May 28, 2020
The book of Proverbs is a collection of short sayings in the Old Testament meant to instill wisdom in God’s people. As we read, it is important to remember that a proverb is a statement which is generally true in principle, not a universally true promise. Let’s dig into the Word together and allow the Lord to shape our hearts, our minds, and our lives in his wisdom over the next month!
Wisdom includes both skills for living and an ongoing intimate relationship with God. We must be careful reading some of these proverbs at a surface level because one might assume wisdom and righteousness are linked to earthly reward. As we quickly discover, bad things happen to good people.
The proverbs contain many contrasts between the righteous and the wicked, the wise and the fool. In this chapter specifically, note: delivered – captured, safety – falling, straight – crooked, live – die, blessings – curses, and more.
The author highlights many benefits of choosing righteousness which Jesus’ followers are to pursue daily. Some are obvious and some take some thought. As you read through the chapter highlight a verse or two and then go back and meditate on that verse. Repeat it out loud several times, read it in another translation. Also, pray through that verse to drive it into your heart and mind for the day!
Proverbs 11
11 A false balance is an abomination to the Lord,
but a just weight is his delight.
2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with the humble is wisdom.
3 The integrity of the upright guides them,
but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.
4 Riches do not profit in the day of wrath,
but righteousness delivers from death.
5 The righteousness of the blameless keeps his way straight,
but the wicked falls by his own wickedness.
6 The righteousness of the upright delivers them,
but the treacherous are taken captive by their lust.
7 When the wicked dies, his hope will perish,
and the expectation of wealth perishes too.
8 The righteous is delivered from trouble,
and the wicked walks into it instead.
9 With his mouth the godless man would destroy his neighbor,
but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.
10 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices,
and when the wicked perish there are shouts of gladness.
11 By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted,
but by the mouth of the wicked it is overthrown.
12 Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense,
but a man of understanding remains silent.
13 Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets,
but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.
14 Where there is no guidance, a people falls,
but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.
15 Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer harm,
but he who hates striking hands in pledge is secure.
16 A gracious woman gets honor,
and violent men get riches.
17 A man who is kind benefits himself,
but a cruel man hurts himself.
18 The wicked earns deceptive wages,
but one who sows righteousness gets a sure reward.
19 Whoever is steadfast in righteousness will live,
but he who pursues evil will die.
20 Those of crooked heart are an abomination to the Lord,
but those of blameless ways are his delight.
21 Be assured, an evil person will not go unpunished,
but the offspring of the righteous will be delivered.
22 Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout
is a beautiful woman without discretion.
23 The desire of the righteous ends only in good,
the expectation of the wicked in wrath.
24 One gives freely, yet grows all the richer;
another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.
25 Whoever brings blessing will be enriched,
and one who waters will himself be watered.
26 The people curse him who holds back grain,
but a blessing is on the head of him who sells it.
27 Whoever diligently seeks good seeks favor,
but evil comes to him who searches for it.
28 Whoever trusts in his riches will fall,
but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.
29 Whoever troubles his own household will inherit the wind,
and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,
and whoever captures souls is wise.
31 If the righteous is repaid on earth,
how much more the wicked and the sinner!
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Family Discussion Question:
- Why is it important for us to remember that living with wisdom is not a guarantee of earthly prosperity? What happens when we link living God’s way with material blessing and then we don’t receive that material blessing?
Father, you alone are righteous and holy. You are still on your throne and you care deeply about our lives. Hear our cries, dry our tears, and give us hope for today. May we seek you with all of our heart, soul and mind. May the fruit of your righteousness feed us this day from the tree of life. I give you my life, use me to help capture one more lost soul for our Son. Amen
Gracias padre por ser nuestra guía espiritual, nuestro consejero y el padre amoroso que nunca abandona a sus hijos, ayúdanos a caminar por tu vía y no ser piedra de tropiezo, ser sal en la tierra y luz en el mundo para aquellas personas que aún no te conocen padre, bendice el día de hoy te entrego nuestras vidas que seas tú a gobernar en nombre y por amor a tú hijo amado amén ?
Lord Jesus thank you for this day You have made. May we rejoice and be glad in it. For You are high and lifted up. We hold Your banner high. Though the storms of life may be raging we will not fear. For Your rod and staff will comfort us. Though we may not see Your mighty army of angels we know they are here. Thank you Lord I bow down before you and praise Your Holy Name Jesus Amen.
Verse 30
Lord, please fill me with your wisdom and your knowledge. Please help me understand your word. I have such a time understanding what I read. I don’t know how to express what I read. I pray that you can help me as I read more of your word. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Those of blameless ways are his delight.
2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with the humble is wisdom.
I am reminded again this week in Proverbs 11:2 that when I allow pride to fill me and be my guide, I am no longer teachable. Pride keeps me from receiving God’s wisdom.
Dear Lord,
I pray that you would remove all pride from my heart so I can receive Your wisdom to lead me today. I do not want to lean on myself or on what I think is best, but instead lean on You and say, “Your will be done in my life, Father.”
For Your glory and In Your Holy name,
Amen.
We should never equate doing what is right to material wealth.
Father help me to always come to you in prayer for wisdom when I need decisions to make that may not fall in your will.
I take comfort in verse 21 “the offspring of the righteous will be delivered.” This is my prayer Dear Lord to protect my offspring – my son-in-law you wears a badge and fights evil, my daughter who leads teams of servants in the fight against domestic violence, my daughter who struggles to teach her children while being faithful to her employer, and my daughter who is rebuilding her life after a destructive relationship surrounding addiction. Lord my family is no different from others within my church community. I pray you bless the parents and grandparents within our body of believers – protect their families as you have mine – delivery them from evil. Ultimately Lord receive the honor and glory for your protection, grace, and mercy.
I’m praying for you right now………that you remain faithful and on solid ground!
I remind myself that the author of Proverbs is God Himself. The writer is a man. That is important to me.
Heavenly Father, creator of heaven and earth, there is none like you! The hope of all creation, may your name be praised forever and ever. Father, you are my reward, help me to know you which is the beginning of wisdom. Father I pray to be clothed with your wisdom that my words, my actions, my life will be aligned to your perfect will. Forgive me Father when in foolishness I pursue my own desires. Father, I thank you for the mercy and grace that always drags me back! I am sooo very thankful!!!!. I love you Lord, thank you for loving me first?? in Jesus name. Amen.
Vs 21, 31
1. A false balance is an abomination to the Lord,
but a just weight is his delight.
2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with the humble is wisdom.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I want to live a life pleasing in Your sight. Please help me to walk in the paths of righteousness and seek only Your face. I want to store up treasures in heaven, not on this earth. You are preparing a place for all who believe. I look forward to that day when we all get to heaven. In the meantime, please help me fulfill Your plan for my life and be a source of living water for others I meet along the way. In Jesus precious and Holy name. Amen.
Lord, thank you for the people in my life that guide and counsel me, not just encourage me but also challenge me to be my best for your kingdom.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for another glorious day. Although, we are dealing with a pandemic that we have never experienced this comes as no surprise to you. Jesus, give us wisdom during this time to see your hand at work in this sinful world. Draw us all closer to you and use all Christians to help others during this time with sharing your word and comforting each other. Raise us up to be mighty warriors for you and remind us that you show no favoritism. Every knee will bow before you and you are the only one that sees our hearts and your are the final judge. Protect us all from the evil one and give us all strength to be strong during our trials. Thank you for your goodness, grace and most of all for dying on the cross for our sins. I pray these things in Jesus name.
Well said Wanda!!
One gives freely, yet grows all the richer;
another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.