simply Tuesday

Since May 27th, I've been reading in the book of Proverbs.  For anyone who doesn't know already, I'm reading along in chronological order this year, and this is where I've been camped out lately.  I love the book of Proverbs!  I love how it starts out, and then I love that the rest of it is filled with practical advice and wisdom.  I thought I'd share a little bit of what has stood out to me.  I pray it encourages you.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline.  (Proverbs 1:7)

I love how it all starts with the fear of the Lord.  That word fear is translated to mean respect or reverence.  This verse reminds me that when we look to God first and foremost, everything else will just fall into place. 

Keep off the path of the wicked; don't proceed on the way of evil ones.  (Proverbs 4:14)

Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life.  (Proverbs 4:23)

Guard your heart.  I have always told my sons to guard their hearts by watching what they put into their minds.  Our heart is the source of life, the word of God says, and we should be so careful about what we watch, the music we listen to, the books we read, and the words we say. 

To fear the LORD is to hate evil.  (Proverbs 8:13a)

God hates sin and it breaks His heart.  It he feels that way about sin and evil, so should we.  I've lately taken to praying that the Lord would break my heart for what breaks His. 

For the one who finds me finds life and obtains favor from the LORD, but the one who misses me harms himself; all who hate love death.  (Proverbs 8:35-36)

The first part of this verse above reminds me of how people who look at believers think their lives are easy.  They're not easy, though, I assure you!  But walking with the Lord very closely fills us with peace and that peace brings about perspective, or at least it should.  We do live differently and we do act and look differently than those around us, if we're out in the world.  We should stand out, and in a good way.

Idle hands make one poor; but diligent hands bring riches.  (Proverbs 10:4)

I have the mindset that when you keep youths busy, they are far less likely to get into trouble.  I used to volunteer in the youth ministry at our church, and I found out pretty quickly that bad things happen when they don't have enough to do.  Working is good for them.  Being busy at church is good for them.  Having friends and getting together with them often is good for them.  The busier they are, the less likely they are to get into trouble.

When there are many words, sin is unavoidable, but the one who controls his lips is prudent.  (Proverbs 10:19)

I think back to my husband's grandparents, who have now passed away.  Granddaddy Densford used to let Grandma Rena talk and talk and talk at him, and he wouldn't respond or move.  I asked him one time if he could hear her, and he could~he just chose not to pay attention to what she was nagging him about.  I am sure grandfathers around the world could attest to this!  It's a good reminder to let our words be few. 

A wife of noble character is her husband's crown, but a wife who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones.  (Proverbs 12:4)

How's that for making you consider your tone when talking to your spouse?  Preaching to the choir, here, friends. 

Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.  (Proverbs 12:20)

In the margin in my Bible, I reminded myself to be a promoter of peace.  That reminded me of what Paul says in Romans 12:18.

If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 

Whoever lives with integrity fears the LORD, but the one who is devious in his ways despises him.  (Proverbs 13:2)

Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure with turmoil.  (Proverbs 15:16)

I love this verse and strive to live life this way.  I remind myself of it often and I always ask the Lord to help us be good stewards of what He has given to us.

Whoever conceals an offense promotes love, but whoever gossips about it separates friends.  (Proverbs 17:9)

This one above is more valuable than gold.  Here's the thing about people who offend us: they are human.  We are human.  On any given day, I am likely to be offended by something that is said to me or that I've read on social media.  We shouldn't be this way!  Humans are human and we all mess up.  We all disappoint people that we love, and we are always going to be let down.  We should always prayerfully consider the condition of the one's heart with the Lord, for those who offend us.  Either you're closely walking with the Lord in your everyday life, or you're not.  The only perfect person to have ever walked this earth was Jesus.  He is also the only One who never let us down.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.  (Proverbs 18:21)

This immediately reminded me of James 3:6~And the tongue is a fire.  The tongue, a world of unrighteousness, is placed amonth our members.  It stains the whole body, sets the course of life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. 

Aren't these amazing?  There are so many more I could write about, like all the ones that talk about how a great fall comes with pride, or how we become like the friends we hang out with, but I'll wrap it up with these.  I just think it's good to read in the book of Proverbs from time to time.  Truth be told, we could all stand to read a chapter a day for each day of the month.  It's chock full of wisdom, truth and great insight and advice.  We would all do well to follow these words in our day to day lives.  I pray these verses have encouraged you, but more than that, I pray it prompts you to read the word of God on your own.  I may follow up with more of the above on Wednesday, because I always like to write about women in the Word on that day.  I'd love to hear some of your thoughts, or where you're reading right now in your own quiet time. 

Thanks for reading.  Love to all.