Proverbs

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“Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel” (Proverbs 12:10 ESV)

April 1, 2013

As believers we are called to steward God’s creation. This includes the way we treat both God’s creation and His creatures. Those who have a biblical worldview have an appropriate regard and balanced respect for all that God has made. Ironically, even today’s Deuteronomy reading includes instruction on not destroying fruit trees when taking possession of the promised land. A biblical worldview also gives a wise order of priority to our stewardship, rightly placing humanity as the crown of creation and therefore deserving of our highest respect.

“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered” (Proverbs 11:25 ESV)

March 23, 2013

The one who opens one hand to the Lord, and the other hand to those in need, finds that God’s blessing flows both to and through them. When God finds a giver, He entrusts them with a surplus knowing that they are trustworthy to keep on giving. But a miser never has enough. Misers are miserable, while givers are full of grace and joy.

“By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is overthrown” (Proverbs 11:11 ESV)

March 14, 2013

God calls us to be a blessing to the city in which we live. We are to bless and not curse. We are tempted to curse the darkness we see in the culture around us. But isn’t it better to light a candle, than to curse the dark? After all, aren’t we called to be salt and light? Where can you speak a word of blessing over your city today?

“The blessing of the LORD makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it” (Proverbs 10:22 ESV)

March 2, 2013

Worldly riches are temporary and so is the happiness they bring, for they always contain trouble as well. The ‘new car’ smell always wears off. The new roof eventually leaks. Moth and rust destroy and thieves steal. But the blessing of the Lord is eternal and adds no trouble. His blessing cannot be earned, only received. Which do you seek?

“When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent” (Proverbs 10:19 ESV)

February 28, 2013

The more one talks, the greater the likelihood of sinning. The wise man keeps silent, actively listening to others before carefully choosing words of response. Try talking less and listening more today. Ask the Lord to help you hear His voice and to hear the voices of others before uttering a word yourself.

“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses” (Proverbs 10:12 ESV)

February 23, 2013

The heart without love is easily offendable. It looks for offense and strikes back to defend. It leaves a trail of broken relationships in its wake. But the heart of love is hard to offend because it thinks of others ahead of itself. It has no need to defend or protect because love is its strong tower. Where ever the heart of love goes, healing and reconciliation happen. Are you overly sensitive and easily offendable? Ask God to examine your heart.

“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight” (Proverbs 4:7)

January 21, 2013

The first step for growing in wisdom is a desire to do so. Those who grow in wisdom, seek after it. There is a kind of wisdom that the world admires, but it does not lead to true understanding and life. The wisdom that God gives is life. Do you want this wisdom? Then, ask, seek, knock… and it will be given to you.

“Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold” (Proverbs 3:13-14)

January 14, 2013

This wisdom is best understood as a full and growing knowledge of God’s Word combined with the understanding of how to rightly apply it to life’s circumstances. There is a way of thinking that the world calls wise, but it is foolishness to God and leads to death. The wisdom of God leads to blessing and eternal life.

“Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine” (Proverbs 3:9-10)

January 12, 2013

The Hebrew verb “honor” (kabad) may also be translated “give glory to” or “to give weight to, weighty.” The idea is that we recognize the Lord as the Owner and Giver of all things. We give our “firstfruits” to the Lord to show that we put Him first. Many say that they honor God, but it is merely lip service. Do you give “honor” (priority, glory, weight) to the Lord?

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV)

January 10, 2013

Rather than depending on your own wisdom, depend on God’s. Put your utmost confidence in Him and in His Word for your decision-making. And as you do, give Him the credit for everything, worshiping and thanking Him in all things. In so doing, we can stop worrying about tomorrow, entrusting the future into His hands.