Book of Proverbs 29-31 The ants are a people not strong

Proverbs 29-31

Another book that kinda falls flat at the end.

The only notable things that I found were that the last two proverbs are by named authors and number 31 is from a mother giving advice to her son on what to look for in a virtuous woman.

Ecclesiastes is next.  Who's excited?

Book of Proverbs 26-28 As a dog returneth to his vomit

Proverbs 26-28

There is a lot of good writing in this book.  I especially like;

26:11 As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.

Then there is; 

27:18 Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured. Jesus curses and kills a fig tree later in the book.  Is this foreshadowing? ;-) How could this be; 28:14 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief. I did learn something in proverb 29.  It's necessary to beat children and slaves in order to teach them. Good to know if I ever acquire either.

Book of Proverbs 22-25 For a whore is a deep ditch

Proverbs 22-25

Gotta love the colorful language you run across in the Bible!

Proverb 22 has some great thoughts in it, starting off with 22:1

22:1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

I like the first half of this one but would edit the last half to read 'for they shall share the same final fate.'

22:2 The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.

22:9 and 22:17 are also winners.

22:9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor. 22:17 Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.

I do have to disagree with 23:9

23:9 Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.

As someone who is passionate about education, I feel that even the fools, especially the fools, need to learn from others.  Every once in a while a fool may see the light.

Lines 23-24 on the other hand...

I have personal experience with this as a child (Sister Madonna at Saint Mary's School) and can tell you that using the rod to correct a child usually ends up with a traumatized child and nothing more.

23:30-32 has a very important message for us all.  If you're out drinking, don't mix your drinks!

Proverb 25 seems to have some repetition in it from previous proverbs.  Perhaps priming us for the New Testament? ;-) 

Book of Proverbs 19-21

Proverbs 19-21

Nothing extraordinary stood out for me today.

My favorite line:

21:9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.

This is a close second:

21:20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.

What are your favorites?

Book of Proverbs 16-18 Pride goeth before destruction

Proverbs 16-18

I'm beginning to zone out because of the repetition of the same messages over and over and over.
Shades of Job and Psalms.

The one thing my Atheist mind picked up on is the introduction of "Social Engineering" to the Bible.

My favorite line from this section;

17:28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

 

Book of Proverbs 13-15 the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence

Proverbs 13-15

I love the title line!  How could you not?
13:2 may be my favorite sentence in the entire book.

Proverb 13, and most of 15 seem to be an exercises in contrasts.  It was Katy Perry's inspiration for her first hit.

Book of Proverbs 9-12 As a Jewel of Gold in a Swine's Snout

FYI, I've caught up and posted my thoughts on chapters 5-8 in the earlier post.

Proverbs 9-12

Proverb 9 has some nice thoughts on wisdom (other then the misogynistic imagery the end).
Imagine if it was applied to reason and critical thought!

Proverb 10:30 states;
"The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth."
Doesn't this contradict the Book of Revelations which tells us that the good guys will be raptured off the earth while the wicked will be 'left behind'?

11:1 shows that God hates Fox News!

Proverbs 5-8 Don't Talk to Strangers

Work has me pre-occupied right now.  Read on.

Proverb 5 has some interesting things to say about 'strange women'.  I like the writing here and think it has a nice, wholesome message about fidelity.  The author is obviously a breast man.

Proverb 6 has a bit that I find interesting.

6:16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:

6:17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

I'll chalk up verse 16 to flowery writing but it smacks of Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Verse 17 lists the shedding of innocent blood as something that the LORD dislikes.  But, if every man is a sinner and no one is innocent, there can be no innocent blood.  Just sayin'.

6:28 Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?  The answer of course is yes.

Verse 7 warns us to be wary of wonton women.  As Billy Joel sang, "I'd rather laugh with the sinners then cry with the saints".

Verse 8 is another one of those oddities that drifts between first and third person narrative.  An odd style.

Book of Proverbs 1-4 I will laugh at your calamity

Proverbs 1-4

I'm not sure who's supposed to be the voice in the first proverb.  Is God or Solomon or ?
Who ever it is, they're not very compassionate in the last half are they?

Proverb 2 has some really great writing and some interesting imagery using woman to represent [evil, corruption form good, ?].

Proverb 3 switches it up and 'she' becomes wisdom.

4:14-15 has some words of wisdom we can all follow!