Proverbs 20 - Decisions and Actions

 

Proverbs 20 – Decisions and Actions

 

Wine and strong drinks are pictured as troublemakers, a mocker and a brawler.  Such beverages cloud one’s thinking and judgement, hampering the ability to make wise decisions. (Genesis 9:20-22).

One of the greatest gifts parents can give their children is a name that they will be proud of, because their parents have lived with integrity.

Taking on the obligations of a stranger is not wise, thus the recommendation to require some collateral, such as a garment or some other pledge, so that the one guaranteeing the loan will repay.

We must never speak harmfully of our parents. The warning is that such speech harms the speaker most. God will take note and punish the offender (Matt. 15:4).

Making a vow rashly can get someone in as much trouble as if they stepped into an animal trap. So, people should be careful about making promises without thinking them through (Deut. 23:21-23). Getting into something is much easier than getting out.

Every individual lives because of God and His inscrutable knowledge of His creation.

If you are wise you will consider the consequences of your decisions and actions. You will ask, “What about afterward?”

The afterward of strong drink is not pleasant, and the afterward of starting trouble could be dangerous. Better to stop the trouble at the beginning.

Sleep is essential to good health, but the afterward of too much sleep is poverty. A crooked business deal may be profitable financially, but you will not enjoy the aftertaste. You may enjoy getting your inheritance now, but afterward it may do you more harm than good. Remember what happened to the prodigal son. (Lue 15:11ff).

Rash promises have an afterward of regret (Ecc. 5:1-7), but loving discipline has an afterward of reform. (Hebrews 12:3-11).

 

 

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