Proverbs 14:26 says, In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.  We, as followers of Christ, should have a strong confidence when we go out into the world.  No matter what happens in this life, we will be victorious through Christ.  We have an everlasting refuge with God.  Verse twenty-seven states, The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.  As I have stated before, I don't believe that fear of the Lord means that we are to always be afraid that God is ready to strike us down at any moment.  Instead, we are to have a an great respect for the awesome power of God.  We must acknowledge that God always acts out of love, even when He is chastising us.  When we accept God's gift of salvation, then we will respect His authority over us.  When we accept Christ as our Savior and Lord, He becomes a fountain of life for us, and through the leadership of the Holy Spirit we escape the snares of the world that can only lead to death.  For the Christian, this would be the death of our effectiveness as a witness for God, and not an everlasting spiritual death.  Verse twenty-eight says, In the multitude of people is the king’s honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.  Basically, this tells us that when a king, or those in power, rule wisely, or by God's guidance, the country will grow and the king will be blessed, or admired.  When there is no concern for all the people, then people will rebel against the ruler.  Verse twenty-nine proclaims, He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.  We, as followers of Christ, should be slow to get angry.  When we do get angry, it should be a righteous anger concerning the things of God.  For example, we should not become angry because some cuts us off in traffic, but if they are denouncing the law of God, we should be righteously angry.  Even then, this anger should be directed at the sin and not the sinner.  We will never reach people if we hate them.  Verse thirty states, A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.  Though a sound heart does help keep the body healthy, I believe this mean a heart that is dedicated to following God leading to spiritual health of an individual.  If we are filled with envy about anyone or anything in this world, we are not living in a right relationship to God, and this allows sin, or rottenness, to enter our life.  Verse thirty-one says, He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.  The Bible has a lot to say about treating the poor with care.  This verse says that if we oppress the poor that we reproach our Maker, or God.  Even if it is sometimes hard to know where to draw the line in helping others, we as followers of Christ should always draw it on the side of generosity.  If people take advantage of our generosity as we act under God's leadership and for His glory, then that is between God and them.  We tend to protest more about giving food vouchers to the poor than we do about giving big tax breaks to the rich, for example.  If we want to honor God, we will have mercy on the poor everywhere in the world.  Verse thirty-two states, The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.  The wicked, those who do not accept Christ as their Savior and Lord, will be driven away from God at His judgment, but those who put their faith in Christ will have hope even in their death.  Death has been defeated by Christ.  Though we may die to this life, we know that we have everlasting life with God through Christ.  This is our hope in death.  Verse thirty-three states, Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.
If we know God through our relationship with Christ, then we are ruled by wisdom.  If people do not accept Christ, then there is no way to know what thoughts may rule their actions.  Verse thirty-four declares, Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.  As I have said before, if we want God to bless America, then America must first bless, or obey,  God by following Him leadership.  This applies to any nation.  Righteousness exalts a nation.  This is not self-righteous that says that we are better than other people simply because of where we were born, but true righteousness that says that we are simply sinners saved by grace.  Verse thirty-five says, The king’s favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.  As a general rule this may be true of earthly kingdoms, but it is always true of God.  If we act wisely, or accept His gift of salvation and follow His guidance, then we will find favor with Him.  The opposite is true of those who don't.  They will know the wrath of God.

Proverbs 14:16 says, A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.  Once more, a wise man is someone who believes in God, and as such he will depart from evil.  The wicked rage in their sin and are confident nothing will ever happen to them because of it.  Verse seventeen states, He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.  We should not be quick to anger.  I believe those who are tend to be self-centered.  People who are always attempting to cheat or harm others are generally hated by most people.  Verse eighteen says, The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. I don't believe this is referring to I.Q. or education, but instead to those who do not gain the knowledge of God, the simple, and those who do,, the prudent.  Verse nineteen proclaims, The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.  I believe that this is referring to the time after the return of Christ, since in this world the evil often comes out on top.  Verse twenty states, The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.  Too often today, the poor are looked down on or even despised.  There tends to be an attitude that they are somehow totally responsible for their situation.  On the other hand, people tend to look up to those who are rich.  We, as followers of Christ, are called on to help the poor and not idolize or chase after the rich.  Verse twenty-one declares, He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.  This again is a call for God's people to not despise their neighbors, for any reason.  If we do, we are guilty of sinning.  Likewise, if we have mercy on the poor, we should feel good about it, and not act as though we have been imposed upon.  Verse twenty-two asks, Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.  This is a rhetorical question.  The answer is an implied yes.  When we device good, or follow God's guidance, mercy and truth will be our reward.  Verse twenty-three says, In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.  I believe that this tells us we should work instead of just talking.  God expects His people to be productive people, doers of the word of God and not just hearers or speakers.  Verse twenty-four states, The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly.  Having wealth gained by the wisdom of God gives a person more opportunities to do good and is like a crown.  Those who gain riches through evil will have the foolishness of their riches revealed one day.  Verse twenty-five declares, A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.  I believe that we could see this as speaking about being a true witness in worldly matters, but I believe that it especially means in our witness for Christ.  If we witness with the truth of salvation through Christ alone, and people accept our witness, then souls can be saved.

Proverbs 14:1 says,  Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.  A woman who follows Christ will do those things that build up her home.  She will use what she has under God's guidance and will instruct her children in the ways of God.  The foolish woman will be more concerned with material things, and this will result in ruin, spirituality if not materially.  Verse two states, He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.  If we fear, or respect, God, we will walk by His guidance.  If we don't believe in God, we will walk in the perverse ways of the world.  Verse three says, In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.  The foolish, those who do not acknowledge God, speak out of self-pride.  Eventually, their own words will condemn them.  In God's judgment, we are held accountable only for our own sins.  Those who put their faith in God will speak under the leadership of Christ.  Verse four declares, Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.  Matthew Henry says this refers to those who are more concerned with things that look good than they are with working.  We do not use oxen to plow much today, but if we needed to grow our own food, they would be more important than fancy cars, let's say.  Verse five declares, A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.  If we are to follow Christ, we must be a faithful witness, in the things of this world, but more importantly in the things of God.  Those who do not accept Christ will always be living a lie.  Verse six declares, A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.  Those who scorn God's word will never find wisdom, which comes from God, no matter how hard they seek it.  Wisdom is easily found if a person only accepts Christ as Savior and Lord.  Verse seven says, Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.  We should not listen to the teachings of those who deny God.  Often, we are given a choice between believing what the world teaches and what God teaches.  We are to hold fast to God's truth.  Verse eight declares, The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.  Prudent people put their faith in understanding the way God.  Jesus said He was the way, the truth, and the light, so we must first put our faith in Him.  Any other way than the way of Christ is the way of folly.  Verse nine proclaims, Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.  Fools, those who deny God, make sin out to be of no consequence.  Verse ten aays, The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.  Matthew Henry says that this means that every person has their secret sorrows, but that those who put their faith in God have a secret joy in their heart that no one can take away.  Verse eleven proclaims,  The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.  I believe that this refers to the outcome in God's judgment.  Often in the world in which we live the wicked flourish, but this will not be the ultimate outcome.  Verse twelve says, There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.  We may think that some path that is not God's way looks appealing, but if it is not God's path that we are on, the outcome will be destruction.  Verse thirteen states, Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.  I believe this refers to those who do not follow God.  Even if they seem happy, there is always something deep inside that keeps them from complete joy.  Verse fourteen proclaims, The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.  Those who backslide, or turn away from God, will be guided by his or her own standards instead of God's standards.  Verse fifteen says, The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.  I believe this means that some people will believe anything they are told, but those who are prudent, or wise, will look for the truth of what is being said under God's guidance.

Proverbs 13:13 says, Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.  This is a very clear statement.  Those who despise God's word will be destroyed, and those who follow God's commandments will be rewarded.  Of course, to follow God's commandments we must first accept Christ as our Savior and Lord.  We will never be rewarded for our own righteousness, because we never fully keep all God's commandments.  Verse fourteen states, The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.  The law of the wise is the law of God, and it begins with believing that Jesus is the crucified and resurrected Lord.  When we accept Christ, He is a fountain of life, saving us from spiritual death, or that everlasting separation from God.  Verse fifteen adds, Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.  This is a good understanding of salvation, of allowing Christ to be our Savior and Lord.  When we understand, or accep this, we live in the favor of God.  Those who reject Christ will truly find their way hard when judgment comes.  Verse sixteen declares, Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.  The knowledge that the prudent must deal with is the knowledge that comes from God.  We cannot just be wise in our own understanding.  When we reject the knowledge of God, we are living in our own folly.  Verse seventeen says, A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.  Though this could simply apply to being faithful in our acting on the part of others, I believe that it goes a little deeper and means acting faithfully as ambassadors for Christ.  We are to present God's word accurately, and not to foolishly attempt to change it.  Verse eighteen says, Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.   I believe that this means more than just not following instructions on the job, which can lead to poverty by the loss of a job.  I believe that this means that if we refuse to follow the instructions of God, it will lead to spiritual poverty.  If we accept the reproof of God, which starts with acknowledging our sins and accepting Christ as our Savior and Lord, then we will be honored by having that everlasting relationship with God.  Verse nineteen states, The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.  Again, though this could apply to earthly desires, I believe that it applies to the desire to have a right relationship with God.  When we have evil desires accomplished, it is an abomination in the eyes of God.  Even if we achieve all our desires outside of the will of God, it is still an abomination to Him.  Verse twenty states, He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.  We, as followers of Christ, should walk with other Christians.  This does not mean that we are not to be out in the world, but that when we are seeking guidance that we should look to other Christians to help us walk with Christ.  The foolish, those who deny God and His leadership, and those that follow them will be destroyed when Christ returns.  They will be sent away from God into everlasting punishment.  Verse twenty-one says, Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.  Whatever the sinner gains in life will be evil, or outside the will of God.  When we are righteous, or have a right relationship with God through Christ, then what we do for Him will be rewarded.  The main reward is an everlasting relationship with God.  Verse twenty-two states, A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.  I believe that the inheritance that this speaks of is more than material possessions.  The inheritance that the good man or woman leaves for their children is the knowledge of a right relationship with God.  When they can leave this to their children, and their children accept it, then it is an everlasting inheritance.  Those who have not accepted Christ as Savior and Lord cannot leave anything that will last.  Verse twenty-three says, Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.  Even when we do not have much, if we use it wisely, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, we will have our needs met.  If we have an abundance, but use it only for ourselves with no concern for God or others, we will lose it all, in God's day of judgment if not before.  Verse twenty-four declares, He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.   If we love our children, we will discipline them.  Allowing children to do whatever makes them happy is not a sign of love.  We must attempt to teach them right from wrong, which begins with the knowledge of God.  Verse twenty-five states, The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.  If we are the righteous, or followers of Christ, we will be concerned about feeding or souls, that everlasting part of us that will never die, more than we will be concerned with feeding our body, or material things.  Those who are wicked, or do not follow Christ, put material things first and ignore the soul.

Proverbs 13:1 says, A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.  I believe this would refer to a righteous, or Godly, father.  We should always obey our father, unless he is leading us away from God, as too many fathers do.  Some children will scorn a father's attempts to lead them to follow God's direction in their lives.  Verse two states, A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.  When we follow Christ, we can eat and live at peace in our soul.  Those who do not follow Christ can never have this inner peace.  Verse three advises, He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.  I believe that this tells us that we should have control of the things we say.  We should never speak in anger or to cause harm to another person, but should always speak in a way that brings honor to God.  Verse four states, The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.  We could interpret this from a material understanding, but I believe that it more accurately refers to a spiritual one.  The spiritual sluggard will always be desiring something that they do not have, but those that have accepted salvation through Christ will be spiritually filled.  Verse five says, A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.  Not only should we as followers of Christ not lie, but we should hate lying itself.  Too often today we don't want to call a lie a lie, and we are willing to believe someone who lies, even when there is abundant evidence to show that they are lying.  Verse six proclaims, Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.  As followers of Christ, we have a responsibility to help others stay on the path of righteousness.  If they start to go the wrong way, we are to lead them back.  Sinners will always attempt to lead people away from God.  Verse seven says, There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.  This is speaking of earthly riches.  Some people are materially rich, but they have nothing spiritually.  Followers of Christ may have very little materially, but they are spiritually rich.  Too often, even as followers of Christ, we chase after the material instead of the spiritual.  Verse eight says, The ransom of a man’s life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.  Often, those who are rich find themselves a target of those who are jealous of their riches, at times literally having to pay a ransom for their lives.  The poor are generally left alone in this aspect.  I believe that we can also say that often a person allows riches to be more important than God, thereby becoming a ransom for, or a giving up of, their everlasting relationship with God.  Verse nine proclaims, The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.  The light of the righteous is their relationship to Christ, and we can rejoice in the fact that it will never be put out.  For those who reject Christ, their lamp is their own righteousness, which will never last.  Verse ten states, Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.  I believe that this means self pride.  When one person feels superior to another, for whatever reason, that person tends to allow pride to cause him or her to feel that their opinion is correct.  This will often cause contention.  If a person, rich or poor, is willing to listen to the advise of others, then that person will act in wisdom.  Of course, the truly well advised will listen to the word of God.  Verse eleven states, Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.  I believe that this is telling us that we should come by our wealth honestly.  Of course, at the return of Christ, anything gained outside of the will of God will diminish to nothing.  Verse twelve declares, Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.  If we never see our hopes fulfilled, we become sick in our heart, or soul.  If we see Christianity as a way to earthly riches and put our hope in gaining them, we will most often be disappointed.  When we desire first to follow God, then we find the tree of life, that everlasting relationship with Christ.

Proverbs 12:15 says, The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.  Some people believe that they know more than everyone else, so in their own eyes they are always right.  Those who are truly wise are willing to listen to others, especially those who offer Godly guidance.  Verse sixteen states, A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.   Matthew Henry says that this means that the wicked give in to their desires, no matter what.  When they are angry, they lash out.  The prudent, or God fearing person, may feel angry, but they do not allow that anger to rule them.  Verse seventeen declares, He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.  Verse eighteen says, There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.  Some people say things that hurt others badly, but if we are God's people, we will say things that help and encourage others.  Verse nineteen adds,  The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.  When we speak the truth of God, it is everlasting.  Lies, on the other hand, are but for the moment.  Anything that is taught that is in opposition to God's word will never last.  Verse twenty says, Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellers of peace is joy.  Those who imagine evil have it come from their heart, or innermost being .Those who follow the teachings of Christ will be lead to joy.  Verse twenty-one states, There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.  This does not mean that nothing bad will ever happen to the just, or those who are God's people, but that spiritually we are always safe and secure with God.  The wicked will always be looking for ways to cause trouble for God's people.  Verse twenty-two states, Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.  God hates lying, so as followers of Christ, we should always speak the truth, even if it costs us materially to do so.  What we say is important to God, and should be consistent with the way we live.  Verse twenty-three proclaims, A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.  We are not to brag about our wisdom, but are simply to be guided by it and glorify God by it.  The foolish, the lost of the world, can never share true wisdom, since this comes from God, but can only speak foolishness.  Verse twenty-four states, The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.  God does not expect us to sit idly by awaiting the return of Christ, but to be diligent in doing what He has called us to do.  Verse twenty-five says, Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.  I believe this is saying that sorrow can cause a person to suffer physically, but a word of encouragement or empathy can help a person overcome that sadness.  We should always attempt to encourage and uplift those who are suffering in sorrow.  Verse twenty-six says, The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.  This does not mean that we are to act superior to our neighbors.  We are to live under the leadership of God and to share His gospel.  Even as we do, the wicked, those who do not follow God, will tempt people to follow the way of the world.  Verse twenty-seven says, The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.  This is simply stating that the lazy, or slothful, people do not make the effort to provide for their needs and often have to rely on others.  The diligent are more likely to have food to feast on.  This does not mean that everyone who is hungry or in need is lazy, but that those who are lazy are more likely to be hungry or in need.  Verse twenty-eight proclaims, In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.  This refers to a person's spiritual life.  Once we accept Christ as our Savior and Lord, we are on the path of everlasting life with God, and nothing can knock us off that path.

Proverbs 12:1 says, Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.  The question would be do we love the instruction of God?  We will gain spiritually by following God's leadership, but if we refuse to follow God, we will hate His reproof.  Verse two states, A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.  When we follow God's leadership, which can only come after accepting salvation through Christ, we will find favor with God.  Those who are wicked, who reject Christ, will condemn themselves.  Verse three says, A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.  We cannot establish ourselves with God by our own righteousness, but if we are rooted in Christ, we shall not be moved.  Verse four states, A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.  This refers to a wife being virtuous to her husband.  She becomes a crown to him.  This does not imply that she worship him, but that she supports him by her actions and attitude toward him.  The woman, or wife, who doesn't uplift her husband, but makes him ashamed, hurts him deep within.  Verse five says, The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.  When we are truly following God's leadership, everything we think will be righteous, or according to God's will.  We can never be righteous by our own thoughts and abilities, but can only be so by following the leadership of God.  As followers of Christ, the Holy Spirit indwells us to give us guidance.  Verse six states, The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.  The things that the wicked say, or teach, can only lead to death, if not physically, then definitely spiritually.  When we are following God's will, we will spread His gospel, which will result in everlasting life if accepted.  Verse seven states, The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.  I believe that we have to view this from the everlasting perspective.  Even if the wicked prosper and the righteous suffer in the world, there is coming a time when the opposite will be true.  The wicked, those who refuse to accept Christ as Savior and Lord, will be overthrown.  The only things that will last at the coming judgment are the things done for God.  Verse eight says, A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.  If we act in wisdom, which can only come from God, we will be commended and if we act from our own perverse desires, we will be despised.  Verse nine states, He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.   Matthew Henry says this refers to someone attempting to present themselves as prosperous when they really aren't.  We might refer to this as putting on airs.  Some people go out of their way to glorify themselves, when they really have nothing of spiritual value.  Verse tens declares, A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.  As followers of Christ, or righteous people, we have an obligation to care for God's creation, including the animals, especially those that we consider ours.  This does not mean that we elevate them to the same status as humans though.  For the wicked, even the natural inclination to treat animals with care is not followed.  Where they should have tender mercies, they only have cruelty.  Verse eleven says,  He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.  I believe this is telling us that when we make an honest living we will be satisfied, but if we chase after the things of this world or get rich schemes we are devoid of the understanding of what brings satisfaction.  Verse twelve states, The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.  Wicked people desire to gain by evil means, often desiring to prosper as others have by dishonest means.  The righteous are content to work for what they have and are satisfied.  Verse thirteen adds, The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.  We are responsible for what we say.  The wicked or sinful man is trapped by his own words which oppose God's teachings.  The just, those who put their faith in God, will be delivered by Him.  Verse fourteen says, A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him.  We should speak in a way that glorifies God and shows respect for others.  When we do, if we put our faith in Christ, God will reward us with an everlasting reward.