Proverbs 20 – 21

Verse 20:1 will start another rapid fire review of some valuable lessons:

Too much wine begins to mock you,
    too much strong drink leads to noisy fights,
    and whoever is misled by either is not wise.

Never does the Bible say don’t drink, but rather don’t drink in excess. This is why, they tend to deceive you into thinking you’re actually able to do things. “I’m invincible” is a common mindset of the inebriated with a “watch this” as ones final words.

Verse 20:4 points out the importance of putting work first:

A slacker procrastinates when it is time to plow;
    so when it’s time for harvest, there are no crops in the field.

Today our work ethic does not directly affect our crop yield, but it does our ability to purchase food. Food stamps help feeding those in need, but helps promote slackers at the same time. Verse 20:13 reemphasizes the importance of a good work ethic:

Do not fall in love with sleep, or you will awake a poor person.
    Stay awake, get to work, and you will have more than enough food.

Got to point out verse 20:29 as we all age:

The best asset of youth is the strength of the body,
    but the beauty of age is gray hair.

Although since my “incident” I have been eating better and getting in shape. Maybe I can regain my “best asset” while keeping my “beauty of age”? This is the age ole “fountain of youth” quest, clinging to something once lost.

Verse 21:2 is actually a critical one to ponder:

Everyone may think his own way of living is right,
    but the Eternal examines our hearts.

This is the source of most conflicts since ones opinions feed their pride and often lead to destruction. We have to have two critical attitudes; one is listening to others and have a fluid mindset. There are some things it’s important not to drift from but how often are arguments started because one believes the other is thinking something that is far from their minds? Read Crucial Conversations for a good understanding of how we view the world.

Verse 21:5 talks about planning:

A well-thought-out plan will work to your advantage,
    but hasty actions will cost you dearly.

This is important for one to consider. How many times have we started out doing something in a rush only to have to do it over and over again?

Verse 21:17 talks about going overboard:

Those who live to party, who pursue pleasure, will end up penniless;
    those who enjoy lots of wine and rich food will never have money.

Unfortunately the culture in today’s society is party first and have fun today. We have lost the idea that our hard work upfront in the spring leads to food for the winter since we can just scrape by on the dollar menu at Wendy’s year round.

Verse 21:23 is emphasized by James in the NT:

Guard your words, mind what you say,
    and you will keep yourself out of trouble.

Lord knows this was a problem of mine in the past since I would often speak my mind without thinking of the consequences. We need to think before speaking and throttle our words since often we speak without true understanding of the situation. These may be extreme in some cases where you can crush someone’s feelings without knowing their story. Again read Crucial Conversations to gain some awesome tools.