Anticipation
Read: Luke 1:35-49 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord. (v. 45) Two women. Both pregnant with children promised by God and both waiting with elated anticipation for the birth of their sons. This is not true for all mothers. While […]
Peace and Quiet
Read: Proverbs 17 Better is a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting with strife. (v. 1) If a dry crust is better than strife, then strife must taste pretty awful. A family meal erupts into disagreement between two people. The delicious food becomes tasteless. Your appetite disappears, and the argument hangs […]
Good Listening—God Living
Read: Proverbs 16 Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD. (v. 20) “Will you listen?” You’ve been asked that, haven’t you? Sometimes, the question comes as a gentle request to turn your ear to a friend in distress. Likely, too, the question has come […]
Life List
Read: Proverbs 15 Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the LORD; how much more the hearts of the children of man! (v. 11) As you read Proverbs, do you sometimes feel as if you’re reading a list? Well, you’re right! Proverbs is often arranged as a series of truths to keep in your heart. Proverb’s […]
Do Good
Read: Proverbs 13 Disaster pursues sinners, but the righteous are rewarded with good. (v. 21) As I listen to people talk about their lives, I have heard people say, “I wish I could have done better.” It is certainly commendable when people realize they could have made better choices. But why don’t people just do […]
Good Words Require Work
Read: Proverbs 12:15-18 There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (v. 18) I’m guilty of it, and likely you are too. I have spoken words that have been reckless and have cut like a sword. I’m thankful for people in my life over the […]
God’s Precious Family
Read: Proverbs 11 Whoever troubles his own household will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart. (v. 29) The family is a precious thing to God. He created the family through Adam and Eve’s union and the mandate to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28). He repeated this […]
Rich Blessing
Read: Proverbs 10 The blessing of the LORD makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. (v. 22) At some point in your life, you have probably been told, “Work hard. Get a good education. Apply yourself. Stick to it. Save your money. Get ahead.” Maybe you have even said those things to someone […]
A Good Fear
Read: Proverbs 9:10-12 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. (v. 11) Fear God? What does that mean? It’s this: you must know he holds your life in his hand now and forever. As you obey various laws because of the fear of […]