July 10, 2024
“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24 ESV). This proverb contrasts the difference between having “many companions” and one close “friend.” For which is better? To have many fair weather companions who disappear at the first sign of trouble, or
July 9, 2024
“He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD” (Proverbs 18:22 ESV). We live in a day when marriage is not highly respected. It is often joked about and devalued. But marriage was God’s idea. It is not a mere social construct, but of Divine design. It is God’s
June 27, 2024
“Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment” (Proverbs 18:1 ESV). God has made us with a need for fellowship. Indeed one of God’s earliest observations of humanity was what he said to Adam, “It is not good that the man should be alone” (Gen. 2:18). Yet, the temptation
May 17, 2024
“Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a fattened ox and hatred with it” (Proverbs 15:17 ESV). When there is no love in the home no amount of food or fine furnishing can compensate. Without love, a rich banquet is dry and tasteless. Without love, the steak seems too tough and the
May 12, 2024
“A gentle tongue is a tree of life” (Proverbs 15:4 ESV). In our One Year Bible reading today I was looking for something to say to bless and encourage mothers. This passage from Proverbs seemed appropriate. I often remember the gentle words of my mother. She always sought to encourage her children and grandchildren with
April 29, 2024
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death” (Proverbs 14:12 ESV). Many today claim to have found a new and better “way.” Some say theirs is the way of freedom. Others claim their way is as good as any other. “Aren’t all ways the same?”
March 10, 2024
“Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death” (Proverbs 11:4 ESV). Wealth is useful when facing human justice. It pays for attorneys and even judges of a certain type. Yet, riches do not profit when we face the judgment seat of God. All the treasure in the world is
February 28, 2024
“When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent” (Proverbs 10:19 ESV). The more one talks, the greater the likelihood of sinning. The wise man “restrains his lips,” keeping silent and actively listening to others before carefully choosing words of response. Try talking less and listening more today. Ask
February 1, 2024
“There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.” (Proverbs
January 24, 2024
“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life” (Proverbs 4:23 ESV). Solomon instructed his son to keep his heart. In other words, he wanted his son to guard his heart, being careful about where his passions and desires led him. Certainly Solomon was an example of a man who