Journaling Through the Proverbs – August

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It’s August! Summer is winding down, and back-to-school advertisements are everywhere. There is also signs that soon we will be welcoming the beauty of fall. When I went to our local Walmart store, there were rows and rows of shelves stocked with school supplies. I love seeing the many families shopping together and getting their students ready for the next year. Many are also heading back to college, and the bustle of summer is seeing a slow calm. As children, youth and young adults return to the classroom to learn the basics, we must continue to inspire them to also make time to receive the knowledge of God. The Proverbs is a place where godly wisdom and spiritual knowledge abounds. As the cool breeze of the fall rolls in, it is the perfect time to relax on the patio with your Proverbs Each Day journal and be filled with the wisdom of God’s Word. No matter the season, we must discern wisely. In this blog series, we provide a short portion of the Proverbs for each day so that you can ponder the amazing truth of these Chapters in small sections. We hope that you will take time to ponder these nuggets of truth from God’s Word.

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31 responses to “Journaling Through the Proverbs – August”

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    August 31 – Proverbs 31:4-9, “It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to desire strong drink, for they will drink and forget what is decreed, and pervert the rights of all the afflicted. Give strong drink to him who is perishing, and wine to him whose life is bitter. Let him drink and forget his poverty and remember his trouble no more. Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all the unfortunate. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the afflicted and needy.”

    We are a little behind in Proverbs 31 because June only had 30 days. So I am adding the Scriptures we should have covered in June to make the Proverbs have the same set of Scriptures as the other chapters we have covered. God is right on time in providing us instructions for life. As believers, our voices should rise up on behalf of those who are truly afflicted and needy. We should have a voice for the rights of those who are less fortunate. We should have a greater voice in judging righteously and not just flying off the handle in responding to anything and everything. I want to encourage you all again that as you get to the instructions on the practices of the noble wife, please do not get discouraged. Be encouraged that God will provide His wisdom in how to care for our household. As you continue to commit to doing what God speaks in your specific situation, you will be able to see the fruit of godliness in your life. This is the picture of a woman, but it is not a commandment that all women do exactly as this woman does in Proverbs. It is for our learning, not our shame or intimidation. Be blessed!

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    August 30 – Proverbs 30:7-9 – “Two things I asked of You, do not refuse me before I die: Keep deception and lies far from me, give me neither poverty nor riches;
    Feed me with the food that is my portion, that I not be full and deny You and say, “Who is the Lord?” Or that I not be in want and steal, and profane the name of my God.”

    This Scripture is a life Scripture for me, and I would suggest that it would be the prayer focus for every believer. These two verses reflect the heart of someone who desires to receive what God has for them. That is the way I live my life. In Psalm 139, we are taught that all the days of our lives were fashioned before we came into existence. This means that God will supply everything we need to live out the life He created us to live. I have seen these Scriptures displayed in real life. When people are wealthy, they believe that their wealth is their god and that it will provide them with everything they need in this life. However, Steve Jobs was rich, and his money could not cure his cancer. Robin Williams was rich, and his money did not save him from taking his own life. Michael Jackson was rich, and the drugs he was able to afford took his life. Then there are those who are on the other side. I have been poor as a single mother of four children, trying to make ends meet. You get desperate when you think that your children won’t have food to eat, or a place to live, when money is low, and you don’t know where your means will come from.

    God always made a way for me. And it was not until the last decade or so that I learn to live in the peace and contentment of that truth. I don’t have to fix my problems. God is able to guide me in wisdom through life’s complications. I have learned how to avoid getting myself into a situation where I feel desperate. Feeling desperate will push a person to make irrational and impulsive decisions that only lead to more trouble.  When I read these verses, they were so profound to me that they have become a daily prayer request for my life.  I only want what God has for me and nothing else.  I don’t want anything that anyone else has, because that is not God’s will for me, and it is a dangerous thing to live outside of God’s will.  I don’t want to fulfill any role except the role God has for me.  When we learn to submit to what God has for us, we live in joy.  We learn to be satisfied when we live in contentment, gratitude, thankfulness, and trust that God is able to meet all of our needs.  Be blessed!

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    August 29 – Proverbs 29:7-10, “The righteous is concerned for the rights of the poor, the wicked does not understand such concern. Scorners set a city aflame, but wise men turn away anger. When a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man, the foolish man either rages or laughs, and there is no rest. Men of bloodshed hate the blameless, but the upright are concerned for his life.”

    Proverbs 29 teaches us about developing character. It requires character to care for someone other than oneself. It takes character to raise a child with character. Character is a concept that has been slowly evaporating within our nation throughout the years. If you consider those who hold offices, you find that character is no longer a quality trait necessary to be an elected representative. The internet has exposed just how depleted society is of character. It is so easy for men and women to become addicted to the things they encounter online because people believe that they are hiding things and getting away with things others do not know about. But God knows. Character drives us to do the right thing because it is the right thing to do. It takes character to go against the grain when everyone wants to do the wrong thing. Jesus showed epic character when He stood before His accusers. He was not concerned with defending Himself, but was more concerned with defending the character of our Father. Having character in today’s culture will cause people to dismiss you instead of commend you, but God desires us to develop character, and His Word provides all we need to grow and develop character that pleases Him. Be blessed!

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    August 28 – Proverbs 28:5-7, “Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand all things. Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is crooked though he be rich. He who keeps the law is a discerning son, but he who is a companion of gluttons humiliates his father.”

    Proverbs 28 provides warnings about how bad behavior or conduct brings about bad consequences.  No matter how many times we read the wisdom, the contrast between good and evil, the instructions for life and conduct, or the warnings that God provides for us through the Proverbs, if we are not practicing them ourselves, they are just words on a page.  I know that we all desire our children to follow hard after God, but they need to see us modeling what the Bible says and we can not say that we get an exception because we are adults, or because we are their parents,   When we respond with those types of double standards,  we are teaching our children that adults and parents are excused from obedience to God’s Word.  Adults are 100% accountable to God just as our children are.  We don’t get a pass, and we don’t get to say that by the time we get home, we will be corrected.  Sometimes our most valuable lessons are learned through our children.  I pray that you will be blessed as you experience God’s grace to us through the warnings of Proverbs 28.  Be blessed!

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    August 27 – Proverbs 27:8-10, “Like a bird that wanders from her nest, so is a man who wanders from his home. Oil and perfume make the heart glad, so a man’s counsel is sweet to his friend. Do not forsake your own friend or your father’s friend, and do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity; Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother far away.”

    One of the sweetest gifts God has given us as His children is our spiritual family. Most of you ladies here are people I actually know, either through a personal relationship or a relationship with another friend. Christ warned us that we would have to lose our earthly family because of our commitment to Him, and that has been so true in my life. But I have been immensely blessed by my sisters in Christ. It is through these friendships that I realize the truth of Scripture that God is love. I am pretty much an outcast in my earthly family because of how the word of God shapes my beliefs and my choices.

    When I gave my life to Christ, I gave all of myself to Him, and I was not coming to Him for a one-way relationship where I wanted all that He had to offer but gave nothing in return. I surrender all to Him to live according to His terms. I see that same thing in all of my friends who also profess an authentic relationship with Christ. Those of you that God has placed in my life have been that neighbor who is better than a brother or sister far away. I am truly grateful to all of you. I cherish those friendships that have turned into sisterships and “motherships”—by which I mean those of you who have nurtured and cared for me like a mother would. Not like in aliens or anything like that. Lol! But you have all been such sweet perfume in my life who have never forsaken me in my time of need. Cherish the gift of friendship. The Psalm teaches us that God makes a home for the lonely. He does it so well, and He gives us His best to love, comfort, and encourage us. So be encouraged as you read Proverbs 27 and consider the many beautiful relationships that God has surrounded you with, which are His arms of love. Be blessed!

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    August 26 – Proverbs 26:8-11, “Like one who binds a stone in a sling, so is he who gives honor to a fool. Like a thorn which falls into the hand of a drunkard, so is a proverb in the mouth of fools. Like an archer who wounds everyone, so is he who hires a fool or who hires those who pass by.”

    Proverbs 26 teaches us how to deal with people who are foolish and immature. It also explains what will happen if you allow these people into your life. When we condone or elevate those who behave foolishly, it ultimately harms them in the long run.  Those who are afraid to confront foolishness are more concerned about themselves than the other person.  If we love and care for someone and see them conducting themselves in ways that are harmful, we would confront them with love and grace.  The Bible teaches us to speak the truth in love.  Confronting someone does not have to be mean-spirited or harsh: even if your counsel falls on deaf ears, it’s better to show your concern than to see someone going astray and do nothing.    

    Even in the business world, when a lazy person obtains a job, they are always looking for someone else to carry their load or take responsibility for their foolish actions.  It negatively impacts workplace morale, productivity, and the financial outlook of the business.  Proverbs 26 has a lot to say about laziness and the motives of the heart. As you read the Proverbs today, I pray that you will develop wisdom not only in dealing with those who are foolish but also in discerning, by their actions, those who will bring trouble into your life. Have an amazing time in God’s Word. Be blessed!

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    August 25 – Proverbs 25:8-10 “Do not go out hastily to argue your case; Otherwise, what will you do in the end, when your neighbor humiliates you? Argue your case with your neighbor, and do not reveal the secret of another, or he who hears it will reproach you, and the evil report about you will not pass away.”

    I love how God’s Word teaches us through the Holy Spirit, everything that pertains to life and godliness. Even though we may read these verses every day, it will take a lifetime to plant them all firmly in our hearts. There will come a time when God’s Word will not be readily available to us, and during those times, His Word will teach us from the Scriptures we have rooted in our hearts. These Scriptures teach us about conflict and how to handle it wisely. The best thing we can do is resolve our conflicts with much prayer and humility. We must be people who are trustworthy and peaceable,  instead of being dramatic. God is not a God of disarray and chaos, and His people should not be either. We must learn to be a people of integrity who are willing to take responsibility for our actions and show love to each other instead of creating strife. I pray you will have an amazing time being ministered to by Proverbs 25. God has given us a great blessing in His Word. Be blessed!

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    August 24 – Proverbs 24:7-9, “Wisdom is too exalted for a fool, he does not open his mouth in the gate. One who plans to do evil, men will call a schemer. The devising of folly is sin, and the scoffer is an abomination to men.”

    As you begin your week, I pray that these Scriptures will help you in approaching the situations and events you encounter with God’s wisdom and confidence. God’s word is a lamp unto our feet, and a light unto our path. We will never be led astray when we apply God’s Word to our circumstances.  These Scriptures teach us specifically how to understand those who are foolish and the negative impression it makes on those who practice foolishness.   Those who desire to live by their own understanding will go astray because they can not apply the right judgment in their circumstances.  They may depend on their experience, or education, social status, or perceived understanding.  Only God has true knowledge that can lead us to true wisdom.  Just because we handled a problem a certain way does not mean that the next problem can be resolved in the same manner.

    These verses also warn us about the results of being someone who conducts themselves with revenge and vindictiveness, always trying to harm those they oppose.  If someone gains a reputation as a schemer, no one will trust them.  Devising folly is sin, and those who conduct themselves in such a way are despised by those they offend.  Devising folly is the goal of those who plan evil and scheme to harm others.  The understanding of the consequences of sin is not something they even desire to grasp; that wisdom is too exalted for them.  l  I pray that you will be richly blessed and encouraged by the many nuggets of truth you will receive. Be blessed!

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    August 23 – Proverbs 23:7-9 “For as he thinks within himself, so he is. He says to you, “Eat and drink!” But his heart is not with you. You will vomit up the morsel you have eaten, and waste your compliments. Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words.”

    God has provided us with commandments so that we can experience life through His wisdom.  In Exodus 20, God gives Moses the 10 commandments. Those commandments teach us how to relate to God and how we should relate to each other. In the Proverbs, God blesses us with the gift of learning how to make wise decisions in every area of life. The Scriptures above are great commandments for relating to God, life, and conduct. They will help us avoid toxic situations and those who do not have our best interests.  As you read Proverbs 23, you will notice that several of the verses are commandments. They are meant for us to adhere to. When we cast them aside or follow man instead of God, we are saying that we know better than the One who created life.

    We can see this displayed clearly in how people have gone away from disciplining their children. In Proverbs 23:13-14, the context emphasizes the importance of corrective guidance for children, highlighting discipline as an act of care and instruction: “Do not hold back discipline from the child, although you strike him with the rod, he will not die. You shall strike him with the rod and rescue his soul from Sheol.” When we reject the instructions in God’s Word, we are saying that we know better than God.  Our heavenly Father knows what is best. As you read Proverbs 23, consider the various commandments that are laid out for us to adhere to. God has a much better plan for us, and He knows it completely. We can trust that He has our best interests. Be blessed!

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    Proverbs 22:7-9, “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower becomes the lender’s slave. He who sows iniquity will reap vanity, and the rod of his fury will perish. He who is generous will be blessed, for he gives some of his food to the poor.”

    Christ said that we will always have the poor among us. He knows the heart of every man, and because of the sin nature, there will always be those who will not heed the commandments of God. When we live according to our own desires and pleasures without giving to others, trouble comes. We are not blessed when we live outside the commandments of God, and when we make poor financial decisions or do not give as the Lord has commanded, it brings us to poverty.

    But God is good to us even when we have little. Paul even teaches us that he knows what it is like to have little, and he knows what it is like to have abundance. God knows the truth of why we give, and He knows our hearts and motives. Generosity does not have strings attached. Generosity is giving out of a heart of gratitude and thanksgiving. As Proverbs 22 teaches us about the life and conduct of those who seek a good name, and those who train up their children, and those who are generous, I pray that you will be challenged and inspired in your life and conduct to apply these wonderful concepts. Be blessed!

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    Proverbs 21:1-4, “The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes. Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the hearts. To do righteousness and justice is desired by the Lord more than sacrifice. Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, is sin.”

    These opening verses in Proverbs 21 give us insight into how intimately God knows us, and even when man rejects His invitation to join His family, He still directs their path. Psalm 139 teaches us that there is nowhere we can hide from God’s sovereign rule. If we try to hide in the uttermost parts of the earth, He sees us. I am amazed to know that even darkness is light to God. Everything is illuminated in His view. Even our governing rulers are not exempt from His sovereign rule. They may think they are hiding and doing things “behind closed doors” or out of the public’s view, but what we can see does not matter; it is what God sees that matters most. Understanding this knowledge about God brings me peace and comfort, that no matter who is in office, they are under God’s providence and He will deal with any ungodliness His way.

    This also helps me to live a set-apart life of holiness before God. I do not wish to hide anything from God, because I can’t, but I also just want Him to know that He is worth my life and so much more. Be encouraged by these Proverbs to lead a life of holiness. It’s what’s best for us. So many believers become intimidated by God’s command to be holy because they think they have to be sinless. The Holy Spirit will empower us with a desire to sin less, but perfection is not what is required. The wicked, however, is prone and in bondage to sin. The phrase “the lamp of the wicked is sin” perfectly describes the state of those who are not born again. Sin is the place they live from. They can not even strive for anything better. I pray that as you ponder these verses from Proverbs, you will submit to the Sovereignty of God and His intimate knowledge of you, and even in that, He still loves you and desires to have fellowship with you and make a place for you in His family. Be blessed.

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    Proverbs 20:7-9, “A righteous man who walks in his integrity— how blessed are his sons after him. A king who sits on the throne of justice disperses all evil with his eyes.
    Who can say, “I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin”?”

    As we continue to gain wisdom and understanding from the Proverbs that teach us about life and conduct, we are met with questions to help us examine our spiritual lives. Sometimes, or many times, just because we can sense the fellowship of the Spirit and God’s favor in our lives, we can forget that we are still human. We can deceive ourselves into thinking that we have become sinless and think more highly of ourselves than we should.

    I like how God keeps me in check, it seems that I can find myself in the most embarrassing places, but it’s God’s goodness and grace because it keeps me humble knowing that I can not cleanse my own heart and although I strive to live a life of purity, the enemy comes quickly to steal, kill and destroy. Only the blood of Jesus can cleanse our hearts and purify us and present us as righteous before God. I pray that as you spend time in Proverbs 20 today, you will be blessed as God fills you with His presence.

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    August 19 – Proverbs 19:7-9, “All the brothers of a poor man hate him; How much more do his friends abandon him! He pursues them with words, but they are gone. He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; He who keeps understanding will find good. A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who tells lies will perish.”

    The next four books of Proverbs focus on life and conduct as they relate to living wise and righteous lives. God is faithful to provide us with His amazing knowledge and wisdom, so that we may know how to walk in fellowship with Him until He calls us into our eternal home. These Proverbs depict such a vivid picture of human behavior and attitude.  So many times, I see how the poor are shunned within their families.  They may need financial help or assistance with a ride, or a place to stay.  This can definitely put a strain on family relationships when generosity or compassion is lacking.  

    That is why it is so important to learn the principles God has given us in His Word.  Deuteronomy 30:19 is a Scripture that has guided my life and this ministry. In this verse, God calls us to choose either blessings or cursing.  When we choose to be blessed, we must make wise decisions that lead to blessings and surplus instead of lack.  This is where the part of the verse that says, “He who keeps understanding will find good.” If we seek God and His ways, it will lead to good, just as we are taught in Hebrews 11:6.  When we continually make bad decisions, it will lead to bad consequences.  When we lead a life that lacks integrity, it will bring about God’s judgment.  However, there is forgiveness with God when we turn from our sinful ways.   I am so thankful that God not only forgave my sins, but through His Word and the power of the Holy Spirit, He teaches me and everyone else how to overcome sin and the desire for it. I pray that you will have a blessed time reading Proverbs 19 as God fills your heart with His knowledge and wisdom so that you can conduct yourself accordingly. Be blessed!

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    August 18 – Proverbs 18:7-9, “A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are the snare of his soul. The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the body. He also who is slack in his work is brother to him who destroys.”

    Proverbs 18 provides several Scriptures that deal with our words.  What we say and how we say it can impact our relationships in negative ways.   When we meet someone who likes to hog the conversation, we know that the person will eventually say something that will offend someone.  We must have control of our tongues and know when and what to speak.  In Proverbs 17, we will learn that even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise, and when they close their lips, they are considered to be prudent.  Knowing what to say, when to say it, and how to say it reflects spiritual maturity.  Having restraint in what we say also shows spiritual maturity.  

    We must also be careful in what we say, because words can scar us just as badly as physical attacks.  I remember when I was a little girl that we used to say, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”  That is so untrue.  Words do hurt, and they can destroy relationships with family, coworkers, and those in the body of Christ, so choose your words wisely.  We learn that just the name of the Lord brings us abundant strength and protection. When we pray, we pray in Christ’s name because that is the name above all names. I pray you will be encouraged as you read how important it is to choose our words wisely. God has so many wonderful promises for us, but He is our best promise of all. Be blessed!

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    August 17 – Proverbs 17: 7-9, “Excellent speech is not fitting for a fool, much less are lying lips to a prince. A bribe is a charm in the sight of its owner; wherever he turns, he prospers. He who conceals a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates intimate friends.”

    In today’s Proverbs reading, God instructs us as to how we should speak as those who profess to be His. Those who are truly in Christ should desire holiness in every part of their lives. What we do, what we think, and what we say must reflect that the Holy Spirit has cultivated a new life within us. As a follower of Christ, our speech must also reflect how we speak has changed to bring honor to God. Those who use profanity and yet profess Christ should heed what James teaches us. James 3:9-12, “With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; From the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh.” These Scriptures should bring great conviction when words that are unbecoming of Christ proceed out of the mouth of a believer. We must embrace the fact that, as believers, we are different. Our lives are like day and night from those who live in darkness.

    If the world’s speech is laced with profanity and perversion, then a believer’s speech must be laced with love and grace. We are also taught how we should respond to those who may offend us. When we remember the grace that God continues to give to us, it should be easy to give grace and forgiveness to others. However, when we behave in considerate ways, even those one may forgive the offense, it does not mean they must carry on a relationship with their offender. I hope that you will continue to allow the contrast of the righteous and the wicked to give you wisdom to build your life upon. God has given us a great gift in His Word, and He has been gracious to provide us with wisdom in knowing how to deal with this life. May you be blessed as you allow God’s Word to draw you closer to Him.

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    August 16 – “When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Better is a little with righteousness than great income with injustice. The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. A divine decision is in the lips of the king; His mouth should not err in judgment.”

    God desires to establish us in His righteousness. Proverbs 16 reminds us of how God desires us to seek to live righteously, to love righteousness, and live our lives through acts of righteousness. As you are ministered to today, think about this question. How pressed are you to embrace righteousness and live righteously? God has provided a blessing through His Word. I pray you will be blessed and encouraged to live righteously through God’s message to you today.

    Be blessed!

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    August 15 – Proverbs 15:7-9, “The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the hearts of fools are not so. 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 one who pursues righteousness.”

    Proverbs 15 teaches us a lot about how we use our mouth and our words. It uses several analogies that deal with the body, particularly the parts of the face. Our tongues can become dangerous weapons very quickly, and it is good for us that God teaches us how to manage our tongues and our bodies in a wise and holy way. I pray that you will be encouraged as God gives you wisdom through this Proverb. Be blessed!

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    August 14 – Proverbs 14:7-9, “Leave the presence of a fool, or you will not discern words of knowledge. The wisdom of the sensible is to understand his way, but the foolishness of fools is deceit. Fools mock at sin, but among the upright there is good will.”

    Be encouraged as you continue along in learning the wisdom of the Proverbs in the contrast between the wicked and the righteous. These are amazing insights, and God will stir up these Scriptures as He pleases in each of our hearts. In all of these principles of wisdom, the key is application. We must be careful in who we allow to surround our lives.  Before we came to Christ, we have no criteria for the kind of character we accept in those we socialize with, but when we became new creations in Christ, we discovered that not everyone would fit into the new path of life we have chosen in Christ.  If we allow the ungodly to counsel us we will not discern words of knowledge; instead, we will choose the opinions of man.  The wisdom of those who follow Christ is to understand the life He has called us to live, but those who are non-believers are not concerned about living to please God.  They mock at sin and think that those of us who choose to turn away from a lifestyle of immorality are missing out.  Those who mock at sin and indulge in it as a lifestyle are the ones who are under the bondage and captivity of the enemy and have no power to make any other choice.  The Holy Spirit within us empowers us to resist the devil, choose righteousness, and follow the will of God.   The life of the upright is not one that is missing out on pleasure; we have the greatest joy and the pleasure of being in fellowship with God.  Be blessed.

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    August 13 – Proverbs 13:7-9, “There is one who pretends to be rich, but has nothing; another pretends to be poor, but has great wealth. The ransom of a man’s life is his wealth, but the poor hears no rebuke. The light of the righteous rejoices, but the lamp of the wicked goes out.”

    I pray that you all are having a wonderful week and are filling your spirit with intimate times with God through His Word, and in prayer and worship. As you continue in allowing these Proverbs that contrast the wicked from the wise to create life principles to live by, create a personal list. Use it to guide your parenting or your counsel to your friends and family. For instance, you would write for Proverbs 13:7, “If I seek only to become rich, I will become poor, but if I seek the things of the spirit, I will have great wealth. The phrase, “pretends to be rich”, describes someone who is materialistic, someone who flaunts what they have and look to their wealth as their god. Those who “pretend to be poor and have great wealth”, are those whose faith and hope are in God, who has great wealth. Have fun in God’s word today. He has something to teach you, make your soul available to Him, and have a fun time in His Word. Be blessed!

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    August 12 – Proverbs 12:7-9, “The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous will stand. A man will be praised according to his insight, but one of perverse mind will be despised. Better is he who is lightly esteemed and has a servant than he who honors himself and lacks bread.”

    Sometimes it appears that those who engage in evil never receive the consequences of their actions. It seems as if they do more and more evil and get more and more prosperous. That is a human deception as we cannot see how God is going to deal with these individuals. Our hope should be as God hopes for them, that they be saved and come into the knowledge of the truth. However, God will deal with each person in His own sovereign timing. No one will get away with evil. They will either be found out on this earth or will pay the consequences when they stand before God. However, those who are righteous seem to get the hard end of things in this life, yet Scripture assures us that their foundation is secure and will ultimately be vindicated.

    Those who counsel us wisely are praised for their godly insights, but those who desire to lead us astray are those we choose to stay away from.  We must always be careful to observe the life of those we seek counsel from because their actions speak loudly about the manner in which they are able to discern wisely.  These Scriptures also teach us about trying to please others and being more interested in how people view us than in how we are displaying Christ in us.  

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    August 11 – Proverbs 11:8-10, “The righteous is delivered from trouble, but the wicked takes his place. With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous will be delivered. When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish, there is joyful shouting.”

    These Proverbs provide a contrast between the wicked and the righteous and are great tools for discipleship. We are to be growing in the likeness of Christ. We are to think about life from God’s perspective, and we are to gain understanding about the consequences of this life also. This is the great provision of these Proverbs.

    We can build on God’s wisdom day by day, week by week, and month by month. It is amazing to understand that God uses those who are wicked to receive the consequences of those who are wicked. We get to experience how much damage the mouth can do when one has no control or reason to control what they say. And we all know the blessing of having godly leaders and how we are blessed through their love for God and desire to encourage us to be like Him. As you read Proverbs 11 today, I pray you will be encouraged by each verse that helps you to see the blessing of those who live righteously and the chastising of those who don’t. Be blessed!

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    August 10 – Proverbs 10:7-9, “The memory of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot. The wise of heart will receive commands, but a babbling fool will be ruined. He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out.”

    It is so amazing how the Word of God teaches us that abiding in God’s Word has a positive effect on every area of our bodies.  Even our thoughts are blessed when we live a righteous life.  As we abide in God’s Word and apply it to our daily lives, it will produce eternal fruit.  The longer we live in obeying God’s Word, the more we will be able to reflect on how He has moved abundantly in our lives, and this makes for many blessed memories.  One day, when we stand before God, every name that has not been blotted out of the book of life will enter into eternal life with Christ, but those whose names are blotted out will rot in the lake of fire with the devil and his minions.  The most tragic thing that I see in this is that the person’s name was once in the Lamb’s book of life, but because of their own self-centered desires and continued rejection of God’s Word, He blotted out their name.  

    I want my name and the memory of the blessings God has given me to remain and to bless my Father as I receive and abide in His commands.  Those who reject the forgiveness of the Lord will be ruined by eternal separation from God, but those who embrace His word and abide in the integrity of His Word will walk securely.   I encourage you to make these righteous principles your principles of life and your understanding of the perils of unrighteous and ungodly living, just as Paul teaches us in Philippians 2:5, “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ.”

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    August 9 – Proverbs 9:9-11, “Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser, teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning. 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.”

    We can never be too wise. We can never know enough about God. True wisdom comes by having a right respect and reverence for God and His power. Sundays would usually find us congregating together with our local church family before the virus, learning together, growing together, praying together,  worshiping together,  and serving together. But these times really help us to understand just how important our relationship with God and Christ is through the Holy Spirit. One of the things I have learned through these times is that no matter if I am walking my faith alone or have a family of believers around me, my faith must be in Christ alone. The Word of God is my instructor through the Holy Spirit and teaches me at all times.

    We don’t lose our passion for the Word because we don’t have a pastor giving us a sermon, or we don’t have a body of believers regularly around us. Communion with God should be our way of life. I pray that you will have an amazing Holy Spirit filled week because you have allowed God to fill your heart each and every day through His Holy Spirit. He is like our personal pastor. He convicts us, talks to us, convicts us, comforts us, corrects us, and leads us to serve in ways we would never consider. I pray that you will embrace God’s gift of our helper, the Holy Spirit, each and every day. Be blessed!

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    August 8 – Proverbs 8:7-9, “For my mouth will utter truth; And wickedness is an abomination to my lips. “All the utterances of my mouth are in righteousness; There is nothing crooked or perverted in them. “They are all straightforward to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge.”

    Proverbs 8 is the Proverb that teaches us about the character, role, and purpose of wisdom, God’s wisdom. Because God knows all things, He has perfect wisdom, and in this chapter of Proverbs, He shares with us how His wisdom works in this world. I hope you will be intentional in listening to what God is teaching us because it is profound and it is foundational to our walk of faith. I am amazed that God would share His truth and His knowledge with us. The word of God is very straightforward to those who desire to understand it. When we are intentional in listening to every word that proceeds from the mouth of God, we will obtain wisdom. So I encourage you to take time to understand what God is teaching us through Proverbs 8. Be blessed

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    August 7 – Proverbs 7:6-8, “For at the window of my house I looked out through my lattice, and I saw among the naive, and discerned among the youths a young man lacking sense, passing through the street near her corner; and he takes the way to her house,”

    How many times have we watched our children, or a young person, take a wrong path and end up on a road that leads them to destruction? We have watched so many young people yelling in the streets and destroying things that do not belong to them, destroying the dreams of other people who have worked so hard.  I wonder who was looking out for these young people.  How many people even saw them taking a path of lawlessness?  God finds no delight in seeing people harm others.  He teaches us to never fight evil with evil and to actually do good to those who mistreat us.  I believe that God has given us the opportunity to glimpse into the lives of so many of our young people lacking sense, allowing us to see the need for wise counsel and godly direction.

    As you read through Proverbs 7, think about the young people around you and pray for them.  Pray for those who have direct influence on our youth: parents, teachers, law enforcement, youth pastors, children’s ministry workers, AWANA leaders, and so many more.  Pray that God would raise up men and women with a spirit of discernment that can speak to the heart of their naivety.  Pray for the strongholds that harden the hearts of our young people.  I encourage you to ask God if there is a young person who needs your wisdom and discernment in making wise decisions.  Is there a young person you see, lacking sense, passing through the street, taking a path on a road that leads to destruction? Remember James 5:16, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” Be blessed!

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    August 6 – Proverbs 6:6-8, “Go to the ant, O sluggard, observe her ways and be wise, which, having no chief, officer or ruler, prepares her food in the summer and gathers her provision in the harvest.”

    Proverbs chapter 6 provides us with more instructions on living a wise and godly life. God even provides insights to help us understand what offends Him and what He hates. I encourage you to think about these verses personally. When we read the Scriptures, we must put ourselves personally in these situations and understand that God hates it when we do behave ungodly. He hates it when we plan evil against others. I commit an abomination when I cause brothers and sisters in Christ to turn against each other. We offend God when we use profanity and lie. God does not want us to be lazy and unproductive. He does not want us to live our lives without purpose.

    Because of Christ’s death and resurrection, God provides us grace when we confess and turn away from behaving ungodly, and the righteousness of Christ covers us. These words of instruction are meant to speak to us personally. A Psalm and a Proverb a Day is meant to challenge, inspire, and encourage a desire to draw close to God, to allow God’s word to shape you and disciple you. I pray your time in the Word today will be a time of refining and refreshing. God has much to say to us through Proverbs 6. Be blessed!

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    August 5 – Proverbs 5:7-11, “Now then, my sons, listen to me and do not depart from the words of my mouth. Keep your way far from her and do not go near the door of her house, or you will give your vigor to others and your years to the cruel one;”

    Proverbs 5, as we have learned before, speaks mainly about the adulterous woman. The woman who breaks up homes and leaves children without their fathers, or sometimes without a mother or father. In today’s age of immorality, the adulterous woman may even move a man to kill off his entire family, or the act of committing adultery may even cost her her own life when a married man whose affair is threatened to be exposed.

    Immorality is never good, and sex does not solve problems. Sex is never a solution to anything, yet so many people act as though it is. If you are having problems with your spouse, the two best people to work it out are you and your spouse. The devil has gained so much rule over mankind because man seems to always want to feel good. The desire to feel good is what leads men and women astray in committing adultery in many instances. We do so many things just to feel good. We avoid people and situations that make us feel bad or convicted, or offended. Proverbs 5 teaches us to work out our issues with our spouses and remain committed. It teaches us to let our yes be yes and our no be no. We don’t say, “I may” on our wedding day, we say “I do”. I had to learn that same thing because I was an “I may” person for a very long time. Jesus said, I do, and He did, and He will never leave us nor forsake us. Our “I do” should have the same commitment. Be blessed!

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    August 4 – Proverbs 4:8-11, “Prize her, and she will exalt you; She will honor you if you embrace her. “She will place on your head a garland of grace; She will present you with a crown of beauty.” Hear, my son, and accept my sayings, and the years of your life will be many.”

    Proverbs 4 continues to teach us the wisdom of walking with God. Our life as followers of Christ requires us to be committed to walking a very intentional path of right living. I believe that one of the main reasons so many walk away from the church, and close their ears to the gospel, or reject that Christianity has much more to offer than a life of hopelessness apart from God, is because Christians do not take their relationship with Christ seriously. So many have been misled by the false teaching that salvation is like a spiritual lotto. Many become takers instead of givers. They want to feel good, but not do good. They want to have Biblical knowledge without having the Bible transform them. I encourage you to allow the book of Proverbs to become a tool of discipleship. It’s so much more than just a book of wise sayings. As you read Proverbs 4, take note of how many Scriptures call us to walking upright and allow it to prune and shape your walk of faith. Be blessed!

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    August 3 – Proverbs 3:4-6, “So you will find favor and good repute In the sight of God and man. 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.”

    In Proverbs chapters 1-9, you will find commands and instructions on how to live an upright and godly life. These Proverbs provide many insights in wise living. When we apply these Scriptures to our lives it we will not be shaken regardless of what is going on in the world around us.

    If anyone wants to know how to live a life that pleases God, Proverbs 3:5-6 is a great answer. We must trust in the LORD without doubting His faithfulness ever. What does that mean in real life? We must lean on the Word of God in all things, and we must acknowledge Him through prayers of thanksgiving and praise. And through our service of worship and caring for others, and following what He tells us to do. That is how we apply Proverbs 3:5-6 to our lives. Trusting requires action, and it requires unwavering faith. We trust God because we believe that He is a God who speaks truth and that He loves us unconditionally. As you spend time in the Proverbs today, take note of the instructions and commands God provides on how to live a righteous life. Then decide how you will allow the Word to be applied in your life. Be blessed!

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    August 2 – Proverbs 2:9-11, “Then you will discern righteousness and justice and equity and every good course. For wisdom will enter your heart and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; Discretion will guard you, understanding will watch over you, to deliver you from the way of evil,”

    As you read Proverbs chapter 2, you will see that these verses are a continuation from verses 1-8; it even continues beyond these verses. Through the instructions of the Proverb, the end result will be that we will gain discernment, and that discernment will equip us to discern righteousness, justice, and equity, and we will be able to discern good from evil in all things. This group is not just for creating a group of women who read the Word together, but for women who are all growing spiritually together and becoming more like Christ. I know that God will provide insights from these Scriptures that will enrich your spiritual life. Be blessed!

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    August 1 – Proverbs 1:8-10, “Hear, my son, your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching; Indeed, they are a graceful wreath to your head and ornaments about your neck. My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.”

    We are so blessed to have the Word of God; every part of it should be cherished. God did not leave anything out in what we would need to live a life that is intimate with Him. He has given us access to His wisdom, access to His Word, access to His inheritance , His promises and access to His throne, and so much more, yet so many people would go about thinking that something else just might work better than allowing their Creator to guide and lead them through the life He created. Dropping a child off at Sunday school or a youth group will not be the solution in raising them up to be great kids.

    I have learned as a parent that I needed to be very intentional in massaging the word of God into my child’s heart and monitor that the Word had been rooted.  While I was homeschooling our youngest daughter, I decided that I would read her the entire Bible.  I read the Proverbs to her almost every day of her life, but I never checked to see if what I was reading to her and explaining to her was taking root in her heart.  I did not go to the point of teaching her how to practice what she was taught. Greg and I had all of our children in church every Sunday that we were able to attend church, somehow thinking that that would be enough to cause them to fall in love with Jesus. As you spend time with God today, seek God in creating a plan that will help you to shape and mold your child’s or grandchild’s heart in God’s Word. If they are grown, pray that God would send someone who will be instrumental in leading them back to Him. Be blessed!

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