“Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.” (NKJV)
“Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and a fool.” (NLT)
Both of these are verse one from Proverbs 19 but from different translations. Being poor has a few different meanings…You can be poor in health…you may have a lower standard of living…it may mean poverty. I think this verse is saying if we know and love God, being poor is a small price to pay for personal integrity. As a quick example– take a look at Job, God called him “blameless.” But Job lost everything and became ‘poor.’ What did Job say when he was at his lowest? “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” He never cursed God, or sinned with his lips. His story tells us that a blameless life is far more valuable than wealth. There’s one major problem with that…most people don’t act as though they truly believe it. Afraid of not getting what they want, they will pay any price or DO anything to increase their wealth—refusing to give… stealing… cheating… lying… the list goes on! The question to ask is “Do I sacrifice my integrity for the sake of increasing wealth or reputation?
“Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes.” Proverbs 19: 2
Our world moves so fast, doesn’t it? Sometimes so fast, we are rushing headfirst into the unknown. How many people get married without really getting to know the other person? America’s divorce rate is around 50%. How about drug addicts? Failing to consider the consequences, they get hooked. Same thing with illicit sex. Let me stop here and say that this is how Satan gets us… he dangles the bait in front of us… we bite it…and before we know it… we’re hooked! Enthusiasm is no good without knowledge, and no matter what the world tells you… it will not make a bad situation better. Don’t rush into the unknown. Solomon is telling us to make sure we understand what we’re getting ourselves into and where you want to go before you take the first step. Obviously, you can’t tell what the future holds, but you can do your homework and ask the right questions. Be sure you’re following God… Doesn’t He promise to guide our steps if we seek Him first?
“Hot-tempered people must pay the penalty. If you rescue them once, you will have to do it again.” Proverbs 19: 19
I think this proverb speaks about people who have an uncontrolled anger problem. If there is no self-control, their temper is a source of unending grief (Please feel free to leave a comment with what you think this verse means).
“Strike a scoffer, and the simple will become wary; Rebuke one who has understanding, and he will discern knowledge.” Proverbs 19: 25 (NKJV)
“If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded will learn a lesson; if you correct the wise, they will be all the wiser.” (NLT) Proverbs 19: 25
There is a huge difference between someone who refuses to accept correction and the person who learns from criticism. I think we already went over a similar verse in one of the earlier Proverbs, and we know that if anything is repeated in scripture… it’s very important! Solomon tells us that how we respond to criticism affects our growth in wisdom. So here’s an idea (this goes for me too)… the next time something we do or say is criticized, let’s listen carefully. We may even learn something!
