Sayings 7 and 9 warn about eating with the rich and being alert to their hidden stinginess. Saying 8 warns us not to chase after riches. Money seems to be the end all, but it leads to many kinds of troubles, and our wealth flies away.

Sayings 10-14 offer serious practical advice about having wisdom (12). Wisdom protects us from wasting time talking to a fool (10), encroaching on others' property lines (11), and spoiling our children (13). Those who live and speak wisely bring great joy to their family (14).

Saying 15 cautions us not to envy sinners. How often we envy the wrong people! Rather than envying others for their gifts, abilities, pleasures, and possessions, verse 17 says we should always be zealous for the fear of the Lord. This means that more than anything we want to honor God and do what is right before God. Then, there is hope for us. In Numbers 25:10, God said that Phineas was as zealous as God was for his honor. Because of Phineas' zeal, God held back his wrath against his people. There was hope for the people because of Phineas' zeal for the fear of the Lord.


Application: Father, thank you for teaching me not to chase after riches, but to always be zealous for the fear of the Lord and be a source of hope.
One Word: Always be zealous for the fear of the Lord and be a source of hope