Reflections on Proverbs

Proverbs 15

2010-03-15T06:18:00.001-05:00

by Ann

Scattered throughout Proverbs 15 are quite a few verses about the power of our speech for good or for evil.

When we as a church family only interact with one another on church days, it’s fairly easy to always know how to say the right words and interact the right ways to indicate that relationships are good. But, it doesn’t take much digging to realize that in our family relationships we have taken on so much of the world that we do not know how to speak to one another with wisdom – we are fools in our interactions with our families.

Parents’ words to their children are harsh, biting, and sarcastic.

Children respond to parents with sassiness and retorts rather than respect.

Husbands and wives pick at one another and endure their marriages, not realizing what their relationships could and should be.

Meanwhile, because we do not know how to speak to our loved ones, we also do not know how to speak to our church family. So, we remain superficial. We do not relate. We do not mentor. We do not freely learn from one another. And, when tension arises the truth comes out and we begin to speak to others in our church family just as we speak to those in our nuclear family.

The results of a godly tongue are beautiful. Verse four says, “A soothing tongue is a tree of life”. May we begin to work on our tongues as a church family. May we learn to do so in our households and then let it bleed over into our churches such that we begin to share with one another without fear of what might be said to or about us. That we might deal with the tensions of church issues with godly responses. That our habit becomes to give a gentle answer that will turn away wrath, spread knowledge and make it acceptable, and give beautiful answers.

Proverbs 15 by Doug

2010-03-15T04:41:00.000-05:00

Proverbs 15:8 –>We are reminded here that what is in the heart is much more important than anything else. Sacrifices are of no use if your heart is far from God. Additionally, too often we're not very willing to make sacrifices that are truly valuable, and having a wicked heart lends itself to really cheating. Wicked hearts will sacrifice the things that should not be sacrificed. Meanwhile, we see that the upright need only pray. Why? Because their life is based in obedience, and so they will have sacrificed along the way.

Proverbs 15:16 –>What's more important to you?

Proverbs 15:17 –>RATATOUILLE!! Not just the movie, but the meal itself. By the way, the film is worth the watching because it actually illustrates Proverbs 15:16-17. Ratatouille, as a dish, is a meal of vegetables. It's considered a "peasant dish" because, well, it's for poor people. In the film, it's the center piece dish of changing the heart of the mean food critic. Why? Because he remembers that he grew up eating "poor" food, but surrounded by love. Now, he's got the best of all food, but his life is empty. The key characters learn the same things: great food isn't great without love and friendship. Look up at Proverbs 15:15 that the cheerful heart has a continual feast. Put it together. It's great stuff. Even with rats.

Proverbs 15:24 –> Is your life moving up? There is no neutrality---either it's going up, or it's going the wrong way.

Proverbs 15:32 –>I'm learning this lesson. The need to accept discipline, to instill it in my own life. It's not an easy lesson.

Proverbs 12 by Doug

2010-03-12T17:28:00.001-06:00

Proverbs 12:8 –>I think when you look at this, it doesn't preclude the perverse minded man being praised. He just gets to add despised to his resume as well. When you consider some of the men of history that we don't remember with fondness, we still praise their effectiveness. It's hard to tell how Germany fell to what it did in 1935-1945 without realizing the skill of Hitler or to fail to note the effective brutality of the Roman Emperors. The question for us is: will we use our insight well or be perverse with it?

Proverbs 12:16 –>Learn to hold back your anger. Then, take it to the Lord and let Him revenge it. By concealing it, you avoid dishonor. I've got to learn this better myself.

Proverbs 12:24 –>Are you willing to work? Why is it that we seem to think that attaining to leadership and greatness should entitle us to not work? True, focus on what you alone can do, but the diligent will rule, not the slacker.

Proverbs 12

2010-03-12T06:38:00.001-06:00

by Ann

Prov 12:4 (NASB) Wives, there is something we need to get through our heads – we have more power over our husbands than anyone else on the planet. We may not think so, considering the number of times we complain about asking them to do something that they refuse to do. But, in reality that proves the point. Our nagging can turn them off to something quicker than anything else. By contrast, our affirmation can build them up more than anything else can.

Women, we have a biblical responsibility to be our husbands’ crowns, but we as Christian women are much more frequently the rottenness in their bones. One look at the state of marriages in America – both inside and outside the church – shows that sad truth with crystal clarity.

What will it take? What do you need to do to be your husband’s crown today? What do I need to do to be my husband’s crown today? Need help? There are numerous practical books out there to give guidance. Grab one! Use it! Pray the prayers of The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian. Commit to the daily activities of The Love Dare by Stephen and Alex Kendrick. Simply go to Ephesians and read about wifely submission. Whatever it may be, let’s make a commitment today to be our husband’s crowns instead of rottenness to their bones no matter how hard it is to take that action. And the once today is over, let’s go to bed with the commitment that tomorrow we’ll do it all again until it becomes our habit!

Proverbs 11

2010-03-11T09:50:00.001-06:00

Looking at Proverbs 11:8 today:

8 The righteous is delivered from trouble, and the wicked walks into it instead. Proverbs 11:8 (ESV)

I find this interesting to consider. At first glance, this appears to tell us that righteous people won't have problems and the wicked people will get them instead.

Except that life shows us that this understanding isn't true. This week alone, I've read of Christians being killed for their faith in 3 separate countries. In Pakistan, 6 people were killed while at work with Compassion International, an organization that feeds starving children. It's hard to doubt that the wicked walked away from trouble while the righteous went undelivered, like a UPS overgood.

However, if you throw in the Biblical definition of righteousness, we start to get a better understanding. Take a look at Isaiah 53:6 :

6 All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned—every one—to his own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.

Isaiah 53:6 (ESV)

and again in Romans 3:10:

10 as it is written:

“None is righteous, no, not one;

Romans 3:10 (ESV)

So, even though we would account many people as being righteous, a Biblical standard does not.

Yet this hardly seems satisfactory. How could we worship a God who deemed that everyone should receive nothing but trouble?

Here's the glory of the Lord in the answer: when we accept Christ, it is His righteousness that counts for us. Take a read at Romans 5:1:

5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:1 (ESV)

That "justified" reflects a couple of things, but the most relevant right now is that followers of Christ as given credit, by the grace of God, for the righteousness that Christ has. His right-standing in the Law of God counts for us.

In light of eternity, the righteous are those who have the righteousness of Christ credited for them who are delivered from trouble. They are delivered from the wrath of God. Which, all in all, is a good deliverance to have.

Proverbs 11

2010-03-11T06:05:00.001-06:00

Prov 11:2 (NASB) Reading this verse is additionally powerful after reading Romans 2. The wisdom does not come through our knowledge or some superior standing. The wisdom comes through the humility of realizing that no work of the flesh brings about wisdom or purity – it is all bestowed to us as a result of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. When we begin to live with that mindset, oh how powerfully effective we will be!

************************************

Proverbs like these speak much about the progress and success of a righteous man, and yet we do not view ourselves as righteous. We know we are saved sinners, but how can we be so proud as to say we are righteous?

We can be counted among the righteous not because of our own righteous behavior but because of the imputed righteousness of our Savior. As we read verses like Prov 11:5-10, our mindset needs to change and we need to acknowledge Christ’s righteousness in us. Then and only then can we truly begin to grow in righteousness and see the results outlined in Proverbs – the life we so greatly long to live!

Proverbs 10

2010-03-10T06:30:00.001-06:00

by Ann

Prov 10:5 (NASB) Once upon a time, summer “vacation” was based on the fact that the children were needed to help on the farm at that specific time of year. Now it has become a break time – a time to do all of those “fun” things that there seems to be no time for during the school year.

Culture changes. Needs change. But, do we truly change our habits to match the changes in culture and needs?

I don’t know that I’m saying summer break in inherently bad. But, I wonder sometimes if we are using it as judiciously as we should. There is a harvest out there for us as Christians, and it requires no specific season for us to work it. There is always seed to sow. There are always hearts to tend. There is always harvest to reap. And yet, we take breaks.

I wonder if a mental shift is needed – a shift from the vacation idea to the change in work focus idea. Sometimes we do need to redirect. Sometimes we need a change. But, let’s not make that change be to stop working. Let it be just to make a shift in the type of work we do!

Prov 10:21 (NASB) Do we ever hold righteousness and the truth and wisdom that flows from it to be as critical to our survival as this? Do we equate our need for it to our need for food? We must learn! We must grow! Without the learning that proceeds from righteous wisdom we die, just as surely as if we were without food.

Proverbs 9

2010-03-09T06:41:00.001-06:00

by Ann

Prov 9:7-12 (NASB) As I read these verses, I have to ask myself once again how I receive instruction. In some ways it may seem as if I’m reading that rut into Proverbs, but I so greatly have to question myself in that area.

My heart and desire are to be considered among the wise and righteous. I love to learn. But, I don’t always want to be taught. When I have that attitude, I am counted among the scoffers and the fools.

Where do you fall? It isn’t enough to be willing to learn just from the Bible or another book you read – or even from established teachers like the preacher or your Sunday school teacher. It is important to be open to the teaching all around you. Discernment is crucial, because not all the input that comes your way is wise teaching. But, there will be days when God sends people along to teach who you are not thrilled about listening to. When that happens, will you be counted among the wise and righteous, or among the fools and scoffers?

The passages on either side of this passage show opposite inputs – wisdom and folly. Which will we heed?

Proverbs 9

2010-03-09T05:43:00.001-06:00

Proverbs 9:8:

8 Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you;
reprove a wise man, and he will love you.

Proverbs 9:8 (ESV)

This verse is highlighted to me today, as I'm at Preview Days for Mid-America Baptist Seminary. I'm hoping to finish my M.Div. through their distance learning program here, and wanted to take the opportunity to come see the new campus.

You see, I attended this seminary before. I didn't finish, and I don't know that we parted on the best of terms. I, personally, left upset. I don't think anyone with the seminary noticed I left.

Some of what I learned and received while I was here the first time was easy, and some was hard. Some was encouraging, and there was some that easily qualifies as a rebuke or as being reproved. What's reproved? Corrected, shown the truth in contrast to your own ideas.

I didn't always take kindly to the reproval. Point of fact, I left here with very little love for MABTS or for several professors.

Now, I'm back, hoping they'll take me back, realizing that one of the things I need is to learn, to grow, and to build the relationships that seminary fosters. Will I get some reproval while I'm at it? I'm fairly certain I will. I'm also certain that I need it.

All to that say, I'm hoping this is evidence I'm maturing a little, moving past the fool and into the wise man a bit better. I know I need that more than the Greek or the Hebrew, although I really want all the learning I can stand.

Doug

Proverbs 4

2010-03-04T08:05:00.001-06:00

Proverbs 4:26-27:

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.

Proverbs 4:26-27 (ESV)

What to say about this? Ponder the path of your feet! Consider where you are and where you're going. If you don't put your feet in the wrong place, you won't be in the wrong place.

Consider, for example, the number of stories of a marriage falling apart that begin with a spouse being by themselves in a place where being alone just wasn't good. Whether it was at a party or on a long trip or at a distant movie shoot location or in your own home on a rainy night. Why did your feet put you there?

Or the temptation to do other sinful things….where did your feet take you and why did you make that choice?

Likewise, you can choose to make your feet take you to places that will accomplish what you need. When you wake up, make sure your feet are headed to the floor, to your Bible, to work, to school, wherever you need to be headed to!

On Sundays, let your feet be with God's people to grow and worship. Throughout the week, let your feet take you where there are people that need the love of Jesus.

Then, what your hand finds to do, do it. Let your feet put you in the right place so that your hands will have good work, your eyes see the glory of God, your mouth speak the truth to ears that need to hear.

After all, we all want beautiful feet. (Romans 10:9-13)

Proverbs 2

2010-03-02T16:54:00.001-06:00

Proverbs 2:6-8-> These verses speak of the Lord giving wisdom, knowledge and understanding.

One of the things I find here is in Proverbs 2:7: God stores up sound wisdom for the upright. There's a lot of teaching these days that claims God stores up material wealth for His people, that we somehow guaranteed financial standing from our relationship with Him.

Yet it's not here. I haven't really found it any place else either. I see many places where we're told troubles will come. We see examples of people that lose most everything they had to follow God's ways. We also see highlighted exceptions where God intervenes, but we're never guaranteed that these will happen to us.

What I see here is that sound wisdom is what is guaranteed. That He also shields us in our integrity.

What does it mean? That what truly matters is what is guaranteed. Not that we will always have food or drink, wealth or houses.

The promises of God are not as tied up in the American Dream as we try to make them some times.

Proverbs 1

2010-03-01T06:59:00.001-06:00

Ok, for several months I've hit and miss my way through verse by verse comments on most of Proverbs. It's been fun. However, I'm noticing that I've started reading a rut into the chapters, noticing and commenting the same verses. This begins to be self-defeating. It's like looking at my face in the mirror and only looking at the same places. Sure, there's great places to look at, but I've got to notice that I have missed the same spot with the razor the past 3 days eventually. Otherwise, the fuzz gets, well, fuzzy.

So, perhaps today I'll try giving some extended thoughts on just a few verses, or maybe even just one.

I'm really seeing Proverbs 1:8 today, perhaps because Ann and I have been talking a lot about relationships and preparing young people, including our children, for them. We're talking specifically about marriage relationships.

What got us going in that direction is that I just did the wedding for a young couple in our church, and this September I've got another one. Meanwhile, another young couple that got married in their late teens just divorced after 3 years of marriage and realizing that marriage is harder than it looks. Ann is teaching a class of teenage girls, and, well, I've got a whole church of folks to deal with.

What is it about Proverbs 1:8 that is striking me? Most notably this: we tend to wait and expect husbands and wives to teach each other how to behave together. Really, we do. Moms clean up after their sons (and daughters occasionally) but how many young women are planning on cleaning up after their husbands? That's just one example…Dads motivate kids by yelling at them, but is that how you want your sons asking their wives to do things?

The point is this: it's not the job of a new husband and wife to learn the basics of home life. It's the job of mom and dad to have been teaching this through the years. First of all, to have been teaching by modeling it. Whether it's the Biblical value of mutual submission, husband-leadership or just simple respect, you have to show it. Think about it: nearly every family has older adults they interact with, whether they are biological grandparents or other people that come near that role. Parents, your children learn much more about how to treat you by how you treat their grandparents than by what you say.

Second, to have been teaching it by word: are you using words to teach your children all aspects of home life? Fathers, are you teaching your sons to be sensitive to their wives needs? To do things around the house? Guess what? She's going to expect him to do something, but he's learning from you to sit on the couch and watch TV while she works. Moms, are you teaching your sons what they need to know? He should be able to clean up after himself, cook for himself and others, do laundry, and so forth. Don't not teach it just because he's a boy. Are you teaching your daughters? To do "manly" things? Can your daughter change a car tire? How about a car battery? Wives, do you treat your husbands with respect so that your daughters see how it's done? Or do you run him down? Husbands, would you tolerate some boy treating your daughter the way you treat your wife?

All of this comes back to Proverbs 1:8 –>Even the king needed to learn from both Father and Mother. So should we.

Proverbs 27

2010-02-27T07:11:00.001-06:00

by Ann

Prov 27:1 (NASB) If I were to have shared with you my plans for this past week, they would have looked nothing like what the reality ended up being. It’s one thing to have plans that can be interrupted – it’s quite another to have boasted about what is to come. Practically every day has some surprise in it that keeps it from going precisely as planned. How much better to boast in God and His ability to turn any day into something that honors Himself!

Prov 27:5-6 (NASB) We are quick to hold up these verses when there is something we want to say to a friend. But, how do we respond when the open rebuke or the faithful wound of a friend come our way? Oh, to learn to receive the truth of these verses in my own life.

Prov 27:7 (NASB) I have noticed the second part of this verse with my hunger for Scripture. There are times when I have been famished for any word from the Lord – any word at all! Often in those times when my eyes have finally been opened to a truth before me in Scripture, it has been a rebuke that I have seen. But, the joy of having a heart reopened to the Word of the Lord has been so great that even a rebuke was a balm to my soul!

Prov 27:9 (NASB) I know I have said this before, but this is what I want to be for others.

Prov 27:14 (NASB) I have been awakened with a loud voice, and it is definitely a curse! How I try to remember this with my children – it’s amazing how a soft, gentle awakening followed by some sweet teasing can affect the start of the day. And how sweet it is to have the positive effects of awakening them well!

Prov 27:17 (NASB) If we want to sharpen one another, we must do two things. First, we must be willing to associate with friends who will sharpen us. Friends who will challenge us. We can’t limit ourselves to people who are always agreeable with us or who share our level of knowledge, understanding, and wisdom in all things. Secondly, we must be willing to grow ourselves – to continually be learning so as to be able to sharpen our friends as they sharpen us.

Prov 27:19 (NASB) Frequently when I look into my heart I don’t like what I see. I need to take time to evaluate my heart that I may see where I need to grow so my reflection may be the reflection of Christ instead of this sinful heart.

Proverbs 25

2010-02-25T14:39:00.001-06:00

Proverbs 25:1 –>What's one of the smartest things you can do? Write down the wisdom of those who have gone before you. Don't neglect that someone has, perhaps, already been there and is readily available as a reference. One of the best gifts you can leave others is to compile existing wisdom into a usable form.

Proverbs 25:16-17 –>Be wary of overdoing good things. There are consequences of getting out of balance.

Proverbs 25:20 –>There is more that a troubled person needs than to be told to put on a happy face and have people sing happy songs. Notice, though, that we're talking deep, real trouble here. Not the whininess that pervades many American lives.

Proverbs 25:26 –>How much have we polluted the well in the American church? How many times have the righteous given way to the wicked? It is no wonder that we are not considered or sought out for wisdom or counsel any longer. We have become like the trampled spring and polluted well. The first thing to do? Dig out the mud, clean out the pollution.

Proverbs 24

2010-02-24T12:33:00.001-06:00

Proverbs 24:1-2 –>We should be much more concerned with the character of people than the outward appearance. Even though it is likely that evil men have things that we want, the trouble and violence necessary to acquire them are not what we should give our energy to.

Proverbs 24:10 –>If you don't have it went it counts, you don't have it. Are you prepared? Are you strengthening yourself for the day of distress?

Proverbs 24:30-34 –>Why are we struggling as churches? Why does the work go underfunded and undone? The simple answer is that we do just as the sluggard here. We sleep, we slumber, we fold our hands to rest rather than take on the work God has given us!

Proverbs 23 by Ann

2010-02-23T06:52:00.001-06:00

Prov 23:4-5 (NASB) This really is a bit of a freeing passage of Scripture. When we think about how much effort we actually do put into making money, it is pretty exhausting – and that’s just thinking about it. To be told by God that chasing after the wealth is not worth it gives us freedom to let go. It becomes about working out of obedience to Christ rather than for the money. We realize that our employers do not provide our living – God does. Gone are the “you don’t pay me enough to put up with this” arguments because we are serving God, not a company in order to get money. Wow! What freedom! Now to just live it…

Prov 23:9 (NASB) It seems to me a lot of gossip and trouble would disappear if we would heed this verse.

Prov 23:13-16 (NASB) The first two verses hold the admonition to discipline. The second two verses show why. How can a child ever obtain wisdom if he is not first disciplined? Learning to speak what is right does not come naturally, and yet it is an incredible reward for the diligence of discipline.

Prov 23:17 (NASB) I have noticed in my own life how much more joyful I am when I am living in the fear of the Lord. Things fall into place. Even my house stays clean!! But, when my eyes are on other things – not even envious of other people, but envious of the fact that I don’t have what I think I want – I am perpetually thwarted. Nothing goes right. My attitude is bad and my very life is chaotic. And, yet, my house just can’t seem to get clean, much less stay there! Yep, if only for the clean house, I think it’s worth living in the fear of the Lord!

Prov 23:20-21 (NASB) I am a Southern Baptist. As such, we have our firm and solid opinion about drinking alcoholic beverages – if you dare even taste it, you’re a horrible sinner! Yet, take a look at us on church potluck day. Take a look at the overburdened scales in our homes. We condemn one who takes even a sip of wine, and yet we can’t seem to do anything without food! Here in Proverbs – and elsewhere – the two are not separated from one another. When will we really take Scripture at its word and not be hypocritical in our actions or our criticisms? When will be actually admit that we need to work on our own habits and behaviors?

Proverbs 22 by Ann

2010-02-22T06:16:00.001-06:00

Prov 22:1 (NASB) Somehow we have come up with this idea that a great name is brought about by wealth and fame rather than by the favor of the Lord.

Prov 22:3 (NASB) We as believers need to greatly heed this verse. There is danger in our society, and yet we so frequently plunge right into it, only to find ourselves stuck – sometimes without even realizing it. We must stop being naive!

Prov 22:4 (NASB) When we seek the Lord instead of the riches and honor, we end up with it all!

Prov 22:11 (NASB) This is who I want to be – not so much that the “king” will be my friend, but because I just want to be pure and gracious in all I do. Such people are beautiful.

Prov 22:15 (NASB) I’m realizing that I have met a lot of foolish adults as well. Could it be that we have so many foolish adults because the rod of discipline was not used to drive the foolishness from them as children? It’s much harder to use the rod on adults – let’s get back to using it on our children that we may not be a society of foolish adults any longer!

Prov 22:17-18 (NASB) I have long admired and longed to emulate those who seem to walk through life as if everything is pleasant, even when they are flooded with the sufferings of this world. They heed wisdom. They learn and apply the knowledge to their lives. It’s not just an increase in intelligence and knowledge. It’s an acting upon what has been learned. And it shows.

Many have come to the point of criticizing the gaining of knowledge and wisdom, especially for Christians. They have come to the conclusion that increased knowledge robs a believer of his spiritual sensitivity. I think this occurs not because of the gaining of knowledge, but because after the gaining we do not follow the guidance of Proverbs. There is no application. There is no heeding. There is only head knowledge.

The spiritual walk is greatly hindered by a lack of knowledge. But, it is even more hindered when knowledge is gained but application is not made. Let us not be afraid to learn and study, but let us also take what we have learned and allow it to increase our spiritual sensitivity.

Prov 22:24-25 (NASB) When we surround ourselves with people who have soapboxes, we pick up those soapboxes – or establish some of our own. When we are around people who become agitated whenever things do not go their way, we begin to share that agitation. Often we are not even aware of our own anger. Let us be aware, Christians! Let us surround ourselves with friends of peace, and encourage one another to stand in peace!

Prov 22:29 (NASB) We are often tempted to do just enough to get by. Just enough to earn that paycheck. Just enough to survive. We do not stand apart. We may or may not want acknowledgement of our work before the rulers of our land, but it wouldn’t hurt us to work like we did! To put our best into it – to become the best we can at what we do. After all, we are going to stand before the King of kings. What do we want Him to say of our effort?

Proverbs 18 by Ann

2010-02-18T06:35:00.001-06:00

Prov 18:1 (NASB) We are incredibly individualistic as Americans, and that bleeds far too heavily into our interactions within the church. We separate ourselves regularly and then wonder why we cannot function as a body of believers should. Each is out for his own desires to be fulfilled by the church family, and the sound wisdom of the unity of Scripture presses against those desires. So, the wisdom of God’s Word becomes unsavory to us and we fight against it.

Prov 18:2 (NASB) As a result of those actions related to verse one, we all become a body of fools, each one wanting only to make himself heard.

Prov 18:19 (NASB) And all of that leads to this. Because we are each caught up in ourselves, we easily offend one another. The offenses and contentions put up barriers that can not be broken down.

Prov 18:10, 15 (NASB) There is hope in these words, though. We are individualistic because we think depending only on ourselves and defending what we desire will give us security. True security, however, lies in the Name of the Lord. Even as it surrounds and guards us, it also breaks down walls and barriers that isolate us. There is no disunity when we are all taking refuge in the Lord! Meanwhile we gain knowledge, wisdom, and understanding directly from Him, and those tools enable us to grow personally and corporately, producing unity.

Proverbs 17 by Ann

2010-02-17T07:04:00.001-06:00

Prov 17:1 (NASB) I see this in our churches, too. We have churches that have true bonds of fellowship, and then we have those that try to force the fellowship through their ability to throw a great potluck. The true fellowship must be established by a mutual agreement to obey and follow Christ, not by trying to learn how to share a meal.

Prov 17:2 (NASB) A picture just came to mind of a lump of gold waiting to be found and used. If it had a mind, it would know that there was no way to be used unless it first went through the refining fire. It might have some fear of the unknown – fear after hearing stories of the heat and fierceness of the refining process. But, it knows that it can never be useful without it. So, despite the fear, it still seeks daily to be used.

What if we had that boldness in the refining of the Lord? What if we realized that, apart from Him working on us, we are as useless as an unrefined lump of gold? Most people do desire to be useful. When will we realize that mankind’s only true usefulness comes from submission to our Creator?

If we would realize and acknowledge that concept, I think we might seek His testing and refining of our hearts rather than running from it. And, we might see what usefulness to Him really is.

Prov 17:9 (NASB) I’ve always read this concept of concealing a transgression to mean that one doesn’t just go around declaring the sins of another. But, another thought occurred to me this time around. How often do we conceal someone else’s transgression in our hearts, not speaking of it, but instead letting it fester in our own hearts. That is not seeking love. That is growing bitterness. Concealing a transgression includes taking the sin – even if it hurts us badly – and concealing it even from ourselves. Only then can we put aside any of our own hurt and truly seek love for one another. And, only then can we discover that some things are much more petty than we would ever have believed possible.

Prov 17:10 (NASB) Ever come across someone who never seems to learn no matter how many times he is told? There just might be a reason for it. Sometimes we need to accept that certain people remain fools. Rather than try to correct them, maybe we should focus on prayer for them – that they will be filled with understanding and raised from their foolishness. And, meanwhile, we just might need to work on our own attitudes and not allow ourselves to be derailed by them!

Prov 17:24 (NASB) Always looking for fulfillment elsewhere? Maybe it’s time to analyze your heart and seek wisdom instead. Wisdom is here, now. Wherever you are, wisdom is there – and wisdom fulfills all desires. Don’t look afar for fulfillment. Whether it be in your job, in your spouse, in your circumstances. Look near for the wisdom of God and all else will fall into place,

Prov 17:26 (NASB) This should be a comfort for the righteous. They may be fined or struck, but justice will always come.

Prov 17:27 (NASB) Oh how I need to plaster this verse up everywhere I go. It needs to be memorized and front and center in my heart and mind. I so frequently do not restrain my words, nor do I maintain a cool spirit – I like justice, and I’ll fight for it. I need to implement this instead!

Prov 17:28 (NASB) And, if I will just keep my mouth shut, even when I know my heart is responding in foolishness, I will be acting as one who has wisdom.

Proverbs 16

2010-02-16T06:44:00.001-06:00

Proverbs 16:1 –>What plans are in our hearts? Are we prepared for the answer from the Lord about them? I know my plans---to persevere, to tackle new challenges. What does God say?

Proverbs 16:2 –>And this speaks to why God answers certain plans. He knows why we really want what we want.

Proverbs 16:1-3 –>You should be noticing that this is a string of verses about future planning. All 3 steps are necessary: Consider what's in your heart. Ask the Lord for guidance. Examine your motives, and compare your heart to God's commands. Commit to do His will.

Proverbs 16:22 –>Is my discipline healthy or folly?

Proverbs 16:31 –>Real gray. Not 'Just for Men' gray.

Proverbs 14 by Ann

2010-02-14T07:05:00.001-06:00

Prov 14:1 (NASB) As with every month, I hunger to read this verse and know that I have grown over the past month. As I look forward to the next month, I am so excited to see some ways God is instructing me to build my house rather than tear it down. What about you? Do you take verses like this as a challenge? I encourage you to consider this verse and write down how the Lord is leading you to heed its advice in the coming month. Next month on the 14th, come back and see your progress – and prepare to do it all again!

Prov 14:2 (NASB) This can be said of a life as a whole, but I think it can also be said of moments in the lives of believers. Are there ever times when you just are not interested in things of the Lord? Would you admit it if there were? Many of us would not. I think we might do better if we would acknowledge those times, admit to ourselves and to God that we have fallen into devious ways, and acknowledge that, in truth, we despise the things of Him. When we will honestly admit we are in this place, we will finally be able to find restoration and be returned to a place where we truly walk in uprightness and fear the Lord!

Prov 14:6 (NASB) Do you ever find yourself struggling to understand the things of God? Do His teachings ever stir up in you more of a feeling of resentment than of peace? In those times, an attitude adjustment might be all that is truly needed. A departure from the cynicism and the scoffing. A return to a softness of heart. Then the understanding will come.

Prov 14:7 (NASB) Of course, it also doesn’t hurt to make sure our company is encouraging us in seeking the knowledge of our Lord.

Prov 14:9 (NASB) How do we respond to the sin we see around us? Not just a grand picture of the sin in this world, but the erring of our friends and families. Of those we know. Of those with whom we interact on a daily basis. Do we scoff, mock, criticize, and talk? Or, do we show good will by pouring out our hearts in love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness?

Prov 14:14 (NASB) Wow – do you ever get sick of yourself and who you are? Consider this verse, and consider where you stand in your relationship with the Lord!

Prov 14:15 (NASB) This is so true in spiritual growth. How many fads do we buy into just because the best and brightest in Christianity today has said it? When that fad fades, we move on to the next great new thing. We must be careful to consider each thing, compare it to the Word, keep the good, and discard the bad. We have to learn to think instead of to just blindly follow.

Prov 14:26 (NASB) Want to provide the best for your children? This is the verse to follow!

Proverbs 8 by Ann

2010-02-08T07:13:00.001-06:00

Prov 8:4-5 (NASB) It is possible to look at Prov 8:1-3 and see a general call and say, “That doesn’t apply to me.” But, these next two verses are so specific that they cannot be ignored. Wisdom calls to YOU. Maybe you don’t consider yourself naive or foolish, but you can’t avoid being among the “sons of man” – humanity as a whole. Wisdom is for you! Don’t ignore the call!

Prov 8:9 (NASB) If wisdom is not straightforward to us, then we might need to stop and evaluate our pursuits. Are we really interested in knowledge, or are we content to just stay where we are, learning nothing more? We must always be willing to learn and grow. Always.

Prov 8:19 (NASB) Do we value knowledge and wisdom to this extent? Would we put aside our worldly wealth for wisdom? We should.

Prov 8:22-31 (NASB) We have so much curiosity about the things that came before us – the things that history has not successfully recorded with unarguable certainty. Debates rage wildly in our world about these things. Wisdom was there. Wisdom knows. Wisdom has the answers. This should establish the credibility of wisdom – and our dependence on wisdom!

Proverbs 6 by Ann

2010-02-08T06:58:00.001-06:00

Prov 6:1-5 (NASB) It seems that so many people get caught in the very traps expressed in this passage. The greater problem is not actually getting caught in the traps, but in our inability to get out of them. The solution is simple, but not easy – humbling ourselves. How many of us are stuck because we will not swallow our pride?

Prov 6:6-11 (NASB) Verse 7 is what really struck me. How often do we take initiative and do what we know needs to be done without having to be instructed by someone? Think about our churches. Think about our jobs. We are so unwilling to take initiative, and we would rather leave things undone than do them without being specifically instructed.

Proverbs 1 by Ann

2010-02-01T07:18:00.001-06:00

Prov 1:1 (NASB) The names given here supply credibility. Who wouldn’t listen to Solomon, known as the wisest man to ever walk the face of the earth? Who wouldn’t listen to the son of David, the king who was known as a man after God’s own heart? What might give credibility to my words? I have something to say – something that will give life to all who hear it. And, I have a Name to attach to it. All I have to say must come back to the Word Himself. If my words are a reflection of the Word of God, then I have all the credibility I need.

Prov 1:6 (NASB) Some days I feel pretty ignorant when it comes to figuring things out. This verse reminds me, though, that a growth in understanding of the things of God is really all I need to be able to discern information in general. Growing in knowledge of the Word helps in all areas of life!

Prov 1:8-9 (NASB) Sometimes it’s easy to think that now that I am an adult, I can learn on my own. But, my parents are still my teachers. What they taught me as a child, and what they are still teaching me, is vital to my spiritual growth. It always will be. Yes, the time came for me to leave them and cleave to my husband, but that did not suddenly make them unwise nor did it make their teaching irrelevant. Their input is important. Will I heed it?

Prov 1:20-21 (NASB) Even in light of vv 8-9, however, I must be reminded that wisdom does not only come through my parents, my pastor (yes, even if he is my husband too!), or other defined teachers. Wisdom calls directly to me, and I have the ability to learn myself. There are times when the only way for me to learn is to listen to the Lord Himself, not man – no matter who it may be.

Prov 1:28-32 (NASB) Regardless of the source, the consequences of ignoring wisdom are pretty stiff. When contrasted with Prov 1:30, I think I’d rather have the consequences of heeding wisdom over those of ignoring her.

Proverbs 1 by Doug

2010-02-01T06:19:00.000-06:00

Proverbs 1:1 –>To be known for collecting wisdom rather than for anything else. That's a decent hope for life.

Proverbs 1:7 –>Fear and respect of the Lord is the beginning not the end of knowledge. We start by knowing God. We grow from there.

Proverbs 1:8 –>Are both parents teaching wisdom? Or have you assigned that role to only one parent? What do you think that result will be? There's a reason you replace the brakes on both sides of the car at the same time.

Proverbs 1:10 –>Take responsibility for your own actions. True, you were enticed, but you consented.

Proverbs 1:22-23 –>I've said it before: you don't have to be stupid and foolish. Too many times we excuse ourselves by claiming that "we're not that bright." ENOUGH! Wisdom is calling out and available.

Proverbs 1:32-33 –>Catch the contrast: naive waywardness and complacency will kill and destroy. It's not just the evil that will get you, but the simple ignoring of wisdom that takes away the ease of the dread of evil.

I think that wisdom also teaches us what evil to actually dread. Which makes a difference. I dread a great many things in this world. Yet I don't dread eternity.

Doug