Proverbs
“And more than that, the preacher was wise; he still taught the
people knowledge. Yes, he listened, and looked, and set in order many
proverbs. The preacher sought to find out pleasing words; and words of
truth written by the upright. The words of the wise are like goads; yes,
their collected words are like nails driven home; they are given from
one Shepherd” (Ecclesiastes 12:9-11 MKJV).
In the middle of the night of April 15-16 of 2007, it was given
me to write proverbs. Like a tap of water turned on, they came, one after
the
other, 78 in all. Then, as
fast as they began, they ended, like a tap turned off. There was
no premeditation, no expectation and when the end came, there was
nothing I could do to continue. They were just there.
Since then the Lord has given me more, when I am quiet, in His
way, and when He wills.
The principles of life have many manifestations, each of which
can be expressed as a proverb. A proverb can appear simple on the
surface, stating the obvious, as even to give the impression that
a simpleton speaks. As one contemplates the words and seeks a deeper
meaning, however, he or she can be rewarded with counsel and understanding
that serve well in many applications of life, should God give to
that one.
Victor Hafichuk
PROVERBS
1-250 251-500 501-750 751-1000 1001-1250 1251-1500 1501-
1251. The
timid answer with boldness, but those who look for courage do
not find it in themselves.
1252. One
who delivers from fear receives great honor and glory.
1253. In
the greatest curses are hidden the greatest blessings.
1254. Unbelief
darkens the soul and withholds it from all good.
1255. To
have faith is to be victorious; nothing is impossible to those
who believe.
1256. God
is present with those who believe, though He is nowhere to be
found.
1257. With
faith, all things are possible, but faith is impossible unless
freely granted from above.
1258. To
walk in the Light is to know that Light reigns supreme at all
times in all places, even where darkness is.
1259. Judgment
is omnipresent and perfect, and every soul will have his portion.
1260. By
their own judgment, fools mock the wise, but by judgment from
above, the wise see that, without grace, all men are fools.
1261. As
a drunkard craves alcohol, so sin makes insane, and the insane
insist upon sin.
1262. A soul’s fulfillment
is according to his obedience to the Law of God.
1263. Fools
mock themselves as they despise wisdom.
1264. A stubborn
fool is beaten with rods yet insists he is righteous until
he is destroyed.
1265. In
old age, even to his deathbed, a sinner clings to his gods.
1266. Fear
of death answers nothing, but hope of life answers all.
1267. Without
hope, there is no purpose, but promise will sustain hope, and
hope determination, until the promise is fulfilled.
1268. Be
kind and considerate to a wicked fool and he will despise you
for it; rebuke a wise man and he will thank you. Thus,
you tell them apart.
1269. To
gather wisdom and take it to the grave speaks of a purpose for
it thereafter.
1270. Every
man seeks praise, but how many seek correction?
1271. As
sowing comes before reaping, so correction comes before praise.
1272. Waving
at all though one may be an enemy is better than waving at none
lest one be an enemy.
1273. The
righteous need not feed on hope forever - for soon the substance
comes and satisfies - but the fearful have already received
their expectations.
1274. Son,
wait for the full ripening; the taste will be much better.
1275. Son,
cut away the thoughts of loss and suffering; loss will soon enough
make way for reward, when you do what is right.
1276. Correction
will do much good, even if it must come by wicked messengers.
1277. When
all appears safe to them, the wicked puff themselves up and proceed
to be more brazen in their evil doing, not seeing
the judgment rushing upon them.
1278. Those
who mock and laugh now shall be devoured by mockery, and wisdom
will have the last laugh.
1279. Do
those who murder their neighbor not know that as they sow, they
will reap? Do they not know that as they do, so it will
be done to them?
1280. There
is a time when judgment lingers, and there is a time when judgment
does not hesitate; both are determined from above.
1281. The
longer the process and the more change that must be endured,
the greater and more glorious will be the end purpose.
1282. Peace
to him who endures for righteousness’ sake; it
will be worth it.
1283. The
righteous have few friends, but these friends are not to be judged
in worth according to their number.
1284. With
continuous persistence of the righteous, the impossible becomes
possible, but with those who choose evil, even possible
ambitions come to an end.
1285. The
godless achieve their evil ambitions, only to be disappointed.
1286. To
steal is to bring a curse into one’s bosom, until
the loss of the victim is multiplied in the thief.
1287. Who
knows if anything is good or evil until the words are heard from
above, “It is done”?
1288. Even
those who do little gather a bountiful harvest, according to
the desires and intents of their hearts.
1289. There
is a labor of great value, and a labor of little worth; men given
to do their own pleasure will not know the difference.
1290. Those
who choose to do right will find ample reward, though there is
a price to be paid; but those who
seek to freely receive will find the cost to be more than the worth.
1291. The
covetous man does not spare his neighbor, and though he gains
somewhat for a time, he suffers the greater loss in the
end.
1292. What
was, was; what is, is; and what will be, will be.
1293. It
is not what one has presently that counts, but what one will
have when all is said and done.
1294. Those
who attend to the small conquer all.
1295. Man
is weak and defenseless by himself, but the weakest with God
on his side need fear nothing.
1296. Fatigue
is a mighty foe that never tires until one enters rest.
1297. To
please man is the greatest folly and treachery to one’s
soul, but to please God is to receive the greatest of blessings.
1298. We
will often suffer loss and failure, but to accept that these
things work for good nullifies them.
1299. Unbelief
robs of joy and brings damage, but faith repairs all.
1300. Levity
is a loathsome and subtle disease that lays open the soul to
the destroyer.
1301. Light
and vain persons walk into snares and fall into pits with every
step they take and every word they speak.
1302. The
thoughts of the righteous bring healing and life, but the wicked
hate themselves.
1303. There
is no medicine or sustenance as hope, but without faith, hope
will not prevail.
1304. Man
is his own greatest enemy, because he is his own greatest hero
and admirer.
1305. How
wise are the children of darkness in their own estimation! But
what do they see in the night that makes them so certain?
1306. Green
fruit can be filling, but it sets the teeth on edge and brings
discomfort to the stomach.
1307. It
is said, “Help the weak and defend the helpless.” Should
you see an eagle take up a young viper, will you try to save
the viper? Should you see a veteran armed police officer take
down a young defenseless drug dealer, will you try to defend
him?
1308. I have
ignored tiny weeds, as though not worth the bother. When I could
easily have flicked them up from the soil, I left them instead,
until I was compelled to dig deep at the root to remove them.
1309. Fools
prefer the noose of destruction rather than the chains of the
Law of God on their necks.
1310. The
rebellious prefer the pleasurable caresses of a flattering adulteress
to the correcting rod of a loving father.
1311. Beware
of those who shine the light in your eyes instead of on your
path.
1312. Upon
arrival at a victory, the spiritual pilgrim meets with disillusionment,
a friend who relieves him of unwarranted expectations.
1313. There
is not a more outrageous tyrant than unbelief, which plunders
the soul of all good.
1314. Scratching
a mosquito bite only increases and prolongs the discomfort, but
ignoring it, the itch soon disappears.
1315. Peace,
glory, and prosperity are to the one who lives not by earthly
laws, but by heavenly conscience.
1316. Blessed
is the man who is not permitted to do as he pleases; if he accepts
it, he will learn.
1317. Do
not fear the yoke and the burden, but fear the release to do
as you please.
1318. As
the false are exposed, so shall the true be made manifest.
1319. Creatures
of darkness prefer the night and are comfortable in it; the light
disturbs them.
1320. There
is ever a reward for doing good, but not when done for reward.
1321. God
has ordained obstacles that man might turn his face upward, from where comes
his help.
1322. Faith
in God and patience with men conquer all.
1323. One
who contemns a subordinate has no respect for a superior.
1324. By
faith, the righteous will discern an appropriate rebuke, but
the wicked condemn the judgment of God.
1325. Even
the double-minded are pleased to have another perform unsavory
duties they will not do themselves.
1326. Respect
generates respect only in those who value it.
1327. Money
is of little worth, but souls are priceless.
1328. Common
laws are vain among unlike natures, making peace and goodwill
impossible.
1329. Without
seeing the path ahead, a traveler is slow to proceed to his destination,
but given vision, he is more willing.
1330. When
all is said and done, only love will remain of value.
1331. Man’s
greatest need and challenge is to be his true self.
1332. There
is no end to labor; the more accomplished, the more there is
that can be done; the earth is ever pregnant with work.
1333. Regret
must have a short lifespan; otherwise it becomes a ruthless tyrant,
to no good end.
1334. Listen!
Man can be persuaded to do anything, provided it is evil, and
to believe anything, provided it is a lie.
1335. The
greater the lie, the more inclined is man to believe it.
1336. It
is said that grown men don’t cry, but many must grow up
to be men so that they can cry.
1337. Wisdom
cries out that the things of this world are vanity, in that we
sleep a third of our time away.
1338. I have
seen judgment come swiftly and I have seen it linger; the greater
its delay, the greater it is when it falls.
1339. Choice
is granted to men, so that they might know they are not their
own.
1340. Who
is a liar but the one who insists he knows, when he has no basis
for his confidence?
1341. Beware!
Though the unregenerate one earnestly swears to forgive, he cannot
and will not do so.
1342. Men
diligently seek after the fruits of peace and prosperity, but
they will not pay the price.
1343. Though
danger is near at hand, the bee disregards it and continues in
its work.
1344. Fear
is the precursor of that which is feared.
1345. He
who keeps his fear fulfills that which he fears.
1346. Impatience
declares, “Not your will but mine be done.”
1347. He
who obeys will wait in obedience.
1348. The
double-minded man is unstable in all his ways. “I want
the best!” he vows, and then changes his mind when the
price must be paid.
1349. The
unstable are easily discomforted and discouraged from their course.
1350. Impatience
is saying, “My will, not Yours, be done.” One willing
and desirous to do the will of God will be willing to wait on
Him, because he wants what God wants.
1351. Those
who seek to please God trust Him and will wait for His timing;
those who seek to please themselves will not wait.
1352. Obstacles
on the path of life are detours pointing more directly to the
truth.
1353. Fear
is the substance of that which is feared.
1354. Without
darkness, there is no need for light, but with darkness comes
the opportunity for the light to shine.
1355. When
men speak, shadows form, but when God speaks, it is as bright
as the noonday sun.
1356. Man
will believe any lie or practice any act as long as he does not
have to face his Maker and die.
1357. Here
and now is the happening.
1358. There
is none so foolish as the one who thinks he is wise.
1359. Bitterness
says, “There is no God, but if there is, He is not in full
control, and if He is, He does not love and take care of me.”
1360. Bitterness
says, “There are forces and circumstances beyond God’s
control.”
1361. Bitterness
says, “I do not agree with God. He is not right.”
1362. Bitterness
says, “There are other gods in my life, and I hate them
all.”
1363. The
praise of man is like cheap costume jewelry children play with.
It appears to have value, and children think to be honored and
comely with it, but it does not last, and it does not matter
if it is ever lost or disposed of.
1364. There
is nothing more precious than God’s praise; it is true
and substantial and full of life.
1365. There
is none so hated of men as him who declares the sins of others
in righteousness, but there is none as him so loved of God.
1366. Which
is more important – to eliminate all hunger and poverty,
or to lay down the life?
1367. Which
is more important – to take a speck out of a child’s
eye, or to save a man from hanging himself?
1368. Which
is of greater value to God – to preach deliverance to captives,
or to sit in a wilderness for forty days?
1369. Which
is greater – the faithful housewife at home, or the victorious
general of a great army?
1370. Who
is greater – the man whom men fear, or the man who fears
God?
1371. Which
is better – to generate great wealth to give to the poor,
or to give away all wealth in obedience to God?
1372. Which
is more noble – to act by good reason, or to act by faith?
1373. See
how plants grow. First, a seed from above goes into the earth.
Then, from the earth the plant begins to grow, yet sustained
from above.
1374. How
is one to know who he should be, if he doesn’t want to
know who he is?
1375. The
bitter one accepts no responsibility for the consequences he
suffers, not considering they did not come for nothing.
1376. A man
without discretion draws blood daily with the words of his mouth.
1377. The
liberal person enjoys the little he has, but a miserly one is
miserable with abundance.
1378. The
sun shines and birds sing for the one who seeks and does good,
but the skies are gray and heavy for the selfish soul.
1379. It
is vain to have many enemies without good cause.
1380. Like
training wheels on a bicycle, so measures of safety are not only
there to keep us safe, but to prepare us for greater
challenges.
1381. Even
men can perform the seemingly impossible with faith, patience,
and perseverance.
1382. Lies
come forth as truth, otherwise they would not be lies.
1383. To
gain access, an enemy conceals himself in a company of friends;
so a lie comes accompanied by truths.
1384. As
water is most precious to a thirsty soul, so the best that can
be given anyone in darkness is the truth.
1385. To
be able to give truth, one must first give all that he has to
receive it.
1386. I have
often found “I don’t know” to be the key of
instant entrance to knowledge.
1387. Humility
gives favor to the bearer and expands his horizons.
1388. Pride
is too fat for entrance through the portal of life.
1389. Outwardly
the covetous man may appear satiated, but inwardly, he starves
to death.
1390. In
Heaven, one works, but not for money.
1391. He
who pleases man is certain to displease God.
1392. Selfish
and ignorant people contradict themselves in all that they think,
say, and do, but those who walk in the light are sure in their
steps.
1393. Let
the light of truth be spoken, and it will disperse the darkness
of lies and deception.
1394. The
more people know the truth of a matter, the more fearful are
the perpetrators who try to conceal their sins and crimes.
1395. God
is to be praised for the power of light and the right to shine.
1396. If
you will have favor with God and good success with men, my son,
trust God and obey Him. So doing, all things are yours.
1397. If
one keeps and stores his seed, he will have no more, but
if he sows, he will multiply what he has.
1398. Patience
takes time, but if time is of too great value to a man, he will
not prosper.
1399. The
diversity in any category of nature tells the diversity of men.
1400. When
afforded opportunity, men’s hearts tend to evil.
1401. Better
to believe the one who says, “I seek after God,” than
the one who says, “I seek after truth.”
1402. If
you will find God, God is the way - not repentance, not prayer,
not Bible study, not meditation nor good works. Your search
must begin and end with God.
1403. When
one wears white, he should beware that it is more clearly evident
when he stains or soils himself.
1404. A garden
will be there when you need it, if you were there when it needed
you.
1405. One
who believes falsehood about his neighbor is a liar and a murderer.
1406. The
faithful at the lowest is better than the unfaithful at the highest.
1407. Beware
the one who, though he has empty pockets, has a full mouth.
1408. There
is hope for one poor in spirit, though he is rich in pocket,
but one poor in pocket and rich in spirit will continue to languish.
1409. There
is but one way to peace and joy, that being by the path of sorrow
and suffering; one way to glory, that being by the path of humiliation;
one way to success, that being by the path of failure; and one
way to victory, that being by the path of defeat.
1410. As
a weed that springs up and soon dies, so that which is vain is
short-lived, and that which is easily achieved, soon lost.
1411. Beggarly
is the man who expects obeisance; rich is the man who needs no
honor.
1412. While
it is preferable to be humane to animals, there are dogs that
are so vicious that one is left with no choice but to beat and
even slay them.
1413. Why
sound the alarm against worms, maggots, and fire, when those
come only to take away that which is already dead and decaying?
1414. There
are those who recoil at the plural use of the word “god,” because
they have made an idol of it.
1415. Place
a bad apple in a container full of good apples and all will
spoil.
There are those who say, “I will remain with
that which is corrupt and be an influence for good. I will change
it from within.” If one good apple is left in
a container that has some bad fruit, will the good apple redeem
the bad?
1416. All
things are possible to the one who has faith in God and patience
with men.
1417. Man’s
foolishness can never accept God’s wisdom, so how is it
possible that God should accept the foolishness that man calls
wisdom?
1418. Covetousness
is never satisfied, even if it has everything; liberality is
always satisfied, no matter how much it gives.
1419. God
appoints the righteous and the wicked to do battle with one another,
that both may know the value of goodness.
1420. It
is in a man’s heart to partake of that which is forbidden,
but God is able to give a heart of desire for what He has bidden.
1421. Remove
compulsion from a righteous man, and he will be compelled to
serve; remove compulsion from a wicked man, and he will show
his rebellion.
1422. The
religious are religious because they are lovers of mammon.
1423. True
faith is not blind, but seeing that to which others are blind.
1424. A banqueting
table where people have gathered to enjoy themselves is a treasure
house to one who seeks to serve rather than be served.
1425. Quantity
and quality compete with one another, and each must find its
place of agreement with the other.
1426. Why
would men want to hurt two olive trees bearing fruit? Do they
hate olives? Or do they think olives are bad for them?
Why would men want to
snuff out two candlesticks shining in darkness? Do they hate
light? Or do they think light is bad for them?
1427. Those
who know it all are stupid.
1428. There
is much to doing things right, and so much more to
do when they aren't done right!
1429. A man’s
heart will lead him to where it is.
1430. Men
worship other gods for their own sakes, but the Lord God can
only be truly worshipped for His sake.
1431. Virtue
is more precious than blood, and truth than a son.
1432. When
man has conquered himself, he has conquered the world; nothing
can defeat him.
1433. Problems
are friends in disguise, which are present not to hinder, but
to strengthen and to teach.
1434. Fools
hide behind their vanity to conceal their emptiness.
1435. See
the intellectual man? He proudly chooses to reside in the region
of darkness.
1436. The
more a man takes pride in his intellect, the harder he will fall
when his day comes.
1437. The
fall of a man is a necessary tragedy, that he might rise again
to life.
1438. All
things come and go; to all things there is an end, but there
is a good end that endures forever.
1439. Mark
the man who refuses to divulge his secret thoughts; he cannot
be trusted.
1440. See
the one who is fearful of open and honest discussion? He is insecure
in his chosen confusion.
1441. Salt
may be stored in a shaker, but it is useless until scattered
for its purpose.
1442. The
light shines best in darkness.
1443. The
mark of sin is so etched in the visage of the man and woman on
the street as to cause grief and sorrow; cosmetics and fine clothing
often magnify, rather than conceal, the evidence.
1444. Vanity
exemplifies the corruption and shortfall of the spirit of man.
1445. The
dead do not know they are dead; neither can they believe they
are dead if someone tells them.
1446. When
one demonstrates lack of respect for another's viewpoint, it
must be considered that he suffers from lack of respect for his
own.
1447. The
blind man stumbles in pitch darkness, crying, “I see! I
see!” And against those with eyes, he rails, “Who
are you to tell me you see what I don’t? I have eyes, too!”
1448. The
same cannot be required of strangers, as of children; neither
should it be that strangers are provided for, as are children.
1449. The
covetous man furls his brow and rings his hands. He buys too
much and buys too little; he buys too soon and buys too late.
His sales bring him no peace. But the liberal man’s treasure
is replenished faster than he can give it away.
1450. The
internet has removed the walls of the family household and business
to include the ends of the earth.
1451. A wise
man makes pleasure of work, but the covetous makes work of pleasure.
1452. A wise
man has pleasure in his labor, but the fool labors to have pleasure
and is never satisfied.
1453. Those
who face the furnace or yield to the sword for righteousness’ sake
will neither be singed nor scratched, but they will incinerate
and hew all evil before them, for God has determined it.
1454. The
path of truth is a rarely traveled road filled with all manner
of obstacles, ending with a sheer drop-off to finish the spiritual
pilgrim for good. And there, life begins.
1455. We
have no wisdom of our own to decide right from wrong, but the
gift of faith makes a way.
1456. Desire
for a thing in the world begins to diminish when one acquires
what he desired.
1457. There
comes a day when peace and satisfaction are established forever,
because all things have been taken away.
1458. Don't
look for what others can mean to you, but look to do right by
them. In so doing, you will have all your needs and desires met.
1459. All
things are in His hands, and His hands are better than ours.
1460. Only
the truth can free us from the burden and confusion of philosophy.
1461. A mother
for comforting a child in his weaknesses, and a father to challenge
him in his strengths.
1462. I have
hurt and I have been hurt; it is easier and better to be hurt.
1463. Is
it better to bring out the best or the worst in another? One
who brings out the worst in a person does great service as a
needful expectorant.
1464. One
loses that which he keeps selfishly against the common good,
refusing to do right; there is no exception.
1465. Those
who relish gossip will be evil spoken of, and those who slander
will not have a good name.
1466. They
will keep distance from the one who bites, and he will be alone.
1467. The
duty of man is to avail himself of the grace to avail himself
of the grace to do what God has granted him to do.
1468. The
judgment of God comes by wicked hands, which are used to deal
with wickedness.
1469. Sons
of the earth have high regard for the power of the flesh, but
sons from above pay it no heed.
1470. Fear
causes one to see that which one fears, though it isn’t
there.
1471. Let
those seeking glory languish, and let those who only seek to
do good without recognition be glorified.
1472. Those
who speak right words but do not walk in them are deceitful,
but more treacherous are they who walk but do not talk. Look,
the camel, hare, and coney act clean with the mouth, but they
don’t walk accordingly. On the other hand, the pig walks,
but does not act clean with the mouth. And none others scream
as does the pig when offended. So are they who insist on letting
their light shine without the word; these are unclean indeed.
1473. The
fruit will always, in due season, reveal the nature of the tree.
1474. The
fruit of the tree can never be anything but what begins with
the root, no matter how far away the branches extend from the
trunk.
1475. Correction
is life; without correction, we perish. Better to suffer and
live than to escape judgment and die.
1476. Making
a mess comes naturally to man; only God is able to correct it.
1477. Those
who lack conviction where there is good cause for it are little
better than those who have conviction without good cause.
1478. It
will never suffice to change circumstances; perspective is the
thing.
1479. Milk
is best fresh, wine aged; some foods are better raw, others cooked.
1480. Sometimes
gentle words prevail; sometimes only deep sorrow penetrates a
hard heart.
1481. The
wise will know that what they speak must be contrasted with evil,
so their hearers will appreciate the wisdom of their words.
1482. Try
to feed an angry woman, and she will spit the food in your face.
1483. Vicious
and deceptive is the selfish woman in passion. Unless one has
wisdom to deal with her, he should run while there is time.
1484. You
have heard it said, “I will forgive, but I will never forget.” The
truth is, those who never forget, never forgive.
1485. Blessed
are those ready to forgive, but cursed are those who never
forget.
1486. More
precious than a pearl formed from sand by an unclean creature
is a son of God formed from dust by adversity.
1487. Precious
pearls and sons of God are formed in secret, made from that which
is common and despised.
1488. Rejoice
in the gifts God has granted to others and not to you; they are
for the edification of all.
1489. Having
something constructive and pleasurable to look forward to each
day is a fountain of youth.
1490. The
soul is fed by constant anticipation of giving good things.
1491. What
you do, do well, and it will be well with you.
1492. The
lifeblood of unrighteousness is quantity, but the lifeblood of
righteousness is quality.
1493. When
we see only what we want to see, we are blind to reality.
1494. Great
men do evil things, and small men do good things.
1495. Greater
is the one faithful in little things than the one unfaithful
in the great.
1496. Only
a skilled, knowledgeable technician can repair a sophisticated
car engine; so only God can repair a man’s soul.
1497. We
are not called upon to do all the work that can be done, but
only the portion appointed us to do.
1498. Words
of truth are harsh to those who love themselves, but strong words
are precious to the faithful.
1499. It
is not a matter of whether a substance is good or evil, but of
how it is used. So it is with authorities in power; it is not
a matter of whether their positions are good or evil, but of
how they exercise their powers.
1500. God
has created all things good and for good.
|
