“Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but a person is tested by being praised” (Proverbs 27:21). Why praise can be just as revealing a test as trials.

“Just as Death and Destruction are never satisfied, so human desire is never satisfied” (Proverbs 27:20). Satisfaction doesn’t come from acting on desire, it comes from controlling it.

“As workers who tend a fig tree are allowed to eat the fruit, so workers who protect their employer’s interests will be rewarded” (Proverbs 27:18). Give to get is transactional; getting because we give is scriptural.

“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend” (Proverbs 27:17). How real fellowship comes through accountability.

“A loud and cheerful greeting early in the morning will be taken as a curse” (Proverbs 27:14). Timing matters even with good intentions.

“A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences” (Proverbs 27:12). Why avoiding a problem never makes it disappear.

“Never abandon a friend—either yours or your father’s…It’s better to go to a neighbor than to a brother who lives far away” (Proverbs 27:10). Relationships, like anything valuable, require ongoing investment.

“Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy…the heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume” (Proverbs 27:6,9). Part two on the gift of loving correction.

“An open rebuke is better than hidden love” (Proverbs 27:5). Genuine love has the courage to offer correction.

“Anger is cruel, and wrath is like a flood, but jealousy is even more dangerous” (Proverbs 27:4). Why envy poisons longer than anger ever could.

“Let someone else praise you, not your own mouth—a stranger, not your own lips” (Proverbs 27:2). When gratefulness turns to boasting.

“Don’t brag about tomorrow, since you don’t know what the day will bring” (Proverbs 27:1). Time is our most precious, and most neglected, resource.

“People may cover their hatred with pleasant words, but they’re deceiving you…their wrongdoing will be exposed in public” (Proverbs 26:24-26). Praying for truth to be revealed and for the peace of Jerusalem.

“Fire goes out without wood, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops” (Proverbs 26:20). Gossip is a relationship killer, no matter how it’s dressed up.

“Just as damaging as a madman shooting a deadly weapon is someone who lies to a friend and then says, ‘I was only joking’” (Proverbs 26:18-19). Unlike a purchase, words spoken can’t be returned.

“Interfering in someone else’s argument is as foolish as yanking a dog’s ears” (Proverbs 26:17). You know better, but you get caught up in the moment anyway.

“Lazy people consider themselves smarter than seven wise counselors” (Proverbs 26:16). Why effort alone doesn’t make you an expert.

“The lazy person claims, ‘There’s a lion on the road! Yes, I’m sure there’s a lion out there!’” (Proverbs 26:13). Only you know if it’s a reason, an excuse, or an escape.

“Like an archer who wounds everyone is one who hires a passing fool or drunkard” (Proverbs 26:10). The difference between taking a chance and leaving it to chance.

“Trusting a fool to convey a message is like cutting off one’s feet or drinking poison” (Proverbs 26:6-9). Part two of a three-part series on the folly of trusting and honoring fools.