Good Will

Read Proverbs 14:1-35

9. Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation.
10. Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can fully share its joy.
11. The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the godly will flourish.
12. There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.
13. Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains.
14. Backsliders get what they deserve; good people receive their reward.
15. Only simpletons believe everything they’re told! The prudent carefully consider their steps.
16. The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence.
17. Short-tempered people do foolish things, and schemers are hated.
18. Simpletons are clothed with foolishness, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. Proverbs 14:9-18

“Hackers,” or people who write destructive computer viruses, don’t feel at fault when their viruses destroy people’s data. If I can hack my way into your computer, many of them reason, it’s your own fault for not better protecting yourself. What’s wrong with that way of thinking?

Proverbs 14 contains the answer for those who can accept it. It’s also the answer to Cain’s infamous question, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (see Genesis 4:9).

Other proverbs in this chapter touch on many areas of relationships: advice for women; a way to avoid some unnecessary trouble; certain people to avoid; where to find help; reasons for controlling one’s temper; and treatment of the poor.

People who love God care about what happens to others and try to do what will be helpful to them, not hurtful. They practice good will toward others (Proverbs 14:9, 21). They (1) think the best of others, (2) assume that others have good motives and intend to do what is right, (3) look out for others, and (4) make amends whenever they wrong someone.

In everything you do that affects others, ask yourself, Does this show good will? And in each interaction with another person, whether a phone call, gesture, e-mail, or face-to-face conversation, ask, How can I help this person?