Roberta's Renditions -- from Proverbs

Okay, I promise I'm not trying to create "Queen Roberta's Un-Authorized, Un-Standard Version" of the Bible.  It's just that the last time I read Proverbs, I made notes on the ones which stood out to me personally.  I came up with my own sense of what they meant to me.  So I ask your forgiveness in advance should any of my renditions come across to you as offensive in any way.  On the other hand, my prayer is that by putting some of the messages into everyday language, it will become more meaningful to you as well.  

Desire wisdom and pray for wisdom.

Fear God.  

Mind your own business!

Don’t Worry.  

Discipline your children.  

Work on your reputation.  It’s worth more than money!

Be careful what you say!

If you cheat the poor to make money for yourself, you’ll end up being poor!

Steer clear of a hot-tempered person!

Don’t rejoice when your enemy falls.  Instead, help your enemy when he’s in trouble.  

Work hard!

Don’t toot your own horn; Let others praise you!

Be a soulwinner!

Avoid strife.  

Don’t spend too much time at your neighbor’s house or he’ll get tired of you!

Continue to learn -- long after you finish school.  

Keep your promises.

Learn from criticism.

Don’t co-sign loans for others.  Don’t borrow money yourself either!  

Don’t believe everything you hear.  Don’t be naive!

Stay away from a gossip!

Tell the truth.

Keep others’ secrets.  

Don’t worry about evil people.  They won’t go unpunished.  

Be generous.

Choose your friends carefully.  

Don’t tell everything you know.  

Realize that you can’t handle all of your problems by yourself.  Lean on the Lord.  

When somebody deserves to get something good, and it’s in your power to give it, don’t withhold it.  Give it to them!

When everyone else is worried and panicking, trust in the Lord.