Tag Archives: the book of Proverbs

June 29
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“Ill-gotten treasures have no lasting value, but righteousness delivers from death.”  (Proverbs 10:2, NIV)

It is a sign of Christian maturity to be content with as little, or as much, as you’ve been given in this life.

Today’s lesson from Proverbs tells us that every person risks trouble when he or she is dissatisfied and begins to justify crooked schemes to acquire more.  This is particularly perilous for the disciple of Jesus, because if we don’t have it, we don’t need it.  (Really.  We don’t neeeeeeed it.)  God will supply all of our needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)

A right relationship with God ensures that we shall have all that we need; with the added blessing of knowing that we shall be delivered in, and through, situations that destroy the unscrupulous.  Take care to be honest and true in both your actions and in your ambitions.  – Luther

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June 9
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“There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.”  (Proverbs 21:30, NIV)

A reality check: God is all-powerful.

By our own estimation, we do so many things well; and we begin to think that that is the end of it.  However, when we take God into account, things change.

Proverbs reminds us that our wisdom is no match for God; our insight is not match for God; and all of our plans are no match for God.

We do best to follow His wisdom, knowledge, and planning, lest we come to the end of our course and find embarrassment — rather than accolades — as our reward.

Commit your days and your ways to the Lord, and He will guard your path.  – Luther

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June 2
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“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.”  (Proverbs 16:32, NIV)

Activity is often overrated.  Because of this, we confuse movement with productivity.

Although most of us love to be seen as “proactive,” “energetic,” “take-charge,” or “engaging”; we need to know that the Lord values other adjectives more highly: “patient,” “long-suffering,” “self-possessed,” and “peaceable.”

Many things we choose to “force” in life would come to us with far less struggle and strife were we only to wait on the Lord.  Recall the times in your life when you moved on something — or someone — just because you could; or because you wanted to “show-off.”  In many of those instances, couldn’t you have achieved the same result with far less energy, drama, or pain to others?

All true warriors know that the best victory is the one that is gained without having to go into battle.

Wait on the Lord.  He opens doors that no one can shut; and He closes doors that no one can open.  – Luther

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