It Is Safer to Meet a Bear

Last week I afflicted you with some of my favorite secular quotations. This week, I offer some wisdom from Proverbs. I, all too often, am not wise and need correction. These proverbs speak directly to me. I want to be willing to be corrected, because "Anyone willing to be corrected is on the pathway to life. Anyone refusing has lost his chance." (Proverbs 10:17) The following quotes from Proverbs are taken from The Living Bible, the paraphrased self-help edition.

It is possible to give away and become richer! It is also possible to hold on too tightly and lose everything. Yes, the liberal man shall be rich! By watering others, he waters himself. 11:24,25

Only a simpleton believes what he is told! A prudent man checks to see where he is going. 14:15

Reverence for God gives a man deep strength; his children have a place of refuge and security. 14:26

We can always "prove" that we are right, but is the Lord convinced? 16:2

It is safer to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool caught in his folly. 17:12

What dainty morsels rumors are. They are eaten with great relish! 18:8

What a shame--yes, how stupid!--to decide before knowing the facts! 18:13

Any story sounds true until someone tells the other side and sets the record straight. 18:17

It is harder to win back the friendship of an offended brother than to capture a fortified city. His anger shuts you out like iron bars. 18:19

A wise man restrains his anger and overlooks insults. This is to his credit. 19:11

You are a poor specimen if you can't stand the pressure of adversity. 24:10

It is an honor to receive a frank reply. 24:26

Be patient and you will finally win, for a soft tongue can break had bones. 25:15

In the mouth of a fool a proverb becomes as useless as a paralyzed leg. 26:7

Yanking a dog's ears is no more foolish than interfering in an argument that isn't any of your business. 26:17

If you shout a pleasant greeting to a friend too early in the morning, he will count it as a curse! 27:14