Need Some Good Advice?

We live in a fast paced society where books are on the shelf one day and outdated the next. Opinions change as fast as we can click channels or change magazine covers on our news stands.
And yet the book of Proverbs, though it was written thousands of years ago, has advice as relevant and up to date as the day it was written.
Check out the wisdom of the advice given under the following samplings of current headings.


The Latest Diet
Are you listening to the current debate on the carb versus protein diets? Are you wondering which way to lean?
Well, it seems too many carbs are not soooo good!

Prov. 25:16 “Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, lest you be filled with it and vomit!”
Prov. 25:27 - “It is not good to eat too much honey…”

Social Skills
Technology allows us more interaction with more people than ever before. Our social skills are important. Want some good advice?

Prov. 25:17 – “Withdraw your foot from your neighbour’s house, lest he be weary of you and so hate you.”
“He who has friends must show himself friendly…” Prov. 18:24
“He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a dog by the ears.”Prov. 26:17
“A man who isolates himself seeks his won desire, he rages against all wise judgment.” Prov. 18:1
“…where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.” Prov. 26:20

Animal Rights
Yes, the bible is on the side of the animal lovers!!

“A righteous man regards the life of his animal but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. “ Prov. 12:10
“Be diligent to know the state of your flocks and attend to your herds..” Prov. 27:23

Psychology
We are a society addicted to couch analogy. But Proverbs has some advice on the subject too.

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick…”Prov. 13:12
‘Modern’ researches have ‘discovered’ that the rise in teenage suicides is directly related to their lack of ‘hope’.
“Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression…” Prov. 12:25
Haven’t we heard a lot lately about the mental and physical health issues caused by worry and stress?

Diplomacy
We recognize the importance of diplomacy in business or personal relationships. Seminars on how to “Resolve Relational Conflicts” abound.
Yet Proverbs has some straight forward proven-to-be-successful answers.

”A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Prov. 15:1
“By long forbearance a ruler is persuaded, and a gentle tongue breaks a bone.” (of contention) Prov. 25:15


On Seeking Advice
We all need advice on a daily basis, but do we ask for it when we need it? Do we seek advice from a wise source? And do we listen when we are given advice?

“Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established.” Prov. 15:22
“Every purpose is established by counsel, by wise counsel wage war.” Prov. 20:18
“Where there is no counsel the people fall, but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” Prov. 11:14
"He who gets wisom loves his own soul." Prov. 19:8

Lending Money
How many family relationships and friendships are damaged because of money.
Apparently this is an age old problem for which Proverbs gives obvious advice!

“My son, if you become surety for your friend…. You are snared!” Prov. 6:1,2
“The borrower is servant to the lender…” Prov. 22:7

Honesty in Business Dealings
“Buyer Beware!” is the catch phrase of modern society. We are constantly on guard against being conned or cheated or caught in a dishonest business transaction. Too often people simply look out for their own best interests, even if it means being less than forthright. Proverbs points out that God demands honesty in all our financial dealings with each other.

“Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished and he who gathers by labour will increase”. Prov. 13:11
“Diverse weights and diverse measures, They are both alike, an abomination to the Lord.” Prov. 20:10
“A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight.” Prov. 11:1
“He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live.” Prov. 15:27

Work Ethics
Proverbs extols the value of a good day’s work, of an employee being faithful and diligent and honest.

“Go to the ant, you sluggard! And consider her ways.” Prov. 6:1
“The hand of the diligent will rule, but the slothful will be put to forced labor.” Prov. 12:24

Moral Ethics
One of the most serious deteriations in our society is the whole idea of right and wrong. Moral ethics are becoming more and more a personal thing and the standard is constantly being lowered. But not according to Proverbs wisdom.

“He who speaks truth declares righteousness, but a false witness deceit.” Prov. 12:12
“Better is the poor who walks in his integrity, than on perverse in his ways though he is rich.” Prov. 28:6
“Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding, - he who does so destroys his own soul” Prov. 6:32
“Wine is a mocker, intoxicating drink arouses brawling and whoever is led astray by is not wise.” Prov. 20:1
“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favour rather than silver and gold.” Prov. 22:1

The Courts
More and more people are choosing to resolve their conflicts in the courts.
Yet Proverbs declares it is better to settle things privately.

“Do not go hastily to court for what will you do in the end when your neighbour has put you to shame? Debate your case with your neighbour himself ….” Prov. 25:8, 9
“It is not good to show partiality to the wicked or to overthrow the righteous in judgement.” Prov. 18:5

And On Overall Health
The advice on health issues today is endless, but Proverbs puts the finger of wisdom on the central things that contribute to our overall health. Listen to what it says….

"A merry heart does good like a medicene but a broken spirit dries the bones." Prov. 17:22
“My son, give attention to my words…. For they are life to those who find them and health to all their flesh.” Prov. 4:20,22
“…The tongue of the wise promotes health……” also “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.” Prov. 13:17, 16:24

And the final word that sums up all the wisdom of Proverbs….
“Fear the Lord and depart from evil, it will be health to your flesh and strength to your bones.” Prov. 3:8