Proverbs - One Month of Wisdom

Proverbs / January 8, 2022

Proverbs 22

I would offer that the word love is not a verb, it is a noun. It is not a thing you do. It is the light that you are made of and what you were created to be.

Diligence and Excellence

1 Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.

2 The rich and poor have this in common: The Lord made them both.

3 A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.

4 True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life.

5 Corrupt people walk a thorny, treacherous road; whoever values life will avoid it.

6 Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.

7 Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender.

8 Those who plant injustice will harvest disaster, and their reign of terror will come to an end.

9 Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor.

10 Throw out the mocker, and fighting goes, too. Quarrels and insults will disappear.

11 Whoever loves a pure heart and gracious speech will have the king as a friend.

12 The Lord preserves those with knowledge, but he ruins the plans of the treacherous.

13 The lazy person claims, “There’s a lion out there! If I go outside, I might be killed!”

14 The mouth of an immoral woman is a dangerous trap; those who make the Lord angry will fall into it.

15 A youngster’s heart is filled with foolishness, but physical discipline will drive it far away.

16 A person who gets ahead by oppressing the poor or by showering gifts on the rich will end in poverty.

Sayings of the Wise

17 Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction. 18 For it is good to keep these sayings in your heart and always ready on your lips.19 I am teaching you today-yes, you- so you will trust in the Lord.20 I have written thirty sayings for you, filled with advice and knowledge.21 In this way, you may know the truth and take an accurate report to those who sent you.

22 Don’t rob the poor just because you can, or exploit the needy in court.23 For the Lord is their defender. He will ruin anyone who ruins them.

24 Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people,25 or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul.

26 Don’t agree to guarantee another person’s debt or put up security for someone else. 27 If you can’t pay it, even your bed will be snatched from under you.

28 Don’t cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers set up by previous generations.

29 Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than working for ordinary people. (NLT)

insights

Proverbs 22:6

Diligence and excellence are undeniable requirements for teaching children to become successful and joy filled adults. Many educators agree that by the time a child is 5 or 6 years old, they have developed habits that will remain with them all of their lives.

Bad habits formed in these early years will hinder a child as they mature and on through their adult lives. Conversely, good habits formed in these early years will help a child to excel in their studies and achieve success in adulthood with far less struggle.

Be mindful that most of what children learn is not what we consciously teach them, but rather what they see in us as we interact with each other. When we approach everything with diligence and excellence the next generation learns to do the same.

Watch on YouTube

Proverbs 22:8

From peace to war and back to peaceful times again. Great injustice is done to the innocent when the powerful reign in terror. Such dramatic artistry is used to tell this story, a gift developed with diligence and excellence.

Watch on YouTube

Proverbs 22:29

No matter what kind of work it is, those whose work is done with passion, diligence and excellence stand out in a world filled with mediocre.

Watch on YouTube

lynnibug

To support continuation of this project and others yet to be birthed, donations are most appreciated.

Comment on your journey at WisdomBlog.

Proverbs / January 8, 2022

Proverbs 21

I would offer that the word love is not a verb, it is a noun. It is not a thing you do. It is the light that you are made of and what you were created to be.

Acceptable Sacrifice

1 The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; he guides it wherever he pleases.

2 People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart.

3 The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices.

4 Haughty eyes, a proud heart, and evil actions are all sin.

5 Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.

6 Wealth created by a lying tongue is a vanishing mist and a deadly trap.

7 The violence of the wicked sweeps them away, because they refuse to do what is just.

8 The guilty walk a crooked path; the innocent travel a straight road.

9 It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home.

10 Evil people desire evil; their neighbors get no mercy from them.

11 If you punish a mocker, the simple minded become wise; if you instruct the wise, they will be all the wiser.

12 The Righteous One knows what is going on in the homes of the wicked; He will bring disaster on them.

13 Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need.

14 A secret gift calms anger; a bribe under the table pacifies fury.

15 Justice is a joy to the godly, but it terrifies evildoers.

16 The person who strays from common sense will end up in the company of the dead.

17 Those who love pleasure become poor; those who love wine and luxury will never be rich.

18 The wicked are punished in place of the godly, and traitors in place of the honest.

19 It’s better to live alone in the desert than with a quarrelsome, complaining wife.

20 The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get.

21 Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor.

22 The wise conquer the city of the strong and level the fortress in which they trust.

23 Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.

24 Mockers are proud and haughty; they act with boundless arrogance.

25 Despite their desires, the lazy will come to ruin, for their hands refuse to work.

26 Some people are always greedy for more, but the godly love to give!

27 The sacrifice of an evil person is detestable, especially when it is offered with wrong motives.

28 A false witness will be cut off, but a credible witness will be allowed to speak.

29 The wicked bluff their way through, but the virtuous think before they act.

30 No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the Lord.

31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord. (NLT)

insights

Proverbs 21:3

What is an acceptable sacrifice? We sometimes make a spectacle of our sacrifices, seeking recognition for our piousness rather than truly doing that which God has called us to do. Maybe this is why “The Lord looked with favor upon Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering He did not look with favor.” Genesis 4:4-5 NIV

What God really wants is for us to love Him, honor Him, and follow Jesus’ example because we love Him and desire to express that love. Perhaps the only acceptable sacrifice is to give all to Him as He has given all to you.

Watch on YouTube

Proverbs 21:21

We Christians sometimes put down the new age movement, but if we look with discernment we will find that they have better understood and embraced some biblical truths. Among them, the understanding that what we think about and speak about is what we attract into our lives. When we allow a negative thought into our being we produce negativity. When we talk constantly about how little we have, we are unable to attract the abundance we desire, and that God desires for us.

When we pursue something, rather than just desire it, it is what is foremost in our mind. The word pursue indicates urgency and determination in the quest. Therefore, the acceptable sacrifice of pursuing righteousness and unfailing love, that is seeking it with urgency and determination, keeps those things in our thoughts and words and naturally draws them to us.

This is the same dynamic that is at work in faith. Though we can not see it, we believe it is ours, and when we ask God for it with that unwavering faith, His word promises that it will be ours.

“Then the disciples drew near to Y’shua while he was alone and said to him, ‘Why were we not able to heal him?’ Y’shua said to them, ‘Because of your unbelief. For truly I say to you that if you had faith in you like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, move away from here, and it would move. And not a thing would be able to prevail over you.’ “

Matthew 17:19-20 AENT*

*Aramaic English New Testament published by Netzari Press.

Proverbs 21:30

Why is this true? Because He is God! Giving Him all the glory and praise is an acceptable sacrifice.

Watch on YouTube

lynnibug

To support continuation of this project and others yet to be birthed, donations are most appreciated.

Comment on your journey at WisdomBlog.

Proverbs / January 8, 2022

Proverbs 20

I would offer that the word love is not a verb, it is a noun. It is not a thing you do. It is the light that you are made of and what you were created to be.

Wisdom From Experience

1 Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls. Those led astray by drink cannot be wise.

2 The king’s fury is like a lion’s roar; to rouse his anger is to risk your life.

3 Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.

4 Those too lazy to plow in the right season will have no food at the harvest.

5 Though good advice lies deep within the heart, a person with understanding will draw it out.

6 Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable?

7 The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them.

8 When a king sits in judgment, he weighs all the evidence, distinguishing the bad from the good.

9 Who can say, “I have cleansed my heart; I am pure and free from sin”?

10 False weights and unequal measures – the Lord detests double standards of every kind.

11 Even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure, and whether it is right.

12 Ears to hear and eyes to see – both are gifts from the Lord.

13 If you love sleep, you will end in poverty. Keep your eyes open, and there will be plenty to eat!

14 The buyer haggles over the price, saying, “It’s worthless,” then brags about getting a bargain!

15 Wise words are more valuable than much gold and many rubies.

16 Get security from someone who guarantees a stranger’s debt. Get a deposit if he does it for foreigners.

17 Stolen bread tastes sweet, but it turns to gravel in the mouth.

18 Plans succeed through good counsel; don’t go to war without wise advice.

19 A gossip goes around telling secrets, so don’t hang around with chatterers.

20 If you insult your father or mother, your light will be snuffed out in total darkness.

21 An inheritance obtained too early in life is not a blessing in the end.

22 Don’t say, “I will get even for this wrong.” Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.

23 The Lord detests double standards; he is not pleased by dishonest scales.

24 The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?

25 Don’t trap yourself by making a rash promise to God and only later counting the cost.

26 A wise king scatters the wicked like wheat, then runs his threshing wheel over them.

27 The Lord’s light penetrates the human spirit, exposing every hidden motive.

28 Unfailing love and faithfulness protect the king; his throne is made secure through love.

29 The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old.

30 Physical punishment cleanses away evil; such discipline purifies the heart. (NLT)

insights

Proverbs 20:3

Wisdom from experience provides us with a true world view. The world teaches us the falsehood that we can make others think like we do, because of course, we are right.

We use fear and hostility as the tools to get our way. When we do not allow fear and hostility to rule, we can be at peace, and God will show us that what He has for us is far greater than anything the world can offer us. For this reason, we must always resist the temptation to bend another person to our will.

Watch on YouTube

Proverbs 20:12

Chances are you have received a similar story in an email from a friend. This song captures the essence of wisdom from experience and the proverb itself.

Watch on YouTube

Proverbs 20:29

It seems throughout our lives we are caught up in wanting to look good. Our modern society has through 5th avenue marketing tactics redefined what beauty is, and created a standard that very few can measure up to. The pressure on the young to live up to this standard causes many young men and women to withdraw, even to take their own lives in their depression over their clumsiness, their imperfect skin, or their not so thin physique.

In Gods eyes we are all beautiful. In each stage of life another trait develops – wisdom from experience – that defines our beauty in the eyes of God. You were created by the Master, in His image. How can there be anything but beauty in that?

Watch on YouTube

lynnibug

To support continuation of this project and others yet to be birthed, donations are most appreciated.

Comment on your journey at WisdomBlog.

Proverbs / January 8, 2022

Proverbs 19

I would offer that the word love is not a verb, it is a noun. It is not a thing you do. It is the light that you are made of and what you were created to be.

Wealthy or Poor

1 Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and a fool.

2 Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes.

3 People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord.

4 Wealth makes many “friends”; poverty drives them all away.

5 A false witness will not go unpunished, nor will a liar escape.

6 Many seek favors from a ruler; everyone is the friend of a person who gives gifts!

7 The relatives of the poor despise them; how much more will their friends avoid them! Though the poor plead with them, their friends are gone.

8 To acquire wisdom is to love oneself; people who cherish understanding will prosper.

9 A false witness will not go unpunished, and a liar will be destroyed.

10 It isn’t right for a fool to live in luxury or for a slave to rule over princes!

11 Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.

12 The king’s anger is like a lion’s roar, but his favor is like dew on the grass.

13 A foolish child is a calamity to a father; a quarrelsome wife is as annoying as constant dripping.

14 Fathers can give their sons an inheritance of houses and wealth, but only the Lord can give an understanding wife.

15 Lazy people sleep soundly,but idleness leaves them hungry.

16 Keep the commandments and keep your life; despising them leads to death.

17 If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord- and he will repay you!

18 Discipline your children while there is hope. Otherwise you will ruin their lives.

19 Hot-tempered people must pay the penalty. If you rescue them once, you will have to do it again.

20 Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.

21 You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.

22 Loyalty makes a person attractive. It is better to be poor than dishonest.

23 Fear of the Lord leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm.

24 Lazy people take food in their hand but don’t even lift it to their mouth.

25 If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded will learn a lesson; if you correct the wise, they will be all the wiser.

26 Children who mistreat their father or chase away their mother are an embarrassment and a public disgrace.

27 If you stop listening to instruction, my child, you will turn your back on knowledge.

28 A corrupt witness makes a mockery of justice; the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil.

29 Punishment is made for mockers, and the backs of fools are made to be beaten. (NLT)

insights

Proverbs 19:3

Wealthy or poor… abundance can be experienced in either economic state when we embrace that which brings life. In the same way, when we exist in darkness, wealthy or poor matters little to our happiness. This truth may be best understood by those who have been impoverished by their foolishness and those who have lived among the foolish. It has been expressed many times over in contemporary art and song.

Watch on YouTube

Proverbs 19:8 and Proverbs 19:20

“No man can reveal to you aught but that which already lies half asleep in the dawning of your knowledge. The teacher who walks in the shadow of the temple, among his followers, gives not of his wisdom, but rather of his faith and lovingness. If he is indeed wise, he does not bid you enter the house of his wisdom, but rather leads you to the threshold of your own mind.

The astronomer may speak to you of his understanding of space, but he cannot give you his understanding. The musician may sing to you of the rhythm which is in all space, but he cannot give you the ear which arrests the rhythm or the voice that echoes it. And he who is versed in the science of numbers can tell of the regions of weight and measure, but he cannot conduct you thither.

For the vision of one man lends not its wings to another man. And even as each one of you stands alone in God’s knowledge, so must each one of you be alone in his knowledge of God and in his understanding of the earth.”

Kahlil Gibran
The Prophet – 1923

Proverbs 22

Wealthy or poor has nothing to do with how we are seen by others. The kind of person we are and how we treat others carries far more weight. The Lord himself presents perfect picture of loyalty vividly expressed by Lauren Daigle in her song titled simply ‘Loyalty’. This is the loyalty we should aspire to.

Watch on YouTube

lynnibug

To support continuation of this project and others yet to be birthed, donations are most appreciated.

Comment on your journey at WisdomBlog.

Proverbs / January 8, 2022

Proverbs 18

I would offer that the word love is not a verb, it is a noun. It is not a thing you do. It is the light that you are made of and what you were created to be.

Abuse of Power

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

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

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

4 Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.

5 It is not right to acquit the guilty or deny justice to the innocent.

6 Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating.

7 The mouths of fools are their ruin; they trap themselves with their lips.

8 Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one’s heart.

9 A lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things.

10 The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to Him and are safe.

11 The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense; they imagine it to be a high wall of safety.

12 Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor.

13 Spouting off before listening to the facts both shameful and foolish.

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

15 Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge.

16 Giving a gift can open doors; it gives access to important people!

17 The first to speak in court sounds right-until the cross-examination begins.

18 Flipping a coin can end arguments; it settles disputes between powerful opponents.

19 An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars.

20 Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction.

21 The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

22 The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord.

23 The poor plead for mercy; the rich answer with insults.

24 There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother. (NLT)

To support continuation of this project and others yet to be birthed, donations are most appreciated.

Comment on your journey at WisdomBlog.

insights

Proverbs 18:4

Abuse of power manifests in many ways. An individual with true strength, can offer correction and direction without being a bully. Bullying in any form is abuse of power.

Is there someone in your life who represents wisdom to you? Take note of them and study what it is about them that makes you feel that way. For me it is a woman I befriended at church. Actually, I first met her at a bible study before I began attending my current church, and over the years we became very close. She has since gone to be with God.

She did not come off as an intellectual, rather she was just a friendly old gal that was fun to be with, and had many stories to tell. At 80-something, she was still quite self sufficient and independent. I was quite naturally drawn to her when I needed advice on any number of subjects.

When I attended a re-focus retreat some time back, I came to realize what quality she had that made her represent wisdom to me. She was able to be brutally (I mean tear you apart brutally) honest, right in your face, yet with the gentleness of a summer breeze. No matter how harshly she corrected you, it always came from a place of love and respect. I hope I can be like her someday. Allaine was powerfully influential. There was never a hint of abuse of power.

Proverbs 18:17

The media in this country is not what it used to be. The purpose of the freedoms guaranteed to the press by the framers of the Constitution had a purpose. That purpose, along with the separation of powers to executive, legislative, and legal branches was to prevent abuse of power by the government. The function of a free press is to keep all three branches accountable. This is done by presenting the facts and allowing the people to form their own opinions.

Unfortunately, the press, by and large, no longer accomplishes their intended purpose. Instead, they promote opinions as if they were facts, and intentionally shape public opinion to support the agenda of whoever is funding them. This is by definition abuse of power. The job of the press is to tell us what happened and what was said, not what is a lie and what is the truth.

On January 6, 2021, a peaceful and legal protest in Washington was labeled by the press as violent insurrection. While it is right leaning to counter the overwhelming main stream far left leaning coverage, I believe there is much truth exposed in a documentary by Greg Kelly, Day of Outrage. It can be streamed on the Newsmax channel. I recommend you watch it and make up your own mind. If you do not hear both sides of the story before forming an opinion, you will surely fall victim to abuse of power.

Proverbs 18:23

Homeless children is a sign of a deteriorating social structure. We, as a society, need to turn this one around. It rings of more truth than we should be capable of accepting.

Watch on YouTube

lynnibug

Proverbs / January 8, 2022

Proverbs 17

I would offer that the word love is not a verb, it is a noun. It is not a thing you do. It is the light that you are made of and what you were created to be.

Sensibility

1 Better a dry crust eaten in peace than a house filled with feasting-and conflict.

2 A wise servant will rule over the master’s disgraceful son and will share the inheritance of the master’s children.

3 Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the Lord tests the heart.

4 Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip; liars pay close attention to slander.

5 Those who mock the poor insult their maker; those who rejoice at the misfortune of others will be punished.

6 Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children.

7 Eloquent words are not fitting for a fool; even less are lies fitting for a ruler.

8 A bribe is like a lucky charm; whoever gives one will prosper!

9 Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.

10 A single rebuke does more for a person of understanding than a hundred lashes on the back of a fool.

11 Evil people are eager for rebellion, but they will be severely punished.

12 It is safer to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than to confront a fool caught in foolishness.

13 If you repay good with evil, evil will never leave your house.

14 Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before a dispute breaks out.

15 Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent- both are detestable to the Lord.

16 It is senseless to pay tuition to educate a fool, since he has no heart for learning.

17 A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.

18 It’s poor judgment to guarantee another person’s debt or put up security for a friend.

19 Anyone who loves to quarrel loves sin; anyone who trusts in high walls invites disaster.

20 The crooked heart will not prosper; the lying tongue tumbles into trouble.

21 It is painful to be the parent of a fool; there is no joy for the father of a rebel.

22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.

23 The wicked take secret bribes to pervert the course of justice.

24 Sensible people keep their eyes glued on wisdom, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.

25 Foolish children bring grief to their father and bitterness to the one who gave them birth.

26 It is wrong to punish the godly for being good or to flog leaders for being honest.

27 A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered.

28 Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent. (NLT)

insights

Sensibility covers a lot of ground. Those who are sensible in our society stand out. They seem to always know what to do and how to do it. This chapter is full of wisdom nuggets that when incorporated into one’s lifestyle, result in sensibility.

Proverbs 17:13

When we choose to belittle others who have done us no harm, or to treat someone who has shown us kindness with a lack of respect, we invite the enemy into our lives. There is a constant battle going on for our very souls. Those of us that cannot relate to that in terms of spiritual warfare, may more easily grasp it in terms of what gives us life, and what pulls us away from life.

Our actions that are birthed in love bring us life, while our actions birthed of fear, hostility, or any negative emotion, drains the life from us. God wants us to be victorious, and sent His Son to teach us how it can be ours when we act with biblical sensibility. We release our need to control, refuse to allow the petty things in life to rob us of our joy, and trust Him to be our defender.

Watch on YouTube

Proverbs 17:24

It is said that the curse of our age is busyness. In decades past, sensibility put forth simple ideas for living, like doing one thing at a time. In 1986, Robert Fulghum published a book titled “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten”. You can read an excerpt from that book here. The insights in it embody the idea of sensibility, and how as we have grown up we have lost it.

It is commonplace for us, in our multi-tasking world, to have our attention scattered in all directions and end up doing all kinds of things, but doing none of them well. God wants us to focus on what is really important. This is easily understood in terms of the world we live in today, but I wonder what the context was when this was written…”a fools eyes wander to the ends of the earth”? Did it speak to day dreaming or wanderlust? For me it is just another example of God’s word being timeless.

Proverbs 17:28

Sometimes God just wants us to laugh and have fun, and this proverb’s wisdom is so obvious that I decided to have a little fun with it, and give you a good laugh at the same time.

Jeanne Robertson went to be with the Lord on August 21, 2021, and currently, I am certain, is laughing with Jesus in heaven (probably at all of us). She was a past president of the Natio nal Speakers Association and a recipient of nearly every award given by them.

Her witty humor, which honors sensibility and evokes side splitting laughter at just about everything else, especially ‘church people’, lives on in the many videos of her speaking engagements.

Jeanne Robertson - ultimate sensibility — Jeanne Robertson

I could not pick just one video, so here is a link to her YouTube channel.

To support continuation of this project and others yet to be birthed, donations are most appreciated.

Comment on your journey at WisdomBlog.

Proverbs / January 2, 2022

Proverbs 16

I would offer that the word love is not a verb, it is a noun. It is not a thing you do. It is the light that you are made of and what you were created to be.

Doing it God’s Way

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

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

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

4 The Lord has made everything for his own purposes, even the wicked for a day of disaster.

5 The Lord detests the proud; they will surely be punished.

6 Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin. By fearing the Lord, people avoid evil.

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

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

9 We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.

10 The king speaks with divine wisdom; he must never judge unfairly.

11 The Lord demands accurate scales and balances; he sets the standards for fairness.

12 A king detests wrongdoing, for his rule is built on justice.

13 The king is pleased with words from righteous lips; he loves those who speak honestly.

14 The anger of the king is a deadly threat; the wise will try to appease it.

15 When the king smiles, there is life; his favor refreshes like a spring rain.

16 How much better to get wisdom than gold, and good judgment than silver!

17 The path of the virtuous leads away from evil; whoever follows that path is safe.

18 Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.

19 Better to live humbly with the poor than to share plunder with the proud.

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

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

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

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

24 Kind words are like honey- sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.

25 There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.

26 It is good for workers to have an appetite; an empty stomach drives them on.

27 Scoundrels create trouble; their words are a destructive blaze.

28 A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends.

29 Violent people mislead their companions, leading them down a harmful path.

30 With narrowed eyes, people plot evil; with a smirk, they plan their mischief.

31 Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life.

32 Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.

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

insights

Proverbs 16:1

Sometimes you can almost hear God laughing in the background when we begin to run our mouths about all of the great plans we have made. Doing it God’s way is always the best plan, but we have this illusion that we are in control.

This website is a grand example of this concept. For several years I slowly built up my presence on the web to build a little niche health and wellness business to supplement my retirement income someday. As I acquired new skills and software, I kept thinking about how it would benefit my business. Then God tells me by the leading of the Spirit that the internet is my mission field. I think to myself, OK, I can keep God at the forefront of my business and it’s all good.

My plans had not changed, until… one Sunday on my way to church I hear His voice in my head saying One Month of Wisdom, and the concept of this website just filled me up! Needless to say my internet business plans were suddenly in the background, and for weeks, every spare moment was lovingly spent creating this little corner of cyberspace just for Him.

Now, 11 years later I am updating and republishing the second edition. I have received untold joy and blessing from its creation and 2022 makeover, and I pray that those who have come here, will come into a deeper, more personal relationship with Him as I have through this work.

I realize now that the core objective of this ministry is to shine light in this “internet village” by doing it God’s way. God will use those who visit to spread the light further, overtaking much darkness it encounters along the way.

Proverbs 16:8

“To you the earth yields her fruit, and you shall not want if you but know how to fill your hands. It is in exchanging the gifts of the earth that you shall find abundance and be satisfied. Yet unless the exchange be in love and kindly justice, it will but lead some to greed and others to hunger.”

Kahlil Gibran
The Prophet – 1923

Watch on YouTube

Proverbs 16:24

It is not enough to not be cruel. Indifference, disinterest, or not making time to show love can be just as damaging. Our health – body, mind, and spirit, is dependent on the presence of conscious active present love in our lives. It is the lack of love that is at the root of everything that separates us from God, and in the presence of love we we find healing. Doing it God’s way is in a sense intentional love.

Watch on YouTube

lynnibug

To support continuation of this project and others yet to be birthed, donations are most appreciated.

Comment on your journey at WisdomBlog.

Proverbs / January 2, 2022

Proverbs 15

I would offer that the word love is not a verb, it is a noun. It is not a thing you do. It is the light that you are made of and what you were created to be.

Gentle Words

1 A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.

2 The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.

3 The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good.

4 Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

5 Only a fool despises a parent’s discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise.

6 There is treasure in the house of the godly, but the earnings of the wicked bring trouble.

7 The lips of the wise give good advice; the heart of a fool has none to give.

8 The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but he delights in the prayers of the upright.

9 The Lord detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue godliness.

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

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

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

13 A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit.

14 A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash.

15 For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.

16 Better to have little, with fear for the Lord, than to have great treasure and inner turmoil.

17 A bowl of vegetables with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate.

18 A hot-tempered person starts fights; a cool-tempered person stops them.

19 A lazy person’s way is blocked with briers, but the path of the upright is an open highway.

20 Sensible children bring joy to their father; foolish children despise their mother.

21 Foolishness brings joy to those with no sense; a sensible person stays on the right path.

22 Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.

23 Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!

24 The path of life leads upward for the wise; they leave the grave behind.

25 The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but he protects the property of widows.

26 The Lord detests evil plans, but he delights in pure words.

27 Greed brings grief to the whole family, but those who hate bribes will live.

28 The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.

29 The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayers of the righteous.

30 A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health.

31 If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise.

32 If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.

33 Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor. (NLT)

insights

Proverbs 15:4

What are gentle words? I think of gentle words as the words a mother speaks to her newborn baby, overflowing with kindness and love, and a unique, unmistakable tone of voice that makes one feel cared for. More than what is said, the way it is said , like a gentle rain that caresses your soul.

Just as the gentle words spoken can make us feel secure and loved, harsh and deceitful words can cut us to the bone and leave us in total despair. Our harshly spoken words can have a lasting and devastating effect on those we may or may not intend to hurt.

Watch on YouTube

Proverbs 15:22

We were not meant to do things totally on our own. We achieve more for ourselves, for our families, and for God, when we work together in synergy encouraging each other with gentle words. When we insist on doing things all our way and on our own we accomplish far less and often for prideful reasons.

God has gifted us each with unique skills and talents, that when joined with the skills and talents of those He puts in our path, will allow us to accomplish far more, with less effort. The early church understood that as a community, they could work together to provide for the needs of all, and at the same time do a mighty work in the name of the Lord! It was the efforts of these community churches, that ignited the spreading of the gospel message throughout the known world.

In the same manner, we are not meant to be separated from God. On our own we can accomplish little, but with His guidance and for His Glory we can accomplish great things! He calls us all to walk in His grace and allow Him to lead us to the abundance He has waiting for us.

Watch on YouTube

Proverbs 15:28

What we fear and are anxious about escapes our lips so easily without a thought, but the wise will consider and consult God before speaking. We see a true servant of God putting this into practice in Nehemiah 2:4.

“The king said to me, “What is it you want?” Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king…”

First Nehemiah prayed, then he answered the question he had been asked.

If only we could learn to take that one extra step before we open our mouths, we would change the way we relate to each other and dramatically increase the joy in our lives.

lynnibug

To support continuation of this project and others yet to be birthed, donations are most appreciated.

Comment on your journey at WisdomBlog.

Proverbs / January 2, 2022

Proverbs 14

I would offer that the word love is not a verb, it is a noun. It is not a thing you do. It is the light that you are made of and what you were created to be.

Receiving Grace

1 A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.

2 Those who follow the right path fear the Lord; those who take the wrong path despise him.

3 A fool’s proud talk becomes a rod that eats him, but the words of the wise keep them safe.

4 Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest.

5 An honest witness does not lie; a false witness breathes lies.

6 A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it, but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding.

7 Stay away from fools, for you won’t find knowledge on their lips.

8 The prudent understand where they are going, but fools deceive themselves.

9 Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation.

10 Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can fully share its joy.

11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the godly will flourish.

12 There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.

13 Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains.

14 Backsliders get what they deserve; good people receive their reward.

15 Only simpletons believe everything they’re told! The prudent carefully consider their steps.

16 The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence.

17 Short-tempered people do foolish things, and schemers are hated.

18 Simpletons are clothed with foolishness, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

19 Evil people will bow before good people; the wicked will bow at the gates of the godly.

20 The poor are despised even by their neighbors, while the rich have many “friends.”

21 It is a sin to belittle one’s neighbor; blessed are those who help the poor.

22 If you plan to do evil, you will be lost; if you plan to do good, you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness.

23 Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty!

24 Wealth is a crown for the wise; the effort of fools yields only foolishness.

25 A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is a traitor.

26 Those who fear the Lord are secure; he will be a refuge for their children.

27 Fear of the Lord is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death.

28 A growing population is a king’s glory; a prince without subjects has nothing.

29 People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness.

30 A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones.

31 Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but helping the poor honors him.

32 The wicked are crushed by disaster, but the godly have a refuge when they die.

33 Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart; wisdom is not found among fools.

34 Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people.

35 A king rejoices in wise servants but is angry with those who disgrace him. (NLT)

insights

Proverbs 14:9

We all mess up! It’s a fact, no matter how hard we try to do the right thing, it is not always clear what the right thing is. God loves us even when we do wrong, and the bible is filled with examples of righteous men of God making mistakes and receiving grace. We will never be perfect, but God will always offer us grace when we recognize our foolishness and turn back to Him.

Watch on YouTube

Proverbs 14:12

That survival mechanism that has our mind convinced that the reality it has created is true, can often trap us into believing that the path we have chosen is right. The enemy is very crafty when it comes to making an opportunity appear to be a blessing when in reality it is a dangerous trap. We must be asking for and listening to the guidance God gives, measuring everything against His word, and be willing to obey the leading of the Spirit, to avoid following our emotions into such a trap.

When we find we have erred in judgement and chosen unwisely, we must abandon those choices and return to God’s path for us without concern for embarrassment it may cause. Receiving grace from God the father, rather than remaining on the wrong path just because we are so heavily invested in it, prevents us from digging ourselves deeper into the hole God wants to pull us out of. Always be listening for His still small voice.

Proverbs 14:26

Our security is indeed in the hands of the Lord. Those who recognize this and walk the walk, will impart to their children the same attitude. God never changes, but through many generations we have changed.

We are the product of the generations before us; each generation has “downloaded” their “programming” of a fear and hostility based existence upon their children. We have much work to do to cleanse ourselves of all of the untruth we learned from our parents and other authority figures in our lives.

In doing that work, receiving grace, we offer the next generation, the children and youth over which we have some measure of influence, a legacy of moving closer and closer into a loving and personal relationship with our Creator.

Watch on YouTube

lynnibug

To support continuation of this project and others yet to be birthed, donations are most appreciated.

Comment on your journey at WisdomBlog.

Proverbs / January 1, 2022

Proverbs 13

I would offer that the word love is not a verb, it is a noun. It is not a thing you do. It is the light that you are made of and what you were created to be.

Choosing Words Wisely

1 A wise child accepts a parent’s discipline; a mocker refuses to listen to correction.

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

3 Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything.

4 Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper.

5 The godly hate lies; the wicked cause shame and disgrace.

6 Godliness guards the path of the blameless, but the evil are misled by sin.

7 Some who are poor pretend to be rich; others who are rich pretend to be poor.

8 The rich can pay a ransom for their lives, but the poor won’t even get threatened.

9 The life of the godly is full of light and joy, but the light of the wicked will be snuffed
out.

10 Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise.

11 Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows over time.

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

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

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

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

16 Wise people think before they act; fools don’t – and even brag about their foolishness.

17 An unreliable messenger stumbles into trouble, but a reliable messenger brings healing.

19 It is pleasant to see dreams come true, but fools refuse to turn from evil to attain them.

18 If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept correction, you will be honored.

20 Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.

21 Trouble chases sinners, while blessings reward the righteous.

22 Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren, but the sinner’s wealth passes to the godly.

23 A poor person’s farm may produce much food, but injustice sweeps it all away.

24 Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.

25 The godly eat to their hearts’ content, but the belly of the wicked goes hungry. (NLT)

insights

Proverbs 13:3

Choosing words wisely is something we all can benefit from. We have all stuck our foot in our mouth a time or two. A hasty criticism that may not have been warranted, betraying a friend’s confidence without considering all of the consequences, or just plain gossiping and later realizing that we were in truth spreading lies.

Choosing words specifically to hurt others or control them is far too common in our society. Verbal abuse has become so prominent that those being abused in this way may not even realize they are being abused.

Wisdom teaches us to think before we speak, to consider carefully the weight of our words before we utter them. Once spoken, you cannot take your words back.

No one ever learned anything while they were speaking, only through listening can we gain wisdom. When we really listen, choosing words that bring life and healing becomes much easier.

Proverbs 13:8

This speaks to accepting the correction of others as well as correction from God. The mind, as it creates a reality we can survive in from the sensory data we receive from the world, registers its perceptions as correct. That is why we are so quick to defend ourselves when someone tells us we are wrong.

When you are placed in a position to give correction, choosing words wisely is critical. When receiving correction, listen for the healing words being given, rather than letting fear and hostility control your reaction.

We need to acknowledge that the reality we see has been created by the mind based on incorrect assumptions that fear and hostility belong in us. Fear and hostility do not belong in us. When we connect to our true source, created of love, we no longer need to be right, we are content to be.

Proverbs 13:21

Our trouble affects our loved ones as much or more than it affects us. Families will welcome the prodigal back again and again, hoping they have found some wisdom and will hold onto it.

When we turn from our sinful ways, we can conquer our trouble for ourselves and for the ones we love. It is up to us to recognize the choice before us and choose life at every crossroads we come to.

lynnibug

Watch on YouTube

To support continuation of this project and others yet to be birthed, donations are most appreciated.

Comment on your journey at WisdomBlog.