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 really like the message of the proverb in chapter 14 verse 2, especially when you look at it in both the NLT and the NIV. I think that both readings tell us something important about human behavior. The NLT take on the proverb tells us why some people fear and follow God and others do not. Those who choose to walk on the path of righteousness will fear God. Those who take the path of sin and deceit will despise God. If you have looked around you will see how often this is true. There are many people who refuse to believe in God because that would force them to accept that the lives they have chosen to live are sinful. There are many people who embrace a faith in God because they wish to live a righteous life. On the other hand, the NIV take tells us that those who fear the Lord have integrity and act accordingly. Those who despise God choose deception and lies. There is truth here as well. The fear of God leads people to lead lives of integrity, while those who despise God become ever more deceptive and devious as time goes by.

    Throughout this passage are many proverbs which sum up basic truths about life. The writer repeatedly stresses the importance of choosing our words carefully. He covers issues from speaking with arrogance to telling lies, to allowing our emotions to override our better judgment. The wise do not allow their mouths to lead them into such errors. The writer’s emphasizes the importance of taking our time to reach a conclusion, not allowing the heat of the moment to guide our actions. I see people around me failing to follow this advice and thus making problems worse rather than providing solutions.