Proverbs 19

Verse 19:1 talks about being poor:

Better to be poor and live with integrity
    than a fool with a foul mouth.

I believe God and Jesus’ focus on wealth is not to have us become prayers for wealth, but rather using those blessings to serve God. See once you let money rule your life, God becomes second. That is the problem with wealth and power; suddenly it controls your life and not allowing God to work. God wants us to enjoy life and prosper, but He wants us to do so with integrity and obedience.

Verse 19:6 is sad but true:

Many try to win the favor of a generous person,
    and everyone is a friend to someone who gives gifts.

It’s amazing how many friends you get when they expect something. As nice as friends are, close friends are more valuable than the ability to be generous. At the same time this does not mean be stingy and not give, just realize many of these friends may be shallow.

Verse 19:8 shouts for us to gain wisdom:

Whoever gains a wise heart loves his own soul,
    and whoever preserves understanding experiences true goodness.

We tend to stop trying to learn as we grow older, but this impedes our growth. Sometimes we just become a “wise guy” as we age and not gain wisdom. Look for that before you consider resting on your “laurels.”

Verse 19:18 talks about discipline:

Discipline your children while there is still hope of influencing their future,
    so as not to play a part in their destruction.

I fear this is being disposed of in today’s world. The parents now live in fear of DFCS knocking down the door because of childhood bumps and bruises. I have lived this with Devon and worse recently with Miracle. Because she rides horses she always looked beat up, and it took three or four interviews with DFCS to clear the matter up. I’m not saying beat your children, but a loving corrective spank is critical for their development, otherwise we as parents serve our children poorly.

Verse 19:21 talks about impulses and why we need to control them:

The impulses of the human heart may run wild,
    but the Eternal’s plan will prevail.

We tend to follow our impulses more than God’s word. Heck “if it feels good, do it” has been rammed down our throats and has taken a hold in society. Many today strive for pleasure than pleasing. This mindset has developed into major problems like debt and infidelity where delayed gratification is not an option. We want it now and it is killing our relationship with God, unless He is dishing out blessings.