Hello! Let's continue our routine of examining some of Proverbs, this time Proverbs 19:1-3.

1 It is better to be poor and walk in integrity Than to be stupid and speak lies. 2 A person without knowledge is not good, And the one who acts rashly is sinning. 3 It is a man’s own foolishness that distorts his way, And his heart becomes enraged against Jehovah.

Prov 19:1: While we know, and Proverbs shows, there are problems associated with being poor or destitute, still in such a state many realize their need to rely on God and walk His way, keeping integrity, which includes being honest in all things. By remaining so, God can bless such a person and help them have what they need. David said, at Psalm 37:25, that he had not seen "anyone righteous abandoned, nor his children looking for bread." The morally stupid one justifies his own rejection of discipline by clinging to lies, which he will speak to others, as he loves declaring his own ideas, rather than listening to much needed counsel.

Prov 19:2: It is not good to be without knowledge, especially the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:1-5 shows how a person can find the "knowledge of God" and the fear of Jehovah, respect and reverence for Him as our Creator. We need such knowledge of God and His ways that we might be obedient, and avoid acting rashly. We need to be in the habit of thinking through our decisions, thinking of the consequences of our actions, before jumping into something and regretting what we've done. If we are in the habit of jumping into a course of action without thinking ahead, this is in itself a sin.

Prov 19:3: By not realizing what God's word has to say about something, we may act foolishly. This can result in problems and difficulties that could cause some to become angry and actually blame God. This is not His fault--He encourages us to become familiar with His word so that we can know how to live in a right way and avoid many problems in life. He is "the One teaching you to benefit yourself, the One guiding you in the way you should walk. If only you would pay attention to my commandments! Then your peace would become just like a river and your righteousness like the waves of the sea." Knowing God's perfect law can bring abundant, at times overflowing peace and the practice of doing right that is constant, like ocean waves. What blessings await lovers of God and His word!

Psalm 60 (Book 2, 19th psalm) ends with a stirring plea to God, "Help us in our distress, for salvation by humans is worthless. By God we will gain power, and he will trample on our adversaries." May we daily look to Jehovah for guidance, help, and spiritual protection in doing right before Him, and find blessings from Jehovah for doing so.