Today we are super blessed to have my mother, who is a professional counsellor and a virtuous woman, Dr Mrs Esther Boham, share seven (7) powerful wisdom nuggets from Proverbs 22 with us. Receive wisdom, understanding and instruction as you read.
#1. “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favour rather than silver and
gold.” ~ Proverbs 22:1
People can accumulate riches through different means but a good name (good reputation) is obtained when a man exhibits loyalty and kindness, and impacts other people’s lives positively.
- As we walk on the path of wisdom we gain favour from both God and men.
- Circumstances can make one lose everything he/she has accumulated but a good reputation can become a legacy that transcends you.
- So dear friend, make a conscious effort to make a difference in people’s lives.
#2. “The rich and the poor have this in common, the LORD is the maker of them all.” ~ Proverbs 22:2
- Since God made both the rich and the poor, they must be treated on the premise that they are created in the image of God.
- We should not treat people based on what they have, but on the premise that they are human and are precious souls to God.
- Because things can turn around for the poor person; and that will change his status in life. Value people.
#3. “A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and they are punished” ~ Proverbs 22:3
- The wise/prudent has good judgment, he is conscious of his environment so can pick signals of dangers and put measures in place to avoid the coming disaster.
- The man who lacks wisdom may not be mindful of the changes around him and will continue to live normally until the disaster finally strikes.
- Wisdom preserves us from evil.
#4. “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” ~ Proverbs 22:6
Children are born with a fallen nature; having foolishness bound in their hearts (v15). It takes training to bring them into salvation and spiritual discipline (a God-Controlled life). Godly parental discipline will help bring the best out of them.
“…in the way he should go” suggests a prescribed way – the way of the righteous, the way of the wise. This means the training should be intentional to put them on the path of wisdom. This involves:
- Teaching/instructing them in the way of righteousness
- Rewarding/praising them when they do well
- Punishing/disciplining them when their behaviour calls for it
- Modelling good examples for them. Such as being truthful, caring for others, etc.
- Helping them to come to Jesus and walk with Him
“Children must not be left to have their own way without parental guidance because they will end up being dysfunctional adults whose lives will not be beneficial to society.”
#5. “The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.” ~ Proverbs 22:9
Being generous to the poor attracts blessings from the Lord. On the other hand, taking advantage of the less privileged in society to amass wealth is displeasing to the LORD and He will defend them (v16, 22-23).
16: "One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and one who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty."
22-23: Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the Lord will take up their case and will exact life for life.
#6. “Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go. Lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your soul.” ~ Proverbs 22:24
Association with hot-tempered people can corrupt our character and land us into serious trouble that can affect our reputation.
#7. “Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men.” ~ Proverbs 22:29
Strive for excellence and you will find your place with high profile personalities. God will reward the process you put in to excel in what you do. What are you putting in work to excel in?
~ Dr Mrs Esther Amprofi Boham
Stay blessed and do share your wisdom lessons from Proverbs 22. Remember to tag us on 📲:
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