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The Word:

Proverbs 28:28-29:2 (HCSB) ²⁸ When the wicked come to power, people hide, but when they are destroyed, the righteous flourish.¹ One who becomes stiff-necked, after many reprimands will be shattered instantly— beyond recovery.² When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, people groan.

My observation:

Notice how the words of Solomon form bookends. The words “the righteous flourish” are bookends in Proverbs 28:28 and Proverbs 29:2. Between them is only one verse, Proverbs 29:1.

Wisdom calls to all, but there is a window of opportunity that does not remain open forever. Those that listen and respond to the call of wisdom will find life.

Proverbs 1:20 (HCSB) Wisdom calls out in the street; she raises her voice in the public squares.Proverbs 1:29 (HCSB) Because they hated knowledge, didn’t choose to fear the Lord,Proverbs 1:33 (HCSB) But whoever listens to me will live securely and be free from the fear of danger.”

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 through the busyness of life we will find the time to be still and listen to the call of God upon our life.

Psalm 25:12 (HCSB) Who is the man who fears the Lord? He will show him the way he should choose.

My song:

Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/1027

The Word:

Proverbs 28:1 (HCSB) ¹ The wicked flee when no one is pursuing ?them?, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

My observation:

This chapter and the next we will see the writer of the Proverbs making contrast. In these two chapters many subject are covered. The subject in today’s focal verse is the contrast between the wicked and the righteous.

One of the characteristics of the wicked is that they have a guilty conscience. Their knowledge of wrong doing causes them to run even from an imaginary law enforcement officer.

The contrast to the wicked is introduced by the word “but”. Whereas a guilty conscious will make you fearful, the righteous are described as bold as a lion. There is power in being, what the Amplified Bible describes as “Uncompromisingly righteous”.

The righteous possess a self-confidence that comes from knowing the Lord. When you truly know the Lord, you will learn that it is better to trust in the promises of God than in what the world has to offer you.

Proverbs 14:26 (HCSB) ²⁶ In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence and his children have a refuge.

My inspiration:

Psalm 27:1 (HCSB) ¹ The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom should I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom should I be afraid?

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so grateful that there is a God in heaven who cares for and watches over his children.

Father, I thank you that because of your loving care and provisions I have a refuge that gives me great confidence.

Father God, oh what joy, peace, and security I have found in living for Jesus.

My song:

Living for Jesus, Oh, What Peace (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

Hymn: Living for Jesus, oh, what peace

The Word:

Proverbs 27:1-2 (HCSB) ¹ Don’t boast about tomorrow, for you don’t know what a day might bring.² Let another praise you, and not your own mouth— a stranger, and not your own lips.

My observation:

No matter how smart man becomes, he must still be humble when it comes to the future. None of us are privy to what will occur in the future of our earthly existence.

Only God knows the future. Hence, we should not praise ourselves about what we will do tomorrow because we have no way of knowing for certain what will happen tomorrow.

Proverbs 16:9 (HCSB) ⁹ A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps.

Proverbs 19:21 (HCSB) ²¹ Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the Lord’s decree will prevail.

James 4:13-15 (HCSB) ¹³ Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will travel to such and such a city and spend a year there and do business and make a profit.”¹⁴ You don’t even know what tomorrow will bring—what your life will be! For you are ?like? smoke that appears for a little while, then vanishes.¹⁵ Instead, you should say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”

Not only are we not to boast about what we do in the future, but we should not boast about what we have done in the past.

Life is short and the future is unknown. The wise thing is to put out trust in God who is eternal. He alone knows the future.

My inspiration:

Psalm 31:14-15 (HCSB) ¹⁴ But I trust in You, Lord; I say, “You are my God.”¹⁵ The course of my life is in Your power; deliver me from the power of my enemies and from my persecutors.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so thankful that by faith I can say that my times are in my heavenly Father’s hands. Lord, there is no place I would rather be than in the loving hands of my Lord.

Lord, I look to you to lead and guide me each step I take, each move I make, and each life you allow me to touch in my daily walk with you through this world.

My song:

My Times Are in Thy Hand (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/m/t/mtimesar.htm

The Word:

Proverbs 26:1 (HCSB) ¹ Like snow in summer and rain at harvest, honor is inappropriate for a fool.

Proverbs 26:13 (HCSB) ¹³ The slacker says, “There’s a lion in the road— a lion in the public square!”

Proverbs 26:17 (HCSB) ¹⁷ A person who is passing by and meddles in a quarrel that’s not his is like one who grabs a dog by the ears.

My observation:

In this chapter Solomon identifies some people that wise people should avoid. These people fit into three categories; the fool, the slacker, and the troublemaker. You need to be able to identity these types because you will surely encounter them during your walk through this world.

However, the verse that captured my attention this morning is what Solomon said in the last verse describing the fool.

Proverbs 26:12 (HCSB) ¹² Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Solomon issues a serious warning that even the fool is better off than the person who is wise in his own eyes. The grave problem of self-conceit or pride is that is blinds the person to the sense of their need for change.

Luke 18:11 (HCSB) ¹¹ The Pharisee took his stand and was praying like this: ‘God, I thank You that I’m not like other people—greedy, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.

Revelation 3:17 (HCSB) ¹⁷ Because you say, ‘I’m rich; I have become wealthy and need nothing,’ and you don’t know that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked,

My inspiration:

Psalm 138:6 (HCSB) ⁶ Though the Lord is exalted, He takes note of the humble; but He knows the haughty from a distance.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I praise and thank you that you are a God who sits on high, but that you condescend and dwell among the lowly.

Father, I thank you that you don’t leave us alone in this world to fend for ourselves and by ourselves. I am so glad that the Lord hears and answers the prayers of his children.

There are people I need to avoid like those described by Solomon in the Proverb. But, there is a God in heaven who I can confidently run to, and place my faith and trust in him for all things and at all times.

Philippians 4:6-7 (HCSB) ⁶ Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

My song:

Nothing Between My Soul and the Savior (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/372

The Word:

Proverbs 25:15 (HCSB) ¹⁵ A ruler can be persuaded through patience, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

My observation:

This verse captured my attention on the 25^th day of January as I continue my search for a word of wisdom for the Lord each day from the Proverbs.

The figure of speech in this verse caused me to pause. You must admit that the saying, “A gentle tongue can break a bone” is unusual. It may be unusual, but it is generally true.

We should give strong consideration to the wisdom of exercising patience and gentleness, as opposed to the option of a quick temper and harsh words.

Proverbs 16:32 (HCSB) ³² Patience is better than power, and controlling one’s temper, than capturing a city.

Proverbs 16:14 (HCSB) ¹⁴ A king’s fury is a messenger of death, but a wise man appeases it.

Ecclesiastes 10:4 (HCSB) ⁴ If the ruler’s anger rises against you, don’t leave your place, for calmness puts great offenses to rest.

Proverbs 15:1 (HCSB) ¹ A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath.

My inspiration:

Psalm 23:3 (AMP) ³ He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him—not for my earning it, but] for His name’s sake.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am informed by the Proverb that shows me the power of patience and the gentle tongue that can break a bone.

Father God, I am inspired by the Psalm that promises me that the Great Shepherd will refresh and restore my life, and lead me in the pathway of righteousness.

Lord, I am encouraged that your loving care is not based on my goodness, but for the sake of your most holy and righteous name.

My song:

My Will is Weak, My Strength is Frail (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/578

The Word:

Proverbs 25:15 (HCSB) ¹⁵ A ruler can be persuaded through patience, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

My observation:

This verse captured my attention on the 25^th day of January as I continue my search for a word of wisdom for the Lord each day from the Proverbs.

The figure of speech in this verse caused me to pause. You must admit that the saying, “A gentle tongue can break a bone” is unusual. It may be unusual, but it is generally true.

We should give strong consideration to the wisdom of exercising patience and gentleness, as opposed to the option of a quick temper and harsh words.

Proverbs 16:32 (HCSB) ³² Patience is better than power, and controlling one’s temper, than capturing a city.

Proverbs 16:14 (HCSB) ¹⁴ A king’s fury is a messenger of death, but a wise man appeases it.

Ecclesiastes 10:4 (HCSB) ⁴ If the ruler’s anger rises against you, don’t leave your place, for calmness puts great offenses to rest.

Proverbs 15:1 (HCSB) ¹ A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath.

My inspiration:

Psalm 23:3 (AMP) ³ He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him—not for my earning it, but] for His name’s sake.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am informed by the Proverb that shows me the power of patience and the gentle tongue that can break a bone.

Father God, I am inspired by the Psalm that promises me that the Great Shepherd will refresh and restore my life, and lead me in the pathway of righteousness.

Lord, I am encouraged that your loving care is not based on my goodness, but for the sake of your most holy and righteous name.

My song:

My Will is Weak, My Strength is Frail (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/578

The Word:

Proverbs 24:10 (HCSB) ¹⁰ If you do nothing in a difficult time, your strength is limited.

Proverbs 24:16 (HCSB) ¹⁶ Though a righteous man falls seven times, he will get up, but the wicked will stumble into ruin.

My observation:

If you are a child of God you are in good hands. There is no need to faint, and if you fall, you don’t have to stay down. Life is hard, but the way of those who are in Christ, and who live in obedience to him and his word will find rest for their weary hearts.

Matthew 11:28-30 (HCSB) ²⁸ “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.²⁹ All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves.³⁰ For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

My inspiration:

Psalm 37:23-24 (HCSB) ²³ A man’s steps are established by the Lord, and He takes pleasure in his way.²⁴ Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, because the Lord holds his hand.

My prayer:

Father, I thank you that failure and defeat is not options that the child of God has to fear. In Christ, we have the victory over the enemy of our soul.

Father, I pray that I will learn to live in victory and walk in the serenity that comes from being in Christ, and living in obedience to the Word of Christ.

My song:

How Vast, Immense, and Measureless (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

Hymn: How vast, immense, and measureless

The Word:

Proverbs 22:1-2 (HCSB) ¹ A good name is to be chosen over great wealth; favor is better than silver and gold.² The rich and the poor have this in common: the Lord made them both.

My observation:

The gulf between the rich and the poor is overrated. This is abundantly clear when you compare the importance of measuring your life by riches, and measuring your life by the content of your character. If riches are the only standard by which you measure your life, you will likely come up short.

Notice that the bible says that God made both the rich and the poor. Everybody is somebody in the eyes of their maker.

The word of wisdom today from the Proverbs is that a good name is to be highly valued. Having a good name and Godly character is more desirable than having wealth.

What is the value of pursuing wealth at all cost if you end up with your life in ruins? Such is the end of many who pursue wealth to the neglect of Godly character.

Proverbs 1:19 (HCSB) ¹⁹ Such are the paths of all who make profit dishonestly; it takes the lives of those who receive it.

Proverbs 10:2 (HCSB) ² Ill-gotten gains do not profit anyone, but righteousness rescues from death.

It is far better to pursue the path of trusting in the Lord, and walking in the pathway of wisdom.

Proverbs 3:3-4 (HCSB) ³ Never let loyalty and faithfulness leave you. Tie them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.⁴ Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and man.

My inspiration:

Psalm 4:3 (HCSB) ³ Know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for Himself; the Lord will hear when I call to Him.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, I am so thankful that everything belongs to you, and that I belong to you. Lord, I pray for the wisdom to place the value of a good name above having wealth.

Father God, I am so grateful that you are a God who provide for your children. Lord, I thank you that every need I have in my life is available from the storehouse of my heavenly Father.

Philippians 4:6-7 (HCSB) ⁶ Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

My song:

My Father is Rich in Houses and Lands (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

Hymn: My Father is rich in houses and lands

The Word:

Proverbs 21:1-3 (HCSB) ¹ A king’s heart is like streams of water in the Lord’s hand: He directs it wherever He chooses.² All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the Lord evaluates the motives.³ Doing what is righteous and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

Proverbs 21:30-31 (HCSB) ³⁰ No wisdom, no understanding, and no counsel ?will prevail? against the Lord.³¹ A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory comes from the Lord.

My observation:

Today, on the 21^st of January I am reading Proverbs 21 in search of a word of Godly wisdom to guide my life today.

Notice that the verses I have selected are the beginning and ending verses in this chapter. The chapter begins and ends with the topic of the Lord. It is good to know that the Lord is above and in control of the leader of nations.

I am encouraged by verse one that tells us that the heart of the leader is in the hand of the Lord. It may appear to the natural eye that leaders can do anything they want, but that is not true. The Lord of heaven and earth has the last word.

Ezra 6:22 (HCSB) ²² They observed the Festival of Unleavened Bread for seven days with joy, because the Lord had made them joyful, having changed the Assyrian king’s attitude toward them, so that he supported them in the work on the house of the God of Israel.

In verse two I observe that the Lord test our hearts, and evaluates the motives of our hearts. This evaluation of hearts is not just the hearts of leaders, but it applies to all of us.

Proverbs 16:2 (HCSB) ² All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the Lord evaluates the motives.

My inspiration:

Psalm 3:8 (HCSB) ⁸ Salvation belongs to the Lord; may Your blessing be on Your people. Selah

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I like the Psalmist, have to pause, and give you praise when I consider the sovereignty of God.

Lord, it is good for your children to pause and consider that the Lord is in charge, and not the king. The heart of our leaders is in your hands, and our heart is in your hands.

Lord, our knowledge is limited, but you are not limited. We can only look at the outward appearance of man, but you can look into the heart of man and examine his or her motives.

1 Samuel 16:7 (HCSB) ⁷ But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or his stature, because I have rejected him. Man does not see what the Lord sees, for man sees what is visible, but the Lord sees the heart.”

My song:

Search Me, O God, and Know My Heart (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

Hymn: Search me, O God, and know my heart

The Word:

Proverbs 20:25 (HCSB) ²⁵ It is a trap for anyone to dedicate something rashly and later to reconsider his vows.

My observation:

Today’s focal verse teaches a truth that is worthy of our attention. If you are wise, you will be slow in making vows.

If you would be a person who is trustworthy, you must earn the trust of others. The way to earn trust is to keep the promises that you make. The way to build trust is by making and keeping promises. If you make a promise and keep it, you are on the road to becoming a trustworthy person in the eyes of God and man.

Deuteronomy 23:21-23 (HCSB) ²¹ “If you make a vow to the Lord your God, do not be slow to keep it, because He will require it of you, and it will be counted against you as sin.²² But if you refrain from making a vow, it will not be counted against you as sin.²³ Be careful to do whatever comes from your lips, because you have freely vowed what you promised to the Lord your God.

My inspiration:

Psalm 9:9-10 (HCSB) ⁹ The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.¹⁰ Those who know Your name trust in You because You have not abandoned those who seek You, Yahweh.

My prayer:

Lord, I thank you that I know your name and that by faith, I trust in you because you are a promise keeping God.

Father God, I pray for the wisdom and understanding that would result in me being a person who makes and keeps promises.

Lord, I praise and thank you that I serve a trustworthy God. Lord, just like I can stand upon the promises of my God, I pray that others will be able to rely upon the promises that come from my lips.

My song:

Standing on the Promises of Christ My King (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

Hymn: Standing on the promises of Christ my King