Craig T. Owens

[Each chapter in the Book of Proverbs contains thoughts that fit into a theme; they are not just random thoughts gathered together. In this “Saturday In The Proverbs” series, I will share a theme that I see in each chapter. But the cool thing about God’s Word is that you may see an entirely different theme. That’s great! If you do, I would love for you to share it in the comments below.]

Good things—the best of things—usually require hard work. They don’t just come to us but we have to discover them. However, the good things are always worth the effort!

Things like:

• Revelation, insight, new discoveries (vv. 2-3)
• Righteousness (vv. 4-5)
• Recognition (vv. 6-7)
• Quality relationships (vv. 8-10)
• A timely word (vv. 11-13, 25)
• Good gifts (vv. 14, 21-22)
• Confrontation that leads to restoration (v. 15)
• Temperance (v. 16)

The opposite is also true: cutting corners, looking for the quick fix, and not considering long-term consequences bring pain. Things like:

• Frayed relationships (vv. 17, 20, 24)
• Provoking anger in others (vv. 18, 23)
• Distrust (vv. 19, 26)
• Self-promotion that rankles others (v. 27)
• Lack of self-control that leads to destruction (v. 28)

Good things are hard, but they’re so worth the effort!