29.
Wisdom, righteousness, evil, justice & discipline
3. A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth
6. An evil man is snared by his own sin, but a righteous one can sing and be glad
11. A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control
13. The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: the Lord gives sight to the eyes of both.
15. The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother
17. Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul
30.
This whole proverb is so good:
2 "I am the most ignorant of men; I do not have a man's understanding.
3 I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One.
5 "Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
6 Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.
Let this be my prayer:
7 "Two things I ask of you, O LORD; do not refuse me before I die:
8 Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.
9 Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.
15 "The leech has two daughters. 'Give! Give!' they cry. "There are three things that are never satisfied, four that never say, 'Enough!':
16 the grave, the barren womb, land, which is never satisfied with water, and fire, which never says, 'Enough!'
17 "The eye that mocks a father, that scorns obedience to a mother, will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley, will be eaten by the vultures.
18 "There are three things that are too amazing for me, four that I do not understand:
19 the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a maiden.
20 "This is the way of an adulteress: She eats and wipes her mouth
and says, 'I've done nothing wrong.'
21 "Under three things the earth trembles, under four it cannot bear up:
22 a servant who becomes king, a fool who is full of food,
23 an unloved woman who is married, and a maidservant who displaces her mistress.
24 "Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise:
25 Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer;
26 coneys are creatures of little power, yet they make their home in the crags;
27 locusts have no king, yet they advance together in ranks;
28 a lizard can be caught with the hand, yet it is found in kings' palaces.
29 "There are three things that are stately in their stride, four that move with stately bearing:
30 a lion, mighty among beasts, who retreats before nothing;
31 a strutting rooster, a he-goat,
and a king with his army around him.
32 "If you have played the fool and exalted yourself, or if you have planned evil, clap your hand over your mouth!
33 For as churning the milk produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood,
so stirring up anger produces strife."
31.
Proverbs 31 Woman: The Wife of noble character
10. A wife of noble character, who can find? She is worth far more than rubies
11. Her husband has confidence in her…
12. She brings him good, not harm…
15. She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls
17. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks
18. She sees her trading is profitable…
20. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy
22. …she is clothed in fine linen and purple
25. she is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come
26. She speaks wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue
28. …her husband also, and he praises her…
30. …but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised
Some things I’ve noticed about this woman:
She is:
*Valuable
*Good
*Hard-working (and has strong hands)
*Nurturing
*Smart
*Business-minded
*Gracious
*Giving
*Hospitable
*Well-dressed
*Strong
*Dignified
*She has a sense of humor
*Wise
*Faithful
*A teacher
*An overseer
*Loved
*God-fearing
*Praised (and that’s a good thing – that she can be rewarded by the praise of the city people)
She isn’t meek or timid or just there for beauty. She is a part of the community along with being an important part of the household. She makes business decisions and takes care of her family. And this is noble.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Saturday, May 3, 2008
27, 28
27.
1. Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.
Reference to Matt 6:34 - “do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough troubles of it’s own.”
Only God knows what tomorrow will bring and most days I am much happier about tomorrow being in God’s hands than in mine, but somedays I’m only thinking about tomorrow.
5. Better is open rebuke than hidden love.
Amen! You are hiding your love by not confessing to your brothers and sisters that you are worried about them (for any reason) and by not holding them accountable and to a higher calling.
6. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.
9. Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one’s friend springs from his earnest counsel.
17. As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
19. As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man.
All this to say: friends are important. Deep relationships with those friends, even more so.
Those friendships keep you strong and make you stronger. They provide wisdom and insight. And the heart really shows who you are – not your head…
28.
12. When the righteous triumph, there is great elation; but when the wicked rise to power, men go into hiding.
13. He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
So much easier to hide and conceal – but then it gets worse. But if we confess, we find sweet mercy and grace.
14. Blessed is the man who always fears the Lord, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
First reading this, it seems like these 2 lines are unrelated (at least to me) but really exactly what I am doing when I harden my heart is say “it’s okay. I’m strong. I don’t need anyone.” This is something I’ve been working on. It was easy for me to put on a front after some pretty bad heartbreak and “not need anyone” but I’ve changed a lot since then, and am definitely a lot “softer” but I still struggle with that. It’s so much easier to put up that front. I don’t allow myself to be vulnerable with others and especially with God. I can say all I want that I trust in God and his plan for my life, but unless I soften up a little bit I’m not completely fearing the Lord and apparently I fall into trouble.
19. He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
God, I pray that you show me my land versus my fantasies and show me where my purpose lies and in what land I should be working.
26. He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe.
27. He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Proverbs 25, 26
25
2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter;
to search out a matter is the glory of kings.
I heard a meteorologist speak on this verse before. This was one of his reasons for choosing the career he did and being so passionate about it. He said that it is our job to search and ask questions and study God's mysterious works.
15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded,
and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
16 If you find honey, eat just enough—
too much of it, and you will vomit.
27 It is not good to eat too much honey,
nor is it honorable to seek one's own honor.
(this will also make you vomit - it goes nowhere good)
19 Like a bad tooth or a lame foot
is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble.
20 Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day,
or like vinegar poured on soda,
is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
Mourn with those who mourn.
28 Like a city whose walls are broken down
is a man who lacks self-control.
Here's that discipline and self control again... without it, I am like a city whose walls are broken down...
26
1 Like snow in summer or rain in harvest,
honor is not fitting for a fool.
9 Like a thornbush in a drunkard's hand
is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
Words of wisdom can be dangerous if used incorrectly.
On gossip:
20 Without wood a fire goes out;
without gossip a quarrel dies down.
21 As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire,
so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.
22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
they go down to a man's inmost parts.
I hate gossip. It really does go deep into a person and it's a vicious unending cycle. I hate it and pray that I will begin to see the consequences of my words and never gossip about the people I love or even the people that aren't exactly my favorites.
24 A malicious man disguises himself with his lips,
but in his heart he harbors deceit.
25 Though his speech is charming, do not believe him,
for seven abominations fill his heart.
2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter;
to search out a matter is the glory of kings.
I heard a meteorologist speak on this verse before. This was one of his reasons for choosing the career he did and being so passionate about it. He said that it is our job to search and ask questions and study God's mysterious works.
15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded,
and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
16 If you find honey, eat just enough—
too much of it, and you will vomit.
27 It is not good to eat too much honey,
nor is it honorable to seek one's own honor.
(this will also make you vomit - it goes nowhere good)
19 Like a bad tooth or a lame foot
is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble.
20 Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day,
or like vinegar poured on soda,
is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
Mourn with those who mourn.
28 Like a city whose walls are broken down
is a man who lacks self-control.
Here's that discipline and self control again... without it, I am like a city whose walls are broken down...
26
1 Like snow in summer or rain in harvest,
honor is not fitting for a fool.
9 Like a thornbush in a drunkard's hand
is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
Words of wisdom can be dangerous if used incorrectly.
On gossip:
20 Without wood a fire goes out;
without gossip a quarrel dies down.
21 As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire,
so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.
22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
they go down to a man's inmost parts.
I hate gossip. It really does go deep into a person and it's a vicious unending cycle. I hate it and pray that I will begin to see the consequences of my words and never gossip about the people I love or even the people that aren't exactly my favorites.
24 A malicious man disguises himself with his lips,
but in his heart he harbors deceit.
25 Though his speech is charming, do not believe him,
for seven abominations fill his heart.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
23,24
23
2 and put a knife to your throat
if you are given to gluttony.
5 Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone,
for they will surely sprout wings
and fly off to the sky like an eagle.
15 My son, if your heart is wise,
then my heart will be glad;
16 my inmost being will rejoice
when your lips speak what is right.
18 There is surely a future hope for you,
and your hope will not be cut off.
19 Listen, my son, and be wise,
and keep your heart on the right path.
There is a future for you that will make God glad. But don't put yourself in tempting places or be greedy with food or riches. Be wise and keep your heart on the right path.
24
It's so good I don't really know what to highlight...
1 Do not envy wicked men,
do not desire their company;
2 for their hearts plot violence,
and their lips talk about making trouble.
12 If you say, "But we knew nothing about this,"
does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
Does not he who guards your life know it?
Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?
13 Eat honey, my son, for it is good;
honey from the comb is sweet to your taste.
14 Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul;
if you find it, there is a future hope for you,
and your hope will not be cut off.
26 An honest answer
is like a kiss on the lips.
27 Finish your outdoor work
and get your fields ready;
after that, build your house.
It's easy for me to be jealous of "wicked men" because sometimes life just seems easier when they are not held to higher standards or a higher calling and they can just do whatever they want. But this is not freedom and their lips talk about making trouble which is definitely not freedom. God knows our hearts no matter what we say and honesty is like a kiss on the lips, so we might as well just be honest. Wisdom is sweet to the soul. Don't be lazy but build your house.
2 and put a knife to your throat
if you are given to gluttony.
5 Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone,
for they will surely sprout wings
and fly off to the sky like an eagle.
15 My son, if your heart is wise,
then my heart will be glad;
16 my inmost being will rejoice
when your lips speak what is right.
18 There is surely a future hope for you,
and your hope will not be cut off.
19 Listen, my son, and be wise,
and keep your heart on the right path.
There is a future for you that will make God glad. But don't put yourself in tempting places or be greedy with food or riches. Be wise and keep your heart on the right path.
24
It's so good I don't really know what to highlight...
1 Do not envy wicked men,
do not desire their company;
2 for their hearts plot violence,
and their lips talk about making trouble.
12 If you say, "But we knew nothing about this,"
does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
Does not he who guards your life know it?
Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?
13 Eat honey, my son, for it is good;
honey from the comb is sweet to your taste.
14 Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul;
if you find it, there is a future hope for you,
and your hope will not be cut off.
26 An honest answer
is like a kiss on the lips.
27 Finish your outdoor work
and get your fields ready;
after that, build your house.
It's easy for me to be jealous of "wicked men" because sometimes life just seems easier when they are not held to higher standards or a higher calling and they can just do whatever they want. But this is not freedom and their lips talk about making trouble which is definitely not freedom. God knows our hearts no matter what we say and honesty is like a kiss on the lips, so we might as well just be honest. Wisdom is sweet to the soul. Don't be lazy but build your house.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Proverbs 18-22
I'm a little behind... so this will be short and sweet to catch up
18
how many people do you know like this?:
A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions (2)
Basic hospitality:
A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great (16)
Words are powerful:
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit (21)
Close friends:
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (24)
19
2. it is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way
8. He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who cherishes understanding prospers.
11. A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense
20. Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise
21. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.
so good...
20.
5. The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out
I want that to be my story.. deep waters are the purpose of my heart. I want to understand those deep waters and draw them out. I think I've only begun to reveal the shores of those deep waters of purpose in my life.
15. Gold there is, rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel
25. It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows
21
2. All a man's ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs the heart.
Of course we can justify everything we do. This is right for me because... but only really God can say what is right and wrong. I don't know if this means that it is relative for everything and that God searches our hearts and can say what is right for one person may not be for someone else or if it means that we think it's relative and justify our actions but God can really define a black and white right and wrong. Thoughts on this??
17. He who loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and oil will never be rich
20. In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.
This is really good. Sometimes I think we get really excited about celebrating life, sabbathing (AKA resting and pampering ourselves), hanging with friends (AKA gorging ourselves with unending food, and other fun things because we love pleasure and we love it now. But the wise will wait.
21. He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor
30. There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.
22
Some facts:
2. Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all.
7. The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
Folly is naturally in us:
15. Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him
This is interesting to me. We have to search for wisdom and need to face consequences for our actions to learn anything. It is so natural for us to be dumb, that it has to be beaten out of us with a "rod of discipline"
18
how many people do you know like this?:
A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions (2)
Basic hospitality:
A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great (16)
Words are powerful:
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit (21)
Close friends:
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (24)
19
2. it is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way
8. He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who cherishes understanding prospers.
11. A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense
20. Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise
21. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.
so good...
20.
5. The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out
I want that to be my story.. deep waters are the purpose of my heart. I want to understand those deep waters and draw them out. I think I've only begun to reveal the shores of those deep waters of purpose in my life.
15. Gold there is, rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel
25. It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows
21
2. All a man's ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs the heart.
Of course we can justify everything we do. This is right for me because... but only really God can say what is right and wrong. I don't know if this means that it is relative for everything and that God searches our hearts and can say what is right for one person may not be for someone else or if it means that we think it's relative and justify our actions but God can really define a black and white right and wrong. Thoughts on this??
17. He who loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and oil will never be rich
20. In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.
This is really good. Sometimes I think we get really excited about celebrating life, sabbathing (AKA resting and pampering ourselves), hanging with friends (AKA gorging ourselves with unending food, and other fun things because we love pleasure and we love it now. But the wise will wait.
21. He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor
30. There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.
22
Some facts:
2. Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all.
7. The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
Folly is naturally in us:
15. Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him
This is interesting to me. We have to search for wisdom and need to face consequences for our actions to learn anything. It is so natural for us to be dumb, that it has to be beaten out of us with a "rod of discipline"
Friday, April 18, 2008
16-17
Proverbs 16
1. To man belongs the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the reply of the tongue.
2. In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.
Our desires & longings lead to the actions God gives us to take. Those longings/desires/holy discontents are in us for a reason - fuel to do what God has for us. And it's so cool, that He already knows that and already has the steps laid out for us to take. This is my constant prayer - God please determine the steps you want me to take in this season of deep longing.
21. The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction
23. A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction
28. A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.
Our words are really important and can easily be good or evil. If we are wise at heart, and listening to the wisdom of the Lord, it will be natural for us to promote instruction. But if we are not listening and blurting out folly or gossiping, we can destroy friendships.
Proverbs 17
1. Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting with strife
5. He who mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.
Wealth is not so great when you're greedy, prideful, foolish, and angry. I have seen happiness in some pretty shabby places around the world and I have seen sadness and anger in some pretty rich homes in the US.
16. Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom?
This I just think is really cute:
6. Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children
17. A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity
22. A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones
1. To man belongs the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the reply of the tongue.
2. In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.
Our desires & longings lead to the actions God gives us to take. Those longings/desires/holy discontents are in us for a reason - fuel to do what God has for us. And it's so cool, that He already knows that and already has the steps laid out for us to take. This is my constant prayer - God please determine the steps you want me to take in this season of deep longing.
21. The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction
23. A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction
28. A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.
Our words are really important and can easily be good or evil. If we are wise at heart, and listening to the wisdom of the Lord, it will be natural for us to promote instruction. But if we are not listening and blurting out folly or gossiping, we can destroy friendships.
Proverbs 17
1. Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting with strife
5. He who mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.
Wealth is not so great when you're greedy, prideful, foolish, and angry. I have seen happiness in some pretty shabby places around the world and I have seen sadness and anger in some pretty rich homes in the US.
16. Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom?
This I just think is really cute:
6. Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children
17. A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity
22. A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
14 & 15
Proverbs 14
This proverb says a lot about the heart to me:
10. Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy
12. There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death
13. Even in laughter the heart may ache and joy may end in grief
30. A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones
33. Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning and even among fools she lets herself be known.
The heart - and no one really knows but you and God. No one knows my heart but me. I can be laughing and still broken inside. A heart at peace gives life to the body, but if we don't live in peace but instead by envy, greed, and pride it will rot the bones. Obviously a heart is pretty important, giving life to the body. Wisdom tries to let herself be known and call out to us at all times, but it is only in the hearts of those who are searching where she rests. Kind of awesome - a heart of peace gives life to the body and wisdom rests in the hearts of those who find her.
Proverbs 15
God is so in tune with us that he knows "a cheerful look brings joy to the heart..." It's so cool. I don't understand the faiths that believe in a God that's not involved in our lives or that just created the universe and let it run. God understands the depths of our souls and longings. He knows that discipline and wisdom will lead us down a path of righteousness, not only because God is great and deserves our best, but because he completely understands our hearts.
23. The path of life leads upward for the wise to keep him from going down to the grave.
And how much we desperately need the love of God and community.
16. Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil
17. Better a meal of vegetables where there is love, than a fattened calf with hatred.
This proverb says a lot about the heart to me:
10. Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy
12. There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death
13. Even in laughter the heart may ache and joy may end in grief
30. A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones
33. Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning and even among fools she lets herself be known.
The heart - and no one really knows but you and God. No one knows my heart but me. I can be laughing and still broken inside. A heart at peace gives life to the body, but if we don't live in peace but instead by envy, greed, and pride it will rot the bones. Obviously a heart is pretty important, giving life to the body. Wisdom tries to let herself be known and call out to us at all times, but it is only in the hearts of those who are searching where she rests. Kind of awesome - a heart of peace gives life to the body and wisdom rests in the hearts of those who find her.
Proverbs 15
God is so in tune with us that he knows "a cheerful look brings joy to the heart..." It's so cool. I don't understand the faiths that believe in a God that's not involved in our lives or that just created the universe and let it run. God understands the depths of our souls and longings. He knows that discipline and wisdom will lead us down a path of righteousness, not only because God is great and deserves our best, but because he completely understands our hearts.
23. The path of life leads upward for the wise to keep him from going down to the grave.
And how much we desperately need the love of God and community.
16. Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil
17. Better a meal of vegetables where there is love, than a fattened calf with hatred.
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