18 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention. 19 The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a level highway. 20 A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother. 21 Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight ahead. 22 Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.

23 To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is! 24 The path of life leads upwards for the prudent, that he may turn away from Sheol beneath. 25 The Lord tears down the house of the proud but maintains the widow's boundaries. 26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord, but gracious words are pure. 27 Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household, but he who hates  bribes will live. 28 The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things. Proverbs 15:18-28 English Standard Version.

From Chapter 10 onward the Book of Proverbs consists mostly of short statements which contrast one thing against another. While each verse can stand on it's own, we often see a common theme rise to the surface as the verses, like ocean waves, flow on. It struck me that in today's verses there's a link between words, pathways, and homes. And perhaps vs 22 sums up what is needed for all three of those things. What can we learn about words in verses 18, 23 & 28?

Being slow to lose our temper and saying something rather that's appropriate to the situation is more likely to prevent arguments from being violent and things being said that may leave deep regrets. It's better to keep calm and think carefully before replying to harsh and foolish words. If that's the better path to choose, what else do verses 19, 21 and 24 tell us about pathways?

There are less obstacles on the path for those who follow what is right, who keep on the straight and narrow, and who carefully weigh up options. Those who rush after life's follies often come unstuck. This doesn't mean righteous people don't meet up with any obstacles at all. Christians live in the same world as non-Christians and also face things like sickness, job loss, red-tape and so on. But vs 24 reminds us that at least they are on the road that leads upwards to God rather than downwards to destruction.

What about our homes? What do verses 20, 25 & 27 (and perhaps even vs 18) teach us?

Those who choose God's path and walk wisely through life usually bring joy to their parents. Homes that choose godliness are watched over by the Lord. I've been in homes where there was a wall plaque that said: “Bless this house, O Lord we pray - Make it safe by night and day.  Bless these walls so firm and stout, keeping want and trouble out. Bless the roof and chimneys tall - Let Thy peace lie overall.” Another popular wall plaque says: "Christ is the head of  this home, the Unseen Guest at every meal, and the silent listener to every conversation." For many homes those are not just sentiments, but the confidence of those who love Christ. The opposite is when people are selfish, greedy and argumentative. Such folk inevitably bring trouble into the home.

The key for me is that wise words and right pathways lead to blessed homes. Can you see how vs 22 could help people to experience homes that are a joy to be in?

Taking in the right advice from the right people can help us to make a success of our home life. It's sad to see homes that are obviously unhappy, but either one or both of the parents are unwilling to seek counselling to help them sort out problems between themselves, or with the children. The best counsel comes from God's word – even from this book called Proverbs. If you know of a home that’s struggling, ask God to open a way for you to share with them that He can change their sorrow to gladness if they seek His wisdom and His path.