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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

The Word:

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

Proverbs 24:10 (NKJV) If you faint in the day of adversity, Your strength is small.

My observation:

One of the blessings that accrue to those who belong to God, through putting their trust in Jesus, is strength for the race of life. Strength and perseverance should be marks that identify those who have put their trust in the Lord.

The genuine believer has a foundation of strength on which to build their life and live their life. This strength is available to run the race of life not part of the way but all of the way. Notice what Solomon said about the wise person.

Proverbs 24:5 (NLT) The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger.

Proverbs 24:5 (HCSB) A wise warrior is better than a strong one, and a man of knowledge than one of strength;

As a child of God you have everything that you need to run the race with endurance, and to hold out to the end, and receive the prize. You have come this far by faith, and it is always too soon to turn around or give up. Victory is ahead for you if you will take just one more step toward the Savior in faith. Jesus will lead and guide you all the way to the Father’s home.

My inspiration:

Psalm 37:39-40 (HCSB) ³⁹ The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord, their refuge in a time of distress. ⁴⁰ The Lord helps and delivers them; He will deliver them from the wicked and will save them because they take refuge in Him.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so thankful that when adversity comes knocking at my door, I have a God that I can run to for safety and for strength.

Father God, I am so grateful and blessed that I have a Savior that I can lean on, and find rest when my body and soul gets weary.

Lord, I thank you for being the anchor of my soul, and the strong tower to which I can run when I encounter the storms of life. It is such a blessing to know that I am never alone.

My song:

Never Alone (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/688

The Word:

Proverbs 23:6-8 (HCSB) ⁶ Don’t eat a stingy person’s bread, and don’t desire his choice food, ⁷ for it’s like someone calculating inwardly. “Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you. ⁸ You will vomit the little you’ve eaten and waste your pleasant words.

My observation:

The number of “do not” citations in this proverb reminds us that there are things that God does not want his people to do.

Our focal passage for today contains a warning about people with ulterior motives. They welcome you with their tongue, but in their heart they are calculating, and it is not for your good.

Psalm 12:2 (HCSB) They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and deceptive hearts.

What matters most in relationships is what is in the heart. I like a good meal as much as anyone, but it is not the food on the table, but the love that comes from a sincere heart that makes fellowship with one another so sweet and enduring.

No one who listens to and obeys the “do not’s” of the bible will ever go lacking in anything that is needful and beneficial to your life.

My inspiration:

Psalm 23:1 (HCSB) The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I praise and thank you for the wisdom of God that is found in the “do not’s” that we read in the bible.

Father, one thing I know, and that is if you say “do not” that it comes from a heart that speaks the truth in love.

Therefore, I can completely trust and obey what my heavenly Father tells me. What comes from his lips comes from a heart of pure and everlasting love.

The Lord is not only a good shepherd, but he is a great shepherd, and he cares for his beloved children. I am so glad that includes me, and I pray that it includes you.

John 10:14-15 (HCSB) ¹⁴ “I am the good shepherd. I know My own sheep, and they know Me, ¹⁵ as the Father knows Me, and I know the Father. I lay down My life for the sheep.

Hebrews 13:20 (HCSB) Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus—the great Shepherd of the sheep—with the blood of the everlasting covenant,

My song:

The Lord’s My Shepherd, I’ll Not Want (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/527

The Word:

Proverbs 22:3 (HCSB) A sensible person sees danger and takes cover, but the inexperienced keep going and are punished.

My observation:

It is good as we walk through the Proverbs daily that we remember the purpose of the book. It is not a success manual, but it is a guide book for the Godly who seek to make wise decisions in their life. One definition of a proverb is “a short statement based on long experience”.

Proverbs 1:2-4 (HCSB) ² For learning what wisdom and discipline are; for understanding insightful sayings; ³ for receiving wise instruction ?in? righteousness, justice, and integrity; ⁴ for teaching shrewdness to the inexperienced, knowledge and discretion to a young man—

Today’s focal verse presents a comparison between the prudent and the simple person. Let’s examine what Solomon says about each type of person in these additional Proverbs.

Proverbs 12:23 (HCSB) A shrewd person conceals knowledge, but a foolish heart publicizes stupidity.

Proverbs 14:8 (HCSB) The sensible man’s wisdom is to consider his way, but the stupidity of fools deceives ?them?.

Proverbs 14:15 (HCSB) The inexperienced one believes anything, but the sensible one watches his steps.

Notice what distinguishes the prudent from the simple. The prudent sees danger and avoids it, but the simple or inexperience person sees danger and makes no attempt to avoid it.

Proverbs 22:5 (HCSB) There are thorns and snares on the path of the crooked; the one who guards himself stays far from them.

My inspiration:

Psalm 22:23-24 (HCSB) ²³ You who fear Yahweh, praise Him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor Him! All you descendants of Israel, revere Him! ²⁴ For He has not despised or detested the torment of the afflicted. He did not hide His face from him but listened when he cried to Him for help.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, I praise and thank you that we don’t have to go through life depending on our self alone. You Lord, are our Father, and you are willing and able to help us. When you call upon God, he always shows up. Lord, I thank you for always being there for me. As long as I live, I will call upon the Lord to give me wisdom so that I might be a prudent person.

My song:

He Is There For You (Click on link below to listen to MP3 file and for lyrics):

http://songsofpraise.org/song.php?songid=438

The Word:

Proverbs 20:24 (HCSB) A man’s steps are determined by the Lord, so how can anyone understand his own way?

My observation:

I never cease to be amazed and stand in awe of the mystery, and the majesty of God’s sovereignty. I am so glad that He has the whole world in His hands, and that He has me in His precious and powerful hands. That is why it is good to do as the hymn says, “Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand”.

Jeremiah 10:23 (HCSB) I know, Lord, that a man’s way of life is not his own; no one who walks determines his own steps.

Jeremiah 29:11 (HCSB) For I know the plans I have for you”—?this is? the Lord’s declaration—“plans for ?your? welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

My inspiration:

Psalm 37:23 (HCSB) A man’s steps are established by the Lord, and He takes pleasure in his way.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so grateful that you are a God who sits on high, and rules over everything in heaven and on earth.

Lord, I am so thankful that you have chosen to dwell in and among your children. Father, I need you to lead and guide me each step that I take, and for you to be in control of each move that I make.

Father God, it is because of your leading that I have hope, and a bright future.

My song:

Tis So Sweet to Walk with Jesus (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/587

The Word:

Proverbs 19:2-3 (HCSB) ² Even zeal is not good without knowledge, and the one who acts hastily sins. ³ A man’s own foolishness leads him astray, yet his heart rages against the Lord.

My observation:

Have you considered how many decisions you have made over the course of your life, and how they have affected your life?

The decisions that we make in life greatly affect the outcomes. The wise teachings of the Proverbs reflect this truth. We also see it played out in life then and life today.

Each of us needs wisdom to arrive at the desired outcome in life. We need knowledge and understanding to inform the daily decisions we make that will impact our lives today, tomorrow, and where we spend eternity.

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

Proverbs 9:10 (HCSB) “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

I remember something that Mr. Love told our Junior High Class over fifty years ago. This is what he said, “Ignorance is bliss, and lack of knowledge is happiness”. Of course, this proverb is not true. He told us this to make the point that learning was important in life. This is especially true of our knowledge and understanding of the bible. Consider what Solomon’s father David said about the bible.

My inspiration:

Psalm 19:7-11 (HCSB) ⁷ The instruction of the Lord is perfect, renewing one’s life; the testimony of the Lord is trustworthy, making the inexperienced wise. ⁸ The precepts of the Lord are right, making the heart glad; the command of the Lord is radiant, making the eyes light up. ⁹ The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are reliable and altogether righteous. ¹⁰ They are more desirable than gold— than an abundance of pure gold; and sweeter than honey, which comes from the honeycomb. ¹¹ In addition, Your servant is warned by them; there is great reward in keeping them.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I praise and thank you for the bible. Lord, I am so grateful for what knowledge of the bible will accomplish in the lives of those who read it and heed it. Lord, I pray that by the power of the Holy Spirit, you will use the bible to produce a plentiful harvest in the lives of your children who read, meditate, study, memorize, and obey the Word of God.

My song:

Thy Word (Click on link below to watch video):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNkwbEwA-DY

The Word:

Proverbs 18:1 (HCSB) One who isolates himself pursues ?selfish? desires; he rebels against all sound judgment.

Proverbs 18:14 (HCSB) A man’s spirit can endure sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit?

My observation:

This Proverb contains valuable lessons about people, and their attributes. It speaks about people who are friends and people who are fools. It speaks about the pitfalls of isolation, and the consequences of having unwise friends.

The best friend you can have is Jesus, and the next best friends you can have are people who have Jesus as their friend and are seeking to follow in his steps.

John 15:12-15 (HCSB) ¹² This is My command: Love one another as I have loved you. ¹³ No one has greater love than this, that someone would lay down his life for his friends. ¹⁴ You are My friends if you do what I command you. ¹⁵ I do not call you slaves anymore, because a slave doesn’t know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have heard from My Father.

My inspiration:

Psalm 18:2-3 (HCSB) ² The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my mountain where I seek refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. ³ I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I was saved from my enemies.

Psalm 18:46 (HCSB) The Lord lives—may my rock be praised! The God of my salvation is exalted.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I praise and thank you that Jesus is my rock and the God of my salvation, and that he is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.

Lord, I thank you for all the blessings you have given to me from the time of my conception to this very moment. Lord, I am so thankful for my bride who has been by my side for 45 years.

Proverbs 18:22 (HCSB) A man who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.

My song:

What a Friend We Have in Jesus (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/789

The Word:

Proverbs 17:2 (HCSB) A wise servant will rule over a disgraceful son and share an inheritance among brothers.

My observation:

This Proverb contains a word of wisdom that can be a very good lesson to learn at any point in our life. However, it is especially valuable if the young person is able to learn this truth early in life. The earlier we learn it the better, but it is never too late to learn it.

This Proverbs points out the importance of discipline in life. The discipline life has consequences that yield good results. Conversely the undisciplined life has consequences that yield unfavorable results.

The wise servant was able to overcome the disadvantages of birth through living a discipline life. His discipline produced a good outcome. On the other hand the undisciplined life style of the disgraceful son resulted in an unfavorable result.

Through living a discipline life the wise servant was able to overcome the disadvantages of birth. However, through his undisciplined life the disgraceful son lost the advantages of birth.

My inspiration:

Psalm 17:1-3 (HCSB) ¹ Lord, hear a just cause; pay attention to my cry; listen to my prayer— from lips free of deceit. ² Let my vindication come from You, ?for? You see what is right. ³ You have tested my heart; You have examined ?me? at night. You have tried me and found nothing ?evil?; I have determined that my mouth will not sin.

Psalm 17:15 (HCSB) But I will see Your face in righteousness; when I awake, I will be satisfied with Your presence.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I thank you for this nugget of truth that comes from the Wisdom of Solomon, and the inspiration of the wisdom reflected in the prayer that came from the lips of his father, David in the Psalm.

Father God, by faith, I ask you to help us to know the truth, and by your almighty power, help us to live the truth in our daily walk through this world. Amen to your Word.

My song:

What a Wonderful Change in My Living is Wrought (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/1219

Excerpt from lyrics:

“What I never could do God is doing in me,by saying Amen to His Word.”

The Word:

Proverbs 16:1 (HCSB) The reflections of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.

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

My observation:

As you look at these two verses you see that in the first part man proposes. A person through his or her mind may think and make plans, which are the human part. However, the sovereign God gets the last word. Notice what the last part of these two verses say. As the preachers of old put it, “Man proposes but God disposes”.

Proverbs 24:12 (HCSB) If you say, “But we didn’t know about this,” won’t He who weighs hearts consider it? Won’t He who protects your life know? Won’t He repay a person according to his work?

1 Samuel 16:7 (HCSB) 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 inspiration:

Psalm 119:59-60 (HCSB) ⁵⁹ I thought about my ways and turned my steps back to Your decrees. ⁶⁰ I hurried, not hesitating to keep Your commands.

My prayer:

Father God, when I consider the option of my way, or your way, I realize that there is really only one way that I can find real life.

Father, as for me, I choose to follow the Jesus way. I know that Jesus will lead me safely to the Father’s house.

My song:

The Way of the Cross Leads Home (Click on link below for lyrics and to play midi):

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/w/a/waycross.htm

The last verse of this hymn will stay with me as I follow in the steps of my Lord today. What a picture? God the Father waiting for me at the open door of his heavenly home.

“Then I bid farewell to the way of the world,

To walk in it never more;

For the Lord says, “Come,” and I seek my home,

Where He waits at the open door.”