In General... and Personal

 Proverbs 19:
24 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish
    and will not even bring it back to his mouth.
25 Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence;
    reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge.
26 He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother
    is a son who brings shame and reproach.
27 Cease to hear instruction, my son,
    and you will stray from the words of knowledge.

As we read through wise saying after wise saying, we can feel our heads nod in agreement with what is being pictured here for us. Lazy people become increasingly lazy. Discipline is good for all. Dishonor to parents brings shame to the one who does so.  But then, we come to verses like the last one above: "I'm talking to you, son." This is not just general knowledge. It is sage advice given in love to others we care about: children, grandchildren, and spiritual children. This is practical discipleship.  Actions and words reveal character.  An arrogant boldness does not indicate strength, but self-centered overconfidence. Submission and humility reveal understanding and prudence.  May we read these words as spoken to us.

How to Discourage Others...

 Proverbs 17:
22 A joyful heart is good medicine,
    but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
23 The wicked accepts a bribe in secret
    to pervert the ways of justice.
24 The discerning sets his face toward wisdom,
    but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.
25 A foolish son is a grief to his father
    and bitterness to her who bore him.
26 To impose a fine on a righteous man is not good,
    nor to strike the noble for their uprightness.

Discouragement.  It's one of the favorite tools of Satan.  It comes in different designs: harsh words, injustice, uncontrolled desires, foolish lifestyles, even abuse.  These things can leave a person beaten down, broken, heartbroken, bitter, and hopeless. But the proverbs also point to the opposite. Surrounded by these verses are sprinklings of words of discernment, love, and peace.  We have the potential for good influence instead of bad. May we choose wisely today.

Words for Evaluation of Both

 

Proverbs 16:

24 Gracious words are like a honeycomb,
    sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
25 There is a way that seems right to a man,
    but its end is the way to death.
26 A worker's appetite works for him;
    his mouth urges him on.
27 A worthless man plots evil,
    and his speech is like a scorching fire.
28 A dishonest man spreads strife,
    and a whisperer separates close friends.

As we look at these proverbs, we cannot help but notice that these clusters of truth help us not only to look on others and determine how to weigh their influence on us, but also to use them for self-evaluation.  Do my words, as well as those I interact with, contribute to peace and encouragement, or to strife and disunity? As I look ahead, where will this path lead? Am I looking for fulfillment by using what God has entrusted to me, or am I always looking for the easy way out? These questions help us evaluate our own speech and actions, and the validity of what others send our way.

It All Comes Out Somehow...

 Proverbs 15:

26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord,

    but gracious words are pure.
27 Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household,
    but he who hates bribes will live.
28 The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer,
    but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
29 The Lord is far from the wicked,
    but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

In Proverbs, Wisdom(personified) makes it clear to us what God is looking for in our lives. He is looking at our words, motives, words, and actions to see how we really feel towards Him and towards others. The thoughts and motives end up coming out somehow in words and actions. Eventually we say something that shows what we really believe - be it in hasty, impure, or vicious words to or about others, or in our words to or about God.  It's not just a matter of putting a filter on your mouth, but pondering and purifying your heart and mind.

Rapid Fire Wisdom

 

Proverbs 14:23 In all toil there is profit,
    but mere talk tends only to poverty.
24 The crown of the wise is their wealth,
    but the folly of fools brings folly.
25 A truthful witness saves lives,
    but one who breathes out lies is deceitful.
26 In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence,
    and his children will have a refuge.
27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,
    that one may turn away from the snares of death.

When we get to the middle of the Proverbs, we find one after another wise sayings which go from one topic to another.  Such is the wisdom Solomon had asked of God as he began his rule. Wisdom helps whatever comes up during any day in life, be it finances, speech, relationships or faith.  Wisdom includes hard work, self-control, honesty, humility, and sincere faith in God. It's one big picture of life worth living as opposed to the foolishness of life lived without God and His truth. Each proverb is worth savoring and taking to heart, as well as bringing together with all the others about the same topic. They give life stability.

Diligence Does

 Proverbs 12:24-27

The hand of the diligent will rule,
    while the slothful will be put to forced labor.
25 Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down,
    but a good word makes him glad.
26 One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor,
    but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
27 Whoever is slothful will not roast his game,
    but the diligent man will get precious wealth.
28 In the path of righteousness is life,
    and in its pathway there is no death.

We live in an anxious generation. Many live in a constant state of worry and waiting for the worst.  To be sure, there are many concerns in the world, near and far, but there always have been since the Fall.  Wisdom speaks up and says: "Be Diligent. Do what you can and trust God for the rest.  You will be blessed and bless those around you.

Whoever...

 Proverbs 11:25 Whoever brings blessing will be enriched,
    and one who waters will himself be watered.
26 The people curse him who holds back grain,
    but a blessing is on the head of him who sells it.
27 Whoever diligently seeks good seeks favor,
    but evil comes to him who searches for it.
28 Whoever trusts in his riches will fall,
    but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.
29 Whoever troubles his own household will inherit the wind,
    and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.

Don't hold back from giving to others.  If there is one principle threaded throughout these verses, it is that one needs to hand whatever he has wisely and generously. The one who holds back, always wants more, and puts his trust in his wealth will only bring trouble not only to himself, but to his household and others who need his help.  Such a way of living misses out on much: other blessings God has for us, watching our family flourish, and experiencing the joy of watching others have their needs met by God working through us. Don't miss out!

Righteousness Is No Joke

 

Proverbs 10:23 Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool,
    but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.
24 What the wicked dreads will come upon him,
    but the desire of the righteous will be granted.
25 When the tempest passes, the wicked is no more,
    but the righteous is established forever.
26 Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes,
    so is the sluggard to those who send him.
27 The fear of the Lord prolongs life,
    but the years of the wicked will be short.
28 The hope of the righteous brings joy,
    but the expectation of the wicked will perish.

We've all known people whose lives are blatantly sinful. They live with no thought of God and ae without hope. Then there are those who "acknowledge" God and laugh off their wickedness They are indeed foolish and revel in it. All of us need the same thing: righteousness. We do not have it on our own. God offers and provides it in Christ. He brings the change we all need. He gives us the desire to do what is right and the hope, joy, and fulfillment we all need and desire. Don't try to laugh off your sin. It will only haunt you.

Ageless Wisdom Is Watching, Cheering Us on...

 

Proverbs 8:
25 Before the mountains had been shaped,
    before the hills, I was brought forth,
26 before he had made the earth with its fields,
    or the first of the dust of the world.
27 When he established the heavens, I was there;
    when he drew a circle on the face of the deep,
28 when he made firm the skies above,
    when he established the fountains of the deep,
29 when he assigned to the sea its limit,
    so that the waters might not transgress his command,
when he marked out the foundations of the earth,
30     then I was beside him, like a master workman,
and I was daily his delight, rejoicing before him always,
31 rejoicing in his inhabited world
    and delighting in the children of man.

As we continue to listen to wisdom personified, we are reminded that she has always been around, watching us from the creation of the world.  She is cheering us on, reminding us of what God has told us and taught us and how much He cares for us.  Wisdom does not keep us from enjoying life; rather she guides us into the abundant life God gave us to enjoy.

It's Deeper than You Think...

 Proverbs 7:24 

And now, O sons, listen to me,
    and be attentive to the words of my mouth.
25 Let not your heart turn aside to her ways;
    do not stray into her paths,
26 for many a victim has she laid low,
    and all her slain are a mighty throng.
27 Her house is the way to Sheol,
    going down to the chambers of death.

As we look at Solomon's call to his sons (and all young men by extension, we find that his warning is more than a physical and emotional one.  A close look at this chapter reveals that this tempting woman of foolishness, who leads one away from wisdom, is also very involved in idol worship, having come from worshipping a pagan god (verse 14). Solomon knew what he was talking about, as we find he himself had been led astray from God through his many wives and concubines from pagan peoples.  It's all wrapped up together.  Satan's attacks are not merely physical and emotional; he is aiming to draw us away from the true and living God. Be on your guard in every situation, relationship, and encounter.

Don't Get Burned!

 Proverbs 6:25 Do not desire her beauty in your heart,
    and do not let her capture you with her eyelashes;
26 for the price of a prostitute is only a loaf of bread,
    but a married woman hunts down a precious life.
27 Can a man carry fire next to his chest
    and his clothes not be burned?
28 Or can one walk on hot coals
    and his feet not be scorched?
29 So is he who goes in to his neighbor's wife;
    none who touches her will go unpunished.

Proverbs is full of practical wisdom for daily life, including relationship advice.  These principles come from the heart of an all-wise God, who gives not only commands, but warnings against breaking those commands.  Such is the case of relationships. It begins with a glance that turns to a stare, then goes deeper into the mind and heart. It is ensnaring. As the old saying goes: "It is playing with fire."  Don't go there. You'll only get burned.  God has made a safe haven for intimacy between husband and wife. Anywhere else and people get hurt. 

Stay on the Straight Path

 

Proverbs 4:23 Keep your heart with all vigilance,
    for from it flow the springs of life.
24 Put away from you crooked speech,
    and put devious talk far from you.
25 Let your eyes look directly forward,
    and your gaze be straight before you.
26 Ponder the path of your feet;
    then all your ways will be sure.
27 Do not swerve to the right or to the left;
    turn your foot away from evil.

A recurring theme in Proverbs is looking at life as a path to walk.  It's not that the pathway is always easy or straight like a freeway, but that it is the safe place to stay.  It avoids things to trip over, fall into, and to which we can become prey.  Wisdom calls like a father to the son: "Keep your heart on the right path: following Christ, focused on obedience, living for good."

The Security of Wisdom

 

Proverbs 3:21 My son, do not lose sight of these—
    keep sound wisdom and discretion,
22 and they will be life for your soul
    and adornment for your neck.
23 Then you will walk on your way securely,
    and your foot will not stumble.
24 If you lie down, you will not be afraid;
    when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror
    or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes,
26 for the Lord will be your confidence
    and will keep your foot from being caught.

Like with the Psalms, we often like to pick and choose verses from Proverbs without reading the whole chapter or context. We love verses 5 and 6 of this chapter but fail to go any further. This whole chapter is full of wisdom, which gives much more than direction. It will give us security - the kind of security which will allow us to rest easy, even in the stormiest of nights.

Rebuked by Wisdom

 

Proverbs 1:

24 Because I have called and you refused to listen,

    have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded,
25 because you have ignored all my counsel
    and would have none of my reproof,
26 I also will laugh at your calamity;
    I will mock when terror strikes you,
27 when terror strikes you like a storm
    and your calamity comes like a whirlwind,
    when distress and anguish come upon you.

The book of Proverbs masterfully personifies Wisdom as a counselor who beckons us to listen, learn, and respond to her counsel.  The problem is: we are often too stubborn to head her voice. Wisdom can rightly respond: "I told you so."  In this except Wisdom sounds almost mean, until we look at the context. Wisdom has been crying out, begging us to listen.  Since we will not, she knows that the only way we will learn is to reap a harvest of hurt and learn the hard way.  She rebukes out of truth and love.  Will we heed her voice as she calls to us today?

His Steadfast Love Endures Forever!

 

Psalm 136:
23 It is he who remembered us in our low estate,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;
24 and rescued us from our foes,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;
25 he who gives food to all flesh,
    for his steadfast love endures forever.
26 Give thanks to the God of heaven,
    for his steadfast love endures forever.

The psalmist begins and ends with this call to give thanks to God for His steadfast love. He goes through a brief history of God's provision and deliverance to prove that not only is God the only One Who can do these things, but that He is the only One who consistently does them. He is the One and Only, the great Lover of His people, who sticks it out, even when we are often so stubborn.  May we give thanks to Him today at home and with His people. 

What to Cling to...

 

Psalm 119:25 My soul clings to the dust;
    give me life according to your word!
26 When I told of my ways, you answered me;
    teach me your statutes!
27 Make me understand the way of your precepts,
    and I will meditate on your wondrous works.
28 My soul melts away for sorrow;
    strengthen me according to your word!
29 Put false ways far from me
    and graciously teach me your law!
30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
    I set your rules before me.
31 I cling to your testimonies, O Lord;
    let me not be put to shame!
32 I will run in the way of your commandments
    when you enlarge my heart!

David was clinging to the earth, the things of this world and the sorrows it brings. He was run down into the ground.  He needed to let go of all that is false, all that robs of true life, and cling instead to the truth of God's Word. Things having changed a bit. What are you clinging to?

A Psalm of Songs

 Psalm 118:22 The stone that the builders rejected
    has become the cornerstone.
23 This is the Lord's doing;
    it is marvelous in our eyes.
24 This is the day that the Lord has made;
    let us rejoice and be glad in it.
25 Save us, we pray, O Lord!
    O Lord, we pray, give us success!
26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
    We bless you from the house of the Lord.

Some of the Psalms are full of songs.  People have plucked them out of context for just those phrases that stick out. This psalm is a wonderful read for a few reasons. It was sung as people went to worship, making it a song for meditation when we do so. Secondly, as we read we find a number of those well-known verses that have become songs in themselves. Thirdly, of course, this is a psalm with Messianic tones. Take time to read through the whole psalm, both seeing songs you recognize, and maybe finding some new verses to start your day.

What to Do with Wagging Heads...

 Psalm 109:21 But you, O God my Lord,
    deal on my behalf for your name's sake;
    because your steadfast love is good, deliver me!
22 For I am poor and needy,
    and my heart is stricken within me.
23 I am gone like a shadow at evening;
    I am shaken off like a locust.
24 My knees are weak through fasting;
    my body has become gaunt, with no fat.
25 I am an object of scorn to my accusers;
    when they see me, they wag their heads.
26 Help me, O Lord my God!
    Save me according to your steadfast love!

In many of David's psalms like this one, we find he is facing opposition.  He is weary of the way he has been treated by others. He is worn out and down. He can hear the murmurs and see the shaking heads. What do you do with that? Call out to God for help - based not on how good you are, but how faithful and loving God is. By the end of your prayer, you'll be saying with David: 

30 With my mouth I will give great thanks to the Lord;

    I will praise him in the midst of the throng.

31 For he stands at the right hand of the needy one,

    to save him from those who condemn his soul to death.

Give Thanks and Praise the Lord 3: The Storm Stiller

 Psalm 107:23 Some went down to the sea in ships,

    doing business on the great waters;
24 they saw the deeds of the Lord,
    his wondrous works in the deep.
25 For he commanded and raised the stormy wind,
    which lifted up the waves of the sea.
26 They mounted up to heaven; they went down to the depths;
    their courage melted away in their evil plight;
27 they reeled and staggered like drunken men
    and were at their wits' end.
28 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
    and he delivered them from their distress.
29 He made the storm be still,
    and the waves of the sea were hushed.

This third consecutive psalm again begins with "Give Thanks to the Lord", and near the end wraps up: "let them praise Him in the presence of the elders." The psalmist again speaks of those who have rebelled against God, only to call out to Him and have Him hear. He truly is the Storm Stiller of our souls. 

Give Thanks and Praise the Lord 2

 Psalm 106:24 Then they despised the pleasant land,
    having no faith in his promise.
25 They murmured in their tents,
    and did not obey the voice of the Lord.
26 Therefore he raised his hand and swore to them
    that he would make them fall in the wilderness,
27 and would make their offspring fall among the nations,
    scattering them among the lands.

Like Psalm 105, this next psalm begins and ends with "Give Thanks" and "Praise the Lord," respectively.  But what we find in between is much different.  Instead of focusing in on how good and faithful God is, we find a lot of how complaining and unfaithful His people can be. The complain about where He takes them, what He feeds them, the water He gives them, and quickly and easily turn to idols, complaining, criticizing, and always wanting more and more. We are called upon to not fall back into those same old spiritual ruts, returning to our old ways and trying to break loose from the hand that gently guides and provides.  What will today be? May it not just begin and end with thanksgiving and praise, but be filled with it in between.