In the old days, the dishonest merchant cheated customers by surreptitiously putting his finger on the scales in order to give short measure. However, the wise merchant understands that enduring success comes from giving honest measure and good value for money, although that value may sometimes be an intangible, such as convenience or service.

Do we give good measure in all we do, and thereby delight God? Are we generous and equitable in the way we measure out love and kindness to other people, or do we sometimes short-change them?

Pride comes before a fall. It makes us deaf to constructive criticism, and blind to our faults. No wonder, sooner or later, the proud person trips up and falls down.

It is much wiser, says Solomon, to take the humble, inquiring approach that is characteristic of genius. Be teachable. Learn. Find out. Strive to improve and do better. Many a business has been ruined by the pride and consequent complacency of its management. Notice that pride "comes". It may not be there to begin with, but it often comes hand in hand with success – with shame walking close behind.

Let integrity guide you in your decision making, like a reliable compass, and you will do the right thing. Honesty is the best policy, says Solomon.

The transgressor, on the other hand, keeps going wrong because everything he does is influenced by the perverseness in his heart that distorts his thinking in every situation. He just wants to be difficult, for no good reason. He is destroying his own life by his foolish contrariness, but he cannot see it, and so cannot help it. His whole approach is wrong. Attitude is often more important than ability.

Solomon once again urges us to re-appraise our goals. Does a desire for money dominate all we do? In the end, it is righteousness not riches that will deliver us from death and bring eternal life. "What good is it to a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?" says Jesus (Mark 8:36). There is the real bottom line.

The theme of continues. The righteous person also reaps benefits in this present life by avoiding a lot of problems. He is like a person walking along a smooth path. On the other hand, the wicked person who lies, steals, commits adultery and commits murder is creating serious problems and pain for himself. His path is strewn with rocks and potholes and he keeps stumbling over them. His journey through life becomes very difficult, and it is his own fault.

Do we believe Solomon, or do we still envy the wicked and think they are "living life to the full"? Wickedness may bring short-term gain, in the way of fleeting pleasures, but it also brings long-term pain.

The thread continues again. Wickedness, says Solomon, is like a trap set for a wild animal. Those who indulge in it may become snared by it. Lying, stealing, sexual promiscuity and all kinds of perverted pleasures can be addictive. The person who dabbles with them may find himself in the iron grip of evil desires, terrible compulsions that overpower his intellect.

The righteous person avoids this trap. However, the trap is always there, waiting for the unwary, no matter how young or old they may be, no matter what their previous level of success or social position.

The thread continues again. Referring to evil desires, Jesus says: "Be on your guard against greed" (Luke 12:15). He then tells the parable of the rich and successful man who built bigger and bigger barns to store his wealth in anticipation of the day when he could retire, take life easy, and eat, drink and be merry for ever more. Clever and capable as he was, the rich man could not see that one day his expectation would expire because he would die, and his power and influence would perish with him.

In the parable, God says to the man: "You fool! This night will your life be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself? This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich towards God." Is this our perspective?

Although, as we have seen, the righteousness of the upright steers them clear of evil, trouble can still beset them. They can however call on God’s help to rescue them in such situations.

Perhaps this is why Jesus teaches us to pray: "Deliver us from evil". Perhaps Solomon is saying that the inevitable evil that fills the world will then fall on the wicked instead.

Hypocrites pretend to be righteousness, but inwardly are full of evil intentions towards others. They see their neighbor’s faults very clearly, and are quick to criticize and make destructive comments. To such individuals Jesus says: "You hypocrites, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye" (Matthew 7:5).

Such people exist and we need to be on our guard against them, and take steps to protect ourselves. In difficult situations, do we keep careful records of the facts to make sure that evidence is always available to defend ourselves against such critics should the need arise?

Do we let the comments of hypocrites influence our opinions of other people – or do we make sure we get the facts, rather than relying on unreliable information?

The city is community of people living together for the common good. In any city there will be both righteous and unrighteous individuals, people whose positive and constructive actions make life better, and those whose only contribution is destructive criticism. What kind of contribution are we making? How can we get more involved? What problems can we help solve? What power for good do we possess?

Stephen Covey stresses Synergy -- the power of working together with other people and organizations. Some might simply call it teamwork. Napoleon Hill taught the importance in business of forging a Mastermind Alliance – two or more people working together in a spirit of perfect harmony towards the attainment of a specific objective. Do we rely too much on our own abilities? Are we lone players, and losing out as a result?

Another lesson, perhaps, is the need for strong, effective leadership in the struggle between good and evil. Although the silent majority, it seems, simply sit back and act as an audience, they do want the good guys to win.

The theme continues. It is sad but true that the strenuous efforts of the upright to improve the city can so easily be negated by the mere words of the wicked. Perhaps Solomon’s lesson is for the upright, the leaders of the enterprise, to recognize the vital importance of providing positive PR, in addition to their good deeds, in order to counteract the negative outpouring of the armchair critics.

Notice the choice of words – raising, building or exalting the city on the one hand, and overthrowing or tearing it down on the other. It is always easier to break than make, to destroy rather than create. What measures should we be taking to protect what we have created?

The powerful synergy we have just been discussing can quickly be destroyed by unprofessional personality conflicts with people we simply do not like. Human nature makes it all too easy to let the seeds of dislike become deep-rooted passions of hatred, which soon find their expression in hostile words and actions. The wise person controls such negative emotions, says Solomon, and holds his tongue because that is the best course of action. We do not need to despise anybody. They are human beings like us, struggling to make their way in life in the way they think best.

A talebearer is a type of person, one who foolishly finds delight in spreading gossip and rumor. The faithful type of person, on the other hand, resists this temptation and makes him or herself more valuable to an employer by building a reputation for discretion and diplomacy. Such people can be trusted with confidential information and put in positions of trust.

Once again, some would say that Solomon is stating the obvious – but he wants us to examine ourselves honestly and face facts. Are we really trustworthy? Are we always diplomatic? Can we be absolutely relied on to keep a confidence?

Many of the principles Solomon mentions have become institutionalized over the centuries by wise leaders in both business and politics. Prime ministers and presidents have cabinet of ministers to advise them, and a business corporation has a board of directors, a group of experienced individuals who meet together to discuss important issues and give wise guidance to the chief executive. Successful people, as they can afford it, seek professional help from specialists in various fields – lawyers, accountants, advertising agencies, engineers and consultants of all kinds. Wise counsel is also available from books and audio-tapes.

Do we seek advice, or act alone? Do we cultivate mentors -- older and more experienced individuals who are prepared to take time to discuss our problems and offer guidance?

Seeking a multitude of counsel is the basis of Brainstorming – exploiting the simple fact that other people can offer experience, information and novel insights into a situation that we simply do not possess ourselves. Brainstorming does not necessarily require a meeting – it can be carried out informally over a cup of coffee or casual encounters in the corridor.

To become a surety and so accept full responsibility for the actions and debts incurred by another person, especially a stranger, is obviously a risky thing to do. It can be very painful, like touching a stove to see if it is hot. It smarts, all the more because you knew better than do it anyway. Why, then, would anybody become surety for a stranger? To do so probably reveals a basic character flaw. Any human strength can easily become a weaknesses, so that the person who is very kind can easily become soft, weak, too easy going and sentimentally stupid.

The person who is foolish enough to become surety for a stranger is obviously a good target for financial fraud. The wise business person is meticulous in checking credentials, credit card details and signatures, and following up on references. He is alert to danger, and resolute in minimizing risk in all his dealings.

Do not be a push-over. Be firm and assertive. Be business-like. Be ever so cautious.

This verse is talking about retaining, not gaining, and it involves both strength and emotional control. Do we have the strength to hold onto our money, or do we let it be frittered away by impulse on unwise purchases that we really cannot afford? Do we have the resolve and self-control to save money and make it work for us instead of giving in to the desire for short-lived pleasure?

Is it true to say that many of us lack the strength of character required to drive a hard bargain or negotiate a good deal? Are we too "nice", and afraid of what the other person will think of us if we make an offer or ask for a better price? How can we become more assertive of our rights and requirements?

However, strength is not the appropriate answer in every situation. A gracious woman relies on wise words and personal charm to retain her honor and fend off the flattering advances of those who would seduce her. She has probably done so on numerous occasions without being unpleasant. How can we be more gracious, yet quietly determined, in protecting our interests?

Perhaps the most effective person is not the one who is overtly tough and uncompromising, but the one who combines strength with graciousness. Assertiveness consists of saying simply and pleasantly what you want, without recourse to emotional upsets, accusations and arguments. Can we learn from past mistakes and mentally rehearse new approaches, even writing basic scripts for dealing with situations we find difficult?

Different people have different basic outlooks and approaches, perhaps unwittingly molded that way by their upbringing, past experiences and the example of parents. If we are habitually cruel and unmerciful, says Solomon, we trouble our own flesh, we disturb the very biochemistry of our bodies. If, on the other hand, we are kind and cheerful, we do ourselves a positive good and actually enhance our health. Perhaps it is like Newton’s third law of motion – when we exert evil on someone else, there is an equal and opposite reaction of evil on ourselves.

To be merciful implies a situation in which we have some kind of power over other people, perhaps as an employer, a manager or simply as a customer out shopping. How wisely do we exercise that power?

The wicked person is deceiving himself, says Solomon. He thinks that his cheating, stealing, lying and even killing are getting him what he wants, but all he is really doing is condemning himself to death, and denying himself happiness to boot.

On the other hand, the actions of the righteous person do not always bring immediate rewards. As with sowing seeds in a garden, he has to patiently wait for the harvest that will surely come. "Do not be deceived", says Paul, unlike the wicked person we just read about, "God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life" (Galations 6:7-8).

James also warns the wicked of their stupidity and encourages the righteous to endure the evil of this present age, saying: "Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near" (James 5:7-8).

According to Paul, God is very near to each and every one of us (Acts 17:27). He sees our actions and hears our words and they have an impact on him. He is delighted, says Solomon, when he sees an upright person, but he despises those who are unpleasant and obnoxious. The unpleasant person has a froward heart, and his basic outlook and attitude are wrong. The upright on the other hand demonstrates the good contents of that heart by their outward actions.

"The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart", says Jesus, "and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks" (Luke 6:45). Can we search our heart and kick out the evil attitudes and replace them by good ones?

Solomon keeps reminding us that life is short and that we are responsible before God for the way we live this human life. Sometimes people get together in gangs and armies to achieve their evil ends, but they cannot win. Do not be drawn into their schemes. They will be severely punished. Be certain of that fact. Get the big picture.

Nose jewellery for women is coming back into fashion, but nobody would clip a costly gold ring into the snout of a pig, because it would be in-appropriate, and would soon become caked with mud and excrement and serve no purpose.

The surface meaning of the proverb is that a woman may lack the inner character appropriate to her external beauty. Beauty is only skin deep, says the old proverb, and handsome is as handsome does, said my mother. Peter exhorts Christian wives to develop the inner beauty that unfailingly radiates out and never fades away with time, saying: "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead it would be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight" (1Peter 3:2-4).

The external adornment of jewelry cannot beautify the pig, any more than it can a pretty woman who is ugly inside. Are we beautiful people inside?

The gold ring is not appropriate to the pig, but have we developed our wisdom to the point where extra responsibility and promotion in our job would be appropriate to us? If we were given additional authority, would we exercise it wisely? If not, why not? The pig does not think and meditate and learn. It just carries on the same old mucky manner. Do we?

Perhaps Jesus is adapting and extending Solomon’s metaphor when he warns his disciples to be very careful how they spread the good news of salvation. "Do not cast your pearls before swine," he says, "If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces" (Matthew 7:6). To those who are not yet ready to receive such precious knowledge, his message has no value than the gold ring in the snout of the pig.

The desire of the righteous person draws him in the direction of the truly good life, but the wicked person knows that his evil will catch up with him, sooner or later, and he can only expect trouble.

What basic desire motivates you in any situation? Is it the achievement of good for all concerned, or just for self? Are you really one of the good guys? Paul says: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others" (Philippians 2:3-4).

In another place, Paul says: "To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honour and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger" (Romans 2:7-8).

11.24 There is that scatters, and yet increases; and there is that withholds more than is meet, but it tends to poverty.

The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that waters shall be watered also himself.

He that withholds corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that sells it.

Wealth, said billionaire Andrew Carnegie, comes from trying to make others wealthy, from giving good value and improving people’s lives. The generous person dispensing liberality is like a farmer scattering seed in a field. God will bless his efforts with prosperity, just as he sends the sun and the rain that bring a bumper harvest.

The mean and greedy man, on the other hand, who seeks to exploit others and trick money out of them, will reap an unpleasant harvest of curses and hatred.

Speaking of giving for the needs of those in distress, Paul says: "God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work" (2Corinthians 9:7-8). Applying Solomon’s agricultural metaphor, he adds: "Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness" (verse 10).

If we diligently search for good instead of evil, we will find favor with other people and with God. Solomon says that the positive act of seeking good actually procures or obtains favor for us in some marvelous way. Is this what is meant by the phrases such as, "Life is what you make it", and "The harder I work, the luckier I get"?

On the other hand, the negative, hypercritical and pessimistic person who sets out each day in search of trouble will find that too. It will come to him, says Solomon. "It meeteth him" says one spooky translation. It will seek him out! Is this why such people are said to attract bad luck?

"You only live once," say those whose horizons are limited to this life, but Solomon’s perspective extends beyond death, on into the Kingdom of God and the hope of real riches, the kind that Jesus said and would never rust away and that thieves could not steal.

"How hard it is," says Jesus, "for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!" (Mark 10:24). God and money cannot both occupy first place in our lives. Doing what is right, rather than maximising profit, must be our top priority in financial dealings.

There are, however, leaders of multinational corporations who market harmful products for profit, and undermine the health of millions of people, even babies. What good will their wealth do them on the day of Judgement? You cannot buy tickets to the Kingdom of God.

Can our diligent efforts to improve our lives sometimes actually accomplish the opposite of what we intend? No successful businessman, broken down in health and on his death bed, ever wishes he had spent more time at work. He wishes, instead, that he had spent more time with his family, with his wife and children. So have we got our priorities right? Is the success we seek really worth having? Novelist Jack Higgins once said that he had attained fame and fortune, and it was empty! Like the wind, perhaps?

The person who is stubbornly foolish and unable to get along with others, even his own family members, may well lose the wealth he once inherited. It will go instead to those who act wisely, and he may even end up in their employ.

The actions of righteous people bring good results, they bear pleasant fruit, like a tree. Dealing with the devious and wicked person, on the other hand, leaves a bad taste in the mouth. Fruit is a powerful metaphor throughout both Old and New Testaments.

How do you judge the cunningly devised teachings of false prophets and the leaders of harmful sects? Not by logic, says Jesus, but "By their fruits you shall recognize them" (Matthew 7:16). Do their teachings produce tangible good in the lives of their followers – health, wealth and happiness?

The apostle Paul says that the Spirit of God at work in a person, like the sap in an apple tree, produces good fruit: "Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (Galations 5:22-23). Many sects induce fear and mindless obedience to the teachings of a deluded but charismatic individual.

The second line of this couplet is apparently quite obscure and a variety of different translations are offered. Perhaps the one given above is closest to Solomon’s intention. As Dale Carnegie explains in his classic book "How to Win Friends and Influence People", our conduct has a powerful impact on others. We can win souls, says Solomon. Be a pleasant person, develop a winning personality. Be joyful, be a peace-maker, be patient, kind and good. Be reliable, gentle and get control of your own emotions and actions. It can change your life.

It is not the greedy, the power-crazed and violent who shall inherit the earth, says Jesus, but the meek -- those who are teachable before God and willing to learn his ways (Matthew 5:5). His words confirm, contrary to popular delusion, that it is on earth, not in heaven, that the righteous will receive their reward.

How will the wicked be recompensed? In the parable of the sheep and the goats, which represent the righteous and the wicked, Jesus says to the unrepentant evil ones: "Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink. I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me" (Matthew 25:41-43).

How then do we worship God? What is true "religion"? And what does God expect of us? "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless," says James, "is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world" (James 1:27). The Old Testament prophet Micah, expresses it even more fundamentally, saying: "He has showed you O man what is good; And what does the Lord require of you, but to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8). Can we make that into a mission statement?