Tag Archives: the book of Proverbs

“He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest.  He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.”  (Proverbs 2:7, NLT)

Have you ever taken a short-cut only to discover — late — that it cost you more time, more money, and more energy than the “long way ’round” would have?

Have you thought that doing the right thing because it is the right thing requires too much “exposure” to less scrupulous people, who might take advantage?

In these circumstances, God’s word tells us that the path of honesty is the correct path — always; and that God is a shield to all persons of integrity.

Today, make honesty and integrity in all things your non-negotiable objective.   – Luther

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“People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray.”  (Proverbs 10:17, NLT)

We, who have lived more than half of our allotted years, are at heightened risk of “going astray” in two basic ways: (1) Because we’ve “seen it all,” we are less open to a corrective word from someone else, especially if they are younger or less experienced than we, and; (2) people who might help us may be put-off when we don’t appear approachable or teachable.

Truth is truth, whether from the lips of an angel or from the mouth of a jackass (that is, the jackass of Numbers 22); and help is help, whether from a brother or from a stranger.

Endeavor to be open to God’s discipline and His words of correction.  The Lord uses many personalities, agents, and circumstances to guide His people in the way that leads to life!  – Luther

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“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”  (Proverbs 3:6, NASB)

If it is true that we make trouble for ourselves because, as J. B. Phillips titled his classic book, “Your God is Too Small”; the same might also be said because we think some matters of our life are too small for our heavenly Father’s attention.

We ought to accept the biblical challenge to acknowledge God in everything — large and small — whether in decisions or in giving thanks.

Through the Holy Spirit — Whom Jesus Himself referred to as the “Helper” — we have a companion who knows well the path; we have an intercessor who knows the mind of God; we have an energizer to sustain us; a teacher to educate us.

However, the Helper helps only by invitation.  If we do not have, it is only because we have not asked.  – Luther

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