Archive for the ‘ Proverbs ’ Category
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.
Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.
Proverbs 12:25, ESV
Everything feels worse, heavier, sadder – or completely dull – when anxiety weighs on you.
Encourage each other. Especially with the hope of Christ.
By justice a king builds up the land, but he who exacts gifts tears it down.
Proverbs 29:4, ESV
Playing favorites, disobeying rules and laws, not setting appropriate limits: all of these can destroy a nation … or a family or business or friendship or church.
Remember: as Christians, we will one day reign with King Jesus. We are all royalty through Him.
The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.
Proverbs 22:4, ESV
Sure, some have gotten rich following God, but the real promise here is that we find true riches and honor in the resurrected Christ. Apart from Jesus, we have nothing.
a simple man of God 