More wise sayings from Solomon (King of Israel from c.971 to 931BC)
Proverbs 10:12 “Hatred stirs up trouble, but love forgives all wrongs.”
Proverbs 10:23 “A foolish person enjoys doing wrong, but a person with understanding enjoys doing what is wise.”
A market in Tel Aviv, Israel (Jayne & Thomas Patrick)
Honesty in the Market Place
Many of the proverbs were written to address the practicalities of everyday life in the cities of Israel.
A number of the sayings reflect the need for hard work and honesty in the commercial life of a trading nation:
“A lazy person will end up poor, but a hard worker will become rich.” (Proverbs 10:4)
“The honest person will live in safety, but the dishonest will be caught.” (Proverbs 10:9)
Several of the proverbs encourage sensible trading and husbandry practices.
“People curse those who keep all the grain, but they bless the one who is willing to sell it.” (Proverbs 11:26)
“Good people take care of their animals, but even the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.” (Proverbs 12:10)
Spices for sale at Akko (Acre) market, Israel (Sheri Oz)
One wise saying warns of a widespread abuse that was not finally resolved until the standardisation of weights and measures in the nineteenth century AD.
“The LORD hates dishonest scales, but he is pleased with honest weights." (Proverbs 11:1)
Proverbs 11:16 “A kind woman gets respect, but cruel men get only wealth.”
Proverbs 11:22 “A beautiful woman without good sense is like a gold ring in a pig’s snout.”