Proverbs 17

Today for this chapter I'm sharing a couple verses that stuck out to me.

• 24: "Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth."  This verse challenges the reader to focus on gaining practical wisdom. Don't chase distant, pointless things or become distracted by vain pursuits. Stay focused on seeking godly wisdom.

• 27: "He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit."  This verse challenges the reader to be self-controlled in speech. Self-control in any area takes work. It won't happen overnight, but it's worth the time and effort. Work to have measured, thoughtful responses instead of fly-off-the-handle ones. Sometimes it's better to not say anything at all than to speak because words can truly show the foolish side of a person. Verse 28 says, "Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding."  This reminds me of young boys because unfortunately, I think many will grow up to be fools because they aren't being taught to speak carefully. While playing video and virtual reality games, they scream at the other players, call names, etc. They lack basic respect and when they talk to other kids or adults, there's no filter and they just say whatever. Adults can learn to keep their words in check, even if they weren't taught how to as a child. But it would be so much better for everyone in society if a child's grown-ups would teach him to choose words carefully so he's not a foolish, angry adult in the future. Like we've noted before in previous chapters in Prov. words can hurt and words can heal. Whichever one they do is up to us.