Devotions

The Fear of The Lord is a Fountain of Life

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This term, “the fear of the Lord” or as in some translations, “the fear of Yahweh”, is used more often in Proverbs than any other book of the Bible but “The fear described here is not terror but awe”1. This term is also used in Isaiah prophetically describing Jesus Christ in

Isaiah 11:2 (LEB) And the spirit of Yahweh shall rest on him—a spirit of wisdom and understanding, a spirit of counsel and might, a spirit of knowledge and the fear of Yahweh.

It is used only once in the new testament in

Acts 9:31 (LEB) Then the church throughout all of Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, being strengthened. And living in the fear of the Lord and the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it was increasing in numbers.

but the new testament also says this of the Lord in

Hebrews 11:6 (LEB) Now without faith it is impossible to please him, for the one who approaches God must believe that he exists and is a rewarder of those who seek him.

If you don’t believe that God exists, if you don’t believe that God is good, you don’t believe in God’s love or His goodness so how can you receive anything from Him? However, if you do accept God at His word, that He is the creator of heaven and earth, where else would you go to understand the ways of life? As it says in Proverbs 14:27 (LEB) “The fear of Yahweh is a fountain of life, in order to turn from the snares of death”.

In All Toil There Is Profit

Proverbs 14:13-24 

The Fear of The Lord is a Fountain of Life

Proverbs 14:25-35

This phrase, “the fear of the Lord” is repeated here first as strength and refuge for God’s children in

Proverbs 14:26 (LEB) In the fear of Yahweh, there is confidence of strength, and for his children, there will be refuge.

and then as a “fountain of life” that delivers from death in

Proverbs 14:27 (LEB) The fear of Yahweh is a fountain of life, in order to turn from the snares of death.

It is this holy reverence for the ways of God, a turning from evil to his righteousness that brings blessing that “exalts a nation” in

Proverbs 14:34 (LEB) Righteousness will exalt a nation, but sin is a reproach to a people.

Understanding the Lord as “a fountain of life” also means understanding that He made provision for every one of us. It is only greed and selfish hoarding that allows oppression and poverty to continue. Reverence for the ways of God leads us not just to our own individual safety and security but also to a place of more than enough in

2 Corinthians 9:8 (LEB) And God is able to cause all grace to abound to you, so that in everything at all times, because you have enough of everything, you may overflow in every good work.

Or, it says we honor God when we give to the poor in

Proverbs 14:31 (LEB) He who oppresses the poor insults him who made him, but he who has mercy on the poor honors him.

A Soft Answer Turns Away Wrath

Proverbs 15:1-11 

Goodness of Heart is a Continuous Feast

Proverbs 15:12-22

We sometimes forget that we wear our emotions on our faces for all to see. How we feel shows as in

Proverbs 15:13 (LEB) A heart of gladness will make good countenance, but in sorrow of heart a spirit is broken.

but this isn’t talking about the outward pressures we might be facing, it is more about how we are internalizing what is happening as in

Proverbs 15:15 (LEB) All the days of the poor are hard, but goodness of heart is a continuous feast.

Experiencing the joy and peace and love of God is better than the wealth of the world in

Proverbs 15:16–17 (LEB) Better is little with the fear of Yahweh than great treasure and trouble with it. 17 Better is a dinner of vegetables when love is there than a fattened ox and hatred with it.

It says it this way about us as believers in Jesus Christ. When we face the pressures of life “the life of Jesus”, who is the light of the world, is revealed in

2 Corinthians 4:7–10 (LEB) But we have this treasure in earthenware jars, in order that the extraordinary degree of the power may be from God and not from us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying around the death of Jesus in our body, in order that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.

 

Before Honor Comes Humility

Proverbs 15:23-33

We are all born into this world with a need to learn and we all are taught by people around us. It is for us to listen and learn in

Proverbs 15:32 (LEB) He who ignores instruction despises himself, but he who hears admonition gains heart.

We also though, must learn to distinguish between evil and good in

Proverbs 15:26 (LEB) Plans of evil are an abomination of Yahweh, but gracious words are pure.

We each have the opportunity to test the good and God himself will confirm to us when we turn toward him in

Proverbs 15:29 (LEB) Yahweh is far from the wicked, but the prayers of the righteous he will hear.

As we follow after the Lord and choose “the path of life”, we separate ourselves from the destruction. This is clearly seen in the lives of people that have escaped the destruction of addiction by entering a twelve-step program. Though these programs only hint at a higher power, there is a discipline of life that they enter, there is an acknowledging that they have the freedom to choose to be free as in

Proverbs 15:24 (LEB) The path of life leads upward for him who has insight, in order to turn away from Sheol below.

And as we acknowledge that we have freedom to choose, we also must recognize that it is the Lord himself is our “instruction” for the “path of life” if we will receive it in

Proverbs 15:33 (LEB) Fear of Yahweh is the instruction of the wise, and before honor comes humility.

By Loyalty and Faithfulness, Iniquity will be Covered

Proverbs 16:1-11

Study Verses

Today’s Reading

  • Proverbs 14:13-35
  • Proverbs 15:1-33
  • Proverbs 16:1-11

References

  • 1. Longman, T., III. (2017). Isaiah. In E. A. Blum & T. Wax (Eds.), CSB Study Bible: Notes (p. 1059). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
Isaiah 46:9–10
Remember the former things from a long time ago, for I am God and there is none besides me, God and there is none like me, who from the beginning declares the end, and from before, things that have not been done, who says, ‘My plan shall stand,’ and, ‘I will accomplish all my wishes,’
Devotions

To Those Who Plan Peace There is Joy

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The word of the Lord teaches us the ways of life that are not only good for us but fulfilling. Yes, there are people around that are trouble, but how much better if we don’t rail back at them in response and put away rash words that cut and destroy. How much better if we instead exercise wisdom in Proverbs 12:18 (LEB) “There is one who speaks rashly, like the thrust of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing”. How much better if we are peacemakers, not only so there is peace around us, but doing the work to bring peace actually creates joy in us in Proverbs 12:20b (LEB) “but to those who plan peace, there is joy”. Getting a better outcome and interacting with others though often comes with some cost. It says it this way in Proverbs 14:4 (LEB) “When there are no oxen the manger is empty, but an abundance of crops comes by the strength of an ox”. We may gain strength through relationships but there is always some mess to clean with it. 

The Tongue of the Wise Brings Healing

Proverbs 12:10-19

Haven’t we all felt the sharpness of words spoken by someone in anger or reacting badly as described here, speaking rashly in

Proverbs 12:18 (LEB) There is one who speaks rashly, like the thrust of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

These rash words are likened to a sword that cuts and like the cutting of a sword, it takes time for us to heal from the wound of words. This is why we are told to take on the armor of God, the shield of faith in

Ephesians 6:16 (LEB) in everything taking up the shield of faith, with which you are able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one,

and also why we are told to guard our hearts in

Proverbs 4:23 (LEB) With all vigilance, keep your heart, for from it comes the source of life.

How much more welcome is the kind word of encouragement, words spoken to help us recover and overcome. Or “to know how to help” in

Isaiah 50:4 (LEB) The Lord Yahweh has given me the tongue of a pupil, to know how to help the weary with a word. He awakens morning by morning, awakens an ear for me to listen as do the pupils.

 

To Those Who Plan Peace There is Joy

Proverbs 12:20-28

As much as we may want everyone to get along, the reality is that there are people around us that are trouble. These, “the wicked are filled with trouble” in Proverbs 12:21 and “Deceit is in the heart of those who plan evil” in Proverbs 12:20. This way of living causes trouble for everyone but eventually, “the way of the wicked will lead them astray” in Proverbs 12:26.

There is another way for us to live and that is in the ways of the Lord. If we are honest and upright and seeking good for those around us we not only get good results, we feel good about doing it in

Proverbs 12:20b (LEB) but to those who plan peace, there is joy.

He Who Keeps His Mouth Guards His Life

Proverbs 13:1-11

Desire Fulfilled is a Tree of Life

Proverbs 13:12-25 

Where There Are no Oxen the Manger is Empty

Proverbs 14:1-12

There is in our nature a satisfaction that comes from completing a task. We are creative beings and we like to see the results of our work. So, there is a simple difference between the wise and foolish in

Proverbs 14:1 (LEB) The wisest of women builds her house, but the foolish tears it down with her hands.

It is good for us to build up and encourage. Why would anyone complain and degrade and belittle and tear down?

There is though another truth and one that isn’t so simple to deal with. The archaic expression that would be easily understood in an agrarian culture is in

Proverbs 14:4 (LEB) When there are no oxen the manger is empty, but an abundance of crops comes by the strength of an ox.

The first part of this is that there is a real physical limit to what I can do with my own hands. And, if I can add the strength of an ox, I can do much more and “have an abundance”.

It is the second part that is harder to deal with and this is that oxen require food and tending and their food ends up on the floor of the stall (the manger) for someone to clean up.

We are social creatures and it is good for us to have others around us, not just for social engagement, but we actually make each other more productive. We can do more together than we can alone. But, there is this other problem that comes with other people and that is the mess that must be cleaned up. It is the wise that builds and deals with the mess but the foolish only complains about the mess.

Study Verses

Today’s Reading

  • Proverbs 12:10-28
  • Proverbs 13:1-25
  • Proverbs 14:1-12
Job 5:9-16
He is doing great and unsearchable things, marvelous things without number— the one who is giving rain on the surface of the earth and is sending water on the surface of the fields, to set the lowly on high, and those mourning are lifted to safety. He is frustrating the devices of the crafty, and their hands do not achieve success. He is capturing the wise in their craftiness, and the schemes of the wily are rushed. In the daytime they meet with darkness, and they grope at noon as in the night. And he saves from the sword of their mouth, even the poor from the hand of the strong. So there is hope for the powerless, and wickedness shuts its mouth.
Devotions

The Hope of the Righteous is Gladness

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There is a way of life that leads to fulfilled hope, “gladness” in Proverbs 10:28 and this way begins with reverence for the Lord. Living this righteous life brings blessing not only to you but to those around you in Proverbs 11:11 (LEB) “By the blessing of the upright, a city will be exalted”. And, a nation stands when there is in Proverbs 11:14 (LEB) “an abundance of counsel” as righteous men and women work together for good. The most important message though, is for us to find wisdom, the wisdom of God and that is described in Proverbs 11:30 “he who captures souls is wise”. 

The Hope of the Righteous is Gladness

Proverbs 10:21-32

Here, righteousness is associated with blessing and stability and a long life. But “fools die” in Proverbs 10:21 and “the years of the wicked are shortened” in Proverbs 10:27. How is it that there is such a difference? It is that reverence for God and his ways are the way of life so “the fear of the Lord adds life in Proverbs 10:27. When your hope is in your righteousness through the work of Jesus Christ, you can be glad as in

Proverbs 10:28 (LEB) The hope of the righteous is gladness, but the expectation of the wicked comes to nothing.

The Integrity of the Upright Guides Them

Proverbs 11:1-10 

There is Safety in an Abundance of Counsel

Proverbs 11:11-20

This psalm offers instruction for social interaction whether neighbor or city or nation.

Beginning with our neighbor, we are not to talk down to them or about them. In fact, we are to cover their mistakes and help them rise above them. There is a reason twelve-step recovery programs like Alcoholics Anonymous use the word Anonymous in their name. These programs recognize that there is a higher power, God, that wants to bring us to a life that is free. They also recognize the need for the hand of a neighbor, a sponsor to help put the past behind as in

Proverbs 11:12–13 (LEB) He who lacks sense belittles his neighbor, but a person of intelligence will remain silent. 13 A gossip walks about telling a secret, but the trustworthy in spirit keeps the matter.

Then in a city, people that are blessed, bless everyone as in

Proverbs 11:11 (LEB) By the blessing of the upright, a city will be exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked, it will be overthrown.

And for a nation, guidance is necessary but there is no one person that knows everything so in

Proverbs 11:14 (LEB) Where there is no guidance, a nation shall fall, but there is safety in an abundance of counsel.

Some think they have a direct line to God and so do not hear what others are saying. Yes. we must be fully committed to doing what the Lord has said for us to do, but was it the voice of the Lord? Moses was corrected by his father-in-law and he listened in

Exodus 18:17–18 (LEB) And the father-in-law of Moses said to him, “The thing that you are doing is not good. 18 Surely you will wear out, both you and this people who are with you, because the thing is too difficult for you. You are not able to do it alone.

Paul and Barnabas were sent by the Holy Spirit as they prayed together with others including prophets, but the group only commissioned them after further fasting and prayer confirmed this to them in

Acts 13:2–3 (LEB) And while they were serving the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart now for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then, after they had fasted and prayed and placed their* hands on them, they sent them away.

Peter had a vision and went to the house of Cornelius then later took council from the leaders in Jerusalem because this encounter with a Gentile broke their doctrine and caused them to change and accept Gentiles in

Acts 11:18 (LEB) And when they heard these things, they became silent and praised God, saying, “Then God has granted the repentance leading to life to the Gentiles also!”

We are to recognize that God confirms His word and that confirmation will come to us beginning with our own unction or voice or vision or dream and then also by a prophetic word or agreement with other spirit-filled believing Christians that we know and trust. And as we listen for this confirmation, the wisdom of God from those around us, God will protect us, the nation, from the pride of life and whim of those that would become authority abusers.

 

He That Wins Souls is Wise

Proverbs 11:21-31

Have you considered what God calls wisdom? Isn’t it these attributes of wisdom that we ought to aspire to in our lives? Here it says “he who captures souls is wise” in Proverbs 11:30 but this “second part of this verse is difficult. The Hebrew reads literally “the one taking lives is wise.” Elsewhere in the Bible the phrase take a life is always negative (1:19; 1Sm 24:11; 1Kg 19:10, 14; Ps 31:13; Ezk 33:6); it never means “to win a soul.” But it does not fit with the rest of Scripture to say that the person who kills people is wise, so there must be another explanation”1 and that explanation is that the wise person is warning, convincing people to turn themselves to the Lord that they might be saved as Jesus said quoting Isaiah 6:9-10 in

Matthew 13:15 (LEB) For the heart of this people has become dull, and with their ears they hear with difficulty, and they have shut their eyes, so that they would not see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.”

So, the one that opens their ears and eyes is wise.

The Thoughts of the Righteous are Just

Proverbs 12:1-9

Study Verses

Today’s Reading

  • Proverbs 10:21-32
  • Proverbs 11:1-31
  • Proverbs 12:1-9

References

  • 1 Stabnow, D. K. (2017). Proverbs. In E. A. Blum & T. Wax (Eds.), CSB Study Bible: Notes (p. 969). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
Nehemiah 9:6
You alone are Yahweh. You alone have made the heavens, the heavens of the heavens, and all of their army, the earth and all that is in it, the waters and all that is in them. You give life to all of them, and the army of the heavens worship you.
Devotions

Happy Are Those Who Will Keep My Ways

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Understanding Raises its Voice

Proverbs 8:1-11

I Love Those Who Love Me

Proverbs 8:12-21

My Delight Was With the Children of Humankind

Proverbs 8:22-31 

Happy Are Those Who Will Keep My Ways

Proverbs 8:32-36

 

Wisdom Has Built Her House

Proverbs 9:1-9

The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom

Proverbs 9:10-18

A Wise Child Makes a Father Glad

Proverbs 10:1-10

Love Covers All Offenses

Proverbs 10:11-20

Study Verses

Today’s Reading

  • Proverbs 8:1-36
  • Proverbs 9:1-18
  • Proverbs 10:1-20
Psalm 113:3–9
From the rising of the sun to its setting, let the name of Yahweh be blessed. Yahweh is high above all nations; his glory is above the heavens. Who is like Yahweh our God, who is enthroned on high, who condescends to look at what is in the heavens and in the earth? He raises the helpless from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap, to seat them with princes, with the princes of his people. He causes the barren woman of the house to dwell as the happy mother of children. Praise Yah!
Devotions

Keep My Commands and Live

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Most people attach a negative connotation to the word command in our culture. We value our independence and what to express our freedom to do whatever we choose to do. These commands that come from God are not to restrict our independence or demean the value of who we are, they instead are given to instruct us in the behaviors that will help us succeed in life. These aren’t about controlling us, God has given us free will and that will is for us to explore all He has made us to be and all this world has to offer. This is a good place for us to remember that from the beginning, God didn’t tell Adam, he asked Adam in Genesis 2:19 (LEB) “And out of the ground Yahweh God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the sky, and he brought each to the man to see what he would call it. And whatever the man called that living creature was its name”. This instruction that God gives us, these commandments are for our good, to help us and not to hinder. Do you hear the heart desire of God saying walk the good path, “Keep my commands and live”.

A Worthless Man

Proverbs 6:12-15 

There Are Six Things the Lord Hates

Proverbs 6:16-19

We often talk about the love of God and His mercy and righteousness and holiness but these things cannot tolerate evil. Just as light dispels darkness, evil cannot stand in the presence of the Lord. Because we live in this age of grace, we sometimes think this murky gray mix of evil and good is the way God is but the truth Jesus taught is in

Mark 9:47–49 (LEB) And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out! It is better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye than, having two eyes, to be thrown into hell, 48 ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not extinguished.’ 49 For everyone will be salted with fire.

God will separate any evil nature that may remain in us yet he wants us to be salty and help each other be holy as He is. Yes, in Jesus Christ we are fully forgiven and made His righteousness and because of that, we can come into the holy presence of God who hates these things in

Proverbs 6:17–19 (LEB) haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a devising heart, plans of deception, feet that hurry to run to evil, 19 a false witness who breathes lies and sends out discord between brothers.

 

Like a Lamp is a Commandment

Proverbs 6:20-26

We may think of a commandment in a negative way as something we cannot do. Yes, there are things that God has commanded like in

Deuteronomy 5:17–20 (LEB)
17 ‘You shall not murder.
18 ‘And you shall not commit adultery.
19 ‘And you shall not steal.
20 ‘And you shall not falsely bear evidence against your neighbor.

But how could doing these things be good for anyone? These are not things that we would want to do. A better way to think about this word “commandment” is in line with the word along side it “instruction” in

Proverbs 6:23 (LEB) For like a lamp is a commandment, and instruction is light, and the way of life is the reproof of discipline

These things that God is talking about are good for us and they will light our way. So, just as we might hold up a flashlight (a lamp in their day) on a dark night to see our path, so we should hold on to the instruction from the Lord. His words will lead and protect and instruct in

Proverbs 6:22 (LEB) When you walk, she will lead you, When you lie down, she will watch over you, and when you awake, she will converse with you.

Because His words are

Proverbs 4:22 (LEB) For they are life to those who find them and healing to the entire body.

Can a Man Carry Fire in His Lap?

Proverbs 6: 27-35 

Keep My Commands and Live

Proverbs 7:1-12

There are words, commandments, teachings that are wisdom for us to keep us from making tragic mistakes. And these sayings are to be held very close. Look at the words used to describe our relationship with these words of wisdom. He says “guard” them, “store … with you”, “keep them”, “bind” them, “write them on the tablet of your heart” in Proverbs 7:3. These words are there for a purpose, to “guard” you in

Proverbs 7:5 (LEB) In order to guard yourself from an adulteress, from the foreigner who makes her words smooth.

Without these words in our heart, we are left only with our natural minds and the voice of our flesh which is easily tempted and led astray in

James 1:13–15 (LEB) No one who is being tempted should say, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each one is tempted when he is dragged away and enticed by his own desires. 15 Then desire, after it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is brought to completion, gives birth to death.

Whether it is the deceitful voice of a woman enticing, or of a man, or of alcohol or drugs, or the lust for money or position or any other thing, the end is the same, loss and eventually destruction. But somehow, when we put God first and listen to His instruction, we are on the path to blessing.

Like an Ox to the Slaughter

Proverbs 7:13-23

Do Not Stray Into Her Path

Proverbs 7:24-27

Study Verses

Today’s Reading

  • Proverbs 6:12-35
  • Proverbs 7:1-27
Psalm 148:1-6
Praise Yah. Praise Yahweh from the heavens; praise him in the heights. Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his hosts. Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all stars of light. Praise him, highest heavens, and waters above the heavens. Let them praise the name of Yahweh, because he commanded and they were created. And he put them in place forever and ever, by a decree he gave that will not pass away.
Devotions

When Will You Rise Up

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Some parts of the Bible talk of heaven and angels and the end times; things that scholars have struggled to understand. And then there are places like this that offer simple instruction for us as we live our lives. Here we are instructed to keep our hearts right with God and not let any offense or disappointment or sorrow separate us from the love of God Proverbs 4:23 (LEB) With all vigilance, keep your heart, for from it comes the source of life. Those that are married are to keep their eyes on each other in Proverbs 5:18–19 (LEB) “rejoice in the wife of your youth … by her love may you be intoxicated continually”. And we are all given the example of the industrious ant in Proverbs 6:6–8 (LEB) “Go to the ant, lazy! Consider its ways and be wise. 7 It has no chief, officer, or ruler” and we don’t need anyone to tell us what to do. God has placed His Spirit in us to lead and guide us so we are admonished in Proverbs 6:9 (LEB) “How long will you lie down, lazy? When will you rise up from your sleep?” What is God speaking to your heart to do? What is in your authority that you can do now? This is a simple message that only requires that you Rise up and do it! 

With All Vigilance, Keep Your Heart

Proverbs 4:20-27

You and God are the only ones that know what is going on inside you. And even then, we sometimes deceive ourselves but God will always bring us to the truth. But God doesn’t judge us based on what we or what we think, He judges us based on what we do in

Jeremiah 17:9–10 (LEB) The heart is deceitful more than anything else, and it is disastrous. Who can understand it? 10 I, Yahweh, examine the mind, I test the heart, and give to each one according to his way, according to the fruit of his deeds.

This is why He tells us in

Proverbs 4:20–21 (LEB) My child, be attentive to my words; to my sayings incline your ear. 21 May they not escape from your sight; keep them in the midst of your heart.

Having His words in our heart is the only way for us to keep ourselves on the path of life. As Jesus taught in

Luke 6:45 (LEB) The good person out of the good treasury of his heart brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasury brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

This is why it says here in

Proverbs 4:23 (LEB) With all vigilance, keep your heart, for from it comes the source of life.

With His word in our hearts and his goodness in our mouths we follow the good path in

Proverbs 4:25 (LEB) May your eyes look forward and your gaze be straight before you.

Keep Prudence and Knowledge

Proverbs 5:1-6

Do Not Depart From the Sayings of My Mouth

Proverbs 5:7-14 

Rejoice in the Wife of Your Youth

Proverbs 5:15-23

Scientists study the natural world to understand how it operates and it is clear that there are certain actions that release tremendous amounts of energy. This explosive power can be destructive. There are also actions that store energy and plants amazingly turn a little sunlight and a little rain and a few minerals in the earth into fruit for us to eat.

What we sometimes miss is that there isn’t anything preventing us from taking destructive action and, we can just as easily choose to be constructive. To the natural mind, getting more and having mine may seem like the most constructive action. To the natural man, more women and more experiences may seem like the best way to live. But you may have witnessed the pain and anguish caused by infidelity. God made us in a way that we are fulfilled in a singular relationship where one man has one wife and they share together the joys of life. It says it this way in

Proverbs 5:15–16 (LEB) Drink water from your own cistern and flowing waters from inside your own well. 16 Shall your springs be scattered outward? In the streets, shall there be streams of water?

There is positive and constructive life-giving power that comes into the life of a man and woman that set their affection on each other and live together as one flesh. A man will find fulfillment when he sets his love on his wife and every woman will flourish in the loyal love of her husband as in

Proverbs 5:18–19 (LEB) May your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth. 19 She is a deer of love and a doe of grace; may her breasts satisfy you always; by her love may you be intoxicated continually.

If You are Snared by the Sayings of Your Mouth

Proverbs 6:1-5 

When Will You Rise Up

Proverbs 6:6-11

God has given us authority over our lives. We have the free will choice about how we will live. This authority though, is in the context of the world God has created. In this world, there is a principle, a natural law, that everything produces after its kind. This principle also means that the world around us will produce for us the things we need but we will need at the very least to harvest the fruit of the earth. We though don’t need to accept whatever happens to grow around us. We can plant the things that we want to have and look forward to a harvest of those things.

Now we come to an example, what may be to us, a simple and maybe even useless creature, the ant in

Proverbs 6:6–8 (LEB) Go to the ant, lazy! Consider its ways and be wise. 7 It has no chief, officer, or ruler. 8 In the summer, it prepares its food; in the harvest, it gathers its sustenance.

The ant is a natural example for us to follow because our industry, our actions affect our lives. Here is the admonition from the Lord in

Proverbs 6:9 (LEB) How long will you lie down, lazy? When will you rise up from your sleep?

What is in your authority that you can do now? Rise up and do it!

Study Verses

Today’s Reading

  • Proverbs 4:20-27
  • Proverbs 5:1-23
  • Proverbs 6:1-11
Psalm 104:13–15
You are the one who waters the mountains from his upper chambers. The earth is full with the fruit of your labors: who causes grass to grow for the cattle and herbs for the service of humankind, to bring forth food from the earth, and wine that makes glad the heart of man, so that their faces shine from oil, and bread that strengthens the heart of man.