Last week, at we opened Ch. 10 of Proverbs, we looked at a seemingly random list of wise sayings from Solomon and today that list continues. The first "theme" centered on having a reliable work ethic and being honest in our dealings with others. The second focused on speech: how we speak to one another, choosing our words wisely, and letting love guide what we say. Today's collection seems to jump from one topic to another, but there is a common thread. As you read, see if you can find it:

The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. Doing wrong is like sport to a fool, but wise conduct is pleasure to a person of understanding. What the wicked dread will come upon them, but the desire of the righteous will be granted. When the tempest passes, the wicked are no more, but the righteous are established forever. Like vinegar to the teeth, and smoke to the eyes, so are the lazy to their employers. The fear of the Lord prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be short. The hope of the righteous ends in gladness, but the expectation of the wicked comes to nothing. The way of the Lord is a stronghold for the upright, but destruction for evildoers .. The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off. The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked what is perverse.   (Prov. 10:22-32)

The message for today contrasts those who are righteous from those who are wicked. What are factors to be considered? Doing right vs. doing wrong; being productive vs. being lazy, following God's way vs. going one's own way; speaking wisely vs. lying or speaking evil of others. What I think Solomon is trying to teach is that following God is a way of life: a way of working, speaking, thinking, interacting with others. It is the way of wisdom: a way of wise conduct. 

Meditation: are you walking on the wisdom way? What thing or things in your life do you need to address to begin or continue in walking God's way instead of your own?