Poor or Rich, Light and Darkness, Pride and Wisdom - Readings of Proverbs

Today's Reading:

• Proverbs 13:2 - 13:8

Read Bible Passages Online

Proverbs 13:7 - 13:10

I could use some words of wisdom from my favorite book of the bible today.  Lets see what words of life there are in store for me as I go through these four verses from Proverbs.

13:7 Some who are poor pretend to be rich; others who are rich pretend to be poor.

Appearances aren't always what they seem. In the end, God knows our true hearts and motives. There is no pretending that will fool Him. We may fool people, but we will never fool the Lord.

13:8  The rich can pay a ransom for their lives, but the poor won't even get threatened.

Which is better - to have the ransom to pay and be a target, or to be poor and left alone? I have been on both sides of the equation - dirt poor, without even a home to live in - and well off enough to have all my bills paid, food in the cupboards, have many of my wants, and take vacations. Money doesn't solve everything, but it does make life easier when you don't have to worry as much about your basic needs. But it's a mixed blessing, as it is all too easy to let money control you and, in return, pull you away from the Lord.

13:9  The life of the godly is full of light and joy, but the light of the wicked will be snuffed out.

It's very difficult to live in this world. The closer I grow to the Lord, and the more that I understand how God expects us to live and obey, the more I realize how far apart we are set from the rest of the world. It's intimidating, it's relentless, it's disheartening. But in the end, the Lord tells us that we will have victory, and then we will no longer be ridiculed as those "hate-filled bigots" (which couldn't be further from the truth), for people will know the truth.

13:10  Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise.

It truly is a hard thing to learn how to take advice. I have no problem taking advice from God's Word, but when it comes to people it's far more of a struggle. This is especially true in today's information technology world, where we can answer our own questions in seconds. But learning to take advice is a growing process. I have to recognize the value of other people's wisdom - especially when it comes to age. I've learned a lot in my 33 years - so what of my grandparents, who have had over twice as long to gain life experience? It's invaluable. How many times have you heard someone say they wish they could go back to their younger selves with the wisdom they have gained throughout their lives? We should soak up all the wisdom we can get.