Better is a dry morsel with quiet
than a house full of feasting with strife.

Proverbs 17:1 ESV

This verse tests our worldview. When the goal in life is to have it all (or much), strife in the home may be considered part of the price of getting much. This verse says it is better to have less and have quiet than to have much and strife. Depending on a person’s worldview, having too little may be the cause of stress.

Two questions: 1. How much stuff is enough? 2. What would you trade for peace in the home?

When a man’s ways please the Lord,

    he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Proverbs 16:7 ESV

This is another of the proverbs that may cause one to question its accuracy. Or, to question our own fidelity to the Lord. Have you been in that spot where you are at odds with someone, and no matter what you do he/she will not be reconciled? And by “no matter what you do” I mean you have apologized, you have released the person from guilt/blame, you have accepted your own responsibility for the breach, you have prayed, you have begged God for help, you have repented before God, etc., etc., etc. Yet, reconciliation never comes.

On the one hand we might be tempted to say, “we must remember that proverbs are general truths, not iron clad guarantees.” And that is true, but sometimes leaves us feeling a bit empty. On the other hand, we can look at the bigger picture and see that “The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble” (Proverbs 16:4).

If we have done everything imaginable to be at peace with an adversary and that person will not reconcile, then perhaps they are among the wicked and are playing their part. We can be confident that even in the midst of trials and hardships, we are called to be kind and generous, even to our enemies. Perhaps, that is an area in which God desires us to grow, so he is not bringing about reconciliation.

Would you be okay with that scenario? If not, why not?

A fool despises his father’s instruction,

    but whoever heeds reproof is prudent.

Proverbs 15:5 ESV

“Repetition is the mother of learning” says a Russian proverb. Proverbs seems to follow this thought as it repeats certain ideas over and over. That a wise son hears his father’s instruction (13:1) and a fool despises his father’s instruction (15:5) is one of these repeated lessons/themes.

A wise heart is open to learning, correction, instruction, rebuke, etc. Whatever makes him wiser is what the wise person is prepared to receive. On the other hand, the fool despises correction, instruction, rebuke, etc.

Which category describes you most accurately?

Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean,

    but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.

Proverbs 14:4 ESV

This proverb could be restated, “You have to break a few eggs to get an omelet.” In other words, productivity comes at a price.

Here, the writer causes us to ask, “What is my objective?” If I want a clean manger, then I can’t have any oxen in it. However, if I want abundant crops, I can’t have a clean manger.

A good man obtains favor from the Lord,

    but a man of evil devices he condemns.

Proverbs 12:2 ESV

Here, the author once again uses contrast to make an important point. Good vs evil. Favor vs. condemns.

The point is rather straightforward as is the choice that is offered to the reader. Do you want the Lord’s favor (i.e., acceptance) or do you want his condemnation? There is a distinct path that leads to each. Choose wisely.