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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

Tagged God's power, God's wisdom, godly wisdom, the book of Proverbs

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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

Tagged faith, God's sufficiency, patience, the book of Proverbs

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“Be generous, and you will be prosperous. Help others, and you will be helped.” (Proverbs 11:25, Good News Translation)

If the word of God is true, then we need not fear the personal expense being generous. If the word of God is true, then we need not avoid the inconvenience of helping others.

To give liberally of our time, talent, and treasure is a litmus test of our faith in God. To be eager to help others — particularly those who cannot return the favor — is a counter-intuitive investment in our future.

Be generous and helpful out of obedience. This is what God expects of his children. Be generous and helpful out of love for our heavenly Father, because doing so makes us partners with Him in His work in this world; and because doing so allows us to achieve His point of view through imitation.

We will be surprised, amazed, and humbled by the faithfulness of God when we exercise our faith in Him in these simple ways. – Luther

Tagged generosity, helpfulness, the book of Proverbs