May 12, 2024
“A gentle tongue is a tree of life” (Proverbs 15:4 ESV). In our One Year Bible reading today I was looking for something to say to bless and encourage mothers. This passage from Proverbs seemed appropriate. I often remember the gentle words of my mother. She always sought to encourage her children and grandchildren with
April 29, 2024
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death” (Proverbs 14:12 ESV). Many today claim to have found a new and better “way.” Some say theirs is the way of freedom. Others claim their way is as good as any other. “Aren’t all ways the same?”
March 10, 2024
“Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death” (Proverbs 11:4 ESV). Wealth is useful when facing human justice. It pays for attorneys and even judges of a certain type. Yet, riches do not profit when we face the judgment seat of God. All the treasure in the world is
February 28, 2024
“When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent” (Proverbs 10:19 ESV). The more one talks, the greater the likelihood of sinning. The wise man “restrains his lips,” keeping silent and actively listening to others before carefully choosing words of response. Try talking less and listening more today. Ask
February 1, 2024
“There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.” (Proverbs
January 24, 2024
“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life” (Proverbs 4:23 ESV). Solomon instructed his son to keep his heart. In other words, he wanted his son to guard his heart, being careful about where his passions and desires led him. Certainly Solomon was an example of a man who
December 15, 2023
“Who but God goes up to heaven and comes back down? Who holds the wind in his fists? Who wraps up the oceans in his cloak? Who has created the whole wide world? What is his name—and his son’s name? Tell me if you know!” (Proverbs 30:4 NLT). Proverbs 30 contains the sayings of Agur,
October 18, 2023
“Singing cheerful songs to a person with a heavy heart is like taking someone’s coat in cold weather or pouring vinegar in a wound” (Proverbs 25:20 NLT). There are those who have never experienced loss that think the way to cheer up the one who has is by distraction. However, this response is not only
August 11, 2023
“Haughty eyes, a proud heart, and evil actions are all sin” (Proverbs 21:4 NLT). This proverbs speaks to the reality that sin is more than an action, but is preceded by an attitude and heart condition. Jesus addressed this reality in the Sermon on the Mount when he connected the prohibitions of the Decalogue with
July 31, 2023
“Ears to hear and eyes to see— both are gifts from the Lord” (Proverbs 20:12 NLT). One can have ears and eyes, yet still be deaf and blind. The Lord has made both the physical and the spiritual ability to hear and see. Both are grace. Both are gifts. The physical is obvious, but few