“Chapter 24: Good Words, Bad Work”

The first half of this chapter (1-22) contains the final twelve of the Thirty Sayings of the Wise. The “do not” theme from chapter 23 continues here: don’t envy (1), don’t lie (15), and so on (see verses 17, 19, 21). Wisdom is often measured by self-control; desire is managed by discipline. Again, the voice of the father is imploring us to take this seriously: “Hear, my son” (v. 19), “Listen to your father” (v. 22), “My son, give me your heart” (v. 26). Have you noticed the wisdom of Proverbs is laced with parental care, nurture, and love? The next time the Lord tells you “Do Not,” please remember that it stems from a heart of Fatherly love. At verse 23 a new, small collection begins called “Further Sayings of the Wise” (verses 23-34). Here are the main ideas of this small collection:

• Verses 23b-25 Just judgment

• Verse 26 Good words

• Verse 27 Good work

• Verses 28-29 Bad words

• Verses 30-34 Bad work

Verses 23b-25 prepare us to recognize good from bad in both words and work. If you think about it, words and work are the sum total of a person’s life and they determine the quality of that life. If you were to measure your life with these sayings, how would you fare?