Days 130&131: Proverbs 13-20

As I read through 8 chapters of Proverbs today I realized that this is not really the best way to do it. What I mean is, to really get the most from Proverbs you sort of need to read them one at a time. Maybe read one in the morning and let it roll around in your brain all day...looking for places to apply it.

While I was thinking about this I got this mental image of Solomon writing these down. The way they jump from subject to subject and the way the themes tend to recur, even to the point of almost word for word repetitions at times, I get the feeling that Solomon didn't just sit down to write a book of wise sayings and stayed at it til he was done. I bet if we had the original manuscript we would find that each verse was written individually, like with a different pen each time. Maybe he kept like a diary and after each appointment during the day he would write down an observation on life based on his interaction with whoever just left. I don't know...but it's possible.

Here are a few gems from today's reading...

Walk with the wise and become wise,
   for a companion of fools suffers harm. (13:20)

Whoever is patient has great understanding,
   but one who is quick-tempered displays folly. (14:29)

Mockers resent correction,
   so they avoid the wise. (15:12)

Better a little with the fear of the LORD
   than great wealth with turmoil.
Better a small serving of vegetables with love
   than a fattened calf with hatred. (15:16-17)

I really like this one:

Gray hair is a crown of splendor;
   it is attained in the way of righteousness. (16:31)

Whoever would foster love covers over an offense,
   but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. (17:9)

Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam;
   so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out. (17:14)

Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent,
   and discerning if they hold their tongues. (17:28)

And this one seems like it's ripped from today's political climate...

Fools find no pleasure in understanding
   but delight in airing their own opinions. (18:2)

This one sort of slapped me...

To answer before listening—
   that is folly and shame.   (18:13)

Discipline your children, for in that there is hope;
   do not be a willing party to their death. (19:18)

Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure;
   I am clean and without sin”? (20:9)