Proverbs – Page 9 – Be Still…

Proverbs 14:11-20 – How Gullible Are You?

Have you ever heard that skepticism is a virtue? Well, at least Solomon thought it was something to point out. In verse 15, it says, “Only simpletons believe everything they’re told! The prudent carefully consider their steps.” Simpleton is this translation’s way of calling out the simple-minded, those who don’t think a lot about what they are doing.

In the day and age we are living in, we are constantly bombarded with messages. Whether it’s on social media, the news, or the gossip at the coffee shop, there is an information overload exploding around us. How do you decide what is “good” news and what is “fake” news? How do you discern?

Proverbs 14:1-10 – It’s a Big Deal

Read Proverbs 14:1-10

Proverbs is a great book for life. There are so many nuggets we could easily gloss over. Be sure to spend time really letting these truths speak to your soul. I had to read this passage a couple of times to decide on my focus for the day. Verse 9 says, “Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation.”

Guilt. It’s a slippery slope. It means we’ve done something we feel bad about. For fools, it’s not big deal. For the godly, we recognize it and want to make the situation right. Our guilt will often keep us up at night and distract us from happiness. Rather than guilt, the King James Version says that “Fools make a mock of sin.” I suppose that’s at the root of guilt. Guilt is a by-product of our sinfulness. But not everyone feels that guilt or remorse, they simply brush it off as nothing.

Proverbs 13:12-25 – Walk with the Wise

Read Proverbs 13:12-25

Have you ever played the game “Follow the Leader?” I remember as a child parading around the room all mimicking the person at the front of the line. We would take turns. Some people were better leaders than others. I never wanted to be the leader. I was shy and unsure of myself. Why would people want to follow me? That was then. Now, it bothers me when I don’t have control. What changed? I have been walking with the wise.

Verse 20 spoke to me today. (As always, I encourage your comments if another verse spoke to you.) It says, “Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.” I can almost hear my mother’s voice reminding me “be careful who you associate with.” I remember being constantly on the look out to keep away from those “fools” who might get me in trouble. But then, I hit my teen years and a bit of rebellion burst forth. I didn’t get into serious trouble, thankfully, but I certainly wasn’t hanging out with a wise bunch all the time.

Proverbs 13:1-11 – Be You

Read Proverbs 13:1-11

Do you sometimes pretend you’re someone you’re not? Why do we do that? Sometimes it’s easier to hide behind a mask rather than admit to our own failures or insecurities. I have seen plenty of people in the business world put on a “wealthy” face when, in fact, they had very little in their bank account.

It’s all about appearance. If you want people to take you seriously, you must look a certain way. Isn’t that right? I know in our coaching business I run into people who are afraid to do videos because they are conscious of their appearance or lack confidence in what they might say. We can often tell ourselves “stories” that are not true that limit our greatness. God can see our hearts. He knows the truth.

Proverbs 12:21-28 – Don’t Worry, Be Happy

Read Proverbs 12:21-28

There are so many great truths and promises in today’s reading. I would love to talk about working hard, or telling the truth, or how the way of the godly leads to life. Instead, we’ll reflect on something we all do or have done. Worry.

Why do we sometimes consume ourselves with worry? Do we think that the outcome will change if only we worry more? On the contrary, I believe we are more apt to change things if we trust more. When we can let God handle it, it’s in much better hands. Don’t you agree?