Today’s passage: Proverbs 15
Helpful thoughts:
- It is good to read verses 1, 2 and 23 together. A “harsh” word can be factual, but a wise person will use their knowledge rightly and in a timely fashion.
- A reverential fear of the Lord and a loving relationship with family and friends is worth more than any treasure this world can offer. How wonderful it is to be content and happy before, during, and after we either do or don’t gain more possessions!
- The hedge of thorns and the highway of verse 19 refer to the ease of movement in getting things accomplished. The lazy will get things done slowly, like you were walking through thorns. The upright’s task list looks more like a highway.
Questions to consider:
- How can verse 3 help us to grow in our thankfulness for Jesus’ sacrifice? Is there any sin in us that God missed and therefore Jesus didn’t die for? What is true of all those who rest in Jesus (Romans 8:1)?
- Why must humility come before honor (Verse 33)? What will a humble person do that a proud person will not (Verse 32)? What does this assume about all of us? What do we all need to hear? How many of us are prepared to receive honor in this life without instruction, repentance, and growth? How does the Lord respond to us as we humble ourselves and follow Him (Verses 8-9)?
- Which proverbs sticks out the most to you? How can you put it into practice today?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your great omniscient love for us! May we be a humble people who lean on your grace and turn to your word for counsel for everything in life. I pray that our church would be salt and light in our world and in our country in how we use our words. The anger is thick around us and harshness seems to prevail. But Jesus is King and we have nothing to fear. May we speak words that turn away wrath, use knowledge and disperse it wisely, that give life and joy in due season. We thank you Lord that the paths of our lives lead upward in Christ!