Covenant Grove Daily Devotionals

Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls. Those led astray by drink cannot be wise. The kings fury is like a lions roar; to rouse his anger is to risk your life. Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling. Those too lazy to plow in the right season will have no food at the harvest. Though good advice lies deep within the heart, a person with understanding will draw it out. Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable? The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them. When a king sits in judgment, he weighs all the evidence, distinguishing the bad from the good. Who can say, I have cleansed my heart; I am pure and free from sin? False weights and unequal measures the Lord detests double standards of every kind. Even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure, and whether it is right. Ears to hear and eyes to see both are gifts from the Lord. If you love sleep, you will end in poverty. Keep your eyes open, and there will be plenty to eat! The buyer haggles over the price, saying, Its worthless, then brags about getting a bargain! Wise words are more valuable than much gold and many rubies. Get security from someone who guarantees a strangers debt. Get a deposit if he does it for foreigners. Stolen bread tastes sweet, but it turns to gravel in the mouth. Plans succeed through good counsel; dont go to war without wise advice. A gossip goes around telling secrets, so dont hang around with chatterers. If you insult your father or mother, your light will be snuffed out in total darkness. An inheritance obtained too early in life is not a blessing in the end. Dont say, I will get even for this wrong. Wait for the Lord to handle the matter. The Lord detests double standards; he is not pleased by dishonest scales. The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way? Dont trap yourself by making a rash promise to God and only later counting the cost. A wise king scatters the wicked like wheat, then runs his threshing wheel over them. The Lords light penetrates the human spirit, exposing every hidden motive. Unfailing love and faithfulness protect the king; his throne is made secure through love. The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old. Physical punishment cleanses away evil; such discipline purifies the heart.‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭20‬:‭1‬-‭30‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Character is who we are; it is also how we are known. How is your reputation? We all know that we can be misunderstood, and that none of us are without sin. But the proverbs make it clear: some people choose to follow God in practical ways, and they are sought out for their wisdom, insight, and guidance. This doesnt just happen in their inner circle of friends; others seek them out to get their time and hear their insights. Be cautious, though: dont seek out a great reputation or. Dont try to become a guru that is sought out for your advice. Instead, just follow Jesus, work hard, do your job well, and focus on your character. God will do the work of growing your reputation and bringing people to you. Stay focused on Christ, letting Him shape your character.

Anger and foolish words can ruin our reputationsand lives. Alcohol and substances only make our words worse (v.1)which is a BIG reason to watch what we consume. The anger of those in power can seriously hurt our lives (v.2), and often it is better to just avoid the fight (v.3). Good advice makes a huge difference in life (vv.5, 18) and is very valuable (v.15). Our anger can lead to us insulting our parents (v.20), and it leads us to revenge instead of waiting for God to act (v.22). Our rash words lead us to making promises to God that we do not keep (v.25)we need to count the cost and fulfill what we promise to God. We have all experienced itone foolish word tears down a thousand wise words.

Do you have a godly reputation? How can you live so that God can grow a reputation of integrity around you? How can you guard your words today? Is there someone in your life who needs an apology for hurtful words you have said?

Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and a fool. Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes. People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord. Wealth makes many friends; poverty drives them all away. A false witness will not go unpunished, nor will a liar escape. Many seek favors from a ruler; everyone is the friend of a person who gives gifts! The relatives of the poor despise them; how much more will their friends avoid them! Though the poor plead with them, their friends are gone. To acquire wisdom is to love yourself; people who cherish understanding will prosper. A false witness will not go unpunished, and a liar will be destroyed. It isnt right for a fool to live in luxury or for a slave to rule over princes! Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs. The kings anger is like a lions roar, but his favor is like dew on the grass. A foolish child is a calamity to a father; a quarrelsome wife is as annoying as constant dripping. Fathers can give their sons an inheritance of houses and wealth, but only the Lord can give an understanding wife. Lazy people sleep soundly, but idleness leaves them hungry. Keep the commandments and keep your life; despising them leads to death. If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord and he will repay you! Discipline your children while there is hope. Otherwise you will ruin their lives. Hot-tempered people must pay the penalty. If you rescue them once, you will have to do it again. Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life. You can make many plans, but the Lords purpose will prevail. Loyalty makes a person attractive. It is better to be poor than dishonest. Fear of the Lord leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm. Lazy people take food in their hand but dont even lift it to their mouth. If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded will learn a lesson; if you correct the wise, they will be all the wiser. Children who mistreat their father or chase away their mother are an embarrassment and a public disgrace. If you stop listening to instruction, my child, you will turn your back on knowledge. A corrupt witness makes a mockery of justice; the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil. Punishment is made for mockers, and the backs of fools are made to be beaten.‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭19‬:‭1‬-‭29‬ ‭NLT‬‬

We have all seen it happen: "People ruin their lives by their own foolishness, and then are angry at the Lord" (v.3). People want free will without consequences. Reality has certain "walls" or boundaries, for foolish choices. Wise people hit the walls and change their habits to move forward; foolish people expect reality to change for them. They repeatedly hit their heads against the walls again and again, then blame God for the pain. God will show us through warnings, wise counsel, and wallswhat we need to surrender and what we need to change.

Chapter 19 gives a lot of foolish choices people makerushing (v.2), lying (vv.5, 9, 22, 28), having a short temper (vv.11, 19), being argumentative (v.13), being lazy (vv.15, 24), ignoring Gods laws (v.16), mistreating your parents (v.26), ignoring advice (vv.27, 20), and not disciplining your kids (vv.18, 25). These are basic choicesbut they require strength and discipline. When we are foolish in these areas, we suffer. Our family relationships are hurt because we argue, are angry, and don't discipline ourselves to correct our kids. We are distant from those we love, and then blame God for that distance. We rush and lie and ignore the Fathers Gods way of wisdomand then our jobs and tasks and chores sufferand blame God that things fall apart. We ignore God's way of wisdom and when our jobs and relationships suffer, we blame God when things fall apart.God is your guard and the source of your strengthdont turn your Defender into your enemy.

What is God telling you to change in your life? When life gets hard, how can you run towards your Savior, not away from Him?

Unfriendly people care only about themselves; they lash out at common sense. Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions. Doing wrong leads to disgrace, and scandalous behavior brings contempt. Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook. It is not right to acquit the guilty or deny justice to the innocent. Fools words get them into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating. The mouths of fools are their ruin; they trap themselves with their lips. Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into ones heart. A lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things. The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe. The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense; they imagine it to be a high wall of safety. Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor. Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish. The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear a crushed spirit? Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge. Giving a gift can open doors; it gives access to important people! The first to speak in court sounds right until the cross-examination begins. Flipping a coin can end arguments; it settles disputes between powerful opponents. An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars. Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction. The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord. The poor plead for mercy; the rich answer with insults. There are friends who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭1‬-‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Within the book of Proverbs God offers us simple choices to live a great life: follow the Lord, work hard, be loyal, and live justly. Yet, making the simple, wise choice does not necessarily prevent hardship. Maybe we've even been mad at God when we've acted in wisdom and still faced hardship.

Wisdom teaches us that pain is part of life. It is not shrugged off or carelessly dismissed. Wise people acknowledge pain, talk to God about pain, listen for His answer, and live in the hope of His promises. However, too much pain can easily tip healthy emotions to bitterness or hopelessness. But God wastes nothing. Through pain God can reveal Himself as our strong fortress (v 10). He can also use our pain as preparation to help others as they navigate challenging circumstances. "There is a friend that sticks closer than a brother" (v 24). You can be that friend to someone needing encouragement.

Choose Godsimple. But don't expect that simple choice to equate to a life without pain.​ God is our shield, fortress, and Friend. We can go to Him with our pain.

How can you choose the way of wisdom, even when you are hurting? How have you seen a connection between your struggle and your opportunity to encourage someone else going through a similar experience?

Better a dry crust eaten in peace than a house filled with feastingand conflict. A wise servant will rule over the masters disgraceful son and will share the inheritance of the masters children. Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the Lord tests the heart. Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip; liars pay close attention to slander. Those who mock the poor insult their Maker; those who rejoice at the misfortune of others will be punished. Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children. Eloquent words are not fitting for a fool; even less are lies fitting for a ruler. A bribe is like a lucky charm; whoever gives one will prosper! Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends. A single rebuke does more for a person of understanding than a hundred lashes on the back of a fool. Evil people are eager for rebellion, but they will be severely punished. It is safer to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than to confront a fool caught in foolishness. If you repay good with evil, evil will never leave your house. Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before a dispute breaks out. Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent both are detestable to the Lord. It is senseless to pay to educate a fool, since he has no heart for learning. A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. Its poor judgment to guarantee another persons debt or put up security for a friend. Anyone who loves to quarrel loves sin; anyone who trusts in high walls invites disaster. The crooked heart will not prosper; the lying tongue tumbles into trouble. It is painful to be the parent of a fool; there is no joy for the father of a rebel. A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a persons strength. The wicked take secret bribes to pervert the course of justice. Sensible people keep their eyes glued on wisdom, but a fools eyes wander to the ends of the earth. Foolish children bring grief to their father and bitterness to the one who gave them birth. It is wrong to punish the godly for being good or to flog leaders for being honest. A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭17‬:‭1‬-‭28‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The proverbs are meant to give us insight into ourselves, others, life, and God. Some of the proverbs dont tell us what is right and wrong; they just tell us the way things are. Verse 8 calls bribes lucky charms, but this doesnt mean we should give bribes (as is clear from v.23); it is just acknowledging that the world is a certain way, and we need insight to live life well.

Our choices can guard usin a world full of fools and bad choicesso make sure you are making the right choices about who you spend your time with. Stay away from people who love to fight (vv.1, 14, 19), or gossip (v.4), or mock the poor (v.5). We need to understand that God is with us through the hard times in life, and He is refining us in this fire (v.3). We have to be on our guard against lies from people with power (v.7), and bribes (vv.8, 23). We need to be very cautious about those who speak poorly of their parents (vv.21, 25), or those who are foolish with their words (vv.27-28). We DO need to spend time with those who will correct us (v.10), forgive us (v.9), and be loyal to us (v.17)but not bail us out of our problems (v.18). Their words are like medicine when we are hurting (v.22).

Are you wise about the people you allow to influence you? How can you spend more time with those who grow your faith?

We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer. People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives. Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed. The Lord has made everything for his own purposes, even the wicked for a day of disaster. The Lord detests the proud; they will surely be punished. Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin. By fearing the Lord, people avoid evil. When peoples lives please the Lord, even their enemies are at peace with them. Better to have little, with godliness, than to be rich and dishonest. We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. The king speaks with divine wisdom; he must never judge unfairly. The Lord demands accurate scales and balances; he sets the standards for fairness. A king detests wrongdoing, for his rule is built on justice. The king is pleased with words from righteous lips; he loves those who speak honestly. The anger of the king is a deadly threat; the wise will try to appease it. When the king smiles, there is life; his favor refreshes like a spring rain. How much better to get wisdom than gold, and good judgment than silver! The path of the virtuous leads away from evil; whoever follows that path is safe. Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall. Better to live humbly with the poor than to share plunder with the proud. Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be joyful. The wise are known for their understanding, and pleasant words are persuasive. Discretion is a life-giving fountain to those who possess it, but discipline is wasted on fools. From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive. Kind words are like honey sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death. It is good for workers to have an appetite; an empty stomach drives them on. Scoundrels create trouble; their words are a destructive blaze. A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends. Violent people mislead their companions, leading them down a harmful path. With narrowed eyes, people plot evil; with a smirk, they plan their mischief. Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life. Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city. We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall.‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭1‬-‭33‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Arrogance and pride ruin everything and shut our hearts off from the correction of God. Foolish people are pure in their own eyes, make their plans without fear of the Lord, and resist any attempt to help them. Pride goes before the fall; over-confidence is like closing your eyes while you are climbing a cliff. God doesnt want us to hate ourselves; humility is not self-loathing. God also doesnt want us to be arrogant, thinking higher of ourselves higher than we really are.

We all are leaders in some way in our lives. We may lead our home, business, employees, or even lead ourselves. The proverbs have a lot to say about leading with wisdom. In this chapter, the emphasis is towards being wise in the presence of a king. The king has been given power, so we need to live godly lives so that we earn favor and have a better life (vv.12-15). Verse 12 talks about ruling with justice. Injustice is all around us. If you have kids, dont play favorites. In our work decisions, be fair with how we evaluate others. Even how we judge ourselves is usually unfairwe are either too easy or too hard on ourselves (the goal is to see yourself the way God sees you). Injustice is everywherethere are huge inequities in the worldrich and poor, powerful and weak. God has given us leadership and power to make a difference and work for justice. This can be on the big scale of things, but more often it is simple acts of love that go the furthest.

As you follow Christ, how will you lead today and work for justice? The goal is to see ourselves the way God sees us. What does that mean for you?

A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness. The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good. Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. Only a fool despises a parents discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise. There is treasure in the house of the godly, but the earnings of the wicked bring trouble. The lips of the wise give good advice; the heart of a fool has none to give. The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but he delights in the prayers of the upright. The Lord detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue godliness. Whoever abandons the right path will be severely disciplined; whoever hates correction will die. Even Death and Destruction hold no secrets from the Lord. How much more does he know the human heart! Mockers hate to be corrected, so they stay away from the wise. A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit. A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash. For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast. Better to have little, with fear for the Lord, than to have great treasure and inner turmoil. A bowl of vegetables with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate. A hot-tempered person starts fights; a cool-tempered person stops them. A lazy persons way is blocked with briers, but the path of the upright is an open highway. Sensible children bring joy to their father; foolish children despise their mother. Foolishness brings joy to those with no sense; a sensible person stays on the right path. Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success. Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time! The path of life leads upward for the wise; they leave the grave behind. The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but he protects the property of widows. The Lord detests evil plans, but he delights in pure words. Greed brings grief to the whole family, but those who hate bribes will live. The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words. The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayers of the righteous. A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health. If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding. Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭15‬:‭1‬-‭33‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Walking with God changes everything. The Lord is watching everywhere (v.3) and knows everything (v.11). When we are right with Him, we have His approval (vv.8-9) and avoid a lot of lifes troubles (v.10). Being close to Him means our prayer life is more effective (v.29). Those close to Him will listen to discipline, correction, and advice (vv.22, 31, 32), and they treasure Him more than any wealth (v.16). These qualities all add up to a life filled with honor (v.33). Walking with God is the wisest decision we can ever make. It is not a one-time decision but a daily decision to be WITH Him all the time and follow Him in every decision.

Wit is part of wisdom. Wise people know how to deflect anger with a gentle word and make knowledge appealing. They bring joy with a fitting reply, and people seek them out for good advice. Wise children bring joy to their parents, and good friends make even unpleasant circumstances enjoyable. We cant always say what we think, and we cant expect everyone to change to fit us. Wisdom helps a person takes the time to understand self and others. Wisdom puts into practice the behaviors that make the most of life and every relationship, bringing delight, joy, and the way of the Lord.

How is your charisma, charm, or woo? Today, what does it mean for you to walk with God? How can you grow closer to Him this week?

A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands. Those who follow the right path fear the Lord; those who take the wrong path despise him. A fools proud talk becomes a rod that beats him, but the words of the wise keep them safe. Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest. An honest witness does not lie; a false witness breathes lies. A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it, but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding. Stay away from fools, for you wont find knowledge on their lips. The prudent understand where they are going, but fools deceive themselves. Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation. Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can fully share its joy. The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the godly will flourish. There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death. Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains. Backsliders get what they deserve; good people receive their reward. Only simpletons believe everything theyre told! The prudent carefully consider their steps. The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence. Short-tempered people do foolish things, and schemers are hated. Simpletons are clothed with foolishness, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. Evil people will bow before good people; the wicked will bow at the gates of the godly. The poor are despised even by their neighbors, while the rich have many friends. It is a sin to belittle ones neighbor; blessed are those who help the poor. If you plan to do evil, you will be lost; if you plan to do good, you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness. Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty! Wealth is a crown for the wise; the effort of fools yields only foolishness. A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is a traitor. Those who fear the Lord are secure; he will be a refuge for their children. Fear of the Lord is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death. A growing population is a kings glory; a prince without subjects has nothing. People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness. A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones. Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but helping the poor honors him. The wicked are crushed by disaster, but the godly have a refuge when they die. Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart; wisdom is not found among fools. Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people. A king rejoices in wise servants but is angry with those who disgrace him.‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭14‬:‭1‬-‭35‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Investing in people is messy, but it is the only way to do the big things God has called us to do. Proverbs 14:4 is such a helpful verse: "Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest." If you have no ox, then you don't have to clean up the mess of an ox. If you have no ox, though, you have to do all of the work yourself, and that limits the amount of work you can do. If you choose to have an ox, don't be surprised at the mess it makes! There will be extra, non-harvest work that you will have to do. If you have an ox, though, you will be able to accomplish much more.

How wise are you with your emotions? Our culture says everything from "you can't control your feelings" (you can) to "what you feel can't be wrong" (really?) to "it doesn't matter what you feel". I don't think any of these are a great picture of "love the Lord your God with all your heart." This chapter in Proverbs gives us some great insights about emotions. First, we need to make the right choices, no matter what we feel (vv. 1-2), and tell the truth, even if we are angry or frustrated (v.5). Guilt is real, and something we are supposed to feel when we do wrong (v.9). Don't pretend to fully understand how someone else is feeling or to expect someone else to fully understand you (v.10)that is why God is our Comforter and Counselor. Sometimes people are covering up their emotions (v.13), so be willing to go deeper with them. And don't lose your temperit leads to bad decisions and hurt relationships (vv. 17, 29). The goal is to love the Lord with all your heart.

Take some time to reflect on this question: how wise am I with my emotions? How can you apply the "lesson of the ox" (Prov 14:4) to your expectations of others?

A wise child accepts a parents discipline; a mocker refuses to listen to correction. Wise words will win you a good meal, but treacherous people have an appetite for violence. Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything. Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper. The godly hate lies; the wicked cause shame and disgrace. Godliness guards the path of the blameless, but the evil are misled by sin. Some who are poor pretend to be rich; others who are rich pretend to be poor. The rich can pay a ransom for their lives, but the poor wont even get threatened. The life of the godly is full of light and joy, but the light of the wicked will be snuffed out. Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise. Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows over time. Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life. People who despise advice are asking for trouble; those who respect a command will succeed. The instruction of the wise is like a life-giving fountain; those who accept it avoid the snares of death. A person with good sense is respected; a treacherous person is headed for destruction. Wise people think before they act; fools dontand even brag about their foolishness. An unreliable messenger stumbles into trouble, but a reliable messenger brings healing. If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept correction, you will be honored. It is pleasant to see dreams come true, but fools refuse to turn from evil to attain them. Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. Trouble chases sinners, while blessings reward the righteous. Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren, but the sinners wealth passes to the godly. A poor persons farm may produce much food, but injustice sweeps it all away. Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭13‬:‭1‬-‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This chapter has a lot of wisdom about the company we keep. It is summarized in verse 20: walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. The company we keep greatly affects our lives. It can change how we treat our parents (v.1), the words we hear (vv.2, 5), how hard we work (v.4), and how honestly we act (v.7). Most of all, this chapter has a lot of verses about accepting advice (vv. 10, 13, 14, 15, 18)-and that advice needs to be coming from people who have wisdom, and know the Lord (the foundation of wisdom, see Prov 1:7). We need to be surrounded by people who devotedly follow Christ. That does not meanand many Christians have made the mistake here-that all our friends should be Christians. We could not fulfill the Great Commission (Matt 28:18-20; Acts 1:8) unless we had real connections with people who don't know Christ.

Often what people need most is not advice but just the facts. The proverbs sometimes tell us what we should do, and sometimes just tell us the way things are. This helps us accept that there is a moral order to the world, and we need to change to grow into God's goodness. Lazy people want much but get little (v.4): this verse doesn't tell people what to do; it just states the fact. Verse 8 says that the rich can pay a ransom for their lives (that's good), but the poor won't even get threatened (even better). Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life (v. 2). Sharing the facts of wisdom shows that a person has good sense, and those with good sense are respected (v.15).

How can you listen more and give advice less? In what ways are you being intentional about the people with whom you are spending time?

To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction. The Lord approves of those who are good, but he condemns those who plan wickedness. Wickedness never brings stability, but the godly have deep roots. A worthy wife is a crown for her husband, but a disgraceful woman is like cancer in his bones. The plans of the godly are just; the advice of the wicked is treacherous. The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush, but the words of the godly save lives. The wicked die and disappear, but the family of the godly stands firm. A sensible person wins admiration, but a warped mind is despised. Better to be an ordinary person with a servant than to be self-important but have no food. The godly care for their animals, but the wicked are always cruel. A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies has no sense. Thieves are jealous of each others loot, but the godly are well rooted and bear their own fruit. The wicked are trapped by their own words, but the godly escape such trouble. Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards. Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others. A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted. An honest witness tells the truth; a false witness tells lies. Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing. Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed. Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace! No harm comes to the godly, but the wicked have their fill of trouble. The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth. The wise dont make a show of their knowledge, but fools broadcast their foolishness. Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave. Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray. Lazy people dont even cook the game they catch, but the diligent make use of everything they find. The way of the godly leads to life; that path does not lead to death.‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭28‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Hard work and discipline what a difference they make in life! Chapter 12 has a lot of proverbs about these two very important qualitieswe must love discipline (v.1), plan ahead (v.5), work hard (vv.11, 24), be content with what we have (v.12), watch our words and tempers (vv.13-14, 16, 18-19), and not be lazy (v.28). How are hard work and discipline grown in a person, though? It starts young: people will learn through either pain or reward. When we work hard, we see the benefit of our hard work. If we don't...is there a consequence for our laziness? So often other people "bail" us out, and then we never learn, and we go through life expecting everyone else to bail us out-our friends, family, government, or co-workers.

Relationships need hard work and discipline as well. Words make such a difference in life and relationships. The words of the godly save lives, and truthful words stand the test of time. The words of the wicked hurt others, and they are trapped by their own words. The wise use their words to bring healing (vv.18, 25-26), and they listen (v.15). The words that we say to ourselves matter as well there is no point in being self-important, thinking that we are always right, or refusing to listen to wise correction. The wise use their words wisely and know when to stay silent.

How can you grow in hard work and discipline? The Bible teaches that we can't be transformed without God's help (Phil 2:13). Where do you need help from God's Spirit living inside of you?

The Lord detests the use of dishonest scales, but he delights in accurate weights. Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Honesty guides good people; dishonesty destroys treacherous people. Riches wont help on the day of judgment, but right living can save you from death. The godly are directed by honesty; the wicked fall beneath their load of sin. The godliness of good people rescues them; the ambition of treacherous people traps them. When the wicked die, their hopes die with them, for they rely on their own feeble strength. The godly are rescued from trouble, and it falls on the wicked instead. With their words, the godless destroy their friends, but knowledge will rescue the righteous. The whole city celebrates when the godly succeed; they shout for joy when the wicked die. Upright citizens are good for a city and make it prosper, but the talk of the wicked tears it apart. It is foolish to belittle ones neighbor; a sensible person keeps quiet. A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence. Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers. Theres danger in putting up security for a strangers debt; its safer not to guarantee another persons debt. A gracious woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth. Your kindness will reward you, but your cruelty will destroy you. Evil people get rich for the moment, but the reward of the godly will last. Godly people find life; evil people find death. The Lord detests people with crooked hearts, but he delights in those with integrity. Evil people will surely be punished, but the children of the godly will go free. A beautiful woman who lacks discretion is like a gold ring in a pigs snout. The godly can look forward to a reward, while the wicked can expect only judgment. Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. People curse those who hoard their grain, but they bless the one who sells in time of need. If you search for good, you will find favor; but if you search for evil, it will find you! Trust in your money and down you go! But the godly flourish like leaves in spring. Those who bring trouble on their families inherit the wind. The fool will be a servant to the wise. The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life; a wise person wins friends. If the righteous are rewarded here on earth, what will happen to wicked sinners?‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11‬:‭1‬-‭31‬ ‭NLT‬‬

How we make money matters; how we spend money matters. The Lord hates dishonest gain (vv.1, 3, 18), and riches won't help on the day of judgment (v.4). Godless people hurt others with their words (vv.9, 11-13): perhaps because they value money more than people. Respect is more important than wealth (v.16). The godly are generous (vv.24-26), but they do not back the foolish debt of others (v.15). The godly have money (vv.23-25), but they do not trust in their wealth (v.28). They trust in the Lord, live a good life (vv.6, 30), and bless everyone around them (vv.10, 14, 27, 30). Those who live for money have empty lives because what they love most cannot truly love them in return.

Proverbs is a book that challenges us to make choices. Most of the time we don't even realize the choices we have made with our possessions. This chapter challenges us to reevaluate our choices and grow into greater generosity, following Jesus our Lord. Jesus taught and lived the way of sacrificial giving, simplicity, trust, and contentment. Christians believe Christ was perfect and lived the perfect life, but we have a hard time imitating His example in finances.

How are you doing with money in each of the areas mentioned? How can you be more aware of how you are making and spending money? How are money and faith connected for you?