Proverbs 26 “The Whisperer”

“Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.” (v.26)

When a fire finishes burning through the material it feeds on, it goes out. Similarly, when gossip reaches the ear of someone who will not repeat it, it dies.

The Proverbs have a lot to say about gossip: Those who gossip are untrustworthy (11:13) and should be avoided (20:19). Gossip separates the closest of friends (16:28) and keeps relational strife boiling (18:8). It pours fuel on the coals of conflict, feeding the flames of hurt and misunderstanding (26:21-22).

Obviously none of these things are positive. They all foster negative outcomes and fuel conflict. Therefore, stop feeding the fire of gossip with talk, and the flame of destructiveness will cease.

The Truth: “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” (Ephesians 4:29)

Proverbs 25 “Inspect Your Walls”

“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.” (v.28)

In ancient days one of the most important daily jobs was to inspect the city walls and make repairs of any spot that showed any sign of weakness. If the walls were to fail, anyone who wanted to do harm or steal could come into the city.

Similarly it is important for us to inspect the walls of our self-control daily. If our walls are weak or broken, then the temptations that were held at bay could over-run us. For example, our self control is strengthened when our desire to not engage in something we know is bad for us, is greater than our desire to take part in it. The opposite is true when we choose to engage, our wall of defense is then broken down, leaving room for defeat in our lives.

This principle applys to many areas of our lives, anger, fear, lust, you name it. Strengthen your walls today, be a fortified city when it comes to self-control. And ask the LORD to keep both your desires and emotions under control.

Prayer: Lord help us to keep both our desires and emotions under control. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

The Truth: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

Proverbs 24 “The God of Second Chances”

“For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, But the wicked shall fall by calamity.” (v.16)

Just as a baby learning to walk falls many times, so do we believers fall as we learn to walk with God. And God, like a parent, does not scold for falling, but puts us back on our feet and says, “Let’s try that again.”

All of us have fallen and will fall again, “for no one is perfect, no not one.” But, that is not an excuse to just keep sinning. We are also commanded to resist temptation. But each and every one of us, try as we might, as long as we are still in these bodies of flesh, will fall short.

However, it is what we do with our failure that will reveal what kind of person we really are. A righteous person (who has received the righteousness of Christ) may fall 7 times and rise again. Why? Because we serve the God of forgiveness (another chance). With Him failure is not fatal, unless we refuse to repent, get up, and try again.

Therefore, onward Christian solider, never give up, never admit defeat. Repent from your ways and His grace will lift you up.

The Truth: “The law came in so that the trespass would increase (be made known); but where sin increased, grace increased all the more.” (Romans 5:20)

Proverbs 23 “Guard Your Thoughts”

“Do not eat the bread of a miser, nor desire his delicacies; for as he thinks in his heart, so he is.” (vv.6-7)

In essence, what we think is what we are, so we need to regularly ask ourselves: “What am I thinking?” Because, what is on our minds is easily reflected in our actions. As has been expressed by many people in many different ways: Watch your thoughts because they become words. Watch your words because they become actions.

In the New Testament, Paul tells us to “put on the mind of Christ.” Why? Because if our thoughts are on Him, our actions will then reflect His love and grace. Therefore, pray that God would give you the heart and mind of Christ each and every day.

The Truth: “He that says he abides in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.” (1 John 2:6)

Proverbs 22 “The Value of A Good Name”

“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold.” (v.1)

It takes years to build a reputation--and just a moment of indiscretion to destroy it. Often we think young people should be the most careful about their reputation, and indeed they need to protect their good name. But adults too can throw away their good name through one poor choice.

Think of David, who for many years bore the stigma of his sinful, adulterous relationship with Bathsheba. Even though he was forgiven, his reputation had been stained. While we can't be sure of the specific occasion for the writing of Psalm 38, in it David describes the agony of living with the results of his sin.

Don't let it happen to you. "If we take care of our character, our reputation will take care of itself!" --Moody

The Truth “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may asee your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

Proverbs 21 “The LORD Ponders The Heart”

“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD ponders the heart.” (v.2)

Is it possible to do the right thing for the wrong reason? Asolutely! It is totally possible to have our outward actions look proper, but our motivations way off.

When I was growing up our family watched a TV program called, “Leave it to Beaver.” In that program there was a character named Eddie Haskil played by Ken Osmond. Eddie always gave the appearance of doing the right thing, always very polite around adults. But it was all an act, to get them to believe he was the greatest thing since sliced bread, and to never suspect him of any wrong doing. But the real Eddie was nothing but mischievious. Always trying to get someone else to do his biding, so they would get caught and not him. While Eddie may have fooled a few of his friends, wise old Ward Cleaver (Hugh Beaumont) saw right through him.

That’s the same way it is with us. We try and hid our mischievious ways by putting up a false front, but God sees our hearts, He knows our motives. Better to stop all the chananigans and come clean, than to think we could outsmarted God.

The Truth: “God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7)

Proverbs 20 “The Ebb and Flow”

“The glory of young men is their strength, And the splendor of old men is their gray head.” (v.29)

There was a time when I took glory in my strength. As a young man I was very athletic, and I worked hard at toning and strengthening my body for competition. I had certain goals to achieve and disciplined my body accordingly. But now that glory in strength has long sense faded, and I work smarter not harder, when it comes to the physical.

Today when I look into the mirror, that young man is long gone. My strength is now in the LORD and I work hard at toning and strengthening my walk with Him daily, that I might share His love and grace with others. As Paul wrote to Timothy, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

And so I train, that I might run my race well and finish strong.

The Truth:  ”Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 9:23-24)

Proverbs 19 “Wisdom Yields Patience”

“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” (V.11)

Ignoring or overlooking an offense is not natural, but a godly virtue. Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, and when believers are walking in self-control, they are able to restrain their reactions, watch their words, and master their attitudes. This must continue throughout our life here on earth, if we are to remain wise people, who are slow to anger.

In Matthew’s gospel, Peter asked Jesus, “How many times should I forgive someone, as many as seven times?” Jesus replied with, “No, you should forgive seventy times seven” (Matthew  18:21). And even after that, we are to continue forgiving this side of heaven. Holding no grudges, keeping no recoerd, forgiving others even as Christ has forgiven us.

Of course, we don’t always pull this off. We fail. We blow up. We temporarily hold grudges and forget who we are and just how much we were forgiven. But, as Christians, we must always get back on course and walk by His true forgiving nature once again. Remember, this is a lifelong process, we are all under construction, so don't be so hard on yourself when you blow it. After all, God is very forgiving to us (see Philippians 1:6, Romans 5:1,12:2).

Therefore, forgive others, be patient and longsuffering with others (even yourself if necessary), as God has forgiven you.

The Truth: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Proverbs 18 “Power of the Tongue”

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.” (v.21)

The tongue can make a powerful impact. It can ruin a reputation, destroy a friendship, even cause lasting heartache. On the other hand, the tongue can give comfort, hope, truth, and can be used to praise and glorify God. May our speech always be an encouragement to others and bring honor and glory to God.

The Truth: “The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.” (Proverbs 15:4)

Proverbs 17 “Keeping A Confidence”

“He who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates friends.” (v.9)

When a brother/sister confess a struggle (sin) in their life, and in confidence desires prayerful support, in love we do so. And in love we keep that confidence to ourselves so as not to cause gossip with others or effect the friendship of the confidant.

Therefore, stand in love with a struggling brother or sister, and do not repeat their struggle to others.

The Truth: “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)

Proverbs 16 “The LORD Weighs Our Motives”

“All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.” (vv.2-3)

A motive is an underlying reason for an action. Human beings can operate from a variety of motivations, often negative. Pride, anger, revenge, a sense of entitlement, or the desire for approval can all be catalysts for our actions. Any motivation that originates in our sinful flesh is not pleasing to God (Romans 8:8), and can hinder our prayers (James 4:3).

Motivation becomes an issue when we are not honest with ourselves about why we are doing things. Scripture tells us, “Our purpose is to please God, not people - that He alone examines the motives of our hearts” (1 Thess. 2:4), and is interested in our motives even more than our actions. Therefore, keep your motives pure by continually surrendering every part of your heart to the control of the Holy Spirit and He will establish your way.

The Truth: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

Proverbs 15 “Hearing Leads to Wisdom”

“The ear that hears the rebukes of life will abide among the wise. He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, but he who heeds rebuke gets understanding.” (vv.31-32)

There an old saying, “If I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a thousand times." I heard that a lot growing up, because I usually had to learn things the hard way. How much easier would it be on all concerned if we just heeded instruction instead of turning a deaf ear to it.

But, our sin nature tells us we know better, even better than God. Therefore, we disdain what we do not want to hear or feel, whether it is right or not, because we desire to follow our own will, our own path. Scripture tells us, “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12).

Life is difficult enough, why work against the current of those who are providing instruction in it. Listen, learn, and by so doing you will gain knowledge and understanding, and save yourself a lot of grief in the end. I thank God for all those who have poured wisdom into my life both practical and spiritual.

The Truth: “A wise man will hear and increase in learning, And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel.” (Proverbs 1:5)

Proverbs 14 “Two Types of Witnesses”

“An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies.” (v.5) “A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful. (v.25)

I find these two statements of Solomon to be so relevant today in the light of the direction our society is heading. God help us when lying to promote our own version of the truth is right, and taking life rather than preserving it is not deceitful.

Truth or lies, right or wrong, good or evil, darkness or light, heaven or hell, fear the LORD or despise Him. We all have been given the ability to reason, and we all must make our own decisions. But know this, there is no middle ground.  

Just as there are two types of witnesses, there are two directions or paths a person can choose to take. Scripture tells us, “Those who follow the right path fear the LORD; but those who follow the wrong path despise Him” (v.2).

Which path are you on? Where are you headed? What guides your life?

The Truth: “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, least his deeds should be exposed.” (John 3:19-20)

Proverbs 13 “The Wise Take Advice”

“Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.” (v.10)

Our text tells us that pride is behind every dispute that results in strife. The pride spoken of in this verse is referring to one being arrogant and haughty. If two people are unyielding and arrogant when they disagree about something, it will always produce contention and strife. If we desire to get along with others, we must humble ourselves, and not take the opinion that we are better or smarter than others.

LORD, break down our pride, teach us to receive instruction, open our eyes to the Godly counsel of others, and may we receive correction as a trustworthy envoy. Amen.

The Truth: “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” (Romans 12:3)

Proverbs 12 “The Tongue Of The Wise”

“He who speaks truth declares righteousness, But a false witness, deceit. There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health.” (vv.17-18)

Words can be used to build up or to tear down, to bless or condemn. When looking for a friend, we are naturally drawn to the person who is constantly building us up. But those who are negative, constantly tearing us down, we avoid like the plague, for their words are like the piercings of the sword.

As a Christian, our words need to promote health, to lift up the spirits of those who are around us. Building up and edifying our brothers and sisters in the body of Christ, as well as those outside the church who need a touch from the Lord.

Yes we are to speak the truth, but in love. Not by browbeating someone with condemnation, nor cutting to the heart with a sharp tongue. But rather our words should be like a warm cup of tea, a healing agent, a comfort, lifting them up and pointing to the love of Christ.

Speaking in truth addresses what we say, speaking in love addresses how we say it. Both are important!

The Truth: “So, that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ..” (Ephesians 4:14-15)

Proverbs 11 “Seek Wise Counsel”

Here in chapter 11 we have come to individual little sayings of wisdom. Each one is separate and form a complete thought leaving very little to comment on. Also, in these particular proverbs, there is a contrast between the right and wrong all the way through these little nuggets of truth. For example:

“Where there is no guidance the people fall, But in abundance of counselors there is victory.” (v.14)

Without guidance we would all be left to our own fate. No one can navigate the pit falls of life without someone to show them the way. Nations have experienced the same fate, and without proper leadership, have fallen to invaders.

The Bible encourages us to seek the advice of wise counselors when facing trouble. When we seek wise counsel we multiply our chances for sound decisions. And the wisdom of godly advisors can help steer us in the right direction.

Here in the United States it is the job of the presidential cabinet to advise him in times of national crisis, and many of our presidents have had to consider their counsel. And, while it is true that many opinions can cause confusion, a truly wise person is open to the counsel and the insight of others, and will prayerfully consider his options before making a decision.

Therefore, whether you are the president of the USA, or the president of the PTA, take the advise of this proverb when facing your own crisis and seek wise counsel - you will increase your chances of making the right decision.

The Truth: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22)

Proverbs 10 “Proverbs of Contrast”

“In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise.” (v.19)

In other words, the more one talks, the greater the possibility one might, stretch the truth, talk themselves into trouble, tell a lie, sin. Like that old saying, “Better to keep your mouth shut and let people think you’re a little off, than to open your mouth and prove it.”

Scripture even tells us to be slow to speak, but quick to hear. I guess that’s why God gave us one mouth and two ears, so we would listen twice as much as we speak. As a Christian, we want our speech to be as choice silver (v.20), bringing forth wisdom (v.31), and being known for what is acceptable (v.32) – not for causing tension, strife, slander, or trouble.

Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34). If our hearts are full of love, then our words will be as choice silver, bringing forth wisdom to those around us. May God give you the strength to hold your peace when prudent, and the wisdom to speak with love from the heart in due season.

The Truth: “He that hath knowledge spares his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; when he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.” (Proverbs 17:27-28)

Proverbs 9 “Wisdom Rewards”

“If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.” (v.12)

The wise man receives instruction and becomes wiser, while the mocker ridicules those who would bring him correction and his heart is full of contempt for doing so. Therefore, do not correct the mocker (the fool), for he will not receive it, and it will only bring you insults.

But, give instruction and correction to a wise man and scripture tells us, “He will yet be wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning” (v.9). While it is not easy to take criticism, scripture tells us to listen carefully to it, and we will be the better for it.

The Truth: “For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have in abundance, but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.” (Matthew 13:12)

Proverbs 8 “Choose Wisdom”

“Now then, my children, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways. Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it. Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord. But those who fail to find me harm themselves; all who hate me love death.” (vv.32-36)

Wisdom begins with the fear of God. And, as we have seen, the fear of God is to hate evil (v.13). The wisdom of God is found in Jesus Christ, whom God offered as a sacrifice for man, that the evil of man might be defeated. Jesus then is the source of joyous, age-abiding life for all who believe in His sacrifice. Anyone hating this wisdom is acting as if they love death (v.36).

There is no denying that sin is pleasurable for a season (Hebrews 11:25). But there is also no denying that its end is the death of ones soul (Proverbs 14:12). Therefore, God confronts us here with a choice, just as Joshua confronted Israel, with the demand: “choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve” (Josh. 24:15). I would suggest you choose His wisdom.

As Solomon wrote (of wisdom); “Choose the instruction of wisdom instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.” (vv.10-11)

The Truth: “I am the way, the truth and the light. No man may come to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)