June 7, 2022
FOLLOW THE NARROW PATH There are those who say that there are many paths to God. They say that all religions are essentially the same, so it doesn’t really matter what you believe as long as you have faith. Yet, God’s Word says otherwise. For there are many paths that seem right, but only one
May 17, 2022
OUR HEART CONDITION AFFECTS OUR PERCEPTION This biblical proverb teaches the importance that attitude has on perception. If someone is “despondent,” meaning disheartened or discouraged, then even a sunny day appears stormy to them. But even on the darkest of days the one with a “happy heart” looks for a rainbow. Yet, how do
April 28, 2022
DO YOU REALLY KNOW HOW SOMEONE ELSE FEELS? John Donne wrote that “no man is an island,” illustrating his conviction that we should recognize the unity and commonality of all humanity. Yet, the Proverb teaches that there is within a man that which cannot be fully shared nor understood by another. For the depth of
April 9, 2022
THE POWER OF AN ENCOURAGING WORD Here we have another practical proverb given through Solomon. It has to do with the power of words and the effect they have on the hearer. Consider your words. Are they like a pressure cooker or a pressure release for others? When you see someone struggling with anxiety,
April 8, 2022
A PRACTICAL LEADERSHIP PROVERB The Spirit inspired Solomon to write many practical proverbs. This is one on how to become a leader. For many aspire to leadership, yet few know how to qualify. Many think this is due to politics or birthright. But the few who work hard and find themselves elevated know better. Leadership
March 23, 2022
THE GENEROUS AND REFRESHING LIFE OF THE OPEN HAND God’s Word promises that the one who is generous will be made rich. The promise is further illustrated by the phrase, “he who waters will also be watered himself.” Perhaps Solomon was sitting near the Jordan River when he wrote this proverb. As the snow melted
March 16, 2022
WISE LEADERSHIP SEEKS AND FOLLOWS WISE COUNSEL Just as it’s important for a nation to have “wise leadership,” so it is important for the individual and the family. This proverb gives a key principle in leadership, namely, seek wisdom from many counselors before making a decision. It has been said that those who don’t
October 18, 2021
HOW NOT TO ENCOURAGE A TROUBLED HEART 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 inappropriate, but inconsiderate. The one who would encourage, would first seek to understand the feelings of the hurting, and then
October 15, 2021
CAN YOU HAVE TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING? Solomon pondered the question, “Can you ever have too much of a good thing?” In short, his answer was in the affirmative. He advised that you should practice moderation, eating “only what you need,” so that you won’t make yourself sick. But we have a
July 31, 2021
THE GIFT OF SPIRITUAL RECEPTIVITY 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. The physical is obvious, but few recognize the spiritual. The first offers awareness of the physical world, the second makes