Proverbs 13

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HEART SICK FOR HEAVEN

April 19, 2023

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life” (Proverbs 13:12 NLT). Having to wait for any expected good certainly affects our attitude. In this sense, the writer of the proverb accurately observed the growing despondency of the heart that waits unfulfilled. Yet, it is even more intense in

“Delayed hope makes the heart sick, but fulfilled desire is a tree of life” (Proverbs 13:12 HCSB).

April 19, 2021

HEART SICK FOR HEAVEN Having to wait for any expected good certainly affects our attitude. In this sense, the writer of this proverb accurately observed the growing despondency of the heart that waits unfulfilled. Yet, it is even more intense in the spiritual longing that we have for God. It was in this spiritual sense

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life” (Proverbs 13:12 NKJV).

April 19, 2017

Having to wait for any expected good certainly affects our attitude. In this sense, the writer of this proverb accurately observed the growing despondency of the heart that waits unfulfilled. Yet, it is even more intense in the spiritual longing that we have for God. It was in this spiritual sense that many see this proverb pointing to Israel’s longing for the coming of the Desired One, the Messiah. As the Lord spoke through the prophet Haggai, “I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory,’ says the Lord of hosts” (Haggai 2:7).

Today, we experience a kind of “heart sickness” as we await the return of Christ. But we have the Holy Spirit which fills us with a confident hope that assures us of the certainty of our desire. As the apostle Paul wrote, “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Rom. 5:5).

“Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it” (Proverbs 13:11 ESV)

April 18, 2013

Get rich quick schemes and lottery tickets are attempts to gain wealth “hastily,” yet the Bible says such riches will only dwindle (diminish until none remains). But those who save a “little” at a time learn the discipline of money management and their wealth increases. Such people have learned to pay God 1st (tithe), pay themselves 2nd (save) and live off the rest (live within a budget). Have you learned God’s way of stewardship?

“Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin” (Proverbs 13:3 ESV)

April 13, 2013

Words have power. So, the wise person will “guard” what they say. Read Eph.4:29 to receive instruction on what kind of words to say and to avoid. Your words should “preserve life” giving grace and edifying the hearer. Ask the Lord to help you guard your tongue because only His power can help us “tame” it (James 3:8).

“Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them” (Proverbs 13:24)

April 23, 2012

Stop trying to be your toddler’s big sister or best buddy and be their Mom and Dad. Don’t bargain with your 2 year old. Make your “No” mean something. Your discipline becomes their self-discipline later. Loving parents discipline their children. Lazy parents don’t.

“Wise people think before they act; fools don’t—and even brag about their foolishness” (Proverbs 13:16)

April 20, 2012

Do you leap before you look? Do you speak before you listen? What decision is before you today that needs more thought and counsel before you act?

“Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything” (Proverbs 13:3)

April 13, 2012

Talk less, listen more and live longer. If you must talk, fill your mouth with God’s Word and repeat. How many relationships have been ruined by our many words? Try following the discipline of silence today.

“A wise child accepts a parent’s discipline; a mocker refuses to listen to correction” (Proverbs 13:1)

April 12, 2012

A child who mocks parental correction will mock authority as an adult too. This is not cute. It is dangerous. The wise parent aims deeper than outward compliance, training and praying for inward heart change. They understand the need to shepherd the child’s heart.