Proverbs 18

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“A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24 NKJV).

July 10, 2020

WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS The first part of this proverb applies the law of reciprocity to friendship. The law of reciprocity says that you reap what you sow. Therefore, if you want friends, be friendly. Sow friendship, reap friends.   However, the final line of the proverb, if taken in contrast, might

“He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord” (Proverbs 18:22 NKJV).

July 9, 2020

THE DIVINE FAVOR FOUND IN A GODLY MARRIAGE Marriage was God’s idea. It is not a mere social construct, but a Divine creation. It is God’s provision for man’s need for companionship and oneness. This oneness is three-dimensional, involving the physical, the soul and the spirit. It is also God’s plan for having children and

“A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24 NKJV).

July 10, 2017

Another way of reading this proverb might be: “A man may have many fair-weathered ‘friends,’ but it is rare to have one who remains for him when trouble comes.”

Such a friend is rare indeed, for he “sticks closer” than his own family. Jesus is such a friend. As He told his disciples, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13). Jesus demonstrated this love when He died for us on the cross. O, what a Friend we have in Jesus!

“He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord (Proverbs 18:22 NKJV)

July 9, 2015

Marriage was God’s idea. It is not a mere social construct, but a Divine creation. It is God’s provision for man’s need for companionship and oneness. This oneness is three-dimensional, involving the physical, the soul and the spirit. It is also God’s plan for having children and parenting. The Bible opens and closes with a wedding and God is intimately involved in both. This proverb describes God’s favor in the finding of a good wife. She is to be treasured and received as a gift from God. When a husband and wife view one another as a gift from God to be received and cherished, they begin to experience the oneness that He intended.
I am a man who has obtained God’s favor. Her name is Robin. And she is the greatest gift other than Jesus that God has given me.

“The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord” (Proverbs 18:22 NLT)

July 9, 2014

Marriage is God’s idea. It is His provision for man’s need for companionship and oneness. This oneness is three-dimensional, involving the physical, the soul and the spirit. It is God’s plan for having children and parenting. The Bible opens and closes with a wedding and God is intimately involved in both. This proverb describes God’s favor in the finding of a good wife. She is to be treasured and received as a gift from God. When a husband and wife view one another as a gift from God to be received and cherished, they begin to experience the oneness that He intended.

“Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge” (Proverbs 18:15 NLT)

July 5, 2014

You’ve heard it said, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” Yet, the Bible teaches otherwise. Wisdom loves learning. No matter your age, retaining a child-like curiosity for learning is the secret to never growing old. Leaders are readers. And leaders are learners. The apathetic scoff at learning, while seeking the next passive entertainment. The know-it-all lacks the humility to learn, claiming to know better. Only the wise, the humble and curious are “always ready to learn.” The truly wise are those who have submitted their minds to Christ and experienced His transforming power over their thinking. As a result, according to Romans 12:2, they are able to “learn” God’s good, pleasing and perfect will for them.

“The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe” (Proverbs 18:10 NLT)

July 2, 2014

As a father and grandfather, some special urge emerges within me when one of my children use the name “Daddy” or “Pawpaw.” When my grandson, Nate says, “Pawpaw, can you play Power Rangers with me?” It’s the name he calls me that moves me more than his request. I have no interest in being the red, blue or yellow Power Ranger, but I am moved to be Nate’s “Pawpaw.” Yet, not everyone can use my name in this way. Only my children and grandchildren have this right and influence with me. Perhaps this is a small insight into how God responds when we invoke His Name. We are His children and when we call upon His Name, He responds. As Jesus said, “If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it” (John 14:14).

“The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord” (Proverbs 18:22)

July 9, 2012

If every man treated his wife as a gift from God, perhaps marital bliss in America would increase. The idea of marriage is God’s, not man’s. The best instruction manual for how husbands and wives should treat one another is the Bible.

“The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe” (Proverbs 18:10)

July 2, 2012

The very Name of the Lord is a fortress. When you are discouraged or distressed, you can find encouragement in saying His Name. Have you yet called on the Name of the Lord in this way? Do you know the power He invests in His Name? And what Name has God raised to the highest place, but the name “Jesus.” Run to Him, calling out His Name and find salvation.

“A man’s spirit sustains him in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?” (Proverbs 18:14)

July 5, 2011

Discouragement can be more disabling than disease. It steals your will and throws water on your faith. It immobilizes. But we have the Holy Spirit. He is never depressed. Be filled with His joy and depend on His power to act. Then, watch the gray skies turn blue again.