Proverbs 14-17
High up over a building of a large city of tins; land is a big board on winch are paind these words:
“Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people,” Prov. 14:34.
Those were words of the wise king, and are still good for the present time; perhaps not many read them, yet they have been proved true by many nations of which you may study in school. When the rulers and, people of a nation have tried to do justly, that nation has become great, but when sin was fully allowed, the people have become a reproach or shame.
The king gave much good advice for what we may think small matters, —as how people speak to one another; he said
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” Prov. 15:1.
Some one speaks cross or displeased; we answer him sharp and quick; then there are more rough words. But if the first answer is quiet or “soft”, there will not be more rude words, anger will not be made more, or “stirred up,” for “grievous” words cause grief or trouble. Try a “soft” answer at home or at school, and see if it “turneth away” anger. Nice what the king said of pleasant words and a “merry heart”:
“Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul and health to the bones.” Prov. 16:24.
“A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance,” and “doeth good like a medicine.” Prov, 15:13 and 17:22.
Doctors now often give such advice, but to be truly merry the heart must believe the Lord,
“Whoso trusteth the Lord, happy is he.” Prov. 16:20
“He that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.” Prov. 16:15.
“Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith. Better is a dinner of herbs (small plants) where love is, than a stalled (fattened) ox and hatred therewith,” Prov. 15:16, 17.
In old times men wore robes; and to draw lots, the names or numbers were written and thrown into the lap of a certain man, mixed about, and drawn out in turns. But notice who really chooses if He wishes to, even in pirhaps a small matter.
“The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord,” Prov. 16:33.
Who is better than the mighty? and who is better than he that taketh a city? (Prov. 16:32).
A good proverb to learn:
“The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” Prov. 15:3.
ML 02/23/1941