Proverbs – Page 11 – Be Still…

Proverbs 11:1-9 – Be Saved From Death

We are all going to die from something. Every day we read some new report of a food or substance that is linked to cancer, heart disease, diabetes or the like. I have been known to roll my eyes because we all know something is going to kill us. Our earthly bodies aren’t meant to live forever. Our days are numbered, yet how we live those days is up to us.

Verse 4 spoke to me today. “Riches won’t help on the day of judgment, but right living can save you from death.” Right living is what the Bible says will save us from death. The death Solomon means is a permanent death that keeps us from our eternity with God. He was wise beyond his own time for Jesus had not come yet. But he is clear, we can’t buy our salvation. The wealth we have accumulated on earth will not be what saves us from death or eternity with God.

Proverbs 10:20-32 – Storms Will Come

Read Proverbs 10:20-32

“When the storms of life come, the wicked are whirled away, but the godly have a lasting foundation.” There doesn’t seem to be any question here. Storms will come. It is simply a matter of time. As believers, we would like to think that our lives will be without problems and struggles. Yet, we are not immune to the storms of life.

Sometimes it seems to be just the opposite and we are under attack more than our non-believer friends. Why is that? I can only guess that it’s because we are believers. Satan is doing all he can to throw us off course. He and his tempters are working overtime to thwart our plans, to mess up our lives, to put roadblocks in the way of our obtaining a closer relationship with Jesus. Why is that?

Proverbs 10:11-19 – Keep Your Mouth Shut

Read Proverbs 10:11-19

There is a lot of wisdom in today’s selection of Proverbs. I always look forward to my quiet time and what God’s word will speak to my heart each day. It’s different for each of us depending on what is happening in each of our lives. What one spoke to you? Please share in the comments.

I am reflecting on verse 19 and my mind is just swirling with ideas. “Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.” The introverts in the crowd have to be applauding Solomon here. Yes, at last, even a Biblical high five for being quiet. I, for one, am on the cusp between being an introvert and extrovert. I am equally balanced with traits in each camp.

Proverbs 10:1-10 – Be a Hard Worker

Read Proverbs 10:1-10

Up to this point in our Proverbs’ texts, we have been preparing for this chapter and those to follow. Solomon has a lot to say about being wise and being foolish. We have met Wisdom and her counterpart, Folly. As we move forward in this book, known as wisdom literature, along with Ecclesiastes, we will see examples of wise and foolish actions.

Some of these examples will speak to you and others will not. If you shall read these verses a month from now or at some later date, it is entirely possible that other verses will speak to you. For purposes of my reflection, I will write on those verses that speak to me, and I encourage you to enter into the conversation and share in the comments what verses are speaking to you today.

Proverbs 9:13-18 – Time to Meet Folly

Read Proverbs 9:13-18

Have you ever watched any of the superhero movies? There are some great characters: Captain America, Batman, Superman, Spiderman, the list goes on and on. Back in the day, there were comics, too. I think comics are still around, but I’m just not in that demographic anymore. For every hero there is a villain counterpart. So, too, with wisdom. Her name is Folly. She is the opposite of wisdom and her intentions are usually to help us slip up and make poor decisions.

While we should definitely seek wisdom, we should also be on the lookout and avoid folly. She is conniving. She will prey on the weak. There is absolutely no future with folly other than death.