Month: September 2023

Excerpts from Proverbs Chapter 18 (NLT)

“Unfriendly people care only about themselves; they lash out at common sense.

Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.

Doing wrong leads to disgrace, and scandalous behavior brings contempt.

Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows fro the wise like a bubbling brook.” (vv. 1-4)

“Spouting off before listening to the fact is both shameful and foolish.

The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear a crushed spirit?

Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge.”
(vv. 13-15)

True Wisdom Comes From God

“If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with humility that comes from wisdom. But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.” (James 3:13-18, NLT)

Excerpts from Proverbs 16, NLT

“We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer.

People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives.

Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.

The Lord made everything for His own purposes, even the wicked for the day of disaster.”(vv. 1-4)

“When people’s lives please the Lord, even their enemies are at peace with them.

Better to have little with godliness, than be rich and dishonest.

We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” (vv. 7-9)

“Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust in the Lord will be joyful.

The wise are know for their understanding, and pleasant words are persuasive.

Discretion is a life-giving fountain to those who posses it, but discipline is wasted on fools.

From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive.

“Kind words are like honey – sweet to the should and healthy for the body.” (vv. 20-24)

“We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall.” (v. 33)

Excerpts from Proverbs 15 (NLT)

“The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping His eye on both evil and good.

Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” (vv. 3-4)

“Whoever abandons the right path will be severely disciplined; whoever hates correction will die.

Even Death and Destruction hold no secrets from the Lord. How much more does He know the human heart!

Mockers hate to be corrected, so they stay away from the wise.

A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit.” (vv. 10-13)

“Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!” (v. 23)

“A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health.” (v. 30)

Excepts from Proverbs 14, NLT

“Those who follow the right path fear the Lord; those who take the wrong path despise Him.” ( v.2)

“Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains.” (v. 13)

“Those who fear the Lord are secure; He will be a refuge for their children.” (v.26)

A peaceful heart leads our a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer to the bones.” (v. 30)

Excerpts from Proverbs 13 (NLT)

“A wise child accepts a parent’s discipline, a mocker refuses to listen to correction.

Wise words will win you a good meal, but treacherous people have an appetite for violence.

Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin anything.” (vv. 1-3)

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.

People who despise advise are asking for trouble; those who respect a command will succeed.

The instruction of the wise is like a life-giving fountain; those who accept it avoid the snares of death.

A person with good sense is respected; a treacherous person is headed for destruction.

Wise people think before they act; fools don’t- and even brag about their foolishness.” (vv. 12-16,NLT)

Excerpts from Proverbs 12, NLT

“A worthy wife is a crown for her husband, but a disgraceful woman is like anger in his bones.” (v. 4)

“The godly care for their animals, but the wicked are always cruel.” (v. 10)

“A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.” (v. 16)

“Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.
Truthful words and the test of time, but lies are soon exposed.” (vv. 18-19)

“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth.” (v22)

“Worry weighs a person down; and encouraging word cheers a person up.” (v. 25)

“The way of the godly leads to life; that path does not lead to death.” (v. 28)

Excerpts from Proverbs 11

“A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence. (v. 13)

Your kindness will reward you, but your cruelty will destroy you. (v.17)

Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything.
The generous will prosper; this who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. (vv. 24-25, NLT)

Outside and Inside

I recently purchased a bag of mandarin oranges. The first one I selected for my snack had some discoloration on the outside. I considered throwing it away. I decided to peel it but was skeptical about the condition of the inside fruit. To my surprise, the slices were plump and sweet. I was glad that I did not judge the orange by its outward appearance.

This reminds me about the story when the Lord told Samuel to find a man named Jesse in Bethlehem, because the Lord had selected one of his sons to be the king. First Samuel 16:17 says, “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his (Jesse’s son, Eliab) appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things they way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (NLT)