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The Word:

Proverbs 31:10-12 (HCSB)
¹⁰ Who can find a capable wife? She is far more precious than jewels.
¹¹ The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will not lack anything good.
¹² She rewards him with good, not evil, all the days of her life.

My observation:

Today we close out another month of walking through the Proverbs for wisdom, and the Psalms for inspiration. I’m on a different computer today so the formatting may be a little different.

My wife and are getting ready to go on a spring vacation to Maui. It is fitting that this would be the day for focusing on the wife of noble character. The Father has blessed me with such a life mate for forty six years.

The question, “Who can find a capable wife?” does not mean that they don’t exist. Rather, it means that they are rare, and if you find one, you should treasure her.

 Proverbs 12:4 (HCSB)
⁴ A capable wife is her husband’s crown, but a wife who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones. Proverbs 31:29 (HCSB)
²⁹ “Many women are capable, but you surpass them all!”  

The same can be said of a capable husband.

 Proverbs 20:6 (HCSB)
⁶ Many a man proclaims his own loyalty, but who can find a trustworthy man?  

My inspiration:

Psalm 55:22 (HCSB)
²² Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.  

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I praise and thank you for the capable wife that you have given to me.

 Father God, I stand in awe of your amazing grace, your unconditional love, and your unceasing mercy for your beloved children.

The Word:

Proverbs 30:5-6 (HCSB) ⁵ Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. ⁶ Don’t add to His words, or He will rebuke you, and you will be proved a liar.

My observation:

Nobody knows everything, but God. Sometimes, we can learn great truths from unexpected sources.  The only time we hear from Agur in the bible is what he says in this Proverb. However, what he says is significant. The man had a reverence for God, and for God’s word.

Just think about the wisdom that comes from the mouth of a man who makes no personal claim to possessing wisdom.

Proverbs 30:2-3 (HCSB) ² I am more stupid than ?any other? man, and I lack man’s ability to understand. ³ I have not gained wisdom, and I have no knowledge of the Holy One.

It just goes to show what God can do with a man who allows God to use him for his purposes. Agur spoke the truth because God was speaking through him.

My inspiration:

Psalm 18:30 (HCSB) God—His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is pure. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.

Psalm 54:4 (HCSB) God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my life.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I praise and thank you for what Agur knew about you, and about your word.

However, Father God, I am so glad that I have the privilege of knowing so much more about you because I have seen the full revelation of your word.

Father God, I am so glad that I know of God’s love and God’s forgiveness. Oh the depth and the wonder that God loves people like you and me.

My song:

I Am So Glad that Our Father in Heav’n (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/291

The Word:

Proverbs 29:18 (HCSB) Without revelation people run wild, but one who listens to instruction will be happy.

My observation:

The Lord has given us his word for a purpose, and we neglect it to our peril. Solomon and his father David believed this with their whole heart.

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.

God’s people get into trouble and they get discouraged when they neglect God’s word. The Lord speaks to and guides his people with the lamp of his word.

Exodus 32:25 (HCSB) Moses saw that the people were out of control, for Aaron had let them get out of control, resulting in weakness before their enemies.

It pays to look to the Lord, to seek his face daily in his word and through prayer. The Lord is a good leader. You can depend upon his word to guide you.

Proverbs 29:18 (MSG) If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed.

My inspiration:

Psalm 52:8 (HCSB) But I am like a flourishing olive tree in the house of God; I trust in God’s faithful love forever and ever.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I pray that I will look to your word for guidance for my life. Lord, I need godly wisdom in my life.

Lord, there are some things that are settled. Father, I pray that you will reveal those things to me as I daily read your word. Father may what is settled in heaven be settled in my soul.

Father, fill all my vision with my Savior’s words. My desire is to have the strength that comes from being in the word and under the control of the Holy Spirit of God.

My song:

Fill All My Vision, Savior, I Pray (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/381

The Word:

Proverbs 26:20-22 (HCSB) ²⁰ Without wood, fire goes out; without a gossip, conflict dies down. ²¹ As charcoal for embers and wood for fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife. ²² A gossip’s words are like choice food that goes down to one’s innermost being.

My observation:

The different types of people described in this Proverb are people that we have all met along life’s highways and byways. Obviously, there are some that it would be better for you that you didn’t spend too much time with. The one described in our focal passage today is the gossiper.

This is not the first time that Solomon has given warnings about the poisonous effects of gossip and the devastating harm that it does to lives.

Proverbs 18:6-8 (HCSB) ⁶ A fool’s lips lead to strife, and his mouth provokes a beating. ⁷ A fool’s mouth is his devastation, and his lips are a trap for his life. ⁸ A gossip’s words are like choice food that goes down to one’s innermost being.

The wise person will not practice gossip and will not repeat gossip. The problem with gossip is that whether it is the truth or a lie, it does harm and it hurts to the core. Even if it starts out as truth, through repetition it quickly turns into a lie. Make it your goal to not participate in gossip.

Proverbs 26:22 (MSG) Listening to gossip is like eating cheap candy; do you want junk like that in your belly?

My inspiration:

Psalm 50:22-23 (HCSB) ²² “Understand this, you who forget God, or I will tear you apart, and there will be no one to rescue ?you?. ²³ Whoever sacrifices a thank offering honors Me, and whoever orders his conduct, I will show him the salvation of God.”

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I pray that you would set a guard over my mouth and a filter in my ears to keep me from spreading gossip.

My song:

My soul, be silent, wait upon the Lord!

Till God may freely, fully flow thru thee,

Till all thy words and actions hour by hour

Is the fulfillment of God’s will thru thee.

My Soul, be Silent, Wait upon the Lord (Click on link below for the entire lyrics and midi):

http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/793

The Word:

Proverbs 25:11 (HCSB) A word spoken at the right time is like gold apples on a silver tray.

My observation:

There is on old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but talk can never hurt me”. I beg to differ with that saying. Words are powerful. They have the ability to hurt and they have the ability to heal.

A word that comes from the mouth of the wise and good person has the power to give life and healing. Conversely, a word from the mouth of the unwise and evil person has the power to kill and bring trouble.

Another old saying is, “Those are fighting words”. Solomon also has some advice and admonition about this subject. The best way to stop a fight is before it begins.

Proverbs 17:14 (HCSB) To start a conflict is to release a flood; stop the dispute before it breaks out.

Wisdom teaches us to guard our tongue, and exercise discipline over what comes from our mouth. The wise person will train their mouth to be an instrument of life and peace, and not an instrument of death and trouble.

Proverbs 15:23 (HCSB) A man takes joy in giving an answer; and a timely word—how good that is!

My inspiration:

Psalm 49:3 (HCSB) My mouth speaks wisdom; my heart’s meditation ?brings? understanding.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I pray for the wisdom of Solomon, and for a heart like you saw in your servant David.

Father God, I join with David in praying that when I open my mouth I will speak life giving and healing words.

My song:

Wonderful Words of Life (Click on link below to watch video of this hymn):

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

The Word:

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

My observation:

This Proverb is both an observation by Solomon and an exhortation. It is an encouragement to be strong and courageous in times of adversity and trouble.

I woke up this morning to a preacher on the radio talking about Moses, and the choice he made in his life. He came to a fork in the road, and he chose the street called Adversity rather than the street called Easy Way. Notice that the passage about Moses says, “When he had grown up”.

Hebrews 11:24-25 (HCSB) ²⁴ By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter ²⁵ and chose to suffer with the people of God rather than to enjoy the short-lived pleasure of sin.

The test of our faith and the test of our strength is how we handle the adversity, the trouble, and the difficult times in our life. Listen to our focal verse in a couple of modern language versions.

Proverbs 24:10 (NLT) If you fail under pressure, your strength is too small.

Proverbs 24:10 (MSG) If you fall to pieces in a crisis, there wasn’t much to you in the first place.

Our faith needs to grow up just like Moses faith grew over the course of his life. Our God is bigger than any difficulty we will ever face in this life. As Solomon father, David, discovered, the Lord is a mighty God. He is with his people in life, and he will take you to heaven when you die. You can trust in the God of your salvation, he is in a class all by himself. He is able to deliver you out of any circumstance you will ever encounter in life and in death.

Psalm 48:12-14 (MSG) ¹² Circle Zion, take her measure, count her fortress peaks, ¹³ Gaze long at her sloping bulwark, climb her citadel heights— Then you can tell the next generation detail by detail the story of God, ¹⁴ Our God forever, who guides us till the end of time.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I praise and thank you that you are a forever God. Father, I thank you that you have all power in your hand. Even, now my Savior, the Lord Jesus is at your right hand interceding for us.

Father God, I am so glad that I can have a big faith, and my strength can be large because I am always in the thoughts and prayers of Jesus, who is sitting at your right hand.

Hallelujah! My God is able.

My song:

He is Able (Click on link below to watch video on this hymn by Wintley Phipps):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OMvvtynQlE&feature=related

The Word:

Proverbs 23:12 (HCSB) Apply yourself to discipline and listen to words of knowledge.

My observation:

I hear it frequently said that the education of the mind is a life long journey. It does not end when you obtain your diploma and your degrees. If this applies to your secular education, how much more does it apply to your instruction in the knowledge of God, and your relationship with him.

In this verse we find the wisdom of God delivered through his servant Solomon regarding the importance of knowledge. Solomon is speaking of truth that is settled.

Knowledge does not come from osmosis. To obtain knowledge you must expend energy. Notice what our focal verse says, it requires diligence and desire to acquire knowledge.

Our Lord has provided abundant resources for us to know him. He has provided and preserved for us his holy, divine, inerrant Word that has everything we need to know him and to know ourselves. The task is not easy, but the resources are unlimited. He has even made provisions for a tutor who will guide us, and enable us to know God’s will and do it. How great is that?

John 16:13 (HCSB) When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak whatever He hears. He will also declare to you what is to come.

John 16:15 (HCSB) Everything the Father has is Mine. This is why I told you that He takes from what is Mine and will declare it to you.

My inspiration:

Psalm 47:1 (HCSB) Clap your hands, all you peoples; shout to God with a jubilant cry.

Psalm 47:6 (HCSB) Sing praise to God, sing praise; sing praise to our King, sing praise!

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so grateful for the wonder of knowing you through the treasure of the wonderful words of life that are unfolded to me as I read the scriptures and apply them to my life daily.

Father God, like your servant David, I have to shout to God with a joyful and jubilant song of praise to our great God, who is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Father God, how awesome it is that our Savior is also our choir director in leading your beloved children in singing your praise.

Hebrews 2:11-12 (HCSB) ¹¹ For the One who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers, ¹² saying: I will proclaim Your name to My brothers; I will sing hymns to You in the congregation.

My song:

Father, to Thee a Joyful Song We Raise (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/52

The Word:

Proverbs 22:4 (HCSB) The result of humility is fear of the Lord, along with wealth, honor, and life.

My observation:

The Proverbs speak often about the perils of having wealth. In today’s Proverb, Solomon speaks about the proper attitude to have about wealth.

This instruction comes from a man who the bible says had wealth and wisdom. So when he speaks, it is wise to pay attention. The life of Solomon shows that God can use people of wealth if they honestly obtain it and wisely use it.

The things that are most praiseworthy and beneficial to us in the quest for real life don’t come from just acquiring wealth. There are some precious things in life that money cannot buy. An essential thing in life is peace, and money cannot buy peace.

Proverbs 15:16 (HCSB) Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure with turmoil.

Additionally, wealth can bring some undesirable things into your life. One of those is false pride.

Proverbs 18:11 (HCSB) A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city; in his imagination it is like a high wall.

Lastly, wealth if not obtained honestly can result in a heap of trouble for you and your family. The following Proverbs illustrate that point.

Proverbs 15:6 (HCSB) The house of the righteous has great wealth, but trouble accompanies the income of the wicked.

Proverbs 15:27 (HCSB) The one who profits dishonestly troubles his household, but the one who hates bribes will live.

The wisest choice we can make in life is to seek humility and the fear of the Lord. The joining of these twin virtues result in bringing glory to God, and blessings to your life.

Proverbs 15:33 (HCSB) The fear of the Lord is what wisdom teaches, and humility comes before honor.

Proverbs 21:21 (HCSB) The one who pursues righteousness and faithful love will find life, righteousness, and honor.

My inspiration:

Psalm 46:1 (HCSB) God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble.

Psalm 46:11 (HCSB) Yahweh of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, I praise and thank you for your almighty power and for the promise of your presence with your people.

Father God, I pray that you would kindle in my heart the love and the concern that you have for the poor among us.

Proverbs 19:17 (HCSB) Kindness to the poor is a loan to the Lord, and He will give a reward to the lender.

My song:

You Can’t Beat God Giving (Click on link below to watch this song by The Caravans):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbFtNe-8QHk

The Word:

Proverbs 19:2 (HCSB) Even zeal is not good without knowledge, and the one who acts hastily sins.

My observation:

The Spirit of God directed my attention today to the above verse, and within that verse the word “knowledge”.

The question raised by the first part of this verse is of utmost importance. What is the profit if you live your life without knowledge that is of eternal consequences? This question was on the mind and heart of the Apostle Paul in his letter to the church at Rome.

Romans 10:2 (HCSB) I can testify about them that they have zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.

Solomon is speaking here of the knowledge of God. This is the foundational advice that he gives in the beginning of the book, and it is of first importance in life.

Proverbs 1:7 (HCSB) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline.

The fear of the Lord means to have reverence for the Lord. Your view of God will determine your eternal destiny. The bible is God’s word to us to help us to know God, and find the source of real life. So respect for the bible joined with reverence for God is the beginning point for living a life that will have a bright future.

Mark 8:36 (HCSB) For what does it benefit a man to gain the whole world yet lose his life?

My inspiration:

Psalm 43:3-4 (HCSB) ³ Send Your light and Your truth; let them lead me. Let them bring me to Your holy mountain, to Your dwelling place. ⁴ Then I will come to the altar of God, to God, my greatest joy. I will praise You with the lyre, God, my God.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I pray that you will tenderize my heart so that I will have the proper view on you and your word. Lord, I want to know you with all my heart and with all my soul. Father God, my highest goal in life is to be able to say with David, “God, my God”.

Father God, above knowing you and obeying your word, is the desire of my heart is to daily experience more and more of your unceasing love.

My song:

It Passeth Knowledge That Dear Love of Thine (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/154

The Word:

Proverbs 18:24 (HCSB) A man with many friends may be harmed, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.

My observation:

Having faithful friends are important in life. God made us to be part of a family, and to have a few close and intimate friends. However, there are risks in friendships.

Proverbs 18:19 (HCSB) An offended brother is ?harder to reach? than a fortified city, and quarrels are like the bars of a fortress.

But, in spite of the risk, having a few wise and faithful friends are important in life. These types of close friends can be trusted.

Proverbs 11:13 (HCSB) A gossip goes around revealing a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.

Proverbs 17:9 (HCSB) Whoever conceals an offense promotes love, but whoever gossips about it separates friends.

The faithful and trusted friend will be with you when you have trouble in your life. No one gets through this world without having some trouble in their life. Storms are inescapable. You have been in a storm in the past, you are currently in a storm, or there is a storm in your future. We all need friends to walk with us through times of trouble.

Proverbs 17:17 (HCSB) A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a difficult time.

Proverbs 25:19 (HCSB) Trusting an unreliable person in a difficult time is like a rotten tooth or a faltering foot.

My inspiration:

Psalm 42:8 (HCSB) The Lord will send His faithful love by day; His song will be with me in the night— a prayer to the God of my life.

Psalm 42:11 (HCSB) Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I praise and thank you first of all that I have the friendship of my elder brother and faithful friend, Jesus, my Savior.

Father God, I thank you for the friendship of Jesus, who sits daily at your right hand praying for me. I could not make it through this life without the friendship of my Savior.

Lord, I thank you for your kindness in bringing a few wise and faithful friends into my life, friends who have lasted for generations. My friends have become the friends of my children, and grandchildren. What a blessing are faithful and forever friends.

My song:

I’ve Found a Friend, Oh, Such a Friend (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/288