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The Word of God says:

Proverbs 10:11-14 (NASB) ¹¹ The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, But the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.¹² Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all transgressions.¹³ On the lips of the discerning, wisdom is found, But a rod is for the back of him who lacks understanding.¹⁴ Wise men store up knowledge, But with the mouth of the foolish, ruin is at hand.

My reflections on the Word of God:

Last night I was reading Proverbs 10, and left my bible open, so this morning I started reading that passage again. In this reading, the Spirit of God reminded me of the prayer that I prayed yesterday.

“Our Father in heaven, I pray that when I open my mouth to speak that what I say will be thoughtful and helpful. Lord, I pray that by faith in You, I will discipline my mouth to speak words of life.”

Beginning with Proverbs 10 Solomon writes about a number of subjects. Often the topics changes from verse to verse. However, in our focal passage for today he covers the subject of talking.

A passage that has greatly influenced my prayer life is the following.

Matthew 7:7-8 (NASB) ⁷ “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.⁸ “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

The principle that I gleaned from the above passage has greatly affected the way I practice prayer in my daily walk with the Lord.

This is the principle:

Ask a question in search of God’s will.

Seek the answer as you daily read God’s word.

Knock, this is when the Spirit of God causes the word of God to leap off the page of the bible, and into my heart. I hear God speaking to me from His word and by His Spirit. I then claim the answer as a present possession, by faith.

Hebrews 11:1 (NASB) ¹ Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

My prayer in response to the Word of God:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so grateful that I do not have to see with my eyes to believe. Lord, all I need to believe is hear Your voice speaking to me through the Word of God. With the Spirit of God as my teacher and guide, I cannot go astray.

I am so thankful and blessed by the greatness and the goodness of God. When I sing this chorus, I sing a verse not listed in the lyrics attached. I add, “God answers prayer”.

God Is So Good (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

http://www.hymnsite.com/fws/hymn.cgi?2056

The Word of God says:

Proverbs 15:1-2 (NASB) ¹ A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.² The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, But the mouth of fools spouts folly.

My reflections on the Word of God:

The Proverbs have a lot to say about the words that we use in talking to one another. The choices of the words that we use make a difference.

The following Proverbs will show us how the person who has Godly wisdom uses words, and how the ungodly use words. When we open our mouth to speak, we disclose to others what is in our heart.

Proverbs 13:3 (NASB) ³ The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.

Proverbs 21:23 (NASB) ²³ He who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles.

Proverbs 10:32 (NASB) ³² The lips of the righteous bring forth what is acceptable, But the mouth of the wicked what is perverted.

Proverbs 10:11 (NASB) ¹¹ The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, But the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.

Proverbs 10:19 (NASB) ¹⁹ When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise.

My prayer in response to the Word of God:

Our Father in heaven, I pray that when I open my mouth to speak that what I say will be thoughtful and helpful.

Lord, I pray that by faith in You, I will discipline my mouth to speak words of life.

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

http://digitalhymnal.org/dhymn.cfm?hymnNumber=286

The Word of God says:

Proverbs 3:31-35 (NASB) ³¹ Do not envy a man of violence And do not choose any of his ways.³² For the devious are an abomination to the Lord; But He is intimate with the upright.³³ The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, But He blesses the dwelling of the righteous.³⁴ Though He scoffs at the scoffers, Yet He gives grace to the afflicted.³⁵ The wise will inherit honor, But fools display dishonor.

My reflections on the Word of God:

Today we come to the last of the “Do not” statements that we have focused on this week. This one is in verse thirty-one.

Some people envy a man of violence. The reason they do this is the money he has, or for the pleasure that he appears to have from outward appearance. The bible says do not allow this to happen to you.

Proverbs 24:1 (NASB) ¹ Do not be envious of evil men, Nor desire to be with them;

Proverbs 24:19 (NASB) ¹⁹ Do not fret because of evildoers Or be envious of the wicked;

Proverbs 23:17 (NASB) ¹⁷ Do not let your heart envy sinners, But live in the fear of the Lord always.

What you see on the outside of a person does not reveal the total picture. What is in a person’s heart tells the real story. Seeing into the heart of person is beyond our pay grade. The Lord reserves that task to himself alone.

1 Samuel 16:7 (NASB) ⁷ But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

My prayer in response to the Word of God:

Our Father in heaven, I am so thankful that I do not have to spend energy on being concerned about what the ungodly person has in regards to the things that money can buy.

Rather, I can devote myself to trusting in the Lord to meet my needs. Father God, I am so thankful that you give us in Proverbs 3:32-35 the reasons why we have no need to envy the ungodly.

Lord, with a grateful heart, I say thank You for giving Your children the things that money cannot buy, and that time does not erode.

Thank You for Your Grace (Click on link below to listen to MP3 of this song):

http://songsofpraise.org/song.php?songid=434

The Word of God says:

Proverbs 3:29-30 (NASB) ²⁹ Do not devise harm against your neighbor, While he lives securely beside you.³⁰ Do not contend with a man without cause, If he has done you no harm.

My reflections on the Word of God:

Today’s passage contains two additional “Do Not” statements concerning relationships with neighbors. They are examples of what it means to have Godly wisdom.

If we want the blessing of the Lord in our life and in our homes, we must be a blessing to our neighbors, and all that we meet. We will not devise harm against, and we will not falsely accuse them.

Proverbs 14:22 (NASB) ²² Will they not go astray who devise evil? But kindness and truth will be to those who devise good.

Proverbs 12:20 (NASB) ²⁰ Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But counselors of peace have joy.

Romans 12:18 (NASB) ¹⁸ If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.

The Golden Rule sums up the way that we can be the greatest blessing to others. We who have received mercy should also show mercy to others.

Luke 6:31 (NASB) ³¹ “Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.

Luke 6:36 (NASB) ³⁶ “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

My prayer in response to the Word of God:

Our Father in heaven, I thank You for Your love and mercy that I have received from Your heart and Your tender hands.

Lord, I pray that in all my relationships that I will act in love and mercy in the same fashion that I have received from You.

Let Others See Jesus in You (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

http://home.fuse.net/rust/189.html

The Word of God says:

Proverbs 3:27-28 (NASB) ²⁷ Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in your power to do it.²⁸ Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come back, And tomorrow I will give it,” When you have it with you.

My reflections on the Word of God:

This week we will complete our walk through Proverbs 3. Today’s focal passage contains two of the five “Do Not’s” in Proverbs 27-35.

When we follow the Lord, and obey God’s Word, we will reap the blessing of having a positive relationship with our neighbors.

To do the right thing for others includes rendering to others what is justly due. However, it also includes being generous to those who have needs out of the plenty that God has entrusted to us to be stewards over.

Romans 13:7 (NASB) ⁷ Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.

Leviticus 19:13 (NASB) ¹³ ‘You shall not oppress your neighbor, nor rob him. The wages of a hired man are not to remain with you all night until morning.

Deuteronomy 24:15 (NASB) ¹⁵ “You shall give him his wages on his day before the sun sets, for he is poor and sets his heart on it; so that he will not cry against you to the Lord and it become sin in you.

James 2:15-16 (NASB) ¹⁵ If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food,¹⁶ and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?

Galatians 6:10 (NASB) ¹⁰ So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.

My prayer in response to the Word of God:

Our Father in heaven, I praise and thank You that having a right relationship with God provides the solid foundation that is required to have a right relationship with our neighbors.

Lord, I pray that I will continue to look up to You for guidance, and that I will learn to trust in the Lord with my whole heart.

Lord, I pray that You will give me the heart of a servant.

It Pays to Serve Jesus (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/It_Pays_to_Serve_Jesus/midi/

The Word of God says:

Proverbs 3:21-26 (NASB) ²¹ My son, let them not vanish from your sight; Keep sound wisdomand discretion,²² So they will be life to your soul And adornment to your neck.²³ Then you will walk in your way securely And your foot will notstumble.²⁴ When you lie down, you will not be afraid; When you lie down,your sleep will be sweet.²⁵ Do not be afraid of sudden fear Nor of the onslaught of thewicked when it comes;²⁶ For the Lord will be your confidence And will keep your foot frombeing caught.

My reflections on the Word of God:

Today we conclude our reflection on this portion of Proverbs3. The last verse in this passage gives the key to the wise son being able toalign his conduct to conform to the exhortation in verse twenty-one. The faith,obedience, and confidence come from the Lord.

The power for Godly living comes by allowing every part ofyour body to come under the control of the Lord.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NASB) ⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your ownunderstanding.⁶ In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your pathsstraight.

Romans 12:1-2 (NASB) ¹ Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to presentyour bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which isyour spiritual service of worship.² And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by therenewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, thatwhich is good and acceptable and perfect.

My prayer in response to the Word of God:

Our Father in heaven, I praise and thank You that theSovereign God, who has all power and authority in His hands also has a concernfor every living being.

Lord, I praise and thank You that with every command thatYou give is for Your glory and for the good of Your children.

Father God, I pray that in word and in deeds, that I willput my trust in the Lord and by the Lord’s help will obey Your Word. Lord, thewords of this hymn express the desires of my heart, and I make them my prayerto You.

I Thank Thee, Lord, that Thou Hast Shown (Click on link below for lyricsand midi):

http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php?t=h&n=521

The Word of God says:

Proverbs 3:21 (NIV) ²¹ My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight;

Proverbs 3:25 (NIV) ²⁵ Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,

My reflections on the Word of God:

Today we come to the last of the benefits that accrue to those who preserve wisdom and discernment, and place their trust in the Lord.

The benefit in our focal verse says when you walk in the pathway of wisdom you should not fear sudden disaster, or the ruin that leads to the destruction of the wicked.

Proverbs 1:27 (NIV) ²⁷ when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind, when distress and trouble overwhelm you.

It pays to walk in the pathway of Godly wisdom. Then, you will come under the protection of the One who promises to protect You from harm’s way.

Psalm 91:1 (NIV) ¹ He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalm 91:11 (NIV) ¹¹ For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;

My prayer in response to the Word of God:

Our Father in heaven, I praise and thank You for the blessings that accrue to those who walk in the pathway of wisdom.

Lord, I pray that my faith in You will not falter or fail. Lord, my aim is to trust in You every day, and to not lean upon my own understanding.

Simply Trusting Every Day (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php?t=h&n=569

The Word of God says:

Proverbs 3:21 (NIV) ²¹ My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight;

Proverbs 3:24 (NIV) ²⁴ when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

My reflections on the Word of God:

Another benefit of heeding the exhortation in verse twenty-one is sleep, which is in verse twenty-four. Sleep is one of the tests of faith and total surrender to God.

Psalm 4:5 (NIV) ⁵ Offer right sacrifices and trust in the Lord.

Psalm 4:7-8 (NIV) ⁷ You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.⁸ I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

The fruit of trusting in the Lord, and the benefit Godly wisdom and discernment is peaceful sleep.

Psalm 3:5 (NIV) ⁵ I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.

Proverbs 6:22 (NIV) ²² When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you.

My prayer in response to the Word of God:

Our Father in heaven, I praise and thank You for the benefits that accrue from knowing and heeding the Word of God.

Lord, I thank You for the peace and rest that we can enjoy during the day as we walk about, and during the night when we lie down to sleep.

His Eye is on the Sparrow (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

http://biblestudycharts.com/SH_His_Eye_Is_On_The_Sparrow.html

The Word of God says:

Proverbs 3:21 (NIV) ²¹ My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight;

Proverbs 3:23 (NIV) ²³ Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble;

My reflections on the Word of God:

Today our focus is on another benefit when you allow your whole soul and body to live under the control of the Lord.

The writer of Proverbs gives the exhortation to the young man in verse twenty-one, and in verse twenty-three is the benefit that accrues from trusting in the Lord with your whole heart.

In this case, the blessing is safety and security. There are many dangers along the pathway of living in this ungodly world. If you allow every part of your body to be controlled by God’s wisdom, you have nothing to fear.

Proverbs 1:33 (NIV) ³³ but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.”

Proverbs 2:7-8 (NIV) ⁷ He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,⁸ for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.

My prayer in response to the Word of God:

Our dear Father in heaven, I praise and thank You for the love You extend, and the grace gifts that You give to those who trust in You with their whole heart.

Lord, I pray that I will always make the object of my prayers the Sovereign Lord, who is above all, and who rules and reigns over all.

Have Faith in God (Click on link below for lyrics):

http://www.bethanyipc.org.sg/caregivers/hymn2.htm

The Word of God says:

Proverbs 3:21-22 (NIV) ²¹ My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight;²² they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck.

My reflections on the Word of God:

Today we will begin to examine the benefits that accrue to those who heed the exhortation of verse twenty-one.

The first of these benefits is life. This verse refers to the heart, the inner life, and to the outer life, the neck represents that.

Proverbs 3:22 (AMP) ²² And they will be life to your inner self, and a gracious ornament to your neck (your outer self).

The fruit of the values of sound wisdom and discernment yields long life, and a quality of life that is to be treasured.

Proverbs 3:16 (AMP) ¹⁶ Length of days is in her right hand, and in her left hand are riches and honor.

Proverbs 3:18 (AMP) ¹⁸ She is a tree of life to those who lay hold on her; and happy (blessed, fortunate, to be envied) is everyone who holds her fast.

My prayer in response to the Word of God:

Our Father in heaven, I praise You for being a God in whom I can place my complete confidence. Lord, I am so grateful for the assurance that You are able to keep every promise that You make.

Lord, I pray for the grace, and faith in You that would produce in my inner and outer person the abundant life.

Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV) ²⁰ Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.