Proverbs 17:19-28
Q.1. In which way does Solomon warn fathers before it is too late? What guiding principles can you find to lead to success? – (Prov.17:19-23, 25-27)
We are encouraged to be straight and to keep from deviating to the left or right. Any departure from the truth leads to strife and even destruction. Those that leave God and good out of their calculations are fools – he who sires a fool does so to his sorrow, and the father of a fool has no joy … a foolish son is a grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him (Prov.17:21 & 25). The guiding principle is to keep to the straight and narrow in thought, word, and deed.
Q.2. What are some of the hallmarks of a foolish person? What advice does Solomon give to those who are foolish? – (Prov.17:21, 24-28)
A fool is easily distracted and always daydreaming. Strife starts with a crooked mind and perverted language. A good remedy is to speak less since – he who restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding … even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is considered prudent (Prov.17:27-28).