June 8, 2025
“A worker’s appetite works for him; his mouth urges him on.” (Proverbs 16:26 ESV). A wise observation by King Solomon: Hunger motivates work. In other words, hunger can act as an incentive for one to labor for himself. Self-employment is hard, but often the most rewarding, for both the stomach and for one’s self-respect. Of
May 20, 2025
“Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22 ESV). This proverb teaches us that success is often found by those who humbly seek the wise counsel of others. When we act independently without guidance, we are prone to missteps. But when we surround ourselves with wise, godly advisers, our plans are
May 17, 2025
“All the days of the afflicted are evil, but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast.” (Proverbs 15:15 ESV). This biblical proverb teaches the importance that attitude has on perception. If someone is “afflicted,” meaning disheartened or discouraged, then even a sunny day appears stormy to them. But even on the darkest of days
January 12, 2025
“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine” (Proverbs 3:9-10 ESV). The Hebrew verb “honor” (kabad) may also be translated “give glory to” or “to give weight to.” This first involves recognizing that
December 16, 2024
“Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him” (Proverbs 30:5 ESV). The phrase “proves true” reminds us that Scripture is trustworthy because it originates from a trustworthy God. His Word has been tried and found faithful in every generation. The Hebrew word translated “proves true” literally
December 8, 2024
“The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother… Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart” (Proverbs 29:15, 17 ESV). In our reading from the book of Proverbs today, Solomon directs our attention to the stewardship of parenting.
December 6, 2024
“A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.” (Proverbs 29:11 ESV). Have you heard someone make excuses about the way they lose their temper? They blame it on a family trait or a situation, but they don’t own the problem. In the book of Proverbs, the words
December 5, 2024
“Scoffers set a city aflame, but the wise turn away wrath” (Proverbs 29:8 ESV). A timely word from the book of Proverbs for today. For it highlights the difference between the scoffer and the wise. The scoffer is one who mocks, ridicules, or scorns a person or an idea. When they encounter disunity and disagreement
December 4, 2024
“By justice a king builds up the land, but he who exacts gifts tears it down” (Proverbs 29:4 ESV). This proverb of Solomon speaks of two types of kings, one who builds up and one who tears down. The one who builds up is rare. For he leads by “justice.” He leads with discretion and
November 24, 2024
“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy” (Proverbs 28:13 ESV). The first impulse of sinful humanity, as displayed in Adam and Eve, is the desire to conceal sin. For after they transgressed God’s command and ate of the forbidden fruit, they immediately sought to hide