Proverbs 19 Devotional Study

Learn to own your mistakes

If a group of teachers was asked to create a list of the most common excuses students make, “He/She made me do it” and “It’s not my fault” would be at the top.

Children tend to act impulsively, are quick to pass the blame, and often have a difficult time controlling their temper. They haven’t had time to develop self-discipline and are not mature enough to see all of the consequences that could result from their behavior.

Unfortunately, adults often struggle with the same issues. Age is not always an indicator of maturity. Being older does not necessarily stop us from making irrational, impulsive decisions or saying things we don’t really mean. The Bible teaches us that when we fall short, we are to take responsibility for our actions.

God has given us the ability to control our tempers, to show generosity and understanding, to make wise choices, and to avoid the consequences of foolish living (Proverbs 19:11-29). Choosing wisdom takes practice and self-discipline, and it requires us to heed the Bible’s instruction.

Through the Bible, God has given us a guide to avoid foolish choices and live more like Him every day. Proverbs 19:27 says, “Cease listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.” Our best defense to sinful behavior is to never cease listening to our Father’s instruction.

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Reflect:
Proverbs 19:1	Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.
Proverbs 19:2	Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.
Proverbs 19:3	The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.
Proverbs 19:4	Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.
Proverbs 19:5	A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.
Proverbs 19:6	Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.
Proverbs 19:7	All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him.
Proverbs 19:8	He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.
Proverbs 19:9	A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.
Proverbs 19:10	Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.
Proverbs 19:11	The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.
Proverbs 19:12	The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass.
Proverbs 19:13	A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.
Proverbs 19:14	House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.
Proverbs 19:15	Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.
Proverbs 19:16	He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.
Proverbs 19:17	He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.
Proverbs 19:18	Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.
Proverbs 19:19	A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.
Proverbs 19:20	Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.
Proverbs 19:21	There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.
Proverbs 19:22	The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.
Proverbs 19:23	The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.
Proverbs 19:24	A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.
Proverbs 19:25	Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.
Proverbs 19:26	He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.
Proverbs 19:27	Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.
Proverbs 19:28	An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.
Proverbs 19:29	Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.

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