Book of Proverbs

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Mayflower

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Read a nice devotion tonight and the questions involved reading verses from Proverbs 18, so thought I'd share it:

Let Me Love You Well
LYNN COWELL

“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger …” James 1:19 (ESV)

At the end of every summer when my kids were growing up, I could always count on one thing. The day before school started, anxiety ran rampant. As the sun began to lower, my children’s uneasy emotions rose higher as unanswered questions came to the surface.

Will my friends from last year be in my class this year?
Will my teacher like me?
Will I have someone to sit with in the lunchroom?

I would try to answer every question to settle their hearts. Looking back, I wish I had simply been a more empathic listener, allowing them to get all their nervous questions out in the open without me needing to share all the solutions.

Sometimes in life, what we need more than anything is someone to simply listen. An ear that will take in all the rumblings of an apprehensive heart and not feel the need to say a thing. A person who will not be in a rush to try to make it right.

I’ve always been a better talker than a listener. In fact, a well-meaning teacher once made me memorize James 1:19, which says, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger …” Up until recently, I had viewed this verse as the voice from my childhood, saying, “Lynn, you talk too much.” Recently, though, I began to look at it as instruction for my roles today as daughter, mother, wife, friend or co-laborer — a challenge not just to talk less but to truly listen to those around me.

James gives us the wisdom and the challenge to be the empathic listeners others desperately need. He calls each of us, no matter what role we are filling at the moment, to slow down and listen.

Not mentally preparing to share a story from my life.
Not scrolling through the verses I can recall so I can adhere a Band-Aid on their sadness.
Not reminding them to look on the bright side so I can dismiss their feelings that are making me uncomfortable.
Not moving on so I can get to what’s left on my to-do list. (Yes, I’ve made all of these mistakes before!)

Instead, James, while reminding us we are loved, calls us to move quickly to a position of listening and to move slowly, even with caution, to a place of speaking.

I am so challenged by James’ words. I’m a get-’er-done kind of gal who wants to set things right so I can move on to setting other things right. James reminds me: Getting things done is not the goal. Loving people well is the goal. Listening is loving people well.

With Jesus’ power in us and James’ words before us, you and I can love people as we listen well.

Jesus, my natural bent is to be quick to speak and slow to listen. I want to love people well, just as You did. Empower me to slow down and truly begin to hear those around me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Philippians 2:4, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (ESV)

The book of Proverbs provides much wisdom for those of us who struggle to listen well. Take a few moments to look up these words of King Solomon — Proverbs 1:5, Proverbs 18:13 and Proverbs 18:2 — and then write out your own personalized proverb to yourself to follow.

Who do you know that you would say is an empathic listener? What specific qualities do they exhibit?

© 2021 by Lynn Cowell. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
 

Mayflower

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I like using this Bible app, because it automatically puts the credits in it. But as far as find a verse goes, have to go back to the app. Grateful for the accountability posting these. It helps me remember. The Proverbs are very encouraging. I need to continue reading one every day.
 

farouk

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Read a nice devotion tonight and the questions involved reading verses from Proverbs 18, so thought I'd share it:

Let Me Love You Well
LYNN COWELL

“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger …” James 1:19 (ESV)

At the end of every summer when my kids were growing up, I could always count on one thing. The day before school started, anxiety ran rampant. As the sun began to lower, my children’s uneasy emotions rose higher as unanswered questions came to the surface.

Will my friends from last year be in my class this year?
Will my teacher like me?
Will I have someone to sit with in the lunchroom?

I would try to answer every question to settle their hearts. Looking back, I wish I had simply been a more empathic listener, allowing them to get all their nervous questions out in the open without me needing to share all the solutions.

Sometimes in life, what we need more than anything is someone to simply listen. An ear that will take in all the rumblings of an apprehensive heart and not feel the need to say a thing. A person who will not be in a rush to try to make it right.

I’ve always been a better talker than a listener. In fact, a well-meaning teacher once made me memorize James 1:19, which says, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger …” Up until recently, I had viewed this verse as the voice from my childhood, saying, “Lynn, you talk too much.” Recently, though, I began to look at it as instruction for my roles today as daughter, mother, wife, friend or co-laborer — a challenge not just to talk less but to truly listen to those around me.

James gives us the wisdom and the challenge to be the empathic listeners others desperately need. He calls each of us, no matter what role we are filling at the moment, to slow down and listen.

Not mentally preparing to share a story from my life.
Not scrolling through the verses I can recall so I can adhere a Band-Aid on their sadness.
Not reminding them to look on the bright side so I can dismiss their feelings that are making me uncomfortable.
Not moving on so I can get to what’s left on my to-do list. (Yes, I’ve made all of these mistakes before!)

Instead, James, while reminding us we are loved, calls us to move quickly to a position of listening and to move slowly, even with caution, to a place of speaking.

I am so challenged by James’ words. I’m a get-’er-done kind of gal who wants to set things right so I can move on to setting other things right. James reminds me: Getting things done is not the goal. Loving people well is the goal. Listening is loving people well.

With Jesus’ power in us and James’ words before us, you and I can love people as we listen well.

Jesus, my natural bent is to be quick to speak and slow to listen. I want to love people well, just as You did. Empower me to slow down and truly begin to hear those around me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Philippians 2:4, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (ESV)

The book of Proverbs provides much wisdom for those of us who struggle to listen well. Take a few moments to look up these words of King Solomon — Proverbs 1:5, Proverbs 18:13 and Proverbs 18:2 — and then write out your own personalized proverb to yourself to follow.

Who do you know that you would say is an empathic listener? What specific qualities do they exhibit?

© 2021 by Lynn Cowell. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
@Mayflower It's true, come to think of it, that themes of friendship in Proverbs 18 tie in with what James says about being a good listener...
 
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Mayflower

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@Mayflower Interesting article from Lynn Cowell, of Proverbs 31 Ministries; I hadn't read any of her material before...had you?

Yes, one of the forums I go to posts a lot from Proverbs 31 ministries. Very small forum, but a lot of great devotionals.
 
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farouk

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Yes, one of the forums I go to posts a lot from Proverbs 31 ministries. Very small forum, but a lot of great devotionals.
@Mayflower Oh okay! I myself hadn't read any of her stuff. I see from her site that she talks about her past faith tattoo plans...but I'll link it to the thread I started (rather than here, if you like).
 
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Mayflower

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August 22, 2021

Proverbs 19 and 20

Proverbs 19

Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity Than he who is perverse in speech and is a fool. Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge, And he who hurries his footsteps errs. The foolishness of man ruins his way, And his heart rages against the Lord. Wealth adds many friends, But a poor man is separated from his friend. A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who tells lies will not escape. Many will seek the favor of a generous man, And every man is a friend to him who gives gifts. All the brothers of a poor man hate him; How much more do his friends abandon him! He pursues them with words, but they are gone. He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; He who keeps understanding will find good. A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who tells lies will perish. Luxury is not fitting for a fool; Much less for a slave to rule over princes. A man’s discretion makes him slow to anger, And it is his glory to overlook a transgression. The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion, But his favor is like dew on the grass. A foolish son is destruction to his father, And the contentions of a wife are a constant dripping. House and wealth are an inheritance from fathers, But a prudent wife is from the Lord. Laziness casts into a deep sleep, And an idle man will suffer hunger. He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, But he who is careless of conduct will die. One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the Lord, And He will repay him for his good deed. Discipline your son while there is hope, And do not desire his death. A man of great anger will bear the penalty, For if you rescue him, you will only have to do it again. Listen to counsel and accept discipline, That you may be wise the rest of your days. Many plans are in a man’s heart, But the counsel of the Lord will stand. What is desirable in a man is his kindness, And it is better to be a poor man than a liar. The fear of the Lord leads to life, So that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil. The sluggard buries his hand in the dish, But will not even bring it back to his mouth. Strike a scoffer and the naive may become shrewd, But reprove one who has understanding and he will gain knowledge. He who assaults his father and drives his mother away Is a shameful and disgraceful son. Cease listening, my son, to discipline, And you will stray from the words of knowledge. A rascally witness makes a mockery of justice, And the mouth of the wicked spreads iniquity. Judgments are prepared for scoffers, And blows for the back of fools.
Proverbs 19:1‭-‬29 NASB1995
Proverbs 19:1-29 Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity Than he who is perverse in speech and is a fool. Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge, And he who hurries his footsteps errs. The fo | New American Standard Bible - NASB 1995 (NASB1995) | Download The Bible App Now

Proverbs 20

Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise. The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion; He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life. Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, But any fool will quarrel. The sluggard does not plow after the autumn, So he begs during the harvest and has nothing. A plan in the heart of a man is like deep water, But a man of understanding draws it out. Many a man proclaims his own loyalty, But who can find a trustworthy man? A righteous man who walks in his integrity— How blessed are his sons after him. A king who sits on the throne of justice Disperses all evil with his eyes. Who can say, “I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin”? Differing weights and differing measures, Both of them are abominable to the Lord. It is by his deeds that a lad distinguishes himself If his conduct is pure and right. The hearing ear and the seeing eye, The Lord has made both of them. Do not love sleep, or you will become poor; Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with food. “Bad, bad,” says the buyer, But when he goes his way, then he boasts. There is gold, and an abundance of jewels; But the lips of knowledge are a more precious thing. Take his garment when he becomes surety for a stranger; And for foreigners, hold him in pledge. Bread obtained by falsehood is sweet to a man, But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel. Prepare plans by consultation, And make war by wise guidance. He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, Therefore do not associate with a gossip. He who curses his father or his mother, His lamp will go out in time of darkness. An inheritance gained hurriedly at the beginning Will not be blessed in the end. Do not say, “I will repay evil”; Wait for the Lord, and He will save you. Differing weights are an abomination to the Lord, And a false scale is not good. Man’s steps are ordained by the Lord, How then can man understand his way? It is a trap for a man to say rashly, “It is holy!” And after the vows to make inquiry. A wise king winnows the wicked, And drives the threshing wheel over them. The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, Searching all the innermost parts of his being. Loyalty and truth preserve the king, And he upholds his throne by righteousness. The glory of young men is their strength, And the honor of old men is their gray hair. Stripes that wound scour away evil, And strokes reach the innermost parts.
Proverbs 20:1‭-‬30 NASB1995
Proverbs 20:1-30 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise. The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion; He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life. Keeping | New American Standard Bible - NASB 1995 (NASB1995) | Download The Bible App Now
 
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Mayflower

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Proverbs 21 and 22

The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes. Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the hearts. To do righteousness and justice Is desired by the Lord more than sacrifice. Haughty eyes and a proud heart, The lamp of the wicked, is sin. The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, But everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty. The acquisition of treasures by a lying tongue Is a fleeting vapor, the pursuit of death. The violence of the wicked will drag them away, Because they refuse to act with justice. The way of a guilty man is crooked, But as for the pure, his conduct is upright. It is better to live in a corner of a roof Than in a house shared with a contentious woman. The soul of the wicked desires evil; His neighbor finds no favor in his eyes. When the scoffer is punished, the naive becomes wise; But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge. The righteous one considers the house of the wicked, Turning the wicked to ruin. He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor Will also cry himself and not be answered. A gift in secret subdues anger, And a bribe in the bosom, strong wrath. The exercise of justice is joy for the righteous, But is terror to the workers of iniquity. A man who wanders from the way of understanding Will rest in the assembly of the dead. He who loves pleasure will become a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not become rich. The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, And the treacherous is in the place of the upright. It is better to live in a desert land Than with a contentious and vexing woman. There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man swallows it up. He who pursues righteousness and loyalty Finds life, righteousness and honor. A wise man scales the city of the mighty And brings down the stronghold in which they trust. He who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles. “Proud,” “Haughty,” “Scoffer,” are his names, Who acts with insolent pride. The desire of the sluggard puts him to death, For his hands refuse to work; All day long he is craving, While the righteous gives and does not hold back. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, How much more when he brings it with evil intent! A false witness will perish, But the man who listens to the truth will speak forever. A wicked man displays a bold face, But as for the upright, he makes his way sure. There is no wisdom and no understanding And no counsel against the Lord. The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But victory belongs to the Lord.
Proverbs 21:1‭-‬31 NASB1995
Proverbs 21:1-31 The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes. Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the hearts. To do righteousness and ju | New American Standard Bible - NASB 1995 (NASB1995) | Download The Bible App Now

Proverbs 22

A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, Favor is better than silver and gold. The rich and the poor have a common bond, The Lord is the maker of them all. The prudent sees the evil and hides himself, But the naive go on, and are punished for it. The reward of humility and the fear of the Lord Are riches, honor and life. Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse; He who guards himself will be far from them. Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it. The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower becomes the lender’s slave. He who sows iniquity will reap vanity, And the rod of his fury will perish. He who is generous will be blessed, For he gives some of his food to the poor. Drive out the scoffer, and contention will go out, Even strife and dishonor will cease. He who loves purity of heart And whose speech is gracious, the king is his friend. The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge, But He overthrows the words of the treacherous man. The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside; I will be killed in the streets!” The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit; He who is cursed of the Lord will fall into it. Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of discipline will remove it far from him. He who oppresses the poor to make more for himself Or who gives to the rich, will only come to poverty. Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, And apply your mind to my knowledge; For it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, That they may be ready on your lips. So that your trust may be in the Lord, I have taught you today, even you. Have I not written to you excellent things Of counsels and knowledge, To make you know the certainty of the words of truth That you may correctly answer him who sent you? Do not rob the poor because he is poor, Or crush the afflicted at the gate; For the Lord will plead their case And take the life of those who rob them. Do not associate with a man given to anger; Or go with a hot-tempered man, Or you will learn his ways And find a snare for yourself. Do not be among those who give pledges, Among those who become guarantors for debts. If you have nothing with which to pay, Why should he take your bed from under you? Do not move the ancient boundary Which your fathers have set. Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before obscure men.
Proverbs 22:1‭-‬29 NASB1995
Proverbs 22:1-29 A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, Favor is better than silver and gold. The rich and the poor have a common bond, The LORD is the maker of them all. The prudent sees the evil and hi | New American Standard Bible - NASB 1995 (NASB1995) | Download The Bible App Now
 
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Mayflower

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I expect there will be another installment soon... :)

Lol thanks for accountability!!!!! It is the posting it, but haven't done a good job reading it every day either. Ill read scriptures, but not the proverbs chapter. Discipline bro. Lol!!!
 

farouk

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Proverbs_31-30.jpg
kingjamesbibleonline dot org
 
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