WISE WORDS TO BE REMEMBERED:
I chose the heading for this devotion based on Proverbs 20:15- “Wise words are more valuable than much gold and many rubies.”
I’m suspecting there are many in our world who would vehemently disagree with those words. That shows how truly unwise they are. To think pursuing physical comfort and material wealth (represented by gold and rubies) is the end all is setting that person up for failure and disappointment. But rather than write about the shallowness of pursuing earthly satisfaction, I thought I would highlight a few more of the verses of Proverbs 20 to show why verse 15 is so spot on. Here are some wise words to remember:
Verse 1: “Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls. Those led astray by drink cannot be wise.” All of us have seen the devastating results of too much alcohol. An alcohol addiction is serious and must be dealt with. Check out Sober Cycle by Sherry Hoppen for more on this.
Verse 7- “The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them.” Integrity has been defined as “who you are when no one is looking.” Who better to see us in all our “raw life” away from the adoring crowds than our children? I’m not sure there can be a greater blessing than to see my children follow me as I follow Jesus.
Verse 19- “A gossip goes around telling secrets, so don’t hang around with chatterers.” I heard someone say just last night: “You are who you hang with.” Whether by reputation or guilt by association, being known for being a chatterer is not a badge of honor.
Verse 22- “Don’t say, ‘I will get even for this wrong.’ Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.” Not much to add to that one is there? Elsewhere in the Bible it says, “Vengeance is mine. I will repay says the Lord.”
Verse 29- “The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old.” (What about no hair? 🙂 ). Seriously, there is something to be said about age and wisdom.
I would encourage you to read Proverbs 20. In fact, a good practice is to read a chapter of Proverbs a day. There are 31 chapters so in one month you can read through the book. I like to highlight a different verse each time I read using a different colored highlighter. Take a moment to read Proverbs 20. Any wise words stick out to you?
Verse 20- “The Lord’s light penetrates the human spirit, exposing every hidden motive.”
Mentioned a couple posts ago, but nothing is hidden from God, not even our motives.
That’s a good one Ryan. I had that highlighted but decided to leave it for someone else. 🙂
The one that stood out to me, because I’d recently read about our penchant to take revenge on an opponent, Verse 22. Vengeance is the Lord’s alone. We don’t judge or get even, but leave it up to Him to decide.
Blessings, Bill!
Exactly Martha! Leave it up to Him.
Verse 5 and 9- Both have to do with letting God guide our steps, and being lead by the Holy Spirit. I always want God to be in charge, but to say that I am always in line with His plans first, it is impossible for me to say that is the truth. I want a clean heart, that listens to God and drowns everyone and everything else out but that just does not always happen. I want a life that aligns with God’s plans and standards, but it is to easy to go astray. I am imperfect, a sinner, and often times I get in my own way. I am grateful that I serve a loving, gracious, mercy giving God, that picks me back up time and time again.
Boy, that verse 9 really hits hard doesn’t it? I, too, want to say I am yielded to Him and His will but would be lying if I said I am all the time. Like you, I am glad I too serve a loving and merciful God.