Let's keep to our routine of Proverbs, this time Proverbs 17:1-3:

1 Better is a piece of dry bread where there is peace Than a house full of feasting along with quarreling. 2 A servant with insight will rule over a son who acts shamefully; He will share in the inheritance as one of the brothers. 3 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But Jehovah is the examiner of hearts.

Verse 1: Genuine peace. A primary aim for lovers of God. Happy are the peaceable, or the "peacemakers," since they will be called sons of God. Peacemakers generally manifest humility, and the other tender affections of Colossians 3:12, along with self-control. They are able to control their reactions, to give a mild or gentle response to an angry word, maintaining peace. These are qualities we can pray for, and that also lead to true joy of heart, satisfaction and contentment.

Verse 2: Insight mentioned here is a compassionate understanding of others and their situations. When we can see what others are facing or going through, "the insight of a man certainly slows down his anger, and it is beauty on his part to overlook an offense." We're not so quick to get angry at another when we compassionately understand the reasons for the offense. We are more inclined to forgive, or overlook it. A son, or a servant, we should one and all cultivate insight.

Verse 3: Jehovah God examines the hearts and motives of all. Are we motivated, like Jesus, to "always do the things pleasing to Him?" We want to seek God's honor, and let Him take care of our reputation. Can you trust God with your reputation, as you put Him first in life, with a good and pure heart and motive? This requires humility, rejecting selfish pride, but such will find the blessing of Almighty God.

Psalm 58 (Book 2, 17th psalm) speaks of the vengeance of God upon evildoers, who "devise unrighteousness" in their heart, and dispense violence in the land. It opens with these words: "Can you speak about righteousness when you are silent? Can you judge [rightly], you sons of men?" God's word gives us the insight, understanding, and discernment to make good judgements and speak about right and wrong to others. God wants as many as possible to turn from evil practices and be spared at His time of judgement (2Peter 3:9). That His judgement is coming should motivate wrongdoers to turn around, as we read in Isaiah 55:6,7: "Search for Jehovah while he may be found. Call to him while he is near. 7 Let the wicked man leave his way And the evil man his thoughts; Let him return to Jehovah, who will have mercy on him, To our God, for he will forgive in a large way." Unrepentant, incorrigible ones "ruining the earth" must face God's judgement, and afterward, according to verse 11 of Psalm 58, "Then men will say: "Surely there is a reward for the righteous. There is indeed a God who judges in the earth.""