Proverbs Essay

Answer

1. Proverbs Essay 

    

   Proverbs 1:10

   "My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them."

   This reading advises an individual not to consent to sin. While the world may be filled with people with evil intentions, this verse advises one against following them willingly. Rather, it enforces the choice of using one's wisdom to evaluate a situation and act on one's knowledge to decide whether it is right or wrong. In a world filled with peer pressure, Proverbs 1:10 echoes out the responsibility of individuals to themselves by following advice from our parents and the Scriptures.

   Proverbs 2:11

   "Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you."

   This verse underscores the importance of understanding and discernment over rash decision-making. By living a life of discretion and understanding, people should learn to listen more than they speak at the risk of getting into trouble for rash decisions based on impulse. For example, Proverbs 2:11 can help a  person being gossiped about understand that maybe those telling them this information hope for their reaction rather than assessing the source and confronting the gossipers calmly over a physical altercation.

   Proverbs 3:9

   "Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops;."

               The teachings from this verse are based on tithing as a mandate towards more blessings. The importance of tithing does not come from the amount one gives but the free will to give back without feeling forced. Proverbs 3:9 is applicable as an example of charity work at an orphanage, where one can use this as a publicity stunt, while another may find it cheerful to spend time with orphans than go out day drinking. The selflessness towards giving back to society makes the latter individual remain humble while the former seeks pride and publicity. 

   Proverbs 4:10

   "Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many."

   Proverbs 4:10 underlines the significance of obedience in following the Scriptures. The fulfillment of abiding by the words of the Scriptures ensures blessings in what one does over curses and a damned eternity. Heeding what the Scriptures teach through the word of God ensures an abundant and happy life for the believer.

   Proverbs 5:23

   "For lack of discipline they will die, led astray by their own great folly."

   This verse is clear on the consequences of disobedience and turning away from teachings and instructions. People who disobey directives, rules, or guidelines set face consequences for their actions. For example, a person with unprotected sex runs the risk of getting pregnant or contracting sexually transmitted diseases. Therefore, it is impudent that one does not stray from instructions at the risk of damaging consequences that may lead to death.

   Proverbs 6:6

   "Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!"

   This verse points out the industrious ways of small creatures compared to the laziness and irresponsibility of slackers. This verse explains that while some individuals may be lazy and irresponsible, small creatures like ants and bees can teach them about hard work and its fruits. In essence, laziness bears no fruits while hard work pays off. Therefore, people must become industrious to move ahead in life.

   Proverbs 7:25

   "Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths."

   This verse counsels people against adultery and greed. While situations, especially in marriages, may seem hard during conflicts and misunderstandings, it is important for spouses not to seek comfort in others. However, spouses should find a way to figure out their indifferences, strengthening their marriages, and avoiding divorce.

   Proverbs 8:7

   "My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness."

   This verse articulates the importance of always being truthful. While situations in the world may lean into us into lies, a person who stays true to his or her words by abiding by the Scriptures and rules will always be on the right side of judgment. Many may detest the acts of remaining truthful; however, abiding by teachings clears one conscience.

   Proverbs 9:6

   "Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of insight.'"

   A saying goes that ignorance is bliss. This verse explains that individuals should leave behind ignorance and acquire wisdom that propels them further. In a class setting, one may overlook and ignore the instructions of a tutor in class, only to fail in the assignment given. Therefore, in life, we should embrace learning over prideful ignorance.

   Proverbs 10:9

   "Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out."

   Teaching about honesty, this verse reiterates that honest people will not be caught in lies and deceit. For example, if a group of teenagers strategizes to vandalize school property and one refuses to be a part of the group offering notice to the administration of the crime, he rids himself off punishment. Ultimately, an honest person rids themselves of lies and deceit, ensuring integrity is upheld throughout his life.

   Proverbs 11:13

   "A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret."

   Proverbs 11:13 teaches one the purposefulness of confidentiality. For individuals to confide in others on sensitive information, they build trust with them. One who breaks such a bond and divulges information without the consent of the concerned party becomes gossip. Consequences to this may be dire to the gossip. Situations that involve the need for confidentiality include healthcare, where there is doctor-patient confidentiality. Upholding patient information as private helps improve a healthcare facility's clientele and professionalism while reducing potential legal ramifications.

   Proverbs 12:5

   "The plans of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful."

   This verse highlights the significance of people being honorable and true and modeling a character of making one a role model to those around them and children who emulate such individuals. A scenario that may foster people to have a just character is politics. Politicians who swindle civilians of their votes with empty promises are regarded as crude and corrupt, while those who model an honorable character leave a legacy that many may emulate in the future.

   Proverbs 13:11

   "Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow."

   This verse asserts the importance of honest work over greed in earning a living. Hard work builds character through hard-earned income that slowly translates to generational wealth. However, greed will make people use schemes and swindle people towards earning wealth that is illegally gained. However, such income slowly dwindles as fast as attained while one earned through hard work stands through the test of time. This scripture teaches people about money management and preventing financial litigations in a bid to become wealthy.

   Proverbs 14:13

   "Even in laughter the heart may ache, and rejoicing may end in grief."

   This verse points out the deception around what one sees on the posterior. While it is important to be happy, sometimes what one sees may be far from the truth. An example is the rise of social media influence on body image where socialites and social media influencers post pictures on social media platforms like Instagram with smiles on vacation. However, while this may be enticing to see, they may be sorrowful inside battling depression, anxiety, anorexia, or abuse, covered up in smiles and poses in posted photos. Morally, it is imperative to seek genuine happiness in the small things in life than competing for attention that may cost one their happiness.

   Proverbs 15:1

   "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."

   Proverbs 15:1 is clear on the teaching of how one should respond to anger. Responding to a situation calmly and strategically will diffuse anger out of the individuals concerned that aggravate the situation. A clear example is the ongoing protest over killings by the Black Lives Matter movement. Such situations like George Floyd's killing by the police officer choking and suffocating him would have been diffused by the officers calmly arresting him than placing a knee on his neck, leading to his demise. Confrontations handled in a calm manner reduce the eventuality of discord and anger by promoting peace and arbitration.

   Proverbs 16:5

   "The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished."

   Like the English proverb states, "Pride comes before a fall," this verse reiterates the consequences of people having pride. Pride in a person breeds arrogance, conceitedness, and disobedience, which are the makings of one's downfall. Therefore, it is important that even when one knows they are right about something, they should remain humble and help others gain knowledge on the subject. While pride may creep into one's life, it is important to abide by teachings that promote humility and living amicably with others.

   Proverbs 17:13

   "Evil will never leave the house of one who pays back evil for good."

   This verse asserts the importance of equal rewarding of a kind deed with kindness over wickedness. People may reward others' acts of kindness to them with despicable acts. For example, a nanny has the obligation of taking care of a person's children for a payment agreement, but some employers may refuse to pay the nanny for services rendered. The consequences of such actions are that such people will always have wickedness drawn to them. Therefore, it is clear that people should repay kindness with kindness over acts of wickedness.

   Proverbs 18:13

   "To answer before listening-- that is folly and shame."

   Reiterating the importance of listening to the whole story, this verse explains the significance of having all facts before speaking back. Judges and a court's jury are in the line of such important words. A court's jury should listen to all facts of a case before issuing a ruling that may wrongfully convict a person or release a criminal because of passing judgment too early. Therefore, people should also learn to listen and objectively answer to situations with all facts present.

   Proverbs 19:4

   "Wealth attracts many friends, but even the closest friend of the poor person deserts them."

   Teaching on moral uprightness over personal gain this verse reiterates this point. Many people may crowd over successful and wealthy people for personal gain, publicity, and the connection to the person. However, few will remain if the wealthy person is declared bankrupt. Hence, it is important to have moral respect for people despite their fame or wealth and treat them as you would any other person.

   Proverbs 20:20

   "If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.

   Proverbs 20:20 reiterates the significance of respecting and obeying one's parents. Recognizing one's parents or guardians and honoring them is important towards showing respect to them. Such respect should not be demanded but given willingly towards living amicably with people. This advice stretches to honoring the elderly in the neighborhood, showing that one is well brought up and respectful.

   Proverbs 21:9

   "Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife."

   This verse of Proverbs shows the importance of living amicably in one house. While some people will cause chaos and make others that they live with uncomfortable through bullying, abuse, or insults, those who live amicably have joy, peace, and easy living. For example, one may have neighbors who play loud music at night. People should strive to learn about others and ensure that they make their co-existence as peaceful and liveable as possible.

   Proverbs 22:22

   "Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court,"

   This verse explains the need for justice to be equal to all. The world we live in has made it possible that rich people get preference and leniency because of the influence while poor people in society are discriminated against and left to fend and protect themselves. Law enforcement and other institutions should heed this verse and treat everyone equally.

   Proverbs 23:12

   "Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge."

   This verse teaches people about purposeful learning and sharing of knowledge. Learning should be communal over selfish. For example, in classwork, if a person knows about something, yet others struggle with it, it would be proper for them to share their knowledge with the rest of the class for a better understanding. Therefore, people should purpose to learn and impart this knowledge onto others towards a common elevated experience.

   Proverbs 24:8

   “Whoever plots evil will be known as a schemer.”

   This verse shows the remedial patterns of people who perform acts of evil in society. In a setting, a burglar caught four times by police vandalizing homes, even after their release from prison, people in society will know him as a burglar. The consequence is that such a person may be deprived of working privileges, and law enforcement will always investigate his whereabouts to ensure that he abides by the law. People who become a menace to society by acts of violence or theft miss out on privileges and rights accorded to other civilians.

   Proverbs 25:6

   “Do not exalt yourself in the king's presence, and do not claim a place among his great men."

   Teaching about humility, this verse sheds light on boastful people. In the presence of people of power and influence, a person should wait on those who have invited them to the gathering to present them than personally being the one to speak. In such a forum, decorum dictates that one should remain humble and willing than boastful and pretentious. This helps one avoid shame to them and to those in the gathering that they know.

   Proverbs 26:27

   "Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them."

   This verse explains the downfall of troublemakers. People who continually make trouble will ruin themselves. Therefore, it is prudent to stay away from such people that they do not drag you down when they fall, maintaining integrity with others over trouble.

   Proverbs 27:5

   “Better is open rebuke than hidden love.”

   This verse teaches one the significance of correction. A person who tells another openly of their shortcomings makes them correct themselves. This is because it is in their best interest to be open with them. Such people will point out faults, and one will consider them better friends. On the other hand, those who coddle others without pointing out their faults are enablers of their bad behavior, and it does not help them change for the better.

    

    

   Proverbs 28:12

   "When the righteous triumph, there is great elation; but when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding."

   The verse reiterates the benefits of having honest and righteous people win over wicked people. For example, military coups are overthrown in countries; people are oppressed by military coups while liberated when the coups are overthrown. Therefore, there is freedom in the triumph of people who seek justice while oppression lurks around selfish people with wicked authoritarian mindsets.

   Proverbs 29:14

   "If a king judges the poor with fairness, his throne will be established forever."

   The verse speaks on the effectiveness of just leadership. People ruled by leaders who positively impact their lives, like uplifting their living standards and ensuring peace, will forever remember such leaders even after their rule is made. This is because such leaders see the benefit of human life in amicable and peaceful living. Therefore, leaders in power, be it in an organization or political position, should rule over their subordinates justly, fairly, and honestly, leaving a memorable legacy behind for others to follow.

   Proverbs 30:10

   "Do not slander a servant to their master, or they will curse you, and you will pay for it."

   The purpose of this verse surrounds the glorification of leaders by their subordinates. Taking the example of an employee slandering his manager and tarnishing his reputation falsely, when it is time for the employee to leave the company, the letter of recommendation may come with scrutiny from others who know of his actions. Therefore, subordinates must respect their superiors and cease distasteful talk about them. Such actions are fostered by pride that leads to the subordinate's downfall.

   Proverbs 31:30

   “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”

   This verse culminates this essay by explaining the importance of virtue in a woman. The world has stereotyped women into a certain classification towards what makes a woman beautiful. However, this verse explains that a woman's virtue and worth do not come from her beauty or manipulation to get men, but from the wisdom, she imparts to those she meets. A woman is priced as virtuous with her wisdom as she will carry this wisdom into making a house into a home, being responsible in teaching children the right from the wrong, and supports the home by supporting the husband. By doing so, brings value to all she interacts with when she imparts her wisdom. Every adult should therefore sleep at least 7 hours a day to maintain a positive physical and mental health