I am using the daily Bible reading schedule from “The Bible.net” for my daily Bible reading.

Today, I am reading and commenting on Proverbs 14-17.

I feel like I keep saying this, but there is not really a theme which runs through today’s passage.  It is a collection of wise sayings which each contains useful understanding.  However, there are several ideas which are repeatedly addressed.  The writer tells us that those who fear the Lord do right and those who do right fear the Lord while those who do wrong despise God.  The writer makes clear that this idea is two-sided.  Fear of the Lord will lead you to do right, but doing right will also lead you to fear the Lord.  I think we often overlook his point that those who do wrong eventually come to despise God.  Many people who despise God, who despise Christianity, do so because they do not wish to admit that their actions are wrong.  Those who love and fear God admit when they do wrong and seek reconciliation.

The writer repeatedly makes two related points.  I never realized that the writer was connecting them before today.  First, the wise choose their words and actions with careful thought about their consequences.  Second, the wise take their time in reaching a conclusion about events.  They do not immediately reach conclusions based on what they are told, or even based on what they have seen.  They wait until they can be sure they know all of the relevant facts.  Fools quickly believe that what supports their preconceived notions and do not ask more questions.  Then they pass that on as unquestioned fact.  The wise speak only of what they know and cautiously point out areas where their knowledge is incomplete.