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If you've never read the book in the Old Testament that's called Proverbs, you really ought to.

Its authorship is attributed to King Solomon, the son of King David & Bathsheba.

Solomon was considered at the time to be the wisest man in the known world.

It's got all kinds of really smart things to say about all kinds of different topics & situations.

It's a good read – supposedly, Billy Graham reads from it every day – has for decades.

Anyway, as a sample, here's some verses that stood out to me this morning from chapter 18...

Proverbs 18

2 Fools have no interest in understanding;

they only want to air their own opinions.

3 When the wicked arrive, contempt, shame, & disgrace are sure to follow.

7 The mouths of fools are their ruin;

their lips get them into trouble.

8 What dainty morsels rumors are;

but they sink deep into one's heart.

10 The name of the Lord is a strong fortress;

the godly run to him & are safe.

11 The rich think of their wealth as an impregnable defense;

they imagine it is a high wall of safety.

15 Intelligent people are always open to new ideas.

In fact, they look for them.

17 Any story sounds true until someone sets the record straight.

19 It's harder to make amends with an offended friend than to capture a fortified city.

Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with iron bars.

23 The poor plead for mercy;

the rich answer with insults.