| Scripture Text | First Thought |
| Prov 22:1 “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” | What others think matters. |
| Prov 22:2 “Rich and poor have this in common: The LORD is the Maker of them all.” | Common Ground. |
| Prov 22:4 “Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life.” | The wages of pride. |
| Prov 22:6 “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” | Parents: There is hope. The results are forthcoming. Hang in there. |
| Prov 22:10 “Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended.” | Tolerance has its price. |
| Prov 22:13 “The sluggard says, ‘There’s a lion outside! I’ll be killed in the public square!'” | One is never short of excuses for being lazy! |
| Prov 22:15 “Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.” | Parents: It is discipline, not the rod, that is effective. |
| Prov 22:22-23 “Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the LORD will take up their case and will exact life for life.” | Oppose the oppressed and take on God Almighty as your opponent. |
| Prov 22:24-25 “Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.” | We become like those we’re around. Choose your friends carefully. |
| Prov 22:26-27 “Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts; if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you.” | Delayed gratification. A lost art. |
| Prov 22:29 “Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.” | Mediocrity is no virtue. |
2012-04-04