Proverbs 24

Saying 29

19 Do not fret because of evildoers
    or be envious of the wicked,
20 for the evildoer has no future hope,
    and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.

I struggled a little bit this morning, to pull out a specific take.  In the end, I chose this one.  I like it in the context of what I see on the news, how people treat each other, the general disregard for other people, and how our countries leadership is currently acting.  I take solace in this verse.  It tells me that I don't need to worry about the bad news, the tragedy around me, the evil that seems to be portrayed on humanity every single day.  Stay focused on God and that's where I will get my hope and contentment.

tp

Proverbs 23

Saying 8

4 Do not wear yourself out to get rich;
    do not trust your own cleverness.
5 Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone,
    for they will surely sprout wings
    and fly off to the sky like an eagle.

Today's reading is a little more in depth.  Fewer thoughts with a little more meat.  I like this first one.  Its a good lesson for all of us that are seeking worldly success.  But, I think this is a good one for my boys.  Focus on what's important in life....."the word of God and the souls of man."  (something I remember from a sermon I head 25 years ago)

Everything else is temporary.  Don't kill yourself trying to attain something that is so fleeting!

tp

have a good weekend!

Proverbs 22

26 Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge
    or puts up security for debts;
27 if you lack the means to pay,
    your very bed will be snatched from under you.

I didn't find a ton today to talk about.  A couple verses on don't be the debtor.  I think most of the US could use some lessons in this space.  There is so much freedom in having little owed to others, but it takes some discipline to avoid keeping up with the jones'.  some basic good financial principles captured in the bible over 2000 years ago.

knut

Proverbs 21

19 
9 9 Better to live on a corner of the roof
    than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.

19 Better to live in a desert
    than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife.

2 random verses inserted into this chapter....both talking about quarrelsome wives.  Most of these verses are about the heart and the hard working.  But, these 2 verse pop up randomly.  All I can say to that is....

True.

tp

Proverbs 20

13 13 Do not love sleep or you will grow poor;
    stay awake and you will have food to spare.

This one REALLY hurts!  I love sleep.  I can't sleep like I used to, but its still my favorite past-time....or maybe second =)

1 Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler;
    whoever is led astray by them is not wise.

This one made me laugh a little bit.  It sounds like the same stereotypes we work with today!  Where do the craft-cocktails fit in?  haha.

I really like reading through these chapters.  They seems to bounce around a little randomly.  But, there are definite themes, like you've said, talking about the tongue and the heart.  There are ones that really hit me, and ones that make me smile.  
It also goes to show that we haven't evolved a ton since these were written.  The are EXTREMELY wise thoughts!

tp
have a good weekend.

Proverbs 19

21 Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
    but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

I think we kind of talked about this but there is the life plan I try to direct and control but it's God's plan that I need to follow.  I think this points out that God is in control regardless of what I think.

So rather than trying to direct my own path, seek his direction--
8 The one who gets wisdom loves life;
    the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.

27 Stop listening to instruction, my son,
    and you will stray from the words of knowledge.

knut

Proverbs 18

13 To answer before listening—
    that is folly and shame.

lots of little nuggets.  the tongue continues to be a theme.  I also continue to tie a lot of this to work probably because of stuff going on at the moment.  open my ears before my mouth continues to be guidance I need to take.


24 One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin,
    but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother

after something like 44 years I'm way paste unreliable with at least one friend.  ;)

knut

Proverbs 17

27 The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint,
    and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.

lots of simple truths in this chapter too, though I didn't pick out anything too striking.  Continuing the theme of controlling my tongue.  I think I have to remind myself that those who talk a lot are not viewed as being knowledgeable.  I can get drawn into a competition of talking when someone is annoying me by their constant speaking.  happened to me last week in our leadership meeting.  regardless of what others think, when I reflect later I am irritated with myself when I play meetings back in my head.  just shut up already--to myself!!

knut

Proverbs 16

3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
    and he will establish your plans.


24 Gracious words are a honeycomb,
    sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.


I feel like i've been going through the motions lately, mainly at work.  I'm just trying to survive rather than feeling like I'm going somewhere.  I will be honest, sometimes I'm scared to ask God to layout my plans.  I'm afraid where that might take me, literally I don't want to move and I know Gina doesn't for sure--truly committing to God means I should be open to whatever his direction is for us.  I want to but I'm also scared to give up control.

The second verse just seems like something we need all over the US.  From our President and other politicians to our posts on Facebook, Twitter, etc.  I'm going to take this one with me this week and do my best no matter my situation to be genuine and gracious in words and keep my pride out of some up coming conversations.

knut

Proverbs 15

32 Those who disregard discipline despise themselves,
    but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.

I'm reading a lot about the more the mouth is moving the more chance for trouble.  Also the importance of humility which I think feeds into this verse.  When pride takes over instead of humility it is difficult to allow God to discipline and correct my actions. 

Do I listen to God?  Do I reflect on my days and my actions and ask him to show me better ways to a better teammate and leader at work?  Do I listen to him to hear how I can be a better husband and father?

more listening and changing actions when needed, less using my mouth or at minimum controlling what comes out of it are a couple themes for me as we roll through Proverbs.

knut