Proverbs Devotional Weeks 5-6

Day 21

Proverbs 14:1-17

Pr verbs 14:1 The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish tears it down with her own hands.

2 Those who walk uprightly fear the Lord, but one who is devious in conduct despises him.

3 The talk of fools is a rod for their backs, but the lips of the wise preserve them.

4 Where there are no oxen, there is no grain; abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.

5 A faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness breathes out lies.

6 A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain, but knowledge is easy for one who understands.

7 Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not find words of knowledge.

8 It is the wisdom of the clever to understand where they go, but the folly of fools misleads.

9 Fools mock at the guilt offering,

Where wisdom and life intersect…….

Week 5

but the upright enjoy God’s favor.

10 The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares its joy.

11 The house of the wicked is destroyed, but the tent of the upright flourishes.

12 There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way to death.

13 Even in laughter the heart is sad, and the end of joy is grief.

14 The perverse get what their ways deserve, and the good, what their deeds deserve.

15 The simple believe everything, but the clever consider their steps.

16 The wise are cautious and turn away from evil, but the fool throws off restraint and is careless.

17 One who is quick-tempered acts foolishly, and the schemer is hated.

Ready: Prepare your heart for today’s passage by asking God to show you how to build your house with wisdom.

Read: FOOL: a person who lacks judgment, common sense or understanding.

Read today’s verses focusing on wisdom and foolishness.

V. 1 “The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish tears it down with her own hands.”

V. 3 “The talk of fools is a rod for their backs, but the lips of the wise preserve them.”

V. 7 “Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not find words of knowledge.”

V. 8 “It is the wisdom of the clever to understand where they go, but the folly of fools misleads.

V. 9 “Fools mock at the guilt offering, but the upright enjoy God’s favor.”

V. 16 “The wise are cautious and turn away from evil, but the fool throws off restraint and is careless.”

Reflect: Proverbs speaks often about heart. In this chapter the wise sage is speaking about the heart’s pain.

V. 10 “The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares its joy.”

V. 13 “Even in laughter the heart is sad, and the end of joy is grief.”

To the outside observer the heart can hide it’s pain and appear joyful, but sooner or later the grief and pain will have to be faced, and it will manifest. “Sorrow forms the unchanging background of the occasional, distracting moments of merriment. Life begins with a baby’s cry of discomfort and dissatisfaction; it ends in a dying gasp and grief. In the interim laughter is tinctured with heartache and in the end sorrow follows hard on the heels of joy. ‘Since humans die, joy inevitably ends in grief.” Bruce Waltke, A part of wisdom is understanding the heart and grief. No one gets through this life with our heartache, and loss.

Reflect on what wisdom has been teaching you about your heart in terms of grief.

Repent: FOLLY: a foolish idea or act.

V. 8 “It is the wisdom of the clever to understand where they go, but the folly of fools misleads”. Repent for acts and ideas of folly. Especially repent of those acts of folly where you have misled others.

PERVERSE: a deliberate and obstinate desire to sin often in spite of the consequences.

V. 14 “The perverse get what their ways deserve, and the good, what their deeds deserve.” Our deeds are met with the reward that they deserve. Repent of any deliberate sin.

SIMPLE: having or showing very little intelligence or judgment.

V. 15 “The simple believe everything, but the clever consider their steps.”Repent of being simple minded and not using evaluation and discernment.

QUICK TEMPERED: easily made angry, volatile.

V. 17 “One who is quick-tempered acts foolishly, and the schemer is hated.” Repent of times when a quick temper led you to act foolishly.

Rejoice: “A faithful witness does not lie.” Meditate on this truth from v. 5. Proverbs has been a faithful witness to you over these past few weeks. Thank God for what He has been teaching you about wisdom and life through your study.

Day 22

Proverbs 14:18-35

Pr verbs 14:18The simple are adorned with folly, but the clever are crowned with knowledge.

19 The evil bow down before the good, the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

20 The poor are disliked even by their neighbors,but the rich have many friends.

21 Those who despise their neighbors are sinners,but happy are those who are kind to the poor.

22 Do they not err that plan evil? Those who plan good find loyalty and faithfulness.

23 In all toil there is profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.

24 The crown of the wise is their wisdom, but folly is the garland of fools.

25 A truthful witness saves lives, but one who utters lies is a betrayer.

26 In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and one’s children will have a refuge.

27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,

Where wisdom and life intersect…….

Week 5

so that one may avoid the snares of death.

28 The glory of a king is a multitude of people; without people a prince is ruined.

29 Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but one who has a hasty temper exalts folly.

30 A tranquil mind gives life to the flesh, but passion makes the bones rot.

31 Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but those who are kind to the needy honor him.

32 The wicked are overthrown by their evildoing, but the righteous find a refuge in their integrity.

33 Wisdom is at home in the mind of one who has understanding, but it is not known in the heart of fools.

34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.

35 A servant who deals wisely has the king’s favor,but his wrath falls on one who acts

Ready: As you prepare for today’s readings ask God to show you how to wear wisdom.

V. 18 “The simple are adorned with folly, but the clever are crowned with knowledge.”

V. 24 “The crown of the wise is their wisdom, but folly is the garland of fools.”

Read: As you read today’s text give special focus to verses 26-27.

V. 26 “In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and one’s children will have a refuge.”

V. 27 “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, so that one may avoid the snares of death.”

Reflect: V. 26 refers to the fear of the Lord. “This idea is the controlling principle of Proverbs, and is ancient Israel’s decisive contribution to the human quest for knowledge and understanding. The fear of the Lord is the only basis of true knowledge.” (Reformation Study Bible) Earlier in Proverbs we learned that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” We focused on how it was a beginning point in our quest for wisdom. Since evil not only attacks but can also attract, a parent must show his family that they can have something stronger and better. A parents confidence in the fear of the LORD results in a sanctuary for the children.

V. 27 “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, so that one may avoid the snares of death.”

“Life and death are major themes in the book of Proverbs. The words “life” and “live” occur around 56 times in this book, and the words “death” and “die” around 20 times. And for us, when we say that something is “a matter of life and death,” we mean that it matters above all else. We never forget the birth of a child. We never forget the funeral of a friend. I don’t have to ask you to consider whether the questions of life and death are relevant to us.” Ray Ortlund Jr. Life matters and a metaphor for that life is the “fountain of life”. The fountain of life is similar to the tree of life used in other places in Proverbs. A fountain is a picture of blessing which is disrupted only when our relationship to God is broken. When that relationship is disrupted it results not only in harm to the relationship, but cuts us off from the source of life, which leads to death. The fear of the Lord showers you with life and helps you avoid death.

Repent: Oppressing the poor is sin according to vs. 31. Spend some time reevaluating how you give to the poor.

Giving to the poor has great benefits for the believer personally and honors God. V. 21 Those who despise their neighbors are sinners, but happy are those who are kind to the poor.

V.31 Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but those who are kind to the needy honor him.

Rejoice: “In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence.” Thank God that one of the amazing benefits to practicing the fear of the Lord is that we have confidence. Confidence is the feeling or belief that one can rely on someone which then brings us great assurance.

Day 23

Proverbs 15:1-16

Pr verbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

2 The tongue of the wise dispenses knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.

3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.

4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

5 A fool despises a parent’s instruction, but the one who heeds admonition is prudent.

6 In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, but trouble befalls the income of the wicked.

7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the minds of fools.

8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

Where wisdom and life intersect…….

Week 5

9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but he loves the one who pursues righteousness.

10 There is severe discipline for one who forsakes the way, but one who hates a rebuke will die.

11 Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the Lord, how much more human hearts!

12 Scoffers do not like to be rebuked; they will not go to the wise.

13 A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.

14 The mind of one who has understanding seeks knowledge,but the mouths of fools feed on folly.

15 All the days of the poor are hard, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.

16 Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it.

Ready: Prepare for today’s readings by meditating on vs.8-9. “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is his delight. The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but he loves the one who pursues righteousness.”

The wise seek God through prayer. Honest pursuit of God is met with God’s favor and love. Get your heart ready for today’s readings by spending some time in prayer.

Read: through all the verses ….but take special note about the verses that talk about heart.

11 Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the Lord, how much more human hearts!

13 A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.

15 All the days of the poor are hard, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.

“Death is here portrayed as a kind of destruction from the Lord. The Lord penetrates the secrets of the grave; how much easier is it for Him to know our minds” (Reformation Study Bible) and our hearts.

Proverbs shows us over and over the importance of the heart and the link it has to our spirituality and our health.

Reflect: Spend time thinking about the impact of the tongue….

1 “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

2 “The tongue of the wise dispenses knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.”

4 “A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.”

The wise have the emotional control to give soft and tender responses instead of hot angry words that just stir up the fire of anger. “The wise have tongues controlled by loving emotions and sound thought and so speak in a way that makes their internalized knowledge of the moral order attractive. Instead of brutalizing people with their knowledge of the cause-effect relationship in God’s ordained moral order, the wise state it kindly, sensitively and gently with an aim to save their audience, not to condemn and destroy it. Their content and their form of speech make them convincing. By contrast the mouth of fools, who are out of control excitedly and heatedly, gushes forth.” Bruce Waltke, The Book of Proverbs “Did you know there is a way for people in this broken world to re-experience the tree of life in the Garden of Eden? It happens through words, of all things: “A gentle word is a tree of life.” What is the sage talking about? “A gentle tongue” can also be translated as “a healing tongue.” Perverse words break a person’s spirit. They are powerful. But wise words soothe and heal. They are more powerful.” Ray Ortlund Jr. Repent: Repent for any ways that you have used your tongue to break someone’s spirit. Have you been speaking words over yourself that are full of anger and death?

Rejoice: Thank God that a “gentle word is a tree of life”. Praise God that though you used words in the past to destroy, you can begin to reverse them. God can handle the words that have been spoken over you and the harsh words you have said to others. Spend some time praising God, as you are praising ,envision the tree of life taking root.

Day 24

Proverbs 15:17-33

Pr verbs 15:17 Better is a dinner of vegetables where love is than a fatted ox and hatred with it.

18 Those who are hot-tempered stir up strife, but those who are slow to anger calm contention.

19 The way of the lazy is overgrown with thorns, but the path of the upright is a level highway.

20 A wise child makes a glad father, but the foolish despise their mothers.

21 Folly is a joy to one who has no sense, but a person of understanding walks straight ahead.

22 Without counsel, plans go wrong, but with many advisers they succeed.

23 To make an apt answer is a joy to anyone, and a word in season, how good it is!

24 For the wise the path of life leads upward, in order to avoid Sheol below.

25 The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but maintains the widow’s boundaries.

Where wisdom and life intersect…….

Week 5

26 Evil plans are an abomination to the Lord, but gracious words are pure.

27 Those who are greedy for unjust gain make trouble for their households, but those who hate bribes will live.

28 The mind of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil.

29 The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the body.

31 The ear that heeds wholesome admonition will lodge among the wise.

32 Those who ignore instruction despise themselves,but those who heed admonition gain understanding.

33 The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility goes before honor.

Ready: V. 23 To make an apt answer is a joy to anyone,and a word in season, how good it is!

The wise both receive and give joy and satisfaction as they deliver a proper word in the proper time.

Prepare yourself for today’s readings by meditating on this verse. Ask God to give you a “word in season” through the reading or through the course of your day.

Read: through today’s text and pay special attention to the designated verses.

Hatred and strife…

V. 17 Better is a dinner of vegetables where love is than a fatted ox and hatred with it.

V. 18 Those who are hot-tempered stir up strife,but those who are slow to anger calm contention.

Righteous and wicked….

28 The mind of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil.

29 The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

Eyes & ears V. 30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the body.

V. 31 The ear that heeds wholesome admonition will lodge among the wise.

Reflect: Hatred and strife… V. 17-18 “The quality of family relationships is not tied to wealth; the quality of hospitality is based on relationships, not on the food provided.” (Reformation Study Bible) Hatred and strife make even the best meal undesirable. Conflicts are often stirred up by those who are short tempered and irritable, but the storm of a heated disagreement can be averted by someone who refuses to feed that anger.

Righteous and wicked….. V. 28-29, “The wise and righteous recognize the need to weigh matters carefully before giving advice.” (Reformation Study Bible) The wise wait to answer, but the wicked rush to answer. The tongue of the wicked pours out, gushes evil. This makes the wicked far from the Lord. The righteous are slow to answer, but quick to pray. The righteous pour forth prayer which not only makes them close to God but HE responds by hearing and answering them.

Eyes & ears…. V. 30-31 “The idea seems to be that a cheerful, radiant person, or a beautiful scene, affects one’s mind in the same way that good news promotes our general well-being.” (Reformation Study Bible) What the eye perceives impacts the heart. Similarly the ear takes in healthy advice. Just like sound and advice hits the ear and is accepted so it is also received by the spirit of those who are wise.

Repent: V. 25 The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but maintains the widow’s boundaries. The New Testament says it this way, God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble. Repent of your pride today. God tears down the things that the proud build up but He builds up the efforts of those who are the most humble.

Rejoice: The path of the upright is a level highway.(v.19) And a person of understanding walks straight ahead.(v. 21) Spend some time praising God and thanking HIM. He is making our paths level and straight as we have been pursuing wisdom. He is an amazing God who can take those things that are crooked and uneven and begin to reconstruct and remake our path, so we can pursue HIM.

Proverbs 16:1-16

Pr verbs 16:1The plans of the mind belong to mortals, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.

2 All one’s ways may be pure in one’s own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit.

3 Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

4 The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.

5 All those who are arrogant are an abomination to the Lord; be assured, they will not go unpunished.

6 By loyalty and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord one avoids evil.

7 When the ways of people please the Lord, he causes even their enemies to be at peace with them.

8 Better is a little with righteousness than large income with injustice.

Where wisdom and life intersect…….

Week 5

9The human mind plans the way, but the Lord directs the steps.

10 Inspired decisions are on the lips of a king; his mouth does not sin in judgment.

11 Honest balances and scales are the Lord’s; all the weights in the bag are his work.

12 It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness.

13 Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves those who speak what is right.

14 A king’s wrath is a messenger of death, and whoever is wise will appease it.

15 In the light of a king’s face there is life, and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain.

16 How much better to get wisdom than gold!

To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.

Ready: Commit your work to the Lord,and your plans will be established.

As you read these verses today begin by committing your work to the LORD. Read: verses 1-7 thinking of the interplay that takes place between God’s sovereignty and your responsibility.

1The plans of the mind belong to mortals,but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.

2 All one’s ways may be pure in one’s own eyes,but the Lord weighs the spirit.

3 Commit your work to the Lord,and your plans will be established.

4 The Lord has made everything for its purpose even the wicked for the day of trouble.

5 All those who are arrogant are an abomination to the Lord;be assured, they will not go unpunished.

6 By loyalty and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for,and by the fear of the Lord one avoids evil.

7 When the ways of people please the Lord,he causes even their enemies to be at peace with them.

9The human mind plans the way,but the Lord directs the steps.

Day 25

God’s sovereignty relates to a mans’s tongue, his spirit, and his plans. The Lord has made everything for a purpose.

Verses 4-5 speak of the wicked as proud. “Verse 5 reenforces the judgement of the wicked and grounds the reason for it in the LORD’s moral sensibility. Humanity participates with God in creating history, but God establishes only what is pure and purges away the dross.” Bruce Waltke, The Book of Proverbs 10 Inspired decisions are on the lips of a king; his mouth does not sin in judgment.

12 It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness.

13 Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves those who speak what is right.

14 A king’s wrath is a messenger of death, and whoever is wise will appease it.

15 In the light of a king’s face there is life, and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain.

How God works sovereignly in history now is seen through the work now of the King. You can substitute Lord in every place it says king. God is displaying aspects of His character through His appointed servant the King.

Reflect:”All one’s ways may be pure in one’s own eyes,but the Lord weighs the spirit.”

“The disciple should evaluate his motives and conduct against God’s revealed standards and not absolutize (declare perfect or complete) his own estimations of them. Nevertheless, since the final verdict as to their purity belongs to the LORD not the doer, the disciple must not praise himself or decide his reward beforehand. The best he can do is to commit all he has does the the LORD and depend upon God to make his motives and ways pleasing to God.” Bruce Waltke, The Book of Proverbs Repent: Allow God to weigh your spirit. Confess to any self deception that has been revealed to you through this verse. Verse 2 shows us that we cannot handle judging our own motives, so how could we judge the motives of others.

Rejoice: V.16 “How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.”

Thank God that your investment in reading proverbs is better than silver or gold. Wealth without wisdom is of little value.

Riches are desirable but only when they are joined to wisdom.

Day 26

Proverbs 16:17-33

Pr verbs 16:17 The highway of the upright avoids evil; those who guard their way preserve their lives.

18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

19 It is better to be of a lowly spirit among the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud.

20 Those who are attentive to a matter will prosper, and happy are those who trust in the Lord.

21 The wise of heart is called perceptive, and pleasant speech increases persuasiveness.

22 Wisdom is a fountain of life to one who has it, but folly is the punishment of fools.

23 The mind of the wise makes their speech judicious,and adds persuasiveness to their lips.

24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

25 Sometimes there is a way that seems to be right,but in the end it is the way to death.

Where wisdom and life intersect…….

Week 6

26The appetite of workers works for them; their hunger urges them on.

27 Scoundrels concoct evil, and their speech is like a scorching fire.

28 A perverse person spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.

29 The violent entice their neighbors, and lead them in a way that is not good.

30 One who winks the eyes plans perverse things;one who compresses the lips brings evil to pass.

31 Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.

32 One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty,and one whose temper is controlled than one who captures a city.

33 The lot is cast into the lap, but the decision is the Lord’s alone.

Ready: Wisdom is a fountain of life…. Pray that God’s life giving spring would be released into your life as you focus on Proverbs.

Read: As you read today’s passage take note of the words that have to do with speech. (lips, words, whisper) 21 The wise of heart is called perceptive, and pleasant speech increases persuasiveness.

23 The mind of the wise makes their speech judicious,and adds persuasiveness to their lips.

24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

25 Sometimes there is a way that seems to be right,but in the end it is the way to death 27 Scoundrels concoct evil. and their speech is like a scorching fire.

28 A perverse person spreads strife,and a whisperer separates close friends.

30 One who winks the eyes plans perverse things;one who compresses the lips brings evil to pass.

This section shows us the power of words. They can be a sweet healing remedy or an evil burning fire. Special attention must be given to how we use words because,“Sometimes there is a way that seems to be right,but in the end it is the way to death.” Proverbs shows us that words have the power of life and death.

Reflect: 18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

19 It is better to be of a lowly spirit among the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud.

Meditate on these verses….

This proverb in verse 18 makes a strong impression by saying the same thing twice. It uses the word before followed by words announcing the destruction that is coming. This is the authors way of emphasizing the fall that awaits the proud.

The proud may stumble but the connection of these two verses suggest that they may do a lot of damage before the fall comes. The proud prosper at the expense of those who are humble. “Poverty and humility are natural allies, and impious pride goes with ill-gotten gains.” Bruce Waltke, The Book of Proverbs Repent: Spend some time repenting of pride. It is better to be humble and have lack while spending time with the poor than to benefit from the prizes and financial windfalls of the proud. Confess to God the struggle of pride.

Now focus on V. 32, “One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty (or hero), and one whose temper is controlled than one who captures a city.”

A mighty man may bring strength to a matter, but the one who is disciplined and has mastered his own temper can bring wisdom and sound judgment to the crisis. This proverb says there is greater strength in mastering your temper and overlooking a wrong than the military power that overtakes a city.

This is an extremely powerful verse, it compares patience and self control to power and anger and says that patience wins. Our ability to control our temper is better than heroic powers. Look at the places where you need to see God move in a mighty way. Resolve to not act and with hold your anger. Believe God will act and show Himself mighty in that situation.

Rejoice: V.20 “Those who are attentive to a matter will prosper, and happy are those who trust in the Lord.” Rejoice that the attention you give to Proverbs causes you to thrive and flourish. Your study of wisdom will strengthen your trust which will result in greater happiness.

Day 27

Proverbs 17:1-28

Pr verbs 17:1Better is a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting with strife.

2 A slave who deals wisely will rule over a child who acts shamefully, and will share the inheritance as one of the family.

3 The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, but the Lord tests the heart.

4 An evildoer listens to wicked lips; and a liar gives heed to a mischievous tongue.

5 Those who mock the poor insult their Maker; those who are glad at calamity will not go unpunished.

6 Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their parents.

7 Fine speech is not becoming to a fool; still less is false speech to a ruler.

8 A bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of those who give it; wherever they turn they prosper.

9 One who forgives an affront fosters friendship, but one who dwells on disputes will alienate a friend.

10 A rebuke strikes deeper into a discerning person than a hundred blows into a fool.

11 Evil people seek only rebellion, but a cruel messenger will be sent against them.

12 Better to meet a she-bear robbed of its cubs than to confront a fool immersed in folly.

13 Evil will not depart from the house of one who returns evil for good.

14 The beginning of strife is like letting out water; so stop before the quarrel breaks out.

Where wisdom and life intersect…….

Week 6

15 One who justifies the wicked and one who condemns the righteous are both alike an abomination to the Lord.

16 Why should fools have a price in hand to buy wisdom, when they have no mind to learn?

17 A friend loves at all times, and kinsfolk are born to share adversity.

18 It is senseless to give a pledge, to become surety for a neighbor.

19 One who loves transgression loves strife; one who builds a high threshold invites broken bones.

20 The crooked of mind do not prosper, and the perverse of tongue fall into calamity.

21 The one who begets a fool gets trouble; the parent of a fool has no joy.

22 A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries up the bones.

23 The wicked accept a concealed bribe to pervert the ways of justice.

24 The discerning person looks to wisdom, but the eyes of a fool to the ends of the earth.

25 Foolish children are a grief to their father and bitterness to her who bore them.

26 To impose a fine on the innocent is not right, or to flog the noble for their integrity.

27 One who spares words is knowledgeable; one who is cool in spirit has understanding.

28 Even fools who keep silent are considered wise; when they close their lips, they are deemed intelligent.

Ready: V.3 “The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, but the Lord tests the heart.”

“Human beings can design instruments to test the purity of silver and gold, but the one who test the heart, none excluded, is only the LORD…Although outward acton and behavior betray the heart, from others and even from themselves. The proverb consoles and sobers the disciple with the implicit truth that the omnicompetentent Sovereign deals with each person justly according to his ethical purity. It also encourages him to join the the psalmist in asking God to expose his heart to himself so that he might see his offensive way, repenting, he might be led in the everlasting way,” Bruce Waltke, The Book of Proverbs Meditate on this proverb to prepare you for today’s readings.

Read: Read today’s verses and focus on those that are about friendship. V. 9 One who forgives an affront fosters friendship, but one who dwells on disputes will alienate a friend. V. 17 A friend loves at all times, and kinsfolk are born to share adversity.

“Wisdom is when we outgrow our misconceptions about how life should work, and we learn how God actually built life to work, and work well. That takes us beyond rule-keeping. God’s wisdom enters our hearts and changes us within, so that, as we grow, we know intuitively what to do and what not to do, what will work and what won’t. Wisdom is skill for living when there is no hard and fast rule to go by. That is what the book of Proverbs is for – gospel wisdom for complicated lives.

A major area where wisdom helps us is friendship. So much is at stake in our friendships. And so much of friendship is a matter of feel. God has wisdom for us today about the nuances of real friendship. But it all begins with God himself.”

Ray Ortlund Jr. Reflect: We move from friendship to thinking about strife….

1Better is a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting with strife.

14 The beginning of strife is like letting out water;so stop before the quarrel breaks out.

19 One who loves transgression loves strife;one who builds a high threshold invites broken bones Conflict and disagreement can make the best meal unpleasant. The writer is telling us that the emotional environment in the house is much more important than the quality of the meal.

Quarreling, anger and bickering can break out in a moment. It is much easier to stop the quarreling before it breaks out.

When the anger breaks it is like water that has been released. Once water has been spilled out of a bucket it is very difficult to get it back in, that is how it is with anger and strife.

The one who is proud and sinful loves to have quarreling, anger and strife, he makes the threshold of his door higher than others which results in broken bones.

Repent: V. 22 A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries up the bones. Use this time to repent and renounce discouragement and depression.

Rejoice: Thank God that a cheerful heart is like medicine. Ask God for the medicinal value of a merry heart to be applied to those needed places today.

Day 28

Proverbs 18:1-24

Pr verbs 18:1 The one who lives alone is self-indulgent, showing contempt for all who have sound judgment.

2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing personal opinion.

3 When wickedness comes, contempt comes also; and with dishonor comes disgrace.

4 The words of the mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a gushing stream.

5 It is not right to be partial to the guilty, or to subvert the innocent in judgment.

6 A fool’s lips bring strife, and a fool’s mouth invites a flogging.

7 The mouths of fools are their ruin, and their lips a snare to themselves.

8 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.

9 One who is slack in work is close kin to a vandal.

10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.

11 The wealth of the rich is their strong city; in their imagination it is like a high wall.

12 Before destruction one’s heart is haughty, but humility goes before honor.

18:13 If one gives answer before hearing, it is folly and shame.

Where wisdom and life intersect…….

Week 6

14 The human spirit will endure sickness; but a broken spirit—who can bear?

15 An intelligent mind acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

16 A gift opens doors; it gives access to the great.

17 The one who first states a case seems right, until the other comes and cross-examines.

18 Casting the lot puts an end to disputes and decides between powerful contenders.

19 An ally offended is stronger than a city; such quarreling is like the bars of a castle.

20 From the fruit of the mouth one’s stomach is satisfied; the yield of the lips brings satisfaction.

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord.

23 The poor use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly.

23 The poor use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly.

24 Some friends play at friendship but a true friend sticks closer than one’s nearest brother.

Ready: V.10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.

The Name of the LORD focuses on the character of God and His saving power that works for the safety of those who are right with Him. The tower was high and fortified so that it would be a safe place during attack. Use today’s readings as a time to run to the LORD. Declare His name over the situations of your life trusting His safety and provision.

Vs 11-12 speak of another tower. The wealthy think that their wealth is a tower of protection. Unfortunately, that protection is only in their minds. Their pride will lead them to destruction. As you ready yourself for today’s passages decide to run into no other strong tower except the name of the LORD. Our other strong towers are figments of our imagination that reflect our pride and let us down.

Read: today’s verses and pay special attention to the verses about words, mouth and tongue. V.2 tells about someone whose mind is shut to wisdom, but they are willing to run their mouth giving their opinion. A closed mind and an open mouth is a bad combination. “A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,but only in expressing personal opinion.”

4The words of the mouth are deep waters;the fountain of wisdom is a gushing stream.

6 A fool’s lips bring strife,and a fool’s mouth invites a flogging.

7 The mouths of fools are their ruin,and their lips a snare to themselves.

8 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.

20 From the fruit of the mouth one’s stomach is satisfied;the yield of the lips brings satisfaction.

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,and those who love it will eat its fruits.

23 The poor use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly.

Reflect: “No matter what may be wrong with us physically when the doctor examines us, he or she often says, ‘Stick our your tongue!’ This principle applies to the Christian life, for what the tongue does reveals what the heart contains.” Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Skillful Today’s scriptures really show us that our tongue reveals so much about us. When we are wise our words pour forth that wisdom. But when we are a fool our words invite punishment, ruin and become a trap for us. Words bring satisfaction and enjoyment. Those who love gossip and whisper, love their words,they bring them satisfaction though they are creating destruction. Death and life are in the tongue. We will all have to partake of the fruit of what we say and what others say.

Today is a day to reflect on the power of the words that each of us have been saying.

“If we fail to establish a gospel culture of life-giving words, we will fail absolutely. It doesn't matter what else we do, we will fail. But if by God's grace we display the beauty of Christ through our words alone, even if we're only mediocre in other ways, we will succeed, because our words are a life-and-death issue. A church where the beautiful Lord Jesus reigns over our tongues - there will be a traffic jam on that road from the people trying to be a part of it. Life and death are in the power of the tongue. That's what God says.” Ray Ortlund Jr. Repent: How we use our tongue can be very convicting. Repent of any ways you have used words for death.

Rejoice: “Some friends play at friendship but a true friend sticks closer than one’s nearest brother.” Rejoice that Jesus is a friend that sticks closer to you than any brother or friend. Draw close to him.

Day 29

Proverbs 19:1-15

Pr verbs 19:1 Better the poor walking in integrity than one perverse of speech who is a fool.

2 Desire without knowledge is not good, and one who moves too hurriedly misses the way.

3 One’s own folly leads to ruin, yet the heart rages against the Lord.

4 Wealth brings many friends, but the poor are left friendless.

5 A false witness will not go unpunished, and a liar will not escape.

6 Many seek the favor of the generous, and everyone is a friend to a giver of gifts.

7 If the poor are hated even by their kin, how much more are they shunned by their friends!

When they call after them, they are not there.

8 To get wisdom is to love oneself;

Where wisdom and life intersect…….

Week 6

to keep understanding is to prosper.

9 A false witness will not go unpunished, and the liar will perish.

10 It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury, much less for a slave to rule over princes.

11 Those with good sense are slow to anger, and it is their glory to overlook an offense.

12 A king’s anger is like the growling of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.

13 A stupid child is ruin to a father, and a wife’s quarreling is a continual dripping of rain.

14 House and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.

15 Laziness brings on deep sleep; an idle person will suffer hunger.

Ready: V.8 “To get wisdom is to love oneself; to keep understanding is to prosper.” Wisdom promotes good relationships which begin with a good relationship with yourself that will result in a blessed life. The wise actually love themselves. To prepare yourself for today’s readings meditate on this verse and ask yourself this question, has wisdom penetrated your heart to the point that you can love yourself?

Read: Read through all of today’s verses paying special attention to those verses on wealth and poverty.

1 Better the poor walking in integrity than one perverse of speech who is a fool.

4 Wealth brings many friends, but the poor are left friendless.

6 Many seek the favor of the generous, and everyone is a friend to a giver of gifts.

7 If the poor are hated even by their kin, how much more are they shunned by their friends!

When they call after them, they are not there.

14 House and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.

The honest may lack resources but they have a much better standing than the idiot who lies. The world thinks that their income and stock portfolio can give an account of their worth but verse 4 and 6 points to the deception in that line of thought. The rich may have friends but it has little to do with who they are and much more to do with what they have. Wealth with wisdom though has great benefits. Wise parents can leave wealth and home that leaves a legacy to their children. A son who receives a heritage of wisdom realizes that a good wife comes from God. “House and land are handed down from parents, but a congenial spouse comes straight from God.” (The Message) “Wealth attracts friends as honey draws flies,but poor people are avoided like a plague.”(The Message) Wealth has it difficulties but even more unfortunate is the plight of the poor. People avoid them and shun them because of their poverty. Both the poor and the wealthy stand in real need of wisdom and insight from God. Wisdom changes the course of lives.

Reflect: Proverbs repeats the same idea in verses 5 and 9.

5 A false witness will not go unpunished, and a liar will not escape.

9 A false witness will not go unpunished, and the liar will perish.

Relationships between people are devastated by lies. Society is devastated by those who lie when they are witnesses.

Lies are punished and a liar can't go free.

The worse though is when we lie to ourselves. V. 3 speaks of the lies we tell ourselves even about God. “People ruin their lives by their own stupidity, so why does God always get blamed?”(The Message) V. 3 One’s own folly leads to ruin, yet the heart rages against the Lord.

“Instead of repenting of the sins that prompted the LORD to ruin him, the earth bound creature is so convinced that his sinful way of life is right that he storms against the LORD, holding him accountable for not granting what he thought, planned and willed. His absurd raging against the LORD implies that he experienced ruin before reaching his goal and has recognized his misfortune.”Bruce Waltke, The Book of Proverbs Repent: Spend some time repenting of lying. Especially repent of any lies that you have believed about God. Rejoice: “To get wisdom is to love oneself; to keep understanding is to prosper.” Thank God that wisdom enriches all of your relationships. Rejoice that God the Almighty is healing your relationship with yourself as you pursue Him and wisdom.

Day 30

Proverbs 19:16-29

Pr verbs 19:16 Those who keep the commandment will live; those who are heedless of their ways will die.

17 Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and will be repaid in full.

18 Discipline your children while there is hope; do not set your heart on their destruction.

19 A violent tempered person will pay the penalty; if you effect a rescue, you will only have to do it again.

20 Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom for the future.

21 The human mind may devise many plans, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will be established.

22 What is desirable in a person is loyalty, and it is better to be poor than a liar.

23 The fear of the Lord is life indeed;

Where wisdom and life intersect…….

Week 6

filled with it one rests secure and suffers no harm.

24 The lazy person buries a hand in the dish, and will not even bring it back to the mouth.

25 Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; reprove the intelligent, and they will gain knowledge.

26 Those who do violence to their father and chase away their mother are children who cause shame and bring reproach.

27 Cease straying, my child, from the words of knowledge, in order that you may hear instruction.

28 A worthless witness mocks at justice, and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.

29 Condemnation is ready for scoffers, and flogging for the backs of fools.

Ready: Meditate on v. 16 to prepare for today’s readings, “Those who keep the commandment will live; those who are heedless of their ways will die.” The Message puts it this way, “Keep the rules and keep your life; careless living kills.”

You cannot afford to be careless when it comes to God’s commands. The challenge today is to choose wisdom.

Practical living out of God’s law is life. CHOOSE LIFE! Read: V. 17, Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and will be repaid in full.

“The one who gives generously to the destitute figuratively gives a loan to the LORD presumably because the LORD’S honor is tied up with the poor for He made them and they too are His image. Their just and gracious Creator takes it upon himself to assume their indebtedness, and so he will repay the lender in full. By contrast if one oppresses the poor he will have to contend with God as their defender.” Bruce Waltke, The Book of Proverbs.

Our God is God who repays and defends. Read today’s passages and focus on now God repays good for good and offers reproof to try and warn us of destruction. Those who pursue Him are met with life and security. V.23 “The fear of the Lord is life indeed; filled with it one rests secure and suffers no harm.”

18 “Discipline your children while there is hope; do not set your heart on their destruction.”

19 “A violent tempered person will pay the penalty; if you effect a rescue, you will only have to do it again.”

26 “Those who do violence to their father and chase away their mother are children who cause shame and bring reproach.”

29 “Condemnation is ready for scoffers,and flogging for the backs of fools.”

Wise parents realize that they must discipline their children. Verse 18 tells us that if we do not discipline our children we contribute to their ruin. There is a window of time given for us to discipline. Only a certain amount of time is there hope that the discipline will work. Out of love and because of the urgency parents must discipline, the Proverb is given as a warning.

God disciplines those who He loves. Always His intent is to turn their hearts back to Him. Heed the warning of today’s verses for yourself, your children, and those you love.

Reflect: The wise sage goes from warning us to instructing us….. spend time reflecting on these verses.

20 “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom for the future.”

21 “The human mind may devise many plans, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will be established.”

27 “Cease straying, my child, from the words of knowledge, in order that you may hear instruction.”

V. 20 “A person does not control his future but with this hope can face it without anxiety and apprehension. Verse 27 makes clear, however, that one must persevere in the teaching to guarantee this outcome.” Bruce Waltke, The Book of Proverbs V. 21- The wise sage is reminding us that our plans are always subject to God. “The manifold images developed in that human thinking organ are one thing, but what finally transpires as a reality is another. God can make them successful or cancel them or bring about the reverse of what people intended.” Bruce Waltke, The Book of Proverbs Repent: V. 27, “If you quit listening, dear child, and strike off on your own,you’ll soon be out of your depth.” (The Message) Repent of not listening. Admit you are out of your depth as you make your plans. Surrender to God’s wisdom and submit your plans to HIM. Rejoice: Praise God that HE is the One who holds our future!