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PROVERBS 19 WHAT THE FEAR OF THE LORD BRINGS

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November 23

PROVERBS 19
21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man,
but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.
22 What is desired in a man is steadfast love, and a poor man is better than a liar.
23 The fear of the LORD leads to life,
and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.
24 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish and will not even bring it back to his mouth.
25 Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence;
reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge.
– Proverbs 19:21-25

PROVERBS 19 WHAT THE FEAR OF THE LORD BRINGS
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
When the fear of the Lord is in a man’s heart
He will be content and prosper in life
He will not be harmed because God protects him
The world will not ruin his heart and mind
Because he reveres his Maker and Lord
He will have wisdom as he navigates this world.

What does it mean to fear the Lord? The word fear in this context is not a worldly fear but it is to honor and revere the Lord who is your Master and Maker. It means to live your life in accordance to his will and in obedience to all the laws he gave you. Why is it important to have the fear of the Lord? Proverbs 1:7 says that it is the beginning of knowledge. We can therefore clearly see that those who don’t have the fear of the Lord lack knowledge. How can they have wisdom if they do not revere God? Proverbs 8:13 also says that to fear the Lord is to hate evil. Those who love the Lord are humble and do not follow the way of the wicked. Job 28:28 spells out the benefit of fearing the Lord. It brings wisdom and gives the person the ability to turn away from evil. When he does this, he begins to have understanding.

REFLECTION
• Why do you think some Christians don’t have the fear of the Lord?

PROVERBS 19 OBEYING GOD BRINGS LIFE

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November 22

PROVERBS 19
16 Whoever keeps the commandment keeps his life;
he who despises his ways will die.
17 Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD,
and he will repay him for his deed.
18 Discipline your son, for there is hope;
do not set your heart on putting him to death.
19 A man of great wrath will pay the penalty,
for if you deliver him, you will only have to do it again.
20 Listen to advice and accept instruction,
that you may gain wisdom in the future.
– Proverbs 19:16-20

PROVERBS 19 OBEYING GOD BRINGS LIFE
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
Anyone who listens to God’s commandments and follow him
They will find wisdom and life will be good if they obey it
When one listens to advice and accept instruction
That person will gain understanding and have a vision
As soon as we take God’s covenant promise seriously
We will have the benefit of his bounty, grace and mercy.

Many people suffer in their lives because they have no clue that our main purpose in life is to obey and live in the will of our Creator. When someone has not heard and accepted the gospel that Jesus was given to humanity so we can be free from the bondage of sin, it is difficult to grasp the meaning of life. Once a person does not know the character of God and the salvation history of mankind, he will continue to live a life against what God designed it to be. He cannot overcome sin. He will live hating God and his laws and do what is against it.
Solomon gives us the benefit of obedience to God in verses 16 and 20. Following his law and his word bring us life and protect us from spiritual death. It saves our soul and spirit.

REFLECTION
• Why would it be hard for someone to obey God’s commands?

PROVERBS 19 THE FOLLY OF RUSHING

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November 19

PROVERBS 19

Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity
    than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.
2 Desire without knowledge is not good,
    and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.
3 When a man’s folly brings his way to ruin,
    his heart rages against the Lord.
4 Wealth brings many new friends,
    but a poor man is deserted by his friend.
5 A false witness will not go unpunished,
    and he who breathes out lies will not escape.

                                                                    – Proverbs 19

PROVERBS 19 THE FOLLY OF RUSHING

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When one rushes to do anything, he misses something

It is better to plan and take your time in anything

A hasty decision will lead to bad consequences

But a well-thought of choice will bring much success

Rushing is a manifestation of foolishness and recklessness

When one is prudent and patient, he displays righteousness

Don’t ever rush anything and you will be wise

Make a habit of rushing and you will be without insight.

Can you remember if there is anyone in the bible who rushed? Did Jesus ever rushed or done something in haste? I don’t recall any because there isn’t one. In John 11, even when he was called to come quickly to his beloved friend Lazarus who was dying, he still took his time. Of course it wasn’t to torture Lazarus’ sister, but he delayed it so that the He can be glorified through it. He showed to them that he is the Resurrection and Life.

Why do we have this habit of rushing? Could it be that we rush because of recklessness and following the world’s standard? Could it be because we are impatient or because we didn’t manage our time and didn’t set boundaries with ourselves and with others?

REFLECTION

  • What are some results of hasty actions and decisions?

November 18

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PROVERBS 18

19 A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city,
    and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.
20 From the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach is satisfied;
    he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
    and those who love it will eat its fruits.
22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing
    and obtains favor from the Lord.
23 The poor use entreaties,
    but the rich answer roughly.
24 A man of many companions may come to ruin,
    but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

                                                                    – Proverbs 18:19-24

PROVERBS 18 THE POWER OF THE TONGUE

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

The tongue is a very small member in our body

And yet, it controls our whole being tremendously

Like a rudder to a ship, it guides the direction of large ships

Like a bit in the horses’ mouth, it brings them to obedience

Death and life are anchored in whatever comes from the tongue

It can bless and build up someone, but it can also ridicule and destroy.

In the book of James, in chapter three, he gives us a picture of the power of the tongue.  He compares it to a fire where even with such a small fire, it can put a great forest to ablaze. He says that it is set among other parts of the body, but it can set on fire the entire course of our lives. James also says that it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. He further tells us that any animal can be tamed, but no human tongue can be controlled. No wonder we have been warned to guard our mouth by the Lord himself.

REFLECTION

  • How do you think a man can control his tongue if the bible says that it is untameable?

November 18

PROVERBS 18

19 A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city,
    and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.
20 From the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach is satisfied;
    he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
    and those who love it will eat its fruits.
22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing
    and obtains favor from the Lord.
23 The poor use entreaties,
    but the rich answer roughly.
24 A man of many companions may come to ruin,
    but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

                                                                    – Proverbs 18:19-24

PROVERBS 18 THE POWER OF THE TONGUE

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

The tongue is a very small member in our body

And yet, it controls our whole being tremendously

Like a rudder to a ship, it guides the direction of large ships

Like a bit in the horses’ mouth, it brings them to obedience

Death and life are anchored in whatever comes from the tongue

It can bless and build up someone, but it can also ridicule and destroy.

In the book of James, in chapter three, he gives us a picture of the power of the tongue.  He compares it to a fire where even with such a small fire, it can put a great forest to ablaze. He says that it is set among other parts of the body, but it can set on fire the entire course of our lives. James also says that it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. He further tells us that any animal can be tamed, but no human tongue can be controlled. No wonder we have been warned to guard our mouth by the Lord himself.

REFLECTION

  • How do you think a man can control his tongue if the bible says that it is untameable?

PROVERBS 18 WHEN YOU ARE QUICK TO SPEAK

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November 17

PROVERBS 18

13 If one gives an answer before he hears,
    it is his folly and shame.
14 A man’s spirit will endure sickness,
    but a crushed spirit who can bear?
15 An intelligent heart acquires knowledge,
    and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16 A man’s gift makes room for him
    and brings him before the great.
17 The one who states his case first seems right,
    until the other comes and examines him.
18 The lot puts an end to quarrels
    and decides between powerful contenders.

                                                                    – Proverbs 18:13-18

PROVERBS 18 WHEN YOU ARE QUICK TO SPEAK

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When one is quick to speak and slow to hear

He will not see the whole picture but parts of it

This will make him have a limited perspective

He will surely presume and make unwise statements

It is wise for us to be quick to hear and slow to speak

But those quick to speak are fools bound to make mistakes.

How do you know if a person is wise or is a fool? The wise are quick to hear but fools are quick to speak. That is a sure way to detect wisdom in people. Listening is a novelty in our society where everyone wants to talk. People are not even aware why they say something, they just want to be heard or given attention. No one wants to be quiet and listen so they can learn.

In Luke 10:38-42, we watch Martha talk, and work and complain to Jesus about her sister Mary, who just sat at Jesus’ feet listening to what her master was saying. Jesus valued the choice of Mary wanting to be in his presence and hungry for his word.

REFLECTION

  • How can we avoid speaking fast and make a habit of being quick to listen?

PROVERBS 18 THE WAY OF THE HAUGHTY

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November 16

PROVERBS 18

7 A fool’s mouth is his ruin,
    and his lips are a snare to his soul.
8 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;
    they go down into the inner parts of the body.
9 Whoever is slack in his work
    is a brother to him who destroys.
10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
    the righteous man runs into it and is safe.
11 A rich man’s wealth is his strong city,
    and like a high wall in his imagination.
12 Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty,
    but humility comes before honor. – Proverbs 18:7-12

PROVERBS 18 THE WAY OF THE HAUGHTY

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When a man is full of pride

He listens to no one else

He thinks highly of himself

And belittles others to stroke his ego

He has no clue that he is headed for ruin

His heart is hardened by his pride.

Solomon warns us of pride in these Proverbs. He paints a picture of how fools and proud people are headed for destruction but reminds us how we can always be assured that we can run to the Lord who is our strong tower.

The sin of pride goes all the way back to Adam and Eve in the garden when they desired to know as much as God knew. The serpent deceived them both and they gave in to that temptation which ruined their walk with God.

Pride is usually the cause of all other sins. It makes one greedy for self-focus and adoration. Pride paves the way to destruction so watch out when it peeps in your life.

REFLECTION

  • Cite instances that pride leads to ruin and destruction.

PROVERBS 18 THE TROUBLE WITH ISOLATION

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November 14

PROVERBS 18

Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire;
    he breaks out against all sound judgment.
2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,
    but only in expressing his opinion.
3 When wickedness comes, contempt comes also,
    and with dishonor comes disgrace.
4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters;
    the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
5 It is not good to be partial to the wicked
    or to deprive the righteous of justice.
6 A fool’s lips walk into a fight,
    and his mouth invites a beating.

                                                                    – Proverbs 18:1-6

PROVERBS 18 THE TROUBLE WITH ISOLATION

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When someone isolates himself, he opens door for evil to enter

Since the enemy wants you to forget God, he’ll give you desires

These desires are focused on fulfilling the cravings of the flesh

Satan will entice you to sin by ensuring you are on your own

The trouble with isolation is that it makes you have a tunnel vision

Since you only spend time with yourself, you have no clue about others

When you are isolated, your mind begins to believe only what you know

It begins to believe all the lies that the devil plants in your head.

Why did God create another human being after Adam? In Gen. 2:18, he said that it is not good that man should be alone. So, he made him a helper. Whenever we isolate, we defy that solution that God gave for man not to be by himself. As Solomon says in verse 1 of this Proverbs, sin and no sound judgment are results of isolation. No wonder, many mental illnesses are rooted from isolation. In 1 Peter 5:8, we are warned that the devil prowls like a roaring lion to devour us. He can easily do that when we are secluded.

REFLECTION

  • Why is it important for us to be with others and not just be by ourselves always?

PROVERBS 17 ON RESTRAINING WORDS

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November 13

PROVERBS 17

25 A foolish son is a grief to his father
    and bitterness to her who bore him.
26 To impose a fine on a righteous man is not good,
    nor to strike the noble for their uprightness.
27 Whoever restrains his words has knowledge,
    and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
28 Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise;
    when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.

                                                                    – Proverbs 17:25-28

PROVERBS 17 ON RESTRAINING WORDS

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

Those who know how to control his tongue is wise

But anyone who does not guard his mouth is a fool

Only when you close your lips can you actually hear

But a fool is someone who cannot shut his mouth

When a fool restrains his words, he can seem wise

But an incessant talker conveys much silliness

Aim to restrain your tongue so you can gain wisdom

Be quick to hear and slow to speak so you can be prudent.

We live in a world full of noise. Every person wants to be heard but no one wants to listen. Social media platforms encourage individuals to voice out their opinions, viewpoints, complaints, criticisms and all kinds of self-indulgence on how good they are. The world focuses on “look at me” or “listen to what I think.” Many people have taken freedom of speech to the extreme that they do not care if they hurt others.

Solomon speaks about the importance of restraining our words in this Proverb. Even fools look intelligent when they guard their mouths. He repeats this in Ecclesiastes 5:2 when he said “Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.”

REFLECTION

  • Why do you think people have a tendency to use many words instead of few?
  • What happens when we don’t guard our mouths with the words we utter?

PROVERBS 17 A JOYFUL HEART VERSUS A CRUSHED SPIRIT

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November 13

PROVERBS 17

21 He who sires a fool gets himself sorrow,
    and the father of a fool has no joy.
22 A joyful heart is good medicine,
    but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
23 The wicked accepts a bribe in secret
    to pervert the ways of justice.
24 The discerning sets his face toward wisdom,
    but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.

                                                                    – Proverbs 17:21-24

PROVERBS 17 A JOYFUL HEART VERSUS A CRUSHED SPIRIT

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When one has the fear of the Lord, he has joy and wisdom

A joyful heart prevents the deterioration of the body

But a crushed spirit pulls everyone it meets down

The one who dwells on life’s miseries dries up his bones

Rejoice in the Lord and you’ll be content and satisfied

Keep your eyes on the world and you will be dissatisfied.

In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he teaches them the secret to a joyful heart which is contentment. Philippians 4:11-12  He says that he has learned in whatever situation that he is to be content, whether he has plenty or he has lack, abundance or need. If one dwells on the things that they lack, covetousness and temptations will visit one’s heart. But if a person’s heart is focused on thanksgiving no matter how big or little it is, he begins to count his blessings and recognize the blessings that he has received. Then rejoicing automatically follows. Paul also writes to Timothy that godliness with contentment is great gain in 1 Timothy 6:6-11. He says that since we brought nothing into the world, we cannot take anything out of the world, so he suggests for the believers to be content.  Man’s desires and cravings lead him to temptations, covetousness, discontent and the book of James says the same that these cravings give birth to sin which crushes our spirits and sucks out the joy in our hearts.

REFLECTION

  • How can we avoid being depressed and discontented  and have more joy?

November 12

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PROVERBS 17

16 Every prudent man acts with knowledge,
    but a fool flaunts his folly.
17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble,
    but a faithful envoy brings healing.
18 Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction,
    but whoever heeds reproof is honored.
19 A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul,
    but to turn away from evil is an abomination to fools.
20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,
    but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

                                                                    – Proverbs 17:16-20

PROVERBS 17 WHEN ONE IGNORES INSTRUCTION

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When one doesn’t listen to counsel from wise people

He will encounter difficulties, poverty and disgrace

When a parent brings up his children in wisdom and truth

That child learns to obey and follow directions

But when children are left on their own without reproof

They also learn how to be defiant and ignore instructions.

Paul instructs the Ephesian church as to the importance of bringing up children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord in Ephesians 6:1-4. He mentions that to honor your parents is the first commandment with a promise. Things will go well with those who obey their parents. There is also strict instruction to the fathers not to provoke their children in anger but to discipline them in God’s laws.

Solomon gives us the result when people ignore instructions in verse 18 which leads to poverty and disgrace. In Proverbs 29:15 he says that the rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother. He further admonishes parents to discipline your child and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart. It is sad that in today’s world, many parents don’t bring up their children in God’s instructions.

REFLECTION

  • Share some insights regarding lack of discipline in children in our society now.