She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies belts to the tradesmen. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future. She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the...
There are three things which are too wonderful for me, four which I do not understand: The way of an eagle in the sky, The way of a serpent on a rock, The way of a ship in the middle of the sea, And the way of a man with a maid. Proverbs 30:18-19...
The fear of man brings a snare, but he who trusts in the Lord will be exalted. Many seek the ruler’s favor, but justice for man comes from the Lord. Proverbs 29:25-26 From where does courage come? In his famous ‘I have a dream’ speech...
Proverbs 28 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law strive with them. v6 Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand all things. v6 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; but when...
Know well the condition of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds; For riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to all generations. When the grass disappears, the new growth is seen, and the herbs of the mountains are gathered in, The...
The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road! A lion is in the open square!” As the door turns on its hinges, so does the sluggard on his bed. The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he is weary of bringing it to his mouth again. The sluggard...
Do not claim honor in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of great men; For it is better that it be said to you, “Come up here,” than for you to be placed lower in the presence of the prince, whom your eyes have seen. Proverbs...
Deliver those who are being taken away to death, and those who are staggering to slaughter, Oh hold them back. If you say, “See, we did not know this,” does He not consider it who weighs the hearts? And does He not know it who keeps your soul? And...
Proverbs 23 When you sit down to dine with a ruler, consider carefully what is before you, And put a knife to your throat if you are a man of great appetite. Do not desire his delicacies, for it is deceptive food. v1-3 Do not eat the bread of a...
Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before obscure men. Proverbs 22:29 I love this thought. That at some point, if we are skillful at something (perhaps anything), we will be promoted and receive...
Proverbs 21 The acquisition of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor, the pursuit of death. v6 He who loves pleasure will become a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not become rich. v17 There is precious treasure and oil in the...
A plan in the heart of a man is like deep water, But a man of understanding draws it out. Many a man proclaims his own loyalty, But who can find a trustworthy man? A righteous man who walks in his integrity— How blessed are his sons after him...
What is desirable in a man is his kindness, and it is better to be a poor man than a liar. The fear of the Lord leads to life, so that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil. Proverbs 19:22-23 You can like a lot of things about people. Two that...
Most people know me in my role as pastor and superintendent. My family knows me as husband, father, brother, son. While I am viewed through the lens of relationship from those I know, I am yet a single person. Today, I will share my personal...
Proverbs 18 He who gives an answer before he hears, it is folly and shame to him. v13 The first to plead his case seems right, until another comes and examines him. v17 When you have kids, you find out there are always two sides to every story. You...
He who restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is considered prudent. Proverbs 17:27-28 Ever feel like you want to...
The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, but the Lord weighs the motives. Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established. Proverbs 16:1-3...
Proverbs 14 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, but the mouth of fools spouts folly. v1-2 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but the slow to anger calms a dispute...
The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish tears it down with her own hands. He who walks in his uprightness fears the Lord, But he who is devious in his ways despises Him. In the mouth of the foolish is a rod for his back, But the lips of the...
He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Adversity pursues sinners, but the righteous will be rewarded with prosperity. A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, and the wealth of the...
There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips will be established forever, but a lying tongue is only for a moment. Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but...
A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight. When pride comes, then comes dishonor, but with the humble is wisdom. The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the crookedness of the treacherous will destroy...
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For by me your days will be multiplied, and years of life will be added to you. If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, and if you scoff, you...
Does not wisdom call, and understanding lift up her voice? On top of the heights beside the way, Where the paths meet, she takes her stand; Beside the gates, at the opening to the city, At the entrance of the doors, she cries out: “To you, O...
My son, keep my words and treasure my commandments within you. Keep my commandments and live, and my teaching as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; Write them on the tablet of your heart. Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call...
For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching is light; And reproofs for discipline are the way of life to keep you from the evil woman, From the smooth tongue of the adulteress. Do not desire her beauty in your heart, nor let her capture you with...
Drink water from your own cistern and fresh water from your own well. Should your springs be dispersed abroad, streams of water in the streets? Let them be yours alone and not for strangers with you. Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the...
But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, That shines brighter and brighter until the full day. The way of the wicked is like darkness; They do not know over what they stumble. Proverbs 3:18-19 I want to live light as in a brighter...
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 your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and turn away from evil. It will be healing to...
If you seek her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will discern the fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom...
Wisdom shouts in the street, she lifts her voice in the square; At the head of the noisy streets she cries out; At the entrance of the gates in the city she utters her sayings: How long, O naive ones, will you love being simple-minded? And scoffers...