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Folly & Death
A primary theme in Proverbs is that folly leads to death. Consider these “causes of death”:
- Proverbs 1:32: “For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them.”
- Proverbs 5:22-23: “The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare them; the cords of their sins hold them fast. For lack of discipline they will die, led astray by their own great folly.”
- Proverbs 10:21: “The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of sense.”
- Proverbs 15:10: “Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path; the one who hates correction will die.”
At times, it appears the wicked are getting away with their evil scot-free, but Proverbs 6:15 points out that they will “suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.”
Wisdom & Life
According to Proverbs 10:27, the fear of the Lord adds length to your life. Perhaps that’s because the fear of the Lord brings health to the body (Proverbs 3:7-8).
Similarly, Proverbs 9:11 notes that wisdom adds years to your life.
Focus on Today
Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. – Proverbs 27:1
In Two Minutes in the Bible Through Proverbs, Boyd Bailey reminds us that today is the only time we have for certain, so we should consider praying, “What can I do today to further God’s plan for my life, both professionally and personally?”
If we only dream about tomorrow, today’s responsibilities lose their attraction and we can become irresponsible. Future ambition must not undermine our attention to current commitments.
Focus on today, and you’ll find fulfillment. Obsess about tomorrow, and you’ll become sick with discontentment.
As Proverbs 19:21 put it, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
So, plan for the future…but stay open to the possibilities…and check out my post on “Strategic Planning for You.”