27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
when it is in your power to do it.
28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again,
tomorrow I will give it”—when you have it with you.
29 Do not plan evil against your neighbor,
who dwells trustingly beside you.
30 Do not contend with a man for no reason,
when he has done you no harm.
31 Do not envy a man of violence
and do not choose any of his ways,
32 for the devious person is an abomination to the LORD,
but the upright are in his confidence.
33 The LORD’s curse is on the house of the wicked,
but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous.
34 Toward the scorners he is scornful,
but to the humble he gives favor.
35 The wise will inherit honor,
but fools get disgrace.
(ESV)
STOP! Think a little 🤔 What is God saying to you?
- What is the writer saying?
- How do I apply this to my life?
Wisdom should be evident in how we treat those around us.
Fulfil your obligations timeously to those around you. Be quick to pay those who have worked for you and do not hold back what you owe unnecessarily. This included being generous to the poor and needy when you are able to help them.
Do not harm your neighbour or accuse him falsely, especially when he has done nothing to you. Live in peace with those around you.
Do not be envious of people who live evil lives. Why would I do that you might ask? Because you might be lured by the wealth of his ill-gotten gain.
God hates those who are devious but the upright enjoy fellowship with Him.
God’s curse is on those who are wicked but blesses those who are righteous.
God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5; James 4:6 cite this proverb).
God will bring disgrace on the fool but honour the wise.
Does how you treat others exhibit wisdom in your life? What do you need to do today to change it for the better?