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)

Proverbs Chapter 10, Part III

“Doing wrong is fun for a fool, but living wisely brings pleasure to the sensible.

When the storms of life come, the wicked are whirled away, but the godly have a lasting foundation.

Lazy people irritate their employers, like vinegar to the teeth or smoke in the eyes.

Fear of the Lord lenghthens one’s life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.

The hopes of the godly result in happiness, but the expectations of the wicked come to nothing.

The way of the Lord is a stronghold to those with integrity, but it destroys the wicked.

The godly will never be disturbed, but the wicked will be removed from the land.

The mouth of the godly person gives wise advise, but the tongue that deceives will be cut off.

The lips of the godly speak helpful words, but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words.” (vv. 23-32, NLT)

The Wordless Book of Salvation

In 1911, Charles Spurgeon referred to a man who created a wordless book. It only had three pages, black, red and white. Two more pages have been added since then. This is an excellent tool for teaching the plan of salvation to children, by remembering the colored pages and their meaning. This is available online.

The Plan of Salvation
If you died today, do you know for sure you would go to heaven?

Heaven
God Loves us an wants us to all be with Him in heaven and have eternal life.
John 14:2

Sin
Because we have all sinned, we cannot be with God.
Romans 3:23

Blood
Jesus took the punishment for our sis and died for us on the cross.
1 John 1:7

Purity
When we believe in Jesus, we will be made clean from sin, whiter than snow. Psalm 51:7

Growth
It is important to grow in your relationship with Jesus by reading the Bible and praying.
2 Peter 3:5

Proverbs Chapter 10, Part 2

“Wise people treasure knowledge, but the babbling fool invites disaster.

The wealth of the rich is their fortress; the poverty of the poor is their destruction.

The earning of the godly enhance their lives, but evil people squander their money on sin.

People who accept disciple are on the pathway to life but those who ignore correction will go astray.

Hiding hatred makes you a liar; slandering others makes you a fool.

Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.

The words of the godly are like sterling silver; the heart of a fool is worthless.

The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by the lack of common sense.

The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.

Doing wrong is fun for a fool, but living wisely brings pleasure to the sensible.”

(vv. 14-23, NLT)

Proverbs, Chapter 10, Part 1

The Proverbs of Solomon

“A wise child brings joy to a father; a foolish child brings grief to a mother.

Tainted wealth has not lasting value; but right living can save your life.

The Lord will to let the godly go hungry, but He refuses to satisfy the cravings of the wicked.

Lazy people are soon poor; hard workers get rich.

A wise youth harvest in the summer, but one who sleeps during harvest is a disgrace.

Godly intensions are showered with blessings; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.

The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fool fall flat on their faces.

People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall.

People who wink at wrong causes trouble, but a bold reproof promotes peace.

The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.

Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses.

Wise words come from the lips of people with understanding, but those lacking sense will beaten with a rod.” (vv. 1- 13, NLT)

Excerpts from Proverbs Chapter 9

“Fear of the Lord is the fountain of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment. Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life. If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer. ” (vv. 10-12, NLT)

Excerpts from Proverbs Chapter 7


“There are six things the Lord hates – no seven things He detests:

haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that kill the innocent,
a heart that plots evil,
feet that race to do wrong,
a false witness who pours lies,
a person who sows discord in a family.

My son, obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. Keep their words always in your heart. Tie them around your neck. When you walk, their counsel will lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you. When you wake up, they will advise you. For their command is a lamp and their instruction is a light; their corrective discipline is the way of life.”
(vv. 16-23, NLT)

Excerpts from Proverbs, Chapter 4

A Wise Father’s Advice

“My children, listen when your father corrects you. Pay attention and learn good judgment, for I am giving you good guidance. Don’t turn away from my instruction. For I, too, was once my father’s son, and tenderly loved as my mother’s only child.

My father taught me, ‘Take my words to heart. Follow my commands, and you will live. Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don’t forget my words or turn away from them.'” (vv. 1-5,NLT)

“My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life. I will teach you wisdom’s ways and lead you in a straight path. When you walk, you won’t be held back; when you run, you won’t stumble. Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them , for they are the key to life.” (vv. 10-13, NLT)

“Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech. Look straight ahead and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep you feet form following evil.” (vv. 24-27, NLT)