Learning & Growth

31 Proverbs Highlights: #7-Marriage Boundaries

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(A simple series highlighting verses from each chapter of the books of Proverbs)

Chapter 7 is another focus from Solomon on instructing his son about the wayward woman. In his story, he quotes her saying the following:

My husband isn’t home; he went on a long journey. (‭Proverbs‬ ‭7‬:‭19‬ CSB)

In a marriage, either spouse can go wayward. One proactive step for the couple to take to keep on the same path is to create boundaries about time-protecting their time together and their time apart.

Traveling spouse, do your marriage a big favor:

  • Have a boundary talk before you book your next flight. 
  • If your boundaries are already in place, consider how you can help other couples do the same. 

Waywardness can be avoided. Check your boundaries and stay on the same path.

31 Proverbs Highlights: #6-God Hates

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(A simple series highlighting verses from each chapter of the book of Proverbs)

Here are six things God hates, and one more that he loathes with a passion:

  • eyes that are arrogant,
  • a tongue that lies,
  • hands that murder the innocent,
  • a heart that hatches evil plots,
  • feet that race down a wicked track,
  • a mouth that lies under oath,
  • a troublemaker in the family. Proverbs 6:16-19

Yes, God loves.  But, according to these verses, God hates also.

This paraphrase from The Message states very clearly what he hates.  And what God hates, we should hate also.

31 Proverbs Highlights: #5-Immorality

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(A simple series highlighting verses from each chapter of the book of Proverbs)

Solomon takes several portions of this book to warn his son about the lores of immorality and adultery. Chapter 5 is his instructions about an immoral woman.

“She doesn’t consider the path of life; she doesn’t know that her ways are unstable.”‭‭ Proverbs‬ ‭5:6‬ ‭HCSB‬

She doesn’t know. That description is thought provoking. 

Why doesn’t she know?

  • Could it be she is just trying to survive?
  • Could it be no one has ever tried to show her a better path?
  • Could it be her hand is raised but it’s unnoticed, maybe even slapped away by judgment?
  • Could it be she wants to come into the light but is terrified of the powers of the dark?
  • Could it be that she could know if we would stop long enough to consider that she doesn’t?

    These aren’t thoughts Solomon is concerned with. However, they crossed my mind as I pondered the why.

    31 Proverbs Highlights: #4-Growth

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    (A simple series highlighting verses from each chapter of the book of Proverbs)

    “The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭4:18‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

    The imagery of the path’s light getting brighter and brighter as the morning progresses seems to go along with the truth that spiritual growth is a process.

    The more you walk in righteousness the clearer choices/decisions seem to be.

    The more you seek God the closer he seems to be.

    At salvation, you come out of the darkness. Sure, it can seem quite bright at first. But walking the path of sanctification only brings more brilliance.

    Walk On to the Midday!

    31 Proverbs Highlights: #3-Sleep

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    (A simple series highlighting verses from each chapter of the book of Proverbs)

    Maintain your competence and discretion. My son, don’t lose sight of them. They will be life for you and adornment for your neck. Then you will go safely on your way; your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; you will lie down, and your sleep will be pleasant. Proverbs 3:21-24

    Full of Fear? Having Difficulty Sleeping?

    The remedy for fear and lose of sleep-maintaining competence and discretion.

    So, what if you don’t possess those naturally?

    • Seek counsel from those who have them.
    • Acquire mentoring to grow in them.
    • Seek God through his word and prayer to obtain his competence and discretion.

    31 Proverbs Highlights: #2-Integrity

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    (A simple series highlighting verses from each chapter of the book of Proverbs)

    “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up success for the upright; He is a shield for those who live with integrity so that He may guard the paths of justice and protect the way of His loyal followers. Then you will understand righteousness, justice, and integrity — every good path…For the upright will inhabit the land, and those of integrity will remain in it;” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭2:6-9, 21‬ ‭HCSB‬‬


    These verses teach these results of living with integrity:

    • God is your shield
    • God guards your path
    • God protects your way
    • God gives you understanding
    • God deepens your roots

    31 Proverbs Highlights: #1-Fear

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    (A simple series highlighting verses from each chapter of the book of Proverbs)

    Fear impacts our lives in astounding ways. These two verses teach that by choosing the right place of fear we can avoid the foolish choices of misplaced fear.

    “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline…But whoever listens to me (wisdom) will live securely and be free from the fear of danger.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭1:7, 33‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

    How to Turn

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    “I thought about my ways and turned my steps back to your decrees. I hurried, not hesitating to keep your commands.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119:59-60‬ ‭CSB‬‬

    1) Turning starts by taking the time to think about our ways

    The more often this time is taken the less time will be spent on our ways

    2) Turning moves forward by getting back in step with God’s ways

    Moving forward and growing in life is best found in step with God

    3) Turning is completed in haste

    Hesitation is a sign our heart hasn’t turned

    Fruity Fridays: Kindness Results

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    (A series on the Fruit of the Spirit, Galatians 5)

    I was driving down 26th St. W. in morning traffic. A car pulled out into traffic. A garbage bag fell off the top of the car and rested in the opposite lane of oncoming traffic. What to do? Was it garbage or might it have something valuable in it? The driver didn’t seem to notice they lost the bag. What to do?

    I could have said, “Not my problem. Besides, there are plenty of other drivers who could deal with this. I have an appointment.”

    I decided to ask God what to do. More specifically, I asked him to have the driver give me some kind of indication that I could tell them and still get to my appointment on time. Within two blocks of my turning off 26th, the driver turned on their blinker to turn into a business. I said, “Thanks for the sign,” and followed.

    Before the driver opened the car door, I was at the window. She rolled down the window, and I said, “I was behind you when you pulled into traffic, and it looked like a garbage bag fell off the top of your car. I wanted to let you know in case it had something valuable in it.”

    She was embarrassed. “I didn’t even notice. It was my garbage. I forgot to put it in the dumpster. Thank you so much.”

    I got back in my car and headed to my appointment. I don’t know if she did anything about her garbage. I do know that I resisted the flesh and followed the Spirit to show kindness to a stranger. I don’t always choose kindness, but when I do it results in…

    • …thinking less of myself and more about others
    • …resisting the initial thought that is all about me
    • …listening to that small voice that gives me a kind idea
    • …choosing that temporary inconvenience
    • …showing someone their blindspot
    • …helping someone with their garbage

    Who is Really God Here?

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    When someone is attacking us, our tendency is to focus on them and their actions, even in our prayers. It is fair to say in some cases we take the actions of an enemy and make them an idol. “Look at me. Poor me.” Our prayers become all about them vs. me. With that kind of mindset, who is really God here? 

    Consider what David had to say about this in Psalm 5:

    But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them shout for joy forever. May You shelter them, and may those who love Your name boast about You. For You, Lord, bless the righteous one; You surround him with favor like a shield. ‭Psalms‬ ‭5‬:‭11-12‬ HCSB

    David is suggesting that, because of the refuge God offers to those seeking righteousness, there should be rejoicing. Rather than focus on the enemy’s actions or words, David says boast about God. Rather than focus on the wrong thing, the wrong person, even the results of their actions, we can live in peace under the shield and favor that comes from the God of the Righteous. We must check our idol making by asking who is really God here.