Proverbs

“And more than that, the preacher was wise; he still taught the people knowledge. Yes, he listened, and looked, and set in order many proverbs. The preacher sought to find out pleasing words; and words of truth written by the upright. The words of the wise are like goads; yes, their collected words are like nails driven home; they are given from one Shepherd” (Ecclesiastes 12:9-11 MKJV).

In the middle of the night of April 15-16 of 2007, it was given me to write proverbs. Like a tap of water turned on, they came, one after the other, 78 in all. Then, as fast as they began, they ended, like a tap turned off. There was no premeditation, no expectation and when the end came, there was nothing I could do to continue. They were just there.

Since then the Lord has given me more, when I am quiet, in His way, and when He wills.

The principles of life have many manifestations, each of which can be expressed as a proverb. A proverb can appear simple on the surface, stating the obvious, as even to give the impression that a simpleton speaks. As one contemplates the words and seeks a deeper meaning, however, he or she can be rewarded with counsel and understanding that serve well in many applications of life, should God give to that one.

Victor Hafichuk

PROVERBS

1. Give a man bread to eat and he will be hungry again.

2. The sun rises and the sun sets, yet things are not finished.

3. A man will please himself, he may please his neighbor, but will he please God?

4. The ability to see is good if it be used well.

5. So you say you see. Do you know what you see and what to do with what you see?

6. Wisdom is to do well with what you have.

7. Faith is to know it can and will be done.

8. Love can never fail; though it bears no fruit at first, it will.

9. The one that rejects good counsel is no better than a dog on a stranger’s lawn.

10. A good son is a blessing, but a wayward son does not bring peace.

11. To do well rejoices the heart, and a temperate meal gives hope.

12. A bird sings with hope and joy.

13. A bird singing, a baby crying, and a man laboring – these all proclaim hope.

14. Does a hammer drive a nail with gentleness? Does an axe cut down a tree with love?

15. Labor in hope only with the right hand; otherwise hope is deferred.

16. Do you know? Will you remember what you know?

17. A good neighbor does not meddle, and shows himself when he is needed.

18. As a dog defecates and urinates where it will, so sinners do as they please.

19. All seasons come and go, and come again.

20. A fool will not listen to good counsel or he would not be a fool.

21. A horse is strong and so is an ant.

22. Hurry if you will, but why go in the wrong direction?

23. Necessities met are good, if they lead to good.

24. Who can tell what is good and evil but the One Who makes both?

25. There are things purposed and things that are by chance; both are in God’s hands, the one in His right, the other in His left.

26. Godly power is perfected when it empowers those on whom it is exercised.

27. Justice and right doing prolong the life, but evil dissipates the soul.

28. To have a child and not teach it is to sail a ship and not steer it.

29. Treasures are to be had in abundance, but where are they to be found?

30. The learned man finds treasure because his heart craves it.

31. A window lets in the light to see, and it lets one be seen.

32. A child falls and hurts himself, but a good parent picks him up and tends to his hurts.

33. Blessings and curses – both return on the head of the one that speaks them.

34. Confusion comes from these three, and four: prematurity, ill will, self-serving, and lack of knowledge.

35. Wisdom works and it teaches; foolishness does not work but it teaches the wise.

36. A broom for dust, a cloth for spills, and good counsel for lack of understanding.

37. Sweetness is good if there isn’t too much.

38. Pretended virtue and sincere vice are one.

39. Flattery is desirable to one seeking, but unworthy of, praise.

40. As God makes the clouds and rain come and go, provides materials for birds to build their nests, and places for animals to make their dens, so He rules chance.

41. Chance is accidental if God is not God.

42. Who will look to pleasure for good when having good is pleasure in itself?

43. Sleep is tempting and seeks to rob one of opportunity.

44. Sleep comes again; opportunity not as frequently.

45. As many as they may be, words will cease, but reality remains forever.

46. Much talk has an agenda that is not good.

47. A man purposes to take smoke into his lungs because he does not have life to breathe out.

48. Food for the body is taken in, but food for the soul is also given out.

49. A wise man will speak, but not for himself.

50. As light dispels darkness, so good words bring knowledge and understanding.

51. What is love but to serve the ultimate good?

52. Time comes to an end, but good works continue.

53. A good and faithful wife is from the Lord; let the husband rejoice in her.

54. He that serves his Maker will have many friends; he that serves himself is an enemy to many.

55. As branches on a tree, twigs on a branch, and leaves on a twig, so is a good word spoken multiplied.

56. When evil comes, a righteous one will not fret: the Equalizer is diligent to do a perfect work.

57. Signs are everywhere to point the way, but a blind man does not see them.

58. Thirst that is quenched by water that enters the mouth will return, but he that is a fountain of living water will never thirst.

59. As leaves are gathered with a rake or scattered by the wind, so are the wicked before the Lord.

60. A thief acts as though no one sees, yet feels that all see.

61. Though the outer man perishes, his perishing renews the inner man.

62. Those that strive for glory are remembered, but not for good, and those who strive for good are glorified.

63. Waters may rage or be still; they may bring peace or they may kill; so it is with knowledge.

64. Words can be like a stagnant pool or a lively brook.

65. Test the waters before you drink from them.

66. The air tells them that are in it.

67. Perspective may rule as a tyrant or soothe as a loving parent; the subject must choose.

68. Frequency and abundance tend to less pleasure, but rarity and want of good things to appreciation.

69. Walking and creeping beasts leave traces, but the paths of birds leave no mark.

70. Creatures of earth have obstacles, but those of the air fly freely.

71. There is no want of things to know and to do, only what and how.

72. A baby cries because it is helpless, but is heard for its crying.

73. A good carpenter measures twice and three times before he cuts.

74. Peace is to him who brings war for good, but woe to the one who speaks peace to hide war.

75. A robin makes its home with man; so God comforts all His creatures.

76. There are no two things naturally alike, so why should you try to be otherwise?

77. How is it that those who need wisdom most despise it?

78. Screams come of fear and pain; so it is with those that protest and argue loudly.

79. Who speaks words loosely? Destroyer is his name.

80. All things are written in the countenance of a man.

81. Words in haste and anger are as one upsetting a table of breakables.

82. As the unskilled cannot tell precious gems from cheap costume jewelry, so fools cannot discern truth from falsehood.

83. Foolish words spoken are as passing gas.

84. As the mule stops and refuses to budge for all the beating, so the fool says, "I would rather destroy myself and be my own than profitably serve another and live."

85. Do what is right no matter what the cost and it will pay.

86. He walks in constant embarrassment who conceals evil, but one with a clear conscience exudes a quiet confidence.

87. Emotion rules as a tyrant, but one who rules his own spirit is benevolent.

88. The wicked conceal themselves in darkness, but the righteous glory in the light.

89. If one will have no ceiling to prevent him, he must live in the open air.

90. Beware of those who want what you have; beware of yourself when you want what others have.

91. One who trusts a double-minded person trusts a dog with a steak.

92. A glancing eye and a searching look for opportunity are an abomination to the upright.

93. One who sits at table as a guest and does not rule his appetite will not be a guest for long.

94. To respect the gift more than the giver is folly and treachery.

95. As a river finds its way, so a just desire will find its way.

96. Symmetry declares understanding.

97. Understanding finds a right conclusion, but foolishness leads to a dead end.

98. A full man has no regard for the poor, but the empty is tolerant of the full.

99. Emptiness has room for filling but the full must be poured out to make room.

100. Marriage is not for happiness, but godly sorrow leads to fulfillment.

101. There is no end to gathering, yet men gather to their end as though it never comes.

102. Birds of the air recognize the difference between those that walk upright and those that walk on all fours.

103. How quickly the countenance of a merchant changes when he acquires what he desires.

104. Only God knows what will be, and He tells it to those that are His.

105. Joy is as a fountain bursting high into the air; so with the one that believes.

106. There is no end of words; to live the Life is the substance of all.

107. What was, was; what is, is; and what will be, will be. Man is as mercury in a thermometer.

108. Winter is cold but it brings rest.

109. Spring may be silent, but it teems with new life.

110. Labor while you are able; the time comes when you are prevented.

111. Who says, “We have a lot of time?” But time has all of you.

112. If you work for that which perishes, you perish with it; labor for that which is everlasting.

113. A little poison does much harm; so with an unkind word.

114. The power of forgiveness overcomes all evil.

115. As a foot brushes away words written in sand, so forgiveness erases old offense.

116. God makes all things new and none can prevent it, not even those who bemoan the loss of the old.

117. A serpent sheds its skin but only after it has formed another to replace it.

118. As an addict craves his drugs, so an evil man seeks his way.

119. There is only one that overcomes; death has no power over him.

120. Many are those who demand justice, equity and peace, but for whom?

121. What is man that he should be so highly regarded? He has made himself so low, yet God has made him to be so high.

122. A pure heart already sees God.

123. There is nothing that cannot be seen by the one who has the eye to see. To him, all things are naked, though clothed and concealed.

124. Who dares tell God what to do? Yet man does it all the time.

125. Precious ointment is a delight to the heart, and he that loves the Lord a precious substance for all.

126. Bring the wine and song. This is a day of rejoicing, which the Lord has made. Let those who have labored for Him receive their reward.

127. Much good overcomes much evil; so does a little good.

128. There is great power in the small detail; great things are achieved and great destruction is caused thereby.

129. Spill the water to the ground. God will open the windows of Heaven and pour out more than you can hold.

130. There comes an end to the desert because there is the One Who made it.

131. Do you have pain? It works its way so that you can be free.

132. Be honest in all your dealings; you deal with yourself, and your Maker rewards you accordingly.

133. The young take the place of the old, and each begets after its kind.

134. The world demands all attention, and the servant of God can give it none.

135. I cry, and the tears wash away the reason for my crying.

136. He feeds on wind who serves himself, but he that serves the Lord inherits the earth.

137. Let evil come against the righteous man. It will hurt only the one who brings it.

138. Heaven and earth are at the service of the one who knows the One Who made both.

139. The one that chooses unrighteousness is hard pressed to admit it.

140. A double minded woman eats her own flesh, despising the bread her Maker would provide.

141. As the weasel chews its leg to escape the trap, so the wicked with the yoke of the Lord.

142. A fortress in an alien land is needful, and armaments for peace. Blessed is the honest one.

143. Peace comes to those that receive it, and who desire it for others.

144. You are the prince of princes, and I have chosen you for, and given you, all things.

145. Nothing can deter an iron will, his spirit carved in ageless stone to defeat all evil.

146. A virtuous woman is faithful in her weakness, and she shall be called strong and the beloved of the Lord.

147. An evil woman possessing great skill will find it turned on her.

148. A discerning man has wisdom and foresight. Before it happens, he knows it.

149. She that is faithful in great things is also faithful in the little.

150. With joy and skill does the little one serve, and she shall be great among the small.

151. A warrior in faith must first have the arrows, spear and sword turned on him.

152. A righteous heart quietly seeks to do that which is acceptable to the Lord.

153. The Lord highly honors a faithful servant because he is a man after His own heart.

154. A man prospers in the treasuries of the Lord because he has asked for it.

155. A beautiful woman seeks to do good to her neighbor.

156. Out of the ocean, an island arises by fire, washes off, and produces abundant new life.

157. A fool rages with much knowledge, but the wise tell the substance.

158. Religion is a refuge to those who flee the truth.

159. Unity is strong, and unity in perfection indomitable.

160. Barking dogs may not bite but they express a willingness to do so.

161. As an unbelieving man sells his birthright for a bowl of soup, so an adulterer trades long life for brief pleasure.

162. As continually scratching a scab delays healing, so the telling again and again of an offense.

163. Before a man conceives his plans, the Lord has purposed it.

164. As pure gold and silver only by fire, so the faith of the chosen.

165. The simple learn little, but by them the Lord teaches much.

166. A faithful brother is a precious gift of God, but one in unbelief trouble and sorrow.

167. As dung is passed, so one ought to dispose of memories that bring bitterness.

168. All things pass, whether good or evil, and others come to replace them, according to the will of the One Who creates all.

169. Love is the ripe fruit of the tree of wisdom. Without the fruit, the tree grows in vain.

170. Good words are life-giving food to both speaker and hearer.

171. There is danger in a place of safety, and safety in a place of danger.

172. A meal is delicious and a bed pleasant to the one that earns them.

173. A bird can be told by its nest.

174. Birds of the air lay eggs but so do serpents.

175. The careless one is not satisfied, but there is joy in a job well done.

176. As a harvest at its appointed time, so the Lord rewards both good and evil.

177. The understanding of heart discerns the silent speech.

178. Dessert is enjoyed if it is occasional.

179. The wicked resent consideration, seeing they are in need of it.

180. How do you know that one unfaithful to another will be faithful to you? Can a leopard change its spots?

181. As the sun by seeing, and the cold by feeling, so one is able to taste the substance of truth, and not by the way it is arranged on the plate.

182. I tell you your sins, whereby if you were to believe instead of being offended, you would be made free.

183. Wisdom cries out by every creature of God, but a fool denies the nose of his face.

184. Fools gather knowledge, not to understand but to destroy.

185. Silence is golden, and so the proclamation of truth, but the unbeliever cannot comprehend either.

186. “I believe in life,” says the fool, and puts a knife to his throat.

187. A fool looks in a mirror held to his face, and scorns what he sees as another.

188. As a coyote loves a rabbit and a rabbit loves clover, so men of darkness love one another.

189. As a prisoner in darkness for a time closes his eyes and shields them with his hands when light appears, so unbelievers respond to truth spoken.

190. Though offered freedom, some prisoners, having served a lengthy time, prefer to remain where they are; so too, many who hear the news of redemption.

191. For two or more to love one another and dwell in harmony is a miracle and a gift of God.

192. A traitor gouges out his own eyes and cuts out his own tongue, but a faithful friend enjoys continual health.

193. Who can be fearful when he knows his Maker?

194. As one who cuts off his limbs and slays his own children, so it is with those who sacrifice themselves for their god.

195. Faith in men is destruction; faith in God, instruction.

196. Gathering enough maintains life and gathering too much takes it away.

197. A wolf may come in sheep’s clothing, and, to the wicked, a true shepherd comes as a wolf. “I want freedom,” the wicked cries, “to suffer want and to perish.”

198. Youth seeks its own pleasures, not considering the price is exorbitant.

199. As one winnows the grain to keep the chaff, so man labors to gather in this world, and the wind takes it away.

200. He that serves himself is a cruel taskmaster and a hard bargainer. Run from him as soon and as fast as you can.

201. He who claims his own virtue is void of it; the more he proclaims, the less of it he has.

203. Strength of the flesh to strength of the spirit is as a spade to an excavator.

204. A wild dog is free to roam, caring for itself, but a pet has a caring keeper.

205. Excess adds to death, but to suffer want can restore the life.

206. Man may not have wings but he can find a way to fly; so the impossible can become possible to one that believes. (One cannot fly but he can make wings and bring many with him.)

207. Harlots stand with religious attire on every street corner, enticing fools to spend their substance.

208. As creatures of the forest fleeing a raging fire close behind them, so men busy themselves in the affairs of this life.

209. The wicked kill themselves to avoid the truth, so much do they perceive it to be their enemy; they feed on poison as their necessary food.

210. Faith is the knowledge of God and His ways.

211. Pride is the staircase leading one upwards to destruction.

212. Man, in all his knowledge, is unable to duplicate anything of God’s works, neither can he make anything new; he can only destroy that which God has made, including himself.

213. All the ways of man, filled with sophistication, knowledge and great works, are corrupt; he builds brick towers to reach the stars.

214. As dogs on a leash and as castrated calves, so husbands love and serve their wives; if they should fail, woe to them.

215. Much inconvenience for a just cause is a worthy price.

216. Faith is the willing consent to dwell in an invisible world.

217. The greater the diligence, the greater the reward, yet God gives grace to the humble of heart, and exalts whom He wills, even the base.

218. There are works of God and works of men, and all are determined from above.

219. Those who suffer injustice are not innocent, and those who wield the sword are not without cause.

220. All sentences of the courts on earth are perfect, determined by the highest court of all.

221. There are those who gather much and have nothing, and those who gather little and have all.

223. Many proclaim knowledge and wisdom, but where are these to be found?

224. As a key breaks in a lock and prevents another key from entering, so a half-hearted seeker listens to the preacher and walks away.

225. A thief recognizes the treasure of a rich man, and risks his life to take it, but fools contemn true riches, avoiding them at all costs.

226. As swine pay no mind to jewels, so the dead despise the Law of God.

227. The wicked seeks knowledge for himself, but the righteous for another.

228. There is much appearance of virtue, but God knows the hearts.

229. A man can receive nothing, great or small, except it be granted him from above.

230. God hides Himself; only the eye of faith can perceive Him in chance and circumstance.

231. Wholesome food is scorned by the masses, and junk food prized; so truth is despised, and lies embraced.

232. As light dispels darkness, so truth dispels error, and who can prevent the sun and the day?

233. The knife of a loving physician first brings pain, then healing.

234. Friends are not told by friendliness; so enemies are not told by enmity.

235. The fool is known by his foolishness, and he can do nothing right; but the wise manifests his wisdom though he does nothing.

236. When faith, patience and persistence lock their arms together, little can prevent them.

237. Appreciation is a gift and great blessing to those who have it, but worthless to those who are void of it.

238. A man of faith hopes and bears all things, but a worthless man fears and despairs of very life.

239. The unworthy one appears before God and receives a reward, while the worthy one goes away disillusioned.

240. Profitable are the words of the wise, but fools have no money to buy them.

241. Rain interrupts the sun, only to help it produce more abundantly.

242. It is God Who sends both the rain and the sun.

243. Solitude is the way of a great company.

244. To reach the heights, one must climb upward.

245. The thinner and more invisible the element, the greater and more urgent the need of it.

246. If ignorance is bliss, why, when tragedy strikes, do they cry, “Why did they not tell us?”

247. If greed is good, why give anything to the children?

248. If happiness is the principle thing, why does death come to all, and why do all people mourn when it comes?

249. If fat is beautiful, then what are running, agility, energy, depth of breath, moderate meals, normal-sized chairs and doorways, and longer life?

250. The fearful laugh and the faithful cry; the day comes when the tears are wiped from the face of the righteous and smiles from the face of the fearful.

251. Those who glorify the Lord are glorified, and those who contemn Him are despised.

252. There are those who get to give and those who give to get; so are the works of God and of men.

253. Are you pious and devout? Then why do you tell both men and God?

254. There are both bright and dim stars, visible and invisible, and there are those which, though they appear smaller, are much greater in size and power, but none has God made without purpose.

255. If a star hits the earth, life will cease to exist as it has, and nothing can resist the impact of truth on the earth.

256. Why do men cling to death as very life and resist life as though it were very death? Contradiction reigns supreme in the heart of the dead.

257. The rich are confident, little knowing they jump on thin ice unable to bear them.

258. Two-legged beasts run to and fro everywhere in the earth, destroying.

259. Infidels both slay and are slain, but the righteous give life and are slain.

260. The Lord uses men to bring the sword and men use His Name to do the same.

261. If a man speaks about himself, shall he have anything to say?

262. He that would busy himself in the affairs of this life shuns the affairs of the next.

263. As the root gains moisture for itself and the leaves, and the leaves gather sunshine for themselves and the root, so God has made both Heaven and earth for each other.

264. Self pity demands justice and consideration without mercy.

265. A fool despises authority, not considering it is provided for his safety.

266. Rebellion is bound in the heart of a fool, but the good taken away from him will be his remedy.

267. The destroyer comes disguised as a savior, and the savior comes as a destroyer, but who can tell?

268. Even a small skill brings recognition and honor.

269. In testing the limits, one learns more by what he cannot do than by what he can.

270. Accepting criticism, whether it be for good or evil, one gains power with the critics.

271. Humility is a precious ointment, which fragrance treats all those who stand by.

272. One has gained mastery when truth and righteousness are more important than himself.

273. The highest authority does not come by age, size, strength, force, beauty, skill, sex, race, pedigree, color, wealth, education, training, status, fame, or experience, but by truth and righteousness; a young child may possess it.

274. The one that honors God rules over all.

275. Words hastily spoken are like lettuce on the teeth of one smiling.

276. The fearful one fears all things but the one that fears God shall fear nothing.

277. The tongue is stronger than all the limbs combined, and so much easier to use.

278. One who speaks against his neighbor must be the first partaker of dishonor.

279. Correction is readily available for the one God favors.

280. Those that frame laws to escape Divine Law do not consider that they take the bait of their own traps.

281. Does one demand discipline for others or for himself? Does he bring down the rod that others may benefit, or that he may rule?

282. If virtue can be judged by appearance, then one can see in the dark.

283. The rich man is not rich without the poor, nor is the wise without the foolish, nor the brave without the fearful, nor the strong without the weak, nor the swift without the slower; God has made all these.

284. As a flag in the wind, so the sinner flows with breezes in any direction, but the righteous are unmoved.

285. Man would arrange the clouds in formation and frequency, and the rains in schedule; God’s order is chaos to him.

286. The hyena laughs because it would tear the flesh and devour.

287. The sinner’s great contradiction is that she sees only the sins of others.

288. Where shall the wise be found except that God provides? How does one recognize the wise and for what would one ask?

289. Only by wisdom can wisdom be known; to the simple, wisdom is foolishness, but to the wise, it is simple.

290. What do you want? A man shall be known by his desire.

291. Though he spends his life in labor, man cannot satisfy himself.

293. To what purpose is vanity, if it is the end of men?

294. The rabbit repeats the same path again, and is snared.

295. Take the weeds when they are small and prevent much toil and trouble.

296. The wicked, in his conceit, feigns agreement with truth, and goes his way, destroying.

297. Weeds conceal themselves until they are many and strong to overcome those among which they thrive.

298. Unless one destroys the root, a weed will return.

299. Though they are not desirable, weeds have their purpose and value.

300. A covetous and ungrateful man frets over his losses and forgets that his gains are greater.

301. A small offense looms large over a great favor, and an indiscretion over a great work.

302. Man glorifies himself, but God comes as nothing of value; man exalts himself to Heaven, but God lowers Himself to earth.

303. Man presumes Godhood for his own sake and reaches for God in vain, but God takes on manhood for man’s sake and successfully transforms him into Godhood.

304. Can the lesser consume and become the greater? If so, grass can become a cow, and a cow, man, and a man, God. But if the greater consumes the lesser, then the lesser is transformed. Therefore, let the lesser humble himself, that he may know not to refuse consumption by the greater.

305. Can a fool tell the difference between love and hate, good and evil, truth and falsehood? How many are the wise, and how many the fools?

306. The sluggard dreams to rest six days and do his pleasure, and labor but one.

307. Cursed be the one that takes a man’s daughter without consent, and defiles her; blessed is the one that honors the daughter’s mother and father; he will not be without honor.

308. The religious love the form without the substance, and hate the substance without the form.

309. Is not the counterfeit but the form, and the deception an impression? So dogs come from behind to bite the heel.

310. As the wind rustles every leaf on every tree, so the truth will not be spoken without effect.

311. As a painful leg cramp, so is a disobedient one in an assembly of those that seek to do right.

312. Like putting salt in the sugar bowl and sugar in the saltshaker, so is the unreliable servant that performs his duties without due attention.

314. As refined foods lead their consumers to illness, so sweet and smooth words bring destruction to those taken by them.

315. Wisdom is as water, finding the lowest place and filling all available space, that none but the high and full are excluded.

316. Those who trade long-term value for short-term gain will suffer long term, but those who bear present difficulty with patience will be satisfied in the end.

317. Fear of man is often mistaken for discretion and keeping one’s counsel.

318. Feelings and opinions change, but the Word of the Lord is constant.

319. Imaginations and fears present themselves as reality, but truth and love expose them for the imposters they are.

320. As children using play money, and as thieves using counterfeit currency, so men opine about the things of God.

321. Truth redeems but opinions confound and destroy.

322. As salt and pepper on a table, so God has set forth good and evil before men.

323. Those who would correct the past and control the future would do both if they but tended faithfully to the present.

323. As a hammer drives a nail into place, so an infirmity of one serves as a useful tool to deal with the infirmities of others; when the work is done, the tool will be put away.

324. Fruit cannot be brought forth before its time.

325. At the time of harvest, fruit is available; laborers gather it in season and make it available to those in need.

326. The man of God is a polished surface, by which others may see their true reflections.

327. Sinners blame the mirror for their reflections, and oft seek to break it.

328. The more rare is the more appreciated; it will not be called common.

329. As children playing with fire, so fools are careless and playful concerning matters of life and death.

330. As an oil light indicates engine trouble, so the Law of God makes known the need of the soul.

330. As a flag in the wind, so the sinner flows with breezes in any direction, but the righteous are unmoved.

331. As a ship without a rudder, never arriving at a sure destination, so are those ever learning without regard to God.

332. As a rudder on a ship, so the Law of God guides the soul.

333. Lies are believed by liars and those who seek their own profit, but those seeking good are not deceived.

334. Indulging the flesh is as painting over rotten wood.

335. As those sweeping food under the rug, so are those who ignore that which is right; in due time, the rot and the smell will come.

336. The faithless beat fools, and are corrected in their futility.

337. Hand cleaner takes away grease, and soap takes away the hand cleaner; so the Law is applied, and grace follows to complete the work.

338. To attain righteousness by the Law is like washing a pig to make it a sheep.

339. There are those that serve as the rectum of the Body, but by it are wastes expelled; who can live without one?

340. The same blood and accompanying Life flows in the rectum, as in the heart and tongue.

341. For opinions, men will respect one another, but if one speaks truth with authority, they call it arrogance.

342. Men will honor one another’s religions, provided truth is not required of them.

343. God is not hasty to bring judgment; therefore sinners grow confident in their ways.

344. Fear has power to conjure evil that is not there.

345. People make a show of worship because they love themselves more than the One they profess to love.

346. How strange it is that the world persecutes a tiny people, yet fears it as its worst nightmare; therefore destiny promises good for them and will keep the promise!

347. The fool has said in his heart, “The creature has created the Creator.”

348. The waters are dark and deep, the earth thick and heavy, each hiding much, but all things surface in their time.

349. Friendliness breeds goodwill and ignorance forestalls it.

350. A favor in goodwill is a seed sown for much return.

351. The tree has the insect, the insect has the bird, the bird has the cat, the cat has the dog, the dog has the man, and the man has himself with which to contend.

352. There is no creature of which the other side of the balance is not required.

353. A leopard is beautiful, and one who trusts appearances will smart for it by and by.

354. Beware of the one trumpeting God and His goodness; he dresses in white to conceal his darkness.

355. Those who ask for your money to serve God ask for your blood to serve them.

356. Calluses protect while soft hands blister and bleed; so hardship endured will deliver.

357. Bodily exercise perchance saves this life, but godly exercise surely saves the next.

358. Women scorn men publicly, but men complain of women among themselves.

359. As branches grow on a tree, and leaves on a branch, so all things are ordered with equal sides.

360. Trial and compensation are equals.

361. A little quality is better than much quantity.

362. As moths are attracted to artificial light and are hurt, so men are attracted to other gods.

363. Shall a watchman go to sleep saying, “The Lord will watch for me”? Shall a farmer forego sowing saying, “The Lord will feed me”?

364. One overcoming a vice in his own strength soon has another to overcome.

365. Everywhere, in all its glory and comeliness, is the worship of other gods.

366. A man who commits adultery stones himself to death and leaves many wounded.

367. Many proclaim themselves to be sons of God, but God knows His sons, and will reveal them in due time.

368. As there is no secret commandment, so there is no secret sin.

369. To enjoy a moment of pleasure, man will throw away his soul for eternity; blessed is the one who loves God more than pleasure.

370. One who chases mammon chases himself, but mammon chases him that worships God.

371. Fools will not speak the truth, but an honest man will not preserve himself.

372. First comes ignorance, then knowledge; weakness, then strength; loss, then gain; defeat, then victory; failure, then success; turmoil, then peace; and death, then life.

373. A righteous man holds his tongue for good, but a fool for evil.

374. Having been delivered of the pit of sorrow and regret, beware that you do not return.

375. If God brings sorrow to you for a time, it is because He wants happy sons and daughters.

376.For the righteous, losses flourish and flaunt themselves on every side, but where these abound, gains abound even more; God is greater than all.

377. As surely as dung must pass, so those who do evil must perish, but the righteous are assimilated unto everlasting life.

378. To those who fear God and keep His commandments, battles are lost, but the war is won.

379. Though a rich man bankrupts himself and his debt is forgiven, yet his wealth is gone, never to return; but the righteous lays up treasure added to treasure.

380. There are those who speak truth for evil’s sake because there is no truth in them.

381. As a plant comes forth from a seed hidden in the ground and bears after its kind, so secret sins will sprout forth and bear fruit.

382. The sword is appointed for the wicked, but the righteous will be spared.

383. As an insurance policy replaces that which is lost, so God restores that which a righteous man has lost.

384. All of creation proclaims God’s glory, but a fool screams in bitterness because he cannot see or hear.

385. As a fine mist, sexual temptation presents itself, mysterious and idyllic, then grows thicker and envelops the wayward one in darkness.

386. Lord, You have opened our eyes that we may see, our ears that we may hear, and granted us new hearts to understand. You have caused us to walk on water and granted us wings to fly. Time, space and matter cannot prevent us because You are our Father, You love us, and have made us for Yourself.

387. Though our tears have been shed, we have joy, and though our blood has been spilt, we have life. You have done these things for Your unworthy servants, whereof we are glad, yea, overjoyed, and we proclaim to the world that You are God, Lord of all, and that there is none like You.

388. Who can hurt us, and we feel it? Who can hurt, and we do not feel? We are Your sons and Your daughters, and in You, we live, breathe, move, and have our being.

389. Though a bacterium cannot be seen by the naked eye, it spoils the jam, so works a little unseen evil.

390. The true seeker after God will not be dissuaded from the path of Truth, but triflers will fall away.

391. For everything there is a place, a place for a garden and a place for a road; a place for a home and a place for sand; a place for a rock and a place for a tree; a place for water and a place for dryness; a place for light and a place for darkness; a place for a worm and a place for a butterfly; a place for a sword and a place for a scabbard; a place for a dish and a place for a broom; a place for an animal and a place for a person; a place for the wicked and a place for the righteous; a place for sellers and a place for buyers; a place for rulers and a place for servants; a place for adults and a place for children; a place for women and a place for men; everything has its place.

392. There is no fool like an expert, and no expert like a fool, and there is the simple that understands.

393. One who appears foolish, asking questions, will afterward be able to give answers.

394. Like an aberrant limb sprouting on a mature tree, so is a useless complaint after the fact.

395. If I have learned anything in this life, it is that I would never live it again for itself.

396. One who says, “If I were to live my life again, I would not change a thing,” has spent a whole life learning nothing.

397. With pride comes strife, but humility brings peace.

398. When the wicked cries “Wolf!” the world believes him again and again, but when the righteous sounds the warning, the world will not believe him once.

399. Even magicians and children pretend to make something of nothing, not knowing they imitate a creator.

400. By sleight of hand, magicians entertain, pretending to bring into existence by secret knowledge; others of higher learning teach, presuming that which is came from nothing.

401. The understanding honor intelligence, but a fool refuses to believe in it, lest he should answer for his thoughts.

402. When the destroyer comes, the world receives him as a savior; when the Savior comes, He is recognized as the enemy.

403. Victory comes by failure, and the way to the heights passes through valleys, wherein patience and humility are precious companions.

404. One grows more by learning what he cannot do than by what he can.

405. Fear is a compulsive liar, a merciless tyrant, and the instigator of many evils.

406. When put to use, a loose axe head and a fearful person cannot be trusted.

407. As fire, so is the flesh never satisfied, but the more it indulges, the greater its capacity and craving.

408. Before redemption comes guilt; before guilt comes offence; before offence comes innocence, with which there is no redemption.

409. Joy only comes with victory, and victory comes only when one dies.

410. We know so much, and we know so little. The more we know, the less we know, until, one day, we know it all, and we know nothing.

411. Except God controls the atoms, the weak and the poor are without hope.

412. Only by knowing failure can one know success.

413. A soft master prepares a road to defeat, but a demanding one leads to success.

414. All creatures of earth but for man do not determine exercise; yet they are strong and able.

415. If one, by revelation, leaves the company of those walking in error, he is free, but if he is cast out against his will, his bondage is doubled.

416. When one lays down to rest, if it is cool, he covers himself with a blanket, if it is available. When one decides to eat, he prepares the food, cooking and flavoring it. Whenever one does anything, he tries to accommodate. Do these things not speak of hope?

417. The second generation will enter in where the first will not, and children will hear where parents will not.

418. He who has time for good at his cost, good will have time, and time will have good, for him.

419. He who regards necessity over righteousness robs himself of necessities.

420. A neighbor says to me, “I have no time to weed my lawn by hand, without poisons, as you.” I say, “I have time to weed my lawn by hand because I do it without poisons.”

421. He who tends to God’s concerns, God shall tend to his.

422. Someone says to me, “I will not talk to you because you are too persuasive.” I say, “If I speak falsehood, you do well, but if the truth, you do well to be persuaded.”

423. One knows more of this world for the worse but the more of Heaven, the better.

424. A false witness destroys herself with her hate, but a true and faithful one brings life to herself and those around her.

425. True love is manifest, and without need to be labeled or proclaimed.

426. Making enemies in the world is as easy as falling off a log, but making friends and keeping them is as walking a tightrope.

427. In God’s wisdom, the cat does not differentiate between a pest and a precious songbird; only God can save any creature from His own creation. Therefore, it is folly to put hope in man.

428. The earth hangs by nothing, and we all live in perfect delicacy, a moment away from potential destruction.

429. Fools proudly abhor the very thought of counsel from others, thinking to have their own wisdom, but wise men humble themselves and covet knowledge of counselors.

430. The Word of God is the food of angels, but swine trample it in the mire, preferring the fare of dead things.

431. When the works of darkness are reproved, a storm ensues, and the evil is taken away.

432. The true and faithful heart will take the bad with the good, willing to suffer as well as to enjoy.

433. As with beasts, man has no wisdom in himself to tell right from wrong, or good from evil unless the Spirit of God shows mercy.

434. The wicked, raging against the justice of God, plot their own destruction.

435. The fool with his lips may say, “I believe in God,” but, in life, denies his profession of faith.

436. Great is the mystery of foolishness, so that even wise men fail to comprehend it.

437. Life without losing is as a harvest without sowing.

438. Evil must come, that the good might be appreciated.

439. Comparison to those of inferior performance is a trap that robs one of excellence.

440. Church is an interference with God.

441. One must sacrifice that which is in his hand if he hopes to prosper.

442. To the wicked, might is right; to the godly, right is might.

443. The liberal soul shall be made fat but the chintzy one shall suffer want.

444. The victim suffers the temporary wound but the perpetrator the lasting pain.

445. The perfectionist must be the sorriest person on earth.

446. Birds come when they are fed and leave when they are not.

447. A little foolishness will prevent much good, but keeping the Law of God will ensure success.

448. A labyrinth of selfishness and deception may have only one right choice to make, but life is full of opportunity at every turn to speak the truth.

449. Perpetrators enable their victims to receive authority to speak truth.

450. Plants arise everywhere in due season; so the resurrection power of the saints is ever at work, performing the impossible.

451. The thought of danger is the substance of fear. In the Lord, there is no danger but to give it undue attention.

452. There are those that appear noble, proclaiming the need to seek after God, yet they propose to do so in their own power.

453. As the time for eating is not determined by a clock but by hunger, so right and wrong are not determined by a code of laws but by the will of God.

454. Evil comes to destroy the wicked and to chasten the righteous. For the righteous, evil comes to present opportunity for good.

455. Why shall a man and woman sleep together to the detriment of their children?

456. More often than physical adultery, the marriage bed is defiled by undue reverence, which is adultery against God.

457. As perishing creatures diligently search out a place to expire, so mankind eagerly receives the essence of lies.

458. As common as grass is found on the ground, so is unforgiveness found with bitterness.

459. Truth is simple to a child, but sinners in the hardness of their hearts cannot perceive it.

460. The sinner looks but he cannot see, listens but he cannot hear, lest he should comprehend with the heart and be compelled to surrender his will.

461. So he spoke to them as he handed them their tools, saying: “These are the latest in technology - cordless – nor are they powered by batteries. There is a mystical power that governs them, as needed, energized by the will power of the user.” And he took them to the garden and handed them their shovels.

462. The wicked proudly think to serve God with their righteousness, gazing expectantly for reward, finding they must pay instead.

463. The idolater is indignant when his god is not acknowledged. In his contradiction, he identifies his god with the Most High in hopes His wrath will consume those who deny him his god.

464. First does the deceiver deceive himself, and then he proceeds to work his evil upon others.

465. Iniquity refuses to believe that the sun shines by day or that rain falls from clouds. It chooses rather to believe that the rain falls from the sun and clouds bring light at night.

466. The sinner does much harm but he is his own first and greatest victim.

467. As a caterpillar spins its cocoon, so, by their evil deeds, men call themselves to task, form their own correction, and enter into their reward.

468. Silent and invisible, the fruits of darkness form until, in due season, the tree is full. The gardener does not expect such abundance.

469. There is no reasoning with a fool; he is his own authority. He eats his fingers because he is hungry, and who shall deny him his food?

470. Many are the fools, and the wise men greatly outnumbered, yet wisdom is not extinguished.

471. Who can deny the reality of resurrection power when seeing a fool turn from his foolishness? A fool.

472. As clouds hide the sun and prevent the light from shining upon the earth, so fools obscure the truth. They justify themselves, saying, “We provide shade for comfort.”

473. When light breaks through the impenetrable hardness of a sinner’s heart, we witness a miracle.

474. We will clap our hands and sing with loud voices and thrilled hearts because the Righteous King reigns and our enemies are put away.

475. The relief of the burden lifted surpasses the heavy burden of the relief refused.

476. As a robin cannot withhold its song in the showers when abundance of food is announced, so the saints will be unable to withhold their praises when their sustenance comes with the latter rain.

477. Truth, in silent confidence and quiet power, expresses itself on stage at all times, in all places, and before all men. It has a captive audience.

478. Truth is like the air we breathe and the sun that shines upon us on a clear day. Those who refuse it do so to their hurt.

479. Only punishment will bring a fool to his knees to worship God; kindness fails to accomplish in a fool what the rod will perform in due course.

480. Bless the Lord that the waters wash away the filth and unquenchable fires come to take away the deadly plague, even death itself.

481. While men sleep, God works; while men work, God sleeps.

482. Slumber on, men of the earth, and dream; but know that you will awake to evil.

483. “I must feed my mouth,” says the fool, not considering the One Who provides the food.

484. To everything there is a value and a cost, and the two are perfectly balanced.

485. Men strive for the heights until they learn that their abundant life is in the valleys, where only they can live.

486. So hard it is to restore a lost soul a second time, as hard as sowing into frozen ground.

487. Ocean depths hide many secrets, as does every soul, but God knows them all.

488. Despair is a word only in the dictionary of the dead; with the living, there is only hope.

489. Work will end, and when it is completed faithfully, the pay will be according to the work.

490. A time to work and a time to rest; God appoints each of them.

491. We think we know what we need, but the Lord knows what He wants.

492. The road of selfish desire leads to destruction, but the road of righteousness and truth to all prosperity.

493. Power comes to those who forsake it, and peace to those who suffer evil without resistance.

494. The wicked seeks power and uses truth to get it; the righteous seeks truth and uses power to get it.

495. The secret to keeping a secret is something not to be told.

496. One either comes out of the fires as pure gold or as ashes.

497. What a blessing to a father to have a son that loves him; what a curse to a father is a wayward son!

498. Conquer yourself and all is conquered; nothing can defeat you.

499. Conformity is the kiss of death, but laying down the life brings resurrection.

500. Why do men wear suits and ties? Because.

501. Gallows of good represent the gate to greatness and glory.

502. Weariness of spirit taxes the body and mind more than all the labor they perform.

503. The simple mind complicates but the wise one simplifies.

504. If one will be God’s friend, he must not only prepare to be his enemy’s friend, but also his friend’s enemy.

505. Death is the bondage of trying to be something you are not; life is the freedom to be what you are.

506. Better one should have his burden removed than to run away with it.

507. With problems and trials, the Lord destroys the wicked, but strengthens the righteous.

508. Those who stumble and grope in darkness consider themselves beacons, but beacons banish darkness.

509. Doing the right is as an investment, sometimes short term, more often long, but it is sure.

510. One must first hear the negative side of truth before receiving the positive.

511. Truth and error both disturb the wicked but the righteous is unmoved.

512. He who lives by the Law dies by the Law, but the merciful man will receive grace from God.

513. Trees grow large and healthy, but what kind of fruit do they produce? If strength, wealth, influence and intelligence are virtues, then Satan is a saint.

514. Any cool, grey day is overcome and brightened by the sun that shines within, but when it is cool and grey inside, the brightest of days outside are of little comfort.

515. Where there is division, all things are divided, but when there is unity, all goodness is shared equally.

516. Man is born once from beneath to err, and again from above to be perfected.

517. We spend our days and years in labor until the house is built, not realizing that we are the house being built.

518. One can live expensively at the bottom or inexpensively at the top.

519. Willingness provides the energies to accomplish all things, but the stubborn and willful spend their substance resisting.

520. Servants look to their human masters with reserve, not knowing that if true servants, they have free access, with justifiable freedom and boldness, to the Most High.

521. Well made artificial plants can easily be mistaken for real, and well-crafted friendliness for friendship.

522. One cannot tell by looking whether murky waters are shallow or deep; so it is with those educated in this world’s knowledge and wisdom.

523. Man can do nothing perfectly, and God can never fail.

524. One of the most effective ways I have found of receiving an answer from God for a problem is to publicly, honestly announce that I do not know the answer.

525. Rulership is established by what one gives and not by what one takes; he who freely gives, gives to himself.

526. As dogs urinate on hydrants, so the wicked despise the water of life proffered on every street corner.

527. When the foundation is established, the cribbing is removed; when the building is complete, the scaffolding is taken away.

528. The things of this world do not perish because we set our hearts on them. Rather, we ought not to set our hearts on them because by very nature and purpose, they perish.

529. Heaven beckons for us, not to go there, but that it come here; not in time to come, but now.

530. They enquire so that they might hear what they want to hear, but few will bear to hear the Truth.

531. I know of no better way to deal with the demon of darkness than to dynamically deliver him to the dazzling dimension of delightful disclosure.

532. Being confederate with the religious in their works is like setting up a fruit stand with the beast at the Tree of Knowledge, which brings torment to those who eat of it, but those who partake of the Tree of Life eat freely and are satisfied.

533. Of the abundance of the heart a man speaks. If good words, he is fed and satisfied; if vain, he will vomit what he has eaten.

534. Shall one reject lemons because they are bitter? Or shall he take butter and honey and make lemon butter?

535. As the soothing effect of a healing ointment, and as the refreshing drink of cool water on a hot day, so the decision to do what is required removes the burden of guilt and shame of what is yet lacking.

536. Men choose the comfort of the shade to avoid the sun, only to find themselves deeper in their jungles.

537. He who loves himself despises all others.

538. One that usurps authority will have like subjects.

539. Those who despise dominion seek to rule.

540. The one with few praises and compliments may be more of a friend than it seems.

541. One must receive the opposite of what one wants in order to receive what is desirable.

542. He that criticizes the loudest deems himself to be most incapable.

543. What will a man pay for the truth? Will he know it cannot be sold but that it will cost him his life?

544. The heart is revealed in the fires and exposed in temptation.

545. One’s purpose is not to avoid or to fear, but to overcome challenges.

547. Money answers all things on earth, but its answers are drowned out by the voice of the Truth.

548. Truth is so loud as to both create ears to hear and cause some to stop their ears from hearing.

549. Men assume rights and insist they have a right to rights, not considering that the Righteous One alone decides what is right.

550. The body builder lifts weights not for the weights’ sakes but for what the lifting does for his body; so man must consider that all the works of this world are vanity, but for how he is furthered within.

551. The ant prefers the upper smooth surfaces to run from danger but constricting crevices are safer.

552. Where there is hunger, there is life and health.

553. Many desire sunny days but the rain gives the wherewith to enjoy the sun.

554. Early budding brings danger of frostkill, but patience brings a fruitful reward.

555. The rich man is rich in troubles, owns much and yet has so little.

556. The rich man and the poor man enjoy men’s praise but the rich man must strive to retain it while the poor man has nothing to lose.

557. To envy the rich is to look at the outward appearance. To look at the outward appearance is to deceive oneself.

558. The fool looks for immediate rewards but the wise see the rewards that are there.

559. Happy and safe from envious men is the man who has the true riches.

560. As the strength of sin is the Law, so the strength of the man of sin is the Law.

561. Death seals the power, and prepares the way to life.

562. Beware when one says, “I am a reasonable person.” It is a very unwarranted and unreasonable claim.

563. If one has love, he need not be concerned about having wisdom.

564. Bitterness is so established in the heart that only the death of the host will eradicate it.

565. Unbelief requires and gives explanation; faith needs and gives none.

566. As jackals and hyenas linger in the background for a safe time to attack and feed, so false accusers keep hidden their faces for fear of exposure and defeat.

567. When content to be what it is, a blade of grass is as the tallest tree, but the tallest tree, when discontented with its lot, is less than a blade of grass.

568. All good hopes will be fulfilled for the faithful, but vain hopes are not worth keeping.

569. It is not wrong to be wrong if the Lord so wills, but it is wrong to regret being wrong if being wrong was the will of God.

570. "How does one without wisdom know to recognize one with wisdom? Are these things not in the hand of God?"

571. In vain does a man labor to be right, for there is only one right, even God.

572. Sinners are contradictions of light, being children of darkness.

573. Though surrounded by darkness, the light penetrates it and cannot be stopped, but darkness can never penetrate the light and must give place without fail.

574. A son of the flesh is a gift but a son of the Spirit is a miracle.

575. Both destroyer and destroyed are God’s, as are those spared.

576. Many profess righteousness, but the righteous shall seek them out and prove them.

577. God’s wrath is against all pretenders, more so than against the ungodly that do not pretend.

578. To them, the wicked speak for God, and the righteous speak against Him.

579. Fruit tells the kind of tree, and speech is the fruit of the heart, but, in speaking, the wicked and unbelieving say, “You cannot know our hearts.”

580. Day after day, the Lord is merciful and longsuffering; thus the wicked press on, thinking to be immune to judgment.

581. Why men eat themselves is a mystery, yet the greater mystery is why God has mercy on them.

582. The blind man insists that things cannot be seen, not considering that some have eyes to see.

583. Both music and clatter are one to the deaf man.

584. A debate among the wicked tends to error and war, but among the righteous to truth and peace.

585. Goodness and unity are the state of the believing, but the wicked are subject to pride, strife and sorrow.

586. There is no life in the mouth of the wicked, but a river of health flows from the heart of the righteous.

587. A fool is confident in himself until a wise man comes to prove him.

588. A wise man thinks to have all answers until a fool comes to improve him.

589. The soul that lives right is not afraid to die; to him death is the eve of honor and glory.

590. As overworked dough yields a tough bread, so striving about good matters makes them less palatable.

591. The righteous are granted to rest on their couches, but sinners that scorn must be left to toss and turn in their deathbeds.

592. Sinners love their sin, so they fight to keep it.

593. There are two news – those things new in themselves, and those new to the partaking of them.

594. A new thing, even if it does not change, ceases to be new.

595. How the fool craves destruction, as though it were very life, and despises good, as though it were evil.

596. The fool despises that which he lacks, and the wise man craves more of what he has.

597. Ten thousand disagree with one another, yet think they are all right because there are many of them. Then comes the one telling them they are all wrong, and they condemn him because he stands alone.

598. Snow and cold can come unseasonably and so can troubles and unpleasantries.

599. As a beast finds its way by instinct, so creation knows the end of its groaning approaches.

600. The One alone Who can do the impossible conceals Himself behind possibilities.

601. The righteous hold up a mirror to the wicked, who are certain it is clear glass.

602. A fool dares not look in a mirror, lest he should recognize himself.

603. As a blind man who says, “I do not see it, therefore it does not exist,” or a deaf man who says, “I do not hear it, therefore there is no sound,” so the fool scorns what is right and true.

604. The fool stands on a straight path leading directly to the destination and says, “Surely, there must be another way. I shall find it.”

605. Those who cease or refuse to submit to their true authority forfeit their right of authority to those entrusted to them.

605. Those that cease or refuse to submit to their true authority forfeit their right of authority to those entrusted to them.

606. It is not so much what one does but how one does it.

607. Peace with all of creation comes when we cease worship of any creature and begin to worship the Maker of all things.

608. Man, in the harness of his heart, pities the flesh and the sinner, but God, in His tender mercies, does not spare.

609. The time of the end is now here. A new day dawns, and who will be here to greet it?

610. There are those who ask themselves what Jesus would do, but I have learned that men can make Jesus do anything.

611. As one needs the negative and the positive to create electricity, so we need both the infirmities of the first Adam and the virtue of the Last Adam to have power with God.

612. If we so honor the One Who is All Wise and forsake one wise only in his own eyes, we shall do well.

613. Proud pretenders of piety presume to please God, thinking their words are of acceptable service to him.

614. There is a hate that loves and a love that hates; both are concealed from the wicked.

615. This is a day in which men go to great pains to save a beached whale or oil-soaked bird but do not think twice to kill a helpless fellow human.

616. Many are they that take God’s Name and promote It to lift themselves up, but who will lift them when they fall?

617. The earth is full of people with needs of every kind; the only need of the sons of God is to meet those needs in due time.

618. The wise and understanding know that all things belong to God.

619. How good it is to have faithful friends that care for one another as themselves.

620. Though he is affable, the covetous man disregards his neighbor.

621. The more choices one has, the less he is disposed to make the better one. Does this not tell that faith in God is the answer?

623. Denying the need for his participation, the evolutionist presumes to let time take the kitchen ingredients and form his meal.

624. We have heard the news that evil comes and are not afraid, if we regard the One Who rules all things.

625. Silently, men work their works and gather their harvests, hoping to keep and enjoy them, not knowing they gather for others.

626. Sound the trumpet and the alarm; prepare and brace yourselves, inhabitants of the land, but if you do not have your Maker’s favor, the warning is in vain.

627. Do you desire your Maker’s favor? Keep His commandments and look to Him for counsel and direction; He will honor those who honor Him.

628. There are those who measure the righteousness of others by their own, not considering that their judgment is corrupt.

629. The more one hears, the more one has to say, not in quantity but in quality.

630. Many desire the goods, but few are willing to pay the price.

631. Those who live in fear suffer and die continuously, but those who trust the Lord never die.

632. Whether one gives carrion or caviar to the swine, it is all the same to them.

633. The wicked choose to reject the good and therefore cannot be persuaded to it.

634. Can you drag clouds down from the sky with your hands? So it is with speaking truth to a fool; a wise man’s counsel is wasted on him.

635. There is a great and difficult time when hopes are deferred, losses and failures are suffered, and fears are continually realized, but then come goodness and peace for those who, in faith, endure to the end.

636. There is no man who can say, “I have done great things by my own power, wisdom and virtue.” He who praises himself has deceived himself and will soon be enlightened.

637. A self-made man is a cheap imitation and a poor excuse for a God-made man.

638. With brazen temper, the enemy approaches, confident of vanquishing his quarry, little knowing there is One mightier than he.

639. They err that judge after the appearance, but those who trust in the Living, yet Unseen, One flourish and prosper.

640. What a privilege and thrill it is to serve the Almighty, Living God, Whose are all authority and power!

641. The closer one walks with God, the farther he will be from man.

642. One should look to where he came from, and not to what has come from him.

643. If a brother offended is harder to win than a walled city, how much more the hypocrite and the fool!

644. Let the docile and friendly fool rule and there will be no peace or mercy.

645. The righteous strive to speak the truth, but only God can make it known.

646. Look for the little boy or girl in a man or woman, and if you can’t find it, be careful; pretension is not there for good.

647. When Christ comes, the world abhors Him as antiChrist; when antiChrist comes, it adores him and receives him as Christ.

648. The righteous are established and nothing will prevail over them though they be moved, but the wicked will be taken away in their confidence.

649. The wicked are bold and brash in their greatness, not considering there is One greater.

650. He who trusts in his own strength is weak indeed.

651. Display your righteousness before the deceived, wicked fool, but know that as the sun rises in the morning, so the light comes to dispel the cover of darkness.

652. Those that choose to lie continue in lies, having deceived themselves.

653. One who does not care for his neighbor does not care for himself, and those who do not feed will go hungry.

654. The wicked will not investigate a matter for fear of his heart being exposed, but the righteous are eager to bring all things to light.

655. Blasphemy beats in the heart of a fool and courses through his veins; he treasures it as his lifeblood.

656. To do good is sufficient reward for the righteous; his pay comes as he works and he need not wait for it.

657. Though an evil eye be plucked out, it continues to see good as evil and evil as good.

658. An ungodly witness prevails for a little while, then is gone and forgotten, but a true and faithful witness will preside over the outcome.

659. Abiding peace and joy are to the faithful, but to the indoctrinated are superficial hope and a fearful expectation.

660. Spare the rod and spoil the child; spare the spoil and increase the need for the rod. Does not God use both good and evil for His purposes?

661. A quiet rebuke is louder than railing, satisfying the need of the one rebuked, and not of the one rebuking.

662. With faith, all things are possible; without it, much is of little worth.

663. Commend a good man for good deeds and he will be encouraged to more. Encourage a wicked doer to a good deed and he will despise both the encouragement and you.

664. Sorrow for unrighteousness corrects the soul, but sorrow for consequence tends to more unrighteousness.

665. If man’s words can so move men as to kill their fellows and conquer empires, how much more can God’s Words overcome the world and give life to all?

666. Murder and violence rule in men’s hearts; in vain do they attempt to be good in their own strength.

667. Man’s goodness is abomination in God’s sight and God’s goodness is abomination to man.

668. The world is upside down and inside out, but messengers of God come to make all things right.

669. With wanton eyes and arrogant mouths, they all cry, “Peace, peace,” thinking to receive it by flatteries; suddenly their lips are torn from their faces, their tongues drop in their mouths, their eyes rot in their sockets, and their necks are broken.

670. How long will God restrain Himself? No longer; it is time.

671. As the fear of God increases, the fear of man decreases.

672. To see the glory of God is in itself the glory of God.

673. Cursed is the one who reneges on an agreement on the basis of a technicality.

674. Cursed is the one who absolves a proven criminal on the basis of a technicality.

675. Cursed is he who deceives his neighbor that he may enrich himself.

676. Cursed is the one who justifies the wicked and vilifies the innocent.

677. The liar and the false witness are sisters to the murderer.

678. As vinegar to a plant, so is false doctrine in the Name of God to simple ears.

679. As a little vinegar to milk, so is a little error to truth.

680. Without rain in season in our hearts, the seed of the Word of God will not germinate, sprout and grow. Without dryness, it will not bear fruit and be harvested.

681. Lies, in any circumstances, are as a malfunction in the operation of a motor, and must be identified and addressed to continue on in efficiency and peace.

682. Lies are as thistles in a garden and must be removed for beauty and fruitfulness to prevail.

683. Vain are the imaginations of fools who proclaim God for their purposes. The more they use His Name, the greater will be their fall.

684. The louder men proclaim the Name of God for themselves, the more people will see their humiliation in the end.

685. Fear of man brings a snare, but fear of God delivers a soul.

686. Many hear but do not do. They gather knowledge as grain and keep it in granaries to display their possessions. So it remains useless if not consumed, distributed, or planted.

687. One who thinks he is wise is a fool, and one who knows he is a fool has entered the gate to wisdom.

688. I would not have seen a certain weed had I not seen another near it. Then I saw it and dug it up by the roots. Whether other weeds are similar or dissimilar, it does not matter; one will be discovered near the company he keeps.

689. Some weeds will return if not completely rooted out.

690. A weed may hide in a lawn until it flowers; it is most conspicuous and endangered when its glory appears.

691. Weeds may escape the gaze of the weeder today or tomorrow, but there is always another day for the weeder to do his job.

692. Small weeds are much easier to deal with; though seemingly insignificant, they soon grow to be difficult.

693. He who believes and obeys God shall in due time eat honey from the carcasses of his enemies.

694. Temperance is the key to prevention of many ills. Many perish by too much as by too little. Surely greed, fear and lust are powerful in their work of destruction.

695. Who is hasty in word at the cost of another? He is no better than a thief, liar or murderer.

696. Will God excuse all sin because He has forgiven? Unless the forgiven walks in faithfulness thereafter, he will be turned back to his vomit and wallowing in the mire.

697. He who expects a harvest at time of sowing will fail in his endeavors.

698. Which is better – to err and correct, if possible to correct, or to do right in the beginning?

699. If one cannot find the time to do a thing properly, how will he find time to do it otherwise?

700. Many are those who love deceitful mammon above God and do not know it, but those who love the God of Truth rejoice in knowledge.

701. The environment witnesses and records all things for the discerning and thoughtful investigator to discover.

702. Error to correction to perfection: that is the sum of the purpose of the vanity of this world for man.

703. The foolishness and ignorance of the wicked is manifest to all when they scoff and mock what is holy and true.

704. I am not afraid of vicious, barking dogs; I shoot them with the gun of the Lord, which is my pen, and with bullets of truth that no armor can withstand. They may drop dead immediately, or scream and howl in anger and pain, even for a long time, or they may quietly crawl away, but they die all the same. I seize the property of their master, Beelzebub, who trains and sends them against me. His time is up.

705. Each creature has its appointed station and time, whether for good or for evil; God appoints all.

706. To confess Jesus Christ as Lord is to acknowledge Him as supremely sovereign at all times over all things, both good and evil.

707. A little wisdom does much good, and a little folly much harm.

708. As the mutants in I Am Legend, so the world is crazed in the disease of religion, and cannot but despise the Antidote.

709. An evil man with much knowledge is as a hurricane of destruction, but a little knowledge from a good man is as a breath of fresh air.

710. Fools eat their fingers while they feed.

711. “I am unrighteous! I am unrighteous!” declares the unbeliever, deeming himself justified by the confession, but he will not obey.

712. Without a single eye, how great is the darkness, and the less one sees, the more he presumes to see.

713. Righteousness will prevail so as to move the enemy to awe.

714. The simple will believe right words of a liar before believing his fruits.

715. True words carry great force but how many live up to them?

716. The one thing man needs most he also hates most, and that is to hear the truth about himself.

717. A close friend has the potential of being a most formidable enemy and vice versa.

718. The more patient one is, the sooner will he receive his desire, and the better the results.

719. Better to do nothing with thankfulness than to be able to do everything with faith.

720. There was a time when it didn't matter what I did, I couldn't win. Now no matter what I do, I can't lose.

721. There are those who suffer for righteousness’ sake and reap reward, and there are those who suffer for their own righteousness’ sake and are punished.

722. No matter how obedient a dog may be, how well groomed, how many tricks it may perform, or how many awards it may have won, when left to its own desire it will perform according to its nature without pang of conscience. So it is with the religious.

723. There is no division of darkness until the light comes.

724. The heathen perish with every move they make, every word they speak, and every breath they take. Their eyes see but they see nothing, their ears hear but they hear nothing; they do not understand that they comprehend nothing. Though they have knowledge, they do not know what to do with it.

725. As a worm in an apple, so the fool enters knowledge and leaves the better part behind.

726. As a beast with a book, so is a fool with knowledge. Wisdom and understanding are far from him.

727. How will strangers and visitors hear in a household and from whom will they learn if not from the preacher of the house? And why are they there if not to hear and to learn?

728. Those who taste knowledge will have an appetite for more, but the fool despises instruction.

729. A stranger comes to teach and to learn, whether he be a wise man or a fool.

730. A wise man will learn from a fool though a fool has little to give, and a fool will receive little though a wise man has much to give.

731. Symmetry is two or more witnesses declaring and giving glory to the Creator.

732. What is waste, if not a fool who will not listen and learn?

733. One that heeds evil counsel destroys that which he possesses.

734. When goodness wields an axe, shelter, food and comfort are provided; when evil takes hold, homes are destroyed with those in them.

735. Harsh words do much evil and kind words much good, yet it is up to the hearer to decide.

736. As Rechab and Baanah, so many presume to do good and please the King of all the earth, but they only serve to anger Him and incur His wrath.

737. A righteous man sees his own faults as well as those of others, but the proud speak of their own virtues.

738. Wise men have much to learn, but fools are full and satisfied.

739. Excess in anything good becomes a burden and a lack; those who are temperate will be satisfied presently.

740. How much is much and how soon is soon? What is too little and too late? Are not all these things relative to one another?

741. Is it good for a man to leave earthly wealth behind for a foolish heir? But if he gives wisdom and nothing else, his son will do well.

742. Children of the lost perish, not knowing it, and those not knowing evil do not appreciate the good they have.

743. Fortunate is the one who, having learned obedience through suffering and sorrow, enters into rest and peace.

744. The wicked frets at the righteous and takes pleasure in his hurt, but the righteous is set only on doing his enemy good.

745. How can one hold water in a sieve, and how shall a fool’s ears retain wise words?

746. A wise man will receive rebuke but even approval is wasted on a fool.

747. Trials and tribulations are ministers of God to bring precious gifts of patience and wisdom. Having delivered their gifts, they depart.

748. The Lord takes a wasted life, makes it new, abundantly fruitful, and the waste is forgotten.

749. A missile lacks the strength to hit the mark if fired directly at a distant target. So direct words spoken to a heart far from Truth are wasted.

750. A wayward heart is as a moving target but the Lord knows how to aim His Words.

751. False gods are dispensable – every one of them.

752. Lord God, thank You for a good bowel movement.

753. Expulsion of wastes compels to urgency moreso than taking in more nutrition; so it is with laying aside the sin that so easily besets one before receiving more of God.

754. One who seeks Truth has no preconditions; by this is known the genuineness of hunger for Truth.

755. One who seeks Truth is given to pursue and to find.

756. In the sky, one has perspective and possibilities not possible from the ground, but if he falls, even from a little distance, better to have remained on the ground.

757. Truth hates those who hate It, and who can prevail against Truth?

758. Those who hate Truth will hate the one who speaks Truth.

759. Precious metals are purified by fire, but dead branches and stubble are destroyed by it. Therefore is the fire of God a friend to some and an enemy to others.

760. As a man sees, so it is, and if he chooses to see as he ought, it will go well for him.

761. To a worshipper of God, a billion dollars is of little value, though he may have little, but to a worshipper of mammon, a nickel is precious, though he may have much in this world’s goods.

762. Suspicion can be a faithful sentinel or a false accuser. The wise will identify its true character before acting.

763. Better to humbly remain silent with nothing to say than to open the mouth wide with less than nothing.

764. Hard materials require hard tools; so hard hearts call for hard words.

765. There is man’s doctrine and there is God’s doctrine. Man’s doctrine brings death, but God’s doctrine brings life.

766. If you are about to drink, or are drinking, from a poisoned well and I try to prevent you, why do you accuse me of wanting you to die of thirst?

767. To reprove a fool or not to reprove a fool? Shall we suffer the fool’s wrath for his sake or shall we go our way and let him destroy himself?

768. Have encouragement in patience; take a look at nature and see what grows quickly and what grows slowly.

769. Both swift and slow developments have a price. A cornstalk needs less patience than does an apple tree, but a cornstalk will soon fulfill its purpose and be gone, while an apple tree will remain to serve for many years.

770. Devils are nice people and have many desirable traits; they are friendly, warm, affectionate, loving, humorous, clever, knowledgeable, polite, considerate, supportive, hard working, religious, dedicated and even sacrificial, until they know they are not getting their way or until they can get what they want without paying for it.

771. As the rising and setting of the sun are not instant, and there is an overlapping of light and darkness, so with preparations and transitions of God's work in a man’s heart.

772. Hell is the inability to believe and to receive and appreciate good.

773. He who rejects the counsel of a prophet will have the messenger of circumstance come, which will deal more firmly with him.

774. Deference to whom it is due is a thing disdained in this world. Great is the wrath of the dragon in this last day, and woe to his subjects who honor his ways.

775. The words of a righteous king go out with power, and nothing can prevail against them. Though the people despise his words, yet are his decrees established and all scorners shamed in the end.

776. Those who fear God have nothing more to fear, but those who do not fear Him have everything to fear.

777. All selfishness will be regretted but all good will be rewarded.

778. The first casualty of the deceiver is always the deceiver.

779. The mind open to all things despises the truth; the one having received the truth discerns all things.

780. How is it that men can recognize wisdom, yet have no heart for it? They perceive but are not willing to acknowledge its value; if acknowledging, they are not prepared to pay the price.

781. The one who knows no boundaries knows no freedom but the one who regards boundaries is free.

782. It is better to do good than to be treated well.

783. Beware of the one who insists on his being treated fairly. His concern is more for his equity than for his neighbor’s.

784. In all things, Lord, grant us to be zealous and jealous for You and not for ourselves.

785. Those who examine the record carefully will know the truth and have the answer to the riddle.

786. To eat fruit before its time is not good, but fruit fully ripened is enjoyable and satisfies.

787. The rich insulate themselves with the poor from trouble, but in time the insulation becomes the trouble.

788. It does not take much salt to flavor the food because salt is strong; so genuine faith goes a long way and accomplishes much.

789. Faith does not say, “I must change things so that they will be better.” Faith says, “I see God at work, and know that things are and will be as He determines.”

790. The proud fool sees God in nothing, thinking to be wise, but the wise one sees God in everything, having been humbled.

791. To the wise, all things are made manifest, but to the fool, all is obscure.

792. The evolutionist waits for his eyes to open by themselves, and for food to come to his mouth without intervention.

793. Only fools think themselves wise, but the wise know they have much to learn.

794. Dig deep, fool; study, travel, search far and wide to find answers that are not there, so that you can explain away the answers that surround and overcome you.

795. One who doesn’t have time for the little things doesn’t know what the big things are.

796. One becomes servant to the influence he chooses.

797. A son will give his right hand for his father, and a father will give his life for his son.

798. Seeking and indulging in pleasures is like eating sugar. The taste is desirable, but it never satisfies and leaves one craving for more.

799. As whitewash covers but does not change, so religion conceals the corrupt nature while the corruption remains.

800. What is greatness to man but pride and strength and excellence over his fellow man? What is greatness to God but a broken spirit and a humbled heart?

801. Those who gather in this world store in bottomless pits, but those who forsake this world’s good for right’s sake and duty to God reap riches many times over.

802. None but the eye of faith has seen and none but the heeding ear has heard the tremendous rewards even now stored up for those who love God and do His commandments.

803. God works men to see if they will do His bidding, and when they do, there is nothing He will withhold from them.

804. God is ready to assume full responsibility for the one wholly committed to Him.

805. Man takes on the essence of that which he venerates.

806. Idols are not chosen for themselves but for the sake of those who choose them.

807. To the wise, there is that which quenches thirst perfectly, but fools choose to thirst instead.

808. Men live only to reap death; but to live, one must die.

809. There is a door that, after which a man passes through, closes permanently; let him consider before he enters.

810. Sons and daughters receive the favor of God bestowed on their fathers, but they must make good on their inheritance to continue it, and if they do so, it will increase beyond that of their fathers.

811. A godly mother is a rare and precious treasure indeed, and greatly blessed is the child with that mother.

812. There is little more painful than to be betrayed by the one closest to the bosom, but the one who overcomes is multiplied in blessing and strength so as to make it all worthwhile.

813. Wisdom is as a treasure hid away on a far island; only those who leave all behind, forsaking their lives and loved ones, will claim it.

814. Aches and pains come and go; so trials and tribulations are for a determined time, until the purpose is accomplished.

815. The one who enjoys the small and simple things is free, unlike the one who seeks great things for himself.

816. One who sees and believes will have his reward but not as the one who takes God’s Word for it.

817. Storms rage and ravage, but they leave behind the possibility for improvement beyond what was taken away.

818. What faith, simplicity, and freedom has the young child of an unemployed and worried parent, but the Heavenly Father is neither unemployed nor worried.

819. Birds sing because God sends them. He has fed them and given them nests and young as their reward, and joy to sing again.

820. Only man can be an angel or a brute beast; only man can study and choose right and wrong, yet God determines all things.

821. A guilty conscience resents exposure, but those doing right are not afraid.

822. Peace, peace to the one whose God is the God of Israel, who has His commandments and keeps them. He will prosper and live without fear of evil, and nothing shall be impossible to him.

823. Disobeying God is where hell begins, and obeying Him is where it ends.

824. Much knowledge and power without wisdom destroys, but a little knowledge with wisdom does much good.

825. As a dog chasing its tail, so deceitful hearts search to know themselves.

826. Every kind of bush and tree has its needful purpose; how much more every kind of person. God has made them all.

827. There are fools who are like flies - unwelcome, unclean, and unreasonable; though shooed away, they persist in nuisance until they destroy themselves.

828. To flies, honey and dung are equally attractive; so fools do not discriminate between truth and error.

829. We worry about tomorrow, because God has not provided for tomorrow, because tomorrow isn’t here yet.

830. Is the man noble who doesn’t take vengeance on the bee for stinging him when he knows the bee will die for the act anyway?

831. “One world government! A New World Order!” people cry in fear, not having faith in the One Who rules all things and by Whom all things consist.

832. Parrots, having no wisdom of their own, speak only that which is given them of men.

833. Religious men covet to have flocks of parrots repeating their words.

834. Those who seek after pleasures become the pleasure of devils.

835. Faith is to know that the Lord reigns supreme over all things.

836. We treat neighbors and friends as they wish to be treated for our advantage, but will we treat them as is necessary for their good though they do not wish to be treated so?

837. To all things, there is a counterbalance; in Christ, all men have gifts to counter their faults and faults to counter their gifts.

838. When one focuses on the faults of others, he disqualifies himself from the benefit of their strengths.

839. In every loss, there is the seed of gain, which will make up for the loss many times over.

840. Man defines the Character and Person of God for his own convenience and purposes.

841. Because all things other than God can only fail us, our insecurity grows when we put our trust in them.

842. Man forgets favors but remembers offenses.

843. The heart of man is for himself, even in doing good.

844. There is black and white, as the dead of night and the brightness of noon, but also come all the shades.

845. Men embrace the evil and reject the good; in tasting evil, they reject all things.

846. Battered and stormed doors are made stronger and lock tighter.

847. We labor to accomplish, then our accomplishments are removed.

848. Faith in God is a most wonderful place to be, but unbelief the worst.

849. Mercy establishes a throne and the subjects thereof.

850. As sure as the sun rises and sets, a sore judgment awaits the one who presumes to be sent of God.

851. With precision and skill, sorrow and suffering compel the soul to acknowledge the virtues of humility and obedience.

852. With powerful arms, humility and obedience bring the soul down to be seated on God’s throne, which is above all.

853. With mercy and truth is the throne established with everlasting rulership.

854. Who does not wish more friends? Then why give only to those we already have as friends? Why not sow the field of unharvested strangers?

855. It is better to be busy and troubled than to be idle and troubling.

856. The eye that is single sees all things, serving the heart that knows all things.

857. When will a stubborn fool repent? He must be beaten and brought low until all hope in his deceitful breast is gone.

858. Myriads are the troublesome insects but one net prevents them all.

859. The unrighteous man fears the day when he will be called into account for his sins, but the faithful man looks forward to his reward.

860. Even the tender young daughters of the righteous king go boldly forth with eager anticipation of what he has stored up for them in their land.

861. Righteousness answers all things with peace, joy, love, and confidence.

862. The unrighteous bluffs and threatens but cannot perform his will against the righteous, who is confident in truth.

863. Great is the reward of discipline for those who bear it patiently; theirs is the victory.

864. The more effective tool of the enemy is not the closed fist but the caressing hand.

865. There are friends who have not declared their position, but they are still friends. There are enemies who have not declared their position, but they are still enemies.

866. Many and deceptive are those who show themselves friendly for their own gain; their sacrifices are abominable to God.

867. What is the man who will imitate his Maker but a charlatan seeking glory?

868. Those loving their own goodness will smart for it without fail or delay.

869. The good man fears no exposure, but the fearful cannot bear it.

870. What harm can come to the one whose God is sovereign over all things? What good can come to the one who denies his Maker?

871. Though fools are sharply rebuked for their sins, still they continue in their ways until they are finally destroyed.

872. Though repudiated and maligned for speaking the truth, the faithful march on, denying themselves.

873. Only the sons of correction with broken and contrite hearts can tell wisdom and foolishness.

874. The fool rages on, presuming to know all things, but the wise walks circumspectly, knowing his wisdom is not of himself.

875. Arrogance comes with little knowledge and understanding, but humility comes with much.

876. All men are brutish and foolish beasts until God favors them with His grace.

877. There are many young confident professors of faith, each one ready to prove himself the greatest of all in the blink of an eye.

878. The beastly must be penned and leashed, lest they defile the good and devour the forbidden. Not so with the clean of heart, who are free to come and go because they understand and are trustworthy.

879. The faithful receive rebuke and increase their faithfulness, but the ungodly are as stubborn mules, who, though whipped, persist in their own wills.

880. God’s favor and blessing are upon the upright, and all that they put their hand to do is good, benefiting all; the ungodly are cursed as they choose to serve their own lusts, bringing vexation of spirit to those around them.

881. “Bring me more, this is not enough,” demands the greedy man of his servants, not considering their needs. But a righteous man cares even for his animals, though they will be slaughtered for his food.

882. The carnal man serves certain portions of Scripture rather than seeking that the Truth in Its entirety serves him.

883. The unfaithful servant seeks the shadow, but the faithful comes to rule because he willingly reveals himself.

884. Blessed are those whose seed is food for the nations.

885. The child of darkness squints and holds his hands in front of his eyes to shield the light, to which he is unaccustomed and finds hurtful.

886. A map can help, but those resident to the territory can help more.

887. It is now the enemy’s day to shake in his boots, the boots he used to kick us.

888. The weak and doubleminded are deterred from doing that which is right, but the righteous know that the victory is theirs.

889. How delicious is ripened fruit fresh from the tree! But stored fruit sustains out of season.

890. A fool can be impressed with wise words, but can he appreciate their substance?

891. Man’s wisdom impresses man, but God’s wisdom is only for those who love and obey Him.

892. The wicked devise laws to repudiate the Law of God.

893. The lawless frame mischief in the name of freedom, to take away the freedom of those who oppose their mischief.

894. It is said that one cannot count his chickens before they hatch, but neither can one count on his chickens after they hatch.

895. Count on nothing, write nothing off.

896. As one is privately, so is he publicly.

897. Fools are born, not made.

898. For a fool to change, he must be reborn.

899. The narrower the path, the wider and greater the destination.

900. The repentant will abhor and speak against sin; let him not be afraid.

901. It is not wrong to suspect evil, but it is evil to make conclusions based on suspicions.

902. Blessed is the father whose son loves and obeys him; blessed is the son who receives instruction.

903. Nothing but nothing happens for nothing.

904. Perfect folly is established in man’s heart; he treasures the outrageous lie and despises the simple truth.

905. God can do nothing wrong, and man can do nothing right, except to believe that God can do nothing wrong.

906. Though one can be convinced of lies, he cannot be convinced of spiritual truth.

907. Truth is given, but lies are taken.

908. Unless God intervenes, men are unchanged from cradle to crypt.

909. Better to be a true friend and hated, than to be false and loved.

910. Better to be a friend of God at the expense of favor with men, than a friend of men at the expense of favor with God.

911. Love adds value; love makes precious and causes to live, but hate devalues and destroys.

912. Love causes that which is despised and rejected to be appreciated, and that which is appreciated to be treasured even more.

913. Hatred that is selfish robs both hated and hater.

914. A man set on riches cannot find a comforting pillow.

915. He who gathers for himself gathers trouble against his soul.

916. Gentleness will not encourage the faithless, and sharp rebuke will not discourage the faithful.

917. Beware the flatterer, whose tongue is so mercurial as to turn from a soothing mist to scalding steam in a heartbeat.

918. One must be willing to hear the truth about himself before he can receive the light.

919. As a boy who thinks he can push over a large barn, so is a man who boasts of a virtue.

920. It is good to see things get done without trouble, but it is better to see God work in adversity.

921. One may ride out a storm at sea and none will marvel, but stilling a storm suddenly will be known and told for a long time to come.

922. Better to walk on water from above than to tread it from beneath.

923. A cold beverage is enjoyed on a hot day, and a good meal by a hungry man, so without need there is no pleasure.

924. Idolaters burn to be used of God, caring for no one but themselves.

925. Those righteous in their own eyes will not pass through a red light on an empty street at three in the morning, but they will guide others to ignore it at rush hour.

926. Two teachers teach the same matter. One teacher teaches for his own sake, the other for his student’s sake.

927. The spirit of the instruction determines the success of the work. Woe to the student who learns from the teacher who serves himself. Blessed is the disciple who is fed.

928. There are many who teach for themselves, but few who teach that others may learn.

929. A teacher with love brings life, but a teacher with hate brings bondage.

930. Those taught in love will teach in love, and those taught by angry men will be angry.

931. The foolish teacher uproots his harvest, but the wise teacher will gather and prosper.

932. Why should a disciple destroy himself? Let him discern the one who would serve himself and withdraw from him, lest he become like him.

933. Come away from the teacher who appears part foolish; truly, that part manifests the whole.

934. Folly disguises itself in love and wisdom, but the Lord sends the careless and simple one to expose it.

935. Pride has many mortal enemies, among them youth, simplicity, and chance.

936. Those who try to be wise are found to be foolish, but the fool may receive wisdom when he realizes he is incapable of being wise.

937. Why do men try so hard to impress the impressionable? Do not the impressionable often lack judgment and understanding? Is there value in their acceptance and approval? Do those who impress seek to gain from those they impress?

938. Man’s great disappointment is to get everything he has wanted in this world.

939. Faithful is the soul that seeks another’s good, and he will find good faithful to him.

940. Patience and faith in well doing surely reap reward; there is no risk involved.

941. Though one is wealthy in this world’s goods, his riches are worthless without wisdom.

942. Peace does not come by having protection, but by having no need for it.

943. Silence is perfect in power when speech is not called for; there is a time to speak and a time to be silent.

944. Understanding delivers from destruction; the one who lacks understanding will not prosper.

945. Love sweeps aside offenses and seeks a way of reconciliation at all times.

946. Most works of God can be reasoned away; only those with faith can see Him work.

947. The spirit of the eye sees what the eye cannot, and the heart of man can understand more than the man.

948. Those who judge after the outward appearance are deceived; who can argue with them?

949. Wise is the man who discovers what is hidden from ordinary view. Wiser is he who knows what is good to do with the revelation.

950. Undesirable weather reminds us to appreciate the good and to look to the Maker of all.

951. The fool is able to put a label on a container, but where are the contents?

952. It is good to see things get done in the possible, but it is better to see God do the impossible.

953. “Now I feel bad!” cries the scorner. “Now I just feel like giving up!” he laments, when corrected. But the faithful will recognize his shortfall, be thankful for the correction, and progress.

954. Silly talk is a vexation of spirit and an abuse of the privilege of the tongue.

955. Who hears us when we speak? While there may be no flesh and blood near to hear, are not our words heard and recorded in Heaven?

956. In the end, we will know that without determination and direction from above, we would all have perished long ago.

957. Who can see without eyes or hear without ears? But those who see and hear did not provide themselves with eyes and ears.

958. Contention comes of fear and lack of confidence in the right and good; strife comes of unbelief in the absolute power and invincibility of Truth.

959. Knowing the truth, a man is at peace, if he stands on the side of truth.

960. Truth is the foundation upon which all things may be built with success; wisdom knows this and prevails at all times.

961. To rebuke a scorner is a hard and unpleasant task, yet if scorners are not corrected, how will they know better?

962. Though a scorner refuses correction, yet those standing by hear the words of the reprover and are bettered.

963. To speak wisdom and truth is never a waste of time, though it appears that none take heed. The counsel of God will prevail in the end.

964. To forsake earthly riches for the Heavenly is the way to all prosperity and fulfillment.

965. Fill the flesh and it will want; fill the spirit and it will overflow to others.

966. Peace, peace to those who seek peace for others; woe to those who seek peace for themselves.

967. Silence a fool and there will be peace; permit him to continue and there will be continual unrest and vexation.

968. Men proudly revel in their own works but humbly rejoice in the works of God.

969. What is the difference between the works of men and the works of God? The works of men glorify man but the works of God glorify God.

970. In the works of men, man gives to God that which is possible, for man’s sake; in the works of God, God gives to man that which is impossible, for both His and man’s sake.

971. Why are you disquieted when you are corrected? Would you rather remain in your folly and failure?

972. The fool does not see the depravity of his own condition, or he would seek to have it changed at any cost and by any means.

973. Why chafe at rebuke? If it is unwarranted, the rebuker will be corrected in due time, but if warranted, it is an open invitation to improvement.

974. “You lack love, patience, and gentleness,” says the fool in his conceit to those who are earnest toward him for good; but he gladly receives flatteries that keep him in his foolishness.

975. The fool in his conceit perishes, refusing the rod, not considering that he needs it with urgency.

976. Fools in their conceit refuse to bury their dung, counting it precious, seeing it came forth from them.

977. The fool wearies the wise man and does not consider that the wise man possesses an eternal spring that will not fail.

978. If fools knew the difference between wisdom and folly, they would not be fools and would choose the good.

979. Of what value is wisdom to a fool? He considers it foolishness.

980. Man labors for that which perishes, seeking to satisfy himself, but his labor turns to sorrow because as his labor increases, so does his dissatisfaction.

981. It is more desirable for one to correct a son than a stranger until one is corrected himself.

982. One would rather correct a foolish man by letter than face-to-face, because he knows the fool will resist his counsel.

983. If it is good, write and send it; if it is wasted, there is nothing lost, but if the seed takes, it will bear fruit.

984. There is no waste, for even waste is a lesson learned by those to whom it is given.

985. A man is rewarded by that which comes forth from his mouth out of a heart studying to glorify God.

986. No man in wisdom seeks honor of men because he knows what men are all about, otherwise he would not be wise.

987. There is no reward from man unless there is first reward from God.

988. I see men eating but unable to digest, drinking and unable to quench their thirst; I see them eating and drinking without desire or pleasure, because they are sick to death and cannot tell the good from the bad.

989. The Lord God of Heaven and earth has provided Himself the way to salvation, seeing man is wholly incapable.

990. What is love but the determination to do that which is right for all concerned, with or without emotional passion or reward?

991. Money answers all things and love covers a multitude of sins, so why not have both for all unfailing power and good?

992. The covetous man will seek to serve God for money and money for God, but the righteous man will hate money for God.

993. “For the work of the Lord! For the work of the Lord!” cry and beg the merchandisers to wrest every penny from the simple. They ask men to bless them so that those men can be blessed in turn. Why do these pretenders not bless others instead so they can be blessed themselves?

994. The capstone descends to finish the work that was begun ages ago.

995. If God oversees to the end, that it may be good, does He not oversee now?

996. There is less correction for those who yield than for those who resist.

997. I am not a wise reprover, and many an ear has been boxed rather than adorned with reproof, yet the humble are thankful for sore ears.

998. Sad is the one who errs, but sadder is he who does not refrain from erring.

999. A man would rather reprove a stranger than his own son.

1000. Candy is preferred by children and bitter medicine abhorred, but which will save the life?

1001. Heinous is the crime of the religious who serves God to the detriment of his neighbor.

1002. Blessed are the sinners who know their sin, for they shall be cleansed. Woe to those who know no sin, for they have their reward and the fires seek them out.

1003. God is not a pyromaniac; fires are lit only when there is that which needs to be burned, and He will not permit fire where it is not appropriate.

1004. Woe to those who favor the persons of the rich and famous – they shall be despised.

1005. Wicked is the nation and government that forbid good things and promote evil – destruction will surely take its toll.

1006. Woe to the people who are haughty and proud – they shall fall.

1007. Woe to the nation that is proud of itself – it shall soon be humbled.

1008. Woe to the nation that looks for the easy life – it will have hardship.

1009. Woe to the nation that lives to please and entertain itself – it shall mourn soon enough.

1010. Woe to the nation that forsakes God’s Law – it shall be a lawless land of chaos.

1011. Woe to the nation whose laws and decisions on justice and well being are bought and determined by those who seek to profit thereby – it shall be called unjust.

1012. Woe to the nation that does not confess and repent of its past – the past will rise up to haunt it manifold.

1013. Woe to the nation that fears the loud voices of fools and ignores the still, small voice of wisdom – seeking to please man is not good - it will fall into foolish paths.

1014. Woe to the nation that takes away the right of its people to speak freely for good and to defend themselves – fruitful speech will be lost.

1015. Woe to the people whose laws exonerate perversion and condemn those who protest against it – debauchery follows.

1016. Woe to the nation that promotes sexual perversion – it shall be seduced and ravished.

1017. Woe to the nation that punishes the good and rewards the evil – it shall be confounded.

1018. Woe to the nation whose laws can be used by its enemies against its own citizens for evil – it has given away its liberty.

1019. Woe to the people who decide for appearance’ sake and not for substance – they will be blind.

1020. Woe to the people who look to man for salvation and well being – they shall suffer.

1021. Woe to the nation that chooses leaders who flatter and promise for power – it will be subjugated.

1022. Woe to the people whose rulers are chosen by their wealth and popularity – they will be oppressed by vanity.

1023. Woe to the people who favor rulers that make many and great promises – they shall be disappointed.

1024. Woe to the nation whose leaders frame words to deceive their people – it shall believe lies.

1025. Woe to the people whose rulers satisfy themselves – they shall be neglected.

1026. Woe to the nation whose rulers rule to rule – it shall be without rule.

1027. Woe to the nation that honors evil religion for the sake of religious freedom – it shall lose its freedom.

1028. Woe to the nation that is filled with mock religion – it shall be mocked.

1029. Woe to the nation that compels all things to be one for unity’s sake – it shall be divided.

1030. Woe to the nation that fears minorities and treats them as majorities – it will be diminished.

1031. Woe to the people who give freedom to haters of their nation – they shall have no nation.

1032. Woe to the nation whose people must do battle with its government to gain reasonable rights – they have already lost and the wicked rule.

1033. Woe to the nation that gives to the rich and ignores the poor – it shall be poor.

1034. Woe to the nation that oppresses its poor – it shall be oppressed.

1035. Woe to the nation that slays the weak and the defenseless – it shall be weak and defenseless when its slayer comes.

1036. Woe to the nation that makes work for work’s sake and not for practical benefit – its effort will be futile and tend to poverty.

1037. Woe to the nation that poisons its food – it shall grow ill and die.

1038. Woe to the people that forbid God-created raw milk but sanction man-made, harmful substances – they will be ill.

1039. Woe to the nation that oppresses and disregards its food producers – it shall hunger.

1040. Woe to the nation that disregards its air, soil, rivers, lakes, fields, and forests – it shall lose its life.

1041. Woe to the nation that does not eliminate its waste – it shall be polluted.

1042. Woe to the people whose doctors are gods – they shall suffer the fruits of idolatry.

1043. Woe to the nation that treats symptoms rather than causes – it deceives itself to death.

1044. Woe to the nation of gluttons and drunkards – it shall be driven to debt and poverty.

1045. Woe to the nation that wars to gain – it shall lose.

1046. Woe to the nation that is silent at injustice with its neighbors – injustice is at its doors.

1047. Woe to the nation that spends more than it has and does not prepare for a day of want – it shall suffer lack.

1048. Woe to the nation that is indebted to another – it shall be its servant.

1049. Woe to the nation that uses deceitful money – it shall be robbed.

1050. Woe to the nation that does not protect its young – it shall grow old alone.

1051. Woe to the nation that teaches its children that all things are chance – it has contemned its Benefactor.

1052. Woe to the nation that forgets God – it shall be forgotten.

1053. The wise one will receive correction; he will always see the need for more.

1054. One who ceases to receive admonishment has ceased to be wise.

1055. One who refuses to receive correction from a poor child will not receive it from a wealthy man.

1056. Children have much to learn but also much to teach.

1057. Knowledge and preparation help to remove doubt and fear.

1058. The man who measures by money has no rest, and he who has no rest has no money.

1059. The more a man values this world’s substance, the less he appreciates the One Who gave it to him.

1060. If money is regarded as the source of fulfillment, then one must obtain all of it and much more.

1061. There are many who strive for perfection in this world, but they only succeed in excelling over one another in imperfection.

1062. The heart is made tender by trials, but one who hardens himself will be destroyed.

1063. Only one will prevail over all things, and that is the one who lays down his life for the sake of Him Who laid down His life for all.

1064. Many teach, but how many live? Many begin a good work, but by and by become attached to the means, losing appreciation for the end.

1065. He who measures by money will miscalculate – it is a treacherous measure.

1066. The evil that comes to the chosen and faithful works good, bringing great treasure.

1067. The chosen one who does evil does not harm God but himself, for who can harm God? But when he harms himself, he hurts God, for God loves him.

1068. Money is a deceitful yardstick that will warp itself into a loop suddenly and without warning.