Proverbs 28

Today, make sure to read Proverbs 28

Lessons to be learned from P28:

When a person is in a position to do well for others, but by his behavior he does more harm than good, it is like rain that ruins crops instead of nourishing them.

“Sometimes God in his providence so orders it that that which one got unjustly another uses charitably” – MH

Oh, the great freedom that comes from confession of sin! There is a healing in the soul that takes place when we are honest with ourselves and others. The covering of sin or blaming others does not bring with it any form of lasting prosperity.

Reverence God. Recognize who He is.

A murderer is tormented…and rightfully so. They should not be excused or pacified.

Treat all men honorably.

Wickedness and a position of power are a terrible combination. Those who are subject to it cringe.

 

This ends our Proverbs series but you can read the devotionals for P29, P30, and P31on this blog for January 29, 30, and 31 or you can read them on Facebook on those same days by following this link: Simply Christian

My prayer is that this series has served to increase your wisdom and insight.

Proverbs 27

Today, make sure to read Proverbs 27

Lessons to be learned from P27:

[in Latin] Proprio laus sordet in ore — [in English] Self-praise defiles the mouth. Either way, it is unbecoming to applaud ourselves.

A forthright rebuke is more profitable than love that is silent. And the truth telling that comes from being in real relationship—sometimes as painful as wounds, is a sign of true love while the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

Side note: verses 5 and 6 are among my favorites in God’s Word. A true friend, which is not easily attained, is a precious gift from God that almost defies description. Matthew Henry says this: It is good for us to be reproved, and told of our faults, by our friends. If true love in the heart has but zeal and courage enough to show itself in dealing plainly with our friends, and reproving them for what they say and do amiss, this is really better, not only than secret hatred (as Lev. 19:17 ), but than secret love, that love to our neighbours which does not show itself in this good fruit, which compliments them in their sins, to the prejudice of their souls. Faithful are the reproofs of a friend, though for the present they are painful as wounds. It is a sign that our friends are faithful indeed if, in love to our souls, they will not suffer sin upon us, nor let us alone in it. The physician’s care is to cure the patient’s disease, not to please his palate.

The hungry (poor in spirit, down-trodden) often can appreciate the most basic blessings in life while those who daily live a lavish lifestyle can detest even the most sumptuous blessings.

Some who are in a good place in life still find themselves unsatisfied there. They wander aimlessly-either metaphorically or literally. Both are wandering spiritually and are missing their place in God, where they should abide satisfied.

Develop deep relationships and value those friends.

Sincere and well-timed praise is appropriate and may incite others to join in.

“Wise and profitable discourse sharpens men’s wits” – MH

Diligence, faithfulness, and consistency in service will be rewarded.

What the crucible and furnace do for silver and gold-reveal impurities-so praise also does for man. Both what a man praises and how he responds to praise will reveal what is in his heart.

Foolishness that has not been removed at a young age can become as much a part of us as our DNA.

Proverbs 26

Today, make sure to read Proverbs 26

Lessons to be learned from P26:

Proverbs 26 deals with the fool, the liar, the lazy, the nosy, the deceiver, and the wicked person. Those who embrace a life led by foolishness and the like will not be honored. The Word says it is not appropriate. As a matter of fact, it is as inappropriate as snow in summer and rain during the time of harvest. The foolish are to be handled not according to their foolishness, but with wise responses. They are unruly, untrustworthy, and useless in their state. The words that they may try to use to impart wisdom are not even useful.

The liar is not to be trusted and is the source of all kinds of strife. His heart is filled with hate and he attempts to destroy those whom he lies to and about.  The lazy cannot be counted on to even attempt to care for himself, but still considers himself to be wise. The deceiver behaves in an evil manner but tries to pass it off as just jokes; not a revelation of his dark heart. The wicked person is deceitful. Like the liar, his heart if full of hate.

P26 gives us a good snapshot of what we don’t want to emulate.

Proverbs 25

Today, make sure to read Proverbs 25

Lessons to be learned from P25:

God needs not search into anything; nothing can be hid from him. But it is the honour of rulers to search out matters. – MH

Turn away from wickedness and be established in righteousness.

Don’t seek to be exalted by man; recognize that your worth comes from how God has created you.

It is better to settle a matter privately than to have personal matters exposed broadly.

Words of wisdom are a gift. The person who speaks them is a beautiful enhancement to the life of the one who hears.

The one who lies about his generosity is a disappointment to those in need.

Through wisely crafted words and a gentle tongue, the speaker can move mountains.

Too much of a good thing is too much.

When the righteous person sins, the harm is wide spread.

The man who has no command over his anger is easily robbed of peace. -MH

Proverbs 24

Today, make sure to read Proverbs 24

Lessons to be learned from P24:

The spirit is strengthened for spiritual work and spiritual warfare, by true wisdom.  

A weak man thinks wisdom is too high for him, therefore he will take no pains for it. – MH

In times of trouble, we are prone to despair.

We are to come to the aid of those who are headed in the wrong direction. Do not neglect this duty and try to give the excuse of ignorance. There is one who weighs the heart, who knows truth, and will repay accordingly.

Wisdom is as sweet as honey straight from the honey comb. Go after it!

The unrighteous seek to destroy the righteous. But while the righteous may be knocked down seven times, they will rise again.

It is our duty to honor and hold our Creator in the highest esteem. We are also to subject ourselves to the government He has placed over us.

Tend to the needs of your home. Set your necessities in order before concerning yourself with the conveniences of life.

“A nap here, a nap there, a day off here, a day off there, sit back, take it easy—do you know what comes next? Just this: You can look forward to a dirt-poor life, with poverty as your permanent houseguest!” (vss 33&34 MSG)

Proverbs 23

Today, make sure to read Proverbs 23

Lessons to be learned from P23:

Do not be given to gluttony. Allow for godly restraint.

Do not go hard and fast for riches. They are fleeting.

Be cautious about allowing yourself to become burdensome to anyone-especially those who are insincere.

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

Do not overstep your boundaries; taking advantage of another.

Give yourselves to disciplined instruction; open your ears to tested knowledge.

Proper discipline is a blessing to a child. It is useful for keeping them on the righteous path.

The wisdom of a son brings joy to his father.

The gains of sinners may be attractive but don’t embrace their ways. Instead, seek the ways of the Lord and be assured that you will not be cut off.

Beware of those enticements which will compromise your wise and sober judgment. They can get deep into the soul and put you on a destructive path.

Seek truth, wisdom, instruction, and insight.

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Proverbs 22

Today, make sure to read Proverbs 22

Lessons to be learned from P22:

A good reputation should be desired above riches. To be honorable is better that silver and gold.

As it has been said, “the ground is level at the cross”. Rich, poor, tall, short, yellow, black, white, etc.—all are in need of a Savior and all are welcomed by Him.

The prudent see danger approaching and avoid it. The simple see it too, yet they continue to move forward and pay the price.

Lead your children in the ways of righteousness. See to it that their hearts are trained in the way of the Lord. Don’t allow foolishness to get a hold of them.

Debt is a form of slavery. Avoid it.

The unjust will eventually reap the tragic crop they’ve sewn.

The generous person will be blessed.

Mockers bring nothing but trouble. Get rid of them and you get rid of trouble.

Those who step on others to get ahead face the same fate as those who try to gain favor from the rich by giving them gifts—poverty.

Trust in the Lord. Believe that following his wisdom is the best way to live.

Taking advantage of the poor and needy is something the Lord will not tolerate.

Bad company corrupts good morals (1 Cor. 15:33) so be careful about keeping company with hot-tempered people. You may find yourself in a world of hurt.

Don’t place yourself in the position to provide collateral for the debt of another…or seek credit for yourself.

Don’t trample over the rights of others.

Proverbs 21

Today, make sure to read Proverbs 21

Lessons to be learned from P21:

God desires our obedience over our sacrifice.

The wicked produce and enjoy sin.

Sober thought brings profit while haste brings loss.

Wealth gained through deception is a snare.

The wickedness of evil men is far-reaching.

Pay attention to the wise and you yourself will gain knowledge and wisdom.

The wicked will not go unnoticed or unpunished by the Lord.

The merciful will themselves obtain mercy.

When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.

Do not stray from the path of wise sensibility. Any other path brings destruction.

Indulging in all fleshly desires without moderation will lead to destruction.

Unrestrained passions can make for a contentious home.

Be wise. Prepare for the future. Don’t be given to fits of rage.

Guard your mouth. Your life will be better if you do so.

The lazy person is frustrated by the unmet cravings that result from his laziness.

Proverbs 20

Today, make sure to read Proverbs 20

A quick lesson to be learned from P20:

Verse 29 tells us that the glory of young men is their strength, but the splendor of old men is their gray hair. This verse points out that whatever stage we are in life, each has its advantages. Further, we can understand that it is not suitable for either one to despise or envy the other. 

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12

“The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.” Psalm 92:12-15

Be encouraged. Wherever you are in life, the Lord can use you, and you will be an example to others of a godly life. You are never too young or too old.

Welcome Poland!!! :-)

So glad to see you visiting the blog!  I pray you will return frequently and be blessed by God.

Proverbs 19

Today, make sure to read Proverbs 19

Lessons to be learned from P19:

The soul does not prosper in the absence of knowledge.

In haste, a person easily falls into sin.

Foolishness brings about ruin, but the foolish blame the Lord for their plight.

People flock to the person who has money, but he need not think it is because of his strength of character. Should he lose his money, he will surely lose all of those so-called friends.

Liars will not escape punishment.

The person who acquires wisdom and understanding will love life and prosper.

A man that has not wisdom and grace, has no right or title to true joy. It is very unseemly for one who is a servant to sin, to oppress God's free-men. – MH

With wisdom comes patience and gracious relationship.

A foolish child is a dagger in the heart of his parents.

A wife should be a woman of noble character. She should bring peace; not strife, to her home.

Laziness begets hungriness.

Listen to the commands of wisdom and live.

The Lord recognizes and is blessed by those who show kindness to people in need. He will reward their kindness.

To discipline your child is to bring hope to her life.

Greed brings about all kinds of wrong. It is better to be poor than to succumb.

Our contentment comes from living in the respectful fear of the Lord.

The simple (if he will listen) and the discerner both benefit from teaching.

When we turn our back on instruction, wisdom goes out the door.

Proverbs 18

Today, make sure to read Proverbs 18 (and I hope you read 17 yesterday) :-)

Lessons to be learned from P18:

A foolish person does not see the benefit of acquiring understanding; they believe they already know all there is to know.

The mouth of a foolish person will get them in deep trouble.

Where sin is, shame cannot be far behind.

The well-spring of wisdom in the heart of a believer, continually supplies words of wisdom. – MH

Resist participating in gossip; either to hear or repeat. It gets deep into the soul and is a foundation for jealousy.

Not doing what you should do is just as destructive to the soul as doing what you should not do.

The Lord is a strong tower for us—a safe refuge. The unwise believe that their wealth can serve the same purpose, but they are gravely mistaken.

Walking in pride will eventually bring about our downfall. The humble, however, enjoy honor.

Don’t be quick to interject; allow yourself to gain understanding before speaking.

Seek God’s wisdom for the settling of disputes.

Watch your tongue. We will be filled with whatever we speak of. In so doing, we can either speak life or death.

A good wife is a blessing to a man – evidence of God’s favor.

Christ will never leave us or forsake us. He is a friend who loves at all times.

Proverbs 16

Today, make sure to read Proverbs 16

Lessons to be learned from P16:

The renewing grace of God alone prepares the heart for every good work. This teaches us that we are not sufficient of ourselves to think or speak anything wise and good. –MH

We must look to the heart of a man in order to discern his motives.

The Lord will direct the plans of the person who is committed to Him.

The Lord has worked out the plan for our lives, down to the minutest detail.

Those who lack humility will not go unpunished.

When the Lord is delighted with the way of his children, he causes even their enemies to be at peace with them.

True, respectable leadership is established through righteousness.

Righteous leaders value honesty and when they are pleased, all who are under their authority are joyful.

The gaining of wisdom and insight far exceeds the benefits of possessing silver and gold.

The upright avoid evil, and in doing so, preserve their lives.

Pride leads to the destruction of a man. Be assured that a lack of humility will lead to your downfall. A humble spirit is better to be embraced.

The wise man gives heed to instruction and prospers. He is blessed by the Lord.

What is in the heart of a man will be revealed by his mouth.

Gracious words are sweet to the soul.

Be careful. Do not be deceived by the reasoning of this world. Allow the Lord to guide you.

Don’t allow yourself to get caught up with the person who is corrupt in their thinking. They will only cause conflict and strife.

A long life is a beautiful gift from God and those to whom it is granted should be well known for their wisdom and righteousness.

One who takes a moment to consider a matter wisely is better than one who rushes in with guns blazing!

Blessed are those that give themselves up to the will of God; for He knows what is good for them. -MH

Proverbs 15

Today, make sure to read Proverbs 15

We are at the halfway mark! Instead of giving a bullet point summary of this proverb, I thought I would just share some thoughts about the content.

Proverbs 15 speaks a great deal about the tongue, our words, the lips, our mouth, etc… This book of wisdom gives us much material for studying how to wisely manage our words. It goes to the content of our hearts. In this proverb we see that the Lord who is keeping watch over us: hates the thoughts and ways of the wicked, He tears down what the proud build up, and He does not even acknowledge the prayers of the wicked (except in repentance). 1 Samuel 16:7 teaches us that the outward appearance of a man is not what is important to the Lord. He looks at the heart of a man—who he TRULY is. This is why he hates the thoughts and ways of the wicked but the thoughts and ways of the upright are pleasing to Him; He tears down what the proud build but will support and defend those who are humble in spirit; the prayers of the wicked fall on deaf ears but the Lord welcomes the prayers of the righteous. He responds to the heart.

Remember a while back when we studied Nicodemus who came to the Lord at night with his questions? You will recall that when Nic came to Jesus and started in on his preamble, Jesus cut to the chase and responded not to Nic’s words; He responded to what was going on in the heart of the man. Jesus responded to the heart.

So what does wisdom tell us regarding the use of our words? It tells us to follow the ways of righteousness: to be gentle in speech, to spread knowledge, to pray, to be a calming agent in the midst of turmoil, to speak words of wisdom in the appropriate time and place. Verse 28 advises how we can do this: “The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.” The heart is the source from which the mouth speaks so we need to tend to our heart-we need embrace righteousness. “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23)We need to feed ourselves with the wisdom of God so that when an answer is needed, we have God’s wisdom to draw from. We are to be careful regarding what we let in because it informs what will come out.

The tongue is a tricky thing—it can be used to bless and to curse. And brother James warns us about the power (and potential evil) of the tongue. [see James 3:1-12] The remedy for this is a healthy dose of wisdom from above. So tend to your heart, my beloved. Feed yourself with godly wisdom, cultivate the fruit of the Spirit, seek righteousness, and guard your precious heart. When you do, then your tongue, your words, your lips, your mouth can be a fountain of life to those around us.

Proverbs 14

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!!!!!

Today, make sure to read Proverbs 14 (and tell someone you love them)

Lessons to be learned from P14:

The wise woman builds her house but with her own hands, the foolish one tears hers down.

The upright fear the Lord. And they are protected by their prudent speech.

Knowledge comes easily to the discerning and they give wise thought to their ways.

Stay away from fools, they have nothing good to offer.

The upright seek goodwill among men and their homes will see prosperity.

Each man has to walk through their own personal hurts; hurts that others do not understand or may not know about. Be sensitive to the needs of others.

There are many paths taught but only one leads to God. Don’t be deceived. There are those who seek to lead you astray—their ways lead to death.

God rewards the faithful—those with an unwavering trust in Him.

The wise fear the Lord and turn their backs on evil.

Practice patience. A quick-tempered person does foolish things.

Evil and wicked persons will be brought down to a place where they will honor the righteous.

Be kind to your neighbors. Care for the needy. In doing so, you honor God.

Those who plan what is good cultivate love and friendliness.

Hard work will bring a profit.

A truthful witness is a life-saver!

God keeps safe those who fear Him and that fear is a fountain of life to them.

Leaders are considered to be well when they have a following.

Patience is a virtue. Being quick-tempered is a vice.

Make it your purpose to live in peace. It is good for you and for those around you.

When trouble comes, the wicked are brought to ruin. Not so for the righteous.

Wisdom takes up residence in the heart of the discerning. Even the non-believer benefits from wisdom.

Proverbs 13

Today, make sure to read Proverbs 13

Lessons to be learned from P13:

Pay attention to the advice shared by people of wisdom.

By our own words we will be justified or condemned.

Be sober-minded and prudent with your words.

The lazy person will always be in want but the diligent will thrive.

The righteous hate deception and stand up for the person of integrity.

It is honorable for one who is materially rich to count himself as poor, leaving room to help others.

It is dishonorable for one who is spiritually rich to discount all that the Lord has blessed him with.

A righteous life acts as a light upon the path that others should follow.

Be honest and honorable in how you earn money. You will prosper.

Misplaced hope in the things of this world can cause illness when not received. It is better to place our hope in God, who is faithful to deliver all He promises.

Sound judgment brings favor.

Those who carry a wicked message bring harm, but those with a sound word bring healing to all who hear.

It is a foolish person that embraces evil.

Those who walk in sin cannot get away from trouble. Those who walk in righteousness cannot get away from God’s blessings.

A good person thinks about how he may invest in and set-up for success the future generations of his own family.

The poor, but industrious, will be taken care of.

Disciplining a child is a loving act. Better to learn the lessons of life from you, than from those who do not have their best interest at heart and may lead them astray.

The righteous will live a satisfied life while the wicked will live in turmoil.

Proverbs 12

Today, make sure to read Proverbs 12

Lessons to be learned from P12:

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid. (The Lord is blunt, isn’t He?)

Good people obtain favor from the Lord; the wicked do not. In fact, the plans of the wicked fail while the good will stand firm.

A wife is to be of noble character. Her husband and her marriage will benefit.

The prudent will be praised while the imprudent will be despised.

The righteous will not seek to harm even the least among them but even the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.

Hard work brings prosperity. Laziness is an indication of senselessness and a precursor to enslavement.

From the fruit of their lips, the innocent escape trouble and are filled with good things.

The wise listen to advice and are not easily annoyed.

Our words are very powerful. Be strategic and wise with the words you use.

“A good word from God, applied by faith, makes the heart glad.” – MH

In the way of righteousness, there is life.

Proverbs 11

Today, make sure to read Proverbs 11

Lessons to be learned from P11:

The Lord detests dishonesty.

The proud inherit disgrace; the humble inherit wisdom.

The righteous are led by integrity. They are blameless and therefore their paths are made straight.  They are delivered from the traps of evil desires and enjoy life. The righteous bring joy to their city, as does the demise of the wicked.

We ought not to place our trust in mere mortals—we will be disappointed.

We are to live peaceably and cordially with our neighbors.

Be trustworthy. Don’t betray the confidences of those who confide in you.

Leaders need to seek wise counsel for the carrying out of their duties.

Don’t swear on behalf of a stranger. Nothing good can come from that.

Those who are kind will gain honor and it will be a benefit to them. Those who are ruthless may gain wealth, but it will not be lasting. Further, they bring ruin upon themselves.

The Lord delights in those whose ways are blameless.

The wicked will not go unpunished.

The generous will prosper and be blessed. Those who withhold will come to poverty.

Those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.

Those who seek good will find it. Those who seek evil will find it.

Trusting in riches leads to ruin but the righteous will thrive.

Whoever brings ruin upon his family will never be satisfied. Any happiness he experiences will be fleeting.

The works of the righteous bring forth life.

The wise nourish the lives of others.

The righteous will receive the appropriate consequences for any wrong doing—how much more for the unrighteous.

Proverbs 10

Today, make sure to read Proverbs 10
This proverb of Solomon is pretty straight forward; easily understood. So today I’m sharing part of Matthew Henry’s commentary on the proverb…

Lessons to be learned from P10:

Those who are fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, are likely to be rich in faith, and rich in good works.

Both the just and the wicked must die; but between their souls there is a vast difference.

The wise in heart puts his knowledge in practice.

The good man's mouth is always open to teach, comfort, and correct others.

Where there is hatred, everything stirs up strife. By bearing with each other, peace and harmony are preserved.

Whatever knowledge may be useful, we must lay it up, that it may not be to seek when we want it. The wise gain this wisdom by reading, by hearing the word, by meditation, by prayer, by faith in Christ, who is made of God unto us wisdom.

Those that speak much, speak much amiss. He that checks himself is wise.

That wealth which is truly desirable, has no vexation of spirit in the enjoyment; no grief for the loss; no guilt by the abuse of it. What comes from the love of God, has the grace of God for its companion.

Only foolish and wicked men divert themselves with doing harm to others, or tempting to sin. 

The largest desire of eternal blessings the righteous can form, will be granted.

The believer grows stronger in faith, and obeys with increased delight.
The righteous is kept by the power of God; and nothing shall be able to separate him from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus

Proverbs 9

Thank God it’s Sunday!!!!

Today, make sure to read Proverbs 9

Lessons to be learned from P9:

God invites us to seek out His wisdom. Wisdom is likened unto a woman who opens her home to anyone and everyone who will come. She invites them to dine with her and learn from her. She brings life.

Those who are set in their foolish ways are resistant to wise counsel. Don’t spend your time trying to persuade the mocker to listen to your corrections. They will turn on you.

Those who are determined to walk in wisdom will welcome wise counsel. Time spent instructing the wise and teaching the righteous is time well spent.

A healthy reverence for the Lord is the foundation for growth in wisdom.

Wisdom adds days to our lives and will reward us.

God cautions us to resist foolishness. Foolishness is likened unto an unruly woman who is simple-minded and ignorant. Just like the wise woman, the foolish one opens her home to anyone and everyone who will come. She invites them to dine with her and learn from her. She brings death.

Proverbs 8

Today, make sure to read Proverbs 8

Lessons to be learned from P8:

Wisdom is all around us, calling us to reside with it—to allow it to lead our lives.

Wisdom allows us to turn our backs on wickedness and perversity.

Wisdom is more precious than the most precious of gems. The discerning know this to be true.

Wisdom and prudence go hand-in-hand, and together they impart knowledge and discretion, counsel and sound judgment.

To fear the Lord is to hate evil.

Leaders are to lead, to make decisions, to rule with wisdom.

To those who love wisdom, the fruit of wisdom is riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity. The likes of which far exceeds anything we understand or can produce on our own.

Wisdom [understood, in this passage, to represent Christ] was a partaker in the establishing of the world. Wisdom is the foundation of the world.

Do not disregard the instruction of wisdom for there are to be received, the blessings of life and favor from the Lord.

Those who disregard the instruction of wisdom love death.

Proverbs 7

Today, make sure to read Proverbs 7

Lessons to be learned from P7:

We are to guard, cherish, and embrace wisdom as we would a beloved sister or relative.

Following wisdom will keep us from seeking out the adulterous and wayward woman; from embracing and imitating her behaviors.

Our youthful lusts can be our downfall.

For any youthful lust that may reside within us, there is one who will seek to draw that out of us and to feed it.

Those who seek to feed those immaturities within us are actually seeking to lead us astray and destroy us.

Sin, even when it appears pleasurable, always leads to death.  It’s not worth it. Throngs that have come before us, believing they would not lose their lives to sin, have been proven wrong.

Welcome China!

Simply Christian Teaching would like to welcome new readers in China to our blog!  I hope to see you back here again soon!  :-)

Proverbs 6

Today, make sure to read Proverbs 6

Lessons to be learned from P6:

It is not wise to put ourselves in the position to serve as the responsible party for someone else’s actions; pledging ourselves as assurance of performance or repayment.

If we have acted as surety for someone, we must be relentless in securing freedom from that bondage. No sleep, no rest, no relaxation until we are free.

The lazy person can learn from the work ethic of the ant. The ant is diligent to make provision for the coming winter and to work hard during when there is opportunity.

For the lazy person, a lifestyle which seems relaxed and pleasurable will end up delivering an impoverished and desperate future. They won’t even see it coming!

A troublemaker is easily recognized because she or he is always stirring up conflict.

Like the lazy person, the troublemaker has a bleak future. In fact, destruction will come upon him without remedy.

God hates self-righteousness and a lack of humility, lying, murderous intent, wicked schemes, the desire for evil, false testimony, and the stirring up of conflict among those who are in community with one another.

We ought to embrace wisdom. Wisdom is a guide and a protection for our lives.

Don’t get caught up in adultery. If you do, you are playing with a fire that will not only burn you but takes your life. There is no way to avoid the punishment that comes with adultery.

Thievery that comes from a desperate need to preserve one’s life is understandable. Yet, there is consequence. However, the stealing of another man’s wife is unconscionable. Whoever does so destroys himself. He is a disgrace to himself and those who love him. And he is mortal danger once his sin is known.

Proverbs 5

Today, make sure to read Proverbs 5

Lessons to be learned from P5:

Discretion is part of the fruit of wisdom.

We are not to be led astray by adulterous temptations. The result is bitterness, pain, and death.

When we hate discipline and resist correction, we can be assured of a few things: we will lose honor, we will lose our wealth and all of our hard work will end up benefiting someone else, and we will regret our choice against disciplined living. We will, one day, come to the realization that our arrogance cost us all that was truly important.

Be pleased and filled with the blessings that the Lord has given you. Resist the temptation to covet what others have and to neglect what you’ve been blessed with.

Be intoxicated with the love of your life—not the one whom God has not given to you as a companion.

Remember that the Lord sees all that we do.

Do not let a lack of discipline be your downfall.

Proverbs 4

Today, make sure to read Proverbs 4

Lessons to be learned from P4:

Those who give wise instruction are to be regarded as fathers. They can be respected and honored as our elders.

Wisdom is the foundational need in our lives. Wisdom brings long life and honor, clear direction and stability!

Wisdom is to be embraced and cherished.

We ought to cherish wise instruction; not resist.

Have nothing to do with evildoers or their life style. Their methods are evil and bring about restlessness and strife. They are filled with and fuelled by wickedness and violence.

The path of the righteous is bright like the morning sun and grows ever brighter. The wicked, on the other hand, walk a dark path—so dark that even they stumble!

We are to guard our hearts – to be careful about what we do and what we allow to be done to us. We are to avoid the practice and presence of evil because the contents of our hearts are an indication of who we are. We guard our hearts in order to ensure good is welcomed in as a resident.

Watch your mouth – don’t be given to perverse or corrupt talk.

Be careful about what you allow yourself to look at – don’t be distracted by peripheral things.

Consider where you are going – the path which the Lord has set before you – and do not deviate from it.

Proverbs 3

Today, make sure to read Proverbs 3

Lessons to be learned from P3:

When we heed wisdom, our lives are prolonged, we experience peace, and we experience prosperity.

When we act with love and faithfulness we gain favor both with God and man.

We are not to trust ourselves because our knowledge is limited. Rather, we can fully put our trust in the Lord who will guide us perfectly in every matter of life.

When we turn our backs on evil in favor of the Lord, we prosper.

The Lord has given us much. He entrusts many riches to us. If we put Him first in the management of what He’s given, He will bless us even more abundantly.

We know we are loved when the Lord disciplines us. We ought not resent His chastening.

We are blessed when we seek and find wisdom. Wisdom is more precious than the most precious of gems.

Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace is.

Wisdom is the foundation for God’s design of this earth.

We are to keep the ways of wisdom ever before us. Life, safety, stability, peace, and confidence are the by-products of walking in wisdom.

When it is within your power, don’t withhold good from those to whom it is due. Be just, and in doing so, you will avoid all sorts of conflict.

Sometimes others gain things that we’d like to posess, but they use wicked methods. Resist the urge to reduce yourself to their ways because the Lord hates their ways. However, He embraces and holds close those who are upright.

The Lord blesses the righteous, shows favor to the humble, and sets up the wise to receive honor.

Proverbs 2

Lessons to be learned from P2:

When we seek wisdom, understanding, and insight with our whole being—mind, ears, heart, mouth, eyes, etc.—we will find it. The Lord will, from His own mouth, impart his wisdom and understanding.

Our God is so precious and loving toward the upright that He stores up great success for them—blessing the blameless with triumphs throughout their lives.

The Lord sets the upright on a path and then protects them as they walk in it.

As the upright walk along the course the Lord has laid before them, they come into understanding of what is right and just and fair—discretion and understanding will serve as a protection and a guard for them.

Wisdom saves the upright from falling into the patterns of behavior displayed by wicked men.  

Wisdom also saves the upright from the wayward ways of the adulterous woman.

The adulterous woman is foolish, impetuous, and has turned her back on God. Her pathways lead to death and the upright want no part of her wickedness.

Walking in the ways of the good and keeping on the path of the righteous will yield wonderful eternal rewards. The wicked will suffer eternally.