This passage focuses on choices people make. When we make wise choices, our lives prosper (8,11,14). When we make poor choices, our lives disintegrate (2, 3, 5,9, 13).

What are bad choices? When we are caught in desire and hurry too fast, we regret the folly we have fallen into and become angry (2-3). When we focus on getting wealth, we attract fake friends who will abandon us when we lose everything (4, 7). Dishonesty and bribery entangle us into a web that traps us in the end (5, 6, 9). Fighting at home ruins our families (13). Laziness impoverishes us (15)

But when we strive to get wisdom, we make good choices (8, 11, 14). We come to love life because we experience the blessings of wisdom. We begin to cherish understanding, seeing how it helps us to prosper. Wisdom and understanding are keys to improve our lives spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially. How blessed we are to be able to love life, instead of feeling helpless, anxious, angry, or ashamed. With wisdom and understanding, we are patient, forgiving, prudent, and righteous. We are blessed people who prosper in the Lord. We can be loving and compassionate.


Application: Father, thank you for blessing us with wisdom and understanding when we seek you. Please help us not to make foolish choices.
One Word: Get wisdom and understanding