Avoid Sluggardly Habits I went past the field of the sluggard, past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment; thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. Proverbs 24:30–31 (NIV 1984) Nothing attractive about slugs as far as I’m concerned. These spineless, shell-less creatures can decimate a root crop, …
Proverbs 23:26-28
Beware the Wayward My son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways, for an adulterous woman is a deep pit, and a wayward wife is a narrow well. Like a bandit she lies in wait and multiplies the unfaithful among men. Proverbs 23:26-28 “If only they came to us sooner. By the time couples come …
Proverbs 15:1
Speak Gently A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:11) “Who’s in charge here?” The angry female voice startled me. I turned my head to see who had spoken. The woman who stood in the doorway of the church office wore a scowl. I smiled, then said, “How can I help you?” She …
Proverbs 8:1-17
Seek Wisdom Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Proverbs 8:10-11 Wisdom isn’t special knowledge given to only a few. You don’t have to be a scholar or seek the advice of a guru. Proverbs 8 says wisdom can be found …
Proverbs 7:2
How Much Do You Value God’s Word? Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. Proverbs 7:2 What do you consider your MVP—most valued possession? Some would list family first; others might list health or intellect. In Proverbs 7:2, Solomon indicates that we should treat God’s commandments, His Word, as our MVP. …
Proverbs 31:10-31
The Perfect Wife Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30 Proverbs 31:10-31 is often the text for a Mothers’ Day sermon and used to praise all women who have qualities like these, whether mothers or not. But it was given by a woman to her son so …
Proverbs 21:1
Still in Charge The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases. Proverbs 21:1 When I was young, a heavy rainstorm could turn our neighborhood streets into shallow streams. My friends and I sometimes used large leafs as boats and raced them down the curbside. Occasionally, we’d gather sticks and …
Proverbs 30:1-5
What Do I Know? Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Proverbs 30:5 Have you ever felt like Augur who said, “Surely I am only a brute, not a man; I do not have human understanding. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I attained to the knowledge of the …
Proverbs 29:22
The High Cost of Anger An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins. Proverbs 29:22 “Must we bring you water out of this rock?” With the force of forty years’ frustration, Moses slammed his staff against the rock. Water gushed out in a torrent, creating a creek bed that extended for miles—enough water for two …