Proverbs

July 10th – Proverbs 4:4

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Proverbs 4:4

“Then he taught me, and he said to me, ‘Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live.”

There’s a reason the Bible is the best selling book of all time. Because in it can found the perfect blueprint for life. Solomon’s father David knew the life saving benefits of believing and following God’s Word. And so he ingrained the need to know and study the Lord’s commandments into his son. Words echoed by Solomon to all who seek wisdom. God’s Word provides much needed guidance, discernment, and direction for every aspect of our lives. Through the stories, parables, and teachings it contains we can find answers to life’s deepest questions, discover the character of God, and learn how to live according to His will. The Bible shows example after example of love, forgiveness, and redemption. Which in turn inspires us to live with compassion, humility, and integrity. More than just a good book, God’s Word is alive, active, and sharper than any double-edged sword. (Heb. 4:12) And if we follow it teachings, will point us to a meaningful and Christlike life.

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July 9th – Proverbs 27:6

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Proverbs 27:6

“Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.”

When speaking about friends and enemies Mark Twain once said, “It takes your enemy and your friend, working together, to hurt you to the heart. The one to slander you and the other to get the news to you.” Sometimes friendship involves having the courage to speak the truth, even when it may be difficult or uncomfortable. But we must check our heart motives when sharing truth. Are we sharing with a spirit of love, kindness, and good intentions? Or are we sharing out of an eagerness to gossip? When sharing with our friends, it’s essential to approach those conversations with humility. And with the intention of seeking to understand and support others rather than tearing them down. Or worse yet, to embarrass or hurt them. True Christian friendship is anchored in truth, as it seeks to build each other up in love and righteousness. And true Christian friends are those committed to speaking truth in love, gently correcting and encouraging one another to grow in faith.

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July 8th – Proverbs 15:6

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Proverbs 15:6

“In the house of the righteous is much treasure, but trouble befalls the income of the wicked.”

As a teenager I remember watching the television program, “Lifestyles of the Rich and a famous.” Oh how I longed for such a life filled with glitz and glamour. Greed is a powerful desire. And if we aren’t careful, that desire can be the downfall of even the strongest Christian. Because the pull of wanting more can lead us to do things that we may end up regretting for a lifetime. That’s why it’s so important to lead a life of righteousness and integrity. Important to recognize that true wealth lies in a relationship with God.  And that the most precious treasures are the spiritual ones that come from living a Christ-centered life. Anything we get apart from God and through ill gotten gains maybe give us a moment of pleasure, but will always lead to destruction. But unlike worldly treasures that fade or can be lost, the treasures given to us by God are eternal and unchanging. They remind us of His unwavering faithfulness, abundant provision, and unconditional love for us. And more far more precious than any amount of gold.

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July 7th – Proverbs 17:24

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Proverbs 17:24

“Wisdom is before him who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.”

One of the Hebrew words used to describe foolishness is “nabal.” It means someone who has lost spiritual perception, the one always searching for something. In our fast-paced and consumer-driven society, everywhere we turn we are we enticed by the newest trends, technologies, and experiences. No wonder we are always looking for the latest and greatest. But Solomon warns us about the dangers of constantly chasing after the next best thing. Because the pursuit of instant gratification and the constant need to keep up with the Jones can leave us feeling empty and unsatisfied. Instead of being driven by the fleeting desires of the moment, we should focus on developing a deeper understanding of ourselves and our values. By doing so, we can make more meaningful choices and find contentment in the present. Rather than constantly chasing after the next shiny object. By focusing on what truly matters, we can make wiser choices, set meaningful goals, and lead a purposeful life.

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July 6th – Proverbs 27:1

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Proverbs 27:1

“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.”

I’m a list maker. I love to sit down with a cup of hot coffee and make a list of things I need to do for the day. My lists keep me organized. And I get a small feeling of accomplishment as I cross off each task at its completion. Yet most days the list I start with gets thrown out the window. Because in this world things happen, plans change, and problems occur. No wonder Robert Burns famously said, “the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” That’s why Solomon encourages us to approach each day with humility. Recognizing that our plans and aspirations may be subject to change at any moment. Each day we get is a gift from God, and our lives are subject to His will alone. So while we can make plans, we should also be open to God’s redirection and trust in His ultimate purpose for our lives. As Christians we need to make plans with the understanding that God is control of the future. All we need do is remain receptive to His leading and guidance throughout out journey.

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July 5th – Proverbs 13:3

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Proverbs 13:3

“Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.”

Social media has become a powerful platform. People around the world can share opinions, thoughts, and ideas instantly. But there are those who use the the internet as a means to express divisive opinions and engage in heated debates. These “keyboard warriors,” couldn’t care less about the consequences of their words, or the hurt they cause. That’s why Christians should heed the warning of Solomon to exercise caution and wisdom in our speech. Because when we succumb to the temptation of acting like the world, being aggressive, rude, or purposely hurtful online, we risk tarnishing our witness and hinder spreading the Gospel. The world is watching, so it’s crucial for believers to remember that our words and behavior carry weight. And they have the potential to either draw people closer to God or drive them further away. Thats why even the words we type should be peppered with discernment, grace, and a genuine desire to build bridges rather than win arguments.

 

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July 4th – Proverbs 3:3

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Proverbs 3:3

“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.”

How many of us wear a Cross necklace to remember our Savior? Well Solomon tells us the necklace we should be wearing is one that says “Hesed”, meaning loving faithfulness. And not only should “Hesed” adorn our necks, but more importantly be tattooed upon our hearts. Why? As a reminder to prioritize love and faithfulness as guiding principles in all we do and say. Love compels us to show kindness, compassion, and empathy towards others. Faithfulness calls us to be trustworthy, reliable, and true to our word. Jesus is the perfect embodiment of loving faithfulness. And He serves as a beacon of hope and an example to follow. For the Lord reminds us of the boundless love of God and encourages us to extend that love and faithfulness to others. By imitating Jesus’ compassionate heart and unwavering commitment, we can become vessels of his love in a broken world. And take up His banner of spreading His message of hope, forgiveness, and redemption to a desperate world.

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July 3rd – Proverbs 23:17

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Proverbs 23:17

“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but live in the fear of the Lord always. Surely there is a future.”

In the world we live wealth, fame, and power are celebrated above all else. Our televisions, magazines, and Internet are all inundated with images and stories of the rich and famous. We see their seemingly perfect lives and think they have it all. And we’re filled with envy. We wonder why that can’t be us. Easily we buy into Satan’s lie that God is holding out on us. Keeping us from all the wonderful things the world offers. And we think that if we only had what they had our lives would be easier and we’d be happier. But Satan is the father of lies. Material things may fill our lives but can never fill our hearts, nor provide the comfort of resting in the eternal promises of Jesus. That’s why we can trust God. He sees from beginning to end. And He knows that although things may look and feel good to us, in actuality they lead us to perish. God is the One who truly loves us, and so He calls us away things He knows aren’t good for us. For only in Him alone can all worthy things be found, and abiding in Him is where the true treasure lies.

 

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July 2nd – Proverbs 2:11

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Proverbs 2:11

“Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.”

We all know that a split second decision can lead to lasting consequences. That’s why it’s so important to have discretion. Discretion can be defined as mature and sound insight or the ability to avoid words, actions, and attitudes which could result in undesirable consequences. By cultivating discretion, we can make informed decisions and navigate through life’s challenges more effectively. And hand in hand with discretion is understanding. Understanding acts as a shield, protecting us from hasty judgments and impulsive actions. When we seek both discretion and understanding, and apply them to our lives, we can experience greater protection. Protection in our relationships and in the choices we make. Both are powerful tools given by God to safeguard us on our journey through life. Together, discretion and understanding become formidable allies, fortifying us against the destruction of impulsive actions and misunderstandings.

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July 1st – Proverbs 1:7

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Proverbs 1:7

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

There’s nothing worse than a know it all. Someone who refuses to accept any wisdom or teaching other than their own. But the Bible is clear. Only a fool thinks they have nothing new to learn. Especially from the Lord. Solomon the wisest man of all, tells us one of the best ways to learn is from the fear of the Lord. But when he speaks of the fear of the Lord, it’s not a paralyzing terror or dread, but rather a deep reverence, awe, and respect for the Almighty. An acknowledgement of His infinite power, wisdom, and sovereignty over all creation. The fear of the Lord is a healthy fear which drives us to seek understanding and insight from God. Because in all things, His ways are higher than our own. That’s why it’s so important for us to always be open, humble, and teachable. To have hearts and spirits eager to receive true knowledge. The kind that enabling us to discern truth from falsehood, make wise decisions, and navigate the complexities of life with integrity and discernment.

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