Proverbs , Sarah Barry
FEAR OF THE LORD TEACHES WISDOM
Passage: Proverbs 15:18~33  
Key verse: 33
19 The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns,(C)
but the path of the upright is a highway.
20 A wise son brings joy to his father,(D)
but a foolish man despises his mother.
21 Folly brings joy to one who has no sense,(E)
but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.
24 The path of life leads upward for the prudent
to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead.
25 The Lord tears down the house of the proud,(K)
but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place.(L)
27 The greedy bring ruin to their households,
but the one who hates bribes will live.(P)
29 The Lord is far from the wicked,
but he hears the prayer of the righteous.(S)
30 Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart,
and good news gives health to the bones.(T)
31 Whoever heeds life-giving correction
will be at home among the wise.(U)
Cross references
- Proverbs 15:18 : S Pr 6:16-19; S 14:17
- Proverbs 15:18 : S Ge 13:8
- Proverbs 15:19 : Pr 22:5
- Proverbs 15:20 : S Pr 10:1
- Proverbs 15:21 : S Pr 2:14
- Proverbs 15:22 : S Ps 16:7
- Proverbs 15:22 : 1Ki 1:12; Pr 24:6
- Proverbs 15:22 : S Pr 11:14
- Proverbs 15:23 : S Pr 12:14
- Proverbs 15:23 : Pr 25:11
- Proverbs 15:25 : S Pr 12:7
- Proverbs 15:25 : S Dt 19:14; Pr 23:10-11
- Proverbs 15:26 : S Ps 94:11
- Proverbs 15:26 : S Pr 6:16
- Proverbs 15:26 : S Ps 18:26
- Proverbs 15:27 : S Ex 23:8; S Ps 15:5; Isa 1:23; 33:15
- Proverbs 15:28 : S Pr 14:8
- Proverbs 15:28 : S Ps 59:7
- Proverbs 15:29 : S ver 8; S Job 15:31; Ps 145:18-19; Isa 59:2; S Jn 9:31
- Proverbs 15:30 : Pr 25:25
- Proverbs 15:31 : S Pr 9:7-9; S 12:1
- Proverbs 15:32 : S Pr 1:7; S 12:1
- Proverbs 15:32 : S Pr 9:7-9; S 12:1; Ecc 7:5
- Proverbs 15:33 : S Pr 1:7
- Proverbs 15:33 : Pr 16:18; 18:12; 22:4; 29:23; Isa 66:2
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source:  BibleGateway
1. The path of life leads upward for the prudent (18-25)
The prudent are patient and avoid quarrels; their path is clear and straight (18-19, 21). They respect their parents and seek out advice and follow it (20, 22). They carefully give an apt reply (23). Their path leads to life, for they humbly trust in the Lord when they are vulnerable (24, 25).
2. Wisdom's instruction is to fear the Lord (26-33)
The righteous are gracious and speak carefully and prayerfully, sharing good news (26, 28-30); the wicked rely on bribes (27). A wise man listens to a life-giving rebuke (31). God gives wisdom to those who fear him and learn with humble hearts (32,33). Paradoxically, humility comes before honor (33).
Prayer: Lord, help me to fear you; give me a humble heart and a learning mind.
One Word: The fear of the Lord imparts wisdom