Train your child... (Proverbs 22:6)

 

Proverbs 22:6

 

 

 

New Living Translation (NLT)


 

⁶ Direct your children onto the right path,
    and when they are older, they will not leave it.




Many parents want to make all the choices for their child, but this hurts him or her in the long run. When parents teach a child how to make decisions, they don't have to watch every step he or she takes. They know their children will remain on the right path because they have made the choice themselves. Train your child to choose the right way.




 
Joe

Truly reliable loyal friend (Proverbs 20:6 )

Proverbs 20:6

New Living Translation (NLT)


6 Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable?


We may think that we are loyal friends, but there is only one truly reliable loyal friend...JESUS !


Joe

Prepare for future needs. (Proverbs 20:4)

Proverbs 20:4 Those too lazy to plow in the right season will have no food at the harvest. You've heard similar warnings: if you don't study, you'll fail the test: if you don't save, you won't have money when you need it. God wants us to anticipate future needs and prepare for them. We can't expect Him to come to our rescue when we cause our own problems through lack of planning and action. He provides for us, but he also expects us to be responsible. Joe

What kind of person are you? (Proverbs 20:3)

Proverbs 20:3 Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling. A person who is truly confident of his or her strength does not need to parade it. A truly brave person does not look for chance to prove it. A resourceful woman can find a way out of a fight. A man of endurance will avoid retaliating. Foolish people find it impossible to avoid strife. Men and woman of character can. What kind of person are you? Joe

How do you respond to criticism? (Proverbs 19:25)

Proverbs 19:25 Punish a mocker and others will learn from his example. Reprove a wise man, and he will be the wiser. There is a great difference between the person who learns from criticism and the person who refuses to accept correction. How we respond to criticism determines whether or not we grow in wisdom. The next time someone criticizes you, listen carefully to all that is said. You might learn something. Joe

Where do you look for security? (Proverbs 18:11)

Proverbs 18:11 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it a wall too high to scale. In imagining that their wealth is their strongest defense, rich people are sadly mistaken. Money cannot provide security - there are too many ways for it to lose its power. The government may cease to back it; thieves may steal it; inflation may rob it of all it's value. But God never loses His power. He is always dependable. Where do you look for security and safety - uncertain wealth or God who is always faithful. Joe

Don't nibble on gossip. (Proverbs 18:8)

Proverbs 18:8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts. It is hard to refuse to listen to gossip as it is to turn down a delicious dessert. Taking just one morsel of either one creates a taste for more. You can resist rumors the same way a determined dieter resists candy - never open the box.if you don't nibble on the first bite of gossip, you can't take the second or the third. Joe

Do not make fun of the less fortunate. (Proverbs 17:5)

Proverbs 17:5 Those who mock the poor insult their Maker;those who rejoice at the misfortune of others will be punished. Few acts are as cruel as making fun of the less fortunate, but many people do this because it makes them feel good to be better off or more successful than someone else. Mocking the poor is mocking the God who made them. We also ridicule God when we mock the weak, those who are different, or anyone else. When you catch yourself putting down others just for fun, stop and think about who created them. Joe

Honesty and fairness is not always easy. (Proverbs 16:11)

Proverbs 16:11

New Living Translation (NLT)


 

¹¹ The Lord demands accurate scales and balances;
    he sets the standards for fairness.




Whether we buy or sell, make a product or offer a service, we know what is honest and what is dishonest. Sometimes we feel pressure to be dishonest in order to advance ourselves or gain more profit. But if we want to obey God, there is no middle ground: God demands honesty in every business transaction. No amount of rationalization can cover for a dishonest business practice. Honesty and fairness are not always easy, but they are what God demands. Ask Him for discernment and courage to be consistently honest and fair.



Joe
















 

Eliminate pride (Proverbs 16:5)

Proverbs 16:5

Amplified Bible (AMP)


 

⁵ Everyone proud and arrogant in heart is disgusting, hateful, and exceedingly offensive to the Lord; be assured [I pledge it] they will not go unpunished.



Pride is the inner voice that whispers, "My way is best." It is resisting God's leadership and believing that you are able to live without His help. Whenever you find yourself wanting to do it your way and looking down on other people, you are being pulled by pride. Only when you eliminate pride can God help you become all He meant you to be.




Joe





















 

Think before you speak. (Proverbs 15:28)

Proverbs 15:28

New Living Translation (NLT)


 

²⁸ The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking;
    the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.



The righteous weigh their answers; the wicked don't wait to speak because they don't care about the effects of their words. It is important to have something to say, but it is equally important to weigh it first. Do you carefully plan your words, or do you pour out your thoughts without concern for their impact.



 
Joe


















 

Do you have a happy heart? (Proverbs 15:15)

Proverbs 15:15

New Living Translation (NLT)


 

¹⁵ For the despondent, every day brings trouble;
    for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.



Our attitudes color our whole personality. We cannot always choose what happens to us, but we can choose our attitude toward each situation. The secret to a cheerful heart is filling our minds with thoughts that are true, pure, and lovely, with thoughts that dwell on the good things in life (See Philippians 4:8 below). This was Paul's secret as he faced imprisonment, and it can be ours as we face the struggles of daily living. Look at your attitudes and then examine what you allow to enter your mind and what you choose to dwell on. You may need to make some changes.
 
 

Philippians 4:8

New International Version (NIV)

 

⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.


Joe






















 

Argue in a whisper... (Proverbs 15:1)

Proverbs 15:1

New Life Version (NLV)


 

15 A gentle answer turns away anger, but a sharp word causes anger.




Have you ever tried to argue in a whisper? It is equally hard to argue with someone who insists on answering gently. On the other hand, a rising voice and harsh words almost always trigger an angry response. To turn away wrath and seek peace, choose gentle words.



Joe
















 

Do you have a quick temper? (Proverbs 14:29)

Proverbs 14:29

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

²⁹ People with understanding control their anger;
    a hot temper shows great foolishness.




A quick temper can be like a fire out of control. It can burn us and everyone in its path. Anger divides people. It pushes us into hasty decisions that only cause bitterness and guilt. Yet anger, in itself is not wrong. Anger can be a legitimate reaction to injustice and sin. When you feel yourself getting angry, look for the cause. Are you reacting to an evil situation that you are going to set right? Or are you responding selfishly to a personal insult? Pray that God will help you control your quick temper, channeling your feelings into effective action through humility and repentance.




Joe























 

Seek out wise, godly people for advise. (Proverbs 13:20)

Proverbs 13:20

New Living Translation (NLT)


 

²⁰ Walk with the wise and become wise;
    associate with fools and get in trouble.



When most people need advise, they go to their friends first because friends accept them and usually agree with them. But that is why they may not be able to help them with difficult problems. Our friends are so much like us they may not have any answers we haven't already heard. Instead, we should seek out older and wiser people to advise us. Wise people have experienced a lot of life - and have succeeded. They are not afraid to tell the truth. Who are the wise, godly people who can warn you of the pitfalls ahead?



Joe








 

Right choices (Proverbs 13:6)

Proverbs 13:6

New International Version (NIV)


 

⁶ Righteousness guards the person of integrity,
    but wickedness overthrows the sinner.




Living right is like posting a guard for your life. Every choice for good sets into motion other opportunities for good. Evil choices follow the same pattern, but in the opposite direction. Each decision you make to obey God's Word will bring a greater sense of order to your life, while each decision to disobey will bring confusion and destruction. The right choices you make reflect your integrity. Obedience brings the greatest safety and security.



Joe




















 

Control your tongue. (Proverbs 13:3)

Proverbs 13:3

New Living Translation (NLT)



 

³ Those who control their tongue will have a long life;
    opening your mouth can ruin everything.



You have not mastered self-control if you do not control what you say. Words can cut and destroy. James recognized this truth when he stated, "The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts" (James 3:5). If you want to be self-controlled, begin with your tongue. Stop and think before you react or speak. If you can control this small but powerful member, you can control the rest of your body.




Joe




















 

Waste is poor stewardship. (Proverbs 12:27)

Proverbs 12:27

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

²⁷ Lazy people don’t even cook the game they catch,
    but the diligent make use of everything they find.


The diligent make wise use of their possessions and resources; the lazy waste them. Waste has become a way of life for many who live in a land of plenty. Waste is poor stewardship. Make good use of everything God has given you, and prize it.



Joe


















 

Fools have short fuses. (Proverbs 12:16)

Proverbs 12:16

The Message (MSG)


 

¹⁶ Fools have short fuses and explode all too quickly;
    the prudent quietly shrug off insults.



When someone annoys or insults you, it is natural to retaliate. But this solves nothing and only encourages trouble. Instead, answer slowly and quietly. Your positive response will achieve positive results. Proverbs 15:1 says, "A gentle answer turns away wrath."



Joe

















 

Do your words build up, or tear down? (Proverbs 11:9)

Proverbs 11:9

The Message (MSG)


 

⁹ The loose tongue of the godless spreads destruction;
    the common sense of the godly preserves them.




The tongue can be used as a weapon or a tool, hurting relationships or building them up. Sadly, it is often easier to destroy than to build, and most people have received more destructive comments than those that build up. Every person that you meet today is either a demolition site, or a construction opportunity. Your words will make a difference. Will they be weapons for destruction or tools for construction.




Joe



















 

How do you handle constuctive criticism? (Proverbs 12:1)

Proverbs 12:1

New International Version (NIV)


 

12 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
    but whoever hates correction is stupid.




If you don't want to learn, years of schooling will teach you very little. But if you want to be taught, there is no end to what you can learn. This includes being willing to accept discipline and correction and to learn from the wisdom of others. A person who refuses constructive criticism has a problem with pride. Such a person is unlikely to learn very much.




Joe





















 

An excellent wife is more precious than jewels (Proverbs 31:10-31)

Proverbs 31:10-31

English Standard Version (ESV)


 

¹⁰  An excellent wife who can find?
    She is far more precious than jewels.
¹¹ The heart of her husband trusts in her,
    and he will have no lack of gain.
¹² She does him good, and not harm,
    all the days of her life.



 
33 years ago today I married that excellent wife ! Happy Anniversary Patricia !










 

Refuse to be lazy. (Proverbs 10:4-5)

Proverbs 10:4-5

New Living Translation (NLT)


 

⁴ Lazy people are soon poor;
    hard workers get rich.

⁵ A wise youth harvests in the summer,
    but one who sleeps during harvest is a disgrace.



Every day has 24 hours filled with opportunities to grow, serve, and be productive. Yet it is so easy to waste time, letting life slip from our grasp. Refuse to be a lazy person, sleeping or squandering away the hours meant for productive work. See time as God's gift and seize your opportunities to live diligently for Him.



Joe




























 

Are you a Wise guy ? (Proverbs 9:7-10)

Proverbs 9:7-10

New International Version (NIV)


 

⁷ Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults;
    whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse.
⁸ Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you;
    rebuke the wise and they will love you.
⁹ Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still;
    teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.

¹⁰ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
    and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.




Are you a mocker or a wise person? You can tell by the way you respond to criticism. Instead of tossing back a quick putdown or clever retort when rebuked, listen to what is being said. Learn from your critics; this is the path to wisdom. Wisdom begins with knowing God. He gives insight into living because He created life. To know God is not just to know the facts about Him, but to stand in awe of Him and have a relationship with Him. Do you really want to be wise? Get to know God better and better. (see James 1:5 below)

James 1:5

New International Version (NIV)

 

⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.




Joe





















 

Seek your parents' advice. (Proverbs 6:20-23)

Proverbs 6:20-23

The Message (MSG)

 

^20-23 Good friend, follow your father’s good advice;
    don’t wander off from your mother’s teachings.
Wrap yourself in them from head to foot;
    wear them like a scarf around your neck.
Wherever you walk, they’ll guide you;
    whenever you rest, they’ll guard you;
    when you wake up, they’ll tell you what’s next.
For sound advice is a beacon,
    good teaching is a light,
    moral discipline is a life path.



It is natural and good for children, as they grow toward adulthood, to become increasingly independent of their parents. Young adults, however, should take care not to turn a deaf ear to their parents - to reject their advice just when it is needed most. If you are struggling with a decision or looking for insight, check with your parents or other older adults who know you well. Their extra years of experience may have given them the wisdom you seek.



Joe

















 

A Lesson from the Ant (Proverbs 6:6-11)

Proverbs 6:6-11

The Message (MSG)

 

^6-11 You lazy fool, look at an ant.
    Watch it closely; let it teach you a thing or two.
Nobody has to tell it what to do.
    All summer it stores up food;
    at harvest it stockpiles provisions.
So how long are you going to laze around doing nothing?
    How long before you get out of bed?
A nap here, a nap there, a day off here, a day off there,
    sit back, take it easy—do you know what comes next?
Just this: You can look forward to a dirt-poor life,
    poverty your permanent house guest!



Those last few moments of sleep are delicious - we savor them as we resist beginning another workday. But Proverbs warns us against giving in to the temptation of laziness, of sleeping instead of working. This does not mean that we should never rest: God gave the Jews the Sabbath, a weekly day of rest and restoration. But we should not rest when we should be working. The ant is used as an example because it utilizes its energy and resources economically. If laziness turns us from our responsibilities, poverty may soon bar us from the legitimate rest we should enjoy.



Joe



















 

Lips as sweet as honey (Proverbs 5:3-8)

Proverbs 5:3-8

New Living Translation (NLT)


 

³ For the lips of an immoral woman are as sweet as honey,
    and her mouth is smoother than oil.
⁴ But in the end she is as bitter as poison,
    as dangerous as a double-edged sword.
⁵ Her feet go down to death;
    her steps lead straight to the grave.
⁶ For she cares nothing about the path to life.
    She staggers down a crooked trail and doesn’t realize it.

⁷ So now, my sons, listen to me.
    Never stray from what I am about to say:
⁸ Stay away from her!
    Don’t go near the door of her house!



Any person should be on guard against those who use flattery and smooth speech (lips as sweet as honey) that would lead him or her into sin. The best advice is to take a detour and even avoid conversation with such people.




Joe







 

Don't get sidetracked on detours that lead to sin. (Proverbs 4:23-27)

Proverbs 4:23-27

New Living Translation (NLT)


 

²³ Guard your heart above all else,
    for it determines the course of your life.

²⁴ Avoid all perverse talk;
    stay away from corrupt speech.

²⁵ Look straight ahead,
    and fix your eyes on what lies before you.
²⁶ Mark out a straight path for your feet;
    stay on the safe path.
²⁷ Don’t get sidetracked;
    keep your feet from following evil.



Our heart - our feelings of love and desire - dictates to a great extent how we live because we always find time to do what we enjoy. Solomon tells us to guard our heart above all else, making sure we concentrate on those desires that will keep us on the right path. Make sure your affections push you in the right direction. Put boundaries on your desires: don't go after everything you see. Look straight ahead, keep your eyes fixed on your goal, and don't get sidetracked on detours that lead to sin.





Joe

















 

God will share His heart with you. (Proverbs 1:23-28)

Proverbs 1:23-28

New Living Translation (NLT)



 

²³ Come and listen to my counsel.
I’ll share my heart with you
    and make you wise.

²⁴ “I called you so often, but you wouldn’t come.
    I reached out to you, but you paid no attention.
²⁵ You ignored my advice
    and rejected the correction I offered.
²⁶ So I will laugh when you are in trouble!
    I will mock you when disaster overtakes you—
²⁷ when calamity overtakes you like a storm,
    when disaster engulfs you like a cyclone,
    and anguish and distress overwhelm you.

²⁸ “When they cry for help, I will not answer.
    Though they anxiously search for me, they will not find me.



God is more than willing to pour out His heart and makes known His thoughts to us. To receive His advice, we must be willing to listen, refusing to let pride stand in our way. Pride is thinking more highly of our own wisdom and desires than of God's. If we think we know better than God or feel we have no need of God's direction, we have fallen into foolish and disastrous pride.




Joe















 

Sin is enticing. (Proverbs 1:10-19)

Proverbs 1:10-19

New Living Translation (NLT)


 

¹⁰ My child, if sinners entice you,
    turn your back on them!
¹¹ They may say, “Come and join us.
    Let’s hide and kill someone!
    Just for fun, let’s ambush the innocent!
¹² Let’s swallow them alive, like the grave;
    let’s swallow them whole, like those who go down to the pit of death.
¹³ Think of the great things we’ll get!
    We’ll fill our houses with all the stuff we take.
¹⁴ Come, throw in your lot with us;
    we’ll all share the loot.”

¹⁵ My child, don’t go along with them!
    Stay far away from their paths.
¹⁶ They rush to commit evil deeds.
    They hurry to commit murder.
¹⁷ If a bird sees a trap being set,
    it knows to stay away.
¹⁸ But these people set an ambush for themselves;
    they are trying to get themselves killed.
¹⁹ Such is the fate of all who are greedy for money;
    it robs them of life.




Sin is enticing because it offers a quick route to prosperity and makes you feel like one of the crowd. But when we go along with others and refuse to listen to the truth, our own appetites become our masters, and we'll do anything to satisfy them. Sin, when attractive, is deadly. We must learn to make choices, not on the basis of flashy appeal or short-range pleasure, but in view of the long-range effects. Sometimes this means steering clear of people who want to entice us into activities that we know are wrong. We can't be friendly with sin and expect our lives to remain unaffected.




Joe





















 

Actions speak louder than words. (Proverbs 1:8)

Proverbs 1:8

New International Version (NIV)


 

⁸ Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction
    and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.



Our actions speak louder than our words. This is especially true in the home. Children learn values, morals, and priorities by observing how their parents act and react every day. If parents exhibit a deep reverence for and dependence on God, the children will catch these attitudes. Let them see your reverence for God. Teach them right living by giving worship an important place in your family life and by reading the Bible together.



Joe