Proverbs

July 28th – Proverbs 10:4

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Proverbs 10:4

“Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.”

God is not a genie in a lamp. He doesn’t sit around waiting to grant our every wish. Yet as our Heavenly Father, He does love to bless His children abundantly. Only He wants us to work hand in hand with Him to bring about those blessings. And that’s why we are counseled to apply diligence to our lives. That means approaching all we do earnestly, with care and watchfulness. Because it’s those who apply themselves with diligence and dedication who are more likely to reap the rewards of success and abundance. Success going beyond material wealth, to a spiritual wealth including fruits of the Spirit like patience, discipline, and perseverance. Such qualities shape our character and foster a deep sense of fulfillment and contentment. As we strive diligently, we also grow in wisdom, understanding, and empathy, nurturing our spiritual well-being. This inner richness enriches our relationships, fosters a sense of purpose, and brings joy and peace into our lives.

July 28th – Proverbs 10:4 Read More »

July 27th – Proverbs 8:32

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Proverbs 8:32

“Now then, my children, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways.”

One of the most important things Solomon wanted to leave his children was a legacy of wisdom and discernment. Wisdom uses our life experiences and past consequences when making decisions. While discernment uses facts as we know them to judge whether something or someone is true and right. Both go hand in hand, and both are important in leading successful, victorious, Christian lives. Spiritual gifts given by God, when we follow the path of wisdom and discernment, we are more likely to avoid mistakes and make better choices. We save ourselves from a world of pain, heartache, and regret. Wisdom and discernment allow us to leads lives of integrity, love, and compassion. And they give us a testimony to share with others, so they too can avoid the pitfalls of wrong decisions. By following Solomon’s advice and walking in wisdom’s ways, we open ourselves to many blessings. Blessings including sound decision making, inner peace, and spiritual growth.

July 27th – Proverbs 8:32 Read More »

July 26th – Proverbs 31:10

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Proverbs 31:10

“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.”

The Proverbs 31 woman is everything admirable in both a woman and a wife. And as someone once said, she isn’t the yardstick by which all woman are measured. Rather she’s the beautiful goal we as women should be moving toward. When asked to describe beauty author Mandy Hale wrote, “There is nothing more beautiful than someone who goes out of their way to make life beautiful for others.” That’s who the Proverbs 31 woman is. Clothed in strength and dignity, her heart is surrendered in thankfulness to God. And out of that thankfulness, comes a character worthy of her family’s praise. A character exampling humility, caring, wisdom, and goodness. Her beauty radiates from the glory of the Lord, sparkling brighter than the largest diamond. Her is love spread to those who cares for with every touch. And with hearts overflowing her family looks upon her with praise, treasuring her greater than the most precious jewel.

July 26th – Proverbs 31:10 Read More »

July 25th – Proverbs 11:22

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Proverbs 11:22

“As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a beautiful women who lacks discretion.”

If there ever was a man who knew about women, it was Solomon. 1 Kings 11:3 tells us, “He had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines”. Talk about a harem! And from his experiences he knew he had no use for a women lacking discretion. As unflattering as this proverb is, it reiterates the message found throughout the Bible. God wants our beauty to radiate from within. Physical beauty is overrated. And those who count on their looks to get through life will be sorely disappointed when those same looks are lost to old age. Better instead to develop the characteristics that time can not erase. Sharon Hodde Miller described it this way it, “A woman’s beauty might open some doors for her, but it is her character that will be her ultimate success. Beauty may attract a man, but faithfulness and respect is what will enable her dating relationships, and ultimately marriage, to last.”  Because no matter how you patch it, paint it, or plump it, a pretty face can never hide an ugly soul.

July 25th – Proverbs 11:22 Read More »

July 24th – Proverbs 24:11

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Proverbs 24:11

“Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter.”

The Bible is very clear in warning us that our noses are better off kept in our own business. Yet there are times when we are called as Christians to speak up and speak out. Times when we see an atrocity, injustice, or abuse. It is then, we are told, to take action, especially in protecting the innocent. Which is why God also commissions us to go out and share the Gospel. For just as important as pulling someone from the path of a speeding car, so is sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. Because it is a life saver to those walking the path of certain death and destruction. A transforming message, it brings hope to the hopeless, and delivers those trapped in darkness and despair. And although we aren’t responsible for another’s salvation, we are responsible to plant the seed of God’s saving grace. For we are His ambassadors on this earth. And as such should be dedicated to rescuing souls and leading them toward the light of salvation.

July 24th – Proverbs 24:11 Read More »

July 23rd – Proverbs 16:1

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Proverbs 16:1

“The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.”

We’ve all heard the expression, “Man plans and God laughs.” But although a funny way to describe the unpredictability of life, it’s hardly the truth. Because nowhere in the Bible does God tells us not to plan ahead. In fact it would be rather foolish to live life by the seat of our pants. And if He didn’t want us to make plans, God wouldn’t have given us the gift of free will to make choices and decisions for ourselves. A free will which allows us to take responsibility for our actions, learn from our experiences, and grow on our spiritual journey. Our Father understands that we each have our own intentions and desires. But for our good, it’s essential to surrender them to the wisdom and will of the Lord. To be open to His guidance, and trust in the path He chooses. For He knows us better than we know ourselves, loves us beyond measure, and wants only the best for our lives. And in Jeremiah 29:11 God gives us His beautiful promise that the wonderful plans He has for us include, “a future and a hope.”

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July 22nd – Proverbs 11:4

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Proverbs 11:4

“Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.”

The one thing this world loves is wealth. And the more you have, the more you’re admired. But as the saying goes, “You can’t take it with you.” Jesus is returning soon. And on that glorious day, no amount of wealth can buy a place in the kingdom of heaven. For the admission was paid for by Jesus Christ, and only by accepting His free gift of salvation can we have eternal life. Our time on earth is running short. And the true measure of our worth lies not in what we possess, but what we leave behind. As Christians our legacy should one of love, kindness, and compassion towards others. The only true treasures worth having are those we store up in heaven. (Matt. 6:19-20) Treasures including loving others, sharing the gospel, good fruit, endurance, and faith. Better than gold, these treasures are imperishable and everlasting. And the greatest of them all, is the living hope we receive through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:3-4)

July 22nd – Proverbs 11:4 Read More »

July 21st – Proverbs 26:17

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Proverbs 26:17

“Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own.”

No one in their right mind would approach an unknown stray dog and grab it by its ears. Because if you did, you’d likely get bit. Similarly, Solomon says when we butt into another’s quarrel, we’re just asking for trouble. In our age of social media, people are quick to jump on the bandwagon of mob thinking. People, even Christians, join heated debates and pile-on criticisms without fully understanding the context. That’s why we need to mind our own business and not get involved with things that don’t concern us. As followers of Jesus, our focus should be on living out His teachings, sharing the Good News, and spreading love. Engaging in unnecessary conflicts can distract us from our true purpose and lead us away from the path of righteousness. By exercising restraint and discernment, we can avoid being drawn into situations that only serve to sow seeds of discord. Minding our own business allows us to prioritize the pursuit of spiritual growth and reflecting the light of Christ in everything we do.

July 21st – Proverbs 26:17 Read More »

July 20th- Proverbs 3:12

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Proverbs 3:12

“For whom the LORD loves He reproves, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.”

There’s a quote which says, “Discipline doesn’t break a child’s spirit half as often as the lack of it breaks a parent’s heart.” No one one wants to be punished. Even if it comes with a promise of being for our own good. But not only can we take solace from God’s discipline, but delight in His correction. Because as our loving Father, God desires a close relationship with His children and only the very best for us. And His discipline is an expression of this love, not a form of punishment meant to harm or condemn. Just as a parent corrects their child out of love and concern for their well-being, God’s discipline is intended to guide and shape us. To lead us away from harmful paths and towards His intended purpose for our lives. So even though the consequences of our actions may be painful for a season, we can rejoice because God’s love remains steadfast. And because of that love He refuses to leave us undisciplined.

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July 19th – Proverbs 21:9

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Proverbs 21:9

“It is better to live in a corner of the roof than in a house shared with a contentious woman”

I remember watching an episode of Dr. Phil where a couple were arguing back and forth. Finally after hearing a laundry list of complaints from the wife, Dr. Phil looked at her and asked, “Do you want to be right or do you want to be happy?” Throughout Proverbs Solomon warns about women he calls contentious or quarrelsome. And when we read what he says, we as women may feel a bit indignant. After all what’s wrong with being a women with an opinion and not afraid to defend it? But it’s important to know that never does Solomon say that women should be seen and not heard. That we shouldn’t speak our minds, or share our feelings. His point is this. Often times the problem doesn’t lie in the message, but rather the delivery. For nothing makes people shut down faster than approaching them in an argumentative, contentious, or quarrelsome way. Instead we should seek ways to resolve conflicts peacefully and respectfully. Gently and lovingly fostering an environment of understanding and compromise.

July 19th – Proverbs 21:9 Read More »