11The discretion of a man defers his anger, and it is his glory to overlook a transgression.
12The wrath of the king is like the roaring of a lion, but his favor like the dew on the grass.
13A foolish son brings ruin to his father, and the contentions of a wife are a constant dripping.
14House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.
15Laziness brings on a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer hunger.
16He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul [life]; he who despises his way will die.
17He who shows favor to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed.
18Discipline your son because there is hope, and do not set your heart on his destruction.
19He of great wrath must pay the penalty, for if you rescue him you must do it again.
20Listen to advice and accept instruction, so that you may be wise in the future.
The Teacher observes that it is to one’s credit to overlook someone’s offense (11). The passions of powerful people have powerful consequences (12). Foolish children and argumentative wives are hard on a man (13). Laziness brings on poverty (14), but diligence to one’s way is life-giving (16). What you do to the least of your fellow human beings, you are doing to God (17). Teaching your son discipline is saving him from destruction (18). People who are ruled by their passions must be made to learn from their outbursts (19), and humility in receiving instruction is wise (20).
If we are to be wise people who tend, over time, to live long lives, we should be diligent, disciplined, and humble. We should treat one another like we would treat God himself. And that often means overlooking someone’s offense against us. Today, be humble enough to take advice. Be diligent enough to care which place
