Honesty: The Best Policy

Tuesday, December 29, 2015
Proverbs 12:19-26 KJV

19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue [is] but for a moment. 20 Deceit [is] in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace [is] joy. 21 There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief. 22 Lying lips [are] abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly [are] his delight. 23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness. 24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute. 25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad. 26 The righteous [is] more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What becomes of the words that proceed from the "lip of truth" and the "lying tongue"? (v.19)
2) What is in the heart of the evil and of the righteous? (v.20)
3) What will become of the righteous (just) and of the wicked? (v.21)
4) What is an abomination to the Lord and what delights Him? (v.22)
5) What is the difference between the prudent and the foolish? (v.23)
6) What will become of those who are diligent and slothful in their work? (v.24)
7) What cause gladness of heart? (v.25)
8) What else is written about the way of the righteous and and the way of the wicked? (v.26)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
9) Do you know of anyone who behaves as a righteous person? If so, briefly descirbe that individual(s).

LIFE LESSONS
10) The Lord expects His people to live lives of honesty and integrity.