Today's Reading:

Proverbs 9
Proverbs 10
Proverbs 11
Proverbs 12

In Proverbs 5-8, we see, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10). This is the most important verse in the entire book. All true wisdom starts with a respectful relationship with God. He leaves you with a clear choice: life or death; there are two roads, and you must pick which path you will take. Wisdom brings a long life and personal blessing; the opposite path is folly, which leads to ruin. The “other woman” entices the foolish with “stolen water” and “food eaten in secret” (Proverbs 9:17). This is dangerous and appeals to their lack of sense. The cost of this is a life far from God, ending in Sheol, where you do not get to enjoy His presence. Her ways sound exciting, but you end up in the grave.

Wisdom is pictured as a woman inviting others to come in. In chapter 9, two women are standing at the highest point in the city, each calling from their own house. The woman with Wisdom offers life, and the other offers death. Wisdom built her house, complete and stable on 7 pillars. She made a generous feast to bless those who came. Wisdom is not supposed to be hidden; this is a public invitation to those who have no sense, the simple, the naïve, the inexperienced, and those who are easily led astray. You must turn and abandon foolishness to gain wisdom. Mockers hate correction, but the wise love and grow from it. We are to remember to be open to criticism and learning forever. Never stop learning.

Chapters 10 to 31 contain the proverbs of Solomon. Most are short, only two lines, and give a contrasting view of wisdom and folly, righteousness and wickedness. The first proverb states that a wise son will bring joy to his father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother. The righteous person needs instruction and discipline. These proverbs show how God cares for the needs of the righteous and hard workers, as they will be remembered and the wicked will be forgotten. The foolish think they know it all, but integrity will bring security. Money can feel like security, but it is not the ultimate one. What you work for reveals your heart. God’s blessings are a true gift from Him, and that brings pure joy. Judgment comes to those who do not follow His ways. The speech of the righteous person brings wisdom and favor.

There is a powerful impact that our words have on others. Righteous speech brings knowledge and wisdom to others, but wicked speech is violent, with slander that brings ruin. We must use our words wisely as they reflect our character and relationship with the Lord. Once you say something, you cannot take it back, it is out there for good! Think: is this the last phrase I want to be remembered as saying?

Chapter 11 focuses on the scales of righteousness and business integrity and the contrast between the proud and humble. Pride leads to disgrace, while humility brings wisdom. Your wealth will be worthless on Judgment Day. There was a funny image of what annoying or irritating people can be like: “Like vinegar to teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggards who send them” (Proverbs 10:26). Integrity is better than wealth that is gained by being dishonest. The wicked are trapped by their own evil desires. Verses 11:16-26 show the contrast between the kind woman and the violent man, and between the generous and the stingy.

How fantastic to read that you are considered “stupid” if you do not like to be corrected (Proverbs 12:1). The Bible really tells it like it is with no sugar-coating. The Lord favors the good, like the noble woman (think Ruth), while the wicked will have no security but will be disgraced like “decay in bones”. She is not just “nice”, but capable, strong, morally upright, and wise. She is her husband’s crown, bringing him respect and pride. She is his greatest asset, which makes him look successful and blessed. This was the highest compliment an ancient Israelite man could receive. Marriage has enormous power for good or for harm; spouses are influential upon each other.

It is better to be a nobody than to pretend to be something and have no food. The wicked are trapped by their own desires; they think they know it all but have no emotional control. There is deceit in the hearts of the wicked and joy in the hearts of those who plan good. You will be associated with the friends that you choose; they will lead you astray, so choose wisely.

Anxiety weighs you down with worry, and that is exhausting. It steals your joy and makes life feel heavy, but kind words cheer you up. They have the power to lift heavy burdens. One positive action can change the day for someone, even if it is just a kind word. Go out into the world and be the light, lessen the anxiety of another, and let us know what you did. Maybe send an encouraging text, listen to a friend, pray with someone, or help another with a task that needs to be completed. Even a simple compliment can lift someone’s spirit. Share your story in the comments. Remember that no act of kindness is too small. Let’s encourage one another and spread some light this week!

Today's Discussion question:

Go out into the world and be the light, lessen the anxiety of another, and let us know what you did. Maybe send an encouraging text, listen to a friend, pray with someone, or help another with a task that needs to be completed. Even a simple compliment can lift someone’s spirit. Share your story in the comments. Remember that no act of kindness is too small. Let’s encourage one another and spread some light this week!

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