Proverbs for a Digital Age

I'm currently working through the Proverbs for my daily reading and am nearing the end of the chapter.  In doing so, you do notice several patterns in the the text.  The wisdom against the adulterous woman.  Warnings against foolishness and folly.

And while there are certain proverbs that seem very specific to the age in which they were written, over the past few days, I've noticed several proverbs and sayings that seem tailor made for this digital age.

For example:

"Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared."

Proverbs 22:24-25

The quickest way to find yourself in an internet flame war is through friends that bring you there.  Carefully choose your internet "friends" just as you would your true friends.


"Do not speak to fools, for they will scorn your prudent words."

Proverbs 23: 9

Two thoughts - no one wins an internet argument and never, ever read the comments to online news articles.


"Like a maniac shooting flaming arrows of death is one who deceives their neighbor and says, 'I was only joking!'"

Proverbs 26:18-19

Just because you add a "jk" or "lol" at the end of a statement, does not take away its impact.  The sting is still there and more often, such a statement seems to reveal true feelings (or at least plants a doubt as to your true feelings).


"Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down."

Proverbs 26:20

How often do Facebook quarrels go on and on because everyone wants to pile on?  Or mis-information keeps being circulated because someone else has to pass it on?  Social media seems to have just thrown gasoline on gossip and spread it wide.


"Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider and not your own lips."

Proverbs 27:2

Social media can also encourage bragging (or at least give that appearance) and resulting ill effects.  Commenting to take someone down a peg.  Depression due to comparison of our lives with the best of what is put on social media for others.  A great reminder to keep perspective on how you talk about yourself online.

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The book of wisdom is well worth attention and is a great reminder for how we conduct all aspects of our lives.  Even the online version.  I pray for wisdom and guidance in how I conduct myself through this blog and all other platforms.