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Open Poetry #47
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Proverbs
| Open Poetry #47 |
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Proverbs |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California 
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Proverbs “As a dog returns to his own vomit, So does the fool to his folly.” And so my thoughts return to you, And my mood to melancholy. “An excellent wife is her husband’s crown, The contentious woman rottenness to the bones.” For all I played you the second, it’s apparent People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. “A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, And a rod for the backs of fools.” …So the very measure of man Might been seen in his choice of tools. “As a door swings on its hinges, So the lazy man on his bed.” Blessed is he, who hungers for knowledge, But cursed be the fool too well fed. “There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And one who withholds more than is right.” The latter leads to poverty, The former fills his life with delight. “As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout, So the lovely woman lacking discretion.” Still, on the road to hell who looks for a sign? There’s no second chance on that first impression. “Better a dry morsel with quietness, Than a house full of feasting with strife.” “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But with desire comes a tree of life.” “In the multitude of words, sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise.” Still, “Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own eyes.” “Better the one who is slighted, but has a servant; Than he who honors himself, but lacks bread.” “A man who wanders from the way of understanding Rests in the assembly of the dead.” “A proud and haughty man, ‘scoffer’ is his name; He acts with arrogant pride.” But “Hell and destruction are never full, So the eyes of man never satisfied.” “The poor have none to offer advice, Though the rich never lack for a friend.” “…A lying tongue is but for a moment.” “He who troubles his own house inherits the wind.” “There is gold and a multitude of rubies, But the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.” Still, “Like a thornbush in the hand of a drunkard Is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.” Michael Anderson |
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JerryPat2 Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975South Louisiana |
"There’s no second chance on that first impression." . . . Absolutely! This poem is one long line ofProverbs. I liked it, it kept my interest, although I scratched my head at lines such as . . . “Better the one who is slighted, but has a servant; Than he who honors himself, but lacks bread.” To take the time to look up these quotable proverbs is a task taken on with love and devotion. ~*~ Tell me whom you love, and I will tell you who you are.--Houssaye ~*~ |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California |
There’s a long story behind this poem, JP. I originally started it, (the first 6 lines and last 4 lines of stanza 3), after my first, and actually only divorce, with the ex in mind and intending to have an entire poem of proverbs to throw at her but somewhere down the line, I just threw the unfinished product in a drawer. I stumbled upon it about a year ago and, with a much healthier view on life and appreciation for God, and decided to try to finish it. In doing so, I realized how humbling it truly is to try to compete line for line with God… and only a fool would try. For this humbling reason, the last two lines, Proverbs 26:9, were aimed solely at myself, at least within this poem. The one you pointed out, 12:9, is a simple concept really. Righteousness is a good thing, till you become so righteous no one else can stand you.  Indeed, it was a time consuming poem so far as what I usually spend writing one. Though, if any of these proverbs actually stick with a reader who might otherwise never had found it, I will consider myself rewarded. Thank you, Michael |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Best of yours I've seen since your return. Not only are the proverbs powerful, they are put together just right for the maximum effect.....nicely done! |
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Mysteria 
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Well I am not as poetry-wise as our Balladeer but I sure know what I like when I read it. This was just AWESOME! I had a hard time picking out the best, but I sure loved these lines Michael: “As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout, So the lovely woman lacking discretion.” Still, on the road to hell who looks for a sign? There’s no second chance on that first impression. “Better a dry morsel with quietness, Than a house full of feasting with strife.” “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But with desire comes a tree of life.” So very true! I loved, "with desire comes a tree of life." Loved it! Carpe'Diem ~ Mysteria ~ |
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Paul Wilson
since 2002-07-07
Posts 4711United States |
Michael...Another great poem from you that leaves me thinking about many things in life. I really don't know how you write such thought provoking poetry, but I sure wish some of it would rub off on me. You inspire me to try and start writing again, but to do so I must be alone with no distractions and that in itself would be a major achivement in my life right now. Again a great poem and thanks for sharing it with us...Paul ~~To share my poems with you is to share my heart with you~~ |
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flash Member
since 2010-11-28
Posts 213miami beach, florida |
Proverbs that have withstood the test of time fused with Micheal's apt poetic rhyme! Enjoyed much! Al |
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Margherita Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236Eternity |
You gathered many a truth in these proverbs, Michael. Those two regarding "knowledge" are my favorite ones. Excellent offering. M |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
When I saw the title, I anticipated a wonderful read. I've always loved Proverbs and had every confidence you'd offer something special... and still I'm impressed!! It's very difficult to weave quotations in a way that flows smoothly, stays true to the original in both language and intent and yet creates something fresh and new... but you did that and did it magnificently! *S* |
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Lori Grosser Rhoden Member Patricius
since 2009-10-10
Posts 10202Fair to middlin' of nowhere |
Fantastic! If this is what you do with proverbs I can't wait to see what you do with Psalms. Lori |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California |
Balladeer, thank you. I always feel especially honored when I manage to draw praise from you. Mysteria, though the proverbs included here were almost all on my favorites list… the “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but with desire comes a tree of life.” one has been instrumental for me in the past year and a half. Without hope, there truly is nothing. Paul, as much as I would love to see some poetry from you, I’m not sure the loneliness that is my life would ever be worth the trade. I’d unwrite everything I’ve ever written for one day back in my old life, having someone to share it with. Flash, I’m glad you enjoyed. Margherita, Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” That is the best knowlwdge proverb of them all I think. Ruth, to say I had a lot of time to compile these would be a gross understatement. Proverbs is a book of poetry though… and is written in a way that, even in our translation, has a natural flow to it. Most of these are direct quotes. Thank you all for the kind replies. Michael |
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ebonygirl Member Elite
since 2011-07-14
Posts 2000California U.S.A |
The word never comes back void, Nicely written Michael, Ms. E |
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