10 Luxury is not appropriate for a fool - how much less for a slave to rule over princes! 11 A person’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense. 12 A king’s rage is like the roaring of a lion, but his favour is like dew on the grass.

13-15 A foolish son is his father’s ruin, and a wife’s nagging is an endless dripping. A house and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord. Laziness induces deep sleep, and a lazy person will go hungry.

16-17 The one who keeps commands preserves himself; one who disregards his ways will die. Kindness to the poor is a loan to the Lord, and he will give a reward to the lender.

18-20 Discipline your son while there is hope; don’t set your heart on being the cause of his death. A person with intense anger bears the penalty; if you rescue him, you’ll have to do it again. Listen to counsel and receive instruction so that you may be wise later in life. Proverbs 19:10-20 Christian Standard Bible

For any young person who may read this post, have you got a parent who often gives you advice on things to be careful of as you grow older? And for older readers, did you have such a parent? If we do have a parent like that, or had one when we were young, it's something we should thank God for because good advice can save people from a lot of heartache along life's journey. What would you say is the good advice the father was passing on in vs 10-12?

I suggest that, while he is pointing out that there may be times when we have to live and work under the authority of someone who doesn't deserve the position they hold, it's wiser to be patient and to pass over some unfair things they do, and to show respect to those whose decisions can affect our lives. Being rebellious can harm us more than patiently putting up with a bad boss. This was especially true in those days when people in high authority had absolute power to deal harshly with anyone who was rebellious. What about vs 13-15, what's the lesson there?

Women might think the writer is being very biased by speaking of a wife's nagging, but notice how he says it is sons who are more likely to cause ruin. The fact that he then warns against laziness is probably also more directed to the men. Some nagging by a wife is because the man of the house neglects to do things that need to be done. But the lesson here is surely that hard work pays off and will make for a far happier home. It also teaches that young people should not rush into marriage but make their life partner a matter of prayer. Wealth can be inherited but a happy marriage requires God's blessing.

Verses 16-17 are an encouragement to obey God's word as we journey through life and to have a generous spirit. God's commands were given for our good, not to rob us of joy. In 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 we read these words about generosity: “Decide in your heart how much to give and don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure, for God loves a person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.”

Verses 18-20 show the reason why a good parent tries to give helpful advice to a growing child. Many things that we develop in our youth will shape our behaviour as we grow older. Parents who don't bother to teach and discipline a child are contributing to the mess it's life may end up in as an adult. This is very true if the child is allowed to throw temper tantrums and never taught to control their anger. So the writers advice to younger people is to listen to counsel and to receive instruction so that you may be wise later in life. But that's a habit we should never outgrow whatever age we are. As the apostle Paul said to Christians at Colossae: “Let the teaching of Christ and His words keep on living in you. These make your lives rich and full of wisdom.” (Colossians 3:16 New Life Version)