Proverbs – Daily Devotions in the Good Life

Michael C. Little

Smashwords Edition

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Cover design by Stephannie Beman, http://stephanniebemansdesigns.com

Cover picture by Stocksnapper from Dreamstime.com

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Completed and published in 2002, the Message Bible by Eugene Peterson, has taken the Christian world by storm. He is lauded for his work in bringing the Word to believers in an understandable, easy to apply work. However, many others challenge his work as a strategy of the New Age movement to simply mystify Jesus Christ. Peterson never recognizes Jesus as Lord and relegates Him to one of many "masters."

In 2009 our church pastor began a ministry at Converting Hearts Ministry in Creedmoor, NC. This addiction counseling and person-repairing work brings many once addicted people into a relationship with their Lord Jesus Christ and I love and support Shawn Saunders for his insight and Christian worship program.

In the course of this weekly praise and Bible study ministry of my church and pastor Ernest Ferrell, I decided to help the men understand the value of reading one proverb per day and trying to live that ever after. I did a study of a verse that corresponded to each day. On the First day of each month, I did a verse in order from Proverb One and continued throughout the month on corresponding Proverbs. Before I could start, I wanted to do an outline of what was important in each of the Proverbs so I started with a study of each Proverbs for December of 2009.

I felt like Mr. Peterson did with his Presbyterian church and could not find a good way to get the message I had across to these needy saints. They had all accepted the Lord as their personal savior and studied the Word daily, but sometimes were lost in what they were trying to understand. For this reason, I used the Message translation to glean my lessons for this outline; I had to insure I did not leave out the Lordship of Jesus and could not accept a lot of the paraphrasing, but the meanings of the verses were clear to the guys and it was an excellent way to start our program.

I am waiting for the Lord to direct me as to teaching the individual lessons, but I thought this would be an excellent way to see what kind of response I would get from this little book. I hope everyone enjoys, learns, and praises Jesus for what He made known in Proverbs. If you would, please review the part of the book you may read—especially the free 20% download. I look forward to your constructive criticism.

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Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-one

Chapter Twenty-two

Chapter Twenty-three

Chapter Twenty-four

Chapter Twenty-five

Chapter Twenty-six

Chapter Twenty-seven

Chapter Twenty-eight

Chapter Twenty-nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty one

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Proverbs 1 January 1, 2013

Memory Verse: 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. . . “

Today’s proverb sets the tone for faithful growth in knowledge and service to the Lord. The first 6 verses define the goal of this manual for living, and then verses 7-19 dictates the first step is loving God and the rest of the chapter explains how wisdom will be the ruler of all.

1) Proverbs were written to teach what is right and fair

2) They will teach young people to hang on to reality

3) They give fresh wisdom for all to probe and penetrate the truth

4) First, we must bow down to God to be in a state to learn

5) We must pay attention to what you father said, and what your mother did

6) Hold on proudly to what they have taught

7) Don’t be tempted to go along with bad companions

8) Don’t pay attention to them, they ruin whatever they touch

9) The more stuff you get, the less person you are

10) Wisdom of God stands out above anything else

11) Don’t refuse to learn, change yourself through this wisdom of God

12) The wisdom of God always reaches out to us; don’t ignore it

13) Don’t laugh at wise counsel or make a joke of the advice

14) If/when your world falls in, it may be too late to seek wisdom

15) No matter how hard you look, it may be fruitless

16) If you distrust wisdom, hate knowledge, and ignore God, you asked for it, and you may just get what you deserve

17) Carelessness kills, but complacency murders (must stay concerned)

18)Pay attention to wisdom and you can rest. You are in good hands.

What a way to start off the New Year. God tells us he is waiting to help us; wants to give us wisdom, intends to take care of us---but, we must respect Him, pay attention to His warnings, and learn from our mistakes. We, the saved, are all forgiven and promised a place in the coming Kingdom; if we accept it. Happy New Year, guys.

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Proverbs 2 January 2, 2013

Memory Verse: 2:6 “For the Lord giveth wisdom; out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.”

Today’s proverb continues the advice to young men. Wisdom is recognized not as a gained skill. We can learn knowledge and we can understand messages, but God must give us the wisdom to fully understand His meaning. It is like with Jesus; we can see what God intends for us to know, but without Jesus, we can not understand the meaning. To do this we must spend the time with His word and hold what we learn near and dear.

1) To understand or respect the Lord, we must dig the scripture

2) Insight is brought to the digger

3) The Lord pays close attention to His loyal ones

4) Wisdom will help us to discern the truth

5) Good sense and insight follow knowledge – protecting choices

6) Without all this, a man lacks direction and purpose in his life

7) Wise friends protect and guide you and show you faith

8) Every step from wisdom, knowledge, insight, and faith leads astray

9) Walk the proven paths of tradition; reject change without purpose

10) The corrupt will lose all; the dishonest will be gone

Wisdom through studying His word is essential. The more time one can spend memorizing and living the Word is the easier, better life will be. Encourage the guys to spend free time with Him in reading and prayer.

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Proverbs 3 January 3, 2013

Memory Verse: 3:1, 2”My son, Forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments; for length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.”

Only a loving father could speak to his own child as compassionately, tenderly, but understanding. We need to remember that our loving father who speaks to his own saved son is reinforcing today’s teachings.

1) Wisdom and Understanding are only available by God’s offer

2) Seeking knowledge and understanding lead to respect and His gift of Wisdom

3) Wisdom is a special gift of God to the seekers

4) He stands beside the righteous and walks with the trusting

5) Listen for the Lord’s guidance in everything you seek to do

6) Don’t think you know it all; Run to God and from evil

7) Honor God with your 100%

8) He will richly reward the trusting

9) Don’t resent God’s discipline; learn the lesson He has prepared for you

10) A father only corrects His beloved children

11) Wisdom and insight are worth more than money in the bank

12) Her friendship and value are without rival and bring peace

13) Guard clear thinking and common sense- spiritually and physically they sustain

14) No panic or surprises because God is with you (notice: Jesus is God with you)

15) Never walk away from a need, don’t put off, and don’t take advantage of others

16) Don’t walk around with a chip on your shoulder

17) Don’t be a bully – only the straightforward get God’s respect

18) God blesses the righteous, curses the wicked

19) God denies the proud and skeptics but stands beside the ones down on their luck

20) He rewards wise living with honor; stupid living gets the booby prize

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Proverbs 4 January 4, 2013

Memory Verse: 4:7 “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom and with all thy getting, get understanding.”

The proverb today is somewhat different from the previous ones. There are only two messages in these verses:

Pay attention to what your father teaches

Learn it by heart

The breakdown of this proverb would be:

1) Pay attention; don’t let my words go in one ear and out the other

2) When I was young, my father drilled me on what is important

3) Pay attention; do what I say to live

4) Sell everything to get wisdom, hunt for understanding

5) Don’t forget it; don’t deviate from it

6) Never walk away from wisdom

7) Put wisdom and understanding at the top of your list

8) Embrace wisdom; don’t let it slip away

9) Grace and beauty are the end results

10) Taking good advice will add years to your life

11) My directions are clear through righteousness

12) Don’t go into blind alleys or make wrong turns from the advice

13) Hold tight to good advice; don’t loosen your grip

14) Guard it well; don’t take wicked bypasses or short-cuts

15) Stay totally away from evil; stay away!

16) Evil people are restless people

17) They cannot sleep without spoiling someone’s life

18) Adversity and violence are their drugs of choice

19) Righteous live in light; wicked seek the dark

20) Learn my ways by heart; cherish them

21) Keep the written words before you

22) For body and soul to live, keep these words

23) Keep a vigilant watch over your heart; protect it

24) Don’t talk out of both sides of your mouth; avoid debate, lies, and gossip

25) Keep your eyes on the road; avoid destruction

26) Watch your step –EVERY step

27) Don’t look right or left; leave evil behind

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Proverbs 5 January 5, 2013

Memory Verse: Pro. 5:7 “Hear me now, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth.”

Today’s verses have one real goal –to keep ourselves pure and true to our first love. Though Solomon speaks as if this were a man choosing between his wife and a prostitute, it may very well be choosing between God and some other idol. It is very obvious that Satan draws one away easiest by the physical (which loose sex can do), so we will look at this also as a seventh commandment warning against the sin of adultery. In the later verses we can see the message is to never take a wife’s love (or God’s love) for granted.

I went up to the Converting Hearts Thrift Shop yesterday and saw where the CHM goal is posted. The picture of the projected end result (farm) keeps everyone working on the small goals to get to that one. That is goal setting and posting.

1) Paying attention to good advice teaches good sense and keeps us out of trouble

2) Seductive partners have sweet lips and smooth talk, but would your heart

3) The partner would take you on the road to hell with him or her

4) They’re not concerned with real life, identity, or where they are headed (only concerned with the moment).

5) Don’t treat this good advice lightly, pay attention

6) Stay away from such a temporary partner.

7) Don’t waste your precious life on such fleeting choices

8) Don’t let strangers take advantage of you in this way

9) Don’t be exploited by ones who don’t care for you.

10) Don’t end your life full of regrets; seek proper goals

11) Accept the advice; discipline your life

12) Listen to your mentors; take your teachers seriously; God put these here for you.

13) Or, you will have nothing to show for your life.

14) Protect your own spouse and your own property

15) Don’t show off for friends nor strangers

16) Enjoy thoroughly your time with your spouse

17) Take delight in one another

18) NEVER take their love for granted

19) Why trade intimacies for cheap thrills?

20) God does not miss a move you take. He loves you too much for that

21) The shadows of your sins will make you stumble in the dark

22) Death is the only reward for an undisciplined life

23) Bad choices trap you in a dead end

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Proverbs 6 January 6, 2013

Memory Verse: 6:20 “My son, keep thy father’s commandment and forsake not the law of thy mother.”

I will touch lightly on this chapter because it defines the seven things that God hates. I am looking forward to studying one verse at a time but a broad overview of the entire chapter helps us see what is important. Even though we realized that these seven hated things are all mind games that Satan tells us to justify, I think we need to list what Solomon tells us in this chapter.

1) Don’t vouch for strangers; there is much to learn about them

2) Don’t trap yourself with loose, gossipy, or quick responses before you think

3) Get away from these associations

4) Don’t procrastinate; move quickly away

5) Study the ways of the ant –take initiative, store up, stockpile at harvest

6) Don’t be lazy; get up and out

7) Taking life easy brings poverty

8) Riffraff and rascals talk out both sides of their mouth; they are always cooking up something or stirring up trouble

9) One like them will be ruined

10) Seven things God hates: Pride, Falsehood, Cruelty, Scheming, Mischievous eagerness, Slander, Strife

11) Follow your father’s advice; respect your mother’s teaching

12) Wrap yourself in them

13) They will guide, guard, and direct you properly

14) Sound advice=beacon, good teaching=light, and moral discipline is your life path

15) They will protect you from wanton women and smooth talk

16) Don’t lustfully fantasize

17) You can buy a prostitute, but a wanton woman can eat you alive

18) Can you set a fire in your lap without setting your pants on fire?

19) Can you walk on hot coals without blistering your feet?

20) Touching your neighbor’s wife is the same; no excuses

21) Hunger is no excuse for stealing

22) If caught one must pay it back

23) Adultery is brainless self destruction; expect a black and bloody nose

24) Your reputation will be ruined

25) Jealousy detonates rage over adultery

26) Nothing to say or pay will make it right; neither bribes nor reason will satisfy

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Proverbs 7 January 7, 2013

Memory Verse Proverbs 7:2: “Keep my commandments and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.”

Today’s proverb does not break down as easily for study as the others. Initially, Solomon tells the son to keep his commandments and the law as his direct guide for his life and living. He again recommends wisdom and insight. The rest of the chapter tells the consequences of listening to smooth talking tricksters. In this particular case, he again uses a solicitous woman as the tempter, but it could be greed, jealousy, drugs, alcohol, or any of the seven things that God hates.

Various schemes are setup to trick the son into believing in the power of some other god. The false god flatters, attracts the weak, is loud, confident, and bold, offers temporary excitement, lies to tempt, disguises the temptation, challenges the son’s willpower and trust, makes excuses and promises, pitches, woos, and tricks the weak.

In the final analysis, all is death; without proper use of available wisdom and insight, only death is certain. Once the false God sits on your heart’s throne, hell can draw you away from God’s promised rewards. We have 27 verses here that were planned, designed, and fully explained to show us an all important point. Do not give into the attractive lure of any false god. Examine everything done by wisdom and insight, and determine for yourself first “What Would Jesus Do’ in this particular situation? React properly!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Proverbs 8 January 8, 2013

Memory Verse: “Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding; I have strength.”

I have probably read Proverbs 10-12 times in my life; but, I have never been moved so much as this time in Proverbs 8. I see things I have never noticed before, and I want to share them with you guys. We all know the story of Isaac being a model of the coming Christ; we have all read about the Christ that Isaiah and the Old Testament prophets foretold, but never has the office or definition of Christ been more apparent than in this proverb 8:

1) He starts by identifying Himself as Wisdom, Insight, truthful, and passionate

2) He teaches his characteristics of Sanity; Knowledge; Discretion; hating evil, pride, arrogance, and lies.

3) He defines what He does by offering good counsel, showing common sense, being understanding, and teaching Virtue.

4) He tells about what He does through believers: leaders rule, lawmakers legislate, governors govern –all due to His authority

5) He loves ones that love Him and seek Him

6) He promises honor and a good name

7) He promises life to those who love Him

8) He supports what He says; He was with God before anything was made or done

9) He took part in and supported everything done

10) He declared (as did God) that the creation of the human family was Good

11) Then He makes clear what is expected of us believers:

A. Embrace His ways

B. Live wisely and with self discipline

C. Don’t squander opportunities He presents

D. Be blessed through daily devotions

E. Seek Jesus and find real life through God

F. If you reject Jesus (your choice), you are tempting Death

I was so moved when I studied these verses that I want to just tell everyone how much I love and trust Him. The Bible says it in such beautiful ways that we can always find a new lesson every time we study His Word.

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Proverbs 9 January 9, 2013

Memory Verse: Proverbs 9:10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”

Today’s lesson seems to speak to the seven foundation pillars upholding the house that Jesus built at this time.

1) Preparation

2) Planning

3) Humility

4) Communion is sought

5) Hard Choices must be made

6) Pride must be vanquished

7) Proper counseling approach must be determined

He goes on to explain teaching a wise or just person will be more rewarding, but respect for His Word is essential to growth. Live wisely as explained and His wisdom will fill your very being.

Satan, the old prostitute, is then described here also. The seven things to look out for are: He is brazen, empty-headed or changeable, Frivolous, Beckons to momentary pleasure, Secrecy is demanded, Deceit brings pride, and these actions will lead to the straight, broad road to hell. In short, we must always ask, “What would Jesus Do?”

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Proverbs10 January 10, 2013

Memory Verse: Proverbs 10:1 – “. . . A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.”

The proverb for today reinforces three messages that are recurring issues. The lessons are that:

Honesty is Immortal

1) A wise son makes a glad father; a foolish son makes a sad mother

2) Ill-gotten gain gets you nowhere; Honesty counts

3) God will not starve the honest, but He frustrates the desires of the wicked

4) Laziness makes one poor, but diligence brings wealth

5) Working while time allows is smart, being lazy is foolish

6) Blessings happen to the honest; curses come to the wicked

7) Wise follow orders, unwise are stressed by rules

8) Honesty is confident and carefree; the shifty will be exposed

9) Avoiding problems signal trouble, being proactive gives peace

10) Honesty is rewarding; wickedness is its own reward

11) Hatred starts fights; love blankets the concerns

12) Wisdom=Understanding, but the shortsighted need to wake up

13) Wise keep quiet and learn; know-it-alls brag—a waste

Road to Life is Disciplined

1) Wealth is the god of the rich; lazy poor stay that way

2) A full life comes to the good; nothing but sin comes to the evil

3) A disciplined life is rewarded; ones rejecting correction are lost

4) Liars hide hatred; fools openly slander

5) More talk = less truth; the wise limit what is said

6) A good person’s speech is worth waiting for; blabber of wicked is worthless

7) Good person’s speech is respected; chatterboxes have empty hearts

Fear of God will Expand Life

1) God’s blessings reward one more than anything else

2) Fools enjoy mischief, a mindful person loves wisdom

3) The worst dreams of the wicked come true; best dreams of the good come true

4) Storms of life destroy the wicked but does not faze the good

5) A lazy worker gives nothing but trouble

6) Fear of God expands life; a wicked life is a puny life

7) Goals of good people are achieved, but bad people crash

8) God supports the worker but not a shabby performance

9) Good people cannot be moved, wicked are here today and gone tomorrow

10) Good people’s mouths give wisdom; a foul mouth is stagnant

11) A good person’s speech clears the air; the words of the wicked pollute

These are important lessons for us all to hang on to. Perseverance, diligence, and honesty always are rewarded (in time). Lying and slothfulness are not from God. We must all structure our lives according to God’s blessings.

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Proverbs 11 January 11, 2013

Memory Verse: 11:14 "Where no counsel is, the people fall."

Today's Proverb has 2 strong messages for us. The first is the importance of direction, and the second is the God-shaped life. There are many individual lessons in these 31 verses.

Without Good direction , people lose their way quickly.

1) God hates cheating in business, but loves honesty.

2) Honest Integrity keeps one on track; deviousness brings ruin.

3) Money doesn't help when life falls apart, but peaceful life stands up.

4) Moral character makes a smooth trip; evil life is a hard life.

5) Good character insures; crooks are trapped in lust.

6) When the wicked die, that's it, end of story and hope.

7) A good person is saved from much trouble, but a bad person runs into it.

8) Loose tongue of evil spreads destruction; Godly common sense saves.

9) Good happens to the Godly and the town cheers; bad happens to the bad and the town celebrates.

10) Righteous bless the city and it flourishes; evil talk destroys the city.

11) Slander is heartless; discretion accompanies good sense.

12) Gossip can't be trusted with a secret; integrity guards a confidence.

13)Without good direction, people lose their way; good counsel followed betters one's chances.

14) Deals with strangers burn, cool heads avoid rash, rush bargains.

15) Grace is respected; violence seeks short term gain.

The God-shaped life.

1) Kindness helps yourself; cruelty hurts you

2) Bad work is paid with a bad check; good work is solid pay.

3) Stand with God's community to live; or, chase phantoms of evil and die.

4) God hates deceivers, but really loves integrity.

5) Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a pretty face on an empty hand.

6) Visions of good people lead to the best; wicked ambition is frustration.

7) World of generous increases; world of the stingy is reduced.

8) Bless others to be blessed; helping others will help oneself.

9) Curse the hard bargain; bless the fair and square.

10) Devotion to things is a dead life; a God shaped life flourishes.

11) Seeking good brings delight; seeking evil is evil.

12) Exploit or abuse of a family brings a fistful of air; common sense tells one it is a stupid way to live.

13) A good life bears fruit; violence destroys souls.

14) If the good barely can make it, what is in store for the bad?

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Proverbs 12 January 12, 2013

Memory Verse: Proverbs 12:15 “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes; but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.”

Today’s proverb gives us two points again, but this time the two points are directly related. First, Solomon talks about what happens if you love learning and second, deals with wise people accepting/seeking advice. Notice that six of the seven things God hates are listed in these verses also. Evidently learning and working as part of a team are two keys to staying away from what God hates.

If You Love Learning

1) If you love learning, you love discipline

2) Good person basks in light of God; avoids devious schemers

3) Firm footing not found in swamp; life in God stands firm

4) A good wife invigorates; a cold woman is a cancer in the bones

5) Principled people are just, the devious plots corrupt

6) Wicked words kill; upright speech saves

7) Wicked people fall apart; families hold together

8) Sensible people honored; airheads are held in contempt

9) Better to be ordinary and working than to act important and starve

10) Good people are good to their animals; bad people abuse and mistreat them

11) A worker has food on the table; the witless chase whims and fancies

12) What the wicked build falls apart; roots of righteous give life

Wise People Take Advice

1) Gossip gets us into trouble; clear speech keeps us out of it

2) Well-spoken words satisfy; well done work is its own reward

3) Fools do what they want; wise people take advice

4) Fools explode quickly, prudent shrug off insults

5) Truthful witness clears the air; liars deceive by smoke screen

6) Rah language cuts; works of the Wise heal

7) Truth lasts, liars are here today and gone tomorrow

8) Scheming distorts; peace-planning brings peace

9) Evil cannot defeat a good person; wicked have their hands full with evil

10) God hates liars, but LOVES to be with the honest

11) Prudent don’t flaunt knowledge; talkative fools broadcast their silliness

12) Diligent are freed by work; lazy are oppressed by it

13) Worry weighs us down; encouragement picks us up

14) Good person overcomes misfortune; wicked lives invite disaster

15) Lazy life is empty life; early risers get the job done

16) Good people travel straight in life; sin’s detours destroy

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Proverbs 13 January 13, 2013

Memory Verse: Proverbs 13:24 “He that spareth his rod hateth his son, but he that loveth him chastens him betimes.”

Today’s proverb is dedicated to Wisdom. Wisdom is simply knowledge put into action. Just like faith, we have to have the knowledge of what we have done and what Jesus did for us. We also have to take the knowledge, experiences, and training we have had to develop Wisdom. Wisdom and faith are both achievable goals reached through our knowledge and His grace. For instance:

1) Intelligent child listens to sound teaching; foolish ones do their own thing

2) Honesty trusts/develops conversation; authority haters prefer violence

3) Careful words encourage; careless talk can ruin everything

4) Lazy want but will not get; energetic are rewarded

5) Good hate lies; bad people wallow in gibberish

6) Righteousness keeps safe; sin dumps the evil one

7) Showy life is an empty life; simple life is full

8) Rich can be sued, but poor are free from such threats

9) Good people lives are well lit; wicked lives are dark alleys

10) Pride produces fighting; wisdom is with the quiet in spirit

11) Easy come, easy go; but, diligence pays off

12) Disappointment is heart breaking; a good break can turn a life around

13) Ignore the Word and suffer; honor God’s commands for wealth

14) Teaching of the wise is a fountain of life; turn away from contaminated wells

15) Wise behavior is approved, liars face destruction

16) Wise men use knowledge; foolish believes his own foolish thoughts

17) Irresponsible talk ruins; reliable witness heals

18) Refuse training and be homeless; embrace correction to be honored

19) Good people follow heart; fools will not give up evil ways

20) Associate with good for wisdom or foolish to be broken

21) Evil overtakes sinners, but the upright are rewarded

22) Heritage of good man passes down, the heritage of the foolish passes on

23) Food on the land of the poor is taken away by wrongdoing (whose?)

24) Not correcting shows no love; love by discipline

25) Appetite for good is satisfied; belly of wicked only wants more

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Proverbs 14 January 14, 2013

Memory Verse: Proverbs 14:12 “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death”.

Today we see ways that lead us to hell, and also instructions to think carefully about what we believe. It is so easy to be led astray by our environment, heredity, and evil but Jesus helps us discern what we experience and the lessons we need from them.”

A Way that leads to Hell

1) Wisdom builds a house, but foolishness destroys it.

2) Honesty respects God; twisted ways slap Him in the face

3) Frivolous talk causes ridicule; wise speech brings respect

4) Without investment; there is no gain

5) Honesty NEVER lies, liars always lie if the truth will hurt them

6) Cynics never find the answers; answers come freely to the open-minded

7) Don’t associate with fools; it is a waste of time and effort

8) Wisdom keeps the life on track; foolishness puts a life into the ditch

9) Stupidity ridicules right and wrong, but morality IS life

10) One who does not share times of bitter moments are excluded from times of celebration

11) Lives of sinners are shacks; holy lives build cathedrals

12) Sinners think their way of life is harmless; Look again—it leads to HELL!

13) Sin appears to be fun, but it ends in heartbreak

Sift and Weigh every word

1) Meanness begets meanness; grace begets grace

2) Gullible believe all; Prudent sift and weigh each word

3) Wise watch steps and avoid evil; fools rush in recklessly

4) The rash do things and regret them; cruelty gets the cold shoulder

5) Dreamers live in illusions; realists plant feet on solid ground

6) Eventually, evil will repay good and the wicked will respect God’s people

7) Loser is shun by all, but winners are loved by all

8) Criminal to ignore neighbor in need; compassion for the poor is a blessing

9) Conspirators lose out, but thoughtful win love and trust

10) Hard work pays off; talk buys little of use

11) Wise get more wisdom, fools get dumber

12) Souls are saved by truth; betrayed by deceit

13) Respecting God brings hope; and makes the world safer for all children

14) Respect of God is living water; prevents drinking from poisoned wells

15) Know a good leader by his followers; leadership is empty without disciples

16) Slow to anger creates deep understanding; quick tempers fuel stupidity

17) A quiet mind creates a healthy body; envy is a cancer of the bones

18) Insult God by exploiting powerless; being kind to poor honors God

19) Evil leaves bad people in the cold; integrity builds a safe, warm home

20) Wisdom abides with an understanding heart; fools are ignored

21) Respect of God makes a country strong; avoiding God leaves it weak

22) Diligent work deserves commendations; laziness earns rebuke

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Proverbs 15 January 15, 2013

Memory Verse: Proverbs 15:1”A soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger.”

Today’s proverb gives us two more new lessons about God’s place in our lives. First, He knows, sees, and is a part of everything and second, Life can climb to heavenly heights simply by following His laws:

God does not Miss Anything

1) Gentle answers defuse anger, but a bitter word kindles a fire.

2) Knowledge flows like spring water; fools are like leaking faucets

3) God is always alert to both Good and Evil

4) Kind words heal; cutting words wound and maim

5) Foolish ignore father’s training; to welcome training is only sensible

6) Lives of genuine Christians flourish; foolish are soon bankrupt

7) Perception spreads knowledge; fools are hollow

8) God can not stand the pious; delights in sincere prayer

9) A wasted life disgusts God; He loves your running for righteousness

10) Leaving God’s path leads to hard knocks; a dead end for law haters

11) Hell can keep no secret from God; You know He reads human hearts

Life Can Ascend to the Heights

1) Know-it-alls don’t like being told what to do; they avoid the wise

2) Cheerful hearts bless; a sad heart is hard to please or comfort

3) The intelligent seek truth; fools feed on fads

4) A miserable heart is a miserable life; a cheerful heart sings a happy song

5) A simple, God-respecting life is better than a rich life with constant headaches

6) Better bread with love than prime rib with hate

7) Tempers start fights; calm, cool spirits keep the peace

8) Path of lazy is overgrown with briers; diligent walk the smooth path

9) Intelligent children make parents proud; lazy students embarrass parents

10) Foolish treat life as plaything; perceptive grasp the meaning of life

11) Refuse good advice and plans fail; take good counsel and succeed

12) Friendly conversation—what a pleasure; encouragement is beautiful

13) Life ascends for the thoughtful; makes a complete turnaround

14) God smashes arrogant, but stands with those with no standing

15) God hates evil scheming; puts words of grace and beauty first

16) The greedy destroy the community; refusing to exploit brings life

17) God avoids the wicked; attends to prayers of genuine Christians

18) A twinkle in the eye is joy to the heart; good news is always healthy

19) Listen to good advice to live well and be an honored guest of God

20) Undisciplined, selfish life is puny; an obedient, genuine life is spacious

21) Respect for God is skilled learning; first humility to experience glory

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Proverbs 16 January 16, 2013

Memory Verse: Proverbs 16:18 “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”

Our proverb for today has two distinct breaks again. The first break is “Everything has a Place and Purpose”, and the second is that “It pays to take what you are doing seriously”. My wife always tells me that if I would always put things back where I got them, I could keep up with them much easier. Excellent words for both planning and performance. I have always heard, “If you will scratch, it will be the itch you scratch”. We all need to focus on what counts, just like the squeaky lock that gets the WD40”

Everything Has a Place and Purpose

1) Men make plans; God has the last word

2) Men look for what looks good; God looks for what IS good

3) Put God in charge; your plans will take place

4) God made everything; even the wicked for judgment

5) God hates arrogance or pretense; such will be punished

6) Love and truth banish guilt; Respect for God deflects evil

7) When God approves your life; even your enemies will congratulate you

8) Better to be right and poor than wrong and rich

9) We plan our lives, but God guides our daily steps

Take Life Seriously

1) A Good leader motivates; doesn’t mislead or exploit

2) God cares about workplace honesty; your business is His business

3) Good leaders speak honestly; love truthful advisors

4) Rash leaders wreak havoc; stay clear of them

5) Fair leaders invigorate like sun and spring rains

6) Get wisdom—worth more than money; choose insight over income

7) Righteous road bypasses evil; watch your step and save your life

8) First pride, then crash; the greater the ego, the harder the fall

9) Better to live humbly with the poor than to party with the proud

10) Take life seriously; things work out when you trust God

11) He wise are known for understanding; gracious words build reputation

12) Intelligence is spring of water; foolish sweat it out the hard way

13) Wise make sense; their reputation builds on their words

14) Gracious speech is like honey; good taste and quick energy

15) The way may look harmless, but it may well lead to death

16) Appetite is an incentive to work; hunger drives you to work harder

17) Mean people gossip; their words hurt and burn

18) Troublemakers start fights; gossips break up friendships

19) Violence betrays their own friends; it will stab you in the back

20) Shifty eyes betray evil intentions; clenched jaw signals trouble

21) Gray hair is mark of distinction; an award to loyalty to God

22) Moderation defeats muscle; self-control betters political power

23) Make your motions, cast your votes; God has the final say!

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Proverbs 17 June 17, 2013

Memory Verse: 17:22 “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine; but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”

Today’s verses really have only one theme. It seems to be a recurring theme throughout the Proverbs and we’ll make an in-depth study of this at another time. We see in Proverbs that the most important starting point is knowledge—which we acquire through His Word. Second, Knowledge begets wisdom—which is attained by mastering our knowledge, training, good advice, and encouragement. Third, Wisdom brings insight-which is gained by experience, trial, and dedication. And, fourth is the proof of your knowledge, wisdom, and understanding by comparing, mastering, and living the traits learned.

1) Better bread and water in peace than a quarrelsome banquet

2) A servant controlling an unruly child is an honor in/to the family

3) Like fired gold or silver is our trials through God’s hand

4) Both evil and liars enjoy gossip

5) Mocking the poor insults God; gloating over misfortune will be punished

6) Elders are distinguished by grandchildren; children take pride in their parents

7) Do not expect eloquence from fools nor lies from leaders

8) A gift is like a gemstone; no matter how you look at it, it reflects beauty

9) Overlook an offense, bond a friendship; hold a grudge—goodbye to friendship

10) A quiet rebuke to the wise does more than a whack to the head of the foolish

11) One looking for trouble can find it easily

12) Better to meet a cub-rubbed grizzly than a fool being foolish

13) One returning evil for good will meet the same evil coming back

14) A start of a quarrel is like a leak in the dam; stop it before it bursts

15) Whitewashing bad and throwing mud on good is hated equally by God

16) Fools looking for wisdom will not recognize it if they come across it

17) Friends love in all weather; families stick together in any trouble

18) Don’t pursue something for nothing nor run up huge debts you can’t pay

19) Seek sin, marry trouble; build a wall, invite a thief

20) Bad motives don’t achieve good results; double-talk brings double trouble

21) Having a foolish child is misery; no fun parenting a dolt

22) Cheerful disposition is good for health; gloom and doom leaves you bone-tired

23) Wicked take bribes and thereby show contempt for justice

24) Perceptive find wisdom at home; fools look elsewhere with no good results

25) Surly, stupid child is a pain of the father; a bitter pill for the mother to swallow

26) Wrong to penalize good behavior or make the good pay for the crimes of others

27) One who knows much says little; an understanding person stays calm

28) A dunce can appear wise if he keeps his mouth closed

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Proverbs 18 January 18, 2013

Memory Verse: 18:24 “A man that hath friends must show himself friendly; and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”

Today’s proverb continues the advice to the saved, but notice how often speech is spoken of. Good or bad comes from the same source, the mouth; we must always be careful what we are saying. It actually tells what we are about and most interested in. I count 11 warnings about speech in these 24 verses; must be important!!!

1) Loners care only for themselves, not the common good

2) Fools do not care for thoughtful talk; they run off at the mouth

3) When evil arrives, shame comes with it; never have contempt for life

4) Many words rush like floodwater; wisdom comes from deep wells

5) Do not go easy on the guilty nor hard on the innocent

6) Words of a fool start fights; do him a favor---gag him

7) Fools are undone by their mouths; souls are crushed by their words

8) Listening to gossip is like eating cheap candy; who wants that in their belly?

9) Slack habits and sloppy work are as bad as vandalism

10) God’s name protects, the upright can always run there

11) Rich think wealth protects like the walls of a fort

12) Pride first; crash follows; humility leads to honor

13) Answering before listening is both stupid and rude

14) A healthy spirit conquers, but what can you do with a crushed spirit?

15) The wise always learn; they are always listening for understanding

16) A gift gets the attention of eminent people

17) The first speech in a court case is convincing, until the cross-examination

18) You may just have to draw straws with a tough decision

19) Do a favor and win a friend forever; He will expect it forever

20) Words satisfy the mind as fruit does the stomach; good talk is as a good harvest

21) Your words kill or give life; poison or fruit; it is your choice how to use them

22) Good spouse brings a good life and God’s favor

23) Poor speak softly; rich Bark out orders

24) Friends come and go, but a good friend sticks by you like only family

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Proverbs 19 January 19, 2013

Memory Verse: 19:20 “Hear counsel and receive instructions, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.”

Continuing Solomon’s teaching today, he speaks 7 times about the dangers of our mouths, but the overriding message is about listening to learn and responding to advice correctly. Review these individual proverbs to see the teaching.

1) Better to be poor and honest than rich and not trusted

2) Ignorant zeal is worthless; haste makes waste

3) Why does God get blamed for our stupidity?

4) Wealth attracts but poor people are avoided

5) Perjury will not go unpunished; no liar should be set free

6) All flock around the generous and is a friend to the philanthropist

7) Down on luck, family avoids; best friends look the other way when they approach

8) Grow a wise hart, do yourself a favor; keep a clear head for a good life

9) Liars get caught; rumor mongers are ruined

10) Lazy should not live on easy street nor workers give orders to their boss

11) Smart people hold their tongue, the power is in forgiving and forgetting

12) Mean leaders are like raging lions; good-natured are like the morning dew

13) Stupid child wears out parent; nagging spouse is like a leaky faucet

14) House and land are inherited; good spouse comes from God

15) Life collapses on loafers; lazy ones go hungry

16) Keep the rules to keep your life; careless living kills

17) Mercy to the needy is a loan to God, which He will remain with interest

18) Discipline a child while you can; indulging them destroys them

19) Angry should endure backlash of anger; trying to make it better makes it worse

20) Use good counsel and accept criticism to live wisely and well

21) We keep brainstorming options and plans; God’s purpose will prevail

22) It is human to try and make a buck, but better to be poor than a liar

23) Respect of God brings a full, serene life; no surprises

24) Lazy dig a fork in the pie, but are too lazy to put it into their mouth

25) Punish the scorner—make an example; someone will learn a lesson

26) Kids who lash out at parents are an embarrassment and disgrace

27) Quit listening and go off on your own to be out of range of knowledge

28) Unprincipled witness scorns justice; wicked mouths spew malice

29) The irreverent must learn reverence the hard way; A slap to the face gets attention

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Proverbs 20 January 20, 2013

Memory verse: 20:11 “ Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure and whether it be right”

Today’s proverb reinforces the teaching of the book of proverbs. First is the deep thinking required to turn His words into our knowledge. Second, is the carefulness required to train and turn this knowledge into understanding. Finally, this insight must be through some of the personal experiences to prove ourselves.

Deep thinking reveals

1) Wine makes one mean, beer makes one quarrelsome , both lack wisdom

2) Quick tempered people are like lions, cross them; they will bite off your head

3) Good character averts quarrels, fools pick fights

4) A farmer too lazy to plant has no harvest

5) Knowing what is right is deep water in the heart that must be drawn out

6) People claim to be loyal and loving , but where are the fruitful?

7) Respectful, honest people make life easier for their children

8) Ones who know their business refrain from shoddy and cheap work

9) Who can be trusted to be always honest and diligent ?

10) Switching price tags and padding expense accounts are hated by God

11) Youth, by their actions, reveal their motives

Knowledge leads us

12) Ears and eyes; we get all basic equipment from God

13) The lazy and up poor; wake up and get up; then, you will have food

14) The shoppers say as the product is junk; then, he breaks on the bargain

15) Drinking from the cup of knowledge is better than wearing gold and gems

16) Retain collateral on loans to strangers; beware of a transient’s pawn

17) Green bread tastes sweet, but soon your mouth is sand filled

18) Form your purpose from good counsel; carry it out with all the help you can get

19) Gossips will not keep secrets; don’t confide in blabbermouths

20) Any one cursing his father and mother extinguishes his own light

Watch your steps

21) A heritage at the beginning guarantees no blessing in the end

22) Don’t say “ I will get you for that”, God will settle the score

23) God hates cheating in business; rigged scales are an outrage

24) Our steps, from God; how else do we find direction

25) An impulsive vow is a trap you cannot get out of later

26) After scrutiny, a wise leader eliminates rebels and dolts

27) God is in charge of life; watching and examining us inside and out

28) Love and truth make the leader; sound leadership is loving integrity

29) The youth are admired for their vigor; the older by their experience

30) A good thrashing purges evil; punishment goes deep in us

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Proverbs 21 January 21,2013

God examines our motives and preparation!

Memory Verse21:3 "To do righteousness and justice is desired by the Lord rather than sacrifice."

If our hearts and minds are in the right place and we are prepared for the worst that can happen, we are indeed ready for the Lord to guide us to victory. We must trust Him and His Word!

1) Good leadership is God-controlled; He directs His end.

2) We justify means by the end; God only looks at the motive behind the means.

3) Clean living is closer to God than religious performance. Actions of every hour count.

4) Arrogance and pride are plain SIN.

5) Succeeding by lying and cheating leads to smoke and fire.

6) Wicked are buried by their riches if not used to help others.

7) Actual motives determine life or death.

8) Better to keep to oneself than to share with a nagger.

9) Wicked make trouble and feel nothing for others.

10) Fools only learn the hard way; the wise learn by listening.

11) The God-led see through evil schemes and undo planned evil.

12) Listen to others or your cries go unheard.

13) Humble gifts honor and heartfelt gifts cool hot tempers.

14) Good celebrate justice; it is a bad day for evil.

15) If one wanders from the straight and narrow, he may follow to his death.

16) Thrills are empty; pleasure seeking is not satisfied.

17) Bad persons plotting boomerangs; and the plotter is the wounded one.

18) Better to be alone than with a vexing partner.

19) Wise to keep valuables safe; foolish to put them in a yard sale.

20) Seeking the right and kind leads to the glorious life.

21) Wise take over by exposing the enemy's strengths.

22) Watch you words, hold your tongue, and preserve the peace.

23) Brash, Impudent, and Proud are the names of hotheads.

24) The lazy die of hunger because they won't get up and work.

25) Sinners want what they don't have; the God-loyal give away what they have.

26) Religious performance by wicked stinks, especially if it is used to get ahead.

27) A liar's witness is scoffed, but the truthful witness is respected.

28) Unscrupulous fake it; honest are confident in their steps.

29) Nothing clever, conceived, on contrived betters God.

30) Do your best, prepare for the worst, and trust God for victory.

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Proverbs 22 January 22, 2013

Proverbs 22:20"Have I not written to you excellent things of counsels and knowledge…"

Discipline is necessary to success in one's life. Success is necessary to one's afterlife. Are you pursuing the right goals? Notice the rules spelled out for success over the next three days; let them control your thoughts and deeds. Become what He wants you to be.

1) A sterling reputation is better than striking it rich; a gracious spirit is better than money in the bank.

2) The rich and the poor shake hands as equals—God made them both!

3) A prudent person sees trouble coming and ducks; a simpleton walks in blindly and is clobbered.

4) The payoff for meekness and Fear-of-God is plenty and honor and a satisfying life.

5) The perverse travel a dangerous road, potholed and mud-slick; if you know what's good for you, stay clear of it.

6) Point your kids in the right direction—when they're old they won't be lost.

7) The poor are always ruled over by the rich, so don't borrow and put yourself under their power.

8) Whoever sows sin reaps weeds, and bullying anger sputters into nothing.

9) Generous hands are blessed hands because they give bread to the poor.

10) Kick out the troublemakers and things will quiet down; you need a break from bickering and griping!

11) God loves the pure-hearted and well-spoken; good leaders also delight in their friendship.

12) God guards knowledge with a passion, but he'll have nothing to do with deception.

13) The loafer says, "There's a lion on the loose! If I go out I'll be eaten alive!"

14) The mouth of a whore is a bottomless pit; you'll fall in that pit if you're on the outs

with God.

15) Young people are prone to foolishness and fads; the cure comes through tough-minded discipline.

16) Exploit the poor or glad-hand the rich—whichever, you'll end up the poorer for it.

17) Listen carefully to my wisdom; take to heart what I can teach you. You'll treasure its sweetness deep within; you'll give it bold expression in your speech. To make sure your foundation is trust in God, I'm laying it all out right now just for you. I'm giving you thirty sterling principles—tested guidelines to live by. Believe me—there are truths that work, and will make you accountable to those who sent you

18) Don't walk on the poor just because they're poor, and don't use your position to crush the weak, because God will come to their defense; the life you took, he'll take from you and give back to them.

19) Don't hang out with angry people; don't keep company with hotheads.

20) Don't gamble on the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, hocking your house against a lucky chance. The time will come when you have to pay up; you'll be left with nothing but the shirt on your back.

21) Don't stealthily move back the boundary lines staked out long ago by your ancestors.

22) Observe people who are good at their work—skilled workers are always in demand and admired; they don't take a backseat to anyone.

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Proverb 23 January 23, 2013

Proverbs 23:7”For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…”

Planning is essential to success: what a man thinks of himself is exactly who the man is and will be until he is in line with God’s planning. CEO’s and company Presidents did not get these jobs simply because they were born into it. They still had to plan their work and work their plan. They did not work any harder than anyone else; they simply saw in their hearts what kind of person they wanted to be and they planned, disciplined themselves, and kept on keeping on in spite of setbacks. I, for instance, see myself as part of the Christian Mafia; I am bought with the blood of my don’s Son, and intend to make our turf the greatest while I am here and I know my future reward for doing that. The next 13 principles of the leader tell us how to plan so we can win others to our God.

1) Use good manners

2) Restrain yourself

3) Don’t expect people to treat you as special

4) Don’t talk sense to fools

5) Trust knowledge

6) Correct children and subordinates; they will respect you and your lesson

7) Seek Wisdom

8) Don’t envy others and their possessions

9) Seek His direction

10) Respect authority

11) Seek truth, wisdom, education, insight, and solid foundations

12) Make your parents and your leaders proud; share with them

good counsel

13 Avoid self pity and making excuses

14) Don’t sell out for addictions; it will cost everything you could be

15) Have pride in yourself and think positive thoughts.

Tomorrow we will finish out the 30 principles for leadership Think on what we have studied; 7 traits that God hates, discipline, and planning; these studies will give you a head start on what you want to be and how God can get you there.

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Proverbs 24 January 24, 2013

Memory verse: Proverbs 24:17 “Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth.”

We have listed 18 of the 30 Principles for Good Leadership the past 2 days. Today we will address the last 12 to get us to a position of understanding how God trains His witnesses here on earth:

1) Don’t envy the evil man

2) Prepare with education, understanding, and knowledge for a good foundation

3) Wisdom and good counsel defeat any human strength

4) Don’t bother discussing or planning with a fool

5) Respect all but don’t associate with the mischievous; rescue the perishing

6) Trust God in times of crisis or trial or weakness

7) Rescue- step in immediately and help make sure all fairness is shown

8) Knowledge and wisdom secure hope and the future

9) Don’t interfere with good people’s lives

10) Don’t gloat when your enemy falls; stand with him if possible

11) Ignore braggarts and the success of the wicked; they have no future

12) Respect God and leaders and don’t be defiant

Other honest, wise sayings include:

Stand up against injustice

Don’t whitewash the actions of the wicked – expose them

Honest answers are like warm hugs—encourage or correct when possible

Plant your fields before you build your storehouse; prioritize

No slander or gossip; no vengeful talking

Laziness only brings failure and poverty

The most wise, fully human leader, King Solomon, laid down these sayings for us to be leaders and witnesses. I can not say it any better. Prioritize; seek education, knowledge, understanding for a firm foundation; plan; seek counsel when weak; and work hard keeping what you do in order and under His blessing.

Prepare to serve our risen Lord; starting today.

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Proverbs 25 June 25, 2013

Memory Verse: 25:2 “It is the glory of God to conceal a thing; but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.”

Skipping ahead in time we see what God has done through Jesus. 200 years after Solomon died; Hezekiah did two significant things we need to know about:

1) He had the brazen serpent of Moses destroyed ending any Moses worship, and

2) He oversaw the publication of Solomon’s spoken proverbs

This helped lay the groundwork or foundation for Jesus’ coming 600 years later. The title of Proverbs 25 could be “The Right Word at the Right Time” and since Jesus is called the Word, believers can gain His insights here.

1) God keeps His plans hidden until His time, men are guided to find the truths

2) A leader’s understanding must be broad and complete

3) Removing impurities from anything prepares it for its best use

4) Don’t promote yourself; let others recognize and call on you

5) Jumping to conclusions can easily mislead one

6) Be careful what is said in the hear of argument

7) Encouragement and correction both lift one up

8) Reliable friends are a delight

9) Patient diligence destroys other’s defenses

10) Don’t be totally absorbed in anyone or anything other than Him

11) Don’t wear out your welcome on friends/family

12) Don’t tell lies on neighbors

13) Don’t trust a two faced person

14) Show compassion to the troubled; don’t deemphasize their paid

15) Feed your enemy; give drink to the thirsty ---generosity wins many over

16) Don’t Gossip; it hurts everyone including yourself

17) Choices about living conditions must be made

18) Cheer up the down and out with visits and letters or calls

19) Weakness breaks down decision making

20) Don’t seek rewards over needs

21) Self-Control dictates feelings/actions in adverse times

Look carefully at Proverbs 25. 600 years before Jesus came to save us from Satan’s hold; Solomon advised us the changes Jesus would make. The self-control dictated in the verses is new, fair and compassionate treatment are revolutionary ideas, choices was unheard of then, and men are finally understanding one real meaning of Christmas. Without Christmas, we would not have forgiveness nor the substitutional death of Christ. We needed the hidden secret discovered for our salvation.

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Proverbs 26 January 26, 2013

Memory Verse: Proverbs 26:20”Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out; so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.”

Continuing the instructions for leaders, the proverbs tell us to keep our attention properly focused and not to be caught up in foolish, lazy act:

1) Prayerfully consider the source of recommendations

2) Stay true to His ideals; no fear from outside

3) Easy to lead or be led astray – focus on Him

4) Consider your reactions; probably fruitless

5) Be direct in response and clear in actions

6) Gossip can easily turn against one

7) Be careful whose words you trust

8) Be thoughtful of the position you put people into

9) Consider the results of your actions beforehand

10) Be careful who/why helps due to your reputation

11) Be mindful; often the same mistakes are repeated

12) Don’t trust braggarts; they typically will not work

13) Be careful; it is easy to let rear keep you from action

14) It is easy to repeat lazy acts if given the chance

15) Lazy people have many suggestions but little follow-up

16) Use care with dreamers; they concentrate on themselves

17) Don’t interfere if not called upon to help

18) Shrugging off deceit is like walking away from a smoldering fire

19) No gossip, no quarrel; no motivation, no argument

20) Quarrelsome person like kerosene on a fire –spreads quickly

21) Paying attention to gossip creates strife;--disregard it

22) Smooth talk is like glaze over broken ceramics; covers the crack only a while

23) Don’t be taken in by smooth talking enemies; enemies actions will expose them

24) Malice will backfire; spite will boomerang

25) Liars hate their victims; flatterers sabotage trust

Today’s witness to leaders centers on trust. Always be aware of the motivation behind someone lying, deceiving, misrepresenting, or actions causing these traits. Often the person is confused or misinformed and should be treated differently from the deceitful. The good leader must evaluate before responding to anyone/anything.

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Proverbs 27 January 27, 2013

Memory Verse: Proverbs 27:17 “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”

In today’s verses, we continue to see individual proverbs intended to strengthen, encourage, and enlighten the leader. We can easily see that the leaders must always watch out for disappointment, rejection, and all things under their charge. If the leader is not vigilant, he will be taken advantage of. The best defense is a good, trustworthy friend who will encourage and correct when needed.

1) Don’t brag about what you will do in the future; only God knows that

2) Don’t promote yourself; let others praise you instead

3) Don’t trust a fool; he only cares about himself

4) Jealousy destroys more than anger or rage

5) Speak praise or reprove when needed; it is more honest

6) Don’t be gullible and fall to a brown noser’s compliments

7) Differing conditions dictate needs and desires

8) Settle down; down switch back and forth in your opinions

9) Friendship refreshes

10) Seek a close friend when in need

11) A wise person understands worldly changes

12) Avoid trouble, be observant at all times

13) Require a commitment on any loan (especially a loan of time/concern)

14) Use care when you encourage not to arouse

15) You can turn off a leaking spigot or nag, and still not get away from it

16) Strength in dealings with friends sharpens one another

17) Honor you work; do your best; you will be blessed

18) Water will mirror a face like the face mirrors a heart

19) Beware – Evil and lust always persist in dealings

20) Fire tests the purity of gold and silver, but fame test the purity of the heart

21) There is no way to beat foolishness out of a man

22) Don’t take possessions, opportunities, nor God’s grace for granted; chances disappear

There are a lot of “don’t's" in today’s verses; it is not intended to be negative. We must always be vigilant for Satan’s deception. We can fall into all kinds of problems leading if we are not always observant.

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Proverbs 28 January 28, 2013

Memory Verse:28:9 “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.”

Today’s proverb shows us the tremendous difference in, living by laws of human nature versus God’s nature; and, our memory verse dictates how impossible it is for the two to be the same. We can choose between our sinful, Satanic nature or God’s ideal, perfect nature. To show the contrasts:

1) The guilty are fearful; honest are bold, relaxed, and confident

2) Everyone has a plan, but only a true leader has understanding needed

3) The wicked oppress like a hailstorm beats down a crop

4) Your concept of God’s law determines your response – love or hate

5) Your concept of justice is determined by your seeking God’s will

6) Better to be poor and direct than rich and crooked

7) Follow God’s law, wisdom; bad associates embarrass even the family

8) Cheats and extortionists lose everything in the end

9) If you will not listen to God, it is pointless to pray

10) Following the leader results in your deserved reward/punishment

11) The rich have poor motives; the poor understand results

12) Be careful of leaders motivations

13) Covering up sin is impossible, mercy comes through admission

14) Tender-hearted and hard-hearted live the lives due them

15) The wicked treat the poor by aggressive actions to hide their weaknesses

16) Insight reduces abuse; fights corruption and brightens the future

17) The doom of guilt can not be cleared

18) To be safe, be honest and direct; devious lives are ruined

19) Work diligently to succeed; play and party to fail

20) Consistent work effort pays off; get rich schemes fail

21) Playing favorites does an injustice to all

22) A miser getting rich quick will lose everything over time

23) A well intentioned Reprimand is appreciated more than flattery

24) One who robs his parents is worse than a pirate

25) Grasping at straws stirs up trouble; trusting God brings security

26) Don’t depend on your own wisdom; learn from the experiences of others

27) Be generous to the poor, and help meet needs

28) Corruption eliminates honest people getting involved

Starting in February, I will write on one verse per day. Rather than breaking down a proverb, we will begin an intense study of one verse per day. A proverb a day can keep Satan away (like the proverbial apple).

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Proverbs 29 January 29, 2013

Memory Verse: “Where there is no vision, the people perish; but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.”

Our proverb today answers Old Testament questions about faith and trust. An apt title would be, “If people can’t see what God is doing, how should they respond? These same verses will separate a Godly leader from a deliberate sinner (all men are sinners, but not necessarily deliberate sinners).

1) Undisciplined become stubborn and are forever lost, without conversion

2) The leader determines the response of the led

3) Wisdom delights, lust disintegrates

4) Good leaders give stability; exploiters give waste

5) Flattery ruins one

6) Evil thoughts of people trap themselves, good people avoid them

7) Good people understand want; Evil have no concept of want

8) Cynicism destroys; group counsel lifts up

9) Wisdom does not use human conversation to explain God’s mysteries

10) Evil hates honesty; good encourages honesty

11) Fools speak first; wisdom considers before speaking

12) Gossip infects

13) God gives sight to all to witness Him

14) Leaders who treat the poor as equals have authority and respect

15) Discipline gives wisdom, spoiled ones embarrass

16) Evil takes charge and crime explodes, but righteous will see correction

17) Discipline your children and those in your charge

18) God always speaks through His Word; attend to it for blessing

19) Actions speak louder than words

20) Always consider results/reactions before speaking

21) Allow people to treat you like a doormat, you will make no impression for Him

22) Angry people arouse, and impatient people stir up trouble

23) Pride drops you, but humility prepares you

24) Associating with deliberate sinners may destroy your witness

25) Fear of human opinion disables; trusting God protects

26) Good leaders are sought out, but only God really rewards

27) Hate evil; the wicked despise goodness

As we study these verses, we see that the ones who trust God in times of need will be justified in that trust; the others that trust in themselves or their evil leaders will fail. I hope we can all look at today’s memory verse and realize that we need a vision and a purpose to take precedence over our own selfish selves

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Proverbs 30 January 30, 2013

Memory Verse: Proverb 30:4 “. . . who hath established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is His Son’s name, if thou canst tell?”

Today’s Proverb continues the proverbs to the leader, but takes a different approach. Agur was a prophet in the time of Solomon and he instructs his disciples Ithiel and Ural about being leaders through his proverbs. These proverbs open a lot of doors for discussion and we will be able to discuss these much better individually over the next months of study, because it includes many diverse elements to be considered.

1) A skeptic thinks humanity can take care of everything, and simply can not trust an unseen God. Is it not funny that the name of God’s Son is requested of humanity?

2) A believer responds that God’s fulfillment of promises proves that He is.

3) The believer requests two things of God: his own honesty, and his daily needs.

4) The proverbs include: don’t snitch on a fellow worker; they may accuse you of going behind their back

5) Don’t curse your father; always bless your mother

6) Don’t make false assumptions about yourself

7) Don’t be stuck-up and think yourself superior to others

8) Don’t be greedy, merciless, nor cruel like a wolf

9) A leech (blood sucker) has a forked tongue: Gimme and Gimme more

10) Things are never satisfied: hell, barren womb, parched land, forest fire

11) Don’t ignore your father or despise your mother

12) mysteries: how an eagle flies so high, how a snake glides over a rock, how a ship navigates an ocean, and why children act like they do

13) Prostitutes have sex, wash up, and proceed with business

14)intolerables: a janitor becomes boss, fool gets rich, a whore is voted “Woman of the Year”, and a girlfriend replaces a wife

15) small wonders: ants store up, vulnerable badger prepares a safe home, locusts work together, and lizards can get in anywhere

16) dignitaries: lion, rooster, billy goat, head of state in procession

17) Don’t offend people nor make rude gestures; riled emotions become fist fights

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Proverbs 31 January 31, 2013

Memory Verse: Proverbs 31:10 “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is above rubies.”

Today’s proverb sets a new stage; we are no longer talking about women being prostitutes or sluts. King Lemuel, which is probably an assumed name for Solomon, extols his mother’s advice. Like a mother, she encourages him not to be fooled by fortune-hunting women or prostitutes who destroy leaders. She explains the pitfalls of alcohol and advises him to speak up for the voiceless and down trodden and to never stop seeking justice for all. Then he sings a hymn to the good wife. Verses 10-31 that should be remembered and studied by anyone who has ever had or has a mother.

1) She is worth more than rubies and diamonds (respected)

2) She can be trusted by her husband (devoted)

3) She is never spiteful, but generous to him (secure)

4) She shops around for the best deals and quality (knowledgeable)

5) She seeks out new, improved products and services (wants the best)

6) She is up early preparing the breakfast and organizing her day (prepared)

7) She negotiates for a fields, saves money to buy it, and plants a garden(does all)

8) She is eager for her work—daily (regimented)

9) She recognizes the value of her contribution (confident)

10) Skilled in many duties; diligent at what is done (diligent)

11) Quick to help –even reaches out to poor (responsive)

12) Makes sure everything is in order (orderly)

13) Makes or buys her own clothes (economical)

14) Respects her husband; recommends his services (respectful)

15) Designs and makes clothes for sale (creative)

16) She makes her clothing well and elegant; always cheerful (does the expected)

17) Speaks knowledgeable and kindly (not enough to be on top of it, but respectful)

18) Ensures everyone and everything is productive (attentive manager)

19) Her children and husband respect her and her worth (recognized authority)

20) A good wife outclasses any other woman (skills, talents, respect are proper)

21) Charm and physical beauty may fade, but a God-fearing woman is admired

22) Give her what she deserves and all the praise you can (satisfied with praise)

This is a special proverb that should remind all guys just how important a good wife is. All men will be blessed and helped if they seek only this kind of woman.

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Proverbs. Daily Devotions in the Good Life

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