The intelligent ones (Prov 18:13-18:17)

“If one gives an answer before hearing,

It is folly and shame.

The human spirit will endure sickness.

But who can bear a broken spirit?

An intelligent mind acquires knowledge.

The ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

A gift opens doors.

Gifts give access to the great.

Whoever first states a case seems right,

Until the other comes,

Until the other cross-examines him.”

The intelligent mind is always acquiring knowledge. The wise ones always have an ear seeking knowledge. Inquiring minds want to know. It is folly and your shame if you give an answer before you hear the question. The human spirit can endure sickness, but a broken spirit is more difficult to bear. A gift will open doors for you, especially to the great ones. If you go to court, your case may seem right until you are cross-examined by somebody else.

David’s broken contrite heart (Ps 51:15-51:17)

“O Lord!

Open my lips!

My mouth will declare your praise.

You have no delight in sacrifice.

If I were to give a burnt offering,

You would not be pleased.

The sacrifice acceptable to God is

A broken spirit,

A broken heart,

A contrite heart.

O God!

You will not despise.”

David wanted God to open his lips and mouth so that they might praise God. He seemed to imply that God was not that pleased with sacrifices and burnt offerings. What God really wanted was a broken spirit and a contrite broken heart that would not despise him.