We can learn to abide among the wise and abhor evil by reading and meditating on the Proverbs daily. Isn’t it convenient that there is a chapter for every day of the month! Being a wife and mother, I read the second part of Proverbs 31 pretty often. See, God gives us the desires of our hearts. That is why we all really deep down desire to be the best! When we delight ourselves in Him, He brings those desires that He has sown in our hearts to fruition (Psalm 37:4).

Proverbs 15

Abiding among the wise does include large or small physical church gatherings. But it also includes your reading this. It is reaching out to a friend or family member with encouraging words, Scripture when they are brought to your thoughts. We are assembling together every time we are speaking or are hearing God’s Word spoken, praying with and for each other, sharing our testimonies, and simply reaching out with an encouraging word (Hebrews 10:24-25).

1 & 26 Turn Away Wrath

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. (Proverbs 15:1 KJV)

The thoughts of the wicked [are] an abomination to the LORD: but [the words] of the pure [are] pleasant words. (Proverbs 15:26 KJV)

Even if you are speaking the Word of God, but you are doing it in a hurtful way, those are grievous words. The words of the pure are pleasant!

HOW TO HEAR THE VOICE OF GOD AND ABIDE AMONG THE WISE

The Comforter

When we are walking in the Spirit (Mark 1:8, Acts 1:5,8), there should be no grievous words to stir up anger (Acts 5:32, Acts 6:3, Acts 10:38, 45, 47).

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, (Galatians 5:22 KJV)
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:23 KJV)
And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. (Galatians 5:24 KJV)
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. (Galatians 5:25 KJV)

Many denominations barely even mention the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:31-32, Mark 3:28-30, Luke 12:9-12). We have got to get past this because the Holy Spirit gives us wisdom and brings God’s written word back to us at just the right time (1 John 2:20, Acts 4:31). He is our comforter (John 14:26, John 15:26, John 16:7).

He only convicts of one sin and that is rejecting Jesus (John 16:7-11)!

Riches of God’s Grace

That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in [his] kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:7 KJV)
Put on, therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; (Colossians 3:12 KJV)

2 Wise Versus Fools

The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. (Proverbs 15:2 KJV)

A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother. (Proverbs 15:20 KJV)

In Proverbs 1:5 we learn that a wise man increases in learning, understanding, and attaining wise counsels. Proverbs 9:8-9, 14:16, 17:10, and 24:5 all speak along the same lines. A wise man is wise because he seeks wisdom, knowledge, and understanding (2 Timothy 3:14-17). A fool not only refuses to seek these things but is quickly offended when corrected. There is no point in trying to persuade a fool of anything different (Proverbs 29:9).

How then can we help the fool?

Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. (Romans 13:8 KJV)

I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren? (1 Corinthians 6:5 KJV)

Who [is] a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. (James 3:13 KJV)

Only a Fool Says There is No God

Psalm 14:1 and Psalm 53:1 both say that a fool has said in his heart that there is no God. Because they have no knowledge of God, they are corrupt, their works are abominable, and there are no fools that do good. Again, owe no man anything except love. This did not say owe no man anything except stern correction. It is the goodness of God that leads to repentance (Romans 2:4)

3 Evil Versus Good

The eyes of the LORD [are] in every place, beholding the evil and the good. (Proverbs 15:3 KJV)

God is watching over all of His children. He is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). God is good to the evil and to the good (Matthew 5:45, Hebrews 8:12, 2 Corinthians 5:19). He tells us to act just like Him:

But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and [to] the evil. (Luke 6:35 KJV)

So why does it matter if I seek God and His righteousness or not?

And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. (John 5:29 KJV)

Jesus did not come to condemn the world but to save it (John 3:16-17). We are all living in the grace, goodness, and mercy of God right now. We will all face judgment (Revelation 20:10-15).

4 Tree of Life

A wholesome tongue [is] a tree of life: but perverseness therein [is] a breach in the spirit. (Proverbs 15:4 KJV)

A tongue that speaks healing brings life, but crooked dealings break the spirit. Proverbs 18:21 says that death and life are in the power of the tongue. We get to choose whether we speak life or death over ourselves and others. We will be judged according to every idle word we speak (Matthew 12:36).

5 I Pitty Da Fool!

A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent. (Proverbs 15:5 KJV)

2 Timothy 3:15-17 tells us that the holy scriptures are able to make us wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. The scripture is given by inspiration of God, our Father! It is profitable for instructing ourselves and others in righteousness. Why? God wants us, who are born again, to know that we are already perfect and that He has already furnished us thoroughly unto ALL good works. Only a fool doesn’t believe God and despises instruction!

Prudent: to be subtle, be shrewd, be crafty, beware, take crafty counsel, be prudent (Qal) to be crafty, be subtle (Hiphil) to be crafty, be or become shrewd

Prudent BlueLetterBible.org

Matthew 10:16 tells us, God’s prudent children, to be shrewd as a snake but as innocent as a dove!

6 & 27 Much Treasure is Righteous!

In the house of the righteous [is] much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble. (Proverbs 15:6 KJV)

In Proverbs 10:2 we are told that even the treasures of the wicked profit them nothing, but righteousness delivers from death. Proverbs 13:22 KJV explains, “A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.”

He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house, but he that hateth gifts shall live. (Proverbs 15:27 KJV)

The treasures of the righteous are not sought after! The treasures of the righteous are gifts from God. It is His delight to prosper His children (Matthew 6:33)! God’s children seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and delight themselves in God! God gives them the desires of their hearts (Psalm 37:4)!

7 & 23 & 33 Speak Wisely

The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish [doeth] not so. (Proverbs 15:7 KJV)

A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word [spoken] in due season, how good [is it]! (Proverbs 15:23 KJV)

The fear of the LORD [is] the instruction of wisdom; and before honour [is] humility. (Proverbs 15:33 KJV)

The Fear of the Lord Abides Among the Wise

Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 1:7, and Proverbs 9:10 all begin with “The fear of the LORD.” We have already discussed that a fool says in his heart that there is no God and therefore, fools despise wisdom and instruction. Anyone who is not reading the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16) is despising God’s instruction.

The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do [his commandments]: his praise endureth for ever. (Psalm 111:10 KJV)

The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge: [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7 KJV)

The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy [is] understanding. (Proverbs 9:10 KJV)

They That Fear the Lord:

Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard [it], and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. (Malachi 3:16 KJV)

Those that truly fear the Lord talk to each other about His great name!

8 Sacrifice of Praise

The sacrifice of the wicked [is] an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright [is] his delight. (Proverbs 15:8 KJV)

The wicked don’t seek God (Psalm 10:4). God is not in all of his thoughts. But the prayer of the upright is God’s delight! Wow! Have you ever felt like it was a sacrifice to praise God? In the midst of our trials and troubles, it can be difficult to remember to praise God. It can even feel like a sacrifice.

I will freely sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O LORD; for [it is] good. (Psalm 54:6 KJV)

The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the LORD of hosts: for the LORD [is] good; for his mercy [endureth] for ever: [and] of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, saith the LORD. (Jeremiah 33:11 KJV)

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of [our] lips giving thanks to his name. (Hebrews 13:15 KJV)

God delights in our prayers and our praises. When we know that God is good and that our troubles come from our enemy (John 10:10), we can make a sacrifice of praise in any situation.

9 Wicked Versus Righteousness

The way of the wicked [is] an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness. (Proverbs 15:9 KJV)

Again, the wicked do not seek God. Therefore their way is an abomination to God. This is a common thread that runs all through the Bible. So is the invitation from God to anyone who will turn back to Him.

For if ye turn again unto the LORD, your brethren and your children [shall find] compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the LORD your God [is] gracious and merciful, and will not turn away [his] face from you, if ye return unto him. (2 Chronicles 30:9 KJV)

John 3:15 says that whosoever believes in Jesus should not perish but have eternal life. Why? Because John 3:16 explains that God so loved the world that He gave! Jesus did not come to condemn but to save (John 3:17). Hebrews 11:6 tells us that those who come to God must believe that He is real and that he rewards those who diligently seek Him! Romans 10:16-17 says that not all have obeyed the gospel. Jesus said to “go into all the world and teach my commandments (Matthew 28:19-20).” And faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17).

10 Sin Leads to Death

Correction [is] grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: [and] he that hateth reproof shall die. (Proverbs 15:10 KJV)

Again, 2 Timothy 3:15-17 explains that reproof comes from the Word of God. And those who forsake reading and studying the Scripture for themselves are forsaking Jesus and His correction. Those who reject God and His Word and His people are actually choosing to be rejected. That one sin, rejecting Jesus, leads to death.

11 & 24 Hell and Destruction?

Hell and destruction [are] before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men? (Proverbs 15:11 KJV)

The way of life [is] above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath. (Proverbs 15:24 KJV)

Psalm 139:1 explains that God searches us and knows us. Even if we make our bed in hell, He is there. God has created everything that has ever been created and He is omnipresent. There is no reason to try to hide from God or to try to hide anything from Him. He knows and still loves us (Romans 5:8). Even when we made ourselves His enemies in our minds (Colossians 1:21).

12 A Scorner Hates Reproof

A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise. (Proverbs 15:12 KJV)

“Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces. (Matthew 7:6 NKJV)

Whether you are dealing with people inside the church or outside the church, you can tell a scorner by their fruit (Proverbs 29:8). Someone who is not bearing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-26) is a scorner who will not hear godly correction without being offended!

Wesley and I have gotten to a point in our marriage and partnership where we can speak honestly with one another even when it is hard. We then ask God to forgive the speaker! lol

It is imperative to be operating in constant fellowship with the Lord, renewing your mind constantly, and operating in the gifts of the Spirit to even think about correcting someone. Simultaneously, they should be approaching you to get something.

The only time Jesus went to someone with correction was in the temple, and he wasn’t zeroing in on any person, he let them all have it (John 2:13-17)! ( Note: The Bible does not mention one person or even an animal getting harmed in this scene in any way.)

This same pattern can be seen with Paul. He brought correction in his letters, but then in actual physical presence, the people were surprised by his meekness and humility (2 Corinthians 10:10-12).

13 – 15 Heart Condition?

A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart, the spirit is broken. (Proverbs 15:13 KJV)

The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness. (Proverbs 15:14 KJV)

All the days of the afflicted [are] evil: but he that is of a merry heart [hath] a continual feast. (Proverbs 15:15 KJV)

A merry heart does good, [like] medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones. (Proverbs 17:22 NKJV)

Go, eat your bread with joy, And drink your wine with a merry heart; For God has already accepted your works. (Ecclesiastes 9:7 NKJV)

16 & 17 Better

Better [is] little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith. (Proverbs 15:16 KJV)
Better [is] a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith. (Proverbs 15:17 KJV)

18 Man’s Wrath

A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but [he that is] slow to anger appeaseth strife. (Proverbs 15:18 KJV)

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: (James 1:19 KJV)
For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. (James 1:20 KJV)
Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. (James 1:21 KJV)

19 The Slothful Man

The way of the slothful [man is] as a hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous [is] made plain. (Proverbs 15:19 KJV)

The slothful [man] roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man [is] precious. (Proverbs 12:27 KJV)

The slothful [man] saith, [There is] a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets. (Proverbs 22:13 KJV)

The slothful [man] saith, [There is] a lion in the way; a lion [is] in the streets. (Proverbs 26:13 KJV)

A Slothful Man Will Not Abide Among the Wise

They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree [are] the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. (Isaiah 65:22 KJV)

I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; (Proverbs 24:30 KJV)
And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, [and] nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. (Proverbs 24:31 KJV)

Then I saw, [and] considered [it] well: I looked upon [it, and] received instruction. (Proverbs 24:32 KJV)
[Yet] a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: (Proverbs 24:33 KJV)
So shall thy poverty come [as] one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man. (Proverbs 24:34 KJV)

21 Foolishness Makes You Stupid

Folly [is] joy to [him that is] destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly. (Proverbs 15:21 KJV)

22 & 30 Seek Counsellors

Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counselors, they are established. (Proverbs 15:22 KJV)

Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. (Proverbs 27:17 KJV)

Godly Counsellors Bring Good Reports from God’s Word

The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: [and] a good report maketh the bones fat. (Proverbs 15:30 KJV)

25 Pride Goes Before Destruction

The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow. (Proverbs 15:25 KJV)

Pride [goeth] before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18 KJV)

Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. (1 Timothy 3:6 KJV)

Progressive Revelation

1 Timothy 3:6 reveals where condemnation actually comes from! Remember the Bible is a progressive revelation. God took credit or was given credit for some things in the Old Testament that He didn’t actually do.

Check out these two different accounts of the same story:

1 And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah. … 10 And David’s heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the LORD, I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and now, I beseech thee, O LORD, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly. (2 Samuel 24:1, 10 KJV)

1 And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel. … 8 And David said unto God, I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing: but now, I beseech thee, do away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly. (1 Chronicles 21:1, 8 KJV)

Abide Among the Wise-Don’t Be Confused!

No wonder Job was so confused too (Job 10:15). No wonder so many Christians are still confused who have not been taught these things (1 Corinthians 14:33, 1 Peter 5:8). The Bible must be interpreted from a perspective of revelation! We actually have a book in the Bible titled “Revelation” which we can rely on to be completely accurate (Revelation 1).

There is a promise of being blessed simply by reading and hearing and keeping Revelation (Revelation 1:3)! Keeping means sowing the word into your heart (1 Peter 1:23) And, John 10:10 can be completely trusted because it is quoting God in the flesh, Jesus (1 Timothy 3:16)!

28 & 29 The Righteous Study

The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things. (Proverbs 15:28 KJV)

The LORD [is] far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous. (Proverbs 15:29 KJV)

This is not talking about physical distance. God turns His face away from sin. Sin kills! It’s our choice to renew our minds, our souls and that has the greatest effect on our bodies (1 Thessalonians 5:23). If we are born again (John 3:7), our little born-again spirits are just as holy as Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21). They are also sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13, 4:30).

As Christians, we have the choice to turn from wickedness by seeking God and including Him in every aspect of our lives (2 Timothy 3:5, 10, 12-14). We choose His ways over our ways; therefore, we are choosing to live righteous lives (2 Timothy 3:15-17).

Continue in the Faith

20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven. 21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in [your] mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled 22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: 23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and [be] not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, [and] which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; (Colossians 1:20-23 KJV)

31 & 32 The Wise Hear Reproof and Repent

The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise. (Proverbs 15:31 KJV)
He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. (Proverbs 15:32 KJV)

You will want to abide among the wise!