The Proverbs of Solomon
Proverbs 13:3-9 3 Those who guard their lips preserve their lives,
but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.
4 A sluggard’s appetite is never filled,
but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.
5 The righteous hate what is false,
but the wicked make themselves a stench
and bring shame on themselves.
6 Righteousness guards the person of integrity,
but wickedness overthrows the sinner.
7 One person pretends to be rich, yet has nothing;
another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.
8 A person’s riches may ransom their life,
but the poor cannot respond to threatening rebukes.
9 The light of the righteous shines brightly,
but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.
Qualities of the Good
Guard their lips
Diligent
Righteous
The light of the righteous shines brightly
In the book of Proverbs we notice a pattern—we are either righteous or we are not, we either work hard or we are lazy and we keep information to ourselves or share with all we meet. In other words, our actions fall into the categories of either/or.
It seems that these characteristics develop as children. We either complain to people or we take things to God, we are hardworking or we are lazy.
Can we change ourselves after these qualities have become seemingly ingrained in our character? We may not be able to institute a change, but God can.
As we read the Proverbs, we will do well to ask God to continuously mold us into His image. Keep us walking on the pathway of holiness, never even looking to the left or to the right.
May we enjoy the pleasures of His good will as we bring glory to Him.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
- Posted in: Blogs
Seeking Holiness 