Category: Proverbs

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Proverbs 21, The LORD searches the heart of man!

Pro 21:2, EVERY WAY OF A MAN IS RIGHT IN HIS OWN EYES, BUT THE LORD WEIGHS THE HEARTS. 

We tend to justify our own actions; whether good or bad it seems right in our own eyes! Many say, “Just follow your heart and you will be fine”! GOD knows our hearts, our intentions, our desires, our motives; HE sees it all!

Jer 17:10, I, THE LORD, SEARCH THE HEART, I TEST THE MIND, EVEN TO GIVE EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS WAYS, ACCORDING TO THE FRUIT OF HIS DOINGS. 

Pro 21:3, TO DO RIGHTEOUSNESS AND JUSTICE IS MORE ACCEPTABLE TO THE LORD THAN SACRIFICE. 

The way we treat others is more important than how much you give to HIS work. Remember HE own everything and Lacks nothing; what can we give HIM? Remember JESUS’s story of the good Samaritan!

Luk 10:30-33, …”A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. … priest … And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, … came and looked, and passed by on the other side. BUT A CERTAIN SAMARITAN, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, HE HAD COMPASSION.

Pro 21:13, WHOEVER SHUTS HIS EARS TO THE CRY OF THE POOR WILL ALSO CRY HIMSELF AND NOT BE HEARD. 

We will reap what we have sown. If we see our brother or our friend in need, and we say without helping “I’ll pray for you”, How did we help him?  The LORD will repay all of us even for a glass of water we give!

Mar 9:41, FOR WHOEVER GIVES YOU A CUP OF WATER TO DRINK IN MY NAME, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, HE WILL BY NO MEANS LOSE HIS REWARD. 

Pro 21:21, HE WHO FOLLOWS RIGHTEOUSNESS AND MERCY FINDS LIFE, RIGHTEOUSNESS AND HONOR. 

Living righteously and having mercy on others is a conscious choice we make! It isn’t the easiest path to take and often mocked by others, YET it has tremendous rewards from the LORD! WE SHALL BE KNOWN AS FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST JESUS BY OUR LOVE FOR OTHERS!

1Co 15:58, Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, KNOWING THAT YOUR LABOR IS NOT IN VAIN IN THE LORD. 

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Proverbs 20, HE guides our way!

Pro 20:6, MOST MEN WILL PROCLAIM EACH HIS OWN GOODNESS, BUT WHO CAN FIND A FAITHFUL MAN? 

Once, I asked this guy if he was a good person? He responded, “YES, I’m not a drug dealer”! IN ORDER TO RAISE HIMSELF UP HE HAD TO COMPARE HIMSELF TO SOMEONE HE CONSIDERED LOWER THAN HIM! A drug dealer would respond, Yes, I’m not a murderer! BUT, A FAITHFUL MAN DOESN’T NEED TO BOAST, HIS WORKS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES!

Gal 6:9, And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 

Pro 20:9, WHO can say, “I HAVE MADE MY HEART CLEAN, I AM PURE FROM MY SIN”? 

Only a fool who is deprived of knowledge can proclaim this; for scripture says that ALL HAVE SIN AND FALLEN SHORT OF HIS GLORY!

1Jn 1:8, IF WE SAY THAT WE HAVE NO SIN, WE DECEIVE OURSELVES, AND THE TRUTH IS NOT IN US. 

Pro 20:12, The hearing ear and the seeing eye, The LORD has made them both. 

God made the ear and eye that we may observe and listen! Look around was all you see created by mere chance or by a designer? Wisdom enters from the eye and ear, but are we paying attention?

Psa 19:1-3, The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language Where their voice is not heard.

Pro 20:15, There is gold and a multitude of rubies, BUT THE LIPS OF KNOWLEDGE ARE A PRECIOUS JEWEL. 

Gold, and riches are all short-lived, but the knowledge of GOD is true wisdom which leads to eternal life!

Pro 8:11, For wisdom is better than rubies, And all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.

Pro 20:24, A man’s steps are of the LORD; How then can a man understand his own way?

It’s a good thing to have plans and to walk in them, but the LORD guides our walk!

Pro 16:9, A man’s heart plans his way, BUT THE LORD DIRECTS HIS STEPS. 

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Proverbs 19, JESUS became poor to make us rich in HIM!

Pro 19:4, 6, WEALTH MAKES MANY FRIENDS, BUT THE POOR IS SEPARATED FROM HIS FRIEND… Many entreat the favor of the nobility, AND EVERY MAN IS A FRIEND TO ONE WHO GIVES GIFTS. 

Wealth draws many, so called friends, yet many of them may not be sincere; lets see what we can get from him/her! But, when riches flee so those these friends! Remember Job, the riches man in the land, but when he lost everything he was left alone!

Job 19:13-14, “He has removed my brothers far from me, And my acquaintances are completely estranged from me. My relatives have failed, And my close friends have forgotten me.

Pro 19:7, All the brothers of the poor hate him; How much more do his friends go far from him! He may pursue them with words, yet they abandon him.

While men abandon the poor and needy, JESUS gave up HIS wealth, in heaven, to seek the poor and needy!

2Co 8:9, FOR YOU KNOW THE GRACE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, THAT THOUGH HE WAS RICH, YET FOR YOUR SAKES HE BECAME POOR, THAT YOU THROUGH HIS POVERTY MIGHT BECOME RICH.  

Pro 19:11, The discretion of a man makes him SLOW TO ANGER, AND HIS GLORY IS TO OVERLOOK A TRANSGRESSION.

While a raging man rages, a man of understanding and self-control will overlook an offense! It’s not weakness, but true strength!

Luk 23:34, Then JESUS said, “FATHER, FORGIVE THEM, FOR THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT THEY DO.” …

Pro 19:27, CEASE LISTENING TO INSTRUCTION, MY SON, AND YOU WILL STRAY FROM THE WORDS OF KNOWLEDGE. 

If we stop seeking the wisdom and knowledge of GOD, sinful man will be led astray by our own perverse thoughts!

2Pe 2:21, FOR IT WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER FOR THEM NOT TO HAVE KNOWN THE WAY OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, THAN HAVING KNOWN IT, TO TURN FROM THE HOLY COMMANDMENT DELIVERED TO THEM.

Pro 16:25, There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.  

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Proverbs 18, Seeking HIM who is closer than a brother!

Pro 18:2, A FOOL HAS NO DELIGHT IN UNDERSTANDING, BUT IN EXPRESSING HIS OWN HEART.

It is foolishness not to seek GOD’s wisdom and understanding; for life is short and eternity long!

Amo 5:4, For thus says the LORD to the house of Israel: “SEEK ME AND LIVE; 

Pro 1:7, THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF KNOWLEDGE, BUT FOOLS DESPISE WISDOM AND INSTRUCTION. 

Pro 18:6-7, A fool’s lips enter into contention, And HIS MOUTH CALLS FOR BLOWS. A fool’s mouth is HIS DESTRUCTION, AND HIS LIPS ARE THE SNARE OF HIS SOUL.

It is in the nature of a fool to argue and his words demonstrates his stupidity! Never argue with a fool it only makes you like him!

Pro 26:4, Do not answer a fool according to his folly, LEST YOU ALSO BE LIKE HIM. 

Pro 18:10-11, The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe. THE RICH MAN’S WEALTH is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own esteem.

There are many who place their trust in their wealth, but only the righteous can see true wealth in the LORD! Wealth comes and goes, but the LORD is always present!

1Ti 6:17-19, Command those WHO ARE RICH in this present age not to be haughty, NOR TO TRUST IN UNCERTAIN RICHES BUT IN THE LIVING GOD, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, THAT THEY BE RICH IN GOOD WORKS, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation FOR THE TIME TO COME, THAT THEY MAY LAY HOLD ON ETERNAL LIFE.

Pro 18:24, A man who has friends must himself be friendly, BUT THERE IS A FRIEND WHO STICKS CLOSER THAN A BROTHER. 

Having good friends only brings joy to one’s life, but we need to seek HIM is closer than any brother or friend, JESUS!

Joh 15:14-15, YOU ARE MY FRIENDS IF YOU DO WHATEVER I COMMAND YOU. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; BUT I HAVE CALLED YOU FRIENDS, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.

Do you know HIM? Do you know what HE did for you? Seek the LORD for the time of HIS coming is near! Be ready!

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Proverbs 17, Love covers up sin!

Pro 17:1, Better is a dry morsel with quietness, Than a house full of feasting with strife. 

Imagine a home filled with hatred, envy, and strife; not even the best food in the world would taste good in the mist of these people! A dry piece of bread in quietness / peace is by far more enjoyable!

Pro 15:17, Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, Than a fatted calf with hatred. 

Psa 37:16-17, A LITTLE THAT A RIGHTEOUS MAN HAS IS BETTER THAN THE RICHES OF MANY WICKED. For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, BUT THE LORD UPHOLDS THE RIGHTEOUS.

Pro 17:3, The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, BUT THE LORD TESTS THE HEARTS. 

As fire refines both silver and gold, the LORD test the heart of his servants! Do we serve to glorify the LORD or ourselves? Our works will be tested by the LORD for HE seeks true faith in HIM!

1Pe 1:7, THAT THE GENUINENESS OF YOUR FAITH, BEING MUCH MORE PRECIOUS than gold that perishes, THOUGH IT IS TESTED BY FIRE, MAY BE FOUND TO PRAISE, HONOR, AND GLORY AT THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST, 

1Co 3:13, EACH ONE’S WORK WILL BECOME CLEAR; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; AND THE FIRE WILL TEST EACH ONE’S WORK, OF WHAT SORT IT IS. 

Pro 17:9, He who covers a transgression seeks love, BUT HE WHO REPEATS A MATTER SEPARATES FRIENDS. 

What type of friend are you? Do you spread rumors of someone or do you cover/hide someone’s shame?

1Pe 4:8, And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “LOVE WILL COVER A MULTITUDE OF SINS.” 

Pro 17:27-28, He who has knowledge spares his words, And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.

I’m reminded of this quote from Abraham Lincoln, “It is better to keep your mouth shut and let them think you a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt”!  SOMETIMES IT’S JUST BEST TO KEEP QUIET AND LISTEN; BE THERE FOR A SOMEONE IN THEIR TIME OF NEED!

Jas 1:19, SO THEN, MY BELOVED BRETHREN, LET EVERY MAN BE SWIFT TO HEAR, SLOW TO SPEAK, slow to wrath; 

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Proverbs 16, In mercy HE has provided atonement!

Pro 16:2, All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the spirits. 

By default, we tend to justify ourselves by comparing ourselves with another.  I’m better than that drug dealer, but the drug dealer would say, I’m better than that sexual abuser! The LORD knows your heart and our motives, we can’t hide anything from HIM!

Jer 17:10, I, THE LORD, SEARCH THE HEART, I TEST THE MIND, EVEN TO GIVE EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS WAYS, ACCORDING TO THE FRUIT OF HIS DOINGS.

Pro 16:6, IN MERCY AND TRUTH ATONEMENT IS PROVIDED FOR INIQUITY; And by the fear of the LORD one departs from evil. 

GOD’s mercy has provided atonement at a great price for HIM and HIS SON JESUS!

Dan 9:26, “And after the sixty-two weeks MESSIAH SHALL BE CUT OFF, BUT NOT FOR HIMSELF; …

HE was cut off because of me, and you! Just place your name there! “THE MESSIAH SHALL BE CUT OFF, BECAUSE OF ALFONSO”!

Pro 16:20, HE WHO HEEDS THE WORD WISELY WILL FIND GOOD, AND WHOEVER TRUSTS IN THE LORD, HAPPY IS HE. 

We tend to worry a lot, but those that truly know GOD knows that HE is in control!  When I lost my job, the third time, my brothers at a birthday party thought I was crazy when I told them, “IN HIS, GOD’S, TIME I’LL FIND WORK!  They laughed, and mocked me, but a month or two later I was back to work!  Thank YOU LORD!

Eph 1:12-13, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,

Pro 16:27-28, AN UNGODLY MAN DIGS UP EVIL, AND IT IS ON HIS LIPS LIKE A BURNING FIRE. A PERVERSE MAN SOWS STRIFE, AND A WHISPERER SEPARATES THE BEST OF FRIENDS.

A while back a lady I knew came up to me and said, “I HEARD THAT THIS BROTHER’S DAUGTHER WAS PREGNANT, IS THAT TRUE? I TOLD HER “I DON’T KNOW BUT I’LL CALL HIM SO YOU CAN ASK HIM”! This is just plain evil trying to dig around to find juicy information in order to spread it around! GOD SEE’S ALL AND KNOWS ALL!

Gal 6:7, DO NOT BE DECEIVED, GOD IS NOT MOCKED; FOR WHATEVER A MAN SOWS, THAT HE WILL ALSO REAP. 

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Proverbs 15, GOD see’s all!

Pro 15:1-2, A SOFT ANSWER TURNS AWAY WRATH, BUT A HARSH WORD STIRS UP ANGER. THE TONGUE OF THE WISE USES KNOWLEDGE RIGHTLY, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.

Answer a raging man with rage, then get out the gloves, but a soft answer turns away wrath! We should have self-control in every situation, and ponder just how to respond!

Pro 15:28, The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil. 

Pro 15:3, THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE IN EVERY PLACE, KEEPING WATCH ON THE EVIL AND THE GOOD. 

The eyes of the LORD see all, what we say, what we think, and our motives! We often believe that the wicked get away with everything, Not so! Their day will come!

Jer 16:17, For MY eyes are on all their ways; they are not hidden from MY face, NOR IS THEIR INIQUITY HIDDEN FROM MY EYES.

 Pro 15:8, 26, THE SACRIFICE OF THE WICKED IS AN ABOMINATION TO THE LORD, …. THE THOUGHTS OF THE WICKED ARE AN ABOMINATION TO THE LORD.

When a wicked man enters HIS sanctuary, IT IS BETTER TO LISTEN AND LEARN RATHER THAN TO GIVE MONEY AS IF YOUR DOING GOD A FAVOR! The sacrifices of the wicked even their very thoughts are an abomination to the LORD! Better is to obey HIS instruction

Ecc 5:1, Walk prudently when you go to the house of God; and draw near to hear RATHER THAN TO GIVE THE SACRIFICE OF FOOLS, FOR THEY DO NOT KNOW THAT THEY DO EVIL. 

Pro 15:17, BETTER IS A DINNER OF HERBS WHERE LOVE IS, THAN A FATTED CALF WITH HATRED.

Love satisfies the heart way more than food! In a house filled with rage, not even the best food will satisfy the heart! “RICHES AND POVERTY ARE MORE IN THE HEART THAN IN THE HAND. HE IS WEALTHY WHO IS CONTENTED. HE IS POOR WHO WANTS MORE.” 

(Bishop Hall, cited in Bridges)

Pro 17:1, Better is a dry morsel with quietness, Than a house full of feasting with strife. 

Pro 15:33, THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE INSTRUCTION OF WISDOM, AND BEFORE HONOR IS HUMILITY. 

Remember pride comes before the fall, but GOD can use the humble mightily! 

Luk 14:11, FOR WHOEVER EXALTS HIMSELF WILL BE HUMBLED, AND HE WHO HUMBLES HIMSELF WILL BE EXALTED.” 

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Proverbs 14, There is only one way!

Pro 14:7-8, GO FROM THE PRESENCE OF A FOOLISH MAN, WHEN YOU DO NOT PERCEIVE IN HIM THE LIPS OF KNOWLEDGE. THE WISDOM OF THE PRUDENT IS TO UNDERSTAND HIS WAY, …

Scripture tells us that he who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed, Pro 13:20.  Have no fellowship with foolish men/women! Not worth it!

Eph 5:10-11, FINDING OUT WHAT IS ACCEPTABLE TO THE LORD. And HAVE NO FELLOWSHIP WITH THE UNFRUITFUL WORKS OF DARKNESS, but rather expose them.

Pro 14:12, There is a way that seems right to a man, BUT ITS END IS THE WAY OF DEATH. 

There is only one way that leads to life and that is JESUS! All other ways will lead to death!

Mat 7:13-14, “ENTER BY THE NARROW GATE; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. BECAUSE NARROW IS THE GATE AND DIFFICULT IS THE WAY WHICH LEADS TO LIFE, AND THERE ARE FEW WHO FIND IT. 

Pro 14:14, THE BACKSLIDER IN HEART WILL BE FILLED WITH HIS OWN WAYS, But a good man will be satisfied from above. 

So many people walk away from the path of the LORD just to fill their hearts with the pollution of this world! Like my pastor said, JUDAS HAD THE BEST TEACHER, THE WISES COUNSELOR, AND THE MOST LOVING FRIEND IN JESUS, YET STILL FELL AWAY! Take heed!

Heb 3:12, BEWARE, BRETHREN, LEST THERE BE IN ANY OF YOU AN EVIL HEART OF UNBELIEF IN DEPARTING FROM THE LIVING GOD; 

Pro 14:19, THE EVIL WILL BOW BEFORE THE GOOD, AND THE WICKED AT THE GATES OF THE RIGHTEOUS. 

The day is near when every knee will bow before JESUS proclaiming HIM to be LORD! But, we willingly do so now for we know who HE is! HE is the creator of heaven and earth, our LORD and SAVIOR! 

Php 2:10-11, that AT THE NAME OF JESUS EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW, OF THOSE IN HEAVEN, AND OF THOSE ON EARTH, AND OF THOSE UNDER THE EARTH, AND THAT EVERY TONGUE SHOULD CONFESS THAT JESUS CHRIST IS LORD, TO THE GLORY OF GOD THE FATHER.

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Proverbs 13, Are your friends wise or fools?

Pro 13:1, A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. 

A wise son/daughter listens to the instruction from their parents, but a scoffer is driven by his foolishness and will not listen to rebuke!

Pro 14:6, A SCOFFER SEEKS WISDOM AND DOES NOT FIND IT, BUT KNOWLEDGE IS EASY TO HIM WHO UNDERSTANDS. 

Pro 13:7a, THERE IS ONE WHO MAKES HIMSELF RICH, YET HAS NOTHING;

What good are earthly riches and material gain if you die without knowing GOD? At the end you end up with less than nothing and in torment!

Mar 8:36, For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? 

Pro 13:7b, AND ONE WHO MAKES HIMSELF POOR, YET HAS GREAT RICHES. 

And, there are those willing to help others by giving what they have to those in need! These people have great wealth and GOD will never allow them to go hungry! We can never outgive GOD!

Pro 11:24, THERE IS ONE WHO SCATTERS, YET INCREASES MORE; And there is one who withholds more than is right, But it leads to poverty. 

YET JESUS fits this scripture so much more! For HE gave up everything including HIS life to make others rich in HIM!

2Co 8:9, FOR YOU KNOW THE GRACE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, THAT THOUGH HE WAS RICH, YET FOR YOUR SAKES HE BECAME POOR, THAT YOU THROUGH HIS POVERTY MIGHT BECOME RICH. 

Pro 13:20, HE WHO WALKS WITH WISE MEN WILL BE WISE, BUT THE COMPANION OF FOOLS WILL BE DESTROYED. 

Who are your friends? Do you influence them or do they influence you? It has been said, “SHOW ME YOUR FRIENDS AND I WILL SHOW YOU YOUR FUTURE”! 

1Co 15:33, DO NOT BE DECEIVED: “EVIL COMPANY CORRUPTS GOOD HABITS.” 

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Proverbs 12, Instruction and guidance from GOD!

Pro 12:1, Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, BUT HE WHO HATES CORRECTION IS STUPID.

Today, for many, stupidity is a crown of the woke, unwilling to hear a different point of view. They don’t receive correction but doubles down on stupidity! God help us!

Pro 12:4, AN EXCELLENT WIFE IS THE CROWN OF HER HUSBAND, But she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones. 

Being successful at work means little if you come home every day to a combative wife! The LORD has truly blessed me with an awesome, beautiful, and godly lady! Thank you, LORD!

Pro 19:14, Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers, BUT A PRUDENT WIFE IS FROM THE LORD. 

Pro 12:10, A RIGHTEOUS MAN REGARDS THE LIFE OF HIS ANIMAL, But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. 

How we treat our pets say a lot about us, remember they were created by GOD as we were! HE watches over them daily!

Luk 12:6, “Are not FIVE SPARROWS sold for two copper coins? And NOT ONE OF THEM IS FORGOTTEN BEFORE GOD. 

Pro 12:22, LYING LIPS ARE AN ABOMINATION TO THE LORD, BUT THOSE WHO DEAL TRUTHFULLY ARE HIS DELIGHT.

We need to hate what HE hates and love what HE loves. Lying lips only causes trouble. Tell the truth even if it hurts your friends!

Pro 27:6, Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. 

Pro 12:26, THE RIGHTEOUS SHOULD CHOOSE HIS FRIENDS CAREFULLY, FOR THE WAY OF THE WICKED LEADS THEM ASTRAY. 

This is awesome advice to all; for it has been said, “SHOW ME YOUR FRIENDS AND I WILL SHOW YOU YOUR FUTURE”!  Who are your friends? How much do they influence you?

Pro 18:24, A man who has friends must himself be friendly, BUT THERE IS A FRIEND WHO STICKS CLOSER THAN A BROTHER. 

GOD will never leave you nor forsake you, and if you do what HE says to do, then HE is your friend who sticks closer than any brother!

Joh 15:13-14, Greater love has no one than this, THAN TO LAY DOWN ONE’S LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS. YOU ARE MY FRIENDS IF YOU DO WHATEVER I COMMAND YOU.