Day 20 of Pastor Chris' Paraphrase of Proverbs

Day 20 Wise living takes discipline, persistence, and trust. Some are tempted to indulge in extra sleep or to procrastinate. Others are tempted to act impulsively or try to control it all. Wise people take a broader view of life and work steadily toward success. Pastor Chris' Paraphrase of Proverbs 20:4, 13, 18, & 244 Lazy people don’t plan ahead or prepare and they don’t have what they need when the time comes. 13 If you love to sleep, poverty will take over your life. Get up and get to work so you’ll have enough to eat. 18 Get lots of advice while you’re making your plans. Let people guide when you go to battle. 24 Only the Lord knows everything about our journey. We can’t see or understand everything that’s going on. Don't be lazy. Plan ahead. Seek guidance. Work hard and be persistent. And don't be a control freak. You can have a great deal of influence over your own success, but you are never in complete control and you do not know everything that is going on in the grand picture. Trust God. Prayer "Lord, help me to be a wise planner and a diligent executor. Most of all, help me to trust You with it all. Amen." Read Proverbs Chapter 20
New American Standard Bible	Pastor Chris’ Paraphrase
Proverbs 20 On Life and Conduct 1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, And whoever [a]is intoxicated by it is not wise. 2 The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion; He who provokes him to anger [b]forfeits his own life. 3 [c]Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, But any fool will [d]quarrel. 4 The sluggard does not plow after the autumn, So he [e]begs during the harvest and has nothing. 5 A plan in the heart of a man is like deep water, But a man of understanding draws it out. 6 Many a man proclaims his own loyalty, But who can find a trustworthy man? 7 A righteous man who walks in his integrity— How blessed are his sons after him. 8 A king who sits on the throne of justice [f]Disperses all evil with his eyes. 9 Who can say, “I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin”? 10 [g]Differing weights and differing measures, Both of them are abominable to the Lord. 11 It is by his deeds that a lad [h]distinguishes himself If his conduct is pure and right. 12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye, The Lord has made both of them. 13 Do not love sleep, or you will become poor; Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with [i]food. 14 “Bad, bad,” says the buyer, But when he goes his way, then he boasts. 15 There is gold, and an abundance of [j]jewels; But the lips of knowledge are a more precious thing. 16 Take his garment when he becomes surety for a stranger; And for foreigners, hold him in pledge. 17 Bread obtained by falsehood is sweet to a man, But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel. 18 Prepare plans by consultation, And make war by wise guidance. 19 He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, Therefore do not associate with [k]a gossip. 20 He who curses his father or his mother, His lamp will go out in [l]time of darkness. 21 An inheritance gained hurriedly at the beginning Will not be blessed in the end. 22 Do not say, “I will repay evil”; Wait for the Lord, and He will save you. 23 [m]Differing weights are an abomination to the Lord, And a [n]false scale is not good. 24 Man’s steps are ordained by the Lord, How then can man understand his way? 25 It is a trap for a man to say rashly, “It is holy!” And after the vows to make inquiry. 26 A wise king winnows the wicked, And [o]drives the threshing wheel over them. 27 The [p]spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, Searching all the [q]innermost parts of his being. 28 [r]Loyalty and truth preserve the king, And he upholds his throne by [s]righteousness. 29 The glory of young men is their strength, And the [t]honor of old men is their gray hair. 30 Stripes that wound scour away evil, And strokes reach the [u]innermost parts. Footnotes: a.    Proverbs 20:1 Lit errs b.    Proverbs 20:2 Lit sins against c.    Proverbs 20:3 Lit Ceasing d.    Proverbs 20:3 Lit burst out e.    Proverbs 20:4 Lit asks f.     Proverbs 20:8 Or Sifts g.    Proverbs 20:10 Lit A stone and a stone, an ephah and           an ephah h.    Proverbs 20:11 Or makes himself known i.     Proverbs 20:13 Lit bread j.     Proverbs 20:15 Or corals k.    Proverbs 20:19 Lit one who opens his lips l.     Proverbs 20:20 Lit pupil (of eye) m.   Proverbs 20:23 Lit A stone and a stone n.    Proverbs 20:23 Lit balance of deceit o.    Proverbs 20:26 Lit turns p.    Proverbs 20:27 Lit breath q.    Proverbs 20:27 Lit chambers of the body r.     Proverbs 20:28 Lit Covenant loyalty s.    Proverbs 20:28 Lit Covenant loyalty t.     Proverbs 20:29 Or splendor u.    Proverbs 20:30 Lit chambers of the body	Proverbs 20 1 Wine will make you a fool, liquor will hit you like a ton of bricks; it’s dumb to drink too much. 2 A king strikes fear in people like the growl of a lion. Why in the world would you do something to make him mad? 3 It’s honorable to avoid a fight; there’s plenty of idiots looking for one. 4 Lazy people don’t plan ahead or prepare and they don’t have what they need when the time comes. 5 People’s true motives are hard to fathom, but a really smart person figures them out. 6 Everyone says they’re a good friend, but who can find one that’s really trustworthy? 7 Godly people do the right thing even when no one’s looking and all their descendants are blessed by it. 8 When a king judges, he can spot evil just by watching a person. 9 Who can say, “I have cleansed my heart.  I am truly innocent?” 10 Changing the rules and standards to suit oneself is disgusting to Jehovah. 11 Even kids show their true character by the way they act, by whether they are pure and do the right things. 12 A listening ear and a perceptive eye--Jehovah made them both. 13 If you love to sleep, poverty will take over your life.  Get up and get to work so you’ll have enough to eat. 14 They say, “This is junk!” when they’re the ones buying it, but then they go brag about what a great deal they got. 15 Sure, everyone wants a bag of gold and jewels, but words of wisdom are worth way more. 16 Get collateral from someone who cosigns a loan for a stranger; get a security deposit if the person is kinda sketchy. 17 Food you steal taste so sweet, but then it turns to gravel in your mouth. 18 Get lots of advice while you’re making your plans.  Let people guide when you go to battle. 19 A gossip blabs all your secrets; so don’t hang out with people who can’t keep their mouth shut. 20 If you scorn your parents, you’ll lose your light in the middle of the night when you need it most. 21 An inheritance given to you before you’re ready will not turn out to be a blessing in the end. 22 Don’t say, “I’ll pay you back for this evil.”  Wait for Jehovah and he will set you free. 23 It disgusts Jehovah when people cheat and tip the scales in their favor.  Manipulating the truth is not OK. 24 Only the Lord knows everything about our journey. We can’t see or understand everything that’s going on. 25 Carefully consider what you’re doing BEFORE you make an important promise to God. Otherwise, you may feel like you’ve trapped yourself. 26 A shrewd leader draws out the ungodly and crushes them so they can’t do any harm. 27 Jehovah illuminates the spirit inside each of us, so He knows even our deepest secrets and intentions. 28 Kindness and honesty watch over a ruler, and his rule is upheld by kindness. 29 A young man’s vitality is what makes him special, but an elder’s gray hair is a sign of the experience that is their greatest asset. 30 Just as pain can lead to the cleansing and healing of a deep wound, so punishment can correct a person’s attitude.
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 19 of Pastor Chris' Paraphrase of Proverbs Devotional

Day 19 Fools tell lies. Whether it's an evil scheme to get what they want or just the easy way out of a difficult situation, dishonesty is never the wise course. Truly wise people are honest and have integrity. Pastor Chris' Paraphrase of Proverbs 19:1, 5, 9, 22, & 28 1 It is better to be a poor person with integrity than a fool who twists words. 5 A witness who lies will be convicted. Someone who tells lies will not get away. 9 A witness who lies will be convicted. Someone who tells lies will not get away. 22 We long for people to be faithful; a poor man is better than a liar. 28 An evil witness mocks justice and takes a gulp of terrible trouble with every lie they tell. Notice how verses 5 and 9 say almost the same exact thing. Why would there be two nearly identical proverbs in the same chapter? Because telling the truth is essential to healthy relationships, civil society, and God demands it. Be honest. Strive for integrity. Be a loyal friend. Practice telling the truth in love. Even if it's harder in the short term, it's always better in the long run and God will honor you. Prayer "Father, help me to be honest and faithful in the way I live and the things I do. Amen." Read Proverbs Chapter 19
New American Standard Bible	Pastor Chris’ Paraphrase
Proverbs 19 On Life and Conduct 1 Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity Than he who is perverse in [a]speech and is a fool. 2 Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge, And he who hurries [b]his footsteps [c]errs. 3 The foolishness of man ruins his way, And his heart rages against the Lord. 4 Wealth adds many friends, But a poor man is separated from his friend. 5 A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who [d]tells lies will not escape. 6 Many will seek the favor of a [e]generous man, And every man is a friend to him who gives gifts. 7 All the brothers of a poor man hate him; How much more do his friends abandon him! He pursues them with words, but they are [f]gone. 8 He who gets [g]wisdom loves his own soul; He who keeps understanding will find good. 9 A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who [h]tells lies will perish. 10 Luxury is not fitting for a fool; Much less for a slave to rule over princes. 11 A man’s discretion makes him slow to anger, And it is his glory to overlook a transgression. 12 The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion, But his favor is like dew on the grass. 13 A foolish son is destruction to his father, And the contentions of a wife are a constant dripping. 14 House and wealth are an inheritance from fathers, But a prudent wife is from the Lord. 15 Laziness casts into a deep sleep, And an idle [i]man will suffer hunger. 16 He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, But he who [j]is careless of [k]conduct will die. 17 One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the Lord, And He will repay him for his [l]good deed. 18 Discipline your son while there is hope, And do not desire [m]his death. 19 A man of great anger will bear the penalty, For if you rescue him, you will only have to do it again. 20 Listen to counsel and accept discipline, That you may be wise [n]the rest of your days. 21 Many plans are in a man’s heart, But the counsel of the Lord will stand. 22 What is desirable in a man is his [o]kindness, And it is better to be a poor man than a liar. 23 The [p]fear of the Lord leads to life, So that one may sleep satisfied, [q]untouched by evil. 24 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish, But will not even bring it back to his mouth. 25 Strike a scoffer and the [r]naive may become shrewd, But reprove one who has understanding and he will [s]gain knowledge. 26 He who assaults his father and drives his mother away Is a shameful and disgraceful son. 27 Cease listening, my son, to discipline, And you will stray from the words of knowledge. 28 A rascally witness makes a mockery of justice, And the mouth of the wicked [t]spreads iniquity. 29 [u]Judgments are prepared for scoffers, And blows for the back of fools. Footnotes: a.    Proverbs 19:1 Lit his lips b.    Proverbs 19:2 Lit with his feet c.    Proverbs 19:2 Lit sins d.    Proverbs 19:5 Lit breathes e.    Proverbs 19:6 Or noble f.     Proverbs 19:7 Lit not g.    Proverbs 19:8 Lit heart h.    Proverbs 19:9 Lit breathes i.     Proverbs 19:15 Lit soul j.     Proverbs 19:16 Lit despises k.    Proverbs 19:16 Lit ways l.     Proverbs 19:17 Or benefits m.   Proverbs 19:18 Lit causing him to die n.    Proverbs 19:20 Lit in your latter end o.    Proverbs 19:22 Or loyalty p.    Proverbs 19:23 Or reverence q.    Proverbs 19:23 Lit not visited r.     Proverbs 19:25 Lit simple s.    Proverbs 19:25 Lit discern t.    Proverbs 19:28 Or swallows u.   Proverbs 19:29 Gr Rods	Proverbs 19 1 It is better to be a poor person with integrity than a fool who twists words. 2 It isn't good when ignorant people want something really bad; they'll do something rash and make a big mistake. 3 A fool messes up his own life and gets angry at God about it. 4 Everybody wants to be a rich person's friend, but a poor person doesn't have any. 5 A witness who lies will be convicted.  Someone who tells lies will not get away. 6 Lots of people want face time with important people, and everyone wants to be friends with the generous.  7 If a poor person’s family doesn’t even care about them, you know friends will avoid them; when they come looking for help, everyone disappears.  8 Getting more wisdom is good for your soul. Intelligence brings prosperity.  9 A witness who lies will be convicted. Someone who tells lies will be destroyed.  10 A fool is not suited for a life of luxury any more than a slave should be in charge of their own master.  11 A smart person doesn’t lose their temper. They are honored because they let things slide.  12 A king’s rage is like the roaring of a lion in its prime, but his help is like a cool refreshment on a hot day. 13 A stupid, lazy child will ruin their father; and an argumentative wife is like Chinese water torture.  14 You can inherit a house and wealth from your parents, but only Jehovah can give you a wise and careful wife.  15 Laziness will drug you to sleep; slack off and you’ll go without.  16 Following the Law will keep you safe; if you live carelessly, you will die.  17 Being kind to the poor is like lending to the Lord, and Jehovah will repay the debt.  18 Teach your kids how to behave while there’s still hope; don’t abandoned them to the path of destruction.  19 A hot head gets into trouble; if you bail him out, you’ll have to do it again and again.  20 Pay attention to sound advice and listen when you’re corrected; it will help you live wisely.  21 People have all kinds of plans they want to accomplish, but Jehovah’s are the ones that will last.  22 We long for people to be faithful; a poor man is better than a liar.  23 Deep reverence for Jehovah leads to life; those who have it rest safely because trouble won’t come knocking on their door.  24 A lazy person grabs food off a plate, but won’t even lift it to their mouth and eat.  25 Slap a mocker and the fool will be more careful; correct an intelligent person and they will get even smarter.  26 Children who abuse their father or drive away their mother are an embarrassing disappointment.  27 Stop and listen to reason, my child, and you won’t wander off the path of knowledge. 28 An evil witness mocks justice and takes a gulp of terrible trouble with every lie they tell.
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 18 of Pastor Chris' Paraphrase of Proverbs Devotional

Day 18 It's really foolish to think wealth and material possessions will keep you safe when troubles come, and yet that is what most people in our world think. People think money will make them secure and they are often proud when they have it--thinking they can buy their way out of whatever troubles come. Truly wise people know better. Pastor Chris' Paraphrase of Proverbs 18:10-14 10 The Lord is known as an impregnable fortress; good people run to Him for safety. 11 Rich people rely on their wealth; they hide behind it thinking nothing can touch them. 12 A person brags about their greatness right before they’re broken to pieces, but those who are humble receive honor. 13 Speaking about something before really listening is just stupid and brings humiliation. 14 A good attitude can sustain you through illness, but what can you do with a broken spirit? Wealth is as fleeting as a morning fog. A misstep, an illness, a lawsuit or misfortune and it can all be gone in an instant. Then where is your safety net? Why spend all your time trying to build a wall of safety founded only on money? Why take pride in something that gives a false sense of security? Be wise and build a strong relationship with the Lord for that is where real hope lies. Prayer"Father, free me from the foolish idea that money is all I need to keep my family safe. Help me to trust in You and find true security. Amen." Read Proverbs Chapter 18
New American Standard Bible	Pastor Chris’ Paraphrase
Proverbs 18 Contrast the Upright and the Wicked 1 He who separates himself seeks his own desire, He [a]quarrels against all sound wisdom. 2 A fool does not delight in understanding, But only in revealing his own [b]mind. 3 When a wicked man comes, contempt also comes, And with dishonor comes scorn. 4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; [c]The fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. 5 To show partiality to the wicked is not good, Nor to thrust aside the righteous in judgment. 6 A fool’s lips [d]bring strife, And his mouth calls for blows. 7 A fool’s mouth is his ruin, And his lips are the snare of his soul. 8 The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, And they go down into the [e]innermost parts of the body. 9 He also who is slack in his work Is brother to him who destroys. 10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is [f]safe. 11 A rich man’s wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own imagination. 12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, But humility goes before honor. 13 He who gives an answer before he hears, It is folly and shame to him. 14 The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, But as for a broken spirit who can bear it? 15 The [g]mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. 16 A man’s gift makes room for him And brings him before great men. 17 The first [h]to plead his case seems right, Until [i]another comes and examines him. 18 The cast lot puts an end to strife And [j]decides between the mighty ones. 19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a citadel. 20 With the [k]fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach will be satisfied; He will be satisfied with the product of his lips. 21 Death and life are in the [l]power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. 22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing And obtains favor from the Lord. 23 The poor man utters supplications, But the rich man answers roughly. 24 A man of too many friends comes to [m]ruin, But there is a [n]friend who sticks closer than a brother. Footnotes: a.    Proverbs 18:1 Lit breaks out b.    Proverbs 18:2 Lit heart c.    Proverbs 18:4 Or A bubbling brook, a fountain of                   wisdom d.    Proverbs 18:6 Lit come with e,    Proverbs 18:8 Lit chambers of the belly f.     Proverbs 18:10 Lit set on high g.    Proverbs 18:15 Lit heart h.    Proverbs 18:17 Lit in his plea i.     Proverbs 18:17 Lit his neighbor j.     Proverbs 18:18 Lit makes a division k.    Proverbs 18:20 I.e. speech l.     Proverbs 18:21 Lit hand m.   Proverbs 18:24 Lit be broken in pieces n.    Proverbs 18:24 Or lover	Proverbs 18 1 Someone who has to get their way is stubborn and will even argue against the obvious truth. 2 A lamebrain doesn’t care if something makes sense; they just want everyone to know their opinion. 3 There’s contempt anytime the ungodly come around; and scandal leads to public criticism. 4 What people talk about is very important. Someone who really knows gushes with wisdom. 5 It’s awful to fight for the cause of the ungodly, to purposefully work against those who are in the right. 6 An idiot runs his mouth and picks a fight; he’s begging for a beating. 7 An idiot’s mouth will be their ruin; it’s the rope they use to hang themself. 8 Rumors burn poison into a gossip’s tongue even as they devour them and swallow. 9 A lazy worker is about as bad as a vandal who breaks in to destroys things. 10 The Lord is known as an impregnable fortress; good people run to Him for safety. 11 Rich people rely on their wealth; they hide behind it thinking nothing can touch them. 12 A person brags about their greatness right before they’re broken to pieces, but those who are humble receive honor. 13 Speaking about something before really listening is just stupid and brings humiliation. 14 A good attitude can sustain you through illness, but what can you do with a broken spirit? 15 Smart people want to keep learning, they listen and search for even more knowledge.  16 A gracious gift helps wins people over and gives you access to important people.  17 A person who justifies their actions seems right, until people start asking questions.  18 Flipping a coin can settle a dispute and end a strong disagreement.  19 It’s harder to conquer a city than win back a friend you’ve betrayed. You might as well storm a castle.  20 It’s really rewarding to say the right thing; what you say will come back to you with interest.  21 What you say can bring life or death; people will taste the fruit of all the things they say.  22 If you find a good wife, you’ve found a very good thing; she is Jehovah’s true blessing.  23 The poor who want something ask delicately, but the rich who have everything answer harshly.  24 Some friends are just friendly people; but a real friend will love you like a brother.
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 17 of Pastor Chris' Paraphrase of Proverbs Devotional

Day 17  Life has enough trouble in it without you going to look for more. Spend your time cultivating peace--especially in your own home. Deal with conflict when you have to, but be quick to forgive and overlook an offence when you can. Nobody likes a troublemaker and you're gonna need all the friends you can get. Spend your time building up your relationships so you will have their support when real trouble comes. Pastor Chris' Paraphrase of Proverbs 17:1, 9, 14, 17 1 It’s better to eat stale crumbs in a peaceful home than a feast in a house where everyone argues. 9 A person who lets go of an offence wants love, but a person who keeps bringing it up drives away their closest friend. 14 Starting an argument is like digging a hole in a dam; once the water’s out, you can’t put it back in.  So quit before you mess everything up. 17 A friend always loves you, and brothers were born to help in times of trouble. A wise person builds loyal friendships through patience, kindness, forgiveness, and love. Be there for others when they need you and they will be there for you when you need them. Prayer "Father, help me build strong friendships through patience, kindness, forgiveness, and love. Steer me clear of unnecessary quarrels about stuff that really doesn't matter in the long run. Help me be a wise friend to others. Amen." Read Proverbs Chapter 17
New American Standard Bible	Pastor Chris’ Paraphrase
Proverbs 17 Contrast the Upright and the Wicked 1 Better is a dry morsel and quietness with it Than a house full of [a]feasting with strife. 2 A servant who acts wisely will rule over a son who acts shamefully, And will share in the inheritance among brothers. 3 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the Lord tests hearts. 4 An evildoer listens to wicked lips; A [b]liar pays attention to a destructive tongue. 5 He who mocks the poor taunts his Maker; He who rejoices at calamity will not go unpunished. 6 Grandchildren are the crown of old men, And the glory of sons is their fathers. 7 [c]Excellent speech is not fitting for a fool, Much less are lying lips to a prince. 8 A bribe is a [d]charm in the sight of its owner; Wherever he turns, he prospers. 9 He who conceals a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates intimate friends. 10 A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding Than a hundred blows into a fool. 11 A rebellious man seeks only evil, So a cruel messenger will be sent against him. 12 Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs, Rather than a fool in his folly. 13 He who returns evil for good, Evil will not depart from his house. 14 The beginning of strife is like letting out water, So abandon the quarrel before it breaks out. 15 He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous, Both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord. 16 Why is there a price in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, When [e]he has no sense? 17 A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity. 18 A man lacking in [f]sense [g]pledges And becomes guarantor in the presence of his neighbor. 19 He who loves transgression loves strife; He who raises his door seeks destruction. 20 He who has a crooked [h]mind finds no good, And he who is perverted in his language falls into evil. 21 He who sires a fool does so to his sorrow, And the father of a fool has no joy. 22 A joyful heart [i]is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones. 23 A wicked man receives a bribe from the bosom To pervert the ways of justice. 24 Wisdom is in the presence of the one who has understanding, But the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth. 25 A foolish son is a grief to his father And bitterness to her who bore him. 26 It is also not good to fine the righteous, Nor to strike the noble for their uprightness. 27 He who restrains his words [j]has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. 28 Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips, he is considered prudent. Footnotes: a.    Proverbs 17:1 Lit sacrifices of strife b.    Proverbs 17:4 Lit falsehood c.    Proverbs 17:7 Lit A lip of abundance d.    Proverbs 17:8 Lit stone of favor e.    Proverbs 17:16 Lit there is no heart f.     Proverbs 17:18 Lit heart g.    Proverbs 17:18 Lit shakes hands h.    Proverbs 17:20 Lit heart i.     Proverbs 17:22 Lit causes good healing j.     Proverbs 17:27 Lit knows	Proverbs 17 1 It’s better to eat stale crumbs in a peaceful home than a feast in a house where everyone argues. 2 A wise servant will be given authority over their master’s disgraceful child, and will get an inheritance like one of the family. 3 Silver and gold are refined by fire, but Jehovah tests to see what’s really in your heart. 4 Good for nothing scoundrels love to hear things that stir up trouble; a liar listens closely to gossip and believes everything they hear. 5 If you mock a poor man, you insult the One who made him.  You’ll pay for making fun of his troubles. 6 Grandkids are the crowning achievement of the elderly and children admire their parents. 7 It’s not good when a fool talks too much; it’s even worse when government leaders are dishonest. 8 A gift is the key to winning support; people who give them do well in life. 9 A person who lets go of an offence wants love, but a person who keeps bringing it up drives away their closest friend. 10 Constructive criticism has more effect on a smart person than one hundred lashes on a fool. 11 Taking over and getting their way is the bitter heart of everything an evil person does.  Therefore, God sends a stern ambassador to deal with them. 12 It’d be better to run into a mama bear who thinks you stole her cubs than a fool bent on stupidity. 13 Evil will always plague the life of someone who does evil to those who’ve been good to them. 14 Starting an argument is like digging a hole in a dam; once the water’s out, you can’t put it back in.  So quit before you mess everything up. 15 Jehovah is just as disgusted when someone ignores wickedness as when someone condemns innocence. 16 It doesn’t make any sense to pay tuition for a fool when they don’t want to learn. 17 A friend always loves you, and brothers were born to help in times of trouble. 18 It’s just stupid to make a deal to co-sign a loan for someone. 19 Someone who loves drama loves sin; people who love to “make an entrance” are bound to trip up and fall flat on their face. 20 Someone with twisted thoughts won’t think up anything good, and those who manipulate the truth get into trouble. 21 A senseless child causes their parents a lot of grief; a wicked one steals their joy. 22 A joyous attitude helps you heal, but a broken down spirit sucks the life right out of you. 23 An ungodly person accepts a secret bribe to bend the verdicts of the justice. 24 An arrogant fool searches to the ends of the earth, but a smart person turns to Wisdom. 25 Arrogant, lazy, children are a sad disappointment to their father and a source of bitter grief to the sweet woman who gave them life. 26 It’s just not right to penalize someone who did the right thing or humiliate them for being fair. 27 Few words? Smart! Intelligence like that is rare indeed.  28 Even a dope that stands there in silence seems like a mastermind. They look like a genius because they keep their mouth shut.
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