Archive for the ‘ Proverbs ’ Category
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV
Life is easier (at least easier to understand and come to grips with) when God is the beginning, center, and end of all our thoughts, days, and expectations.
Focus on God to simplify life, at least for mental, emotional, and spiritual peace.
Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord , and turn away from evil.
Proverbs 3:7, ESV
We do not know enough about our world or what others are thinking to be right about everything all the time.
Rather, we should avoid thinking so, which is sinful pride, and other evil thoughts and practices that lead and separate us from God.
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:1, ESV
Understanding, compassion, and empathy usually work better than accusation, blame, blunt indifference, and even simple advice.
Truth is necessary, as is remembering to honor the emotional state and image of God in the other person.
It is not about being right but loving in truth.
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6, ESV
Instill principles and guidelines, and – often – that is what is fallen on in times of uncertainty and fear or just out of habit.
Use God and His Word as the basis for those principles and guidelines, and your way is true.
As I type this, I am lying next to the lovely woman in this picture.
If you see her, be forewarned: she is dangerous.
She is tenacious and hard working. She is passionate about her goals and defending those she loves.
And she loves God with all her heart.
That is the dangerous part.
She will help you get to know God or grow deeper in your relationship with Him. She will not let unjustice go by without saying something, and that includes any injustice you may have against God.
And trust me, as a fallen person who needed my Savior to rescue me from the pit and still struggles from time to time with following Jesus completely, I know her ability to do all the things I have described here.
Thankfully, 11 years ago today (at the minute this is scheduled to post online), she agreed to help me personally everyday, no matter how hard it got, how stubborn I can be, or how much I make her laugh. (It seems that last one is a lot, even if I do not mean to …)
So, if you see her …
Remind her she is loved by her Lord and Savior. And her husband of 11 years, as of today.
Oh, and we finally got to meet our nephew, yesterday. He is great!
Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.
Proverbs 31:31, ESV
Women – made in the image of God – are to be praised and honored for their God-given gifts, especially as they honor God.
And the Church – the Bride of Christ and mother of the saints – deserves honor and respect.
To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
Proverbs 21:3, ESV
We no longer need to offer animal sacrifices to God, but we must sacrifice our own rights and desires to God’s will to spread His righteousness and fight injustice in our world.
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:1, ESV
How many fights come from misunderstanding and reacting?
This is why many legal codes state “presumed innocent.” Seek answers, gently approach, calmly discuss and rebuke (if necessary. Maybe you were the one to misunderstand.)
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.
Proverbs 21:2, ESV
We may think we are doing good things, but God can see our motivations, our intentions.
Maybe we want to help to because of the obligation, to feel good about ourselves, or even to get revenge!
Or maybe we want to love others. In Christ’s name.
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
Proverbs 13:20, ESV
Wanting to learn and become wise leads to wisdom. Even of you only have foolish friends while trying to be wise, you will suffer for their decisions. If you purposely choose foolish friends, you brought it on yourself.
Choose Christ and His Church.
