them. Their depraved minds are always planning violent ways to oppress others, and all they talk about is causing trouble.

Want to build a great household? First establish a foundation of compassion, then create a structure with insight, embellish it with respect, and furnish it lavishly with beautiful thoughts, precious memories, and rich relationships.

Wise ones are tough and knowledgeable people who are always becoming more powerful. Their clever strategies can defeat the enemy, and when they come into agreement with like-minded people – look out, devil.

When spiritually perceptive people are discussing a matter, the spiritually insensitive have nothing to contribute.

Those who are always conspiring against others are mischief-makers. Their plans are sinful and good people despise them for their disrespectful ways.

If you are unable to respond to a crisis, you are too weak. Strengthen yourself ! You are called to deliver the dying and to intervene in the lives of those tormented by the evil one. Act immediately! Save them before it’s too late. You cannot excuse yourself from taking action by saying, “I didn’t know.” Doesn’t the God who sees our hearts, the One who keeps our souls, know the truth? Of course He does. And He will reward you according to what you do.

My child, you love your favorite dessert because it tastes so good and you even lick the plate. Spiritual understanding is the same – it’s delicious to the soul. Best of all, when you consume wisdom and it becomes part of you, it creates your destiny – the hope for a future that no one can steal.

Don’t try it, villain! Don’t waste your efforts trying to steal from or harm God’s people. No matter how often the righteous are knocked down, they get back on their feet bigger and better than ever. Sorry I can’t say the same for you, outlaw – one stumble and you’re a goner.

Don’t gloat when your enemy gets his just desserts, and don’t laugh when he falls on his nose, or the Lord might shorten his punishment.

Don’t get upset over evildoers or be jealous of the immoral. They have no future. They’re nothing but dead men walking.

Dear one, have a reverential fear of God and a healthy respect for those over you. Keep your distance from the rebellious; you don’t want to be pulled under when they fall. Between the punishment of God and man, things could get really bad.

Here are some more profound sayings:

It is always wrong to discriminate for any reason.

Never judge evil as good; those who do so will be despised.

Always stand for what is right and rebuke evil.

An honest answer is like a sincere embrace – it warms the heart.

Do first things first: don’t spend money before you make it, build a home until you can afford it, marry and start a family until you can support it.

Don’t lie or make false accusations against anyone. Even though they did it to you, “turnabout is not fair play.” God doesn’t buy it.

I visited a small business the other day to get something I needed, and the place looked a mess. The lawn hadn’t been mowed for weeks, the neon sign was broken, and there was a sign on the door saying, “Gone to lunch.” I came back several times that day and over the course of the week, and the sign never changed. On my last visit, I had an epiphany:

A day off, sleeping in, an extra-long lunch, A trip to the racetrack to play your hunch, and poverty breaks in and steals your stuff then lack takes over and times get tough.

Proverbs 25

PARAPHRASED

Following are the wise sayings of Solomon copied by the scribes of King Hezekiah:

This is how God teaches profound things – He conceals them so those anointed to be kings (and priests) will search them out, and by pursuing and finding wisdom they bring glory to God and to themselves.

How deep is space? How many fish are in the sea? The wisdom and understanding of an anointed person is likewise equally beyond understanding by the unspiritual.

Remove the impurities from your life and what remains is perfect for fashioning by the Silversmith.

When sin is removed, those anointed to be kings (and priests) will be established by their right standing with God in their power, position, and authority.

Don’t do things to gain the attention of your boss or try to brown nose your way into his inner circle. It is better to be invited to join than publicly disgraced before your companions.

Don’t be in a hurry to take a person to task over something you witnessed. You don’t know the whole story – they may have a perfectly good explanation and you will look stupid or worse.

In the heat of an argument, never disclose something told you in private or you will be accused of gossiping; it will destroy your reputation and no one will ever trust you.

A word of wisdom given at the perfect moment is priceless and enriches the hearer. The person open to counsel receives constructive criticism as a lavish gift.

A trustworthy person is like a cool breeze on a hot day to those who send him to represent them, when he accurately reflects their point of view.

The person who promises much but fails to deliver is like rain clouds that never produce showers.

Patience and persistent words will get through to your boss, and with gentle persuasive urging you can break through his most rigid beliefs.

When you find something that gives you pleasure, don’t overdo it. Too much of a good thing can have disastrous results. Apply this to friendship – when you make friends don’t annoy them with constant visits, continual texting, and frequent phone calls.

Slandering a person is as bad as bashing a person with a bat, stabbing them with a switchblade, and shooting them in the shoulder.

Having confidence in an untrustworthy person is as painful and uncertain as eating with a bad tooth or hiking with a sore foot.

Acting overly cheerful around a troubled person doesn’t work. In fact, it only makes matters worse.

Be kind to your enemy and help him if you can; your goodwill will contrast with his malice and fill him with shame. Plus, God will reward you.

As surely as a winter storm brings snow, belittling and condemning words bring outrage.

It is better to live in an unfinished basement than share the house with an argumentative, rebuking woman.

Getting good news from an unexpected source is like a thirst-quenching swig of water to the parched.

The Christian who concedes his integrity and gives in to an immoral person is like a once pristine mountain stream that becomes polluted.

Just as stuffing yourself with dessert isn’t good for you, neither is seeking honor for yourself.

The person without self-discipline is as perilous as a prison without a fence or guards.

Proverbs 26

PARAPHRASED

Placing a crown of honor on a fool’s head is more ridiculous than desiring snow in August or hoping for rain during a picnic.

A curse spoken without a good reason is worthless and ineffectual.

A whip controls a mount, a yoke is for oxen, but the only thing that will guide a fool is strong correction.

Only a person who wants to look like a fool responds to a fool’s ridiculous remarks. Rather, answer in the way his remarks merit so that he will not believe that he is using common sense.

Anyone crazy enough to send a fool as a messenger is undercutting himself and will suffer the consequences.

If wisdom never gets beyond your mouth, you haven’t learned a thing.

Honoring a fool is as stupid as shooting blanks when you go hunting – it is much ado about nothing.

When a fool utters a wise saying, he is only parroting words that are meaningless to him.

The employer who hires a fool or hires a person who just happened to be in the right place at the right time is playing Russian roulette with his business.

A fool’s cocky, unteachable attitude means that he never learns from his mistakes. Consequently, he will repeat them over and over.

Prideful, self-deceived people who believe their own lies about being wise are beyond hope; the fool is more likely to become wise.

Lazy people always find ridiculous excuses not to work. It’s snowing! It’s raining! The stars aren’t in the right configuration!

Like a door swings on its hinge but never moves from its place, so a lazy person rolls over in bed but never leaves the house.

The really lazy person gets so weary in the middle of a job that he gives up before finishing.

The conceited lazy person refuses to believe that experts know as much as he does.

Involving yourself in other people’s problems is as smart as yanking on a lion’s tail.

The person who gets caught deliberately deceiving and then glibly says, “Just kidding!” is like an escapee from the crazy house with a machine gun.

Want to extinguish a fiery rumor? Douse it with silence. Want to stop a raging argument? Disarm it with calm and peacefulness.

Like turning up the gas on a stove increases the flame, and putting a log on the embers of a fire kindles a blaze, the comment of an argumentative person ignites quarrels.

Slanderous words of the one who gossips are sweet to hear, but if consumed they cause heartburn.

Passionate but false words of love with evil intentions are as counterfeit as an imitation Rolex watch.

Your enemy disguises his hatred with smooth talk, but he is plotting treachery and just waiting for the right moment to strike. Don’t be fooled by his

charming words, because he is hatching conspiracies to destroy you.

He may be able to conceal his vile hatred, but his crimes will expose him. He will become a victim of his own trap. The weapon he tries to use for evil will backfire and injure him instead.

The liar slanders those he despises, and his deceitful words bring destruction.

Proverbs 27

PARAPHRASED

Don’t boast that you will do a particular thing in the future, because you never know what will happen

between now and then.

Don’t brag about yourself. It is better for someone else to speak of your accomplishments.

Standing on your head while riding a galloping horse is easy compared to putting up with the arguments and anger of a fool.

Anger brings crisis, rage overflows like a flood, but there is no way to cope with jealousy.

A rebuke spoken candidly is healthier than silent disapproval.

Unintentional wounds from a friend are far better than counterfeit compliments from a person who despises you.

Eat your dessert first on Thanksgiving because after a big meal you’re so full that pie doesn’t look good. However, when you are fasting, even a moldy chunk of cheese looks as desirable as a piece of pie.

A person away from home is never entirely comfortable.

A spa treatment gives you a sense of wellbeing, and a friend’s kind words have the same effect.

Never forsake your friends in their times of trouble. When you have difficult times yourself, don’t make a long trip to a distant family member. A close friend nearby is better than a distant brother far away.

Son, your wise actions will make me proud and prove that those who claim that I’m a bad dad are mistaken.

A prudent person is alert to evil and avoids it, but the foolish, arrogant person blunders on and suffers the consequences.

Require loan security from anyone crazy enough to guarantee a stranger’s loan, and get a deposit if the person is a foreigner.

Your loud and cheerful, “Good morning,” sounds more like a curse than a rousing greeting to a sleepy friend.

A constant, annoying drip is nothing compared to a quarrelsome woman. Any efforts to halt her clamoring are as futile as trying to stop a sneeze.

Friends, help one another to have greater understanding, make correct responses and take proper actions, like one sword sharpening another.

When you work hard, you are rewarded, and when you take care of things that are important to your employer, you put yourself on the fast track to promotion.

Just as a mirror reflects the exact image of your face, so your heart accurately mirrors the real you.

Hell never gets so full they close the gate, and a lustful person’s hunger can never be satisfied.

Like a strainer separates impurities from food, and soap and water removes dirt from your hands, so praise puts the heart of a celebrity to the test.

You can fold, spindle, or mutilate a fool; however, nothing will separate him from his absurd ways.

Keep track of your finances and stay focused on your career because nothing stays the same – even nations are constantly changing.

Every season has unique opportunities, so take advantage of each one. During one period you should save your earnings, in another you should make smart investments, in a different season you should cash in and take a profit to pay your expenses with money left over.

Proverbs 28

PARAPHRASED

Guilt-ridden people easily panic, but the honest person is relaxed and confident as a lion.

When a people become decadent, they choose unwise leaders; but when a man of discernment takes over, the country will again become stable.

A poor man who takes advantage of the weak grabs everything, even their food.

People who forsake a godly moral compass give honor to immoral individuals, but those who adhere to God’s ways live decent lives and struggle with them.

Justice does not compute to an evil person, but those who follow the Lord naturally understand it.

It is better to have integrity even if you can’t afford a pair of shoes than be well-heeled and dishonest.

Young people who keep the laws of God and man are discerning; however, those who spend their time with the bad crowd humiliate their parents.

The moneylender who preys on the poor with unfair interest rates will lose his money to a person who is kind to them.

If you won’t listen when God speaks to you, why should He listen when you talk to Him?

Those who steer good people into an evil trap will inherit the same calamity. However, the guiltless walk into good things.

Wealth does not indicate a person’s wisdom, nor does poverty designate a person as stupid. The poor wise man easily discerns a rich self-deceived fool.

People dance in the streets when the godly rise to power but hide in their basements when evil ones are in control.

Hiding your sins never works, but if you confess and forsake them you will find God’s lovingkindness.

The person walking in reverential awe of God is blessed; not so the one who ignores God – they are marching over a cliff.

A wicked leader is like a frightful and dangerous beast to the poor.

A leader who lacks understanding is cruel, tyrannical, and domineering, but the one who hates corruption will live long and prosper.

The murderer who feels guilty for taking a human life is driving himself to his own funeral – stay out of his way.

The righteous live a protected life, but not the dishonest; one day without warning they are gone.

A hard and steady worker will always have food on his plate but the person who chases pipe-dreams and get-rich-quick schemes will lose everything, even his plate.

An honest person will receive a good life; however, the unscrupulous who will do anything to get rich eventually receive a harvest for their evil.

Showing favoritism is never right, but some are so corrupt they can be bought for almost nothing.

The man driven by lust for wealth is racing blindly on a collision course with poverty.

Honest constructive criticism makes more friends than meaningless flattery.

The person who steals from his parents and thinks he did nothing wrong is an evil twin of the heartless killer.

Greed creates dissension, but the person who trusts in the Lord for their wellbeing always prospers.

The know-it-alls who trust their own opinion completely are fools, but those who rely upon godly wisdom will never become tangled in a bad decision.

Give to the poor and you will never know want, but ignore their needs and you put yourself at risk for many curses.

Good people keep a low profile when a wicked man comes to power, but when he goes away, the godly multiply.

Proverbs 29

PARAPHRASED

If you can’t take instruction, the day will come when life will break you up and spit you out; unfortunately, at that point it’s too late to change your ways.

A righteous leader is a joy to work for, but when the evil govern, your life is miserable.

The rich playboy plays the fool and disappoints his parents, but the son or daughter who wisely pursues their destiny has a glad dad … and mom.

A leader who bases his administration on justice creates stability, but a corrupt leader who shows favoritism for favors undermines honesty.

Beware of the person who flatters you excessively; they want something from you!

Bad people walk into traps created by their sins, but the righteous run free, sing, and rejoice.

A good person understands the needs of the poor and wants them to be treated fairly, but the wicked don’t get it and couldn’t care less.

Cynical, ridiculing people can create a riot, but calming words from a wise person can avert the fury.

When a wise person has an argument with a fool, he never gets the satisfaction of winning his point; the foolish person explodes either with rage or with laughter.

Cruel men despise good people, while the good don’t return their hatred but try to help them see the error of their ways.

The foolish person explodes without thought, but the prudent person quiets their emotions and reins in their response.

If a leader is willing to entertain deceitfulness then all his top advisors will become corrupted.

The oppressed and their oppressor share a very important characteristic: God gave them both eyes and the ability to see.

When a leader is fair to those who have no influence or inducements, that leader’s power and authority will be established.

Giving your children the gift of wisdom begins with discipline and reprimands. However, refusing to discipline can only bring embarrassment.

When a society has an increase in immoral people, the culture becomes corrupt and the crime rate goes up. However, good people will eventually see evil overcome.

Discipline your son and he will be a source of gladness and delight.

Where there is no understanding of divine law or place for prophetic vision, people blindly lose their way; but those who perceive what God has revealed, and continues to unveil, live in joy.

Words of discipline without consequences are not enough. Although the hearer understands, they won’t change.

The person who speaks before thinking, without examining the consequences of their words, is worse than an idiot.

By failing to stand up for your rights, you create a future where you will have no rights.

Angry people bring conflict into your life, and quick-tempered individuals will commit assault.

The arrogant and conceited are on their way to the bottom of the heap, but the modest and unassuming are destined for greatness.

When you help a felon, you become a felon and, when you go to court, pleading the Fifth Amendment will not save you.

Fearing what others will say or think is a “Catch 22,” you are “damned if you do or damned if you don’t.” However, when you live solely to please the Lord, your life is glorious.

Don’t waste your time trying to curry favor with your boss – trust God to see that you get what you deserve.

Ever wonder why some dislike you for no reason? Good people find the wicked unbearable, but the depraved hate those who are righteous.

Proverbs 30

PARAPHRASED

The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, the seer: With all your degrees, you know nothing and would fail God’s exam for being called human, because you never learned about God nor have you encountered Him.

You need to understand the Lord of all. Do you know the One who has gone to heaven and returned? The One who controls the winds and seas and created the earth? Do you know His name or the name of His Son?

God’s every word has proven true; consequently, He is a protector to all who place themselves in His care. However, don’t try to put words in His mouth or He will punish and prove you a liar.

Oh Lord, I ask two things, please give them to me for as long as I live: Protect me from deception and liars, and keep me from being too rich or poor. Just give me what I have coming. I don’t want to become so prosperous that I think I don’t need You or so poor that I believe I must steal to live and thereby show you disrespect.

Don’t talk about people behind their back to the boss, they will blame you for being devious, and you will be the one at fault.

There are people who curse their parents and although they are immoral they believe themselves to be virtuous, noble, and superior. They viciously attack and take advantage of all who are unable to defend themselves.

The freeloader has two alluring proposals – give me, and give me more. Three, no four things are never satisfied: the graveyard, a barren woman who desires children, drought-stricken and arid lands, a fire raging out of control.

Those who give their fathers contemptuous looks and sneer at the instruction of their mothers deserve to have their faces ripped off.

Four things that are amazing and beyond understanding – how an eagle soars high in the sky, how a serpent slithers along the ground, how a ship can sail the ocean, and how a man makes love to a woman.

The unfaithful wife enjoys illicit sex, takes a shower, then says, “So what?”

Even the earth cannot endure four things: when a flunky become a CEO, the moron who becomes moneyed, a cruel woman who gets a husband, a mistress who replaces a faithful wife.

There are four tiny animals with big abilities – ants who are not muscular yet gather all the food they need for a long winter, rock badgers who are not stonemasons yet live in rock homes, the locusts who have no leader yet are highly organized, and lizards who are easy to catch yet easily evade attempts at pest control.

Four things are impressive as they stride along: the regal lion, mightiest of beasts, who never retreats; the strutting rooster in his hen yard; an arrogant male goat among his herd of females; a king riding at the front of an invincible army.

Have you been plotting evil and building yourself up, shame on you!

Just as churning cream produces butter and a fist to the nose produces blood, agitating a person to anger produces violence.

Proverbs 31

PARAPHRASED

The wisdom of King Lemuel learned at his mother’s knee: My dear son, when I gave birth to you, I dedicated you to the Lord, so do not waste your energy on wanton women or other decadent doings harmful to kings.

As a king and a ruler, it is too risky to drink wine or strong drink because you will forget the laws of God and man and you will be unfair to those who depend upon your faithful leadership. Alcohol is medicine that should only be given to those who are dying or to the deeply depressed who need a few moments of relief.

Become an advocate for those with no voice; stand up for the underdog. Be a righteous judge for the distressed and destitute.

A virtuous, capable, and spiritual woman is hard to find because she is so rare. Her husband trusts her in all things and she dramatically improves his life. As his constant comforter and spiritual encourager, she brings him only good, never harm.

She is productive, loves her work, and enjoys surprising her family with new things. She rises early to prepare breakfast and to get her family organized for the day.

She is a wise investor who reinvests her profits; she is a strong, energetic worker. She works as late as necessary to make certain that her business affairs are in order. She is a skillful homemaker, wise shopper, and generous to the genuinely needy.

She does not worry about the next season because she has prepared her family spiritually and naturally for any kind of weather. She makes things for the home and dresses herself in becoming clothing. Her husband is a respected member of the community known for his wisdom.

She makes high-quality items that she wholesales to merchants. Well prepared for the future, she is respected and admired. Every time she speaks, there is kindness in her voice and spiritual wisdom in her words.

She takes excellent care of her husband, children, and household, both naturally and spiritually. No one would dare call her lazy. Her children love and respect her, along with her husband who says of her, “There are many wonderful women, but you are the very finest.”

Charm can be misleading and beauty can fade, but a deeply spiritual woman deserves to be celebrated. Make her deeds and accomplishment known to all.

Decree for Wisdom

(from Decree, by Patricia King)

Jesus Christ has become wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption unto me. Because Christ dwells within me, I know wisdom and instruction. My God gives unto me a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Christ. When I lack wisdom, I ask in faith and it is given to me generously. This is heavenly wisdom which is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easily entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering and without hypocrisy.

I discern the sayings of understanding and I receive instruction in wise behavior, justice and fairness. I walk in the fear of the Lord which is the beginning of knowledge. Jesus pours out His spirit of wisdom upon me and makes His words of wisdom known to me.

I receive the sayings of wisdom and I treasure the commandments of the Lord within me. My ear is attentive to wisdom and I incline my heart to understanding. I cry for discernment and lift my voice for understanding. I seek for wisdom as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasures. Because of this I will discern the fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God. The Lord gives me wisdom.

From His mouth comes knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for me. He is a shield to me. He guards my paths with justice and preserves my way. Wisdom enters my heart and knowledge is pleasant to my soul. Discretion guards me and understanding watches over me to deliver me from the way of evil.

I do not let kindness and truth leave me. I bind them around my neck and write them on the tablet of my heart so that I find favor and good repute with God and man. I trust in the Lord with all my heart and I do not lean on my own understanding. In all my ways I acknowledge Him and He makes my paths straight. I am blessed because I find wisdom and I gain understanding.

I have a long, full life because it is in wisdom’s right hand, and I have the riches and honor that are in wisdom’s left hand. Because I love wisdom, all my paths are peace and my ways pleasant. Wisdom is a tree of life to me and I am blessed because I hold her fast. I inherit honor because of my love for wisdom, and my dwelling is blessed.

I acquire wisdom and understanding. I do not forsake wisdom; therefore, wisdom is my guard. I love wisdom and am watched over. Because I prize and embrace wisdom, wisdom exalts and honors me. Wisdom places a garland of grace on my head and presents me with a crown of beauty. I call wisdom my sister and understanding my intimate friend.

Because I love wisdom, both riches and honor are with me, enduring wealth and righteousness. Wisdom endows me with wealth and fills my treasuries. I listen to wisdom and daily watch at her gates. I eat wisdom’s food and drink of the wine that she has mixed. I forsake folly and live. I proceed in the way of understanding. When I speak, I speak noble things, and the opening of my mouth produces right things. My mouth utters truth. All the utterances of my mouth are in righteousness because I walk in the way of wisdom.

Scriptural References:

Proverbs 1:2-3,7,23; 2:1-12; 4:5-9; 7:4; 8:6-8; 9:5-6; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Ephesians 1:17; James 1:5; 3:17

Patricia King

Patricia King is president of XP Ministries and co-founder of XPmedia.com, Inc. She has been a pioneering voice in ministry, with over 30 years of background as a Christian minister in conference speaking, prophetic service, church leadership, and television & radio appearances. Patricia has written numerous books, produced many CDs and DVDs, hosts the TV program “Patricia King-Everlasting Love,” and is the CEO of a number of businesses. Patricia’s reputation in the Christian community is world-renowned.

Christian Services Association (CSA) was founded in Canada in 1973 and in the USA in 1984. It is the parent ministry of XP Ministries, a 501-C3. They are located in Maricopa, AZ and Kelowna, B.C. Patricia King and numerous team members equip the body of Christ in the gifts of the Spirit, prophetic ministry, intercession, and evangelism. XP Ministries/XPmedia is called to spreading the gospel through media.

Author Contact Information

info@XPministries.com

Xpministries.com

Xpmedia.com

Xpmissions.com

Patriciaking.com

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Convergence–Heaven’s Destiny Becoming Your Reality, by Patricia Bootsma. How does one wage war for personal prophecies and journey from promise to fulfillment? That question burned in Patricia’s heart as she sought the Lord about how to walk in the things He promised her. Walk beside her on her journey of discovery so the Lord can reveal to you the keys to unlock the doors of your destiny.

Fulfill Your Destiny in Marriage!

In CO– Powerful Partnerships in Marriage, Ché and Sue Ahn, Joshua and Janet Mills, Robert and Katie Souza, Steve and Marci Fish, Bart and Kim Hadaway and Dr. Paul and Teri Looney, along with lead authors Dr. Dan and Linda Wilson, share life experiences and lessons that have led them to become “all they can be” as married couples. You will laugh, you may cry, but above all, you will be inspired!

Additional copies of this book and other resources from Patricia King and Robert Hotchkin, as well as other XP Publishing books, are available at XPministries.com

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A MINISTRY OF XP MINISTRIES

Table of Contents

Title page

THE BOOK OF PROVERBS

PARAPHRASED

Dedicated

From the desk of

Patricia King

Proverbs 9:1-6

Proverbs 1

Proverbs 2

Proverbs 3

Proverbs 4

Proverbs 5

Proverbs 6

Proverbs 7

Proverbs 8

Proverbs 9

Proverbs 10

Proverbs 11

Proverbs 12

Proverbs 13

Proverbs 14

Proverbs 15

Proverbs 16

Proverbs 17

Proverbs 18

Proverbs 19

Proverbs 20

Proverbs 21

Proverbs 22

Proverbs 23

Proverbs 24

Proverbs 25

Proverbs 26

Proverbs 27

Proverbs 28

Proverbs 29

Proverbs 30

Proverbs 31

Decree for Wisdom

Proverbs 1:2-3,7,23; 2:1-12; 4:5-9; 7:4; 8:6-8; 9:5-6; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Ephesians 1:17; James 1:5; 3:17

Patricia King

Suggested Resources

Decree a thing and it shall be established. Job 22:28

Activating Your God-Given Power to Create Realms and Atmospheres

Please contact: usaresource@xpministries.com.

Table of Contents

Title page

THE BOOK OF PROVERBS

PARAPHRASED

Dedicated

From the desk of

Patricia King

Proverbs 9:1-6

Proverbs 1

Proverbs 2

Proverbs 3

Proverbs 4

Proverbs 5

Proverbs 6

Proverbs 7

Proverbs 8

Proverbs 9

Proverbs 10

Proverbs 11

Proverbs 12

Proverbs 13

Proverbs 14

Proverbs 15

Proverbs 16

Proverbs 17

Proverbs 18

Proverbs 19

Proverbs 20

Proverbs 21

Proverbs 22

Proverbs 23

Proverbs 24

Proverbs 25

Proverbs 26

Proverbs 27

Proverbs 28

Proverbs 29

Proverbs 30

Proverbs 31

Decree for Wisdom

Proverbs 1:2-3,7,23; 2:1-12; 4:5-9; 7:4; 8:6-8; 9:5-6; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Ephesians 1:17; James 1:5; 3:17

Patricia King

Suggested Resources

Decree a thing and it shall be established. Job 22:28

Activating Your God-Given Power to Create Realms and Atmospheres

Please contact: usaresource@xpministries.com.