Day 14 of Pastor Chris' Paraphrase of Proverbs Devotional

Day 14  Wealthy people don't have much trouble finding "friends."  Everyone admires them for their interesting lives, their cool stuff, and what they might do for others.  The trouble wealthy people have is figuring out who's really a friend and who just loves them because they're rich.  What would happen if they lost it all?  Would their "friends" still stand by them? Poor people don't have that problem.  They don't have much to offer in terms of material possessions or money.  They spend most of their time and energy just trying to make it from day to day; they don't have much left to give.  When a needy person comes around, they're probably not there just to say "hello" or see how you're doing.  They're likely coming to ask for help.  If you help, they may not be able pay you back or return the favor. However, they may ask for your help again soon.  You can count on it and it can become very wearisome. Pastor Chris’ Paraphrase of Proverbs 14:20, 21, & 31 20 Everyone hates the poor, even those closest to them; but the rich have lots of “friends.” 21 God hates it when people look down on those closest to them, but He blesses those who give a hand up to the poor. 31 People who oppress the poor insult the One who made them, but people honor God when they give a hand up to help those in need. The wise person learns to see people as God sees them and treats them accordingly.  Everyone--rich and poor--is a beautiful creation of God.  We must look beyond the glitter of wealth and the dirt of poverty to see the child of God who is beneath it all.  Love is sacrificial.  It's what you do for others not what they do for you or how they make you feel.  It's easy to love people who have it all together, but a wise person treats the poor with dignity and love because it honors God. Prayer "Jesus, you said there would always be poor among us (Mark 14:7).  Help me not to be frustrated.  Teach me to love the way You love.  Amen." Read Proverbs Chapter 14
New American Standard Bible	Pastor Chris’ Paraphrase
Proverbs 14 Contrast the Upright and the Wicked 1 The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish tears it down with her own hands. 2 He who walks in his uprightness fears the Lord, But he who is devious in his ways despises Him. 3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod [a]for his back, But the lips of the wise will protect them. 4 Where no oxen are, the manger is clean, But much revenue comes by the strength of the ox. 5 A trustworthy witness will not lie, But a false witness [b]utters lies. 6 A scoffer seeks wisdom and finds none, But knowledge is easy to one who has understanding. 7 Leave the presence of a fool, Or you will not [c]discern [d]words of knowledge. 8 The wisdom of the sensible is to understand his way, But the foolishness of fools is deceit. 9 Fools mock at [e]sin, But among the upright there is [f]good will. 10 The heart knows its own bitterness, And a stranger does not share its joy. 11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed, But the tent of the upright will flourish. 12 There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. 13 Even in laughter the heart may be in pain, And the end of joy may be grief. 14 The backslider in heart will have his fill of his own ways, But a good man will be satisfied [g]with his. 15 The [h]naive believes everything, But the sensible man considers his steps. 16 A wise man [i]is cautious and turns away from evil, But a fool is arrogant and careless. 17 A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, And a man of evil devices is hated. 18 The [j]naive inherit foolishness, But the sensible are crowned with knowledge. 19 The evil will bow down before the good, And the wicked at the gates of the righteous. 20 The poor is hated even by his neighbor, But those who love the rich are many. 21 He who despises his neighbor sins, But happy is he who is gracious to the [k]poor. 22 Will they not go astray who devise evil? But kindness and truth will be to those who devise good. 23 In all labor there is profit, But [l]mere talk leads only to poverty. 24 The crown of the wise is their riches, But the folly of fools is foolishness. 25 A truthful witness saves lives, But he who [m]utters lies is [n]treacherous. 26 In the [o]fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, And [p]his children will have refuge. 27 The [q]fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, That one may avoid the snares of death. 28 In a multitude of people is a king’s glory, But in the dearth of people is a prince’s ruin. 29 He who is slow to anger has great understanding, But he who is [r]quick-tempered exalts folly. 30 A tranquil heart is life to the body, But passion is rottenness to the bones. 31 He who oppresses the poor taunts his Maker, But he who is gracious to the needy honors Him. 32 The wicked is thrust down by his [s]wrongdoing, But the righteous has a refuge when he dies. 33 Wisdom rests in the heart of one who has understanding, But in the [t]hearts of fools it is made known. 34 Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a disgrace to any people. 35 The king’s favor is toward a servant who acts wisely, But his anger is toward him who acts shamefully. Footnotes: a.    Proverbs 14:3 Lit of pride b.    Proverbs 14:5 Lit breathes out c.    Proverbs 14:7 Lit know d.    Proverbs 14:7 Lit lips e.    Proverbs 14:9 Lit guilt f.    Proverbs 14:9 Or the favor of God g.    Proverbs 14:14 Lit from himself h.    Proverbs 14:15 Lit simple i.     Proverbs 14:16 Lit fears j.     Proverbs 14:18 Lit simple k.    Proverbs 14:21 Or afflicted l.     Proverbs 14:23 Lit word of lips m.   Proverbs 14:25 Lit breathes out n.    Proverbs 14:25 Lit treachery o.    Proverbs 14:26 Or reverence p.    Proverbs 14:26 Or His q.    Proverbs 14:27 Or reverence r.     Proverbs 14:29 Lit short of spirit s.    Proverbs 14:32 Or calamity t.     Proverbs 14:33 Lit inward part	Proverbs 14 1 A wise woman builds up her family, but a foolish one tears it down all by herself. 2 People who live right revere the Lord, but those who are crooked despise Him. 3 The arrogant boasts of fools become a stick with which to beat them, but a wise person says things that keep them safe. 4 A stable without oxen stays nice and clean, but there is so much to be gained from the ox’s strength. 5 A witness you can trust doesn’t lie, but a fraud is full of hot air. 6 A sarcastic fool never really becomes wise, but it’s easy for people with a proper perspective. 7 Don’t hang around with fools, because all they offer is ignorance. 8 Wise people have a plan and know where they’re heading; fools mislead themselves. 9 Fools laugh off their sin, but people who live right receive grace. 10 You never fully know the agony in someone else's soul, and strangers can’t really share their joy. 11 The palace where the ungodly live is demolished, but the tent of the godly will flourish. 12 People will see a road that seems to go the right way, but it leads to death. 13 People can laugh even when their heart is hurting; but when the fun is over, the grief is still there. 14 People get what they deserve when they give up and go back to their old ways. Those who keep doing good get a better reward. 15 Naive people believe everything they hear, but a shrewd person sees what's really going on. 16 A smart person carefully avoids evil, but stupid people rush right to it assured everything will be okay. 17 A hot head loses their temper and makes dumb mistakes; those who plan to do evil are truly hateful. 18 The naive will always be easy to mislead; people devoted to learning find out what's really going on. 19 Evil people are ashamed in the presence of the good. The ungodly are locked outside and long for the goodness of those who live right. 20 Everyone hates the poor, even those closest to them; but the rich have lots of “friends.” 21 God hates it when people look down on those closest to them, but He blesses those who give a hand up to the poor. 22 Haven’t people who silently plot evil gone off course? But those who plan good receive kindness and loyalty. 23 Hard work pays off; empty words get you nowhere. 24 Smart people are awarded riches as their crown, but the stupidity of fools is ridiculous. 25 Honest testimony saves lives, but a liar betrays. 26 Someone who reveres the Lord is bold and full of hope--even their kids are safe. 27 Deep reverence for God is the source of life; it steers you clear of every death trap out there. 28 A leader’s prestige is their many followers; it’s all over without the people. 29 It’s really smart to be patient and have thick skin; a hot-head with a short fuse is a fool. 30 A peaceful mind makes the body healthy too, but a heart burning with envy will eat you up from the inside out. 31 People who oppress the poor insult the One who made them, but people honor God when they give a hand up to help those in need. 32 The ungodly are cast out because of their own crimes, but those who live right trust God even in death. 33 A person who knows the way things are has wisdom living inside them. It’s obvious when they’re surrounded by fools. 34 What makes a nation great is when its people live the right way. Sin is a humiliation that requires mercy and correction. 35 A leader is pleased with a careful and tactful assistant, but angrily scolds those who disgrace and disappoint.
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 13 of Pastor Chris' Paraphrase of Proverbs Devotional

Day 13  Wisdom requires discipline, self-control, patience, and persistence. You need to take a long-view of things. What you want right now is not necessarily what you need in the long run. What feels good right now may damage your long-term goals. Fools are impulsive. Wise people are patient and persistently work hard for the future. Pastor Chris’ Paraphrase of Proverbs 13:3 - Watch what you say and how you say it; your life may depend on it. People who speak without thinking get into big trouble. Pastor Chris’ Paraphrase of Proverbs 13:16 - Smart people think before they act, but fools are impulsive and everyone sees it.  Your natural inclination may be to pop off with the first thing that comes to mind or to respond harshly when someone is rude or wrong. Some think it's an virtue to have "no filter", but a wise person thinks before they speak. A wise person knows when to be blunt and when to be smooth and when to be gentle or hard and when to just keep quiet. Pastor Chris’ Paraphrase of Proverbs 13:4 - Lazy people want it all and never feel satisfied, but hard work pays off for people who keep at it. Pastor Chris’ Paraphrase of Proverbs 13:11 - If you get rich quick, you’ll spend it quick; but if you earn it over a lifetime of hard work, you’ll have even more. Impulsive desires drive people to waste time, resources, energy, and money on things that don't really satisfy. You never have what you want and when you get it, you realize it wasn't what you really wanted anyway. Wise people learn to control their impulses and work steadily for things of lasting value. Through hard work, they learn to value what's really important and take care of it. It takes longer, but they are more fulfilled in the end. Be wise. Take the long view of life. Be patient and persistent. Work hard. Succeed. Prayer "Father, help me to control my impulses.  Help me think before I speak. Help me to control my cravings.  Help me to focus on what's really important--things with lasting value.  Motivate me to work hard and be persistent for the right things and so be fully satisfied with a life well lived and an eternity with You.  Amen." Read Proverbs Chapter 13
New American Standard Bible	Pastor Chris’ Paraphrase
Proverbs 13 Contrast of the Upright and the Wicked 1 A wise son accepts his father’s discipline, But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. 2 From the fruit of a man’s mouth he [a]enjoys good, But the [b]desire of the treacherous is violence. 3 The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; The one who opens wide his lips [c]comes to ruin. 4 The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, But the soul of the diligent is made fat. 5 A righteous man hates falsehood, But a wicked man [d]acts disgustingly and shamefully. 6 Righteousness guards the [e]one whose way is blameless, But wickedness subverts the [f]sinner. 7 There is one who pretends to be rich, but has nothing; Another [g]pretends to be poor, but has great wealth. 8 The ransom of a man’s life is his wealth, But the poor hears no rebuke. 9 The light of the righteous [h]rejoices, But the lamp of the wicked goes out. 10 Through insolence [i]comes nothing but strife, But wisdom is with those who receive counsel. 11 Wealth obtained by [j]fraud dwindles, But the one who gathers [k]by labor increases it. 12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But desire [l]fulfilled is a tree of life. 13 The one who despises the word will be [m]in debt to it, But the one who fears the commandment will be rewarded. 14 The [n]teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, To turn aside from the snares of death. 15 Good understanding produces favor, But the way of the treacherous is hard. 16 Every prudent man acts with knowledge, But a fool [o]displays folly. 17 A wicked messenger falls into adversity, But a faithful envoy brings healing. 18 Poverty and shame will come to him who neglects [p]discipline, But he who regards reproof will be honored. 19 Desire realized is sweet to the soul, But it is an abomination to fools to turn away from evil. 20 He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm. 21 Adversity pursues sinners, But the righteous will be rewarded with prosperity. 22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his [q]children’s children, And the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous. 23 Abundant food is in the fallow ground of the poor, But [r]it is swept away by injustice. 24 He who withholds his [s]rod hates his son, But he who loves him [t]disciplines him diligently. 25 The righteous [u]has enough to satisfy his appetite, But the stomach of the wicked is in need. Footnotes: a.   Proverbs 13:2 Lit eats b.   Proverbs 13:2 Lit soul c.   Proverbs 13:3 Lit ruin is his d.   Proverbs 13:5 Lit causes a bad odor and causes shame e.   Proverbs 13:6 Lit blamelessness of way f.    Proverbs 13:6 Lit sin g.   Proverbs 13:7 Lit impoverishes himself h.   Proverbs 13:9 I.e. shines brightly i.   Proverbs 13:10 Lit gives j.   Proverbs 13:11 Lit vanity k.   Proverbs 13:11 Or gradually; lit on the hand l.    Proverbs 13:12 Lit coming m.  Proverbs 13:13 Lit pledged to it n.   Proverbs 13:14 Or law o.   Proverbs 13:16 Lit spreads out p.   Proverbs 13:18 Or instruction q.   Proverbs 13:22 Lit sons’ sons r.    Proverbs 13:23 Lit there is what is swept s.   Proverbs 13:24 I.e. correction or discipline t.   Proverbs 13:24 Lit seeks him diligently with discipline u.   Proverbs 13:25 Lit eats to the satisfaction of his soul	Proverbs 13 1 A wise child accepts a parent’s discipline; a sarcastic fool doesn’t even hear it. 2 A fruitful conversation nourishes the soul, but deceitful people breathe violence. 3 Watch what you say and how you say it; your life may depend on it. People who speak without thinking get into big trouble. 4 Lazy people want it all and never feel satisfied, but hard work pays off for people who keep at it. 5 People who live right hate lies, but the ungodly do stuff that stinks to high heaven. 6 Godly behavior protects people with integrity, but sin ruins the sinner. 7 Some people pretend to be rich when they’re really poor; others pretend to be poor when they’re really rich. 8 A rich person can pay a ransom to save their life, but a poor person wouldn’t be taken hostage in the first place. 9 People who live right shine with joy, but the candle of the ungodly flickers out. 10 People too proud to listen always have drama, but those who listen to wise counsel avoid it. 11 If you get rich quick, you’ll spend it quick; but if you earn it over a lifetime of hard work, you’ll have even more. 12 It breaks your heart when your hopes are dashed, but it gives you life when you get what you want. 13 People who despise authority will be silenced or destroyed, but those who respect the law will live in peace. 14 The Torah in wise hands is a source of life; it steers a person clear of deadly traps. 15 Good choices lead to gracious rewards, but traitors are headed toward their doom. 16 Smart people think before they act, but fools are impulsive and everyone sees it. 17 An ungodly messenger falls down on the job, but a faithful ambassador brings healing. 18 Those who refuse to learn will end up poor and ashamed, but someone who learns from their mistakes will be honored. 19 It is so sweet when you get what you hope for, but fools can’t stand to repent of evil. 20 Hang out with wise people and you’ll learn to be wise; hang out with fools and you'll get burned. 21 Evil chases sinners, but good comes to those who live right. 22 A good person’s able to leave an inheritance even to their grandchildren, but a sinner’s wealth is passed on to those who live right. 23 All the food a hungry person could ever want is right there in the field, but a greedy world scrapes it away before the poor have a chance to get what they need--and no one says a thing.  24 Whoever refuses to strictly discipline their children really hates them; those who love them might even use a switch to teach them important lessons. 25 People who live right will eat until their heart’s content, but ungodly belly’s will growl with hunger.
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 12 of Pastor Chris' Paraphrase of Proverbs Devotional

Day 12  God did not design us to go through life alone. We need people to encourage us, warn us, give advice, and hold us accountable. And we need to do the same for others. Pastor Chris’ Paraphrase of Proverbs 12:1 - You won’t learn anything if you avoid discipline. It’s stupid to run away from constructive criticism. You'll never get better is you don't own your mistakes. Don't cover up or make excuses or blame others. Take responsibility and learn and grow from your mistakes. Pastor Chris’ Paraphrase of Proverbs 12:3 - Wicked plans never make you safe, but you can’t uproot a godly person. Godly people are deeply rooted in the Bible and their relationships with God and His people. If you try to walk through life alone, you will be blown off the path. If you band together with a group of like-minded people, you will hold each other to the path when the storms of life rage. Pastor Chris’ Paraphrase of Proverbs 12:15 - Fools are always proud of the way they do things, but a wise person listens to advice. Even the smartest people have limited perspectives and skills and thinking your way is always the best way is just dumb. There is always a better way to do something and it's important to listen to other people's advice. It will help you avoid unnecessary blunders. Be wise. Pastor Chris’ Paraphrase of Proverbs 12:25 - Worrying will sap you of all your strength, but a good word will encourage you. When you're struggling with a problem or feeling down or worried about something, you need encouragement. Sometimes it makes you feel better just to tell another human being about your worries and let go of your inner anxiety; talking can be therapeutic. Plus, a good friend can encourage you and make you feel better. You can think more clearly when you are encouraged and not be eaten up with worry. Pastor Chris’ Paraphrase of Proverbs 12:26 - Holy people give good advice to friends, but don’t follow bad people or you’ll soon be lost. Be careful who you choose to open up to and rely on for encouragement, advice, and accountability. Not everyone is a wise choice. You need someone you can trust, someone who will be honest, someone who can keep a confidence. You also need someone who shares your Christian values. Find the right people and avoid those who might lead you astray. Prayer "Father, help me to be a good friend to others and help guide them along the path of Life.  Help me also to find and trust the right people, godly people, who will be good guides to me.  Amen." Read Proverbs Chapter 12
New American Standard Bible	Pastor Chris’ Paraphrase
Proverbs 12 Contrast of the Upright and the Wicked 1 Whoever loves [a]discipline loves knowledge, But he who hates reproof is stupid. 2 A good man will obtain favor from the Lord, But He will condemn a man [b]who devises evil. 3 A man will not be established by wickedness, But the root of the righteous will not be moved. 4 An [c]excellent wife is the crown of her husband, But she who shames him is like rottenness in his bones. 5 The thoughts of the righteous are just, But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful. 6 The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, But the mouth of the upright will deliver them. 7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more, But the house of the righteous will stand. 8 A man will be praised according to his insight, But one of perverse [d]mind will be despised. 9 Better is he who is lightly esteemed and has a servant Than he who honors himself and lacks bread. 10 A righteous man has regard for the life of his animal, But even the compassion of the wicked is cruel. 11 He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, But he who pursues worthless things lacks [e]sense. 12 The wicked man desires the [f]booty of evil men, But the root of the righteous yields fruit. 13 [g]An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, But the righteous will escape from trouble. 14 A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his [h]words, And the deeds of a man’s hands will return to him. 15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a wise man is he who listens to counsel. 16 A fool’s anger is known at once, But a prudent man conceals dishonor. 17 He who [i]speaks truth tells what is right, But a false witness, deceit. 18 There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, But the tongue of the wise brings healing. 19 Truthful lips will be established forever, But a lying tongue is only for a moment. 20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But counselors of peace have joy. 21 No harm befalls the righteous, But the wicked are filled with trouble. 22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal faithfully are His delight. 23 A prudent man cknowledge, But the heart of fools proclaims folly. 24 The hand of the diligent will rule, But the [j]slack hand will be put to forced labor. 25 Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, But a good word makes it glad. 26 The righteous is a guide to his neighbor, But the way of the wicked leads them astray. 27 A [k]lazy man does not [l]roast his prey, But the precious possession of a man is diligence. 28 In the way of righteousness is life, And in its pathway there is no death. Footnotes: 1.    Proverbs 12:1 Or instruction 2.    Proverbs 12:2 Lit of evil devices 3.    Proverbs 12:4 Or virtuous 4.    Proverbs 12:8 Lit heart 5.    Proverbs 12:11 Lit heart 6.    Proverbs 12:12 Lit net 7.    Proverbs 12:13 Lit In the transgression of the lips           is an evil snare 8.    Proverbs 12:14 Lit mouth 9.    Proverbs 12:17 Lit breathes 10.  Proverbs 12:24 Lit slackness 11.  Proverbs 12:27 Lit slackness 12.  Proverbs 12:27 Or catch	Proverbs 12 1 You won’t learn anything if you avoid discipline. It’s stupid to run away from constructive criticism. 2 The Lord watches out for people who do good, but He condemns people with evil schemes. 3 Wicked plans never make you safe, but you can’t uproot a godly person. 4 A wife with real strength makes her husband feel like a king, but a shameful one erodes his strength from the inside out. 5 People who do the right thing give honest advice. The ungodly try to mislead you. 6 The ungodly say things that lure people to death, but the godly speak up and save lives. 7 The ungodly are overthrown and forgotten, but people who live right have a lasting legacy. 8 People are celebrated for doing the right thing at the right time in the right way, but someone who’s crooked is rejected. 9 It’s better to be disliked and have a servant than to think you’re awesome and and have nothing to eat.  10 People who live right take care of their animals, but even the mercy of the ungodly is cruel. 11 You get what you work for, but it’s dumb to work all the time for things that don’t really matter. 12 Ungodly people dream about stolen treasure, but living right is the way to really thrive. 13 Outlaws eventually tell on themselves, but people who live right avoid trouble. 14 Talk about your dreams and it leads you toward them. Work hard and you will achieve them. 15 Fools are always proud of the way they do things, but a wise person listens to advice. 16 A fool gets mad and everyone knows it, but a sensible person keeps a lid on it. 18 Saying something in the heat of anger is like hacking away with a machete; smart people offer healing words. 17 An honest person backs up their story with proof, but a liar tries to deceive. 19 Lies may be easy but they’re short sighted; the truth last forever. 21 People who live right avoid all kinds of evil, but the ungodly get into all kinds of trouble. 20 People who’re planning evil are full of treachery, but those who encourage peace are full of joy. 22 Lies are disgusting to Jehovah, but He delights in honest people. 23 A smart man doesn’t let on about everything he knows; it’s the fool who goes on and on, showing he’s an idiot. 24 People who always work hard will have the power to lead, while the lazy will do their bidding. 25 Worrying will sap you of all your strength, but a good word will encourage you. 26 Holy people give good advice to friends, but don’t follow bad people or you’ll soon be lost. 28 Godly living is a road that leads to life, there is no death along that road.
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 11 of Pastor Chris' Paraphrase of Proverbs Devotional

Day 11  Cultivate generosity. Be as generous as you can in as many ways as you can to as many people as you can. A generous person is a joyful, satisfied person. They always feel like they're living an abundant life. They bless others and people bless them for their generosity. Generous people inspire generosity in others and others are generous with them. Of course, there will be those who are not appreciative, who never say thanks, or that take your generosity for granted. Be generous anyway because the benefits for you and others will always outweigh the negative. And stingy, greedy people who cling to what they have with clenched fists will never really be happy or satisfied. People won't like them that much and they will live a sad, unfulfilled life that comes to nothing of eternal consequence. Pastor Chris’ Paraphrase of Proverbs 11:24-30 24 People who spread generosity widely gain even more.  Those who cling to what they have, never have enough. 25 A soul that blesses will be satisfied with more than enough and the person who refreshes others will be refreshed. 26 People will hate on those who refuse to sell them food when they’re starving, but they will sing the praises of those who sell it at a fair price. 27 Someone who always tries to do good is admired; but if you try to do evil, it will catch you in its claws. 28 People who rely on their wealth will meet with disaster, but those who do what’s right blossom like flowers in the spring. 29 People that always aggravate their family won’t inherit anything.  Fools end up slaving for the wise. 30 People who live right are rewarded with life and those who win souls are wise. Prayer "Father, help me to be generous.  Help me to see and feel that I have more than enough already and so be willing to give freely.  Help me to keep my eyes open to the many opportunities to give generously.  And help me to be generous in as many ways as I can and as often as I can for You have been so generous with me.  Amen." Read Proverbs Chapter 11
New American Standard Bible	Pastor Chris’ Paraphrase
Proverbs 11 Contrast of the Upright and the Wicked 1 A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, But a just weight is His delight. 2 When pride comes, then comes dishonor, But with the humble is wisdom. 3 The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the crookedness of the treacherous will destroy them. 4 Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, But righteousness delivers from death. 5 The righteousness of the blameless will smooth his way, But the wicked will fall by his own wickedness. 6 The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, But the treacherous will be caught by their own greed. 7 When a wicked man dies, his expectation will perish, And the hope of strong men perishes. 8 The righteous is delivered from trouble, But the wicked [a]takes his place. 9 With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor, But through knowledge the righteous will be delivered. 10 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, And when the wicked perish, there is joyful shouting. 11 By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, But by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down. 12 He who despises his neighbor lacks [b]sense, But a man of understanding keeps silent. 13 He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is [c]trustworthy conceals a matter. 14 Where there is no guidance the people fall, But in abundance of counselors there is [d]victory. 15 He who is guarantor for a stranger will surely suffer for it, But he who hates [e]being a guarantor is secure. 16 A gracious woman attains honor, And ruthless men attain riches. 17 The merciful man does [f]himself good, But the cruel man [g]does himself harm. 18 The wicked earns deceptive wages, But he who sows righteousness gets a true reward. 19 He who is steadfast in righteousness will attain to life, And he who pursues evil will bring about his own death. 20 The perverse in heart are an abomination to the Lord, But the blameless in their [h]walk are His delight. 21 [i]Assuredly, the evil man will not go unpunished, But the [j]descendants of the righteous will be delivered. 22 As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout So is a beautiful woman who lacks [k]discretion. 23 The desire of the righteous is only good, But the expectation of the wicked is wrath. 24 There is one who scatters, and yet increases all the more, And there is one who withholds what is justly due, and yet it results only in want. 25 The [l]generous man will be [m]prosperous, And he who waters will himself be watered. 26 He who withholds grain, the people will curse him, But blessing will be on the head of him who sells it. 27 He who diligently seeks good seeks favor, But he who seeks evil, evil will come to him. 28 He who trusts in his riches will fall, But the righteous will flourish like the green leaf. 29 He who troubles his own house will inherit wind, And the foolish will be servant to the wisehearted. 30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, And he who is wise [n]wins souls. 31 If the righteous will be rewarded in the earth, How much more the wicked and the sinner! Footnotes: 1.    Proverbs 11:8 Lit enters 2.    Proverbs 11:12 Lit heart 3.    Proverbs 11:13 Lit faithful of spirit 4.    Proverbs 11:14 Lit deliverance 5.    Proverbs 11:15 Lit those who strike hands 6.    Proverbs 11:17 Lit good to his own soul 7.    Proverbs 11:17 Lit troubles his flesh 8.    Proverbs 11:20 Lit way 9.    Proverbs 11:21 Lit Hand to hand 10.  Proverbs 11:21 Lit seed 11.  Proverbs 11:22 Lit taste 12.  Proverbs 11:25 Lit soul of blessing 13.  Proverbs 11:25 Lit made fat 14.  Proverbs 11:30 Lit takes	Proverbs 11 1 It disgusts the Lord when people cheat, but He is delighted when people are honest. 2 Arrogance leads to disgrace; those who are wise are humble. 3 Honest people do the right thing because of their integrity, but shady people are ruined by their own crooked ways. 4 Money is useless on the day of judgment, but living right can save you from death. 5 The way innocent people live keeps them out of trouble, but the ungodly are brought down by their own evil deeds. 6 Godly people are saved by the good things they do, but the misconduct of deceivers land them in jail. 7 An ungodly person’s hope is lost when they finally die; their lives come to nothing. 8 People who obey God steer away from trouble, while those who do wrong head right to it. 9 Godless hypocrites say things that ruin their friends, but God saves those who carefully obey Him. 10 The whole community celebrates when God’s people do well and they shout for joy when the wicked lose. 11 A city becomes a model when it's blessed with people who live right, but it can all be ruined by the toxic things bad people say. 12 It’s senseless to be rude to people.  A smart person just doesn’t say anything. 13 A gossip is someone who goes around sharing everyone’s private business.  Someone who’s trustworthy will keep quiet. 14 A community fails without wise leaders to guide; it succeeds when there are many smart leaders guiding people. 15 It’s too risky to cosigning a loan for someone you don’t really know.  Be safe and don’t do it. 16 A gracious woman maintains her honor and a strong man maintains his wealth. 17 It’s rewarding to be kind; cruelty hurts you as much as anyone else. 18 Whatever rewards the ungodly earn are really thin air, but those who do the right thing will be richly blessed. 19 People who always do the right thing will live, but people who chase evil will find it and die. 20 A perverse heart is disgusting to Lord Jehovah, but the innocent bring a smile to His face. 21 You can take this to the bank: people won’t get away with evil forever, but the descendants of those who live right will be saved. 22 A beautiful woman with no class is like a muddy pig wearing a golden nose ring. 23 People who really want to live right find goodness, but all the ungodly can hope for is fury. 24 People who spread generosity widely gain even more.  Those who cling to what they have, never have enough. 25 A soul that blesses will be satisfied with more than enough and the person who refreshes others will be refreshed. 26 People will hate on those who refuse to sell them food when they’re starving, but they will sing the praises of those who sell it at a fair price. 27 Someone who always tries to do good is admired; but if you try to do evil, it will catch you in its claws. 28 People who rely on their wealth will meet with disaster, but those who do what’s right blossom like flowers in the spring. 29 People that always aggravate their family won’t inherit anything.  Fools end up slaving for the wise. 30 People who live right are rewarded with life and those who win souls are wise. 31 If people who live right are rewarded in this life, what do you think will happen to wicked sinners?
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