Proverbs: Chapter 20

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.

Salient points:

• Beware alcoholism (v.1).
• Indiscipline (v.4) cannot wait, or pace itself. It acts for immediate gratification only.
• V.9, like Ecc 7:20, is a sort of Rom 3:23 in the O.T.
• Don't love sleep (v.13)! "You can often gauge a man's ambition by whether he hates his alarm clock or considers it his dear friend."
• The proverbs accurate describe human tendencies (like complaining to the merchant and then boasting to one's friend -- v.14).
• V.19 ESV: Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.
• V.25 the trap of a rash vow: escape (Prov 6:1-5) or keep it (Ecc 5:1).
• The spirit (v.27) is our human spirit -- God's gift to every human. For a stimulating reconsideration of our spirit vs. the Holy Spirit, listen to David Bercot's recent lesson: http://scrollpublishing.com/store/product3623.html.

Daily challenge:

• Plan with the long view in mind.
• Look down the road of life, at the decades and years ahead. Starts saving for your old age when you are young!
• Just because things aren't pressing doesn't mean they aren't important. Recommended: Steven Covey, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.

Tomorrow: Proverbs 21