v.1-10
"The one who loves discipline loves knowledge, but the one who hates reproof is stupid (Pr 12:1)." How do you feel when you are being corrected? Offended? Or you love being corrected? Why we need to love discipline? Because we loves knowledge. Of course, we feel bad or has all kinds of reasons to justify ourselves, but if we ever want to learn we need to listen and improve ourselves. Not only people will try to correct us, God will discipline us, too! Through listening to sermons, reading of the Bible the Holy Spirit will convict us. Listen to the Holy Spirit and have a heart ready for correction. Lately, I have an experience that the correction of man and from God matches. If you want to know more I can tell you the details later.
"A noble wife is the crown of her husband, but the wife who acts shamefully is like rottenness in his bones (Pr 12:4). " See NET notes for the second phrase, "The simile means that the shameful acts of such a woman will eat away her husband’s strength and influence and destroy his happiness." Proverbs 31 is about the noble woman we will see that in the future, but for now, think about our characters. Is our character noble or shameful? Do we have good reputation among our extended family/community/church? Do we add honor/glory to our husbands or do we eat away husbands' strength and influence?
v.21-28
Just want to point out the English translation in v. 26, " 義人引導他的鄰舍； 惡人的道叫人失迷。 The righteous person is cautious in his friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray." The Scripture reminds us to be careful to choose our friends.
v.23, " The shrewd person conceals knowledge, but foolish people publicize folly. " NET notes, "Conceal does not mean that he never shares his knowledge, but discerns when it is and is not appropriate to speak..."folly”is the antithesis of perception and understanding...one who is morally bad because he despises wisdom and discipline, mocks at guilt, is licentious and quarrelsome, and is almost impossible to rebuke." Verbal person seems to attract a lot of attention, but the content of our speech is more important. It reveals your wisdom or your foolishness.
Personally, I find v.25 to be very true, " Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs him down, but an encouraging word brings him joy." NET notes, "The “good word” here would include encouragement, kindness, and insight—the person needs to regain the proper perspective on life and renew his confidence." In other words, who anxious people needs is encouraging word. Our kindness to each other is so important. Do you have a chance to touch other people's life today? Do not just invite your good friend and family for gathering during this Thanksgiving weekend. Think about anyone who needs some encouragement and show kindness to them. Send them a message, give them a call, or invite them over for dinner!
Audrey
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