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The Word:

Proverbs 10:24-25 (HCSB) ²⁴ What the wicked dreads will come to him, but what the righteous desire will be given to ?them?. ²⁵ When the whirlwind passes, the wicked are no more, but the righteous are secure forever.

My observation:

In this life the people of God have to face storms. It is practically impossible to get through life without encountering trials and troubles. In every life some rain eventually falls. We don’t get through life without eventually getting wet. However, when these storms come, we have the promise of God that he will be with us.  Our God is a shelter in the time of storms. The umbrella of being in the arc of the care of Jesus is the ultimate protection from whatever you may be going through today or in all of your tomorrows. God’s protection plan is secure and will last forever.

My inspiration:

Psalm 107:28-31 (HCSB) ²⁸ Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. ²⁹ He stilled the storm to a murmur, and the waves of the sea were hushed. ³⁰ They rejoiced when the waves grew quiet. Then He guided them to the harbor they longed for. ³¹ Let them give thanks to the Lord for His faithful love and His wonderful works for ?all? humanity.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I thank you for the solid foundation that you provide that enables your people to persevere to the end of the race.

Father God, I acknowledge that I can’t make it through the storms of life in my strength alone. I need Thee, and thank God, I have Jesus to carry me through.

Psalms 107:1 (NKJV) ¹ Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

My song:

He’ll Give You Peace in the Midst of the Storm (Click on link below to listen to this hymn):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WG6fvjo54vY

The Word:

Proverbs 9:9 (HCSB) ⁹ Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will learn more.

My observation:

In the Proverbs we see the wise and the righteous linked. The reason for this is that they are the same person.

One of the characteristics of wise people is that they welcome feedback. I have heard it said that, “Feedback is the breakfast of champions”. The feedback of Godly people is a blessing. However, the wise person can even profit from the feedback of their harshest critics.

The key character traits of the wise and righteous person are to be teachable and to be able to listen. We receive much instruction in the educational system on reading, but I don’t recall receiving a lot of instruction on the art of listening. The wise observer will notice that God gave us two ears and only one mouth. Could it be because we should listen twice as much as we talk?

Proverbs 1:5 (HCSB) ⁵ a wise man will listen and increase his learning, and a discerning man will obtain guidance—

Proverbs 27:6 (HCSB) ⁶ The wounds of a friend are trustworthy, but the kisses of an enemy are excessive.

My inspiration:

Psalms 35:27 (HCSB) ²⁷ Let those who want my vindication shout for joy and be glad; let them continually say, “The Lord be exalted. He takes pleasure in His servant’s well-being.”

Psalms 141:5 (HCSB) ⁵ Let the righteous one strike me— it is ?an act of? faithful love; let him rebuke me— it is oil for my head; let me not refuse it. Even now my prayer is against the evil acts of the wicked.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I thank you for the knowledge that I can gain by listening to the feedback of my friends and my foes.

Lord, I thank you that when we live our lives in total dependence upon the Lord as our source, we need not fear the opposition we encounter along our earthly journey. When we walk with Jesus, we can experience joy everyday because our joy comes from being joyful in the Lord.

I am so thankful that I can be joyful in any circumstance I encounter in life because my joy is not dependent upon right things happening, but my joy is in the Lord, my Savior.

Psalms 35:9 (NKJV) ⁹ And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord; It shall rejoice in His salvation.

My song:

This joy that I Have (Click on link below to listen to Shirley Caesar sing of being joyful in the Lord):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFr9U-o3GKM&feature=related

The Word:

Proverbs 8:17-18 (NKJV) ¹⁷ I love those who love me, And those who seek me diligently will find me.¹⁸ Riches and honor are with me, Enduring riches and righteousness.

My observation:

When I read this Proverb, it stirs up in me a heart that overflows with gratitude for God, and his darling son Jesus.

Solomon very early in his rule as king sought wisdom from God, and God gave him wisdom. Then as I read on in this Proverb and got to verse twenty-two, I saw a picture of my Savior. Yes, Jesus is the wisdom of God.

1 Corinthians 1:30 (NKJV) ³⁰ But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God–and righteousness and sanctification and redemption–

Colossians 2:3 (NKJV) ³ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

The search for wisdom ends when we find Jesus, and accept the gift of eternal life that he offers to all who receive him.

John 1:12 (NKJV) ¹² But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:

My inspiration:

Psalms 8:3-4 (NKJV) ³ When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained,⁴ What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him?

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am awed by your amazing love for mankind. Lord, I see clearly the love that you have for me in the Proverb written by Solomon, and in the Psalm written by his father, David.

Who would not seek Jesus when you consider the benefits and the blessings that flow from having a personal relationship with the creator and your maker?

Psalms 34:8 (NKJV) ⁸ Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!

My song:

Just Taste and See That the Lord is Good (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/1331

The Word:

Proverbs 5:21 (HCSB) For a man’s ways are before the Lord’s eyes, and He considers all his paths.

My observation:

It should be a sobering thought to ponder that everything that a person does in this world is within the view of an all seeing and all knowing God. The hymn writer got it right in the gospel hymn, “There is No Hiding Place down Here”.

Proverbs 15:3 (HCSB) The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, observing the wicked and the good.

Hebrews 4:13 (HCSB) No creature is hidden from Him, but all things are naked and exposed to the eyes of the One we must give an account to.

People may think they are free to do as they please. However, this does not square with the bible or with the experiences of life. How free do you think that famous golfer is today? To the contrary, sin enslaves.

Proverbs 5:22 (HCSB) A wicked man’s iniquities entrap him; he is entangled in the ropes of his own sin.

Here is the bottom line. If you pay attention to the call of wisdom, you will experience top line growth. Seek wisdom, do not stay from the path of righteousness, and you will be pleasing in the all seeing eyes of God.

Proverbs 4:26 (HCSB) Carefully consider the path for your feet, and all your ways will be established.

My inspiration:

Psalm 33:13-15 (HCSB) ¹³ The Lord looks down from heaven; He observes everyone. ¹⁴ He gazes on all the inhabitants of the earth from His dwelling place. ¹⁵ He alone shapes their hearts; He considers all their works.

Psalm 33:20-22 (HCSB) ²⁰ We wait for Yahweh; He is our help and shield. ²¹ For our hearts rejoice in Him because we trust in His holy name. ²² May Your faithful love rest on us, Yahweh, for we put our hope in You.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I pray that the truth of this Proverb will motivate each of us to walk in the pathway of righteousness.

Lord, I pray that you will help each of us to learn to walk in the Spirit so that we will not carry out the desire of the flesh.

Galatians 5:16 (HCSB) I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.

My song:

Lord, Keep Me from This Evil and Perverted Age (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/ns/220

The Word:

Proverbs 4:10-13 (HCSB) ¹⁰ Listen, my son. Accept my words, and you will live many years. ¹¹ I am teaching you the way of wisdom; I am guiding you on straight paths. ¹² When you walk, your steps will not be hindered; when you run, you will not stumble. ¹³ Hold on to instruction; don’t let go. Guard it, for it is your life.

My observation:

The plea to the son to choose the pathway of wisdom is the theme of this chapter. There are two paths available to each of us as we travel through this world. There is the path of the righteous and the path of the wicked.

The path that any godly parent would teach their children to follow is the path of the righteous. It is the way of wisdom, and the book says that nothing compares to this way.

Proverbs 3:13-15 (HCSB) ¹³ Happy is a man who finds wisdom and who acquires understanding, ¹⁴ for she is more profitable than silver, and her revenue is better than gold. ¹⁵ She is more precious than jewels; nothing you desire compares with her.

The path of wisdom is a straight path. When you travel through life on this path you will not stumble. On this path your walk will be unhindered, and when you run you will not stumble. This is not to say that life will be a piece of cake, but you will make it to the finish and receive the prize. You will be able to say like the Apostle Paul said at the end of his journey.

2 Timothy 4:7-8 (HCSB) ⁷ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸ There is reserved for me in the future the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who have loved His appearing.

My inspiration:

Psalm 32:10-11 (HCSB) ¹⁰ Many pains come to the wicked, but the one who trusts in the Lord will have faithful love surrounding him. ¹¹ Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous ones; shout for joy, all you upright in heart.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I cry out to you for the sons and daughters that you have entrusted to us who are parents.

Father God, these precious ones belong to you, and not to us. Lord, as a steward I pray that we will be good stewards and teach our children to walk the straight path.

Father God, and when they stray, I pray that they will make a U turn, and get back on the straight path that will take them safely to our heavenly Father’s house.

My song:

I’ve Wandered Far Away from God (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/1052

The Word:

Proverbs 3:21-26 (HCSB) ²¹ Maintain ?your? competence and discretion. My son, don’t lose sight of them. ²² They will be life for you and adornment for your neck. ²³ Then you will go safely on your way; your foot will not stumble. ²⁴ When you lie down, you will not be afraid; you will lie down, and your sleep will be pleasant. ²⁵ Don’t fear sudden danger or the ruin of the wicked when it comes, ²⁶ for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from a snare.

My observation:

In most of the world peace and security are highly valued. However, though they have been highly sought after the success in obtaining them are scarce.

In this Proverb we discover that what is highly sought after by the majority of people in the world is readily available for those who will seek it in the right place. Where can you find peace and security? Well prayerfully open your eyes, your ears, and your heart to the word of God.

Proverbs 2:6 (HCSB) For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

The Lord will give you wisdom, knowledge and understanding. This choice Proverb, Chapter 3, is all about seeking wisdom, and walking with the Lord.

Learn what this Proverb has to say about life, and how to live it. Put your trust in the Lord, and he will give you wisdom and discretion. The Lord will clothe you with the garments essential for living the abundant life.

Lastly, when you find wisdom, determine by faith to guard it, and to walk in it. Then, get ready to receive your blessings.

My inspiration:

Psalm 31:19 (HCSB) How great is Your goodness that You have stored up for those who fear You and accomplished in the sight of everyone for those who take refuge in You.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I pray that you will tenderize my heart, bend my will, and quicken my feet to walk in your ways, and do your will all of the days of my life.

Father God, I pray that I will not find any peace or security except in the arms of my dear Savior. Lord, others might choose the world and its pleasure, but as for me I choose Jesus.

My song:

Lord, there’s nothing in this World like You (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/ns/109

The Word:

Proverbs 2:8 (HCSB) so that He may guard the paths of justice and protect the way of His loyal followers.

Proverbs 2:11 (HCSB) Discretion will watch over you, and understanding will guard you,

My observation:

Oh how we need to find the pathway that leads to life and not end up on the path that leads to death. The path you travel is so important in life. It determines your destiny. Every road leads somewhere. Do you know where the road you are traveling will take you? As for me and my house we have chosen to walk with the Lord, and to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.

Our focal verses tell us of the provisions of God for his dear children as they travel along life’s highway. The world can be a dismal, dark, and dangerous place. If you are to successfully journey through this world and reach the Promised Land, you must follow the right leader, and you must travel on the path that leads to the Father’s house.

Take comfort in the promises of him who is able to lead you safely through this world. He knows the way to his Father’s house.

My inspiration:

Psalm 30:4-5 (HCSB) ⁴ Sing to Yahweh, you His faithful ones, and praise His holy name. ⁵ For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor, a lifetime. Weeping may spend the night, but there is joy in the morning.

Psalm 16:6 (HCSB) The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I praise and thank you for your faithful love. Lord, there is nothing that compares to being loved, cared for, and protected by the almighty hand of my God who is able, and who can do anything but fail.

Father God, by faith, I choose to walk in the pathway of righteousness, and to follow wherever my Savior leads me. Lord, I choose to follow the one who knows the way because He is the way.

John 14:6 (HCSB) Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

My song:

When we walk with the Lord (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/582

The Word:

Proverbs 1:4-5 (HCSB) ⁴ for teaching shrewdness to the inexperienced, knowledge and discretion to a young man— ⁵ a wise man will listen and increase his learning, and a discerning man will obtain guidance—

My observation:

Today we begin another walk through the Proverbs. We never get too old to learn and to listen to the voice of wisdom. God speaks to his people through his word and by his Spirit. He also uses different people to teach us wisdom. This instruction and training begins in the home.

There are three verses that leaped off the page and into my heart as I read this chapter this morning. The wise parents will take seriously their responsibility to train their children early in life because there is a harsh world that is clamoring to influence their young and impressionable life.

These three verses contain warnings that the wise person will listen to and obey. If God says no to something it is for our good. If you obey God’s “do not”, God will open the windows of his storehouse in heaven and pour out an abundance of blessings into your life.

Proverbs 1:8 (HCSB) Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and don’t reject your mother’s teaching,

Proverbs 1:10 (HCSB) My son, if sinners entice you, don’t be persuaded.

Proverbs 1:15 (HCSB) my son, don’t travel that road with them or set foot on their path,

My inspiration:

Psalm 29:1 (HCSB) Ascribe to Yahweh, you heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.

Psalm 29:11 (HCSB) The Lord gives His people strength; the Lord blesses His people with peace.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I ascribe to you, and you alone the honor and the glory that is due to you and your matchless name.

Father God, I am so thankful that you are a God who is capable and willing to give strength and peace to your believing and obedient people.

Father God, I know that each of us have been created by you for a divine purpose. Father, I pray that we will be quick to listen to and obey our heavenly Father, and those you put in our lives to teach us the right way to live.

My song:

There shall be Showers of Blessing (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/260

The Word:

Proverbs 26:28 (HCSB) A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth causes ruin.

My observation:

Today is Friday, since February is a short month, this will conclude my writing on the Proverbs for the month. However, I’ll be back writing and sharing from the Book of Wisdom on Monday, March 1.

I am enjoying going through the Proverbs because they are about life. They tell us about the Laws of Life, and these rules for living are given by the Lord who is the created of life. This thought brings an old hymn to mind, “Wonderful Words of Life”. God’s word is wonderful, and his law is for our good, and his glory. There is great value in repeating it. Like the hymn writer says, “Sing them over to me again, wonderful words of life”. So, I continue to walk through the Book of Proverbs.

The word of wisdom today comes at the end of a chapter that describes three types of people who are problems. The voice of wisdom says that you need to avoid these people. To embrace them will only cause their problem to become your problem.

ALERT WARNING:  Beware of the flatterer. Flattering is a form of lying, but it deserves being put in a class all by itself because of its nature. It involves deception by the practitioner. The only way to avoid their trouble falling upon you is to avoid them. They are destiny for trouble, and ruin.

Numbers 32:23 (HCSB) But if you don’t do this, you will certainly sin against the Lord; be sure your sin will catch up with you.

My inspiration:

Psalm 26:11-12 (HCSB) ¹¹ But I live with integrity; redeem me and be gracious to me. ¹² My foot stands on level ground; I will praise the Lord in the assemblies.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I pray that you will give me the wisdom and the willingness to see and avoid the flatter.

Father God, I know that you have the power to reveal what sinful people attempt to conceal. So Father, I ask you to help me to see people as you see them, and to obey the Laws of Life that you have prohibited in the bible.

My song:

Wonderful Words of Life (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

http://biblestudycharts.com/SH_Wonderful_Words_of_Life.html

The Word:

Proverbs 25:6-7 (HCSB) ⁶ Don’t brag about yourself before the king, and don’t stand in the place of the great; ⁷ for it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here!” than to demote you in plain view of a noble.

My observation:

The word of wisdom that I get from this Proverb is that it is not wise to engage in self-promotion. Anything that you gain from the elevation of self results only in a temporary promotion. There is the threat that what appears to be a gain will soon show up as a loss. Self-promotion yields ill gotten gain that runs the risk of becoming a swift demotion.

 During his earthly ministry Jesus used parables to teach important lessons. The following passage is what he taught about the virtue of humility, and the folly of self-promotion.

Luke 14:7-11 (HCSB) ⁷ He told a parable to those who were invited, when He noticed how they would choose the best places for themselves: ⁸ “When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, don’t recline at the best place, because a more distinguished person than you may have been invited by your host. ⁹ The one who invited both of you may come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this man,’ and then in humiliation, you will proceed to take the lowest place. ¹⁰ “But when you are invited, go and recline in the lowest place, so that when the one who invited you comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ You will then be honored in the presence of all the other guests. ¹¹ For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Let that last verse in the above passage speak into your heart, and allow it to control your behavior. Instead of self-promotion, choose the path of self-control.

Romans 12:3 (HCSB) For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one.

The wise person will think sensible, this will eliminate being sorrowful for the consequences of self-promotion.

My inspiration:

Psalm 25:9 (HCSB) He leads the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I praise and thank you for parable that Jesus told about humility. Father, I pray that we will learn and apply this teaching.

Father God, I also praise and thank you for the example that Jesus left for us in how he demonstrated the virtue and reward of humility during his earthly ministry.

Philippians 2:8-11 (HCSB) ⁸ He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death— even to death on a cross. ⁹ For this reason God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name, ¹⁰ so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow— of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth— ¹¹ and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

My song:

Jesus Lifted Me - In Loving-Kindness Jesus Came (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/320