Proverbs

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“A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare” (Proverbs 15:1)

May 11, 2012

We want to give back as we get. It’s hard to be the one who gives the “gentle answer.” Yet this is the best way to defuse an escalating situation. This isn’t being a “doormat,” letting someone run over you. It’s actually a position of greater control, speaking the truth in love (Eph.4:15), not seeking to win, but to understand one another.

“Fear of the Lord is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death” (Proverbs 14:27)

May 6, 2012

Fear, respect, be in awe of God. Not because He is cruel or capricious, but because He is Creator and King. Fearing Him, we don’t have to fear anything else, including death itself.

“Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation” (Proverbs 14:9)

April 28, 2012

Psychologists tell us we shouldn’t feel guilty, saying, “Guilt is a relic of religion.” But the Bible says they are fools. Do you know why we feel guilty? Because we are. Rather than denying or medicating our guilt, why not acknowledge it and let the blood of Jesus remove it?

“Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest” (Proverbs 14:4)

April 25, 2012

Do you want a church or home that stays clean? Or one so filled with children and new believers that there’s always a mess to clean up? Healthy homes and churches are messy, loud places, where someone is always shoveling and sweeping to keep it clean. But they are full of life and beauty at harvest-time.

“Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them” (Proverbs 13:24)

April 23, 2012

Stop trying to be your toddler’s big sister or best buddy and be their Mom and Dad. Don’t bargain with your 2 year old. Make your “No” mean something. Your discipline becomes their self-discipline later. Loving parents discipline their children. Lazy parents don’t.

“Wise people think before they act; fools don’t—and even brag about their foolishness” (Proverbs 13:16)

April 20, 2012

Do you leap before you look? Do you speak before you listen? What decision is before you today that needs more thought and counsel before you act?

“Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything” (Proverbs 13:3)

April 13, 2012

Talk less, listen more and live longer. If you must talk, fill your mouth with God’s Word and repeat. How many relationships have been ruined by our many words? Try following the discipline of silence today.

“A wise child accepts a parent’s discipline; a mocker refuses to listen to correction” (Proverbs 13:1)

April 12, 2012

A child who mocks parental correction will mock authority as an adult too. This is not cute. It is dangerous. The wise parent aims deeper than outward compliance, training and praying for inward heart change. They understand the need to shepherd the child’s heart.

“The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray” (Proverbs 12:26)

April 10, 2012

Each advise according to their own thinking, so if you want what they have, follow their advice. Unfortunately, most of us just want someone to agree with us. Where do you go for wise counsel?

“Fear of the Lord lengthens one’s life, but the years of the wicked are cut short” (Proverbs 10:27)

March 6, 2012

Fear (awe, respect) of God and His Word are good for this life and for the next.