Day 31 of Pastor Chris' Paraphrase of Proverbs Deovotional

Day 31  If you choose to get married, the person you choose will be the greatest influencing factor in your life.  Marriage is far deeper than romantic feelings and passion. It is a partnership for life.  It is two people becoming one flesh.  It is a symbol of Christ's love for His church.  Choose wisely or choose not to marry. Pastor Chris' Paraphrase of Proverbs 31:10-12 10-12 A really good wife is a truly rare treasure.  She’s worth more than diamonds.  Her husband trusts her with his whole heart and she blesses his life.  She helps and never hurts him all the days of her life. Everyone puts a lot of pressure on you to get married and they have all these oversimplified sentiments about marriage that have very little to do with the reality of married life.  Don't fall for the world's folly.  A wise person knows marriage is not required (Jesus never married).  It is perfectly normal and acceptable and often best to remain single and celibate.  If you choose to marry, choose a godly spouse who shares your core values and compliments you well.  Love your spouse like Jesus loves you.  They are the single most important thing in your life--more important than your kids, your job, your friends, your family, your hobbies, your possessions, or anything else.  A really good wife (or husband) is a truly rare treasure. Prayer "Loving God, you know everything about me and my spouse.  Help us to love each other the way You love us so we can help each other become all that You want us to be.  Amen." Read Proverbs Chapter 31
New American Standard Bible	Pastor Chris’ Paraphrase
Proverbs 31 The Words of Lemuel 1 The words of King Lemuel, the [a]oracle which his mother taught him: 2 What, O my son? And what, O son of my womb? And what, O son of my vows? 3 Do not give your strength to women, Or your ways to that which destroys kings. 4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Or for rulers to desire strong drink, 5 For they will drink and forget what is decreed, And pervert the [b]rights of all the [c]afflicted. 6 Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And wine to him [d]whose life is bitter. 7 Let him drink and forget his poverty And remember his trouble no more. 8 Open your mouth for the mute, For the [e]rights of all the [f]unfortunate. 9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, And [g]defend the rights of the afflicted and needy. Description of a Worthy Woman 10 An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. 11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, And he will have no lack of gain. 12 She does him good and not evil All the days of her life. 13 She looks for wool and flax And works with her [h]hands [i]in delight. 14 She is like merchant ships; She brings her food from afar. 15 She rises also while it is still night And gives food to her household And [j]portions to her maidens. 16 She considers a field and buys it; From [k]her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She girds [l]herself with strength And makes her arms strong. 18 She senses that her gain is good; Her lamp does not go out at night. 19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her [m]hands grasp the spindle. 20 She [n]extends her hand to the poor, And she stretches out her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household, For all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22 She makes coverings for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, And [o]supplies belts to the [p]tradesmen. 25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the [q]future. 26 She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the [r]teaching of kindness is on her tongue. 27 She looks well to the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying: 29 “Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all.” 30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who [s]fears the Lord, she shall be praised. 31 Give her the [t]product of her hands, And let her works praise her in the gates. Footnotes: Proverbs 31:1 Or burden Proverbs 31:5 Lit judgment Proverbs 31:5 Lit sons of affliction Proverbs 31:6 Lit bitter of soul Proverbs 31:8 Lit judgment Proverbs 31:8 Lit sons of passing away Proverbs 31:9 Lit judge the afflicted Proverbs 31:13 Lit palms Proverbs 31:13 Or willingly Proverbs 31:15 Or prescribed tasks Proverbs 31:16 Lit the fruit of her palms Proverbs 31:17 Lit her loins Proverbs 31:19 Lit palms Proverbs 31:20 Lit spreads out her palm Proverbs 31:24 Lit gives Proverbs 31:24 Lit Canaanite Proverbs 31:25 Lit latter days Proverbs 31:26 Or law Proverbs 31:30 Or reverences Proverbs 31:31 Lit fruit	Proverbs 31 The Sayings of King Lemuel 1-3 Here’s an oracle King Lemuel’s mom taught him: What would I say to the son I carried in my womb, the one I dedicated to God?  Don’t waste your time on women or throw away your life as a king. 4-7 Lemuel, it’s not good for kings to drink a lot of wine or for rulers to crave alcohol.  Their drinking may make them break their own laws or violate the rights of those in their care.  Alcohol is for people who are dying; wine is for people with a heavy heart.  They drink to forget their worries and troubles. 8-9 Speak up for those who are powerless; fight for the rights of the forgotten.  Speak up, do the right thing, and make sure the poor and needy are treated fair. A Really Good Wife 10-12 A really good wife is a truly rare treasure.  She’s worth more than diamonds.  Her husband trusts her with his whole heart and she blesses his life.  She helps and never hurts him all the days of her life. 13-18 She buys the best raw materials and enjoys making things by hand.  She’s like the delivery man that brings surprise packages from far, far away; she brings the best, most delightfully unexpected food you can’t hardly ever get.  She gets up before the sun’s even out to start cooking for her family and she organizes the day’s events for the girls who’ll be helping her.  She inspects property and buys it; she invests her money in a profitable vineyard.  She’s a healthy, tireless hard worker.  She works late into the night to make sure her investments payoff. 19-25 She keeps her hands busy on the spindle spinning thread.  She is generous to the poor and warmly welcomes those who are in need.  She’s not afraid of snow because her family is warmly dressed in the very best clothing.  She puts together the best outfits, her’s are the finest material in splendid colors.  Her husband stands out to everyone in town and is welcome among the most important people in town.  She also sells fine clothing and supplies scarfs to the merchants.  She wears strength and dignity like a beautiful dress and joyfully looks forward to a very bright future. 26-27 Wisdom pours out every time she opens her mouth and her words shows everyone how to be kind. She’s never lazy. She manages her household well. 28-29 Her children proudly stand to bless her; her husband praises her too:  “Of all the good women in the world, you are the very best of all!” 30-31 A charming woman can mislead you and her physical beauty is an empty virtue, but a woman who reveres the Lord shines with His glorious splendor.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation	Pastor Chris’ Paraphrase of Proverbs (PCP) Copyright © 2018 by Chris Mullis

Day 30 of Pastor Chris' Paraphrase of Proverbs Devotional

Day 30  It is wise to know when enough is a enough.  It is even wiser to know your own heart and what scarcity and abundance do to you.  Wisest of all are those who are willing to deny themselves for their own good and the good of others. Pastor Chris' Paraphrase of Proverbs 30:7-9 7-9 God, I only ask for two things; please give them to me before I die: First, don’t let me be a liar or dishonest. Second, please don’t make me too rich or too poor.  Just feed me what I need every day and nothing more. Otherwise, I might get so full of myself I turn away from You saying, “Who is this ‘Jehovah’?” Or if I am too poor, I might insult Your holy reputation by stealing. The human appetite is a beast that never stops growing.  Our natural tendency is to want more and more.  We are never really satisfied.  People with real wisdom understand the brokenness of their own sin-sick heart and seek a new one from God.  Ask God for a new heart and practice being satisfied with less.  Those who are truly satisfied in life are not those with the most and biggest toys; it is those who have learned to be satisfied with that which God gives them. Prayer "Lord, give me a knew heart to replace my broken one.  Help me to practice satisfaction until I learn to be happy with everything You give and want nothing more.  Amen." Read Proverbs Chapter 30
New American Standard Bible	Pastor Chris’ Paraphrase
Proverbs 30 The Words of Agur 1 The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, the [a]oracle. The man declares to Ithiel, to Ithiel and Ucal: 2 Surely I am more stupid than any man, And I do not have the understanding of a man. 3 Neither have I learned wisdom, Nor do I have the knowledge of the Holy One. 4 Who has ascended into heaven and descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has wrapped the waters in [b]His garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name or His son’s name? Surely you know! 5 Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. 6 Do not add to His words Or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar. 7 Two things I asked of You, Do not refuse me before I die: 8 Keep deception and [c]lies far from me, Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the food that is my portion, 9 That I not be full and deny You and say, “Who is the Lord?” Or that I not be in want and steal, And profane the name of my God. 10 Do not slander a slave to his master, Or he will curse you and you will be found guilty. 11 There is a [d]kind of man who curses his father And does not bless his mother. 12 There is a [e]kind who is pure in his own eyes, Yet is not washed from his filthiness. 13 There is a [f]kind—oh how lofty are his eyes! And his eyelids are raised in arrogance. 14 There is a [g]kind of man whose teeth are like swords And his jaw teeth like knives, To devour the afflicted from the earth And the needy from among men. 15 The leech has two daughters, “Give,” “Give.” There are three things that will not be satisfied, Four that will not say, “Enough”: 16 [h]Sheol, and the barren womb, Earth that is never satisfied with water, And fire that never says, “Enough.” 17 The eye that mocks a father And [i]scorns a mother, The ravens of the valley will pick it out, And the young eagles will eat it. 18 There are three things which are too wonderful for me, Four which I do not understand: 19 The way of an eagle in the sky, The way of a serpent on a rock, The way of a ship in the middle of the sea, And the way of a man with a maid. 20 This is the way of an adulterous woman: She eats and wipes her mouth, And says, “I have done no wrong.” 21 Under three things the earth quakes, And under four, it cannot bear up: 22 Under a slave when he becomes king, And a fool when he is satisfied with food, 23 Under an unloved woman when she gets a husband, And a maidservant when she supplants her mistress. 24 Four things are small on the earth, But they are exceedingly wise: 25 The ants are not a strong people, But they prepare their food in the summer; 26 The [j]shephanim are not mighty people, Yet they make their houses in the rocks; 27 The locusts have no king, Yet all of them go out in ranks; 28 The lizard you may grasp with the hands, Yet it is in kings’ palaces. 29 There are three things which are stately in their march, Even four which are stately when they walk: 30 The lion which is mighty among beasts And does not [k]retreat before any, 31 The [l]strutting rooster, the male goat also, And a king when his army is with him. 32 If you have been foolish in exalting yourself Or if you have plotted evil, put your hand on your mouth. 33 For the [m]churning of milk produces butter, And pressing the nose brings forth blood; So the [n]churning of anger produces strife. Footnotes: Proverbs 30:1 Or burden Proverbs 30:4 Lit the Proverbs 30:8 Lit words of falsehood Proverbs 30:11 Or generation Proverbs 30:12 Or generation Proverbs 30:13 Or generation Proverbs 30:14 Or generation Proverbs 30:16 I.e. The nether world Proverbs 30:17 Lit despises to obey Proverbs 30:26 Small, shy, furry animals (Hyrax syriacus) found in the peninsula of the Sinai, northern Israel, and the region round the Dead Sea; KJV coney, rig NASB badgers Proverbs 30:30 Lit turn back Proverbs 30:31 Lit girt in the loins Proverbs 30:33 Lit pressing Proverbs 30:33 Lit pressing	Proverbs 30 The Sayings of Agur 1 The sayings of the prophet Agur, Solomon’s son, which he gave to Ithiel and Ucal: 2 I’m the crudest person I know.  I’m an idiot.   3 I haven’t learned anything and I’m completely unaware of what’s holy. 4 Who’s been up to heaven and back?  Who’s cupped his hands together to hold all the winds?  Who can soak up all the water on earth with the hem of his robe?  Who created everything you find in this world? What’s his name? Who’s his son?  Tell me if you know. 5 Everything God says is pure.  He protects those who trust Him.  6 Don’t put words in His mouth or He’ll scold you and everyone will know your lie. 7-9 God, I only ask for two things; please give them to me before I die: First, don’t let me be a liar or dishonest. Second, please don’t make me too rich or too poor.  Just feed me what I need every day and nothing more. Otherwise, I might get so full of myself I turn away from You saying, “Who is this ‘Jehovah’?” Or if I am too poor, I might insult Your holy reputation by stealing. 10 Don’t badmouth a worker to their employer.  They will curse you and you will pay for what you said. 11-14 A scornful generation disrespects fathers and criticizes mothers. A hypocritical generation thinks they’re perfect but is really filthy with sin. An arrogant generation looks down on others and thinks it’s better than everyone else. A greedy generation wants more and more, even taking advantage of the poor and needy, but they are never satisfied. 15-16 The leech’s two daughters beg constantly, “More! More!”  Three things are never satisfied; four have never even said the word “enough”: the grave, a woman longing for a child, the thirsty dessert, and a burning fire.  These are never fully satisfied. 17 Eyes that roll when their father speaks or stare contemptuously when their mother tells them to do something will get pecked out by ravens in the river valley and eaten by vultures. 18-19 There are three things that are just beyond me; four I’ll never understand: how an eagle soars in the sky, a snake slithers through the rocks, a ship sails on the ocean, and how a man loves a woman. 20 This is what a cheating wife does:  she devours a man and wipes her lips. She looks around innocently and says, “What? I didn't do anything.” 21-23 Three thing make the earth quiver beneath us; four completely exhaust it:  a bondservant who becomes a king, a fool who always has plenty to eat, a hateful woman who somehow gets married, and a servant girl who takes her mistress' place. 24-28 There are four things that are so small, but they are more clever than the wisest people:  tiny little ants aren’t strong at all, but they store up food all summer long, hyraxes are weak and shy, so they make their home high up in the desolate rocks, locusts have no one to lead them, but they still swarm out together like an army to cut everything to pieces, lizards, which are easy to catch, but live everywhere--even in the king’s palace. 29-31 There are three things that walk around full of pride; four full of magnificence: the lion, which is the king of the beasts and doesn’t run from anyone, a rooster strutting his stuff, a male goat ready to butt his opponent, and a king parading before a people who love him. 32-33 If you’re bragging about yourself like an idiot or have a bad attitude, please keep your mouth shut; because if you press curds, it makes cheese and if you punch a nose it bleeds.  Well, if you keep pushing someone who’s angry, it’s going to cause big trouble.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation	Pastor Chris’ Paraphrase of Proverbs (PCP) Copyright © 2018 by Chris Mullis

Day 29 of Pastor Chris' Paraphrase of Proverbs Devotional

Day 29  Children are the biggest investment in a parent's life.  You will spend more time, money, and energy on them than anything else.  A wise investment early on can yield a life of rewards.  However, being neglectful, lazy, distracted, or wavering in your discipline will lead to serious problems later. Pastor Chris' Paraphrase of Proverbs 29:1, 15, & 17 1 There is no hope for stubborn people who always ignore correction.  They will soon be broken beyond repair. 15 It’s better to correct children with a switch so they learn wisdom.  Let children have their own way now and they’ll turn out to be a disgrace. 17 Discipline your kids and they will give you peace; they will fill your life with joy. Invest wisely in your children.  You have about 13 years to teach them what they need to know; the rest is just supervision and letting go.  Be brave, firm, diligent, and consistent to teach and discipline them well.  Pray for guidance to know when to hold them tight and when to let them go.  Seek all the grace and help you can get and enjoy the blessings. Prayer "Father, thank You for being the perfect parent to me.  Guide me that I may follow Your example with my own children.  Help me understand how to discipline them, when to hold them tightly and when to let them go.  And may they bring glory to Your name all their life.  Amen." Read Proverbs Chapter 29
New American Standard Bible	Pastor Chris’ Paraphrase
Proverbs 29 Warnings and Instructions 1 A man who hardens his neck after much reproof Will suddenly be broken [a]beyond remedy. 2 When the righteous [b]increase, the people rejoice, But when a wicked man rules, people groan. 3 A man who loves wisdom makes his father glad, But he who keeps company with harlots wastes his wealth. 4 The king gives stability to the land by justice, But a man who takes bribes overthrows it. 5 A man who flatters his neighbor Is spreading a net for his steps. 6 By transgression an evil man is ensnared, But the righteous sings and rejoices. 7 The righteous [c]is concerned for the rights of the poor, The wicked does not understand such [d]concern. 8 Scorners set a city aflame, But wise men turn away anger. 9 When a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man, [e]The foolish man either rages or laughs, and there is no rest. 10 Men of bloodshed hate the blameless, But the upright [f]are concerned for his life. 11 A fool [g]always loses his temper, But a wise man holds it back. 12 If a ruler pays attention to falsehood, All his ministers become wicked. 13 The poor man and the oppressor [h]have this in common: The Lord gives light to the eyes of both. 14 If a king judges the poor with truth, His throne will be established forever. 15 The rod and reproof give wisdom, But a child [i]who gets his own way brings shame to his mother. 16 When the wicked [j]increase, transgression increases; But the righteous will see their fall. 17 Correct your son, and he will give you comfort; He will also [k]delight your soul. 18 Where there is no [l]vision, the people are unrestrained, But happy is he who keeps the law. 19 A slave will not be instructed by words alone; For though he understands, there will be no response. 20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. 21 He who pampers his slave from childhood Will in the end find him to be a son. 22 An angry man stirs up strife, And a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression. 23 A man’s pride will bring him low, But a humble spirit will obtain honor. 24 He who is a partner with a thief hates his own life; He hears the oath but tells nothing. 25 The fear of man [m]brings a snare, But he who trusts in the Lord will be exalted. 26 Many seek the ruler’s [n]favor, But justice for man comes from the Lord. 27 An unjust man is abominable to the righteous, And he who is upright in the way is abominable to the wicked. Footnotes: Proverbs 29:1 Lit and there is no remedy Proverbs 29:2 Or become great Proverbs 29:7 Lit knows the cause Proverbs 29:7 Lit knowledge Proverbs 29:9 Lit He Proverbs 29:10 Lit seek his soul Proverbs 29:11 Lit sends forth all his spirit Proverbs 29:13 Lit meet together Proverbs 29:15 Lit left to himself Proverbs 29:16 Or become great Proverbs 29:17 Lit give delight to Proverbs 29:18 Or revelation Proverbs 29:25 Lit gives Proverbs 29:26 Lit face	Proverbs 29 1 There is no hope for stubborn people who always ignore correction.  They will soon be broken beyond repair. 2 Everyone cheers up when the people in control do the right thing, but they moan when the ungodly come to power. 3 People who love wisdom give their parents true joy, but you’ll waste all your money if you hang out with adulterers. 4 Honest rulers give stability to their land, but those who twist justice for money ruin it. 5 Someone who flatters their neighbor is really setting a trap for them. 6 Immoral people fall into a trap when they cross the line, but those who live the right way sing for joy. 7 People who live right are fair to the poor who are barely getting by; the ungodly could care less. 8 People who mock sarcastically fan the flames of anger around them, but a more careful person calms everybody down. 9 When a wise man has a dispute with a fool, there will be sarcastic ranting but no resolution. 10 Bloodthirsty people hate the innocent and try to kill those who live right. 11 Only a fool trumpets their opinion out when they’re angry; a wise person restrains themself. 12 If a ruler is swayed by lies, his advisors will all be dishonest. 13 The poor and the tyrant have something in common: Jehovah gave them both life. 14 If a ruler is fair to the poor, his honor will be remembered forever. 15 It’s better to correct children with a switch so they learn wisdom.  Let children have their own way now and they’ll turn out to be a disgrace.   16 When the ungodly are in charge, people sin more and more, but those who live right will see the ungodly fall apart. 17 Discipline your kids and they will give you peace; they will fill your life with joy. 18 Without God’s vision, people are totally exposed and vulnerable; you can’t believe how happy they are to be clothed with God’s Law. 19 It takes more than words to correct a bondservant.  They may understand and still not obey. 20 You’ve seen people who always say things without thinking.  A fool is better off than they are. 21 A worker that’s pampered his whole life will cause you as much grief as a spoiled rotten child. 22 An angry man fights about everything and a hot-head is always crossing the line. 23 Pride leads to humiliation; a humble spirit finds honor. 24 You must really hate yourself if you share a thief's stolen property.  You can’t tell anyone where it came from, even if you swear an oath. 25 It’s a trap to always worry people are out to get you; just trust Jehovah to keep you safe. 26 Everyone wants to go see important people for help, but Jehovah is the source of justice. 27 People who live right can’t stand to be around bad people.  The ungodly can’t stand to be around those who live for God.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation	Pastor Chris’ Paraphrase of Proverbs (PCP) Copyright © 2018 by Chris Mullis

Day 28 of Day Chris' Paraphrase of Proverbs Devotional

Day 28  It's just not good when everyone makes up their own rules.  A family, an organization, a nation needs good leaders.  People rise and fall with the leaders they admire and follow.  Leaders come in all shapes and sizes: a parent, a boss, a pastor, an elected official.  Others are cultural leaders--athletes, artists, characters, public figures.  Sometimes you are a leader.   Pastor Chris' Paraphrase of Proverbs 28:2, 4, 5, & 16 2 The country is in chaos when it's full of rebellious people who do whatever they want; but someone with insight, who understands the way things work, can keep the nation alive. 4 People who ignore God’s Law revere wicked people, but those who obey God’s Law stand against them. 5 Evil people don’t even understand justice, but people who follow the Lord know right from wrong. 16 An unskillful leader without understanding is an oppressive tyrant; but someone who hates greed and corruption will live a long time. We become the people we admire and follow.  Therefore, it is essential we lead and follow wisely.  Know God and His Word so you can truly discern bad leadership from good. Prayer "Jesus, You are the perfect example of a good leader.  Lord, help me to walk with you closely everyday that I might prosper and know how to lead others Your way.  And give us more leaders like You.  Amen." Read Proverbs Chapter 28
New American Standard Bible	Pastor Chris’ Paraphrase
Proverbs 28 Warnings and Instructions 1 The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, But the righteous are [a]bold as a lion. 2 By the transgression of a land many are its princes, But by a man of understanding and knowledge, so it endures. 3 A poor man who oppresses the lowly Is like a driving rain [b]which leaves no food. 4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, But those who keep the law strive with them. 5 Evil men do not understand justice, But those who seek the Lord understand all things. 6 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than he who is [c]crooked though he be rich. 7 He who keeps the law is a discerning son, But he who is a companion of gluttons humiliates his father. 8 He who increases his wealth by interest and usury Gathers it for him who is gracious to the poor. 9 He who turns away his ear from listening to the law, Even his prayer is an abomination. 10 He who leads the upright astray in an evil way Will himself fall into his own pit, But the blameless will inherit good. 11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes, But the poor who has understanding [d]sees through him. 12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, But when the wicked rise, men [e]hide themselves. 13 He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion. 14 How blessed is the man who fears always, But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity. 15 Like a roaring lion and a rushing bear Is a wicked ruler over a poor people. 16 A leader who is a great oppressor lacks understanding, But he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days. 17 A man who is laden with the guilt of human blood Will [f]be a fugitive until death; let no one support him. 18 He who walks blamelessly will be delivered, But he who is [g]crooked will fall all at once. 19 He who tills his land will have plenty of food, But he who follows empty pursuits will have poverty in plenty. 20 A faithful man will abound with blessings, But he who makes haste to be rich will not go unpunished. 21 To [h]show partiality is not good, Because for a piece of bread a man will transgress. 22 A man with an evil eye hastens after wealth And does not know that want will come upon him. 23 He who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor Than he who flatters with the tongue. 24 He who robs his father or his mother And says, “It is not a transgression,” Is the companion of a man who destroys. 25 An [i]arrogant man stirs up strife, But he who trusts in the Lord will [j]prosper. 26 He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But he who walks wisely will be delivered. 27 He who gives to the poor will never want, But he who [k]shuts his eyes will have many curses. 28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous increase. Footnotes: Proverbs 28:1 Lit confident Proverbs 28:3 Lit and there is no bread Proverbs 28:6 Lit perverse of two ways Proverbs 28:11 Lit examines him Proverbs 28:12 Lit will be searched for Proverbs 28:17 Lit flee to the pit Proverbs 28:18 Lit perverse of two ways Proverbs 28:21 Lit regard the face Proverbs 28:25 Lit broad soul Proverbs 28:25 Lit be made fat Proverbs 28:27 Lit hides	Proverbs 28 1 People who aren’t living right are paranoid about everything even when no one is after them; but those with a clean conscious walk with the courage of a lion. 2 The country is in chaos when it’s full of rebellious people who do whatever they want; but someone with insight, who understands the way things  work, can keep the nation alive. 3 A poor man who oppresses others in need is like a sudden downpour that ruins a picnic. 4 People who ignore God’s Law revere wicked people, but those who obey God’s Law stand against them. 5 Evil people don’t even understand justice, but people who follow the Lord know right from wrong. 6 It’s better to be poor and have integrity than rich and corrupt. 7 Smart youth are careful to obey God’s Law, but those who hang around the party crowd embarrass their parents. 8 If you make your money by charging unjust fees and outrageous interest rates, it will end up in the hands of someone else who is kind to the poor. 9 A person’s prayers are disgusting if they ignore God’s Law. 10 Those who lead the righteous into evil will fall into their own trap. 11 A rich person brags how smart they are, but a poor person with some sense sees right through them. 12 It’s a beautiful thing when godly people win, but everyone runs to hide when the ungodly rise up. 13 You can’t really thrive if you cover up your misdeeds, but whoever confesses their sins and turns away from them will receive mercy. 14 A person who is always filled with reverence and awe is truly blessed, but stubborn, cruel people will get into terrible trouble. 15 An ungodly leader is as dangerous to the poor as a roaring lion or a hungry bear. 16 An unskillful leader without understanding is an oppressive tyrant; but someone who hates greed and corruption will live a long time. 17 A murderer’s guilty conscious will haunt them all the way to the grave; you don’t have to help. 18 Someone who’s done nothing wrong will be set free, but a crooked person will get into big trouble. 19 People who work hard at the right thing will have everything they need, but those who goof off all the time will have nothing. 20 A person you can count on will be blessed all the time, but someone who’s always chasing get rich schemes will get into trouble. 21 It’s never good to show favoritism, but people often do to get something they want. 22 A greedy person is in such a hurry to get rich they don’t realize they will never have enough. 23 In the long run, people will appreciate hearing the cold, hard truth more than mere flattery. 24 Someone who steals from their parents and says, “What’s wrong with it?” is not much better than a terrorist. 25 People who always want “more,more, more” cause all kinds of trouble, but those who trust in Jehovah have more than enough. 26 Fools just “follow their heart.”  If you want to avoid trouble, you have to use your head. 27 If you give to the needy, you will always have enough; but those who ignore them will always be cursed. 28 People can’t be themselves when the ungodly rise to power.  More will do what’s right when they fall.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation	Pastor Chris’ Paraphrase of Proverbs (PCP) Copyright © 2018 by Chris Mullis