As I have often done, I will break our Proverb into a couple of readings to try to get the most out of it, and there are 3 verses that really jumped out at me this morning.

First was Proverbs 20:1, which says “Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.”  The reason this jumped out at me is because I actually really enjoy wine, and I enjoy bourbon and Scotch as well...I have gotten to where I am able to appreciate subtle things about them, and have really enjoyed learning about them and all the culture that these beverages bring forward with them.  That said, I am also only being honest with myself if I say that I have had more of these than I should over the last 12 months.  I think COVID has actually really driven up the consumption of alcohol for a lot of people based on what I have been hearing.  We can spend time speculating as to why, but that isn’t really even helpful.  What’s helpful is taking action.  So, I am going to abstain from any kind of alcohol consumption for a week just to do a level-set.  To amplify the effect of this short dry season, I am going to take a moment that thank God for all He has done and continues to do in my life; that will be kind of a ‘substitute’ behavior for the week.  Just a short ‘fast’ of sorts.

The second verse that jumped out at me was Proverbs 20:9, which says “Who can say, “I have made my heart pure; I am clean from my sin”?”  I love this verse for a simple reason...it states the obvious.  We are ALL sinners...none of us escapes that claim.  I really think this is something I have embraced, but I know there are some people who still struggle with “yeah, but I am not as bad as ___”, like they almost can’t just stop with admitting they are a sinner, period.  I am only pointing this out because of the freedom I have experienced in taking responsibility for my own sin; I am responsible.  The result is that I am truly experience gratefulness for what Jesus has done for me.  But without that responsibility for my own sin really being addressed, it is really hard to appreciate Grace.  And I know a few people who I think really struggle with a true appreciation of Grace because of this struggle.

Then, lastly, Proverbs 20:15, “There is gold and abundance of costly stones, but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.”  This is just a great reminder to close out today’s reading that wisdom really is so valuable, and that I need to right-size it’s place in my heart, as well as right-sizing God’s place.  I need to check myself periodically to see what I am really valuing in my life...I need to look at my calendar and my wallet and ask, “If someone got a hold on both of these and tried to figure out my list of priorities, what would they decide on as being most important to me?”  Hard, hard question...great question though.

Proverbs - like a gut punch on many days!