Monday Morning Proverbs for March 27, 2017

This week we finish up Proverbs 14 with a quick stroll through verses 13-35.  Take a few minutes and read the passage. The Word of God is powerful, living and life-changing.  Below are some thoughts that came to mind as I read through the Scriptures.

Proverbs 14: 13-35, NIV

Even in laughter the heart may ache, and rejoicing may end in grief. 14 The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, and the good rewarded for theirs. 15 The simple believe anything,     but the prudent give thought to their steps. 16 The wise fear the Lord and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure. 17 A quick-tempered person does foolish things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated. 18 The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. 19 Evildoers will bow down in the presence of the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous. 20 The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends. 21 It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy. 22 Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness. 23 All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. 24 The wealth of the wise is their crown, but the folly of fools yields folly. 25 A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful. 26 Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge. 27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,     turning a person from the snares of death. 28 A large population is a king’s glory, but without subjects a prince is ruined. 29 Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly. 30 A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. 31 Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God. 32 When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God. 33 Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning     and even among fools she lets herself be known. 34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people. 35 A king delights in a wise servant, but a shameful servant arouses his fury.

Thoughts to ponder:

 

• It’s ok to have a tear of sorrow on one cheek and a tear of joy on the other.  

• God is keeping score.  

• Don’t believe everything you hear, test it against Scripture or the facts first.

• Wisdom comes from fearing God and running away from evil.

• Don’t act rashly. You will say or do something you will later regret.

• Think before you act.

• You always win when you do what is right!

• One who doesn’t shun a person based on their wealth and is ready to help a neighbor in need is honored of the Lord.

• Your walk talks louder than your talk talks. – (That’s from Pastor D, our Children’s pastor!)

• Making wise decisions gives you a reward that money can’t buy.

• A faithful witness will impact the lives of others!

• If you fear and honor God, you will have a wonderful influence on your children.

• Godliness with Contentment is great gain.

• You dishonor God when you mistreat the people He created.

• Those who love God win, even in death.

• Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.- vs. 34.  (That’s so powerful, I can’t even restate it!)

• Act wisely and those in authority over you will take notice.