Proverbs 21:1 says, The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.  We could interpret this as meaning that whatever a king or person in power does is controlled by God, but I don't believe that is the case.  Instead I believe that if a person in power has put his or her faith in God, then that person will follow God's will.  Verse two states, Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.  We may feel that we can justify our actions, but God searches even our motives for our actions.  We cannot Justify ourselves before God.  Verse three says, To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.  I believe that this simply means that the way we live is more important to God than spiritual rituals.  We cannot go to church on Sunday and hate our neighbor for example and expect God to bless us for our attendance.  Verse four declares, An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.  Some people just seem to be posing so the attention will be on them at all times.  They seem to think that what they say and do is always correct and that what others say and do is wrong, if it goes against them.  We as followers of Christ are not to be full of self pride or self righteousness.  Verse five declares, The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.  If we want to be truly successful in life, then we will live guided by the righteousness of God.  When we follow the ways of the world instead of the righteousness of God we will ultimately fail.  Verse six states, The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.  Gaining earthly wealth by lying and deceit is in vain, or will ultimately amount to nothing.  If we are to follow Christ, we must obey God's commandments and follow His guidance in our lives.  Verse seven declares, The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.  Things that are gained by dishonesty will ultimately destroy a person spiritually.  When someone deals dishonesty with others, he or she refuses to accept God's judgment of his or her actions.  Verse eight says, The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.  The way that some who refuses to follow God lives is strange to God because that person is not following God's guidance.  On the other hand, is someone follows God's guidance, then that person's work is right before God.  Verse nine says, It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.  A person is better off with just a small place to live in peace than in a mansion where there is continually quarreling or contention.  This verse says with a quarreling woman, but I believe it applies to either spouse.  Verse ten proclaims, The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.  The wicked are evil in their soul, and will never be concerned with their neighbors well being.  Verse eleven states, When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.  When those who scorn God suffer punishment, even the simple should be able to learn from it.  When we are wise, or acknowledge God, we should receive His knowledge into our lives.  Verse twelve states, The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.  If we are to be wise in the Lord, we will understand how the wicked of the world gain what they have and avoid following their example.  We will also realize that one day God will judge them for their iniquity and they will be left with nothing.  Verse thirteen declares, Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.  If we refuse to hear the poor when they cry out to us, God will not hear us when we call out to Him.  God's word continually calls for His followers to help the poor.  Verse fourteen says,  A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.  Matthew Henry says this could refer to giving a bribe, which would be done in secret, but also says that our gifts should not be given simply to bring attention to our self.  Verse fifteen states, It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.  We should find joy in following God's leadership.  Following God's will should never be viewed as a burden that has been placed on us.  Destruction will come to those who work iniquity, in God's coming judgment if not before.

Proverbs 20:16 says, Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.  Matthew Henry says this refers to two ways to financial ruin.  One is to pledge security for just anyone or everyone.  The other is to pledge security for a strange woman simply to impress or endear her.  God expects those that follow Him to be responsible in using what He blesses them with.  Verse seventeen states, Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.  Lies may temporarily seem sweet, but when the truth is made known, lies will taste bitter in our mouth.  The truth will ultimately win out, and if our life is built on lies, we will be left bitter and alone before God.  Verse eighteen says, Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.  We are better off seeking the counsel of others, or at least of God, when making big decisions, especially those that will affect others.  This is especially true about going to war.  We should always do everything to bring God glory and not just to satisfy our own desires.  Verse nineteen declares, He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.  We should not tell everyone everything we think or are going to do.  Some people love to spread gossip, and we should attempt to avoid them.  Verse twenty states, Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.  We cannot follow God's will and hate our parents, no matter how good or bad they may be.  Respecting, or loving our parents comes from who we are as followers of Christ, and not just from what they have or haven't done.  Verse twenty-one proclaims, An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.  Matthew Henry says this means gaining an inheritance, or wealth, through cheating others.  It may make a person feel good in this world, but will end in destruction at God's judgment.  God will never bless anything gained by cheating someone else.  Verse twenty-two says, Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.  This is telling us that we are not to avenge evil with evil.  We, as followers of Christ, are not to have the attitude that if someone hurts us hurt them worse.  We are to wait on God to judge and punish all evil.  Verse twenty-three states, Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good.  This is once more simply a call for honesty in the way we treat others.  We are never to attempt to cheat someone else for our own gain.  Verse twenty-four asks, Man’s goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?  This asks how we can follow God if we continue to live by our own guidance.  We must always seek God's will as we go through life.  Verse twenty-five says, It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make inquiry.  We should not practice empty worship of God.  If we pledge something to God, then we should not look for a way to keep it for ourselves.  I believe this includes everything that we are or have.  As followers of Christ, we pledge our life to Him and should never attempt to keep part of our life for ourself.  Verse twenty-six says, A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.  Those who rule wisely work against the wicked, and I believe that it is implied that they follow God.  Verse twenty-seven states, The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.  If we are followers of Christ, then we will look to all aspects of our lives to make sure that we are following God's will.  God will certainly shed light in each dark corner of our lives.  Verse twenty-eight states, Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.  When a ruler rules with mercy and truth, his or her position will be upheld.  People tend to willingly follow those in power who rule with mercy and truth.  Verse twenty-nine says, The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head.  Just as young people glory in their strength, so should the older people realize that living a long life is a beauty in itself.  We cannot stay young forever, but should be content in growing older.  Verse thirty declares, The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly.  Matthew Henry says this means that sometimes those who are obstinate in their refusal to obey the law or God need punishment to bring them into line.

Proverbs 20:1 says, Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.  This is a warning about drinking to excess I believe.  We are not to allow drinking to cloud our judgment.  I do not think this is a statement that says avoid all alcoholic drinks, since in other parts of the Bible it is ruled as being okay to drink moderate amounts.  Verse two states, The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.  We are warned against provoking those in power.  To simply defy the law of those who are in power to prove that we can is not what God leads us to do.  When we rebel simply for earthly reasons, we harm our souls, or our everlasting relationship with God.  Verse three declares, It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.  When we follow God's plan for our life, we will attempt to avoid creating strife with others.  We should especially attempt to avoid strife with our fellow believers.  Those who deny God will continually be attempting to create strife for those who do believe.  Verse four says, The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.  The sluggard, one who is lazy, will find a reason to not work and will often find himself or herself hungry.  We are to be busy doing what God has called us to do.  Verse five states, Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.  If we are looking for wise counselling, we need to go to someone who knows God.  We need not look to those who proclaim anything else than the sovereignty of God for answers.  Verse six asks, Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?  Most people tend to claim their own goodness, but instead we need to claim our faithfulness to God.  Verse seven declares, The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.  I believe that this means that we are to live with integrity in our relationship to God, and if we do our children are more likely to come to know God.  Verse eight states, A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.  A king, or ruler, should always do what is best for those he rules.  This is not the case too often, but it should be.  Verse nine asks, Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?  The answer is no one except Jesus Christ.   We cannot stand before God and proclaim our goodness.  We are all but sinners saved by grace, or lost without accepting the grace of God through faith in Christ.  Verse ten declares, Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD.  God expects us to be honest in our dealings with others.  Verse eleven says, Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.  I believe that this simply means that as followers of Christ we are expected to live under the leadership of God.  God expects us to be honest in the things we say and do.  Verse twelve declares, The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.  God gives us sight and hearing, and I believe He expects us to see His work in the world and hear His message to us.  Verse thirteen states, Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.  I believe this is just another statement that we are to not be lazy, but are to be at work in the world, doing what God calls us to do.  It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.  God does not expect us to cheat others, for example by claiming something to be of little value when we buy it, but then claiming it to be of great value when we sell it.  Verse fifteen proclaims, There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.  I believe this is simply telling us that the knowledge of God is worth more than all the gold and rubies, or anything else, in the world.

Proverbs 19:16 says, He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.  If we could keep all the commandments without fail, then we would keep our soul safe forever, but since we cannot, Christ died to redeem us.  Still, we are to always strive to follow God's commandments, and we cannot follow Christ and despise or even ignore God's commandments.  Verse seventeen states, He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.  God will repay us for helping the poor, though the repayment may not be in material terms or in this lifetime.  Knowing we are doing God's will should be payment enough.  Verse eighteen says, Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.  We are called on to discipline our children before they become hopelessly lost.  We are to not allow their crying to keep us from disciplining them.  I don't believe that this means that we are to beat them, but we may need to physically punish them, but never to the point of causing any real injury.  Verse nineteen declares, A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.  Matthew Henry says this could apply to a headstrong individual who continually gets in trouble, or to a headstrong child who continually needs correction.  Since the verse refers to a man, I believe that is what we must interpret it as meaning.  Some people just refuse to follow the law of man or God.  When a person continues to be ruled by wrath, or hatred, we cannot just give up on him or her, but must always strive for his or her redemption, which can only come through accepting Christ.  Verse twenty states, Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.  We are called on to be wise and accept the instructions of God, so that we may be wise in the latter end, or judgment.  The only way to be wise is to accept Christ as our Savior and Lord.  Verse twenty-one proclaims, There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.  If we do not allow God to rule our heart. or mind, there are plenty of other things that will lead us away from Him.  It is important to follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit at all times.  Verse twenty-two states, The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.  I believe that this means that we are to be guided by kindness, even if it leaves us poor.  Also, it is better to be honest and poor than to be rich through lies or dishonesty.  Verse twenty-three declares, The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.  When we recognize and live under the authority of God, we will be satisfied.  I don't believe this means that nothing bad will ever happen to us, but that nothing bad will happen to us as a result of our own actions under God's leadership.  Verse twenty-four says, A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.  Matthew Henry says this means the lazy man will hide his hands like he is injured or cold to avoid work.  Verse twenty-five says, Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.  We should not allow those who scorn God to go unchallenged or unpunished, but if a person has an understanding of God, then that person will accept being reproved.  Verse twenty-six declares, He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.  Children who see themselves as entitled to waste away the things of their parents are like the prodigal son.  So are we when we waste the things God blesses us with instead of using them wisely under His leadership.  Verse twenty-seven states, Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.  As followers of Christ, therefore children of God, we are not to listen to the instructions of those who would lead us away from God's truth.  This can only lead to destruction of our witnessing and good works for God.  Verse twenty-eight declares, An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.  Those who deny God scorn the idea of His judgment and proclaim iniquity with their words.  Verse twenty-nine proclaims, Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.  Though those who scorn God may deny it, God's judgment is coming.  The only way to avoid everlasting punishment is to accept Jesus as our Savior and Lord.

Proverbs 19;1 says, Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.  We are better off poor and living with integrity, or being honest in our dealings with other people, than we are lying when we talk.  I believe this is especially true when we speak about God.  We may gain the world by denying God and His commandments, but we lose our soul's everlasting redemption, and are thereby a fool.  Verse two states, Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.  For our soul to be without the knowledge of God is not good.  This will lead to everlasting separation from God.  When we walk or run through life without stopping to ask God what He would have us do in every situation, we are sinning.  God expects us to allow Him to guide us at all times.  Verse three adds, The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.  I believe this is still referring to walking without God's guidance, and instead following the ways of the world.  If we do not follow God, we pervert our path, and this begins by not acknowledging God, or at least His power in our life.  Verse four declares, Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.  People want to be friends with the wealthy.  They may think this makes them look better, or that some of the wealth will be passed on to them somehow.  The poor are too often looked down on by, or separated from, their neighbors.  Verse five says, A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.  We can interpret this as referring to bearing false witness or lying about worldly things, for which it should be true, but often is not.  I believe it goes further and means bearing false witness or lying about God.  This will never go unpunished.  Verse six states, Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.  People want to be friends with those in power to see if they can benefit from it.  We also tend to be, or at least pretend to be, friends to those who give us gifts.  Verse seven adds, All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him. Just as people often want to be friends to the rich, they likewise want nothing to do with the poor.  We, as followers of Christ, are not to be this way.  We are to reach out to and be a friend to the poor and helpless.  Verse eight states, He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.  Instead of chasing after riches, we are to look to gain wisdom through following God's direction for our lives.  When we seek God's will in life, we are doing what is best spiritually, or for our soul.  Verse nine proclaims,  A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.  This has been stated before, and again I believe that this is more about denying God and speaking against Him than just lying about earthly matters.  One day, judgment is coming, and then those who have lied about God will be punished.  Verse ten says, Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.  If we do not acknowledge God, we are but a fool, and it is foolish for us to take delight in the things of the world.  It is also ridiculous for a servant to rule over a prince.  This is what we attempt to do when we deny God's authority in our lives.  Verse eleven proclaims, The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.  As followers of Christ, we are called on to be slow to anger and quick to forgive, and not quick to anger and slow to forgive.  Verse twelve says, The king’s wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass.  We can expect to be punished by those in power if we make them angry.  Likewise, we can expect to be treated better if we follow the law.  If the choice becomes following man's law or God's law, we must follow God's law, even if we experience the wrath of those in power by doing so.  Verse thirteen states, A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.  Family problems are a calamity in life.  If everyone in the family is following God's leadership, then these problems will not exist.  Verse fourteen declares, House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.  The things of this world are inherited from earthly fathers, but a good wife is from God.  Marriage is not just an eathly  legal institution, but a true marriage is centered in God.  Verse fifteen declares, Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.  We are called on to be active witnesses for God, and not to just sit back awaiting the return of Christ.  If we are not actively involved in following Christ, then we will be spiritually hungry.

Proverbs 18:13 says, He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.  I believe that this means that a person shouldn't speak about something before that person really knows all the facts.  This would include repeating gossip.  We should always know that what we are saying is true before we say it.  Sometimes, even if it is the truth, we may be better off not saying something if it is done so simply to hurt someone else.  Verse fourteen asks, The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?  If we are broken in spirit, which I believe would mean without faith in God, then how can we bear the difficulties that come in life?  I believe that without faith in God that we cannot.  Verse fifteen states, The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.  If we are to be prudent and wise, we will seek knowledge and understanding that can only come from God.  This is more than just being educated, and is about true knowledge of how the world works under the power of God.  We cannot gain true knowledge without first acknowledging God.  Verse sixteen says,  A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.  This is referring to bribery.  Some people are able to get what they want by simply bribing those in power.  It doesn't even have to be called a bribe, but if the gift results in a favorable outcome in a situation, it is still a bribe.  Verse seventeen declares, He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.  Matthew Henry says that this means the first tale told will likely be believed until someone else contradicts it.  Then, the truth will disprove a lie generally speaking.  Verse eighteen states, The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.  In the Bible, disputes were often settled by casting lots.  It seems that at times today this might be the only way to settle disputes, especially between two strong sides.  Still, what we should be doing in all cases is seeking God's will, then holding firm to His truth.   Verse nineteen proclaims, A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.  Sometimes, when a brother or sister has been offended by something done to them, a person would find it easier to break through the bars of a castle than to get forgiveness from the one offended.  As Christians, we should always be ready to forgive though.  Verse twenty says, A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.  Matthew Henry says that the belly refers to the conscience, and that the fruit is our words.  When we speak in honesty, proclaiming God's truth, our conscience will be at ease.  Verse twenty-one states, Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.  Our tongue, or words, are powerful.  We have the power of life, when we share God's good news and proclaim His teachings about life.  We also have the power of death when we deny God and lead others to do so as well.  Of course, this could also refer to testifying about another person in court, but I believe the overall concept is about how we witness for or against God, since that is where true life and death come from.  We will be held accountable for how we use our tongue, or speak.  Verses twenty-two declares, Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.  God established marriage,, the union of one man and one woman into one flesh.  A man does well when he finds a good wife.  Again, God must be at the center of the marriage for it to be successful.  Verse twenty-three says, The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.  The poor will often ask, or beg, for help, and the rich will too often treat the poor badly instead of helping them.  God's word always tells us that we are to help the poor and never tells us to ignore or despise them.  Verse twenty-four proclaims, A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.  If we want to have friends, then we must be friendly toward others.  If we find a true friend, he or she will stick with us through hard times, sometimes even more so than our own siblings.

Proverbs 18:1 says, Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.  I believe that this means that people who accept Christ into their lives have a desire to separate themselves from the world and proclaim the wisdom of God.  If we are going to proclaim God's wisdom, we cannot do so if we are guided by the same values as the lost of the world.  Verse two states, A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.  We need to remember that a fool is not a person with limited intelligence, but a person who has said in his or her heart that there is no God.  Such people will never have understanding, but will follow whatever they may think up as the right way to live.  Verse three says, When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.  We could see this as a contempt of other people, but I believe that we can also say that when the wicked come, they earn the contempt of God.  Verse four declares, The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.  What we say is controlled by what we believe.  If we are going to have the gospel, the living water, flowing out of our mouth, the we must first have it within us.  Verse five states, It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.  This is a simple enough concept to understand, but often people do accept the way of the wicked in an attempt to overthrow God's wisdom and those who follow Him.  Verse six says, A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.  A fool likes to argue his or her point, especially with those who are followers of Christ.  Verse seven adds, A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.  This is still speaking about what the fool says.  The words of the fool, a person who denies God, will lead to destruction if they are followed.  Verse eight declares, The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.  This continues to speak about the power of words.  I believe a tale bearer is someone who makes up or shares stories about other people that are not true.  This can hurt a person deeply.  Even if the stories happen to be true, they are repeated simply to hurt the person.  Verse nine states, He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.  Being lazy in the way we work is the same as being wasteful.  We, as followers of Christ, are to do our jobs the best that we can, and not to do only as little as possible.  Verse ten says, The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.  When we believe in God, we have safety in life, now and forever.  Even if we lose our life in this world, we have everlasting security with God.  This should cause us to run to God for security, whatever is going on in life.  Verse eleven declares, The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.  I believe this refers to those who put their faith in riches instead of God.  They believe that their riches are like a strong city, and their conceit, or belief in themselves is like a high wall protecting them.  Verse twelve adds, Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.  When we are haughty, or filled with self-pride, instead of humbling ourselves before God, we are setting ourselves up for destruction.

Proverbs 17:16 says, Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?  There is no way for a fool to buy wisdom, no matter how much he might be willing to pay for it.  Wisdom begins with accepting Christ in our lives.  Without this, we have no heart for wisdom.  Verse seventeen states, A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.  A true friend will love a person at all times, and a brother will stand with a person through adversity.  Verse eighteen adds, A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.  Matthew Henry says this is another warning about acting as surety for a friend's debt.  We act foolishly when we do so.  Verse nineteen says, He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.  If we love sin, it is always going to bring strife into our lives, whether we want to admit it or not.  Verse twenty proclaims, He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.  When our hearts, or innermost being, is not following God's direction, we will find no true good in life.  Verse twenty-one states, He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.  I don't believe this means having a child with mental problems, but means having one who will not acknowledge God and follow His guidance.  Verse twenty-two declares, A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.  I believe that this is once more referring to having a positive attitude about life as opposed to having a negative attitude.  As followers of Christ, we should always have joy in our heart.  Verse twenty-three says, A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.  Wicked people can have their judgment bought for a price.  Verse twenty-four states, Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.  Matthew Henry relates this to wise people being successful in life by being able to concentrate on what at hand, whereas foolish people are always looking in too many directions.  I believe that it can also mean that people who are wise acknowledge and follow God now, but the foolish will not acknowledge God until His judgment.  Verse twenty-five says, A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.  Foolish children disappoint their parents.  This is simple enough to understand.  Parents really want their children to be smart, but even more so Christian parents want their children to acknowledge and accept God as the guide of their lives.  Verse twenty-six states, Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.  The just, those that follow God's guidance in life, should not be struck, or punished. Sometimes though, God's people are punished because of their faith.  Verse twenty-seven declares, He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.  People who are knowledgeable do not just continually talk or bring attention to themselves.  Also, if we have understanding, or know that we are God's people forever through our faith in Christ, the we should have an excellent spirit.  Verse twenty-eight declares, Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.  This is just like the old saying that it is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt.  If we have nothing intelligent to say, then we are better off saying nothing.

Proverbs 17:1 says, Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.  It is better to live a quiet, peaceful life with only the basics than to have a house full of everything without any peace.  Only through following God's will for our lives can we find this peace, no matter what our situation.  Verse two states, A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.  Those who serve wisely, though but a servant, will gain more of an inheritance than a son who causes shame to his family.  As followers of Christ, we must be obedient children of God.  Verse three states, The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.  Silver and gold are refined by fire and are earthly treasures, but the heart of every person is judged by God.  God does not judge our earthly wealth, but judges our attitude toward Him.  Verse four says, A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.  Those who would do evil, which would really mean anything not done for God and His glory, will listen to any lies that the world may put forth.  Verse five declares, Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.  Once again, this is a statement about how God feels about those who look down on or mistreat the poor.  We can have an attitude that the poor are that way because of their own doing, but this is not the attitude that God expects us to have.  Verse six states, Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.  Grandchildren are a blessing to those who have them, even if they don't always acknowledge it.  Parents should likewise be a glory to children.  Verse seven proclaims, Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.  A foolish person speaking with excellence does not sound right, but even worse is a ruler who lies.  Verse eight states, A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.  Matthew Henry says this refers to someone who will do anything for money, even accept a bribe.  Verse nine says, He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.  I believe that this means that we are not to speak about the sins of others, but are to simply pray for them.  Still, some people can't seem to wait to broadcast the sins of others, even if it separates friends.  This is not to say that we should overlook the sins of others, but that we should not want to tell everyone about them if we are aware of them.  Verse ten declares, A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.  Once more, as wise person is one who follows God, and a fool is one who does not.  A person who follows God will listen to His reproof always, but a person with does not cannot have obedience beaten into him or her.  Verse eleven states, An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.  Those who will not turn away from evil with a simple appeal for them to, those who continually rebel against God, will one stand before God's wrath at their refusal to accept His graceful gift of salvation.  Verse twelve declares, Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.  It is better to meet an angry momma bear than to meet a fool in his folly.  Again,, a fool is someone who denies God, and therefore anything they do will be done in folly, or without God's leadership.  Verse thirteen says, Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house. This is a warning about treating people who treat us well badly.  If we do, we are not following God's commandments, and we can expect to always have evil in our house.  Verse fourteen states, The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.  Words spoken in haste when angry are like water out of a dam that has burst.  They can cause great damage, so it is better to speak in a way that will glorify God, no matter how we may be feeling.  Verse fifteen proclaims, He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.  Matthew Henry says this refers to corrupt officials who can have their decisions bought.  I believe it goes even further, meaning when we justify the actions of anyone who is not following God or condemn someone who is, then we are an abomination to God.

Proverbs 16:17 says, The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.  The highway is the way where travel is generally the easiest, and the easiest way for us to follow God is to depart from evil.  When we follow the way of God, which must begin with salvation through Christ, we preserve our soul.  Verse eighteen states, Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.  Some people seem to think that only they know everything and are filled with self-pride.  When they feel this way, they are setting themselves up for a fall.  We cannot be haughty in spirit and follow God, but must admit that we are simply sinners saved by grace and that any wisdom we have comes from God.  Verse nineteen declares, Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.  We are better off poor with a humble spirit before God than we are rich following those who do not acknowledge God, or those who live by pride in themselves instead of humility before God.  Verse twenty adds, He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.  To handle a matter wisely, we must follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit.  When we trust in God, we should be happy, or content, with our life.  Verse twenty-one states, The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.  I believe that this means if we follow God that we will not chase after the things of this world, but will put God first.  Verse twenty-two says, Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.  Again, true understanding can only come from relying on God to guide us, and when we do, we will find that wellspring of life.  To those who will not follow God, everything is folly.  Verse twenty-three declares, The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.  When we follow God we will allow the Holy Spirit to direct our speech.  We will speak in a way that brings honor to God.  Verse twenty-four adds, Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.  We should always attempt to make our words pleasant, as long as we are speaking under God's guidance.  I don't believe that this means that we are always to agree with everything that is said, but we are to attempt to speak softly even when we disagree with someone.  Verse twenty-five states, There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.  People may think that the path they are following is the right way to live successfully, but if they are not following God, then the end of their path will be everlasting destruction.  Verse twenty-six says,  He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.  When we work, we do so to meet our needs.  If we don't work, we may go hungry.  Matthew Henry says this applies to both physically and spiritually.  Verse twenty-seven says, An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.  Those who do not acknowledge the will of God will always be guided by evil.  They may not even appear to be that bad, but ultimately their works will be judged as evil by God.  Verse twenty-eight declares, A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.  Some people just love to spread rumors and create discord among others, even those who are friends.  Verse twenty-nine states, A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.  Violent people tend to attempt to lead others to be the same way.  This is never good, especially for those who are followers of Christ.  We should not allow the violence or hatred of others to cause us to be the same way.  Verse thirty proclaims, He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.  If we begin to allow evil to rule our thoughts, then we will soon be acting on them.  Verse thirty-one states, The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.  Long life is a crown of glory, if it is reached by living in a right relationship with God.  Otherwise, or not living under the will of God, a person has simply gotten old.  Verse thirty-two declares, He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.  People who control their temper are better than those who simply give in to anger to show their strength.  We are to control our actions toward others by the leadership of the Holy Spirit.  Verse thirty-three says,  The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.  No matter what comes our way in this world, God is still in charge.

Proverbs 16:1 says, The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.   We may devise our own plans because we have free will, but God is the One Who has the true answer to what we should do in any situation.  Verse two states, All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.  We may justify our actions to ourself, but God is the One Who ultimately judges whether our actions are correct or not.  God even judges the reason behind the action.  Verse three says, Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.  When we are truly committed to following God's will for our lives, we will have our thoughts guided by the Holy Spirit, so they will be consistent with God's will.  Verse four declares, The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.  God created it all for Himself.  We were created to serve God, but He gives us a choice.  I don't believe that this verse means that God created some people as evil, but that He has prepared a place for evil people, which includes all who will not acknowledge Him.  Verse five says, Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.  The proud in heart, those that believe they do not need God, are an abomination to God.  They may band together, but this does not change the truth of God.  Verse six states, By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.  The evil in our lives can only be purged by accepting Christ as Savior and Lord.  We cannot make ourselves good enough to be accepted by God, but can only accept His merciful and gracious gift of salvation.  Verse seven states, When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.  I believe that this is saying that when we follow God's will for our lives, we will be at peace in the world.  No one will be able to find a reason to be at war with us based on our actions.  This does not say that we will not have enemies, because we will.  Those who follow Satan and the ways of the world will always be against God's people.  Verse eight declares, Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.  People too often want the riches of the world more than the righteousness of God.  Still, we are told we are better off poor, or with little, with a right relationship with God than with great riches without Him.  Verse nine states, A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.  We may have a plan for our life, but if it is to be successful we must allow God to direct our steps.  I believe this means to follow God with each step we take.  Verse ten states, A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.  Just as a king's judgment is absolute, so much more so is the judgment of God.  Verse eleven proclaims, A just weight and balance are the LORD’s: all the weights of the bag are his work.  God will always deal with us fairly and honestly, and I believe He expects the same of us in the way we deal with others.  Verse twelve says, It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.  For kings or rulers to commit wickedness is an abomination, since they should be doing what is best for their people.  Verse thirteen states, Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.  Just as rulers should be righteous, so should those that he rules.  We should not expect righteous rulers if we ourselves are not righteous.  Verse six says, The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.  They verse fifteen adds, In the light of the king’s countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.  In some countries rulers have absolute authority.  This was especially true in the days of the Old Testament.  It is always best to pacify such rulers when possible, but we can never do so at the cost of our relationship with God.  As much as possible, we are to obey the law and life will be easier.  Verse sixteen declares, How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!  Wisdom and understanding, which can only come through having a right relationship with God, are to be valued above silver and gold.

Proverbs 15:18 says, A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.  Our attitude can often either increase or decrease strife.  Some people delight in speaking badly about those who disagree with them, which only increase the strife between them.  Verse nineteen states, The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.  Those who are lazy have a hard time figuring out how to survive.  They are seemingly hedged in, but the way of the righteous, those that follow God, is made plain by God.  Verse twenty declares, A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.  This simply states that we should honor our parents, and when we do, they will be pleased with us.  Still, some people despise their parents because they don't want to follow their directions.  I believe that this would especially apply to Godly parents who have taught their children under God's leadership.  Verse twenty-one says, Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.  The foolishness, or folly, of the world is a joy to those who refuse to believe God.  Such people look for happiness in all kinds of behavior, but will really never know the joy of life that comes from living under God's guidance.  Verse twenty-two declares, Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellers they are established.  Some people believe that they know more than anyone else and refuse to accept the counsel of others.  Of course, we need to make sure that the people we are listening to are following God's direction as well.  Verse twenty-three declares, A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!  When we speak with the wisdom that God gives us when He directs us to speak, it should bring joy.  We are to share the gospel, the good news, and not gloom and doom.  Verse twenty-four proclaims, The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.  We really only have two choices about how to live.  One is by following God's guidance, which is seen as coming from above, or the guidance of Satan, which comes from below.  Verse twenty-five states, The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.  The pride referred to here is self-pride, I believe.  God is always there for those who will put their faith in Him.  We, as followers of Christ, are to be there to help the less fortunate as well.  Verse twenty-six declares, The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.  God knows our every thought, and the thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to Him.  When our thoughts are focused on doing God's will, our words will be pleasant to God.  Verse twenty-seven states, He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.  We live in a me and more generation.  People of the world want to know what is in it for them and how can they get more.  We as followers of Christ are not to be guided by this attitude.  Verse twenty-eight says, The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.  We should think before we speak and be guided by God's wisdom when we do.  The wicked will never wait to consider what God would have them say.  Verse twenty-nine declares, The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.  Until a person accepts Christ as his or her Savior and Lord, that person will be far away from God.  If we have accepted Christ as our Savior and Lord, then God will hear our prayers.  Verse thirty states, The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.  Matthew Henry says this means it is always good to see the good in God's creation and to have a good reputation with those who know us.  Verse thirty-one states, The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.  We are wise if we hear and accept reproof.  Though we may at times need to accept the reproof of people, we should always accept the reproof of God.  Verse thirty-two declares, He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.  I believe that we can definitely say that this refers to the reproof of God.  If we won't accept God's reproof, we despise our soul.  When we do accept God's reproof, we gain understanding.  Verse thirty-three proclaims, The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.  We must acknowledge that God is the Creator and Sustainer of everything and humble ourselves before Him.  Until we acknowledge God for Who He is, we will never live in wisdom.

Proverbs 15:1 says, A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.  When we have a disagreement with someone, we tend to get louder as we argue, but if we remain calm and answer softly, we are more likely to decrease the anger of the other person.  This may not always be the case, but we are still called on to answer softly under God's guidance.  Verse two states, The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.  If we are wise, or follow God's commandments, what we say will point others to Him and be of benefit to those that we speak to.  Those who do not acknowledge God can only speak foolishness.   Verse three declares, The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.  We cannot hide from God.  We may hide our sins from the whole world,, but God sees everything.  As followers of Christ, we should want God to see us always doing what is right in His eyes.  Verse four says  A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.  I believe that this goes beyond just avoiding saying bad things and means that everything we say should be wholesome, bringing glory to God and benefiting others.  Too often we are more concerned with the words we don't say than we are with the ones we do.  Verse five proclaims, A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.  Some people simply will not obey what their earthly father instructs them to do.  This tells us that if we are to be prudent, we will listen to the instructions of our fathers.  This would imply that they are instructing us guided by the wisdom of God.  Verse six says, In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.  I believe that the treasure spoken of is not earthly riches, but the richness of being in a right relationship with God.  No matter how much or how little we have, if we are following God's direction for our lives, we have a great treasure.  If we don't put our faith in God, then no matter how much revenue we may have, it will only bring us trouble in our relationship to God.  Verse seven declares The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.  The wise are those who believe in God and accept His word to guide them, and the foolish are those who do not.  We can only speak with knowledge when we are guided by God through the Holy Spirit.  Verse eight states, The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.  We cannot buy God's favor with insincere sacrifices.  God will always see the attitude behind the action, and if we are offering sacrifices for our own glory instead of God's, then God will see this as an abomination.  Verse nine says, The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness. Not only what we say, but also what we do is important to God.  We can say all the right things about God, but if we do not live guided by His word, then what we do is an abomination to Him.  Verse ten declares, Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.  Those who will not follow the way that Christ leads will hate the reproof of God, finding it grievous to them.  When we do not accept the reproof of God, it leads us to the death of spiritual things.  Verse eleven asks, Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?  God knows everything bad that is going on, even those things plotted by Satan himself, so why would people think that they could hide evil in their heart?  God knows our every thought.  Verse twelve states, A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.  I believe that this refers to someone who does not believe in God and do not like those who witness for Him.  They do not want to be concerned about the beliefs of the wise, those who believe in God.  Verse thirteen says, A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.  Happiness is good for a person and sadness is not, since it can break our spirit.  As followers of Christ, we should rejoice in the Lord no matter what is happening in our lives.  Verse fourteen says, The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.  If we are to follow Christ, or be wise, we must seek the knowledge of God and not be guided by the foolishness of the world.  Verse fifteen states, All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.  I don't believe that this is about what we have, but our attitude about it.  Some people are just never happy no matter how much they have, and some rejoice no matter how little they have.  Verse fifteen declares, Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.  We are better off with little in material things and following God's laws than we are with great riches without following God.  Great riches often also bring great troubles.  Verse seventeen states, Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.  It is better to enjoy the simple things than to be troubled by trying to gain the richer things.  I don't believe that this means that we aren't to have ambition, but that we are not to be ruled by it so much that we are never satisfied.