Proverbs

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“By justice a king gives a country stability, but one who is greedy for bribes tears it down” (Proverbs 29:4)

December 4, 2011

True for congressman, judges, senators and presidents too. Praying for leaders who are above bribery, leaders who fear God more than man (ie. special interest groups, lobbyists, media, etc.).

“He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe” (Proverbs 28:26)

December 1, 2011

A fool trusts himself while a wise man trusts God. Isn’t this the best definition of a fool? It’s also the root of sin. The attitude that says, “I will.” The wise person bends their will to God’s. Becoming wise we must root out all vestiges of self-will and fully submit ourselves to God.

“He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty” (Proverbs 28:19)

November 28, 2011

Some bounce from job to job and deal to deal looking for their big break. Others keep their head down and work with what they have. The former often end up empty while the latter prosper. Be thankful and get busy with what you have now.

“Blessed is the man who always fears the LORD, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble” (Proverbs 28:14)

November 25, 2011

Happy and completely content is the one who reveres the Lord. This person fears the departure of the Lord’s presence. The one who says ‘No’ to the Lord develops a hardened and calloused heart that doesn’t notice His absence. Living life on their own they find trouble.

“If a man loudly blesses his neighbor early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse” (Proverbs 27:14)

November 12, 2011

Solomon must’ve been a late sleeper. He shows his sense of humor with this pithy observation. The difference between blessing and cursing isn’t just in the words we choose. It’s also our sense of timing.

“A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin” (Proverbs 26:28)

November 3, 2011

We underestimate the power of the tongue. Poor communication is often the core of disunity in the home, the church and in the workplace. Ask God to tame your tongue (James 3). Ask yourself whether your words are Spirit-filled or from the flesh. Words have power.

“Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control” (Proverbs 25:28)

October 21, 2011

Anything can come in or out. There is no gate or filter for what this one allows in his mind, heart and body. There is no control for what he spews out either. But the Fruit of the Spirit is love… and self-control. Let the Spirit rebuild your walls and be the guard at your gates.

“A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver” (Proverbs 25:11)

October 13, 2011

Words can be ugly and destructive or they can be so beautiful and encouraging that the hearer wants to wear them like jewelry. What kind of words do others hear from your mouth? Are they apt? Apt means not only appropriate but timely. Do you recognize the power of words?

“Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house” (Proverbs 24:27)

October 7, 2011

Good instruction for families and church planters too. Do the work first so that you have something to sustain the house. Otherwise, both will fail. For the church planter this is a good reminder to put outreach ahead of buildings. Families, a house does not a home make.

“By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures” (Proverbs 24:3-4)

September 25, 2011

Wisdom, understanding and knowledge are the possessions that build a great family. Better than homes, jobs and cars, these attributes are to be highly prized.