Proverbs 19:1–2: Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool. Also it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge, and he sins who hastens with his feet.
Insight
It is better to be poor and honest (blameless means morally whole) than to be a fool (“dull, thickheaded”) who speaks words that are perverse (“twisted”). The word for “poor” means destitute or hungry; it is not a dishonorable term suggesting poverty from laziness. A fool may try to get rich by devious means, but honesty is still a better policy, even if it means going hungry. Zeal (normally trans. “soul”) here means inner drive or vitality. It refers not so much to ecstatic exuberance as to ambitious drive which without adequate knowledge may lead to hasty blunders. Such haste may result in a person missing the way, that is, making mistakes. 1
Application
The practical solution is found in James 1:19–20 “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
Today’s To Do List:
- Be swift to hear. Listen up. Be still and know He is God.
- Do not talk randomly. Talk to God first. Let Him show you what to say.
- If you are filled with anger, confess your sin before God. Do not blame someone else for your own anger.
Motivation
And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment. Philippians 1:9
A soul filled with the knowledge of God will keep one’s feet from trouble. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, please help me to walk with integrity and please guard my lips.
1. Walvoord, John F., & Zuck, R. B., Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary
