Quick Overview: We do what is best for ourselves when, instead of pursuing directly the things we think will make us happy, we pursue the ability to ... Our closest relationships have the greatest effects upon us, and those effects can be devastating if the people in them aren't wise. Those in power have the ability to affect the lives of those under their power. We must live aware of this reality.
Proverbs Practicals 59 Proverbs 19 - Detailed Overview & Context
We do what is best for ourselves when, instead of pursuing directly the things we think will make us happy, we pursue the ability to ... Our closest relationships have the greatest effects upon us, and those effects can be devastating if the people in them aren't wise. Those in power have the ability to affect the lives of those under their power. We must live aware of this reality. God doubles down on His warnings against deception for the sake of injustice and operating by lies in general. Everything happens for a reason, and sometimes the reason is that we are foolish and make bad decisions. Judgment is destiny ... The command to honor parents went far beyond obedience and politeness.
There are benefits to stable families, but the greatest blessings we get in relationships come from God. Human nature tends to be driven by what we can get from people, not what we can give them. We should reflect God's nature ... Here are two things that just weren't in the ordinary, and often signaled that something went wrong. The slower a person is to get angry and the more it takes to make them angry, the better that speaks of their character. There are some people we just can't help directly. But working with them properly can still have a positive effect upon others. The ungodly don't care about true justice, and they enjoy wrongdoing.
Many mistakes and much sin could be avoided if we studied before we stepped. There comes a point at which some instruction is harmful rather than helpful. Money is powerful in certain ways. But we need to be careful about how we let it exercise power over us. If we have to choose between wealth and integrity in ourselves or in others, we should choose integrity every time. Proper, Biblical discipline may not be popular (especially with children!), but it s necessary and a source of hope for the outcomes ... God is truth, and He will bring all things to light. This makes lying a foolish undertaking.
Staying out of trouble is closely related to staying out of sin. When our hearts turn aside from what is right and true, they lead us down a road with no good destinations.
