If good people barely make it, what’s in store for the bad?
Why it matters to Jesus: Jesus is straight with us. The way is not easy. He says it over and over. …
Tag Archives: Wise Sayings
Is good character a great insurance policy?
Good character is important. Doing the right thing, God’s thing, makes all the difference. Solomon’s dad understood that following what …
What is God’s goal for our hearts?
It is God’s goal for us to align our hearts with our words in a way that is acceptable to …
What do I want from God? What should I ask for?
God offered Solomon anything he wanted. He could have anything at all. Now that is amazing. What did Solomon want? …
Am I a student of good?
There are many things we can be students of. Seeking good is God’s goal for us. God wants us to …
Am I a loafer and lazybone?
This is a stunning insight from Solomon. God’s goal for us is that we work. Work is Godly. Work is …
Is my grandeur to forgive and forget?
I need to learn how to hold my tongue. Easier said than done some days. Someone says something and off …
Can I really escape God?
Ever heard of Francis Thompson? Young guy, drop out, drug addict, drifter, sometime homeless. Eventually diseased and dead at 48. …
Should I beg God?
Jesus said, “Everyone who asks (begs) receives …” Sometimes it takes a lot for us to ask. We think we …
Jesus brings calm into our lives. Jesus brings peace. Jesus drives out the darkness.
I remember as a child not wanting to sleep in the dark. There were monsters in the closet and under …
What is God’s message to us today?
This is both prophecy about Jesus and also a message to us as God’s children. Our God is a living, …
“If I’m sleepless at midnight, I spend the hours in grateful reflection.” ~King David
Some nights I don’t sleep as well as I would like. How do I use the time? Worrying? Tossing and …
“Ignorant zeal is worthless; haste makes waste.” ~King Solomon
Am I confused with trying to be fast rather than being correct? God is patient. God is not in a …
“Love to you, Lord God! You pay a fair wage for a good day’s work!” ~King David
I hear this clearly. I can count on God. My strength comes straight from God. It is not of my …
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.” ~King David
I must have a pure heart. Jesus is clear on that. I can’t see God without a pure heart. Is …
“For You are great and do wondrous deeds; You alone are God.” ~King David
I am constantly amazed and stunned at how good God is and beautiful His works are. He has done wonderful …
“Wise men and women are always learning, always listening for fresh insights.” ~King Solomon
How can I become wise? That is an essential question. I need to figure it out. King Solomon was the …
Will I be devoted to a dead life? Am I a stump, dead and rotting?
I want to live a life that is flourishing. I really do. I can’t do it on my own though. …
“God, listen to me shout, bend an ear to my prayer.” ~King David
I call on God. I plead with God to listen to me. I don’t just whisper. I shout it out …
“Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the MASTER will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared” ~King Solomon
Am I ready to be bold and have confidence when I approach Jesus in prayer? Jesus is my great high …
“A meal of bread and water in contented peace is better than a banquet spiced with quarrels” ~King Solomon
There is something about enjoying a peaceful meal. It can be alone or with families and friends. I come away …
“Give us help for the hard task; human help is worthless. In God we’ll do our very best; he’ll flatten the opposition for good.” ~ King David
I love it when friends help. It is always a blessing. But there is always a limit to what can …
“With the pure You show Yourself pure, and with the crooked You show Yourself astute.” ~King David
God is pure and holy. There is nothing about God that is false at all. There is no evil in …
“God made everything with a place and purpose; even the wicked are included—but for judgment.” ~King Solomon
I can take comfort in the fact that God has made everything. It has all been planned out. God has …
“Strong God, I’m watching you do it, I can always count on you — God, my dependable love.” ~King David
Some days I get in a heap of trouble. My enemies are after me. King David had that in spades. …
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” ~King David
I want to have a pure heart. If my heart is pure, I will see God. I want a heart …
“Knowledge flows like spring water from the wise; fools are leaky faucets, dripping nonsense.” ~King Solomon
God is gracious and kind to us. He gives wisdom and knowledge. It is lack turning on the faucet. Once …
“Do you really speak righteously, you mighty ones? Do you judge people fairly?” ~King David
God is looking for righteous leaders. I want leaders who know how to speak righteously and know what justice means. …
“Lady Wisdom builds a lovely home; Sir Fool comes along and tears it down brick by brick.” ~King Solomon
Wisdom in an amazing character trait. I want more of it. I need more of it. God is in a …
“I’m ready, God, so ready, ready from head to toe, ready to sing, ready to raise a tune.” ~King David
King David is being chased by Saul. He is hiding in a cave. He is in a very tough spot. …
“Intelligent children listen to their parents; foolish children do their own thing.” ~King Solomon
I learned this the hard way with my dad. There was a period of time I thought he was an …
“God, you did everything you promised, and I’m thanking you with all my heart.” ~King David
God is very faithful and loyal. God does everything He promises. I can count on that. My job is to …
“Better to be poor and honest than a rich person no one can trust.” ~King Solomon
The pursuit of possessions and wealth and a preoccupation with physical things is futile and dissatisfying. Materialism is defined as “the …
“Dignify those who are down on their luck; you’ll feel good — that’s what God does.” ~King David
God has given me a job. It is straightforward. There are lots of people down on their luck. My job …
“A woman of gentle grace gets respect, but men of rough violence grab for loot.” ~King Solomon
I am called to gentle and humble. Jesus is clear with me that I should meek. I should look to …
“God, for your sake, help me! Use your influence to clear me. Listen, God—I’m desperate. Don’t be too busy to hear me.” ~King David
I am desperate some days. I don’t see a way out. God doesn’t seem to care. What should I do? …
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!” ~King David
Those whose commitment from the heart is shown in practical, often sacrificial, care, love and service. They are a source …
“Liars secretly hoard hatred; fools openly spread slander.” ~King Solomon
This puts an interesting twist on the motivation of liars and slanderers. I must pay attention here. When I lie, …
The fool says in his heart, “There’s no God.” ~King David
There is a lot to be said about atheism and skepticism in general. I am very active on social media …
“In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For You alone, O Master, make me to dwell in safety.” ~King David
I can count on peace. I can count on sleep. I can count on rest. I don’t need a “My …
“Are you confused about life, don’t know what’s going on?” ~Lady Wisdom
The call here is for the confused, the simple and ignorant to have dinner with Lady Wisdom. It is easy …
“Why do you brag of evil, “Big Man”? God’s mercy carries the day.” ~King David
I must be very careful. Am I bragging about evil? Of course not! Really? Do I think I am a …
“Since I am afflicted and needy, let the Master be mindful of me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God.” ~King David
Humility is the correct way to come into God’s presence. Someone who knows Jesus and follows Him will be growing …
“The Fear-of-God means hating Evil, whose ways I hate with a passion — pride and arrogance and crooked talk.” ~King Solomon
It is an interesting question. Do I hate evil? Should I hate evil? Am I passionate in my hate for …
“Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; Let the sea roar, and all it contains.” ~King David
There are many reasons to be thankful about the wonderful world around us. God is good and in a good …
“Generous in love — God, give grace! Huge in mercy — wipe out my bad record. Scrub away my guilt, soak out my sins in your laundry. I know how bad I’ve been; my sins are staring me down.” ~King David
David has committed a terrible sin with Bathsheba in committing adultery and then having her husband killed in battle. David …
“Dear friend, do what I tell you; treasure my careful instructions. Do what I say and you’ll live well. My teaching is as precious as your eyesight—guard it!” ~King Solomon
Wisdom is useless unless I act on it. Wisdom is about knowing, understanding and doing. Acting on wisdom leads to …
“He saved them for the sake of His name, that He might make His power known.” ~King David
God is God. God is to be honored and His name is to be revered. This is a shock to …
“The God of gods — it’s God! — speaks out, shouts, “Earth!” welcomes the sun in the east, farewells the disappearing sun in the west.” ~Asaph
We have an amazing God. God is God. God is God of gods. God reigns supreme. I must get that …
“Their perverse minds are always cooking up something nasty, always stirring up trouble.” ~King Solomon
I deal with a lot of atheists and skeptics online. I see this play out daily. There is a duplicitousness …
“We aren’t immortal. We don’t last long. Like our dogs, we age and weaken. And die.” ~Sons of Korah
My dad would say very frequently “There are two things certain in life …. death and taxes”. I think for …
“We pondered your love-in-action … ” ~Sons of Korah
I need to think about God. That is the main thing. More important though, I need to think about God’s …
“I’m writing out clear directions to Wisdom Way, I’m drawing a map to Righteous Road.” ~King Solomon
I want wisdom. I am on a journey. If I am careful, I might get lost. There are lots of …
“Applause, everyone. Bravo, bravissimo! Shout God-songs at the top of your lungs! God Most High is stunning, astride land and ocean.” ~Sons of Korah
Now here is a good word. God, our most High God, is stunning. So is His Son Jesus. So is …
“Good friend, don’t forget all I’ve taught you; take to heart my commands. They’ll help you live a long, long time, a long life lived full and well.” ~King Solomon
I want to live long. I want to live well. I want to live long. There is very good news. …
“God is a safe place to hide, ready to help when we need him.” ~Sons of Korah
I can trust God. God provides me a safe place. Some days we all need a refuge or even a …
“The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart.” ~King David
Joy is something we all long for but that often seems difficult to grab hold of. Experiencing joy should be …
“God gives out wisdom free, is plain spoken in knowledge and understanding.” ~King Solomon
God is ready, willing and able to give me wisdom. God makes it clear and is plain spoken. There is …
“Your throne is God’s throne, ever and always; the scepter of your royal rule measures right living.” ~King David
Jesus is King of God’s country. Jesus will rule forever and ever. There is no end to His authority. Jesus …
“Carelessness kills; complacency is murder.” ~King Solomon
I have to guard against being content. Being self-satisfied is dangerous. Neglecting wisdom in my life leads to the destruction …
“We didn’t fight for this land; we didn’t work for it — it was a gift! You gave it, smiling as you gave it, delighting as you gave it.” ~ Unknown Psalmist
Jesus is smiling. He takes great pleasure in giving me freedom. My life is a gift from God. I didn’t earn …
“Leaders can’t afford to make fools of themselves, gulping wine and swilling beer.” ~King Lemuel
Here is great advice. Don’t get drunk. There is no good that comes from it. Leaders need a clear and …
“He puts a smile on my face. He’s my God.” ~King David
It is not about me. Of course I get down. I start crying the blues. I’m throwing a big pity …
“You will not be afraid of the terror by night, or of the arrow that flies by day.” ~King David
I am constantly on the lookout for tornadoes. I live in tornado alley. I used to live in the northeast …
“The skeptic swore, “There is no God! No God! — I can do anything I want!” ~Agur
This chapter in Proverbs is not written by King Solomon. It is written by Agur, the son of Jakeh. We …
“My lovingkindness I will keep for him forever, and My covenant shall be confirmed to him.” ~King David
God is loyal. God is faithful. That is just who God is. It is His very nature. When God says …
“Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul?” ~King David
Why am I down in the dumps? King David has lots of good reasons to ask. So do I. I …
“When I wept in my soul with fasting, It became my reproach.” ~King David
The purpose of fasting should be to take my eyes off the things of this world to focus completely on …
“When good people run things, everyone is glad, but when the ruler is bad, everyone groans.” ~King Solomon
The issue here, relative to “good people”, is one of righteousness. Do we have righteous people in charge? The contrast …
“This isn’t the neighborhood bully mocking me — I could take that.” ~King David
This is tough. When a friend betrays us, it is so very painful. I can take it when trolls attack …
“The wicked are edgy with guilt, ready to run off even when no one’s after them; Honest people are relaxed and confident, bold as lions.” ~King Solomon
A lion is a mighty and very courageous animal. Jesus is the Lion of the tribe of Judah. I want …
“How happy is the man who has made the Master his trust.” ~King David
I am happy. Jesus promises me that I will be. A state of pleasure or joy experienced both by people …
“Ignore what the world worships; the world’s a huge stockpile of God-wonders and God-thoughts.” ~King David
The world isn’t worshiping God, our Master. They don’t know Him and his wonderful love. Jesus brings me great joy …
“Don’t call attention to yourself; let others do that for you.” ~King Solomon
Jesus calls on me to be humble. God is God. God is great. I am not. I am a slave. …
“Mum’s the word!” ~King David
David knows. God has given him wisdom. Being quiet and not saying what I am thinking is a good course …
“We no more give honors to fools than pray for snow in summer or rain during harvest.” ~King Solomon
God wants me to be wise. God wants me to understand that He is God. I am not. God is …
“I give out good and get back evil from God-haters who can’t stand a God-lover.” ~King David
I sure feel like this some days. I do good (or at least I think I do). What do I …
“The right word at the right time is like a custom-made piece of jewelry, and a wise friend’s timely reprimand is like a gold ring slipped on your finger.” ~King Solomon
We need friends but we need wise friends that we can count on to say the right thing at the …
“Get insurance with God and do a good deed, settle down and stick to your last. Keep company with God, get in on the best.” ~King David
It is a wise thing to “do good”. I know that “good works” won’t save me. Only the redemptive act …
“It’s better to be wise than strong; intelligence outranks muscle any day.” ~King Solomon
There is a better way. What? Yes, God shows us. It is a God thing. It is called wisdom. It …
“How exquisite your love, O God!” ~King David
God is love! Jesus came to die for me to show the amazing scope of God’s love. God’s love is …
“Don’t stealthily move back the boundary lines or cheat orphans out of their property, for they have a powerful Advocate who will go to bat for them.” ~King Solomon
God cares for the poor, the widow, the orphan, the homeless, the sick, those in jail; all of the displaced …
“God is great — everything works together for good for his servant.” ~King David
I have something to shout about. I have family and friends that want the best for me. They really do. …
“A sterling reputation is better than striking it rich; a gracious spirit is better than money in the bank.” ~King Solomon
Jesus warns us constantly and consistently about the dangers not focusing on God and focusing on wealth. It is a …
Fools – What do we know about them from Proverbs?
I want wisdom. It is important to my daily walk with Jesus. Sometimes it helps, in understanding something, is to …
“I live and breathe God; if things aren’t going well, hear this and be happy: join me in spreading the news; together let’s get the word out.” ~King David
King David knows what it is like to be in some tough places. He spent much of his life in …
“Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.” ~Jesus
Paul tells the church that the spiritual blindness of Israel is a “mystery” that had not previously been revealed (Romans …
“Good leadership is a channel of water controlled by God; He directs it to whatever ends He chooses.” ~King Solomon
God is God. God is in control. I don’t get that some days. What about that jerk that is …
“God’s plan for the world stands up, all his designs are made to last.” ~King David
David knows a lot about God’s plan for countries and kingdoms. We can plan and scheme all we want. …
“He who guards his mouth and his tongue, guards his soul from troubles. ” ~King Solomon
I don’t like to get in trouble. I do even though I don’t like it. Usually it is something I’ve …
“Lots of people claim to be loyal and loving, but where on earth can you find one?” ~King Solomon
Where is the loyalty? Where is the love? Doesn’t anyone care? God is loyal and God is loving. I can …
“Let angry people endure the backlash of their own anger; if you try to make it better, you’ll only make it worse.” ~King Solomon
There is a natural set of consequences for angry people. There is a backlash. Something very real is going to …
“Be brave. Be strong. Don’t give up. Expect God to get here soon.” ~King David
Now here is some good news. God is going to take care of me. My job is to love God. …
“Fools are undone by their big mouths; their souls are crushed by their words.” ~King Solomon
Scripture portrays fools as those who have rejected God and/or his ways and are unable or unwilling to appreciate the …
“The fear of the Master is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” ~King Solomon
Proverbs 1:7 declares, “The fear of the Master is the beginning of knowledge.” Until I understand who God is and develop …
“God, my God, I yelled for help and you put me together.” ~King David
God answers prayer. Mighty King David knows this in his heart. He has seen lots of trouble. God comes through. …
“Overlook an offense and bond a friendship; fasten on to a slight and — good-bye, friend!” ~King Solomon
Friendship is an amazing experience. It also can be a fragile relationship. Am I looking at the good in my …
“Bravo, God, bravo!” ~King David
Where is my enthusiasm for God and His marvelous works? Why don’t I shout it out? Do I long for …
“Humans are satisfied with whatever looks good; God probes for what is good.” ~King Solomon
God acts from the highest, purest motives. God expects me to do the same. Humans are satisfied with whatever looks …
“Blessed be God — He heard me praying.” ~King David
I need to see how much God cares. It is just who He is. I don’t need to look around. …
