The king has some things today about foolishness and how to avoid it by having godly wisdom.
"A fool's mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them." (Proverbs 14:3) The foolish person blurts out whatever is on his mind. He gets angry easily and he doesn't care who knows it. But the wise person is able to control himself, and this will help keep him out of conflicts.
"Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests." (Proverbs 14:4) Owning an ox creates work. The ox must be cared for. But in return the ox helps to provide food for the family. The foolish person will be too lazy to have an ox to pull the blow, so the manger will be empty.
"An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies." (Proverbs 14:5) This statement really needs no comment. A person of integrity can be believed, while a liar can't be trusted no matter what he's saying.
"The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning." (Proverbs 14:6) The one who scorns godly wisdom is foolish. He may think he is wise by the world's standards, but Solomon already tried this and it left him empty inside.
"Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips." (Proverbs 14:7) We can't learn anything from a person lacking in godly wisdom. This is the last person we should go to for advice.
"The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception." (Proverbs 14:8) If we are wise in the Lord we will think carefully before we act. We will live honest lives and won't have to fear being caught in lies. But the person who lacks godly wisdom will have a tendency to deceive.
"Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright." (Proverbs 14:9) Good works don't save us, but the person who comes to Christ will naturally want to do better things with his future than he did with his past. Solomon says that the fool doesn't care how much damage he's left behind him. He's not interested in making things right with God or with his fellow man. But the person who has godly wisdom will want to live a life that's pleasing to the Lord.
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