Today's Reading:

Proverbs 27
Proverbs 28
Proverbs 29

The fast talker will often jab at others, especially when they blurt whatever pops into their head. Proverbs 29:20 warns us to think before we speak. There is more hope for a fool than for the one who speaks without thinking. Sending an angry email in the middle of the night, posting fierce online comments, interrupting conversations, or oversharing do not lead to wisdom. A person with a quick comeback can often damage trust. Hasty speakers tend to make rash promises because they open their mouths before their brains are in gear. Wake up, slow down, listen more, and think twice; this will make you wiser. Learn to control your words.

Trust in God for true freedom. Who cares what others think if you are walking in righteous ways? The righteous and wicked are opposites; they repel each other. Try this week to use words for wisdom and healing rather than harm. Where in your life now (texts, emails, conversations, social media, or at home) do you tend to speak too quickly or blurt out whatever comes to mind? Do you have an area where you need to “think before you speak?”

Proverbs continued with wisdom on friendships and how to live prepared. Like the modern saying, “Do not count your chickens before they hatch,” tomorrow belongs to God, not us. We should live each day for Him. Carrying rocks and sand is heavy and annoying, but carrying a fool’s drama weighs you down like quicksand emotionally. Jealousy is more destructive than anger. Sometimes we need a friend to give us tough love. If they will not tell you that your haircut looks like a weed whacker got ahold of it, are they really your friend? (Proverbs 27:5-6). True friends give honest and sometimes painful feedback. Your enemies will flatter you while sharpening a knife behind your back. A good friend will tell you what you need to hear, even if it feels like an intervention. Good friends are also aromatherapy for the soul. Keep them close, they will be around when you need them over distance family that you “meant to call.” Make smart choices so that your parents can brag about you. Great friends and mentors make you better. Surround yourself with those who challenge and improve you.

Work has rewards. In Proverbs 27:22, it states that some people are stubbornly foolish; you can pound sense into them all day, but they will still act foolishly. These are our modern-day “Darwin Award” winners.

Chapter 28 teaches that a guilty conscience makes people paranoid, and a clear conscience gives courage like a lion. Chaos breeds too many bosses, but a wise leader brings stability. Bad leaders will destroy productivity. Ignoring God’s ways only leads to evil, but wisdom resists it. Seek Him for clarity. Strive for integrity over wealth. Ignoring God’s Word makes your prayers sound like noise in heaven. Confession, repentance, mercy, and freedom will keep you safe. Hard work will always beat a get-rich scheme. Honesty will eventually win favor, and flattery will fail.

Leadership wisdom continued in chapter 29. Do not ignore warnings, because one day there will be no fix. Love wisdom because it honors your parents. Chasing prostitutes is a waste of money and tries your parents’ patience. Righteous kings stabilize a nation. Righteousness will bring joy. Save your energy from arguing with a fool, as there will be no resolution. The wise person brings calmness. A ruler who listens to lies will corrupt all his officials. Leadership rot starts from the top. The undisciplined child will bring disgrace. If you allow a child to be wicked, then they will commit more sin and evil as an adult. The righteous will see the wicked fall. Disciplining a child will bring peace. If you do not listen to God’s Word then chaos erupts, where heeding His instructions brings blessing. Sometimes people need more than words, some require real consequences.

Today's Discussion question:

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