7 Rules for a Happy Day!

I will read my Bible today.
I Timothy 4:13
Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

I will pray today.
I Thessalonians 5:17
Pray without ceasing.

I will let Jesus be my example today, not others.
Hebrews 12:2
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

I will practice the fruit of the Spirit today.
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,meekness, temperance: against such these is no law.

I will encourage others with my words today.
Proverbs 31:26
She opened her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

I will dress modesty today.
I Timothy 2:9
In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

I will stay pure today and pray for my (future) husband.
II Timothy 2:22
Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Anonymous

Chapter 31:1-31

1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother _ _ _ _ _ _ him.

2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the _ _ _ of my vows?

3 Give not thy strength unto _ _ _ _ _, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.

4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink _ _ _ _; nor for princes strong drink:

5 Lest they drink, and _ _ _ _ _ _ the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.

6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to _ _ _ _ _ _, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.

7 Let him drink, and _ _ _ _ _ _ his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

8 Open thy _ _ _ _ _ for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.

9 Open thy mouth, _ _ _ _ _ righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

10 Who can find a _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ woman? for her price is far above rubies.

11 The heart of her _ _ _ _ _ _ _ doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have _ _ need of spoil.

12 She will do him _ _ _ _ and not evil all the days of her life.

13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and _ _ _ _ _ _ _ willingly with her hands.

14 She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her _ _ _ _ from afar.

15 She _ _ _ _ _ _ also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the _ _ _ _ _of her _ _ _ _ _ she planteth a vineyard.

17 She girdeth her loins with _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _, and strengtheneth her arms.

18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is _ _ _ _: her candle goeth not out by night.

19 She layeth her _ _ _ _ _ to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the _ _ _ _ _.

21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and _ _ _ _ _ _.

23 Her _ _ _ _ _ _ _ is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

24 She maketh fine linen, and _ _ _ _ _ _ _ it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall _ _ _ _ _ _ _ in time to come.

26 She openeth her mouth with _ _ _ _ _ _; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

27 She looketh well to the _ _ _ _ of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise up, and call her _ _ _ _ _ _ _; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them _ _ _.

30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a _ _ _ _ _ that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

31 Give her of the _ _ _ _ _of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

 Questions
A.  What did King Lemuel’s mother teach him about strong drink (wine)? 

B.  What is a King to do from verse eight (8) and nine (9)?

C.  A virtuous woman is described in verse 10-31. The woman all of us should have a desire to strive for.

D.  What are some of the things she does for others?

E.  What are the “extra” things she does for her household in addition to providing food?

F.  What does she fill her time with?

G.  She looks for ways to bless her household and takes care of them. How does her family feel about her? 

Challenge
Proverbs ends on a special note for women giving us wisdom and knowledge with verse thirty-one (31).

It is time again to examine yourself.

Can your family call you blessed?

Are you a virtuous woman? What does it mean to be a virtuous woman? Explain it.

Are you filling your extra time for you?

Are you doing extra things like shopping?

How about your hobby? Maybe you like to sew or use the computer.

Women are multi-taskers on a large scale handling many different things at once. Sometimes, we get so busy we lose focus of the things that are really important. Having a just balance can keep us focused. Step back and take some time to find out what is really important for you and your family. Write down all you do for a week in a journal. Can you believe it! Yes, you are probably like the rest of us and wonder how do we do it? What items rise to the top? Find a way to balance your time. You may need to cut back in some area and limit yourself. Finding balance can be difficult, but is so worth the effort. Not only will it please God, but also help other areas of your life.

Chapter 30:1-33

1 The _ _ _ _ _ of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal,

2 Surely I am more brutish than any _ _ _, and have not the understanding of a man.

3 I _ _ _ _ _ _ _ learned wisdom, _ _ _ have the knowledge of the holy.

4 Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is _ _ _ name, and what is his _ _ _’ _ name, if thou canst tell? 

5 Every _ _ _ _ of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

6 Add thou _ _ _ unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

7 Two things have I required of thee; _ _ _ _ me them not before I die:

8 Remove far from me vanity and _ _ _ _: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:

9 Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the _ _ _ _ of my God in vain.

10 Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse _ _ _ _, and thou be found guilty.

11 There is a generation that _ _ _ _ _ _ _ their father, and doth not bless their mother.

12 There is a generation that are pure in their _ _ _ eyes, and yet is _ _ _ washed from their filthiness.

13 There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are _ _ _ _ _ _  up.

14 There is a generation, whose teeth are as _ _ _ _ _ _, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.

15 The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are _ _ _ _ _ satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough:

16 The grave; and the barren _ _ _ _; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough.

17 The _ _ _ that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to _ _ _ _ his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.

18 There be three things which are too _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ for me, yea, four which I know not:

19 The way of an _ _ _ _ _ in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid.

20 Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done _ _ wickedness.

21 For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot _ _ _ _:

22 For a servant when he reigneth; and a _ _ _ _ when he is filled with meat;

23 For an odious woman when she is married; and an handmaid that is _ _ _ _ to her mistress.

24 There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding
_ _ _ _:

25 The _ _ _ _ are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;

26 The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the _ _ _ _ _;

27 The locusts have no _ _ _ _, yet go they forth all of them by bands;

28 The _ _ _ _ _ _taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings’ palaces.

29 There be three things which go well, yea, _ _ _ _ are comely in going:

30 A _ _ _ _ which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any; 

31 A greyhound; an he goat also; and a _ _ _ _, against whom there is no rising up. 

32 If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up _ _ _ _ _ _ _, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.

33 Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth _ _ _ _ _ _. 

Questions
A.  Verse seven (7) speaks of two things that are not denied. What are they? Why would a person ask for it?

B.  List three (3) things never satisfied and four (4) things that are not enough. 

C.  List three (3) things that are too wonderful and one (1) the author knows not of.  

D.  List three (3) things for which the earth is disquieted and four (4) can not bear.

E.  List four (4) things that are little on the earth, yet exceedingly wise.

Challenge
Verse 32 – Write it out.

We have all at one time or another done foolishly by lifting ourselves up. We also have talked when we should have remained silent. Is there any pride in your life? Are you speaking foolishly when you should be silent and listening? This can be very difficult. We naturally want to join in a converssation or add our “two cents”. We show so much more wisdom when we listen to others. They are also very receptive to someone that has interest in what they are saying. Are your thoughts evil? The Bible talks about our thoughts being sinful.

Verse 33- Write it out.

This verse is so true. Yet, there are some that think it is funny to get people going. When you are always picking at people or forcing them to become angry, irritated and full of wrath what happens? You become the fool causing discontentment. This happens a lot within families and it can be very destructive causing so much pain. If you find you are that person, repent and seek God’s forgiveness. Ask him to help you in this area. Make a plan that you will not be that way to others. Resist that tempation.

Chapter 29:1-27

1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _, and that without remedy.

2 When the righteous are in authority, the people _ _ _ _ _ _ _: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

3 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his _ _ _ _ _ _: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance. 

4 The king by judgment establisheth the _ _ _ _: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.

5 A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for _ _ _ feet.

6 In the transgression of an evil man there is a _ _ _ _ _: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.

7 The righteous considereth the cause of the _ _ _ _: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.

8 Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away _ _ _ _ _.

9 If a wise man contendeth with a _ _ _ _ _ _ _ man, whether he rage or laugh, there is _ _ rest.

10 The bloodthirsty _ _ _ _ the upright: but the just seek his soul.

11 A fool uttereth _ _ _ his _ _ _ _: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.

12 If a ruler hearken to _ _ _ _, all his servants are wicked.

13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together:  the LORD lighteneth _ _ _ _
their _ _ _ _.

14 The king that faithfully _ _ _ _ _ _ _ the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.

15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to
_ _ _ _ _.

16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their _ _ _ _.

17_  _ _ _ _ _ _ thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.

18 Where there is no _ _ _ _ _ _, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

19 A servant will not be corrected by words:  for though he understand he will not
_ _ _ _ _ _.

20 Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more _ _ _ _ of a _ _ _ _ than of him.

21 He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a _ _ _ _ _ shall have him become his son at the length.

22 An _ _ _ _ _ man stirreth up strife, and a _ _ _ _ _ _ _ man aboundeth in transgression.

23 A man’s _ _ _ _ _ shall bring him _ _ _: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

24 Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his _ _ _ soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.

25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his _ _ _ _ _ in the LORD shall be safe.

26 Many seek the ruler’s favour; but every man’s judgment _ _ _ _ _ _ from the LORD.

27 An unjust man is an abomination to the _ _ _ _: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the _ _ _ _ _ _.

Questions
A.  What does the rod of reproof do? A child left to himself brings what?

B.  Why should you correct your son (children)?

C.  What happens when there is no vision?

D.  Where does every man’s judgment come from?

Challenge
This chapter jumps back and forth regarding the person that acts foolishly and the one that demonstrates or uses wisdom. Write down each verse dividing up each kind of behavior. Seek to be the person with wisdom. Ask God for his help. What have you learned?

Chapter 28:1-28

1 The wicked _ _ _ _ when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

2 For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a _ _ _ of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.

3 A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping _ _ _ _which leaveth
no _ _ _ _.

4 They that forsake the _ _ _ praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.

5 _ _ _ _ men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.

6 Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be _ _ _ _.

7 Whoso keepeth the law is a _ _ _ _ son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.

8 He that by usury and _ _ _ _ _ _ gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.

9 He that turneth away his _ _ _ from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

10 Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil _ _ _, he shall fall himself into his _ _ _ pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.

11 The _ _ _ _ man is wise in his own conceit; but the _ _ _ _that hath understanding searcheth him out.

12 When righteous men do rejoice, there is _ _ _ _ _ glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.

13 He that covereth his _ _ _ _ shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

14 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked _ _ _ _ _ over the poor people.

16 The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall _ _ _ _ _ _ _ his days.

17 A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the _ _ _; let no man stay him.

18 Whoso walketh uprightly shall be _ _ _ _ _: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.

19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of _ _ _ _ _: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.

20 A _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

21 To have respect of persons is not good: for a piece of bread that man will
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

22 He that hasteth to be rich hath an _ _ _ _ eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.

23 He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the _ _ _ _ _ _.

24 Whoso _ _ _ _ _ _ _ his father or his mother, and saith, It is _ _ transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.

25 He that is of a _ _ _ _ _ heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the _ _ _ _ shall be made fat.

26 He that trusteth in his _ _ _ heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

27 He that giveth unto the poor shall _ _ _ lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a _ _ _ _ _.

28 When the wicked rise, men _ _ _ _ themselves: but when they perish, the righteous _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

Questions 
A.  Who flees when no person pursues them? What do the righteous do? Why? 

B.  What happens to a person that covers his sins?

C.  Verse fourteen (14) speaks of being happy. Explain it.

D.  A faithful man and someone pursuing to be rich each have outcomes. What happens to each of them?

Challenge
Write out verse nine (9).
This verse talks of turning your ear from hearing the law. Putting up a wall that stops God’s commandments can be dangerous. Are you the church goer that attends Sunday morning service only? You sneak in the back row, half listen to the service and rush out quickly. You have your ears open to hear only the good things. And you get very offended and turn your ear to anything that offends you. Often God speaks to us by conviction. He wants us to turn in his direction and stop sinning. He uses the preacher to get his message across. You may even feel the service was specially made for you. It was! God is speaking to you! This week attend Sunday morning, evening and Wednesday services. That is anytime the church doors are open. This time listen to the preacher with renewed interest and resist getting offended. Shake it off. Go to your Bible after service and search the Scriptures to know God.

Chapter 27:1-27

1 _ _ _ _ _ not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

2 Let another man _ _ _ _ _ _ thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.

3 A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool’s _ _ _ _ _ is heavier than them both.

4 Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before _ _ _ _?

5 _ _ _ _ rebuke is better than secret love.

6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the _ _ _ _ _ _ of an enemy are deceitful.

7 The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the _ _ _ _ _ _ soul every bitter thing is sweet.

8 As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his
_ _ _ _ _.

9 Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

10 Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, _ _ _ _ _ _ _ not; neither go into thy brother’s house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.

11 My son, be wise, and make my heart _ _ _ _, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.

12 A prudent man _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.

13 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a _ _ _ _ _ _ of him for a strange woman.

14 He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a _ _ _ _ _ to him.

15 A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ woman are alike.

16 Whosoever _ _ _ _ _ _ her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself.

17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ the countenance of his friend.

18 Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his
_ _ _ _ _ _ shall be honoured.

19 As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of _ _ _ to _ _ _.

20 Hell and destruction are _ _ _ _ _ full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.

21 As the fining pot for silver, and the _ _ _ _ _ _ _ for gold; so is a man to his praise.

22 Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will
_ _ _ his foolishness _ _ _ _ _ _ from him.

23 Be thou _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.

24 For _ _ _ _ _ _ are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?

25 The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

26 The _ _ _ _ _ are for thy clothing, and the _ _ _ _ _ are the price of the field.

27 And thou shalt have goats’ milk enough for _ _ _ food, for the food of thy
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _, and for the maintenance for thy _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

Questions
A.  Should you praise yourself or let someone else?

B.  Between wrath, anger or envy which can not stand before another? What do they bring?

C.  What rejoices a person’s heart?

D.  The Bible makes a comparison with a rainy day. What is it?

Challenge
It is so easy to lift ourselves up and give praise for the things that we do. Verse 2, tells us not to, but to let others do that. Pride can creep in so easily. Take a day and be conscious of the words you speak. Better yet – record yourself. Are you prideful? In what area do you fall short? Repent and turn from it. Ask God to show you all areas you are prideful in. This is another opportunity to get right.

Chapter 26:1-28

1 As _ _ _ _ in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.

2 As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the _ _ _ _ _ causeless shall not come.

3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a _ _ _ for the fool’s back.

4 Answer _ _ _ a _ _ _ _ according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.

5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest _ _  be wise in his _ _ _ conceit.

6 He that sendeth a _ _ _ _ _ _ _ by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.

7 The legs of the lame are _ _ _ equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

8 As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth _ _ _ _ _ _ to a fool.

9 As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the _ _ _ _ _  of fools.

10 The great God that _ _ _ _ _ _ all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.

11 As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a _ _ _ _ returneth to his folly.

12 Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more _ _ _ _ of a fool than of him.

13 The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the _ _ _; a lion is in the streets.

14 As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ upon his bed.

15 The slothful _ _ _ _ _ _ his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.

16 The sluggard is wiser in his own _ _ _ _ _ _ _ than seven men that can render a reason.

17 He that passeth by, and meddleth with _ _ _ _ _ _ belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.

18 As a _ _ _ man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,

19 So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not _ in sport?

20 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth _ _ _: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.

21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to
_ _ _ _ _ _ strife.

22 The _ _ _ _ _ of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

23 Burning lips and a _ _ _ _ _ _ heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.

24 He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and _ _ _ _ _ _ up deceit within him;

25 When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are _ _ _ _ _ abominations in his heart.

26 Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be _ _ _ _ _ _ before the whole congregation.

27 Whoso diggeth a pit shall _ _ _ _ therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.

28 A _ _ _ _ _ tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.

Questions
A.  Write down all verses that pertain to a fool. What is the Bible’s disposition regarding a fool or acting like a fool?

B.  Write down verses of slothfulness and the sluggard. The Bible warns us. Are you lazy about anything?

C.   Write down verses of the talebearer, burning lips and lying tongue. How does God feel about it?

Challenge
This chapter deals with three types of character traits. The one that acts foolishly, the lazy person and the person that lies. The Bible provides clear warnings and examples for each type of trait a person can possess. You can perform an act or possess a trait. Examine yourself to make sure you are none of these. Do you find yourself being lazy or doing foolish things? Next, examine your friends. Do you have friendships or keep company with these types of people? This is the time to go into prayer and ask the Lord to show you if there be any wicked way in you. It is best he show you and you get it right.

Chapter 25:1-28

1 These are also proverbs of _ _ _ _ _ _ _, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.

2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a
_ _ _ _ _ _.

3 The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of _ _ _ _ _ is unsearchable.

4 Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the
_ _ _ _ _.

5 Take away the wicked from before the king, and his _ _ _ _ _ _ shall be established in righteousness.

6 Put not forth _ _ _ _ _ _ _ in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:

7 For _ _ _ _ _ _ it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.

8 Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to _ _ _ _ _.

9 Debate thy cause with thy neighbour _ _ _ _ _ _ _; and discover not a secret to another:

10 Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine _ _ _ _ _ _ turn not away.

11 A _ _ _ _ fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

12 As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ear.

13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.

14 Whoso boasteth himself of a _ _ _ _ _ gift is like clouds and wind without rain.

15 By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft _ _ _ _ _ _ breaketh the bone.

16 Hast thou found _ _ _ _ _? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.

17 Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour’s house; lest he be weary of thee, and so
_ _ _ _ thee.

18 A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a _ _ _ _, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.

19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a _ _ _ _ _ _ tooth, and a foot out of joint.

20 As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an _ _ _ _ _ heart.

21 If thine enemy be _ _ _ _ _ _, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

22 For thou shalt heap coals of _ _ _ _ upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.

23 The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an _ _ _ _ _ countenance a backbiting tongue.

24 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling _ _ _ _ _ and in a wide house.

25 As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good _ _ _ _ from a far country.

26 A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ spring.

27 It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their _ _ _ glory is not glory.

28 He that hath no rule over his own _ _ _ _ _ _ is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

Questions
A.  Confidence in an unfaithful person in the time of trouble is similar to what?

B.  What are we to give our (hungry) enemies? What happens to them because of our generosity and kindness?

C.  The north wind drives away the rain. So does something else. List what else does too.

D.  What is a brawling woman compared to?

E.  What verse talks of ruling your spirit? Think on this verse.

Challenge
Go through the first part of this chapter as it gives advice regarding Kings. These chapters were written down by the men of a King. Those that have authority over us can rule righteously or unrighteously. Pray for those that have authority over you. Pray for the salvation of your boss, parents, spouse and that they have wisdom and understanding.

Chapter 24:1-34

1 Be not thou envious against evil men, neither _ _ _ _ _ _ to be with them.

2 For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

3 Through _ _ _ _ _ _ is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:

4 And by _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

5 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

6 For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is _ _ _ _ _ _.

7 Wisdom is too _ _ _ _ for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate.

8 He that _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ to do evil shall be called a mischievous person.

9 The thought of foolishness is _ _ _: and the scorner is an abomination to men.

10 If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is _ _ _ _ _.

11 If thou forbear to _ _ _ _ _ _ _ them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;

12 If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it _ _ _; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his _ _ _ _ _?

13 My son, eat thou honey, because it is _ _ _ _; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste:

14 So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a _ _ _ _ _ _, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.

15 _ _ _ not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place:

16 For a just man falleth _ _ _ _ _ times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.

17 Rejoice _ _ _ when thine enemy falleth, and let _ _ _ thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:

18 Lest the LORD see it, and it _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ him, and he turn away his wrath from him.

19 _ _ _ _ not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked:

20 For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put _ _ _.

21 My son, _ _ _ _ thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:

22 For their calamity shall _ _ _ _ suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?

23 These things also _ _ _ _ _ _ to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.

24 He that saith unto the wicked, Thou are righteous; _ _ _ shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:

25 But to them that _ _ _ _ _ _ him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.

26 Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a _ _ _ _ _ answer.

27 Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine _ _ _ _ _.

28 Be not a witness against thy neighbour _ _ _ _ _ _ _ cause; and deceive not with thy lips.

29 Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will _ _ _ _ _ _ to the man according to his work.

30 I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man _ _ _ _ of understanding;

31 And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was _ _ _ _ _ _ down.

32 Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ instruction.

33 Yet a little sleep, a little _ _ _ _ _ _ _, a little folding of the hands to sleep:

34 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an _ _ _ _ _ man.

Questions
A.  The wise man is decribed in verse 5.  What is he? Because of this what happens?

B.  The Bible uses honey to show what can be so sweet. List the two verses. What can you learn from them?

C.  How many times does a just person fall? Does he get back up? What does the wicked do?

D.  What can the field of the slothful and vineyard of man void of understanding teach you?

Challenge
Verses 3 and 4 give an example of a house. Does your home have a firm foundation on the Lord? Is it built on the Word of God? Praying with your spouse and children can strengthen and keep your foundation strong. How is this house described?

Chapter 23:1-35

1 When thou sittest to eat with a _ _ _ _ _, consider diligently what is before thee:

2 And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man _ _ _ _ _ to appetite.

3 Be _ _ _ desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.

4 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own _ _ _ _ _ _.

5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they _ _ _ away as an eagle toward heaven.

6 Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an _ _ _ _ eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats:

7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his
_ _ _ _ _ is not with thee.

8 The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy _ _ _ _ _ words.

9 Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will _ _ _ _ _ _ _ the wisdom of thy words.

10 Remove not the old _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:

11 For their redeemer is _ _ _ _ _ _; he shall plead their cause with thee.

12 Apply thine _ _ _ _ _ unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.

13 Withhold not correction from the _ _ _ _ _: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.

14 Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from _ _ _ _.

15 My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even _ _ _ _.

16 Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak _ _ _ _ _ things.

17 Let not thine heart _ _ _ _ sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.

18 For surely there is an _ _ _; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.

19 _ _ _ _ thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.

20 Be not among winebibbers; among riotous _ _ _ _ _ _ of flesh:

21 For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to _ _ _ _ _ _ _: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.

22 Hearken unto thy _ _ _ _ _ _ that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.

23 _ _ _ the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

24 The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have _ _ _ of him.

25 Thy father and thy mother shall be _ _ _ _, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.

26 My son, give me thine heart, and let thine _ _ _ _ observe my ways.

27 For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange _ _ _ _ _ is a narrow pit.

28 She also lieth in wait as for a _ _ _ _, and increaseth the transgressors among men.

29 Who hath _ _ _? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? _ _ _ hath redness of eyes?

30 They that _ _ _ _ _ long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.

31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is _ _ _, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.

32 At the last it _ _ _ _ _ _ like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.

33 Thine eyes shall behold _ _ _ _ _ _ _ women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.

34 Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the _ _ _, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.

35 They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have _ _ _ _ _ _ me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.

Questions
A.  Verses 1-3 give an example of a person doing what? What are we to consider?

B.  We are not to labour (or make our top #1 goal or priority) to be what? Where does this understanding come from? What can it do?

C.  Who are we not to let our heart envy?

D.  What are we to buy and not sell?

Challenge
Verses 29-35 speak clearly about wine or strong drink. Go through these verses and pick out all the things it causes a person to do and the outcomes of it. With these verses –do you think the Bible supports it?