Proverbs 19

“Whoever gets sense loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will discover good” (v8).  The proverbs teach that “wisdom” equals “following God’s ways,” and God, as our Creator, has graciously revealed to us how best to live.  “Whoever keeps the commandment keeps his life” (v16), because God’s commandments are written for our good.  Therefore, cultivating godly habits like honesty, self-control, and faithful work (v9,11,15) are ways in which we please God and live in harmony in His world.

Sometimes following God’s commands requires great faith, because other ways seem attractive or because we don’t experience the immediate results we desire.  Yet we can trust that His purposes are always excellent and “will stand” (v21).