Proverbs 16 - 19 Questions and Answers

Q. I have so many thoughts that it is hard to sort through them and come up with right thinking. What do I do?	A. Proverbs 16:1 = God gave us minds to think, but if we want to be right in something, we need to come full circle back to God's answers in his Word. Note: Our thoughts have no real right to form an alternative "right." God gave us good minds to think things through and then rejoice that our conclusions are the same as His! For example, explorers who didn't go far enough concluded that the world was flat. Modern science at the time disagreed. They thought and thought, but didn't set out to prove it. For centuries! Then a brave person stepped forward--and thought and thought--and went. He went far enough, drawing his conclusions after he circumvented the globe. How much more do we, as believers, have the facts laid out before us, unlike Columbus, and all we need to do is follow the order of it, like children receiving parental instructions. But God says, "God ahead and think," and He knows that if we are honest in our conclusions, we will come full circle back to Him. Don't you love free choice?
Q. I know folks who think they are spiritual, but their lives scream of terrible sin gone unchecked. Even people in religious sects seem to be stuck. What is happening here?	A. Proverbs 16:2 = They are religious or pious out of impure motives. Pride is a huge religion attractor. Pride is responsible for unforgiveness and break up of good families. Ironically, a sense of purity overcomes those with blatant unforgiveness in their hearts. Sin nature, I can't wait to be done with you!
Q. So I can harbor terrible unforgiveness while sporting a religious coat of false purity?	A. Proverbs 16:2 = Yes.
Q. How do I deal with it?	A. Proverbs 16:2 = Examine your motives. Ask yourself how is it that you can possibly be experienceing a close relationship with God while you simply keep unforgiveness in your heart. Do you really have peace in your heart? Understand the work of the cross (there is now no condemnation) and really lay this person you are mad at down at the foot of the cross of Calvary. Repent of your unforgiveness and move on. Humble yourself before the person and commit to serving him the rest of your life.
Q. Do the spirit world and tangible world blend in a unique way?	A. Proverbs 16:3 = Yes. Take your work and commit it to the Lord. God will make your plans succeed. Note: Yes, we go into the throne room of God and ask Him to bless every aspect of our lives 24/7. How things work out is just an amazing thing to witness. God is able to work out His wil, give everyone what they need and you realize that all of life is a symphony in motion. His ways are unfathomable and He will always be this wonderful Father who manages His household perfectly, unhampered by our wrong motives or selfish requests. He answers without blowing His top, and in spite of our finite theories about wrecking His will in praying "the wrong way." If it weren't for people who dispassionately limit God, I wouldn't be so passionate about this subject. So thankyou! My prayer for you, foolish man, is that you will slowly read God's Word and then think and think and think until you come full circle and conclude the same answers that God has already given us in His Word.
Q. Does God have purposes I may not know?	A. Proverbs 16:4 = Yes. Trust Him!
Q. What happens when I don't let God lead?	A. Proverbs 16:5 = Punishment is coming. Note: Why? Because we are meant to follow God and not lead ourselves. God wants you back. Whatever it takes to get you back will come to pass. Punishment is sweet!
Q. How should a believer treat a brother or unbeliever who is in sin?	A. Proverbs 16:6 = Apply unfailing love and faithfulness. Sometimes our mistreatment of a sinner is the greater sin! "There is therefore now no condemnation..." People respond to love, not to judgment. The cross already covered his sin! Note: Only believers are capable of applying love to one in sin. But has this generation learned to wear Christ's unfailing love and faithfulness?
Q. I feel overwhelmed by bad luck and conflict all around and against me. How do I put things in perspective?	A. Proverbs 16:7 = Focus on a clean walk with God. Shut all that negativity out and just focus! God is bigger than all of it.
Q. I should just ignore the bombardment?	A. Proverbs 16:7 = Yes. You focus on your relationship with God and on the things God cares about and God will do something wonderful.
Q. Which is...?	A. Proverbs 16:7 = God will make even your enemies live at peace with you. Note: God working in the hearts and minds of people who don't even want Him is a huge fact to fathom! How does God do it? He causes the enemy to forget his hostility. This happened to King David's son. God said Solomon would be a peaceable ruler and no man became his enemy. But when Rehoboam, Solomon's son, took the throne, God caused David's enemies to remember their grudge against David and made the rebellious Rehoboam miserable. God causes our enemies to forget our sins against them. All so we can have peace in a good relationship with God. When we cooperate with God, he makes our enemies to be at peace with us.
Q. I work hard, but I'm poor. Am I out of God's will?	A. Proverbs 16:8 = Not at all. God loves poor, godly folks. Don't try to second-guess God about His decisions in distributing wealth. He only has thousands of good thoughts about you!
Q. Does God expect me to plan my days?	A. Proverbs 16:9 = Yes. Focusing is good! We get more done!
Q. How do I both plan my day and let God lead me?	A. Proverbs 16:9 = Eyes up! Don't rush through your day. Ask God to go before you and He will regulate your time and activities. We don't always know how the day will go, which can cause panic. What a difference slowing down can make when faced with surprises that change everything! The surprise is best met with godly perspective (knowing that He is in control) as we deliberately let Him guide the day.
Q. What do kings have that regular folks lack?	A. Proverbs 16:10 = Divine wisdom to lead. Note: When it comes to rulers, we must trust whoever God appoints. Remember, God can change the heart of any king to do His will.
Q. Who sets standards in business?	A. Proverbs 16:11 = God does. He holds us accountable too.
Q. What does a good king want?	A. Proverbs 16:13 = He despises wrongdoing because he knows his rule depends on his justice. Note: Politicians putting polls out there to determine popular opinion? Office politics? He knows he must be fare and that can be a hard call.
Q. So the king's place is secure if he surrounds himself with honest people?	A. Proverbs 16:13 = Yes. They look out for him faithfully.
Q. What is better than getting rich?	A. Proverbs 16:16 = Getting wisdom. Note: Do you have a friend who wants to be rich? Give him a New Living Translation Bible in a soft case with a handle. It is his best bet for getting rich. At the very least, he will learn how to avoid bad contacts and will start letting God go before him. Let the Word of God be the briefcase in his right hand!
Q. What are the two most important assets we can attain?	A. Proverbs 16:16 = First is wisdom, second is understanding. Note: I understand how important wisdom is, but understanding how to understand is another story. To comprehend a thing takes time and understanding is a matter of choice. To understand, I need God's Holy Spirit to help. Really hearing someone takes a conscious choice to apply patience and practice, along with setting aside my natural, quick answers in "Telling" a person in trouble what to do. Instead, I do it God's way: applying wisdom, waiting to see the whole picture revealed, my thoughts about it on hold, for a period of time, then asking God to help me help to help this troubled person, is applying understanding.
Q. If I learn to do it God's way, what other benefits emerge?	A. Proverbs 16:17 = I avoid giving bad advice, God leads me away from evil (I don't even know the extent of it!) and I am kept safe.
Q. Why should I protect my honor?	A. Proverbs 16:17 = You neve know who is following you. You keep them safe too!
Q. What causes my pride to rise up?	A. Proverbs 16:18 = A sense that I am better than my brother. Not even God judges us that way! God sees the blood of Jesus and none else. In that which you know that your brother may not know, take as your opportunity to minister with it in a side ministry or mission. Be excited for all God's gifts and talents used on earth for his purposes.
Q. How can I find happiness?	A. Proverbs 16:20 = In trusting God for everything.
Q. What if someone thinks I need their advice, but, considering the source, I don't want it?	A. Proverbs 16:20 = Listen anyway! You don't know who God is using to speak wisdom to you. Listen, weigh the facts and rejoice whether you take the advice or not. (Remember that Balaam's donkey spoke!)
Q. How is a wise man known?	A. Proverbs 16:21 = For his understanding.
Q. Who can teach?	A. Proberbs 16:21 = One who can well-present the material so that the student appreciates it.
Q. Why do we need to practice slowing down our speech?	A. Proverbs 16:22-24 = We need the extra time to make sure the intent of our words are pure and life-giving. Words make or break people and we tend to be thoughtless, damaging one another.
Q. Why do we hurt one another with words?	A. Proverbs 16:25 = It seems right at the time.
Q. Should we meet all the needs of the poor?	A. Proverbs 16:26 = No. We feed them, but their desires and dreams need to be realized on their own. Temporary help is good, but we need to help them to see their own ability to go forward.
Q. Is it honorable to age?	A. Proverbs 16:31 = Yes. Gray hair is a crown of glory.
Q. I want to reach that age. How do I focus?	A. Proverbs 16:31 = Live a godly life. Note: Lots of folks get old without living a godly life. How much better it is to have many years in God's house on earth!
Q. Are disciplines that important to learn?	A. Proverbs 16:32 = Yes! Patience is better than power. Self-control is better than the ability to conquer a city! Note: Patience is stronger than power; self-control is stronger than brute strength. Now apply this truth to prayer! Whoa!
Q. Does God let us work out our lives alone?	A. Proverbs 16:33 = No. The outcome is His to determine. We move forward, He steers.
Q. Do kids who come from wealth just ignore strife in their houses?	A. Proverbs 17:1 = No. They'd rather be poor and live in a peaceful house.
Q. Why should I guard my ears from wicked talk?	A. Proverbs 17:4 = Because our innate sin nature is attracted to it and we need to make a point of avoiding it. Note: Wicked talk is reserved for folks looking for trouble. Liars feed on destructive words. But both evils are out there for everyone and exposure to them have different consequences on the folks indirectly exposed to them. Confusions, conflicts, hurts of every kind (emotional, mental and physical) result. So run the other way when these evils emerge and encourage others to run too! The opposite of this verse would be: "Right-doers listen to good and wholesome talk and truthsayers pay attention to constructive words." Expose yourself to good things to listen to. Concentrate on building up one another.
Q. Is God ashamed of the poor?	A. Provberbs 17:5 = No way! To make fun of poor folks is to mock God!
Q. My children seem proud of the wrong things. What should they be proud of?	A. Proverbs 17:6 = Their parents!
Q. How should I see my grandchildren?	A. Proverbs 17:6 = As my crowning glory in my old age.
Q. Is it true that some folks only seem to get away with much wrong?	A. Proverbs 17:8 = Yes (But don't believe it!).
Q. People are full of faults. What do I do with them when faults come out?	A. Proverbs 17:9 = Disregard these faults.
Q. Why?	A. Proverbs 17:9 = To do so preserves love. Note: Nobody's perfect! Overlook shortcomings. These are your brethren!
Q. Just being around them like this makes me feel like I'll explode if I don't tell someone about it. Is this okay to do?	A. Proverbs 17:9 = No! It'll ruin the relationship. Note: Lay your friends at the foot of the cross. Be alone with God and His Word until the temptation to talk to someone else about it passes. Gossip is talking about people who are not present. Who knows? Maybe God will give you revelation on how to help your friend overcome this problem!
Q. Should I rebuke just anybody?	A. Proverbs 17:10 = No. Some people will never learn their lessons.
Q. Why?	A. Proverbs 17:11 = They seek rebellion!
Q. Is it dangerous to catch a fool in his folly?	A. Proverbs 17:12 = Yes. He's got nothing to lose by fighting for his "freedom."
Q. What happens to the person who pays back evil for good?	A. Proverbs 17:13 = Evil will never leave his house.
Q. If I know that a confrontation will only lead to a quarrel, should I do it anyway?	A. Proverbs 17:14 = No way! Drop it!
Q. Why?	A. Proverbs 17:14 = Quarrels act like floodgates opened up, and foolish, toxic words spew forth. Note: Wait till you've calmed down. If you cannot calm down about a subject, then deal with it yourself. Repent of your anger, frustration and impatience and ask God to help you see it in a proper perspective. No subject is so important that it ruins relationships. If I blow up over it, then I've got a problem. It begins and ends with me, not my brother.
Q. A practicing lawyer these days is only interested in getting his client off the charges. Does this define a good lawyer?	A. Proverbs 17:15 = No. The Lord despises those who acquit (pardon) the guilty and condemn the innocent. A lawyer's job is to represent truth only.
Q. What attitude should I see in one who asks me to help put him through college?	A. Proverbs 17:16 = He must have a heart for wisdom, first of all. Note: Parents: If your child doesn't want the education now, please wait until he does. You only waste your money on a party animal! If and when he comes to his senses, talk abut it again. Some kids aren't ready for college until they've flipped burgers for a while.
Q. Who is my friend?	A. Proverbs 17:17 = One who is always loyal.
Q. What is special about family?	A. Proverbs 17:17 = When you're in real trouble, they help.
Q. Should I ever cosign a loan for a friend?	A. Proverbs 17:18 = No. God considers it poor judgment.
Q. What about paying off his debts?	A. Proverbs 17:18 = No again! Poor judgment. Note: This may seem unfair, especially if you have been blessed with riches, but you actually do your brother a disservice in helping him get things outside of his means. Anyone who would ask you to cosign is, first of all, to the bank, a high risk because they either don't have a good credit report and do not pay their bills on time, or are new to budgeting. Consider carefully who you are willing to risk everything for, what you might lose, and if there is an alternate way you can suggest they get what they want from life. We believers help feed the poor and meet immediate needs. The rest is up to them. They will grow as people when they discover they can do it on their own. Don't depreive them of the privelege of the lesson! That God provides to those who ask!
Q. Sometimes an acquaintance approaches me with a quarrel on his lips. What is up with that?	A. Proverbs 17:19 = He loves to quarrel so he loves sin. Walk away!
Q. I have accomplished much in my life. Is it okay to tell people?	A. Proverbs 17:19 = No. I would be inviting disaster, even if it were true. Note: Be happy that God knows what you do. If you do everything in His honor, men don't need to hear it too. They take it wrong, even if you mean to teach them to enrich their christian walks-- because of whatever rises up in them to make them want to tell you off. If people are weighed down with guilt, they'll interpret it as your trying to make them feel guilty for not doing it. If your self-esteem is healthy, they'll see it as boasting if their self-esteem happens to be low. So be content that God knows your heart and works and loves you with or without the works. Let God lead the others into the work He has especially for them and they will have to learn not to boast about it too!
Q. What if I'm not exactly sure of what I believe? And because of it, I tend to live in and out of the world?	A. Proverbs 17:20 = The crooked heart will not prosper! Note: Better to ask God to purify and increase your faith. Get your heart right. Your entire life depends on a solid rock relationship with God.
Q. What is characteristic of a crooked heart?	A. Proverbs 17:20 = Words flowing from a mouth that speaks a little truth with uncertainty, mixed in with the world's answers that contradict this truth. To top it off, it is said by a person whose life is a mess!
Q. Where does it lead?	A. Proverbs 17:20 = Trouble! Note: Even the simplest of persons can spot foolishness in words spoken to him. He will consider your testimony and decide if you are sincere and rather follow your life's lead. He will stumble as well as tell you off! Your joy is your testimony. Your willingness to repent is your witness. Who cares if I'm perfect? Or pious? What do I do when I sin? Does my pride rise up and rationalize it away or do I just repent? Do I live like God's yoke is easy, His burden light? Or do I need pills to help me cope with my unrepentance? It is a strange thing that repentance keeps my life simple. Humility leads to repentance. Am I willing to fall flat on my face before men, repent and rejoice that my life is renewed again and again? Am I proud of my accomplishments or am I proud of Jesus' accomplishment? Am I full of faith or full of myself?
Q. Why should I participate closely in parenting my children?	A. Proverbs 17:21 = Because if you don't, they grow up to be fools and rebels (which follow you around for the rest of your life)! Note: Why? Because they don't have the benefit of your wisdom, which takes about 16 years of instruction. If you did neglect your kids, you can be their adult guide, if you're careful. Ask God how to be a guide to your adult children. Don't do too much out of guilt. Apply the principles for helping the poor. See that they don't starve or freeze while encouraging them to go forward. They have much to learn, so be patient. Pray, pray, pray! Turn it around! The opposite is also true! "It is joyous to be the parent of a wise child; there is joy for the father of a godly child."
Q. How can I help someone heal inside?	A. Proverbs 17:22 = Your cheerfulness is good medicine for him. Don't even think about offering help if you're in turmoil yourself. You will instead sap his precious strength!
Q. How do I climb out of my own despair?	A. Go to God, who is waiting for you to ask Him for His healing touch. Here is a sample prayer: "My Eternal FAther in heaven, I wish I had thought about asking You sooner to heal my broken heart. Please heal me right now in Jesus' name. Flood me in and out with Your peace and comfort. Show me how to walk, letting Your Holy Spirit go before me in everything. Every decision, every contact I make, in my finances, in my work, in my relationships. I cannot serve you unless I have Your peace flowing through me to others. I repent of my hypocrasy, my foolishness, my self-reliance, my tendency to look for life's answers everywhere but in Your holy and powerful Word, the Bible. I love You so much; help me to line up my life with what I know. I want to be part of the answer, not part of the problem. Thank You for waiting for me to come to this point. I release, in Jesus' name, Your healing power into my life, the fruit of the Spirit -- love, you, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Amen." Now pray like this every day for the rest of your life. Add to it as God leads. You will grow up and out. God's love for You is already there, but the vastness of God's love doesn't even begin to be comprehended until you begin to grow. Even then it is overwhelming and will fill your whole time on this earth!
Q. How long will it take me to grow?	A. Proverbs 17:24 = A lifetime and forever!
Q. Where should my focus be?	A. Proverbs 17:24 = Glued to wisdom! The bible!
Q. But isn't there other areas to explore that enhance the Bible?	A. Proverbs 17:24 = No. You can spend a lifetime exploring man's wisdom, but God has a name for one who does. Fool! Note: Don't waste time! Your time here on earth is accelerating to it's end. Glue your eyes to the Word of God. There is no time for substitutes, however lofty man's wisdom boasts to be.
Q. You mean I can be an intellectual giant and be clueless to God's wonders?	A. Yes. While your eyes are glued to the scriptures, you benefit, are lit up by heaven itself, grow and are useful to the kingdom of God because you shine out there! But as soon as you added man's wisdom and then decided to make it your priority, you stopped growing. No one stays dormant; we roll backwards downhill. Our light goes out and we speak with a twisted tongue and a crooked heart. We are made to walk a simple road toward God. God has asked us to dump our pride, humanisms and philosophies. Just stop what you are doing, repent, dump it, and ask for forgiveness and begin again right now. Pray the prayer above if you have trouble finding the words. Or pray the prayer that Jesus prayed in Matthew 6:9-13 = "My Father in heaven, may Your name be honored. May Your kingdom come soon. May Your will be done here on earth, just as it is in heaven. Give me my food for today, and forgive me my sins, just as I have forgiven those who have sinned against me. And don't let me yield to temptation, but deliver me from the evil one." Honor God always. His Word is sufficient!
Q. So God's wisdom is not found all over the world, just in His Word?	A. Proverbs 17:24 = Yes! Isn't that simple?
Q. What kind of affliction does a father of a fool suffer?	A. Proverbs 17:25 = Grief.
Q. What kind of affliction does a mother of a fool suffer?	A. Proverbs 17:25 = Bitterness. Note: Christian moms really hurt when the one they taught and raised from birth becomes a fool. To be looked at with rebellious, defiant eyes and told by her child that she is a fool is the bitterest of grief. Note that a son doesn't pull this with his Dad. Mothers aspire great things for their children. They know their child's potential. They spent a lifetime praying and wanting the best. But the choice belongs to the child. Ah, humiliations! Ah, freedom of choice! Yet, such powerful sons of God can they become when the prodigals return!
Q. Should leaders rely on popular opinion in deciding the fate of godly people?	A. Proverbs 17:26 = No! This is very wrong!
Q. Should leaders be able to be honest about opinions without fear of punishment?	A. Proverbs 17:26 = Yes!
Q. How do I know when I have contributed wisely to a problem or situation?	A. Proverbs 17:27 = I said it with few words and it bore fruit. Also, I said it in a peaceable manner.
Q. What kind of person seems wise and intelligent because he keeps quiet?	A. Proverbs 17:28 = A fool. Don't form an opinion about someone before he tells you all about himself and time has passed.
Q. Are holding to sound principles of conduct God's idea or man's?	A. Proverbs 18:1 = God's.
Q. What do hermits have in common?	A. Proverbs 18:1 = They are all self-indulgent.
Q. How so?	A. Proverbs 18:2 = They have no interest in understanding and want only to air their own opinions.
Q. What are characteristics of the wicked?	A. Proverbs 18:3 = Contempt, shame and disgrace.
Q. Can I train my tongue to speak wellness?	A. Proverbs 18:4 = Yes. Ask God to us your tongue and make it be life-giving water and speak words of true wisdom.
Q. How can these words help people?	A. Proverbs 18:4 = They can be refreshing as a bubbling brook. Note: Believers, because they believe all things (1 Cor. 13), can see the potential in every person. Speak positively into people. Chances are they've forgotten how to be optimistic. You can and bring them back to center, where God is (thinking thousands of good thoughts about them!)
Q. What is characteristic of a fool?	A. Proverbs 18:6 = A fool gets into constant quarrels and is asking for a beating.
Q. How?	A. Proverbs 18:7 = Toxis words. Note: Words of disrespect that provoke elders, peers or the young are very toxic. If we love one another, have an attitude of a servant, we don't even think to say wrong things.
Q. So what I say can ruin my life?	A. Proverbs 18:7 = Yes! The oposite is true: "The mouths of the godly are their salvation; their lips keep them in peace."
Q. What is it about a rumor that seems so hard to ignore?	A. Proverbs 18:8 = A rumor is like a dainty morsel and actually feels right to consider. They it sinks deep into my heart, affecting how I see it's unfortunate target.
Q. What's wrong with laziness?	A. Proverbs 18:9 = Laziness seems like a neutral place to be. In reality, the lazy one is as bad as someone who destroys things. Note: There is no neutral ground in anything. There is good or bad, well or sick, life-giving words or death-giving words, etc. To not work is to become poor, to teach the youth that it is okay to be lazy, etc.
Q. Of what benefit is knowing God in my life?	A. Proverbs 18:10-11 = God is a strong fortress I can run into and be safe. I know my riches cannot compare or protect me from harm. I know this because I know the Bible to be true and by faith, I live this way.
Q. What lie do the rich believe about their wealth?	A. Proverbs 18:11 = They imagine the buildings it constructs keeps them from harm, like steel coccoons.
Q. What is the truth about an uppity person?	A. Proverbs 18:12 = Destruction is just around the corner.
Q. What is the truth about honor?	A. Proverbs 18:12 = Humility comes before honor. Note: Haughtiness is very destructive! Money doesn't bring honor. Serving others brings honor.
Q. What is the problem with giving advice?	A. Proverbs 18:13 = You have to be patient and gather all the facts to be of any help. If the person being advised is in fact lying by omission in order to gain ground in a dispute, guess who's gonna get blamed? Only God knows the whole story. Wanna give good advice? Tell him that God knows the whole story first and put a disclaimer on your advice as being based only on information given. Try to get him to cough up everything. People under terrible guilt lie about their conflicts because hell has convinced them that if the counselor knew the whole truth, they'd be ruined. Yet God has soooooo many good thoughts for us!
Q. What is harder to endure than having a sick body?	A. Proverbs 18:14 = Having a crushed spirit. Note: Hurts can overwhelm a sensitive soul for a lifetime. Whenever you, believer, have an old hurt that rears its ugly head, ask God and pour His oil on it and bandage yourself there so that it can heal. Take part in Cleansing Stream and not only will you be able to put each hurt behind you, God will give you the tools you need to stay healthy in spirit, and therefore, you will have become a valuable asset to those around you. You can be healed and made healthy in spirit and help others to get to that place of rest!
Q. What is a good characteristic of intelligent people?	A. Proverbs 18:15 = Openness to new ideas, searching for ideas always. Note: Intelligence is a wonderful gift of God, but it can be corrupted. If you are intelligent, I pray that you would use your mind to find better ways to spread the Gospel, bring people into God's presence and serve others. In your career, I pray that you would use your intelligence to better our world, reach intelligent people for Christ, and enrich your peers' lives by your servanthood to them. I pray that yo would give away your most needed skills and talents to the poor and to the cause of Christ, and sit under the wisdom and teaching of a small child to maintain your focus. I pray that your life would be unhurried and a blessing to God and His people. And most of all, may your intelligence never tempt you to build a wall between you and the simple. Otherwise, you will be lost.
Q. Why is giving gifts special?	A. Proverbs 18:16 = It changes the mood of a room and makes people feel valued on earth. Especially important if you moved far away from the extended family. You need the assurance that you haven't been forgotten and they need to know that your heart is okay with extended family dynamics. If you've gotten away from this gesture of love in giving gifts, try sending just one person a gift. Keep a notepad for gift ideas. Even if you just write a note of encouragement and blessing, it is a special gesture, remembered and welcomed.
Q. What is the problem with circulating email stories?	A. Proverbs 18:17 = Some are sent claiming to be true and are not. Before forwarding even the best written true stories, first make sure they are true. We are gullible and mean well, but we should also be wise in this. Especially missing children stories and stories of miraculous phenomenon that turn out to originate in pagan literature and are dressed up for our reading. All stories can be checked out easily at www.urbanlegends.com for their accuracy.
Q. How does God advise us to settle hot arguments, even between powerful people?	A. Proverbs 18:18 = Casting lots. This way, God decides.
Q. Why should we avoid conflicts?	A. Proverbs 18:19 = They are nearly impossible to resolve. Note: When you feel the tension in the room, resolve to pray for peace. God can restore relationships and heal bad feelings all around. Focus on God and move on. Sometimes conflicts are God's way of moving us geographically away so that we can fully know Him. Remember that Abram moved around because of conflict, but it was for the best. Meanwhile, don't start a fight; be a peacemaker.
Q. How can I be a peacemaker?	A. Proverbs 18:20 = Know that words satisfy the soul just as food satisfies the stomach; the right words on a person's lips brings satisfaction. Remember that the opposite is also true: "Toxic words do not satisfy the soul just as starvation does not satisfy the stomach. The wrong words on a person's lips brings no satisfaction." How many words have you wasted today? People need to speak healing, to hear healing words. Keep this bit of wisdom in mind, too, when you need to say corrective words! Remember, if your words are not received well, consider your approach. Remember the whales: Lift, lift, lift!
Q. What should talkative people remember?	A. Proverbs 18:20-21 = The power of the tongue can kill or nourish life. Slow it down!
Q. Should I reflect on past conversations? Why?	A. Proverbs 18:20-21 = Yes. Consider how your words affected a person in a past conversation. Did your words nourish and bear fruit or did they wound? Thank God, love covers a multitude of sins! If you hurt someone with your words, love him now; serve him now; until forever, if necessary. He won't receive you well again for who knows how long. But you can minister to him, unconditionally, and this act of humility will go further than anything else you could do.
Q. Is a wife just someone to clean, cook, bear one's children and perhaps help support the family's finances?	A. Proverbs 18:22 = No. She is a treasure. Because a man marries her, he receives favor from the Lord!
Q. Why does God love poor people?	A. Proverbs 18:23 = The poor plead for mercy. They have a natural humility and know they are but dust.
Q. What do the rich do?	A. Proverbs 18:23 = They answer with insults. They forget that they were once poor and have a false sense of security in their cashload. The worst of it is that they walk away from God, thinking they are content without Him, and they develop terrible character flaws and a god-wannabe disposition. If you have money, know that it is meant to give away. Otherwise, it'll corrupt you!
Q. How do I know a friendship is healthy?	A. Proverbs 18:24 = You don't destroy each other.
Q. What do you mean?	A. Proverbs 18:24 = A real friend stays with you through thick and thin, closer than a brother. Note: Think about this a minute. Who has stuck with you in spite of poverty, calamity, indescribable pain, rumors, traumas, controversy, etc.? That is your friend! Did he do it without a word of judgment, cheerfully, encouraging you and protecting your reputation, your dignity, your honor? That is your friend! Did he love you without getting caught up in your shortcomings, your outbursts, your anguish and pain? That is your friend! Did he feel like the life was being sucked out of him in those hard times or was he energized by your friendship? Are you a growing experience for someone in a good way? You are the best of friends! And if you are, first and foremost, not the boss, but #2 in charge of your life because God is first, then you have all you need, and for eternity, you will be friends! Isn't that the best?
Q. Why are some people poor?	A. Proverbs 19:1 = Poverty keeps you honest. Money makes fools out of people.
Q. Is it possible to honestly get all excited about something and lack the knowledtge to follow that dream?	A. Proverbs 19:2 = Yes. Knowledge about a subject keeps you on the right path in career, ministry or mission; especially if your energy level is high! God does not rush! Slow down and take the time to learn your subject well. Who cares how long it takes to learn? Make your work a quality work and it will bear the best of fruits. Slowing down will help you to see if God is in it. Line up everyhthing you do with God's Word. Your daily walk with God is more important than your ambition. Walk together with Him in your interests and share your every zeal with Him. God has soooo many good thoughts for you!
Q. Does God ruin lives?	A. Proverbs 19:3 = No way. People ruin their own lives, then blame God.
Q. How do people ruin their own lives?	A. Proverbs 19:3 = By their own foolishness. Note: Go through the Word and look for "foolishness" and you will see numerous ways to describe the word. Or go to the New Living Translation link here, punch in "foolishness" and have a good read. You'll notice that all descriptions of acts of foolishness are man-made.
Q. How does one keep from being a fool?	A. Fill your head with God's thoughts in His Word and you will be able to distinguish clearly what is right from what is wrong.
Q. What is problematic with being wealthy?	A. Proverbs 19:4 = One has too many acquaintances in his life, most for the wrong reasons too.
Q. How can I weed out true friends from amongst them?	A. Proverbs 19:4 = Get poor! Note: Wouldn't you rather have no friends than an entourage of yes-men you know are with you because you are rich?
Q. What does God think of liars?	A. Proverbs 19:5 = Punishment is coming. There is no escape. Note: God is not fooled by sinful subtlety in our daily lives. People play games in order to get what they want. Even in Jesus' name. "The ends justifies the means" is one nasty liars' game. Never lie to redeem yourself before men. Don't care so much about your earthly goals that your testimony is of secondary importance. Nothing matters but clearing a good path to heavens' gates on behalf of the lost. Your lies will be found out and your punishment will not wait till after your death. The stumbling block you created by your lie remains until you repent and begin to care about those affected. Somewone said that it takes ten good deeds to cover one nasty one. Don't you be that nasty deed-doer to anybody! Your repentance is in fact the testimony. Your restitution brings yours and their healing. What have you got to lose?
Q. What is a hardship of political leadership?	A. Proverbs 19:6 = Many beg favors and you cannot meet every need.
Q. What is a temptation of being rich?	A. Proverbs 19:6 = Buying friends. Note: If yo grew up with few friends and it was a mystery to you as to how to make friends, and now you are rich, it is a real temptation to buy friends now -- and they will come because of your generosity and because they want more. Recognize your lack of knowledge in developing friendships and get to a good Christian counselor who can guide you here. Our skin does not become thick with the accumulation of wealth. We remain vulnerable and are still under God's protective Word on keeping spiritually healthy. Give to God's work. Feed the poor; get in there and help.
Q. What is tragic about being poor?	A. Proverbs 19:7 = Relatives sometimes despise you. It is hard to make friends too. Note: I volunteer to distribute food to the poor. Our clients are happy to befriend me as they have been shunned by friends and family because of their poverty. They have commented that they come for the prayers, the friendship offered them, and lastly for the food. If you don't do this kind of mission work, please do. I am more blessed for doing it than I can describe. Yet they are too! Feeding the poor is a command Jesus gave. A command to bless you in so many ways: 1) It's a mission that is welcome by the recipients 2) You get to pray over these people, who are shy at first, but when you see them the next week, they grab your hands eagerly for more prayers 3) You see the results of your prayers. People get so many kinds of healing! I've seen hands swollen with arthritis soften and strengthen, pain leave, mental and physical illnesses stabilize, addictions gone, value restored, over a period of just a week. Everyone receives new peace and refreshing and even their households settle down. This only increases my faith. 4) My favorite: You get to show people that God anticipates prayers on their behalf. You change their sometimes destructive views of God forever, and they learn to pray for their own, on their own. You put them in touch with their heavenly Father, who really does want their best. You increased their faith! Now that's empowerment!
Q. I'm not a big reader, nor do I care to learn new things about God. Waht does that say about me?	A. Proverbs 19:8 = That you don't love yourself!
Q. What is the proper attitude I should have about learning wisdom?	A. Proverbs 19:8 = I should cherish wisdom.
Q. What do I get in return?	A. Proverbs 19:8 = Understanding and prosperity. Note 1: It is good to understand how things work, what motivates God to look after us, and even how systems function. All wisdom keeps you from resenting God and man. Here is a good example: Our food pantry is open on Wednesdays. None of our clients have a problem with coming that day. But for recruiting volunteers, they comment that Wednesdays are somewhat inconvenient and wish we would change to any other day except Wednesday. We deal with "You guys are too rigid; You don't care for more help because you won't change days, so I guess you don't need it that badly." In reality, shopping for food on Wednesday morning is the universal day for major sources to send us food. If the potential volunteers want to keep from resentment, they need to find out why (the wisdom) we won't change distribution days. They need wisdom so they can understand the system we all have to accommodate. In return, instead of resentment, they have acquired understanding. Note 2: This verse also applies to education levels. The skills you have and the income you earn, directly reflect your lack of or adequate amount of education. If you want to earn a lot, get educated a lot.
Q. Has God made it so that hard workers are rewarded and fools are not?	A. Proverbs 19:10 = Yes. Prosperity gives one incentive to gain education. Note: Don't pamper your adult children! Let them find their way. It isn't right that they reap what you sow. They must have a change of mind to succeed and pampering hinders that change of mind.
Q. Should a very poor man rule a country?	A. Proverbs 19:10 = No. Note: He doesn't have the skills or education to take on such a task. Whatever makes him poor now will spill over into his reign.
Q. My anger gets out of control sometimes. What does that say about me?	A. Proverbs 19:11 = I lack good sense.
Q. How do I gain control of my anger?	A. Proverbs 19:11 = I need to exercise restraint. It is up to me.
Q. How do I deal with the shortcomings of people? They are the ones who get under my skin.	A. Proverbs 19:11 = I need to overlook wrongs people do that affect me. God says that I can, so I will!
Q. What reward is there in determining to overlook wrongs?	A. Proverbs 19:11 = Honor. You have to realize that leaders have to overlook wrongs in order to be successful. There's nothing more pathetic than a leader out of control. Anybody can be a leader. Learn restraint and practice overlook wrongs and you are on your way.
Q. You mean that if I desire esteem in the eyes of man, I need to practice these things?	A. Proverbs 19:11 = Yes! Note: Waht you find is that you are happier because you are content to allow people to differ, you feel more in control of your life because you don't have to have a perfect relationship, and you've exercised mercy, which pleases God.
Q. But what if I am having trouble forgiving someone? Doesn't he owe me an apology?	A. Proverbs 19:11 = No. You need to overlook the wrong. It is freeing to realize that the power to deal with offenders begins and ends with ME.
Q. But I was taught that I could insist on a confrontation and point out the offense and he would have to apologize to me. He would be made to see it my way and would apologize. Is this wrong?	A. Proverbs 19:11 = Think about this a moment: I insist; my way. My happiness depends on someone else's repentance? No way. My happiness depends only upon my understanding of the finished work of the Cross. My flesh rises up in the form of selfishness and wants blood. The devil is a liar. He'll play this nasty game with you until you realize it is you who has to forgive -- and forget. The problem lies in forgetting. Repent of harboring unforgiveness and get free of this horrid game. We have been freed by the blood of Jesus in all things. Through Jesus, God sees me as perfect. Through Jesus, I ought to see others as pefect. And get on with the mission!
Q. What is a problem with leading a nation?	A. Proverbs 19:12 = A leader's power can be both terrible and merciful. His will is carried out at once.
Q. What kind of problems do families have to deal with?	A. Proverbs 19:13 = 1) A foolish child who is hard to teach or discipline 2) A wife who nags. Note: Wives, do you see the need for change in your households? Pray! Take your burdens to the cross and leave them there. Jesus came to carry our burdens. He knows what's up at home. He can change husbands from the inside out. You cannot! Ask God to do a perfect work in your house.
Q. What else can only be done by God?	A. Proverbs 19:14 = Giving a son an understanding wife. Note: Isn't that neat? God is at work on behalf of our children. Pray for the future spouse of your child.
Q. What is tragic about the lazy person?	A. Proverbs 19:15 = He is healthy, yet chooses to sleep all the time. Note: If you are lazy, know this: The consequences of laziness are an atrophying body, muscles and tendons, and weight gain. Your organs aren't moving enough, your blood doesn't circulate enough, your heart doesn't pump enough. You are headed for natural consequences. If later you repent and get a job, you may not regain your health. Also, lazy people have a mindset that hasn't contributed a thing to their self-esteem, which is bad for their self-image. Sadness saps energy so it depletes all the more. Get up, get moving, slowly build up your body. Join a gym and work out for ten minutes every other day. Build up to 45 minutes. When you are strong enough, add the treadmill to your workout. Eat well and sleep 8 hours, and no more. Get in God's Word daily. Pray all the way through your transformation. Pray for a mission and a purpose and see what God will do!
Q. Aren't folks who need food pantry help lazy?	A. Proverbs 19:15 = I have yet to meet a client who sleeps soundly at night in their poverty. They find unemployment disastrous to their families and work-related accidents, sickness, tragedy all play a part in their sudden poverty. Some folks are very much marching to their own drums, inventing things, rescuing animals, running effective non-profit organizations. But not one client I have run across is lazy. Maybe it is that that lazy one sleeps through distribution day at the food pantry so we never meet!
Q. How vital are God's commands?	A. Proverbs 19:16 = Vital enough to keep you alive! Despising them will lead to your death. Note: If you just considered the Ten Commandments of Moses, you can see how simple this truth is: 1) If you kill, you will be killed, and if you get away with it, you'll agonize over it until it kills you, which shortens your life. 2) Adultery leads to terrible regrets, secrecy sometimes, ruined reputations and unending distrust, which makes you sick and shortens your life. 3) Covetousness leads to obsession and discontent, which makes you sick and shortens your life. 4) Stealing leads to a belief that I can't earn my own way in the world and a cutting short of my own recognizing of my abilities, which makes you sick and shortens your life. 5) Swearing is a sign of being out of control, which makes you sick and shortens your life. 6) Makig idols replaces God and you're on your own without God, which will shorten your life. 7) Loving God completely means everything and I won't even touch on violating these commandments if my devotion is for God, which lengthens my life. 8) If I keep Sunday devoted to God, I am treating myself to rest also and a refreshing start for the new week. This extends my life and keeps me centered. 9) If I honor my parents, I avoid resentment, which makes me sick, and I extend my life 10) If I testify falsely against my neighbor, the guilt of the injustice will eat me alive. If obeying ten commandments can do this much to benefit me, how much more will the rest of God's Word benefit me, just one for whom it is written?
Q. Do I benefit from helping the poor?	A. Proverbs 19:17 = Absolutely. God repays those who help the poor. His repay is so much more!
Q. Should children be allowed to grow up without discipline?	A. Proverbs 19:18 = No.
Q. Why is it so hard to commit to discipline?	A. Proverbs 19:18 = One has to realize that we discipine to save them from their ruin by their own hands. There is a time limit on disciplinary action on children. If you stall, they are ruined.
Q. What is the time of disciplinary years called?	A. Proverbs 19:18 = The time while there is still hope. Note: Nudging your children in the right direction is a habit you must acquire. Keep in mind that you want them to love God and care for what He cares for. So love them like God loves you. Be stern, yet love strongly. God is no ogre, so if you overreact, you will lose face and misrepresent your heavenly Father. Remember that children see parents as a type or pattern or god-father on earth and you need to reflect Him to them. Whatever you need to do to begin representing God in your house correctly, do it. Participate in Cleansing Stream! Don't be afraid to tell your child you blew it. Start fresh each day.
Q. Should I rescue those who find trouble because of their tempers?	A. Provberbs 19:19 = No. They must pay the penalty, reap the consequences of their outbursts, because it is the only way they will learn self-control.
Q. And if I do rescue them?	A. Proverbs 19:19 = I'll just have to do it again.
Q. How much wisdom is enough?	A. Proverbs 19:20 = Acquiring wisdom is a lifetime job. Be enthusiastic about acquiring wisdom all your life!
Q. Why?	A. Proverbs 19:20 = I'll be wise the rest of my life! Note: God has given us plenty to learn, and hopefully, we'll die feeling ignorant still. The alternative to learning is watching way too many reruns on television or perhaps spending too much time in chatrooms! Teach your children to never stop learning. Give them the gift of a love of learning. I hope my children will spend the majority of their learning hours happily under God's teaching hand.
Q. With my acquired learning, I have made many plans for myself. Should I keep those plans?	A. Proverbs 19:21 = God expects us to plan. But we must understand that as we go forward, we need to let God steer (like a rudder on a boat). That means slowing down and including God in descision-making; like He is my partner, invisible beside me; I ask Him to bless or change my plans to suit what He has in mind, which is my best. This takes humility. Note: I had a really bad day today. I felt like all hell was broke loose over me and my mind was racing. I was consumed with the lack of my life (the hole in the donut instead of the donut!) and a thousand terrible thoughts attacked my otherwise peaceful disposition. The summer gnats of Virginia were in my ears and nose again and it was hot and humid besides. In my disconcerted state, I did not allow myself to remember peaceful scriptures, open my bible or forward good and godly email. I was a mess! But the madness, which screamed that my life was a lie, began to dissipate immediately upon receiving an email from a friend whose son had been in terrible spiritual trouble for years. This week, her prayers began to be answered. She followed exactly some advice I gave her concerning him and began to pray, pray, pray for him. Breakthrough! Another one recued from an eternal grave! She was so happy to have learned how to pray effectively, meanwhile, hell set upon my house to protest the livng soul it lost. Meanwhile, I have repented of my discontent and feeling of uselessness and feel exhausted, like I just battled a nasty flu virus. I don't want to forget what it felt like to be hopeless for a day. It is food pantry day tomorrow! No, my day didn't go as planned -- it was better! God's purpose prevailed! Maybe next time I'll remember who I am and allow God to walk with me through it sooner!
Q. How are we attracted to friends?	A. Proverbs 19:22 = Their loyalty to us; both good and unhealthy friendships last because of loyalty. This is why it is so hard to purge friendships. We have to make the commitment to have friends in our inner circle who love God first and foremost, even though another friend may be more loyal to us. I am just not that important to be over-flattered by personal loyalty.
Q. What sometimes makes people loyal?	A. Proverbs 19:22 = Poor people fake loyalty to people who have more than they do. False loyalty hurts! Eventually, they show their true colors. The tragedy is that while they were taking even more than what was necessary from their "friends," they were not learning to trust God for their provisions. In the end, who says the rich friend doesn't suffer a broken heart? When one realizes that he has wasted years in a relationship based on cash, there is a crushing blow dealt him. It is better to be poor than dishonest. We are capable of ruining good people.
Q. What else does one miss out on when one puts trust in man instead of God?	A. Proverbs 19:23 = Fear of the Lord, life, security and protection from harm. Note: God's insurance policy is paid up front with a cross and nails and His own spilt blood. No amount due; guaranteed till eternity.
Q. If I let myself become very lazy, what will happen to me?	A. Proverbs 19:24 = I can become so lazy I won't lift a finger to feed myself.
Q. Should we call a person on something he's doing wrong?	A. Proverbs 19:25 = Yes. Punish a mocker. This means firmly stopping his mocking in public where he does it. The simple-minded he surrounds himself with will learn a lesson from you not to be that foolish and then know the truth because you set the mocker straight.
Q. How do you show a wise person a wrong that he is doing?	A. Proverbs 19:25 = With respect, reproof can be given. A wise person welcomes it and becomes wiser.
Q. How do children fail their parents?	A. Proverbs 19:26 = They mistreat fathers and chase away mothers, publicly disgracing and embarrassing them. Note: This is the bent of an undisciplined child of lenient parents. Or maybe they have disciplined them for it but the children continue in their sin. How embarrassing! Keep after your kids, parents, or one day they'll rise up and subconciously tell you off for not caring enough to stop them in their rebellion.
Q. What does it mean that a child mistreats his father?	A. A son may physically hurt his father on purpose in play or otherwise. A daughter may be verbally abusive to her father.
Q. What does it mean to chase one's mother away?	A. A daughter may act superior (very disrespectful) to her mother and chase her away from her grandchildren for fear of affecting them in a different way than what they think childrearing demands. Young mothers can be very narrow out of a lack of respect learned in their own youth. How much better off we all are to face our shortcomings and allow God to heal us instead of letting our kids grow up without the added dimension of their grandmothers.
Q. So the tendency of a child is to mistreat his father and chase away his mother?	A. Yes! Please repent, sons and daughters! God has so much more for you if you will let Him heal you!
Q. Will I ever know enough to stop needing instruction from my parents?	A. Proverbs 19:27 = No. Don't ever close your ears to your parents! They have lived much longer than youand actually care for you to not fall into the traps they did.
Q. But my formal education is far more than my parents'.	A. Proverbs 19:27 = God says if I stop listening to instruction, I turn my back on knowledge. Note: You can't get what your parents can teach you from a book.
Q. What about what I learn in school? Isn't it enough?	A. Proverbs 19:27 = No. Wisdom can be trial and error. For instance, in the pharmaceutical world of medicine, a new list of drugs is published every six months. Anyone can pick up a Prescription Drug Reference Book at his local bookstore. Recipes are improved, more efficient drugs are discovered, and with research and testing and experience, find out that some drugs that were adversely responded to, even fatally, and are taken out in the next edition. What if science stopped at the first book? Wisdom grows and changes, learns from experience and filters out the bad. So should we.
Q. Do mockers and fools get away with doing it?	A. Proverbs 19:29 = No. That's a promise.

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