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.