Pursue

Proverbs 15:9 “The Lord detests the way of the wicked but He loves those who pursue righteousness.” The purpose of the Bible is to teach each of us who God is, what He has done for each of us and how we are to live our lives.  This passage certainly tells us the temperament of our God in regard to following a world self seeking mentality as apposed to actively living a life which places Him at the center.  Placing our God at the center is without question the life to pursue.

Loving Father, Loving child

Proverbs 14:5 “A fool spurns his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.” Although discipline and love should always be twin companions in the relation between parent and child, Solomon recognizes that relationship does not always exist; but when it does, the lesson taught by the parent produces a growth wisdom for the wise child.  All of us should be that wise child and/or that wise parent. Have a great weekend.

Encouragement is priceless

Proverbs 15:4 “The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” Encouragement is key to success in life.  Depression and addictions result when a person lives in an atmosphere of discouragements and feelings of low or nonexistent self-worth.  Your and my words can amazingly affect another person in drastic ways.  Knowing the reality of the effect of words, how can we not tell others of the wonders of our Heavenly Father.

Don’t try

Proverbs 15:3 “The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.” Name one person who has tried to get away with doing something they knew they should not do thinking no one is watching.  Better include yourself as should I.  God knows every move we make–not just when the lights are on–not just when the lights are off–every second of every day.  Praise God for making each of us accountable, for He is ever present.

Let wisdom rule

Proverbs 15:2 “The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.” Words and speaking can either produce wise thought or can make sounds which resemble ideas but are actually of little or no value.  Before you or I communicate we should always ask ourselves—are we making noise or are we expressing wise thinking.  Hopefully we always express thinking which carries wisdom.

Gentle shows caring

Proverbs 15:1 “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” If one’s intent is to persuade or help another person understand– kindness, calm, with a caring manner must always dominate.  Anything else will not only accomplish nothing, but it will also produce anger and a very distant relationship.

God bless America

Proverbs 14:34 “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” Republican, Democrat or Independent–which is the party which will lead our country to a secure relationship with God?  Our country turns inward and me has become the most important person with my rights and opinions dominating thought.  Homosexuality, abortion, same sex marriage etc. are hot topics with heated debates centering around me thoughts, while totally ignoring God thoughts.  Can such a nation not only survive but thrive.  Only can a nation survive and thrive which places God as the Ruler of thought and actions.  If not, the second half of this passage will sadly result.  These are our Almighty God’s words.

Brought down or never brought down

Proverbs 14:32 “When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge.” The seeming worst that can happen to any person is that they die.  That is seemingly the worst calamity every person must face.  That seeming truth is absolutely false for a child of God.  The seeming greatest calamity is a gateway to eternal/never ending happiness.  Does an unbeliever understand this truth?  Unfortunately, no.  Those who rest in Jesus’ arms rest in peace in both life and at the end of life when Home life begins.

Your heart and the poor

Proverbs 14:31 “He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.” This passage does not say God makes some poor and some not poor.  This passage does say God is the Creator of body and soul and some individuals will not have as much in the form of earthly goods as others.  Those who have more, out of honoring their Creator need to share their blessings and that sharing or helping honors God.  Who of us does not want to honor our Creator?

Contentment

Proverbs 14:30 “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” Jealousy never has nor will in the past, present or future accomplished anything positive.  Jealousy–rots the bones–what could be more descriptive?  To be content, to use your God given talents, to walk with your Savior at your side–what a pleasure it is to live such a life. 

Patience vs. Temper

Proverbs 14:29 “A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.” Instant anger will never allow wisdom to be displayed.  Instant anger will always bring later regret.  Silence and careful thought should always dominate as such a mentality gives God a chance to enter and whenever God enters wisdom will prevail.

security=fortress

Proverbs 14:26 “He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.” Having a close relationship with your Heavenly Father allows you to live without fear; that is, fears in life and the fear of death.  None of us will live life without disappointments, but none of us need live in fear.  The wonderful news of this Proverb is:  the thinking of your and my Savior walking by our side is a great inheritance we can give our children and grandchildren while we live.  Nothing we can buy for them can give more security and comfort than this wisdom we can pass on to them.