Category Archives: Proverbs (Wisdom & Folly)

The Wise Walk, the Fool Stumbles (Proverbs 13)

The direction of your life is shaped by the voice you follow.

Key Verse:
“Whoever walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” —Proverbs 13:20 NASB

Background Context:
Proverbs 13 is a chapter filled with practical contrasts between wisdom and foolishness, righteousness and wickedness, diligence and laziness. Solomon emphasizes the long-term consequences of choices—how our words, discipline, finances, and companions all shape the course of our lives. While brief in style, the chapter is weighty in its message: wisdom isn’t an accident—it’s a path, chosen step by step.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Proverbs 13

Contrast the Upright and the Wicked

1A wise son accepts his father’s discipline,
But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.

      2From the fruit of a man’s mouth he enjoys good,
But the desire of the treacherous is violence.

      3The one who guards his mouth preserves his life;
The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.

      4The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing,
But the soul of the diligent is made fat.

      5A righteous man hates falsehood,
But a wicked man acts disgustingly and shamefully.

      6Righteousness guards the one whose way is blameless,
But wickedness subverts the sinner.

      7There is one who pretends to be rich, but has nothing;
Another pretends to be poor, but has great wealth.

      8The ransom of a man’s life is his wealth,
But the poor hears no rebuke.

      9The light of the righteous rejoices,
But the lamp of the wicked goes out.

      10Through insolence comes nothing but strife,
But wisdom is with those who receive counsel.

      11Wealth obtained by fraud dwindles,
But the one who gathers by labor increases it.

      12Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
But desire fulfilled is a tree of life.

      13The one who despises the word will be in debt to it,
But the one who fears the commandment will be rewarded.

      14The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
To turn aside from the snares of death.

      15Good understanding produces favor,
But the way of the treacherous is hard.

      16Every prudent man acts with knowledge,
But a fool displays folly.

      17A wicked messenger falls into adversity,
But a faithful envoy brings healing.

      18Poverty and shame will come to him who neglects discipline,
But he who regards reproof will be honored.

      19Desire realized is sweet to the soul,
But it is an abomination to fools to turn away from evil.

      20He who walks with wise men will be wise,
But the companion of fools will suffer harm.

      21Adversity pursues sinners,
But the righteous will be rewarded with prosperity.

      22A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children,
And the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.

      23Abundant food is in the fallow ground of the poor,
But it is swept away by injustice.

      24He who withholds his rod hates his son,
But he who loves him disciplines him diligently.

      25The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite,
But the stomach of the wicked is in need.

Reflection on Proverbs 13:
Proverbs 13:20 is a powerful reminder that wisdom is not just something we acquire intellectually—it’s something we catch through proximity. Who you walk with influences who you become.

Surrounding yourself with wise, godly people helps sharpen your own thinking, deepen your convictions, and steer your life toward righteousness. In contrast, walking with fools isn’t neutral—it brings harm. Bad company doesn’t just slow your growth—it damages your path.

This chapter also highlights the fruit of discipline and diligence. “The soul of the diligent is made fat” (v.4), and “A righteous man hates lies” (v.5). Wisdom isn’t about cleverness—it’s about character, integrity, and persistence. It’s about sowing today what will produce fruit tomorrow.

And ultimately, Proverbs 13 reminds us of the generational impact of wisdom: “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children” (v.22). Wisdom thinks beyond the moment—it invests in a legacy.

Application:
Take a look at the voices you allow into your life. Are you walking with the wise—or keeping close company with those who are careless with truth, lazy with their lives, or hardened to God’s ways? Choose your influences carefully. Choose friends, mentors, and content that challenge you to grow in godliness.

And be diligent in your walk. Wisdom comes one step at a time—through discipline, humility, and reverence for the Lord.

Closing Prayer:
Father, help me walk with the wise and turn away from foolish paths. Give me discernment in the relationships I build and the voices I follow. Make me someone who reflects Your wisdom, speaks truth, and sows righteousness for future generations. In Yeshua’s name, amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda


Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

The Root of the Righteous (Proverbs 12)

The righteous aren’t just standing—they’re rooted.

Key Verse:
“The root of the righteous will not be moved.” —Proverbs 12:3b NASB

Background Context:
Proverbs 12 continues the pattern of contrasting the way of the righteous with the path of the wicked. It highlights how wisdom, discipline, words, and work all reflect the condition of the heart. Solomon weaves practical and spiritual truth together, showing how righteousness brings stability, while wickedness leads to ruin. The proverbs here remind us that our actions flow from our identity—and that lasting fruit comes from deep, godly roots.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Proverbs 12

Contrast the Upright and the Wicked

1Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
But he who hates reproof is stupid.

2A good man will obtain favor from the LORD,
But He will condemn a man who devises evil.

3A man will not be established by wickedness,
But the root of the righteous will not be moved.

4An excellent wife is the crown of her husband,
But she who shames him is like rottenness in his bones.

5The thoughts of the righteous are just,
But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.

6The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood,
But the mouth of the upright will deliver them.

7The wicked are overthrown and are no more,
But the house of the righteous will stand.

8A man will be praised according to his insight,
But one of perverse mind will be despised.

9Better is he who is lightly esteemed and has a servant
Than he who honors himself and lacks bread.

10A righteous man has regard for the life of his animal,
But even the compassion of the wicked is cruel.

11He who tills his land will have plenty of bread,
But he who pursues worthless things lacks sense.

12The wicked man desires the booty of evil men,
But the root of the righteous yields fruit.

13An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips,
But the righteous will escape from trouble.

14A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his words,
And the deeds of a man’s hands will return to him.

15The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
But a wise man is he who listens to counsel.

16A fool’s anger is known at once,
But a prudent man conceals dishonor.

17He who speaks truth tells what is right,
But a false witness, deceit.

18There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword,
But the tongue of the wise brings healing.

19Truthful lips will be established forever,
But a lying tongue is only for a moment.

20Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,
But counselors of peace have joy.

21No harm befalls the righteous,
But the wicked are filled with trouble.

22Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD,
But those who deal faithfully are His delight.

23A prudent man conceals knowledge,
But the heart of fools proclaims folly.

24The hand of the diligent will rule,
But the slack hand will be put to forced labor.

25Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down,
But a good word makes it glad.

26The righteous is a guide to his neighbor,
But the way of the wicked leads them astray.

27A lazy man does not roast his prey,
But the precious possession of a man is diligence.

28In the way of righteousness is life,
And in its pathway there is no death.

Reflection on Proverbs 12:
This chapter is rich with wisdom, but verse 3 draws a sharp image: “The root of the righteous will not be moved.” Righteous people aren’t righteous by accident—they are rooted in something deeper. Like a tree planted by streams of water, their strength doesn’t come from what’s seen above ground, but from what’s hidden below: a relationship with God, a life of obedience, and faith anchored in truth.

The wicked may seem to thrive for a season, but without roots, they are easily toppled. Verse 7 echoes this: “The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous will stand.” This is not just about surviving storms—it’s about enduring through every season because you are firmly planted in God.

Throughout the chapter, Proverbs 12 highlights the fruit of righteousness: careful words (v.18), diligent hands (v.24), truthful speech (v.22), and wise living. These are not surface-level behaviors—they spring from deep roots in God’s Word and character.

Application:
Are your roots going deep—or are you just skimming the surface spiritually? A strong faith isn’t grown in a day—it’s cultivated daily. Spend time with God, soak in His Word, and surround yourself with truth. When your roots are firm, the storms of life may shake you, but they will not uproot you.

If you’ve been feeling unstable, ask God to help you dig deeper—not just for peace in the moment, but for strength that lasts.

Closing Prayer:
Lord, plant me deep in Your truth. Let my life be rooted in righteousness and guided by Your wisdom. Teach me to walk in integrity, speak with grace, and work with diligence. May the fruit of my life reflect the depth of my walk with You. In Yeshua’s name, amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda


Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Integrity Weighs More Than Gold (Proverbs 11)

What you build with righteousness will outlast what others gain through wickedness.

Key Verse:
“The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the treacherous will destroy them.” —Proverbs 11:3 NASB

Background Context:
Proverbs 11 offers a collection of wisdom sayings that contrast the way of the righteous and the wicked. It emphasizes that integrity, humility, generosity, and righteousness lead to life and lasting reward, while deceit, pride, greed, and lawlessness lead to ruin. Solomon, the author of much of Proverbs, uses vivid imagery to show that while wickedness may seem to offer quick rewards, it is ultimately unstable and self-destructive.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Proverbs 11

Contrast the Upright and the Wicked

1A false balance is an abomination to the LORD,
But a just weight is His delight.

2When pride comes, then comes dishonor,
But with the humble is wisdom.

3The integrity of the upright will guide them,
But the crookedness of the treacherous will destroy them.

4Riches do not profit in the day of wrath,
But righteousness delivers from death.

5The righteousness of the blameless will smooth his way,
But the wicked will fall by his own wickedness.

6The righteousness of the upright will deliver them,
But the treacherous will be caught by their own greed.

7When a wicked man dies, his expectation will perish,
And the hope of strong men perishes.

8The righteous is delivered from trouble,
But the wicked takes his place.

9With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor,
But through knowledge the righteous will be delivered.

10When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices,
And when the wicked perish, there is joyful shouting.

11By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted,
But by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down.

12He who despises his neighbor lacks sense,
But a man of understanding keeps silent.

13He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets,
But he who is trustworthy conceals a matter.

14Where there is no guidance the people fall,
But in abundance of counselors there is victory.

15He who is guarantor for a stranger will surely suffer for it,
But he who hates being a guarantor is secure.

16A gracious woman attains honor,
And ruthless men attain riches.

17The merciful man does himself good,
But the cruel man does himself harm.

18The wicked earns deceptive wages,
But he who sows righteousness gets a true reward.

19He who is steadfast in righteousness will attain to life,
And he who pursues evil will bring about his own death.

20The perverse in heart are an abomination to the LORD,
But the blameless in their walk are His delight.

21Assuredly, the evil man will not go unpunished,
But the descendants of the righteous will be delivered.

22As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout
So is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion.

23The desire of the righteous is only good,
But the expectation of the wicked is wrath.

24There is one who scatters, and yet increases all the more,
And there is one who withholds what is justly due, and yet it results only in want.

25The generous man will be prosperous,
And he who waters will himself be watered.

26He who withholds grain, the people will curse him,
But blessing will be on the head of him who sells it.

27He who diligently seeks good seeks favor,
But he who seeks evil, evil will come to him.

28He who trusts in his riches will fall,
But the righteous will flourish like the green leaf.

29He who troubles his own house will inherit wind,
And the foolish will be servant to the wisehearted.

30The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,
And he who is wise wins souls.

31If the righteous will be rewarded in the earth,
How much more the wicked and the sinner!

Reflection on Proverbs 11:
This chapter begins with a warning: “A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight.” (v.1). It’s about more than business practices—it’s about fairness, honesty, and integrity in every area of life. God delights in those who live truthfully and walk uprightly, even when no one else is watching.

Verse 3 strikes at the heart: “The integrity of the upright will guide them.” When you walk in integrity—doing what is right because it’s right, not because it’s easy—you don’t have to fear the future. Righteousness becomes a compass. But for those who rely on deceit, that same deceit becomes their downfall.

Proverbs 11 also reminds us that generosity, humility, and trust in the Lord are keys to a life of blessing. “One who gives freely… grows all the richer” (v.24). “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life” (v.30). Our choices ripple outward. The upright build what endures. The wicked may rise quickly—but fall just as fast.

Application:
Are you allowing integrity to guide your decisions, even in the small things? In a world that rewards shortcuts and celebrates self-promotion, the path of righteousness can feel slow or unrewarded. But God sees. He delights in those who walk uprightly and promises stability to those who live by truth.

Examine your heart. Are there places where compromise has crept in—where you’ve settled for convenience over conviction? Ask God to strengthen your integrity, and trust that He will guide and honor those who honor Him.

Closing Prayer:
Father, help me to walk in integrity, even when no one else sees. Let righteousness be my guide and Your Word my foundation. Keep me from compromise, and teach me to trust in Your ways over the world’s. Let my life bear fruit that blesses others and honors You. In Yeshua’s name, amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda


Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

A Path Marked by Wisdom (Proverbs 10)

Sometimes the difference between the wise and the foolish shows up in the smallest choices.
Each proverb in this chapter is like a compass point, showing us the contrast between the life God blesses and the one that leads to ruin.

Key Verse:
“The fear of the Lord prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be shortened.” —Proverbs 10:27 NASB

Background Context:
Proverbs 10 begins a long collection of sayings from Solomon, often in two-line comparisons, which contrast the righteous and the wicked, the diligent and the lazy, the wise and the foolish. These proverbs don’t just speak to morality—they touch finances, work ethic, speech, parenting, and how we relate to God. This chapter is full of practical, everyday applications that highlight the fruit of wisdom and the danger of rejecting God’s ways.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Proverbs 10

Contrast of the Righteous and the Wicked

      1The proverbs of Solomon.
A wise son makes a father glad,
But a foolish son is a grief to his mother.

      2Ill-gotten gains do not profit,
But righteousness delivers from death.

      3The LORD will not allow the righteous to hunger,
But He will reject the craving of the wicked.

      4Poor is he who works with a negligent hand,
But the hand of the diligent makes rich.

      5He who gathers in summer is a son who acts wisely,
But he who sleeps in harvest is a son who acts shamefully.

      6Blessings are on the head of the righteous,
But the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.

      7The memory of the righteous is blessed,
But the name of the wicked will rot.

      8The wise of heart will receive commands,
But a babbling fool will be ruined.

      9He who walks in integrity walks securely,
But he who perverts his ways will be found out.

      10He who winks the eye causes trouble,
And a babbling fool will be ruined.

      11The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,
But the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.

      12Hatred stirs up strife,
But love covers all transgressions.

      13On the lips of the discerning, wisdom is found,
But a rod is for the back of him who lacks understanding.

      14Wise men store up knowledge,
But with the mouth of the foolish, ruin is at hand.

      15The rich man’s wealth is his fortress,
The ruin of the poor is their poverty.

      16The wages of the righteous is life,
The income of the wicked, punishment.

      17He is on the path of life who heeds instruction,
But he who ignores reproof goes astray.

      18He who conceals hatred has lying lips,
And he who spreads slander is a fool.

      19When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable,
But he who restrains his lips is wise.

      20The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver,
The heart of the wicked is worth little.

      21The lips of the righteous feed many,
But fools die for lack of understanding.

      22It is the blessing of the LORD that makes rich,
And He adds no sorrow to it.

      23Doing wickedness is like sport to a fool,
And so is wisdom to a man of understanding.

      24What the wicked fears will come upon him,
But the desire of the righteous will be granted.

      25When the whirlwind passes, the wicked is no more,
But the righteous has an everlasting foundation.

      26Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes,
So is the lazy one to those who send him.

      27The fear of the LORD prolongs life,
But the years of the wicked will be shortened.

      28The hope of the righteous is gladness,
But the expectation of the wicked perishes.

      29The way of the LORD is a stronghold to the upright,
But ruin to the workers of iniquity.

      30The righteous will never be shaken,
But the wicked will not dwell in the land.

      31The mouth of the righteous flows with wisdom,
But the perverted tongue will be cut out.

      32The lips of the righteous bring forth what is acceptable,
But the mouth of the wicked what is perverted.

Reflection on Proverbs 10:
In a world that blurs right and wrong, Proverbs 10 cuts through with divine clarity. Righteousness isn’t just about being “good”—it’s about living in alignment with God’s truth. Notice how the chapter emphasizes speech: words can be a fountain of life or a sword that pierces.

Verse 12 says, “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.” That’s a powerful reminder in today’s world of online outrage and division. We’re not just called to avoid stirring up drama—we’re called to be peacemakers who actively choose love and forgiveness.

Verse 4 warns us about laziness: “Poor is one who works with a lazy hand, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.” This isn’t just about money—it’s about a heart that honors God through responsible and intentional living.

And again, verse 27 centers our attention on what really matters: “The fear of the Lord prolongs life.” A life lived with reverence and obedience to God leads to lasting blessing, even eternal life through Christ.

Application:
Take a few moments today to examine your habits and your words. Are they marked by wisdom, diligence, love, and the fear of the Lord? Choose one proverb from this chapter to meditate on or memorize this week. Let it shape your decisions.

If you find an area where you’re off-course, remember: God’s wisdom is available for the asking (James 1:5). Turn to Him, and He will guide your path.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your Word that lights the path of wisdom. Help me to choose diligence over laziness, peace over strife, and righteousness over rebellion. Teach me to fear You rightly, that I may live a life pleasing to You. Guard my words and shape my heart. I want to walk in wisdom every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda


Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Choose Your Invitation Wisely (Proverbs 9)

Not all invitations lead to life. Wisdom and folly both call out—but only one leads to God.

Key Verse:
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” —Proverbs 9:10 (NASB)

Background Context:
Proverbs 9 presents a vivid contrast between two invitations: one from Wisdom and one from Folly. Both call out from high places. Both seem appealing. But only Wisdom offers life and truth. Wisdom builds her house, prepares a feast, and invites the simple to grow in understanding. Folly mimics this with loud, seductive calls, offering stolen pleasures that lead to destruction. The chapter culminates in the timeless truth that fearing the Lord is the beginning of true wisdom.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Proverbs 9

Wisdom’s Invitation

1Wisdom has built her house,
She has hewn out her seven pillars;

2She has prepared her food, she has mixed her wine;
She has also set her table;

3She has sent out her maidens, she calls
From the tops of the heights of the city:

4“Whoever is naive, let him turn in here!”
To him who lacks understanding she says,

5“Come, eat of my food
And drink of the wine I have mixed.

6“Forsake your folly and live,
And proceed in the way of understanding.”

7He who corrects a scoffer gets dishonor for himself,
And he who reproves a wicked man gets insults for himself.

8Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you,
Reprove a wise man and he will love you.

9Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser,
Teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning.

10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

11For by me your days will be multiplied,
And years of life will be added to you.

12If you are wise, you are wise for yourself,
And if you scoff, you alone will bear it.

13The woman of folly is boisterous,
She is naive and knows nothing.

14She sits at the doorway of her house,
On a seat by the high places of the city,

15Calling to those who pass by,
Who are making their paths straight:

16“Whoever is naive, let him turn in here,”
And to him who lacks understanding she says,

17“Stolen water is sweet;
And bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”

18But he does not know that the dead are there,
That her guests are in the depths of Sheol.

Reflection on Proverbs 9:
Every day, we are faced with competing voices. Wisdom whispers through God’s Word, through godly counsel, and through the quiet prompting of the Spirit. Folly shouts through culture, temptation, and pride. At first glance, both paths may appear attractive, but their ends could not be more different.

Wisdom invites us to a table set with truth, understanding, and life. She doesn’t just offer knowledge—she offers relationship with the Holy One. But the path of folly, though sweet in the moment, is deceptive. It appeals to our desire for quick gratification and independence, yet it leads to death.

Proverbs 9 teaches us that choosing God’s way is not merely about avoiding sin—it’s about being nourished by truth. The fear of the Lord isn’t a cowering fear but a reverent awe that submits our hearts to His will, which is where real wisdom begins.

Application:
Which voice are you listening to today? Are you daily sitting at the table Wisdom has prepared through Scripture, prayer, and godly teaching? Or are you being drawn toward shortcuts and lies that seem easier but lead to ruin?

Commit to seeking the knowledge of the Holy One. Spend time each day with God, asking Him for wisdom. He promises to give it freely to those who ask (James 1:5).

Closing Prayer:
Lord, I want to choose the path of wisdom. Help me to fear You rightly and to grow in the knowledge of who You are. Tune my ears to Your voice and guard me from the traps of folly. Lead me in Your truth today and every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda


Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Wisdom Was There from the Beginning (Proverbs 8)

In a world filled with noise and opinions, wisdom still calls out—clear, constant, and rooted in creation itself.

Key Verse:
“The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverted mouth, I hate.” —Proverbs 8:13 (NASB)

Background Context:
Proverbs 8 presents wisdom as a person calling out in the streets, on the heights, at the crossroads—anywhere people will listen. Unlike the deceptive allure of sin described in the previous chapter, wisdom offers truth, life, and righteousness. This chapter isn’t just about good advice; it’s a divine revelation. Wisdom is eternal, established before the creation of the world. YHWH used wisdom to lay the foundations of the earth. Those who listen to wisdom are blessed and secure, but those who reject her love death.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Proverbs 8

The Commendation of Wisdom

1Does not wisdom call,
And understanding lift up her voice?

2On top of the heights beside the way,
Where the paths meet, she takes her stand;

3Beside the gates, at the opening to the city,
At the entrance of the doors, she cries out:

4“To you, O men, I call,
And my voice is to the sons of men.

5“O naive ones, understand prudence;
And, O fools, understand wisdom.

6“Listen, for I will speak noble things;
And the opening of my lips will reveal right things.

7“For my mouth will utter truth;
And wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

8“All the utterances of my mouth are in righteousness;
There is nothing crooked or perverted in them.

9“They are all straightforward to him who understands,
And right to those who find knowledge.

10“Take my instruction and not silver,
And knowledge rather than choicest gold.

11“For wisdom is better than jewels;
And all desirable things cannot compare with her.

12“I, wisdom, dwell with prudence,
And I find knowledge and discretion.

13“The fear of the LORD is to hate evil;
Pride and arrogance and the evil way
And the perverted mouth, I hate.

14“Counsel is mine and sound wisdom;
I am understanding, power is mine.

15“By me kings reign,
And rulers decree justice.

16“By me princes rule, and nobles,
All who judge rightly.

17“I love those who love me;
And those who diligently seek me will find me.

18“Riches and honor are with me,
Enduring wealth and righteousness.

19“My fruit is better than gold, even pure gold,
And my yield better than choicest silver.

20“I walk in the way of righteousness,
In the midst of the paths of justice,

21To endow those who love me with wealth,
That I may fill their treasuries.

22“The LORD possessed me at the beginning of His way,
Before His works of old.

23“From everlasting I was established,
From the beginning, from the earliest times of the earth.

24“When there were no depths I was brought forth,
When there were no springs abounding with water.

25“Before the mountains were settled,
Before the hills I was brought forth;

26While He had not yet made the earth and the fields,
Nor the first dust of the world.

27“When He established the heavens, I was there,
When He inscribed a circle on the face of the deep,

28When He made firm the skies above,
When the springs of the deep became fixed,

29When He set for the sea its boundary
So that the water would not transgress His command,
When He marked out the foundations of the earth;

30Then I was beside Him, as a master workman;
And I was daily His delight,
Rejoicing always before Him,

31Rejoicing in the world, His earth,
And having my delight in the sons of men.

32“Now therefore, O sons, listen to me,
For blessed are they who keep my ways.

33“Heed instruction and be wise,
And do not neglect it.

34“Blessed is the man who listens to me,
Watching daily at my gates,
Waiting at my doorposts.

35“For he who finds me finds life
And obtains favor from the LORD.

36“But he who sins against me injures himself;
All those who hate me love death.”

Reflection on Proverbs 8:
Wisdom doesn’t hide. She shouts in public places, eager to be heard by all who will listen. Her message is noble, pure, and righteous. She speaks truth—not with manipulation or selfish motives, but with clarity and integrity.

What’s remarkable in this chapter is the eternal nature of wisdom. She was present before the earth was formed, before the oceans were poured out, and before the mountains rose up. This reveals the divine and timeless nature of true wisdom—it is not man-made. It flows from God Himself and was with Him as He created all things.

To fear the Lord is to hate evil. That means wisdom doesn’t tolerate sin, pride, or twisted thinking. It delights in what is right and just. There is no compromise in God’s wisdom—it’s not just one path among many, it is the path of life.

Yeshua, the Word made flesh (John 1:1–3, 14), is the perfect embodiment of this wisdom. When we seek Him, we find life. When we walk in His ways, we walk in wisdom. Proverbs 8 closes with this powerful invitation: “Blessed is the person who listens to me, watching daily at my gates.” Wisdom is not something we learn once and forget—it’s a lifelong pursuit.

Application:
Pause and evaluate: Are you seeking wisdom daily? Are you leaning into God’s voice through His Word, or letting culture and self-desire drown it out?

Wisdom calls—loud and clear. But will you listen? Choose today to pursue God’s wisdom like treasure, honoring what is good and hating what is evil. Ask for discernment to recognize when foolishness disguises itself as truth.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You that Your wisdom calls out to me. Teach me to treasure Your voice above all others. Help me hate evil and walk in the fear of the Lord. Let me walk in the path of wisdom that leads to life, through Yeshua, who was with You from the beginning. Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda


Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Guard Your Heart Before Temptation Knocks (Proverbs 7)

Temptation doesn’t barge in unannounced—it whispers, flatters, and waits for an open door.

Key Verse:
“Say to wisdom, ‘You are my sister,’ and call understanding your intimate friend; that they may keep you from an adulteress, from the foreigner who flatters with her words.” —Proverbs 7:4–5 (NASB)

Background Context:
Proverbs 7 is a father’s passionate plea to his son to pursue wisdom and guard against the seductive pull of sin. Using the vivid story of a young man lured by an adulterous woman, the passage illustrates the deceptive and destructive nature of temptation. It’s not merely about sexual immorality—it’s a warning about all enticements that lead our hearts away from obedience to God.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Proverbs 7

The Wiles of the Harlot

1My son, keep my words
And treasure my commandments within you.

      2Keep my commandments and live,
And my teaching as the apple of your eye.

      3Bind them on your fingers;
Write them on the tablet of your heart.

      4Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,”
And call understanding your intimate friend;

      5That they may keep you from an adulteress,
From the foreigner who flatters with her words.

      6For at the window of my house
I looked out through my lattice,

      7And I saw among the naive,
And discerned among the youths
A young man lacking sense,

      8Passing through the street near her corner;
And he takes the way to her house,

      9In the twilight, in the evening,
In the middle of the night and in the darkness.

      10And behold, a woman comes to meet him,
Dressed as a harlot and cunning of heart.

      11She is boisterous and rebellious,
Her feet do not remain at home;

      12She is now in the streets, now in the squares,
And lurks by every corner.

      13So she seizes him and kisses him
And with a brazen face she says to him:

      14“I was due to offer peace offerings;
Today I have paid my vows.

      15“Therefore I have come out to meet you,
To seek your presence earnestly, and I have found you.

      16“I have spread my couch with coverings,
With colored linens of Egypt.

      17“I have sprinkled my bed
With myrrh, aloes and cinnamon.

      18“Come, let us drink our fill of love until morning;
Let us delight ourselves with caresses.

      19“For my husband is not at home,
He has gone on a long journey;

      20He has taken a bag of money with him,
At the full moon he will come home.”

      21With her many persuasions she entices him;
With her flattering lips she seduces him.

      22Suddenly he follows her
As an ox goes to the slaughter,
Or as one in fetters to the discipline of a fool,

      23Until an arrow pierces through his liver;
As a bird hastens to the snare,
So he does not know that it will cost him his life.

      24Now therefore, my sons, listen to me,
And pay attention to the words of my mouth.

      25Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways,
Do not stray into her paths.

      26For many are the victims she has cast down,
And numerous are all her slain.

      27Her house is the way to Sheol,
Descending to the chambers of death.

Reflection on Proverbs 7:
The proverb opens with urgency: “Keep my words… treasure my commandments… bind them on your fingers… write them on the tablet of your heart.” Why such intensity? Because wisdom isn’t something we stumble into—it must be actively sought and cherished before we find ourselves in moments of testing.

The story that follows shows a young man lacking discernment, wandering near danger, at the wrong place and the wrong time. He doesn’t know he’s being watched—targeted by a woman with crafty intent. Her words are smooth, her promises bold, and her flattery relentless. She speaks of love but leads him to death.

This is how temptation often works. It flatters your ego, appeals to your desires, and disguises consequences behind pleasure. Whether it’s lust, greed, pride, or any sin, the enemy rarely shows up looking dangerous. That’s why Proverbs calls us to bind wisdom to our hearts—because the moment to prepare for temptation is before it appears.

The final verses are sobering: “Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways… her house is the way to Sheol.” This is not just a call to avoid temptation—it’s a call to value God’s wisdom so highly that our hearts are already guarded when sin comes calling.

Application:
Examine the areas in your life where you may be drifting too close to temptation. Are there boundaries you’ve let blur? Begin today by treasuring God’s Word and praying for discernment. Fill your heart with wisdom now, so that when the flatterer comes, your heart won’t be swayed.

Closing Prayer:
Father, help me treasure Your wisdom and write Your commands on the tablet of my heart. Teach me to recognize temptation in all its disguises and give me the strength to flee from it. Guard my heart, guide my steps, and let me walk in purity and truth. In Yeshua’s name, amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda


Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Wisdom for a Life of Integrity (Proverbs 6)

Every action has consequences, and the path of wisdom teaches us to take responsibility, work diligently, speak truthfully, and live with purity.

Key Verse:
“For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching is light; and reproofs for discipline are the way of life.” —Proverbs 6:23 (NASB)

Background Context:
Proverbs 6 is a rich chapter filled with practical counsel from a father to his son. It covers a variety of topics: avoiding foolish financial entanglements, embracing hard work, guarding against wickedness and deceit, honoring parental instruction, and fleeing sexual immorality. These lessons are not random; they flow from a desire to help the reader live wisely and avoid the destruction that comes from foolish choices. This chapter reminds us that God’s instructions aren’t burdens—they’re safeguards, designed to preserve life and character.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Proverbs 6

     Parental Counsel

     1My son, if you have become surety for your neighbor,
Have given a pledge for a stranger,

2If you have been snared with the words of your mouth,
Have been caught with the words of your mouth,

3Do this then, my son, and deliver yourself;
Since you have come into the hand of your neighbor,
Go, humble yourself, and importune your neighbor.

4Give no sleep to your eyes,
Nor slumber to your eyelids;

5Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hunter’s hand
And like a bird from the hand of the fowler.

6Go to the ant, O sluggard,
Observe her ways and be wise,

7Which, having no chief,
Officer or ruler,

8Prepares her food in the summer
And gathers her provision in the harvest.

9How long will you lie down, O sluggard?
When will you arise from your sleep?

10“A little sleep, a little slumber,
A little folding of the hands to rest”—

11Your poverty will come in like a vagabond
And your need like an armed man.

12A worthless person, a wicked man,
Is the one who walks with a perverse mouth,

13Who winks with his eyes, who signals with his feet,
Who points with his fingers;

14Who with perversity in his heart continually devises evil,
Who spreads strife.

15Therefore his calamity will come suddenly;
Instantly he will be broken and there will be no healing.

16There are six things which the LORD hates,
Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him:

17Haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
And hands that shed innocent blood,

18A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that run rapidly to evil,

19A false witness who utters lies,
And one who spreads strife among brothers.

20My son, observe the commandment of your father
And do not forsake the teaching of your mother;

21Bind them continually on your heart;
Tie them around your neck.

22When you walk about, they will guide you;
When you sleep, they will watch over you;
And when you awake, they will talk to you.

23For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching is light;
And reproofs for discipline are the way of life

24To keep you from the evil woman,
From the smooth tongue of the adulteress.

25Do not desire her beauty in your heart,
Nor let her capture you with her eyelids.

26For on account of a harlot one is reduced to a loaf of bread,
And an adulteress hunts for the precious life.

27Can a man take fire in his bosom
And his clothes not be burned?

28Or can a man walk on hot coals
And his feet not be scorched?

29So is the one who goes in to his neighbor’s wife;
Whoever touches her will not go unpunished.

30Men do not despise a thief if he steals
To satisfy himself when he is hungry;

31But when he is found, he must repay sevenfold;
He must give all the substance of his house.

32The one who commits adultery with a woman is lacking sense;
He who would destroy himself does it.

33Wounds and disgrace he will find,
And his reproach will not be blotted out.

34For jealousy enrages a man,
And he will not spare in the day of vengeance.

35He will not accept any ransom,
Nor will he be satisfied though you give many gifts.

 

Guard Your Heart, Guard Your Steps (Proverbs 5)

Temptation never presents itself as dangerous—it disguises itself as desirable.

Key Verse:
“For the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.” —Proverbs 5:3–4 (NASB)

Background Context:
Proverbs 5 is a father’s urgent warning to his son against the seduction of adultery and unfaithfulness. It is not just about avoiding sexual sin, but about guarding one’s whole life from the devastating consequences of stepping outside God’s design. The writer exposes how alluring sin can be at first, but then contrasts it with the bitterness, shame, and destruction that follow. This chapter encourages not only abstaining from sin but intentionally choosing to rejoice in God’s provision and design for marriage and purity.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Proverbs 5

Pitfalls of Immorality

1My son, give attention to my wisdom,
Incline your ear to my understanding;

      2That you may observe discretion
And your lips may reserve knowledge.

      3For the lips of an adulteress drip honey
And smoother than oil is her speech;

      4But in the end she is bitter as wormwood,
Sharp as a two-edged sword.

      5Her feet go down to death,
Her steps take hold of Sheol.

      6She does not ponder the path of life;
Her ways are unstable, she does not know it.

      7Now then, my sons, listen to me
And do not depart from the words of my mouth.

      8Keep your way far from her
And do not go near the door of her house,

      9Or you will give your vigor to others
And your years to the cruel one;

      10And strangers will be filled with your strength
And your hard-earned goods will go to the house of an alien;

      11And you groan at your final end,
When your flesh and your body are consumed;

      12And you say, “How I have hated instruction!
And my heart spurned reproof!

      13“I have not listened to the voice of my teachers,
Nor inclined my ear to my instructors!

      14“I was almost in utter ruin
In the midst of the assembly and congregation.”

      15Drink water from your own cistern
And fresh water from your own well.

      16Should your springs be dispersed abroad,
Streams of water in the streets?

      17Let them be yours alone
And not for strangers with you.

      18Let your fountain be blessed,
And rejoice in the wife of your youth.

      19As a loving hind and a graceful doe,
Let her breasts satisfy you at all times;
Be exhilarated always with her love.

      20For why should you, my son, be exhilarated with an adulteress
And embrace the bosom of a foreigner?

      21For the ways of a man are before the eyes of the LORD,
And He watches all his paths.

      22His own iniquities will capture the wicked,
And he will be held with the cords of his sin.

      23He will die for lack of instruction,
And in the greatness of his folly he will go astray.

Reflection on Proverbs 5:
Solomon opens with a plea: “Give attention to my wisdom… that you may maintain discretion.” The chapter wastes no time showing how sin—specifically adultery—tempts through flattering words and false promises. At first, it seems sweet and smooth, like honey and oil. But sin’s end is bitter, cutting, and deadly.

There’s a clear call to stay far away from temptation. Don’t linger near it. Don’t entertain it. Solomon says, “Do not go near the door of her house.” Why? Because once you entertain sin, it starts costing you—your honor, your years, your peace, even your health.

This isn’t just for married people. The principle applies broadly: stay far from whatever draws your heart away from God’s design for holiness. In contrast to the adulteress, Solomon encourages joy in God’s provision—symbolized here by the blessings of a faithful marriage. He ends with a powerful truth: “The ways of everyone are before the Lord, and He watches all his paths.” Nothing is hidden from Him.

Application:
Sin is most dangerous when it looks harmless or even appealing. Whether it’s lust, greed, bitterness, or pride—don’t flirt with temptation. Don’t “go near the door.” Instead, draw near to God. Guard your heart and be satisfied with what He provides. If you are married, cherish your spouse. If you are single, honor God with purity and prepare your heart for faithfulness. God sees the paths we walk—may we walk in a way that honors Him.

Closing Prayer:
Father, help me recognize temptation for what it really is—deceptive and destructive. Give me wisdom and strength to walk in purity and faithfulness. Let me be satisfied with what You have given and not look to sin for what only You can provide. Thank You for watching over my steps. Guide me in the way everlasting. In Yeshua’s name, amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda


Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Guard Your Heart Above All (Proverbs 4)

What we allow into our hearts shapes the direction of our lives.

Key Verse:
“Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.” —Proverbs 4:23 (NASB)

Background Context:
Proverbs 4 continues the theme of a father imparting wisdom to his children. Solomon urges his sons to embrace instruction, pursue wisdom earnestly, and avoid the paths of the wicked. This chapter is a passionate plea to value wisdom and righteousness above all worldly pursuits. Solomon knows the heart is the wellspring of a person’s life, and if it is protected and guided by God’s truth, the entire course of one’s life will be blessed.

The emphasis is not just on knowing right from wrong but actively choosing to walk in the way of righteousness daily, guarding the heart from evil influences that seek to corrupt and mislead.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Proverbs 4

A Father’s Instruction

     1Hear, O sons, the instruction of a father,
And give attention that you may gain understanding,

      2For I give you sound teaching;
Do not abandon my instruction.

      3When I was a son to my father,
Tender and the only son in the sight of my mother,

      4Then he taught me and said to me,
“Let your heart hold fast my words;
Keep my commandments and live;

      5Acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding!
Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth.

      6“Do not forsake her, and she will guard you;
Love her, and she will watch over you.

      7“The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom;
And with all your acquiring, get understanding.

      8“Prize her, and she will exalt you;
She will honor you if you embrace her.

      9“She will place on your head a garland of grace;
She will present you with a crown of beauty.”

      10Hear, my son, and accept my sayings
And the years of your life will be many.

      11I have directed you in the way of wisdom;
I have led you in upright paths.

      12When you walk, your steps will not be impeded;
And if you run, you will not stumble.

      13Take hold of instruction; do not let go.
Guard her, for she is your life.

      14Do not enter the path of the wicked
And do not proceed in the way of evil men.

      15Avoid it, do not pass by it;
Turn away from it and pass on.

      16For they cannot sleep unless they do evil;
And they are robbed of sleep unless they make someone stumble.

      17For they eat the bread of wickedness
And drink the wine of violence.

      18But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,
That shines brighter and brighter until the full day.

      19The way of the wicked is like darkness;
They do not know over what they stumble.

      20My son, give attention to my words;
Incline your ear to my sayings.

      21Do not let them depart from your sight;
Keep them in the midst of your heart.

      22For they are life to those who find them
And health to all their body.

      23Watch over your heart with all diligence,
For from it flow the springs of life.

      24Put away from you a deceitful mouth
And put devious speech far from you.

      25Let your eyes look directly ahead
And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you.

      26Watch the path of your feet
And all your ways will be established.

      27Do not turn to the right nor to the left;
Turn your foot from evil.

Reflection on Proverbs 4:
The call to guard our hearts is vital. Our thoughts, affections, and desires influence our actions and determine the course of our lives. If we fill our hearts with the things of God—His Word, His wisdom, His love—our lives will reflect His character. But if we allow bitterness, pride, lust, or greed to take root, it will corrupt everything we do.

Notice how Solomon urges his readers to be intentional: listen carefully to wisdom, turn away from paths of darkness, keep eyes straight ahead on the path God has laid out. Living wisely is not passive—it demands vigilance and a steadfast focus on God’s ways.

Application:
Take inventory of what fills your heart. Are you intentionally guarding it with God’s Word, or have you let distractions, worries, or sinful attitudes creep in unnoticed? Spend time today asking God to purify your heart, strengthen your walk, and keep your focus firmly on Him. Make choices that protect your heart and help you walk steadily in righteousness.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for the wisdom You provide through Your Word. Help me to guard my heart diligently and to be careful about what I allow into my life. Teach me to keep my eyes fixed on You and to walk firmly in Your ways. Fill my heart with Your love, truth, and wisdom, so that my life may glorify You. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda


Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.