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Monday 17 February 2014

Proverbs 22:1-16 - The benefits of good attitudes

These verses contain the last of the large section of "pithy" proverbs before returning more to the style of the earlier chapters.
While the previous chapter leant towards focusing on the negative effects of evil, this section shines a light more on positive attitudes to have.
A good name is more valuable than gold. We should not be led astray by the lure of money. Intangible things are actually more valuable than the material. Money should be a servant not a master.
All of use are just creatures, made by God. No matter how high or low we may be in the world, all of us were created by God. This should engender humility and hope within us.
We should pay heed to danger and warning signs.
Humility actually brings honour and wealth. This reminds us of Jesus' words that the meek shall inherit the earth (see also Psalm 37:11). The world tries to tell us that we need to be proud and arrogant, this is not so.
How we bring up our children is crucial. We see both the positive and the negative side of this in the world around us.
Generosity is a key to financial security.
Being straightforwardly honest and gracious will make us find favour with leaders. Now this is a guide, not a strict rule. Clearly there are leaders who want scoundrels as henchmen and despise the honest and upright, but good leaders want good people.
There are, of course, a number of negatives in here as well. Mockers just bring strife, lazy people always find an excuse for doing nothing. The adulterous woman will lead many astray. Oppressing the poor will themselves end up in poverty.

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