Read – Proverbs 23:12-35

What does it say?
The Sayings of the Wise warn against envying sinners who indulge in drunkenness, gluttony, and promiscuity. The wise son applies truth, discipline, and understanding.

What does it mean?
Today’s passage looks at a wise father’s desires for his son. He instructed his child to spend time in pursuits that have lasting value rather than temporary pleasures that would eventually trap him. Listening to and following the father’s instructions would result in wise choices. He taught his son to have a proper view of the Lord and to accurately assess the consequences of rejecting godly wisdom. The father used discipline to keep his child from physical and spiritual danger. Both parents anticipated the joy of watching their son choose wisdom and righteousness over a lifestyle of sin.

How should I respond?
Parenting is both exhausting and exhilarating. No other role brings such joy. But parents must first help kids navigate the minefield of adolescence and early adulthood. What is your greatest desire for your children … happiness or holiness? If you only want them to be happy, you’ll find yourself giving in to their latest whim, tantrum, or mood. Directing children toward holiness, however, must be done intentionally. How does your parenting style match up with the wise father in Proverbs 23? What discipline is needed for your child’s physical or spiritual protection? Ask God for the wisdom to raise wise children.

Read – Proverbs 22:17-29

What does it say?
When wise, true, and reliable teaching is applied to the heart, it increases trust in the Lord and provides a person with sound answers.

What does it mean?
Solomon compiled 30 true and reliable sayings from other wise men to impart knowledge and wisdom to his readers (22:22 – 24:34). Even though he was considered the wisest of the wise, Solomon listened to what others had to say. He gave his reader four actions to take: pay attention, listen, apply the teaching, and keep the truths in your heart. Life change isn’t created by simply listening to wise and godly teaching – it must be pursued by meditating on the passage of Scripture and putting into practice what you learn. As a result, trust in God increases, and trustworthy advice can be given to others.

How should I respond?
To whom do you turn for advice? What is their source of knowledge and wisdom? If those you turn to are getting their answers for life anywhere other than Scripture, their advice is risky. So how can we follow Solomon’s prescription for wisdom today? First, recognize that God’s Word is the only reliable source of wisdom. Pay attention to what it says and listen to others who trust Scripture as the final authority for their lives. Then really think about the implication of a particular passage. How can you put it into practice immediately? Knowledge comes from reading and listening, but wisdom is the result of applying that knowledge.

Read – Proverbs 21

What does it say?
God sees the hearts of both the wicked and the wise and righteous. No human wisdom or plan can succeed against the Lord.

What does it mean?
This chapter begins and ends with God’s sovereign control over all, including the most powerful people. Any human effort that opposes God’s plan will ultimately fail. He knows the human heart even better than the individual knows himself; His assessment of a person’s motives is always correct. A clear contrast is drawn between the wicked and the righteous. The wicked – described as arrogant, hypocritical, violent, mean, and deceitful – will be punished because they refuse to do what’s right. The righteous – marked by love, wisdom, generosity, and justice – are blessed here on earth and rewarded eternally.

How should I respond?
The cause of those who oppose Christ is advancing at an alarming pace. Prayer and Scripture are being systematically removed from our culture. The number of Christians being martyred for their faith has doubled in recent years. At times evil may seem to be winning, but its momentary success will ultimately fall to the Lord’s triumph. The ungodly may plot and plan, but God’s purposes will succeed. When God looks at your heart, are you among the righteous or the wicked? You may not be violent or mean, but are you guilty of being arrogant, deceitful, or hypocritical? Ask God to show you the truth about your own heart; then allow Him to use you to accomplish His purpose and plan.

Read – Proverbs 20:1-12

What does it say?
Even a child’s character can be known by whether or not his conduct is pure and right.

What does it mean?
People reveal their character by what they do. A person of understanding uses the eyes and ears that God gave him to discern with whom to enter into personal or business relationships. Although no one is completely without sin, some character flaws are danger signals to potential relationships. Those who engage in drunkenness, quarreling, laziness, and dishonesty can have devastating effects on the people around them. A wise person associates with others who have high moral character, keep their word, and honor their commitments.

How should I respond?
First impressions are important. However, they’re not always accurate. Lots of people talk a good game, but you later find out that it’s just that … talk. So what should you do at the outset of a potential new relationship? Observe. What someone does tells you more than what he says. We all have character flaws of some kind, but the kinds of behavior Solomon warned about in today’s passage point to deeper spiritual issues. Your closest circle of friends will impact your life. Ask God today for discernment in your relationships. Remember, words can be deceptive, but actions can’t be hidden.

Read – Proverbs 19:1-10

What does it say?
People who rush into foolish behavior cause their own ruin. Yet they get angry with God for the outcome.

What does it mean?
Enthusiasm needs to be tempered with wisdom. Passion and eagerness are good qualities, but they must be supported by knowledge. Acting out of ignorance, even with the best of motives, can be as disastrous as acting foolishly. Ironically, people who refuse to consult or wait on the Lord often blame Him for the results of their own foolish actions.

How should I respond?
At some point we’ve all rushed into something, only to regret the results of our decision. Poor choices are usually the result of rushing into an idea without seeking godly wisdom or spending time in prayer. Acting impetuously, without a clear God-given path, causes blunders in our personal, spiritual, and professional lives. In what area do you need more information before you act? Who can offer you wise counsel? Preparation is part of God’s plan. Submit your enthusiasm to His will, and ask for the patience to do it right.

Read – Proverbs 18:1-9

What does it say?
A foolish person is quick to share his opinion. His words are his undoing, bringing trouble into his life. The words of a gossip go down into one’s innermost being.

What does it mean?
Today’s passage describes various aspects and consequences of communication. Foolish people care more about being heard than listening and learning. Thoughtlessly airing personal opinions tends to repel others. At times it even results in physical confrontation. The person who gossips lures others in with the promise of hearing something that not everyone else knows. True or not, words of gossip are heard as truth and are hard to forget. But the words of a wise person are refreshing and clear, like water from a fountain. Wise speech is kind, cautious, and encouraging.

How should I respond?
Words matter. As believers, what we say should reflect that we follow Christ. What do your words say about you? Have your conversations this week been marked by wisdom or by foolishness and gossip? If we’re not careful, we can think too highly of our own opinion, ignoring the opinions and feelings of others. Ask God to help you in your conversations today. Determine to listen more than you talk. Pray that your words will be encouraging and laced with God’s wisdom.

Read – Proverbs 17:17-22

What does it say?
A true friend loves at all times. A cheerful heart is like medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

What does it mean?
Several verses in this passage read like a recipe for friendship: staying close when times are tough, avoiding arguments, and being truthful. When all of these ingredients are present in a relationship, it serves to bring hope and optimism, which are beneficial to the body as well as the mind and spirit. Healthy relationships aren’t built on deceit or characterized by constant fighting.

How should I respond?
What traits do you look for at the onset of a friendship? No doubt, the characteristics mentioned in today’s passage should be important to all of us. Think about your closest relationships. Are they based on truthfulness and mutual encouragement? Carefully examine any relationship that is marked with constant strife. Ask God to help you love that person the way that He does. That kind of love chooses to stand by a friend when others choose to walk away. What friend or family member do you need to contact today? Your voice or presence may be just the medicine that person’s heart needs.

Read – Proverbs 16:21-33

What does it say?
The wise are known for their understanding and controlled tempers, whereas scoundrels gossip, stir up dissension, and hurt others by what they say.

What does it mean?
Proverbs has a lot to say about what and how a wise person speaks. This passage reiterates the way a wise person carefully uses words and then shows the impact of his speech on others. Gracious, winsome language has a way of drawing people in. A discerning person with controlled emotions has the opportunity to persuade others. The key to this kind of influence is having a heart of wisdom to guide the mouth. Wisdom rightly leads away from worthless speech that promotes mischief, strife, and division.

How should I respond?
What if someone secretly recorded everything you said yesterday and played it back to you now? Would you have reason to be concerned? This passage challenges us to pay attention to what we say because our words have profound influence – either positive or negative. It’s impossible, however, to simply control our mouths (James 3:8). Jesus taught that everything we say is an overflow of what is in our hearts (Luke 6:45). What do your most recent conversations reveal about the condition of your heart? Ask God to guide your heart with wisdom to enable you to speak soothing words, drawing people closer to Him. End today with a clear conscience regarding what you’ve said.

Read – Proverbs 16:1-9

What does it say?
People make plans, but ultimately, God holds the future. Success and peace come by pleasing God and committing one’s plans to Him.

What does it mean?
God is sovereign, which means that He is in control of everything. His purposes take precedence over any human plan – no matter how noble. This doesn’t mean that making plans is a worthless effort, but plans must line up with what God has determined to do. God knows the heart and sees the motives behind the plans. Since God gives guidance and direction for the plans He initiates, any planning must begin with consulting Him for His will. Successful plans are the product of completely surrendering one’s heart and future to a sovereign God.

How should I respond?
Too often, we set goals and ask God to bless our plans after we have it all figured out. The order needs to be reversed. Go to God first. Commit your life to obedience and trust in Him. He will then mold your heart and mind in such a way that you’ll begin to see the plan He already has in motion. If you are willing to let go of your grip on your own ideas, His will can be successfully carried out in and through your life. God’s plan is always better than anything we could think or imagine (Eph. 3:20). Simply put, surrendering to our sovereign Lord brings success. What goal or plan are you holding too tightly? Are you willing to let God bend you and your plan to align with His will?

Read – Proverbs 15:1-15

What does it say?
The wise make peace with truthful and gentle answers, while fools stir up anger through harsh, lying words.

What does it mean?
Calmly speaking the truth can take the fuel away from tense, argumentative situations. That is why the wise person maintains a courteous demeanor and sticks to the actual facts of the situation, making a solution and peace more likely. Wisdom and knowledge are connected yet different. Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge to life’s situations. The wise seek, acknowledge, and speak what is true. The foolish person, however, lashes out angrily with no regard for the truth or how his words may crush someone else. Meanwhile, the Lord sees the motives and reactions of both types of people.

How should I respond?
We’ve all met people who think that being loud and contentious adds validity to their argument. At times, we may have even been that person. When passions run high, winning the argument at any cost can become a wrong priority. In those situations, it’s important not to lose sight of the truth and the effect of your words and demeanor on the other person. How could a softer response deflect a tense situation you’re facing? Be sure to know the facts before engaging in a heated debate. Pray. Then calmly and wisely talk about the issue rather than argue.

Read – Proverbs 14:13-29

What does it say?
The wise are patient and prudent, guided by reverent trust and obedience to the Lord. The foolish are hasty and rash, ruled by their own spirit.

What does it mean?
The author chose two types of people to contrast the ways they deal with life. The character of each reflects what is most important to them. The wise man focuses on obedience to God, avoids evil, develops discernment, and is ultimately blessed with spiritual knowledge. The fool, however, is unaware of his reckless behavior and is known for hurting himself and others. In the end the fool always fails because he ignores God’s wisdom and follows his own foolish heart.

How should I respond?
As children, we all heard the fable of the tortoise and the hare. The wise man in today’s passage is like the tortoise: his singular focus gains him the victory. Like the hare, the fool is often exceptionally talented, either physically or intellectually. But he ultimately loses because he does not maintain focus on what is most important. Wisdom is not intelligence; it is putting into practice what God has revealed. Where is your focus? Is it on God’s Word or on your own knowledge and ability? Scripture, the antidote for foolishness, is perfect – making even the simplest person wise (Psalm 19:7).

Read – Proverbs 13:15-25

What does it say?
A wise person chooses wise friends. Loving parents are careful to discipline their children.

What does it mean?
Wise people intentionally associate with wise individuals. Associating with foolish people will eventually lead to trouble and harm. Parents who choose not to discipline their children are actually harming them by allowing their foolish nature to run free (Pro. 22:15). Loving parents want the best for their children and recognize that correction of ungodly attitudes and behavior is part of God’s plan.

How should I respond?
Today’s passage offers principles for wise parenting. First, it’s important to know your child’s friends and what kind of influence those friends have in your child’s life. When was the last time you talked with your children about their friendships? Encourage them to use discernment when choosing friends and help them recognize foolish behavior. Next, the goal of loving discipline is to guide your child’s heart to Christ, not just manage his behavior. Reflect on your parenting style, and ask God for wisdom and insight as you correct them. After all, God has entrusted your children to your care. Treat them as gifts from Him.