Tag Archives: the book of Proverbs

March 7
Leave a comment
Uncategorized Aside

“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 can help 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.

Work at being 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

Tagged , , , ,
January 27
1 Comment
Uncategorized Aside

“For those who find me find life, and receive favor from the Lord.” (Proverbs 8: 35, NIV)

These words from the book of Proverbs are inscribed on the natural history museum building of the University of Kansas (my alma mater).

I don’t know why Wisdom’s promise is posted on the museum and not, instead, on one of the other prominent buildings on the campus’ main thoroughfare — Jayhawk Boulevard.  Yet, a museum is appropriate in that it is a repository of the tangible history of a people, an event, or of an era.

Is Wisdom evident in our tangible history: The bank account, the appointment calendar, the contact list?  Have you and I chosen wisely the investments we’ve made of our treasure, our time, and in our relationships.

The litmus test in these things is whether our choices would find favor in the eyes of our Heavenly Father.  – Luther

Tagged , , , ,
January 18
Leave a comment
Uncategorized Aside

“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but live in the fear of the Lord always.” (Proverbs 23:17, NASB)

The sinner does not regard the law of the Lord as applicable to him; nor does he consider as valid the instructions of his Creator. The fact is this: We all have been active sinners; dismissive of God’s law and disdainful of His rightful authority.

Are we tempted to envy those we see cruising on sin’s easy boulevard while we endure the inconveniences of the narrow moral road? Yes!  We feel the tug because of our humanity.  However, we were created for grander purposes.  Do not give-up; and do not give-in to envy.

To “live in the fear of the Lord” is to continuously mindful of the things that matter to the Lord — and to allow your heart to follow the Spirit’s leading.  – Luther

Reminder: Daily Encouragement not be published tomorrow, but — Lord willing — returns on Monday!  Make Sunday a great day for rest, recreation, and worship.

Tagged , , ,
← Older posts
Newer posts →