Covenant Grove Daily Devotionals

The sayings of King Lemuel contain this message, which his mother taught him. O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows, do not waste your strength on women, on those who ruin kings. It is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine. Rulers should not crave alcohol. For if they drink, they may forget the law and not give justice to the oppressed. Alcohol is for the dying, and wine for those in bitter distress. Let them drink to forget their poverty and remember their troubles no more. Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice. Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She finds wool and flax and busily spins it. She is like a merchants ship, bringing her food from afar. She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the days work for her servant girls. She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard. She is energetic and strong, a hard worker. She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night. Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber. She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy. She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes. She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns. Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders. She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants. She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all! Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭31‬:‭1‬-‭31‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This chapter of wisdom is from King Lemuels mother. She begins by telling him not to waste his time on women. Then she goes on to tell him how to find a noble and godly wifewho is worth more than any amount of riches. We need wisdom to discern the truth heredont waste your energy chasing womenyou have a kingdom to run. But the one woman of noble character is worth more than chasing riches or more powershe is worth pursuing, for she will bless your life as you rise and call her blessed.

King Lemuels mother described the wife of noble character to help her son have discernment in his search for a bride. These verses apply to men and women. If you are single, dont desperately chase after love, but be ready for the person with character to come into your life. The noble wife is trustworthy, hard-working, good with money, generous to the poor, wise to plan ahead, confident, and loved by her family. We all want to marry a person like this! Even more, we need to be people like this. In fact, many commentators believe that these verses are a description of Lady Wisdom herselfand example for men and women to follow. Take a look back over these verses and find some ways that you will allow God to grow deeper character in you.

How can you be wise in love? If you are married, how can you make your marriage better? If you are single, how can you more fully receive and live out the love of Jesus?

The sayings of Agur son of Jakeh contain this message. I am weary, O God; I am weary and worn out, O God. I am too stupid to be human, and I lack common sense. I have not mastered human wisdom, nor do I know the Holy One. Who but God goes up to heaven and comes back down? Who holds the wind in his fists? Who wraps up the oceans in his cloak? Who has created the whole wide world? What is his nameand his sons name? Tell me if you know! Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection. Do not add to his words, or he may rebuke you and expose you as a liar. O God, I beg two favors from you; let me have them before I die. First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, Who is the Lord? And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult Gods holy name. Never slander a worker to the employer, or the person will curse you, and you will pay for it. Some people curse their father and do not thank their mother. They are pure in their own eyes, but they are filthy and unwashed. They look proudly around, casting disdainful glances. They have teeth like swords and fangs like knives. They devour the poor from the earth and the needy from among humanity. The leech has two suckers that cry out, More, more! There are three things that are never satisfied no, four that never say, Enough!: the grave, the barren womb, the thirsty desert, the blazing fire. The eye that mocks a father and despises a mothers instructions will be plucked out by ravens of the valley and eaten by vultures. There are three things that amaze me no, four things that I dont understand: how an eagle glides through the sky, how a snake slithers on a rock, how a ship navigates the ocean, how a man loves a woman. An adulterous woman consumes a man, then wipes her mouth and says, Whats wrong with that? There are three things that make the earth tremble no, four it cannot endure: a slave who becomes a king, an overbearing fool who prospers, a bitter woman who finally gets a husband, a servant girl who supplants her mistress. There are four things on earth that are small but unusually wise: Antsthey arent strong, but they store up food all summer. Hyraxesthey arent powerful, but they make their homes among the rocks. Locuststhey have no king, but they march in formation. Lizardsthey are easy to catch, but they are found even in kings palaces. There are three things that walk with stately stride no, four that strut about: the lion, king of animals, who wont turn aside for anything, the strutting rooster, the male goat, a king as he leads his army. If you have been a fool by being proud or plotting evil, cover your mouth in shame. As the beating of cream yields butter and striking the nose causes bleeding, so stirring up anger causes quarrels.‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭30‬:‭1‬-‭33‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The proverbs in this chapter are from Agur. We dont know who he was, but he was likely not from Israel. Agur was very observant about life and nature, and his lists spark reflection and insight. The wisdom of this book is not just from the Israelites; Solomon and others had enough wisdom to gather wisdom from around the world. This doesnt mean that all knowledge is goodmany wish we never had invented the atomic bomb, and some knowledge is only gained for evil intentions. Knowledge must be filtered through the wisdom of Gods word. All truth is Gods truth.

Agur prayed for two things: never to tell a lie and to be neither too poor or rich. There is wisdom in this prayer! What Agur wanted was to live a godly life, not an easy life. Too many of us want life to be richer, easier, and more comfortable. We forget that human desire is never satisfied (30:15-16; 27:20). Only by wanting less can you have everything you want. Only once you are content can you comprehend that God is all you need.

Do your prayers reflect both dependence on God and contentment? Explain your answer. How can you gain wisdom from many sources, while being wise about what you are learning? How is Gods word the highest authority for your learning and truth?

Whoever stubbornly refuses to accept criticism will suddenly be destroyed beyond recovery. When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan. The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but if he hangs around with prostitutes, his wealth is wasted. A just king gives stability to his nation, but one who demands bribes destroys it. To flatter friends is to lay a trap for their feet. Evil people are trapped by sin, but the righteous escape, shouting for joy. The godly care about the rights of the poor; the wicked dont care at all. Mockers can get a whole town agitated, but the wise will calm anger. If a wise person takes a fool to court, there will be ranting and ridicule but no satisfaction. The bloodthirsty hate blameless people, but the upright seek to help them. Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back. If a ruler pays attention to liars, all his advisers will be wicked. The poor and the oppressor have this in common the Lord gives sight to the eyes of both. If a king judges the poor fairly, his throne will last forever. To discipline a child produces wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child. When the wicked are in authority, sin flourishes, but the godly will live to see their downfall. Discipline your children, and they will give you peace of mind and will make your heart glad. When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful. Words alone will not discipline a servant; the words may be understood, but they are not heeded. There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking. A servant pampered from childhood will become a rebel. An angry person starts fights; a hot-tempered person commits all kinds of sin. Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor. If you assist a thief, you only hurt yourself. You are sworn to tell the truth, but you dare not testify. Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety. Many seek the rulers favor, but justice comes from the Lord. The righteous despise the unjust; the wicked despise the godly.‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭29‬:‭1‬-‭27‬ ‭NLT‬‬

In this chapter, a lot of proverbs talk about the danger of emotions that get out of control, especially anger. Mockers get a whole town angrydrama is all around them (v.8). Fools vent their anger and dont hold back (v.11); they speak without thinking (v.20). Angry people start fights and cause all sorts of sin (v.22), and a lot of problems come from pride (v.23). Pride, gossip, anger, wordsthese all come from emotions and thoughts that run out of control.

Many of the proverbs are about leadershipgodly leaders bring joy (v.2), care about the rights of the poor (v.7), do not pay attention to liars (v.12), live to see the downfall of the wicked (v.16), and do not fear people but trust in the Lord (v.25). Verse 19 is so important: Words alone will not discipline a servant; the words may be understood, but they are not heeded. Talking alone is usually not enough; life has to provide its own (very tough) lessons. Aim more for the will than the head: how can you help others make right choices? Many times, this will mean giving less advice and asking more questions.

Why are emotions good? How can unchecked emotions cause serious problems? Do you try to rescue people from their mistakes, or help them learn from their mistakes?

The wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but the godly are as bold as lions. When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability. A poor person who oppresses the poor is like a pounding rain that destroys the crops. To reject the law is to praise the wicked; to obey the law is to fight them. Evil people dont understand justice, but those who follow the Lord understand completely. Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and rich. Young people who obey the law are wise; those with wild friends bring shame to their parents. Income from charging high interest rates will end up in the pocket of someone who is kind to the poor. God detests the prayers of a person who ignores the law. Those who lead good people along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the honest will inherit good things. Rich people may think they are wise, but a poor person with discernment can see right through them. When the godly succeed, everyone is glad. When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding. People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. Blessed are those who fear to do wrong, but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble. A wicked ruler is as dangerous to the poor as a roaring lion or an attacking bear. A ruler with no understanding will oppress his people, but one who hates corruption will have a long life. A murderers tormented conscience will drive him into the grave. Dont protect him! The blameless will be rescued from harm, but the crooked will be suddenly destroyed. A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies ends up in poverty. The trustworthy person will get a rich reward, but a person who wants quick riches will get into trouble. Showing partiality is never good, yet some will do wrong for a mere piece of bread. Greedy people try to get rich quick but dont realize theyre headed for poverty. In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery. Anyone who steals from his father and mother and says, Whats wrong with that? is no better than a murderer. Greed causes fighting; trusting the Lord leads to prosperity. Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe. Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed. When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding. When the wicked meet disaster, the godly flourish.Proverbs‬ ‭28‬:‭1‬-‭28‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Wisdom is more than knowledge; it is making choices to lead a godly life. The godly are bold (v.1), and a moral nation is strong (v.2) because godly people understand justice (v.5). Being godly doesnt mean you are perfect but that you know how to say when you were wrong (v.13). Godliness means you are generous with money (vv.8, 27), honest (vv.6, 23), hard-working (v.19), trustworthy (vv.20-21), humble (v.26), and not greedy (vv.22, 25). To live out these character qualities, you have to stop doing what is easy and make the hard choices to follow Jesus, even when it is tough. It is hardest at the beginning, when you are carving a new, godly habit into your life. As you continue, though, there is joy, satisfaction, and the peace from knowing you have done what is right. Most of all, these choices grow you closer to Christ; He is the source of overflowing joy.

Why is their spiritual decay in our country? One of the main reasons is that Christians have not lived out their calling to invite others: less and less percentage of the population goes to church on a regular basis now (between 18-30%, depending on the study). We are frustrated that people dont think like Christiansbecause they arent practicing Christians. One of our jobs as believers is to be good citizens (v.7), help those in need (v.27), empower those who love God (v.28), and work against greed (v.25). But our biggest job is not just citizenship; it is evangelism. People need JesusHe is the cure.

Which new habits is God asking you to add into your life? Which bad habits do you need to cut out of your life? Who can you begin a spiritual conversation with this week or invite to church?

Honor is no more associated with fools than snow with summer or rain with harvest. Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse will not land on its intended victim. Guide a horse with a whip, a donkey with a bridle, and a fool with a rod to his back! Dont answer the foolish arguments of fools, or you will become as foolish as they are. Be sure to answer the foolish arguments of fools, or they will become wise in their own estimation. Trusting a fool to convey a message is like cutting off ones feet or drinking poison! A proverb in the mouth of a fool is as useless as a paralyzed leg. Honoring a fool is as foolish as tying a stone to a slingshot. A proverb in the mouth of a fool is like a thorny branch brandished by a drunk. An employer who hires a fool or a bystander is like an archer who shoots at random. As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his foolishness. There is more hope for fools than for people who think they are wise. The lazy person claims, Theres a lion on the road! Yes, Im sure theres a lion out there! As a door swings back and forth on its hinges, so the lazy person turns over in bed. Lazy people take food in their hand but dont even lift it to their mouth. Lazy people consider themselves smarter than seven wise counselors. Interfering in someone elses argument is as foolish as yanking a dogs ears. Just as damaging as a madman shooting a deadly weapon is someone who lies to a friend and then says, I was only joking. Fire goes out without wood, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops. A quarrelsome person starts fights as easily as hot embers light charcoal or fire lights wood. Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into ones heart. Smooth words may hide a wicked heart, just as a pretty glaze covers a clay pot. People may cover their hatred with pleasant words, but theyre deceiving you. They pretend to be kind, but dont believe them. Their hearts are full of many evils. While their hatred may be concealed by trickery, their wrongdoing will be exposed in public. If you set a trap for others, you will get caught in it yourself. If you roll a boulder down on others, it will crush you instead. A lying tongue hates its victims, and flattering words cause ruin.‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭26‬:‭1‬-‭28‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Dont brag about tomorrow, since you dont know what the day will bring. Let someone else praise you, not your own mouth a stranger, not your own lips. A stone is heavy and sand is weighty, but the resentment caused by a fool is even heavier. Anger is cruel, and wrath is like a flood, but jealousy is even more dangerous. An open rebuke is better than hidden love! Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy. A person who is full refuses honey, but even bitter food tastes sweet to the hungry. A person who strays from home is like a bird that strays from its nest. The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense. Never abandon a friend either yours or your fathers. When disaster strikes, you wont have to ask your brother for assistance. Its better to go to a neighbor than to a brother who lives far away. Be wise, my child, and make my heart glad. Then I will be able to answer my critics. A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. Get security from someone who guarantees a strangers debt. Get a deposit if he does it for foreigners. A loud and cheerful greeting early in the morning will be taken as a curse! A quarrelsome wife is as annoying as constant dripping on a rainy day. Stopping her complaints is like trying to stop the wind or trying to hold something with greased hands. As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. As workers who tend a fig tree are allowed to eat the fruit, so workers who protect their employers interests will be rewarded. As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person. Just as Death and Destruction are never satisfied, so human desire is never satisfied. Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but a person is tested by being praised. You cannot separate fools from their foolishness, even though you grind them like grain with mortar and pestle. Know the state of your flocks, and put your heart into caring for your herds, for riches dont last forever, and the crown might not be passed to the next generation. After the hay is harvested and the new crop appears and the mountain grasses are gathered in, your sheep will provide wool for clothing, and your goats will provide the price of a field. And you will have enough goats milk for yourself, your family, and your servant girls.‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭27‬:‭1‬-‭27‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This chapter puts a lot of subjects together: fools, lazy people, arguing, and words. Wise people never think they have enough wisdom. They always want more, pursue more, and ask questions to seek more truth and understanding. Does this describe your life?

27:4 says not to answer the fool, or you will become as foolish as they are, but 27:5 says to answer the fool so that they do not become wise in their own eyes. The editors of the book intentionally put these two proverbs together. Both proverbs are true; both are important. To know which one to do requireswisdom. Are you discerning with your advice?

27:5-6 talk about trusting wounds from a friend. Not only do we have to be willing to hear hard truth from godly friends; we actually have to EMPOWER them to tell us what we dont want to hear. We need encouragement, but we also need people who can speak the truth in love. Who are those people in your life? If you dont have them, how can you start finding them?

The chapter ends with a huge proverbalmost poemabout planning ahead. We need to be prepared as if disaster is coming. Some Christians think that loving and trusting God means we shouldnt plan or save aheadthat is not true, nor is it wise. When God gives us more than we need we are not supposed to spend more on ourselves, trusting in God to providethat is just greed. We are supposed to take that excess and bless others. We also need to save. That still means God is our securitybecause He provided the savings! So often the disasters in life take us totally by surprise. If we plan ahead, we will be much more prepared and able to help others in the storm. Are you prepared for the future? How are you handling the surplus that God has provided to you?

These are more proverbs of Solomon, collected by the advisers of King Hezekiah of Judah. It is Gods privilege to conceal things and the kings privilege to discover them. No one can comprehend the height of heaven, the depth of the earth, or all that goes on in the kings mind! Remove the impurities from silver, and the sterling will be ready for the silversmith. Remove the wicked from the kings court, and his reign will be made secure by justice. Dont demand an audience with the king or push for a place among the great. Its better to wait for an invitation to the head table than to be sent away in public disgrace. Just because youve seen something, dont be in a hurry to go to court. For what will you do in the end if your neighbor deals you a shameful defeat? When arguing with your neighbor, dont betray another persons secret. Others may accuse you of gossip, and you will never regain your good reputation. Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket. To one who listens, valid criticism is like a gold earring or other gold jewelry. Trustworthy messengers refresh like snow in summer. They revive the spirit of their employer. A person who promises a gift but doesnt give it is like clouds and wind that bring no rain. Patience can persuade a prince, and soft speech can break bones. Do you like honey? Dont eat too much, or it will make you sick! Dont visit your neighbors too often, or you will wear out your welcome. Telling lies about others is as harmful as hitting them with an ax, wounding them with a sword, or shooting them with a sharp arrow. Putting confidence in an unreliable person in times of trouble is like chewing with a broken tooth or walking on a lame foot. Singing cheerful songs to a person with a heavy heart is like taking someones coat in cold weather or pouring vinegar in a wound. If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them water to drink. You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads, and the Lord will reward you. As surely as a north wind brings rain, so a gossiping tongue causes anger! Its better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home. Good news from far away is like cold water to the thirsty. If the godly give in to the wicked, its like polluting a fountain or muddying a spring. Its not good to eat too much honey, and its not good to seek honors for yourself. A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭25‬:‭1‬-‭28‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Many of these proverbs are about how to be a good leader. God gives us leaders to help us grow closer to Him and live out His mission on earth. In this proverb we see that wise leadership pays attention to the voices, information, and people that we allow to influence us. Likewise, we want to be wise about how we use our influence. Effective leaders choose their words carefully. Even when interacting with other leaders, patience and wise words are crucial. Effective leadership is a skill and a spiritual gift; surrounding yourself with wise leaders is a solid biblical practice.

One of the hardest proverbs to understand is verse 2: God conceals things, but the kings job is to search them out. This does not mean that God hides everything, but there are things in life that require questioning, searching, and investigation. The Lord is not against questions -- He invites them. One of the most important things a growing leader will do is ask questions. Jesus asked people hundreds of questions. Questions provoke people to think and get to the heart of the matter. Questions also help a leader grow if he or she is asking the right questions. Great leaders are life-long learners with a growth mindset; they are curious, they ask, whats next, and they are eager to grow. If you want to find future leaders, look for the people who ask questions and enjoy learning. Invest in those who are not content with what they already know, or the way things already are.

How are you using your influence to lead others closer to Christ? This week, how can you practice a growth mindset by asking questions, and determining a next step? What action step will you take today to lead yourself, then lead others with godly wisdom?

Dont envy evil people or desire their company. For their hearts plot violence, and their words always stir up trouble. A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense. Through knowledge its rooms are filled with all sorts of precious riches and valuables. The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger. So dont go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many advisers. Wisdom is too lofty for fools. Among leaders at the city gate, they have nothing to say. A person who plans evil will get a reputation as a troublemaker. The schemes of a fool are sinful; everyone detests a mocker. If you fail under pressure, your strength is too small. Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to die; save them as they stagger to their death. Dont excuse yourself by saying, Look, we didnt know. For God understands all hearts, and he sees you. He who guards your soul knows you knew. He will repay all people as their actions deserve. My child, eat honey, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to the taste. In the same way, wisdom is sweet to your soul. If you find it, you will have a bright future, and your hopes will not be cut short. Dont wait in ambush at the home of the godly, and dont raid the house where the godly live. The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked. Dont rejoice when your enemies fall; dont be happy when they stumble. For the Lord will be displeased with you and will turn his anger away from them. Dont fret because of evildoers; dont envy the wicked. For evil people have no future; the light of the wicked will be snuffed out. My child, fear the Lord and the king. Dont associate with rebels, for disaster will hit them suddenly. Who knows what punishment will come from the Lord and the king? Here are some further sayings of the wise: It is wrong to show favoritism when passing judgment. A judge who says to the wicked, You are innocent, will be cursed by many people and denounced by the nations. But it will go well for those who convict the guilty; rich blessings will be showered on them. An honest answer is like a kiss of friendship. Do your planning and prepare your fields before building your house. Dont testify against your neighbors without cause; dont lie about them. And dont say, Now I can pay them back for what theyve done to me! Ill get even with them! I walked by the field of a lazy person, the vineyard of one with no common sense. I saw that it was overgrown with nettles. It was covered with weeds, and its walls were broken down. Then, as I looked and thought about it, I learned this lesson: A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭24‬:‭1‬-‭34‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Wisdom brings strength. Physical power or finances are not enough to overcome wisdom. This is why the wise constantly seek out wisdom and wise counsel. Those with physical power try to fight or push their way through problems, and those with an abundance of money often think they can buy their way out of any problem. Wise people seek and honor God, they know how to build influence and work together with others to solve problems, and wise people know how to think outside the box for creative solutions. The wise know how to handle stress and look to the Lord for grace under pressure. This is true strength in life. As wise people prove themselves, they are sought out more and more by others.

Verses 11-12 are a call for Christians to fight for justice. We cannot sit passively on the sidelines and do nothing. The first step is to be aware and to cover these problems in prayer. We need to pray so we can know where God is calling us to be active, where to support others, and where to let others act and lead. God will judge all lives. The call is not to do all things but to follow Christ and be obedient in all thingsbig and small.

How can you fight for justice this week? Looking back a year, are you stronger in the Lords wisdom? How can you grow even stronger with Jesus?

While dining with a ruler, pay attention to what is put before you. If you are a big eater, put a knife to your throat; dont desire all the delicacies, for he might be trying to trick you. Dont wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit. In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle. Dont eat with people who are stingy; dont desire their delicacies. They are always thinking about how much it costs. Eat and drink, they say, but they dont mean it. You will throw up what little youve eaten, and your compliments will be wasted. Dont waste your breath on fools, for they will despise the wisest advice. Dont cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers; dont take the land of defenseless orphans. For their Redeemer is strong; he himself will bring their charges against you. Commit yourself to instruction; listen carefully to words of knowledge. Dont fail to discipline your children. The rod of punishment wont kill them. Physical discipline may well save them from death. My child, if your heart is wise, my own heart will rejoice! Everything in me will celebrate when you speak what is right. Dont envy sinners, but always continue to fear the Lord. You will be rewarded for this; your hope will not be disappointed. My child, listen and be wise: Keep your heart on the right course. Do not carouse with drunkards or feast with gluttons, for they are on their way to poverty, and too much sleep clothes them in rags. Listen to your father, who gave you life, and dont despise your mother when she is old. Get the truth and never sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment. The father of godly children has cause for joy. What a pleasure to have children who are wise. So give your father and mother joy! May she who gave you birth be happy. O my son, give me your heart. May your eyes take delight in following my ways. A prostitute is a dangerous trap; a promiscuous woman is as dangerous as falling into a narrow well. She hides and waits like a robber, eager to make more men unfaithful. Who has anguish? Who has sorrow? Who is always fighting? Who is always complaining? Who has unnecessary bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? It is the one who spends long hours in the taverns, trying out new drinks. Dont gaze at the wine, seeing how red it is, how it sparkles in the cup, how smoothly it goes down. For in the end it bites like a poisonous snake; it stings like a viper. You will see hallucinations, and you will say crazy things. You will stagger like a sailor tossed at sea, clinging to a swaying mast. And you will say, They hit me, but I didnt feel it. I didnt even know it when they beat me up. When will I wake up so I can look for another drink?‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭23‬:‭1‬-‭35‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Food and drink are necessary for life, but they can easily pull us down from the life God has for us. The one who spends too much of life drinking alcohol winds up in anguish (vv.29-35), only thinking about drinking more. Eating with stingy people will make you want to throw up your food because they are always thinking about how much everything costs (vv.6-8). And some people are trying to manipulate us with food (vv.1-3). We can enjoy our food and be merry, but we have to remember that life is more than food and drink (Luke 12:23).

The beginning of this chapter gives great wisdom about money. First, dont desire all the wealth of the rich, even if you have rich friends. Be wise and a bit guarded. Second, dont wear yourself out trying to get rich. Wealth can disappear in a moment, and it is not the true measure of lifeso why spend the full measure of your time on it? Be content. Third, dont spend time with the stingy (or be the stingy one). It is a joy to be around generous people, and generosity can be found among the rich and poor alike.

How important are food and drink to you? What can you learn from this chapter? How well are you living out the wisdom of these proverbs about money and generosity?

Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold. The rich and poor have this in common: The Lord made them both. A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life. Corrupt people walk a thorny, treacherous road; whoever values life will avoid it. Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender. Those who plant injustice will harvest disaster, and their reign of terror will come to an end. Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor. Throw out the mocker, and fighting goes, too. Quarrels and insults will disappear. Whoever loves a pure heart and gracious speech will have the king as a friend. The Lord preserves those with knowledge, but he ruins the plans of the treacherous. The lazy person claims, Theres a lion out there! If I go outside, I might be killed! The mouth of an immoral woman is a dangerous trap; those who make the Lord angry will fall into it. A youngsters heart is filled with foolishness, but physical discipline will drive it far away. A person who gets ahead by oppressing the poor or by showering gifts on the rich will end in poverty. Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction. For it is good to keep these sayings in your heart and always ready on your lips. I am teaching you todayyes, you so you will trust in the Lord. I have written thirty sayings for you, filled with advice and knowledge. In this way, you may know the truth and take an accurate report to those who sent you. Dont rob the poor just because you can, or exploit the needy in court. For the Lord is their defender. He will ruin anyone who ruins them. Dont befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people, or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul. Dont agree to guarantee another persons debt or put up security for someone else. If you cant pay it, even your bed will be snatched from under you. Dont cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers set up by previous generations. Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than working for ordinary people.‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭22‬:‭1‬-‭29‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Perhaps no other verse in the book of Proverbs has caused as much pride and pain as verse 6; it seems to be a promiseif you guide your kids on the right path, they will not leave it when they are older.

Three points of wisdom to consider: First, proverbs are not promises, they are general observations about life. They help us to make good choices, including as parentsto help our kids be disciplined and see God. Second, we need to remember that we were children once too. Our lives are a result of choices we made. Our parents either helped or hindered us on the path to a godly life, but we made our choicesour kids have to make those choices, too. Finally, we need to remember that God is NEVER done reaching out and calling for someoneto the parents with pride, and parents with pain, and the wandering children who need to come home.

Within the book of Proverbs there are multiple examples of unwise peopleto warn us. Corrupt people walk dangerous paths, mocking people, love to start fights, lazy people make excuses and justify their lack of action, and immoral people use their mouths to trap people. These are people who know what is right but have chosen to do what is wrong. Sometimes we are supposed to speak up and reach out to them, but most of the time we need to distance ourselves from them and the wake of consequences that surround their bad choices. We are called by Christ to reach out in love, and to invite everyone into the love of Christ. We are not supposed to save people from their own choices.

The kings heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; he guides it wherever he pleases. People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart. The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices. Haughty eyes, a proud heart, and evil actions are all sin. Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty. Wealth created by a lying tongue is a vanishing mist and a deadly trap. The violence of the wicked sweeps them away, because they refuse to do what is just. The guilty walk a crooked path; the innocent travel a straight road. Its better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home. Evil people desire evil; their neighbors get no mercy from them. If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded become wise; if you instruct the wise, they will be all the wiser. The Righteous One knows what is going on in the homes of the wicked; he will bring disaster on them. Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need. A secret gift calms anger; a bribe under the table pacifies fury. Justice is a joy to the godly, but it terrifies evildoers. The person who strays from common sense will end up in the company of the dead. Those who love pleasure become poor; those who love wine and luxury will never be rich. The wicked are punished in place of the godly, and traitors in place of the honest. Its better to live alone in the desert than with a quarrelsome, complaining wife. The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get. Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor. The wise conquer the city of the strong and level the fortress in which they trust. Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble. Mockers are proud and haughty; they act with boundless arrogance. Despite their desires, the lazy will come to ruin, for their hands refuse to work. Some people are always greedy for more, but the godly love to give! The sacrifice of an evil person is detestable, especially when it is offered with wrong motives. A false witness will be cut off, but a credible witness will be allowed to speak. The wicked bluff their way through, but the virtuous think before they act. No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the Lord. The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭21‬:‭1‬-‭31‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Do you love to give advice? Do you have some people in your life that you nag? We all want to feel important, and giving advice makes us feel like we know more and are helping. The proverbs in this chapter should give us pause, though. It is better to live in the corner of an atticor alone in the desertthan with a nagging spouse. Nagging people are right in their own eyes, but God knows the heart (v.2). The best plan is often to say nothing; saying too much leads to trouble (v.23).

Life provides its own lessons. It is not wrong to give some advice, but it is not wise to. We cant prevent people from learning the hard lessons on their own; that is the only way that lessons are absorbed. Those who pursue righteousness find life (v.21), the lazy come to ruin (v.25), and those who work hard experience prosperity (v.5).

The best advice: give less advice. Support people. If someone needs to open their eyes to a problem, ask questions so that they will discover the truth on their own. Pass on wisdom but understand what helps a person absorb that wisdom. The goal is for the other person to think and act wisely, learning from their mistakes and victories. You want them to be dependent on God, not you. Otherwise, you will be giving them advice for the rest of your life. Thats not what you wanted, is it? Thats not what you want, is it?

How much advice do you give? How can you work on giving less advice, focusing more on asking good questions?