Proverbs 10:31-11:12 - Words of Wisdom

The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, But the perverse tongue will be cut out.

 

The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, But the mouth of the wicked what is perverse.

 

Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord, But a just weight is His delight.

 

When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom.

 

The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.

 

Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, But righteousness delivers from death.

 

The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way aright, But the wicked will fall by his own wickedness.

 

The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, But the unfaithful will be caught by their lust.

 

When a wicked man dies, his expectation will perish, And the hope of the unjust perishes.

 

The righteous is delivered from trouble, And it comes to the wicked instead.

 

The hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor, But through knowledge the righteous will be delivered.

 

When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices; And when the wicked perish, there is jubilation.

 

By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, But it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
He who is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor, But a man of understanding holds his peace.

 

The Book of Proverbs
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O Lord, there is such wisdom in Your words. Each sentence in the passage above can be meditated upon in its own right.  Each phrase offers its own wisdom.  May I be like the mouth of the righteous who speaks only wisdom and may my tongue not utter perverse things.  May I always be like the humble man who knows wisdom in his humility. May I eschew dishonest scales but always be forthright with my neighbor.

O Lord, my money will do nothing for me in the day of judgement. Therefore, let me seek the  riches of eternal life. May integrity guide me all my days.  so that I am not destroyed as the unfaithful are destroyed. Lord, it is in Righteousness that I am delivered; let me not be caught up in the lust of the unfaithful.

Grant this all to me, I pray, in Your great mercy. Amen.