Proverbs 15 - Contrast The Upright And The Wicked Series

22 Without consultation, plans are frustrated, But with many counselors they succeed. Proverbs 15:22 (NASB)

When you come to a cross road in life – it is good to get advice. People with tunnel vision—those who are locked into one way of thinking—are likely to miss the right road because they have closed their minds to any new options. We need the help of those who can enlarge our vision and broaden our perspective. Seek out the advice of those who know you and have a wealth of experience. Build a network of advisers. Then be open to new ideas, and be willing to weigh their suggestions carefully. Your plans will be stronger and more likely to succeed.

23 A man has joy in an apt answer, And how delightful is a timely word! Proverbs 15:23 (NASB)

A word of wisdom at the right time is a jewel.

24 The path of life leads upward for the wise That he may keep away from Sheol below. Proverbs 15:24 (NASB)

Clarke says of this verse:

The way of life is above to the wise - There is a treble antithesis here:

1. The way of the wise, and that of the fool.

2. The one is above, the other below.

3. The one is of life, the other is of death.

25 The Lord will tear down the house of the proud, But He will establish the boundary of the widow. Proverbs 15:25 (NASB)

Construction or destruction are the options. Pride destroys.

The Message Bible reads:

“God smashes the pretensions of the arrogant; he stands with those who have no standing.” Proverbs 15:25 (MSG)

26 Evil plans are an abomination to the Lord, But pleasant words are pure. Proverbs 15:26 (NASB)

God hates evil and when you are planning that path – it is an abomination to the Lord. From our heart come our words – so pure thoughts produce pleasant words.

27 He who profits illicitly troubles his own house, But he who hates bribes will live. Proverbs 15:27 (NASB)

Dishonesty in life profits no one.

28 The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things. Proverbs 15:28 (NASB)

One mouth pours the other ponders. Here is advice to think before you speak.

29 The Lord is far from the wicked, But He hears the prayer of the righteous. Proverbs 15:29 (NASB)

I like to know that the Lord is near – that He hears my prayers. This is not so for the wicked.

30 Bright eyes gladden the heart; Good news puts fat on the bones. Proverbs 15:30 (NASB)

Jesus said:

"The eye is the lamp of your body; when your eye is clear, your whole body also is full of light; but when it is bad, your body also is full of darkness.” Luke 11:34 (NASB)

The “good news” not only sustains us – it “puts fat on the bones”.

31 He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof Will dwell among the wise. Proverbs 15:31 (NASB)

None of us like criticism – but if it is true it is words to live by.

32 He who neglects discipline despises himself, But he who listens to reproof acquires understanding. Proverbs 15:32 (NASB)

If we don’t learn from discipline we are only being destructive to ourselves. Listen and heed.