Chapter 13

There is something of a theme to Chapter 13, and it’s really about the application of wisdom to everyday life. It’s all very down-to-Earth.

For example:
• Wise children listen to their parents; foolish children do their own thing.
• Arrogant know-it-alls stir up discord; but wise men and women listen to each others’ counsel.
• Irresponsible talk makes a mess of things; but a reliable reporter is a healing presence.
• A good life gets passed on to the grandchildren; Ill-gotten wealth ends up with good people.

This is just a smattering, but you get the idea. Up until know we’ve been talking about specific areas of wisdom – your integrity, your sexual behaviour, the reasons for considering wisdom; now we’re looking at where the rubber meets the road.

It’s an interesting thing to imagine a checklist for the wise. This would work for most chapters of Proverbs. Read the verses, and as you recognize yourself (and be kind!), tick yourself off. I wonder how many of us would have the checklist half ticked off!

It’s easy to have good things going on inside your head; that doesn’t make you wise, only smart. The point at which you know someone is wise is when they can take that information and actually do something with it.

For example: It’s all very well to say “Careful words make for a careful life” – but what does it mean in practice?