Biblical Proverbs - Part 1

I like reading the Bible. I will try to read it whenever I have the luxury of time. My reading of the Bible is usually confined to the Old Testament. I prefer the historical aspect of it, so to speak. Of all, my favourite book would have to be The Book of Proverbs. The Book of Proverbs is a collection of moral and religious teachings in the form of sayings and proverbs. I find most of the proverbs interesting, although, on a lighter side, many are somewhat funny in today's context (with this, I don't mean to belittle the contents of the Holy Book). I will venture to share some of the interesting collections.

Adultery

There are many do's and don'ts in the Book of Proverbs. Adultery is a big no-no. The consequences can be, well, excruciating :-

"Keep away from such a woman! Don't even go near her door! If you do, others will gain the respect that you once had, and you will die young at the hands of merciless men. Yes, strangers will take all your wealth, and what you have worked for will belong to someone else. You will lie groaning on your deathbed, your flesh and muscles being eaten away" (Proverbs 5:8)

Adultery with an attached lady is discouraged :-

"The lips of another man's wife may be as sweet as honey and her kisses as smooth as olive-oil, but when it is all over, she leaves you nothing but bitterness and pain. She will take you down to the world of the dead ; the road she walks is the road to death" (Proverbs 5:3)

For those married man who think they can get a bargain at Chow Kit, think again :-

"A man can hire a prostitute for the price of a loaf of bread, but adultery will cost him all he has" (Proverbs 6:26)

Debts/Guarantee
We have all heard of people who get into trouble by being a guarantor for another friend's/relative's loan. Had they read the Bible, they would not be ignorant :-

"Only a man with no sense would promise to be responsible for someone else's debts" (Proverbs 19:18)

The Bible also lays down what to expect if you still wish to sign a letter of guarantee :-

"Don't promise to be responsible for someone else's debts. If you should be unable to pay, they will take away even your bed" (Proverbs 22:26)

If you are already in trouble, then :-

"Well then, my son, you are in that man's power, but this is how to get out of it : hurry to him, and beg him to release you. Don't let yourself go to sleep or even stop to rest. Get out of the trap like a bird or a deer escaping from a hunter." (Proverbs 6:5)

Talking too much? Gossip?
The Bible discourages people from talking or gossiping too much because :-

"The more you talk, the more likely you are to sin. If you are wise, you will keep quiet" (Proverbs 10:19)

There are other benefits in keeping "cool" :-

"After all, even a fool may be though wise and intelligent if he stays quiet and keeps his mouth shut" (Proverbs 17:27)

Saya anti Rasuah
Here's a message to the politicians and civil servants :-

"Don't take bribes and you will live longer" (Proverbs 15:27)

Daulat Tuanku
Ampun Tuanku beribu-ribu ampun. Sembah patik pohon ampun :-

"A wise man will try to keep the king happy ; if the king becomes angry, someone may die" (Proverbs 16:14) (someone could have enlightened Dougles Gomez on this years ago)

Eat healthily
There is really no sense in stuffing yourself like a pig during high-tea. There is a logical reason for this :-

"Never eat more honey than you need ; too much may make you vomit" (Proverbs 25:16)

and finally, Respect Your Parents
We all know this, but do you also know that :-

"Pay attention to what your father and mother tell you, my son. Their teaching will improve your character as a handsome turban or a necklace improves your appearance" (Proverbs 1:8)

To be continued .....