Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
Proverbs 23:17-29 (NIV)
Saying 15
17 Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord. 18 There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.
Saying 16
19 Listen, my son, and be wise, and set your heart on the right path: 20 Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, 21 for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.
Saying 17
22 Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. 23 Buy the truth and do not sell it— wisdom, instruction and insight as well. 24 The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him. 25 May your father and mother rejoice; may she who gave you birth be joyful!
Saying 18
26 My son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways, 27 for an adulterous woman is a deep pit, and a wayward wife is a narrow well. 28 Like a bandit she lies in wait and multiplies the unfaithful among men.
Saying 19
29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?
What works for you in handling an angry person?
Life can be confusing, frustrating, and heartbreaking. Allow me not to be filled with despair. You are my refuge and strength. Your Word is filled with the wisdom of Your Spirit. Help me to be wise and have enough sense to follow the right path. Lord, help me to not overindulge in rich foods and drinks where excess can hurt my body, relationships, and everything I hold dear. They will not satisfy me for more than a minute and will bring further despair to my heart. Instead, let me look to be filled with the Bread of Life that will sustain me for eternity. Let me be content by honoring You and not be jealous of sinners who are far away from you. Let my life be driven by Your truth and wisdom, discipline, and good sense. Help me to show sound judgment in what I say, in my relationships with others, and how I live my life, no matter what is going on around me. As I deal with those who are angry, argumentative, hateful, and deceitful, give me the wisdom to not fall into the trap of their folly. Lead me to stand boldly in Your wisdom and truth. Lord, God, Holy Father, I give you my heart and I delight in Your ways. You have always been faithful and true. You are my hope. I trust in You now. Amen