As we begin we will see that a proverb is written in a short concise statement called a “maxim” that has a proven truth to it, a general rule, or a principle.
From chapters 10-22 we will read 375 maxims. A short list compared to the 3,000 Solomon actually wrote according to 1 Kings 4:32.(Chapter 22-32 are sayings from the wise)
Most of the proverbs in this section are one verse long and contain two lines each. The second line contrasts, compares ,or completes the idea expressed in the first line. Sometimes the second line contrasts the first, and other times it merely just explains it. I was studying with my daughter and her boyfriend and I explained it as a “Wisdom bumper sticker”.
So if you choose, I would LOVE for you to pick ONE from each chapter (3 total) that spoke to you in some way, and comment on them. IF one confused you-ask. Someone will research it for us.
It just hit my brain that IF we don’t reconnect next year, one thing that you could commit to is either:
- One Proverb a day (for 31 days)
Or
- 1 Maxim a day for 375 days.
😁
Reading the Bible - 2021 
(Just one from each chapter?? )
10:19 – I’ll put this one in my own words: When I run my mouth so much I sound and look stupid, but if I keep my mouth shut I seem wiser.
11:14- “Without guidance, people fall, but with many counselors there is deliverance.” Listening to those who can guide me will keep me safer – and to truly guide they must have some knowledge or experience of what I am experiencing. I must get advice from the right people.
12::1- I love the directness of this one: “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but one who hates correction is stupid.” Discipline is training, not punishment. It feels like punishment, especially when others see the result of bad choices or choices lead to any of the bad results described in Proverbs. But God disciplines those he loves, right 🙂 (Heb 12:6)
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I have highlighted more in proverbs than any other book so far. Many of these maxims I read both the NiV version along with the MSG. My favorite was Ch10 vs 1; NIV reads: “A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.”
same verse in the MSG: “Wise son, glad father; stupid son, sad mother.”
Another that I need to work on with my temper in ch 12 I preferred the MSG version which spoke plainly to me: “Fools have short fuses and explode all too quickly; the prudent quietly shrug off insults.”
Proverbs 12:16 MSG
https://www.bible.com/97/pro.12.16.msg
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Chapter 10
vs 19 Unfortunately, I can think of many times where I’ve walked away from a conversation and was upset that I had let my mouth run instead of just holding my tongue.
Chapter 11
vs 27 I’ve gotten better at this over time, but I still have a long way to go. Even in the tough situations, if I search for good, I will most always find it. He’s always working something for good—even when I don’t “feel” it or “see” it through my limited lens of understanding.
Chapter 12
vs 15 I love that God puts people in our lives and reveals Himself through His Word to provide advice and wisdom.
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It was so hard to choose!! I kept saying this is it, then I would read the next one and think, no this is it 🤦🏻♀️
These two spoke to me because I am trying to work on my attitude and trying to keep my pride in check and take correction but it is really hard sometimes.
10:17 Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life,
but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.
11:2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with humility comes wisdom.
This verse jumped out at me because I am a dog mom. I don’t have children so my dogs are like my children and this verse just made my heart happy ❤️ 🐶
12:10 The righteous care for the needs of their animals,
but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.
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Becky, I have 3 kids BUT 4 dogs 😂😂. I love those scriptures too.
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Prov 10:12 Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.
Is one of my FAV verses in the whole Bible.
Prov 11:16 A kindhearted woman gains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth.
Prov 12:25 Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.
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