Proverbs

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“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.

“My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad; my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right” (Proverbs 23:15-16)

September 16, 2011

How godly parents feel when their children act wisely. Every parent wants healthy and well-educated kids, but wise parents aim past the outward to the heart. They shepherd their child’s heart to know and follow God.

“Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge” (Proverbs 23:12)

September 14, 2011

For real change to take place we must move knowledge from our heads to our hearts. All of us know better than we do. What we all need is heart change. Better to know and do one thing right than to know many things and do none of them. Pray for heart application.

“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared” (Proverbs 22:24-25)

September 7, 2011

Uncontrolled anger is like a forest fire. It consumes all who come near it. Why do we get angry? Usually because we do not get our way or our ego is offended. Are you angry today?

“Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him” (Proverbs 22:15)

September 2, 2011

In Proverbs, wisdom and righteousness go hand in hand, as do folly and sin. Parents are God’s instruments, called to shepherd their child’s hearts to Him. Your child’s folly is not cute. It is deadly. If you really love them, you will discipline them.