Proverbs – Day 20
Scripture: Proverbs 20
Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler;
whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
A king’s wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion;
those who anger him forfeit their lives.
It is to one’s honor to avoid strife,
but every fool is quick to quarrel.
Sluggards do not plow in season;
so at harvest time they look but find nothing.
The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters,
but one who has insight draws them out.
Many claim to have unfailing love,
but a faithful person who can find?
The righteous lead blameless lives;
blessed are their children after them.
When a king sits on his throne to judge,
he winnows out all evil with his eyes.
Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure;
I am clean and without sin”?
Differing weights and differing measures—
the Lord detests them both.
Even small children are known by their actions,
so is their conduct really pure and upright?
Ears that hear and eyes that see—
the Lord has made them both.
Do not love sleep or you will grow poor;
stay awake and you will have food to spare.
“It’s no good, it’s no good!” says the buyer—
then goes off and boasts about the purchase.
Gold there is, and rubies in abundance,
but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.
Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger;
hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider.
Food gained by fraud tastes sweet,
but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel.
Plans are established by seeking advice;
so if you wage war, obtain guidance.
A gossip betrays a confidence;
so avoid anyone who talks too much.
If someone curses their father or mother,
their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.
An inheritance claimed too soon
will not be blessed at the end.
Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!”
Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.
The Lord detests differing weights,
and dishonest scales do not please him.
A person’s steps are directed by the Lord.
How then can anyone understand their own way?
It is a trap to dedicate something rashly
and only later to consider one’s vows.
A wise king winnows out the wicked;
he drives the threshing wheel over them.
The human spirit is the lamp of the Lord
that sheds light on one’s inmost being.
Love and faithfulness keep a king safe;
through love his throne is made secure.
The glory of young men is their strength,
gray hair the splendor of the old.
Blows and wounds scrub away evil,
and beatings purge the inmost being.
Devotional:
One verse in today’s chapter stands out from the rest: “The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.” (v. 29) In an earlier chapter, Solomon writes “Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.” (Prov. 16:31)
Gray hair is a sign of age. When it’s used in Scripture, “gray hair” is something one earns by living a righteous life. In other words, it’s a sign of wisdom. When Solomon refers to it as a “splendor,” he means more than simply living long enough for your hair to turn gray. It is a sign to others that a person is due respect. “Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD.” (Lev 19:32)
At every age, we experience joys and frustrations. When you’re younger, you have few responsibilities, but also few freedoms – to drive, to choose what you eat, etc. When you’re older, you have much greater freedom, but also more responsibilities – to work, to pay a mortgage, to care for a spouse, children, adult parents, etc. Some may be tempted to sing the refrain “Whatever happened to the good old days?” Resist such foolishness! Ecclesiastes contains the perfect retort: “Do not say, ‘Why were the old days better than these?’ For it is not wise to ask such questions.” (Ecc 7:10) Focus on your journey to grow and learn as you walk in relationship with God and with others, creating and sharing new stories.
In case you’re in a hurry to grow up, think of growing in righteousness and wisdom like a tree, not a weed. Psalm 92 declares “The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green…” (v. 12-15) Weeds grow quickly, are invasive, and are easily uprooted and die. Trees, on the other hand, grow slowly but strongly. Be a tree!
“Some wines improve with age. But only if the grapes were good in the first place.” – Abigail Van Buren (“Dear Abby” advice columnist)
Key Verse:
“The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.” ~ Proverbs 20:29
Questions:
- What do you look forward to as you grow older?
- What can you do today to develop a “crown of splendor”?
