Proverbs 23:4-5 "Labor Not To Be Rich"

“Labor not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.”

It is our own wisdom that tells us to labor to be rich, yet riches are fleeting. If we shouldn’t labor for riches, what should we labor for? Labor for that which is eternal, not temporal. The things that last forever are the Word of God and the souls of men. Godly wisdom is found in the person who pursues these. (Proverbs 11:30; 19:20)
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Tis one life to live, it will soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Proverbs 22:1 "A Good Name"

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

Does this not cut across the grain of our desires? We are often tempted to compromise our integrity for riches, our good name for a little gain.
How many men have sacrificed the loving favor of their wife and children on the altar of prosperity? In the end, when it is all to late, they realize the foolishness of their ways. To have a good name, a loving wife, honorable children, and the favor of close friends is true wealth.
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"Relationships create the fabric of our lives. They are the fibers that weave all things together." -Eden Froust

Proverbs 21:3 "More acceptable than sacrifice"

"To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice."

It is so much easier to sacrifice something for the Lord and tell others the things we are sacrificing for God. No doubt it appeals to our flesh, our desire to be thought well of by others. In short, it is often done to puff up our pride.

Yet, while we are 'sacrificing for the Lord', we are also enjoying the 'pleasures' of the world. Perhaps it is watching a movie that uses God's name in vain or violates God's standards in the 10 commandments. Are we practicing justice if we entertain ourselves with these things?
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"He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." -Jim Elliot.

Proverbs 20:24 “Who’s in Control”

“Man's steps are ordained by the LORD, how then can man understand his way?”

Even though we make our own decisions & are responsible for them, we do not know the ultimate end of our decisions, but God does. It is, in fact, God who is actually directing our steps to fulfill His plans and His purposes (Psalm 37:23). What a tremendous comfort to all Christians we know God is sovereign through all the changes in our lives.

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Related Scriptures: Proverbs 16:9; Psalm 25:4; 37:23; Jeremiah 10:23;

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I have lived a long time, sir, and the longer I live the more convincing proofs I see of this truth - that God governs in the affairs of men. - Benjamin Franklin

Proverbs 19:13 “A Son, A Father, and A Wife”

“A foolish son is ruin to his father, and a wife's quarreling is a continual dripping of rain.”

Looking at this verse, your first thought is probably about the plight of the father who has a foolish son and a nagging wife. But remember that Proverbs was written to young people about wise living. Most likely, the young man will one day have a son and a wife. From that perspective, it is a caution for young man to be wise in choosing a wife and in how he raises his children. What qualities should a woman have – in this case, not have - before you take her as a wife? What steps as a father should you take to ensure you do not have a foolish son?

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Related Scriptures: Proverbs 19:18;13:24; 22:15; 29:15-17; 18:22; 31:10-31

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“My most brilliant achievement was my ability to be able to persuade my wife to marry me.” -Winston Churchill

Proverbs 18:3 “Companions of Wickedness”

“When a wicked man comes, contempt also comes, and with dishonor comes reproach.”

If you take company with a wicked man, you should expect a visit from his three companions: Contempt, Dishonor, and Reproach. Entertaining Mr. Wickedness will result is the greatest of misery for the Christian as he will force his trio of wicked friends upon you in an attempt to turn you from your First Love. The wise man will make no provision for Mr. Wickedness. Indeed, the wise man will flee when he sees Wickedness approaching and praise God for deliverance.

One thing we can learn from Mr. Wickedness is that, while his friends make the most horrid friends, those he hates are the most noble of friends. I highly recommend that you make their acquaintance. Some of Mr. Wickedness’ enemies include Righteousness, Godliness, Faith, Love, Perseverance and Gentleness. (1 Timothy 6:11)

Remember to always choose your friends carefully.

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Related Scriptures: 2 Timothy 2:22

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The wicked come in a variety of categories. Look at the different categories of wicked people in Matthew 27:39-44.

And those passing by were hurling abuse at Him, wagging their heads  and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.”

In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking Him and saying, “He saved others; He cannot save Himself. He is the King of Israel; let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe in Him. He trusts in God; Let God rescue Him now, if He delights in Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”

The robbers who had been crucified with Him were also insulting Him with the same words. 

Proverbs 17:27-28 “Cool Silent Wisdom”

“He who restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is considered prudent.”

Here are two ways to show yourself wise.

1. The first way is by controlling your tongue. The wise man uses his words sparingly, taking time to consider what to say before saying anything. When he does speak, the words have purpose. Never underestimate the power of silence. It is so powerful, that even a foolish person may be considered wise if he holds his tongue.

2. The second way is by having a “cool spirit”, i.e. not being given to anger but having a good temper. This is controlling your actions, or better, your reactions.

Of course, both ways of showing yourself wise are related. Indeed, find a man who controls his tongue, and you will usually find a man who controls his temper, and vise versa.  Why is this? Because both require self-control and both require you to pause and think first.

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Related Scriptures: Proverbs 15:2; 16:32; James 3:4-10

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“A cool head with a warm heart is an admirable composition.” –Albert Barnes