too many lawyers

Posted on November 17, 2024 by Jefferson Vann

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too many lawyers

Proverbs 17:1-28 (JDV).

Proverbs 17:1 Better a dry crust with peace than a house full of feasting with strife.
Proverbs 17:2 A prudent servant will rule over a disgraceful son and share an inheritance among brothers.
Proverbs 17:3 A crucible is for silver, and a smelter is for gold, and Yahveh is the tester of hearts.
Proverbs 17:4 A wicked person listens to malicious talk; a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.
Proverbs 17:5 The one who mocks the poor insults his Maker, and one who rejoices over calamity will not go unpunished.
Proverbs 17:6 Grandchildren are the crown of the elderly, and the pride of children is their fathers.
Proverbs 17:7 Eloquent words are not appropriate on a fool’s lips; how much worse are lies for a ruler.
Proverbs 17:8 A bribe seems like a magic stone to its owner; wherever he turns, he succeeds.
Proverbs 17:9 Whoever conceals an offense promotes love, but whoever gossips about it separates friends.
Proverbs 17:10 A rebuke cuts into a perceptive person more than a hundred lashes into a fool.
Proverbs 17:11 An evil person wants only rebellion; a cruel messenger will be sent against him.
Proverbs 17:12 Better for a person to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his foolishness.
Proverbs 17:13 If anyone returns evil for good, evil will never depart from his house.
Proverbs 17:14 You release a flood at the first lawsuit; stop the dispute before it breaks out.
Proverbs 17:15 Acquitting the guilty and condemning the just — both are repulsive to Yahveh.
Proverbs 17:16 Why does a fool have money in his hand with no intention of buying wisdom?
Proverbs 17:17 A friend always loves, and a brother is born for a difficult time.
Proverbs 17:18 One without sense enters an agreement and puts up security for his friend.
Proverbs 17:19 One who loves to offend loves strife; one who builds a high threshold invites injury.
Proverbs 17:20 One with a twisted mind will not succeed, and one with deceitful speech will fall into ruin.
Proverbs 17:21 A man fathers a fool to his own sorrow; the father of a fool has no joy.
Proverbs 17:22 A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.
Proverbs 17:23 A wicked person secretly takes a bribe to subvert the course of justice.
Proverbs 17:24 Wisdom is the focus of the perceptive, but a fool’s eyes roam to the ends of the land.
Proverbs 17:25 A foolish son is grief to his father and bitterness to the one who bore him.
Proverbs 17:26 It is certainly not good to fine an innocent person or to beat a noble for his honesty.
Proverbs 17:27 The one who has knowledge restrains his words, and one who keeps a cool head is a person of understanding.
Proverbs 17:28 Even a fool is considered wise when he keeps silent — discerning when he seals his lips.

too many lawyers

David Vignali writes: “The 17th chapter of Proverbs does not contain any proverb that has come to be widely known or quoted in daily use. Therefore I have chosen to comment on verse 14, which says (in the Jerusalem Bible translation), ‘As well loose a flood as initiate legal proceedings; break off before the dispute begins.’

We live in a litigious society. Brooksville, Florida, where I live, has a population of a little more than 7,500 in the city proper and 46 pages of ads in the Yellow Pages for attorneys! One of the problems that has become a concern in Florida is that the law schools here are now producing more graduates every year than there are jobs in the legal field for the newly graduated young people.

God’s Word, here and in several other places, counsels against being involved in legal proceedings with our fellow Christians and with people outside of Christ. Let us try to follow God’s Word and God’s will in our dealings with the people around us.”

Maranatha Devotional – Legalism – Monday, April 25, 2016

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a problem, not a plus

Posted on November 16, 2024 by Jefferson Vann

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a problem, not a plus

Proverbs 16:1-33 (JDV).

Proverbs 16:1 The reflections of the heart belong to mankind, but the answer of the tongue is from Yahveh.
Proverbs 16:2 All a person’s roads seem right to him, but Yahveh examines breaths.
Proverbs 16:3 Commit your activities to Yahveh, and your plans will be established.
Proverbs 16:4 Yahveh has prepared everything for his purpose– even the wicked for the day of disaster.
Proverbs 16:5 Everyone with a proud heart is repulsive to Yahveh; be assured, he will not go unpunished.
Proverbs 16:6 Iniquity is atoned for by loyalty and faithfulness, and one turns from evil by the fear of Yahveh.
Proverbs 16:7 When a person’s roads please Yahveh, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Proverbs 16:8 Better a little with righteousness than a great harvest with injustice.
Proverbs 16:9 A person’s heart plans his road, but Yahveh determines his steps.
Proverbs 16:10 God’s verdict is on the lips of a king; his mouth should not give an unfair judgment.
Proverbs 16:11 Honest balances and scales are Yahveh’s; all the weights in the bag are his concern.
Proverbs 16:12 Wicked behavior is detestable to kings since a throne is established through righteousness.
Proverbs 16:13 Righteous lips are a king’s delight, and he loves one who speaks honestly.
Proverbs 16:14 A king’s fury is a messenger of death, but a wise person appeases it.
Proverbs 16:15 When a king’s face lights up, there is life; his favor is like a cloud with spring rain.
Proverbs 16:16 Get wisdom — how much better it is than gold! And get understanding — it is preferable to silver.
Proverbs 16:17 The highway of the upright avoids evil; the one who guards his road protects his throat.
Proverbs 16:18 Pride comes before destruction and an arrogant breath before a fall.
Proverbs 16:19 Better to be lowly of breath with the humble than to divide plunder with the proud.
Proverbs 16:20 The one who understands a matter finds success, and the one who trusts in Yahveh will be fortunate.
Proverbs 16:21 Anyone with a wise heart is called discerning, and pleasant speech increases learning.
Proverbs 16:22 Insight is a fountain of life for its possessor, but the correction of fools is folly.
Proverbs 16:23 The heart of a wise person instructs his mouth; it adds learning to his speech.
Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb: sweetness to the throat and healing to the body.
Proverbs 16:25 There is a road that seems right to a person, but its end is the road to death.
Proverbs 16:26 A worker’s throat works for him because his hunger urges him on.
Proverbs 16:27 A worthless person digs up evil, and his speech is like scorching fire.
Proverbs 16:28 A contrary person spreads conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.
Proverbs 16:29 A violent person lures his neighbor, leading him on a road that is not good.
Proverbs 16:30 The one who narrows his eyes is planning deceptions; the one who compresses his lips brings about evil.
Proverbs 16:31 Gray hair is a glorious crown; it is found in the road of righteousness.
Proverbs 16:32 Patience is better than power, and controlling one’s emotions, than capturing a city.
Proverbs 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from Yahveh.

a problem, not a plus

David Vignali writes: “The only really familiar proverb in this chapter is found in verse 18, the one about pride going before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. Our modern American culture, however, seems to exalt the importance of the self and the individual. We are told and taught to assert ourselves, and Madison Avenue advertisers are constantly telling us that we “deserve” such and such a thing. We seem to see humility and meekness as weaknesses rather the attitudes that God’s Word tells us are necessary and proper –

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3 KJV).

“Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5 KJV).

” … this is what Yahweh asks of you: only this, to act justly, to love tenderly and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8 Jerusalem Bible).”

Maranatha Devotional – “The Problem of Pride” Sunday, April 24, 2016

Pride is a problem, not a plus.

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The LORD’s sovereign presence

Posted on November 15, 2024 by Jefferson Vann

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The LORD’s sovereign presence

Proverbs 15:1-33 (JDV).

Proverbs 15:1 A tender answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath.
Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise makes knowledge sound good, but the mouth of fools blurts out foolishness.
Proverbs 15:3 The eyes of Yahveh are everywhere, observing the wicked and the good.
Proverbs 15:4 The tongue that heals is a tree of life, but a deceptive tongue breaks the spirit.
Proverbs 15:5 A fool despises his father’s correction, but a person who accepts correction is sensible.
Proverbs 15:6 The house of the righteous has great wealth, but trouble accompanies the income of the wicked.
Proverbs 15:7 The lips of the wise broadcast knowledge, but not so the heart of fools.
Proverbs 15:8 The sacrifice of the wicked is repulsive to Yahveh, but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
Proverbs 15:9 Yahveh is repulsed at the road of the wicked, but he loves the one who pursues righteousness.
Proverbs 15:10 Correction is harsh for the one who leaves the path; the one who hates correction will die.
Proverbs 15:11 Sheol and Abaddon lie open before Yahveh — how much more, human hearts.
Proverbs 15:12 A mocker doesn’t love one who corrects him; he will not consult the wise.
Proverbs 15:13 A joyful heart makes a face cheerful, but a sad heart produces a broken spirit.
Proverbs 15:14 A discerning mind seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.
Proverbs 15:15 All the days of the oppressed are miserable, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.
Proverbs 15:16 Better a little with the fear of Yahveh than great treasure with turmoil.
Proverbs 15:17 Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened ox with hatred.
Proverbs 15:18 A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but one slow to anger calms strife.
Proverbs 15:19 An idler’s way is like a thorny hedge, but the path of the upright is a highway.
Proverbs 15:20 A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.
Proverbs 15:21 Foolishness brings joy to one without sense, but a person with understanding walks a straight path.
Proverbs 15:22 Plans fail when there is no counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.
Proverbs 15:23 A person takes joy in giving an answer; and a timely word — how good that is!
Proverbs 15:24 For the prudent the path of life leads upward, so that he may avoid going down to Sheol.
Proverbs 15:25 Yahveh tears apart the house of the proud, but he protects the widow’s territory.
Proverbs 15:26 Yahveh detests the plans of the one who is evil, but pleasant words are pure.
Proverbs 15:27 The one who profits dishonestly cuts off his household, but the one who hates bribes will live.
Proverbs 15:28 The mind of the righteous person thinks before answering, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil things.
Proverbs 15:29 Yahveh is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
Proverbs 15:30 Bright eyes cheer the heart; good news strengthens the bones.
Proverbs 15:31 One who listens to life-giving rebukes will be at home among the wise.
Proverbs 15:32 Anyone who ignores correction despises his throat, but whoever listens to correction acquires good sense.
Proverbs 15:33 The fear of Yahveh is what wisdom teaches, and humility comes before honor.

The LORD’s sovereign presence

We humans will make our plans, and do as we will, some walking in righteousness, others living selfishly and godlessly. But there is another factor involved in the equation: the LORD. He is watching over our lives, and bringing about consequences to our actions. The way of wisdom keeps the reality of the LORD’s sovereign presence in mind. Failure to acknowledge his oversight leads to ruin.

LORD, help us to remember who is watching.

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a well inside

Posted on November 14, 2024 by Jefferson Vann

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a well inside

Proverbs 14:1-35 (JDV).

Proverbs 14:1 Every wise woman builds her house, but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands.
Proverbs 14:2 Whoever lives with integrity fears Yahveh, but the one who is devious in his roads despises him.
Proverbs 14:3 The proud speech of a fool brings a rod of correction, but the lips of the wise protect them.
Proverbs 14:4 Where there are no oxen, the feeding trough is empty, but an abundant harvest comes through the strength of an ox.
Proverbs 14:5 An honest witness does not deceive, but a dishonest witness utters lies.
Proverbs 14:6 A mocker seeks wisdom and doesn’t find it, but knowledge comes easily to the perceptive.
Proverbs 14:7 Stay away from a foolish person; you will gain no knowledge from his speech.
Proverbs 14:8 The sensible person’s wisdom is to consider his road, but the stupidity of fools deceives them.
Proverbs 14:9 Fools mock at making reparation, but there is goodwill among the upright.
Proverbs 14:10 The heart knows its throat’s bitterness, and no outsider shares in its joy.
Proverbs 14:11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish.
Proverbs 14:12 There is a road that seems right to a person, but its end is the road to death.
Proverbs 14:13 Even in laughter a heart may be sad, and joy may end in grief.
Proverbs 14:14 The disloyal one will get what his road leads to, and a good one, what his deeds deserve.
Proverbs 14:15 The morally naive one believes anything, but the sensible one watches his steps.
Proverbs 14:16 A wise person is cautious and turns from evil, but a fool is easily angered and is careless.
Proverbs 14:17 A quick-tempered person acts foolishly, and one who schemes is hated.
Proverbs 14:18 The morally naive inherit foolishness, but the sensible are crowned with knowledge.
Proverbs 14:19 The evil bow before those who are good, and the wicked, at the gates of the righteous.
Proverbs 14:20 A poor person is hated even by his neighbor, but there are many who love the rich.
Proverbs 14:21 The one who despises his neighbor sins, but whoever shows kindness to the poor will be fortunate.
Proverbs 14:22 Don’t those who plan evil go astray? But those who plan good find loyalty and faithfulness.
Proverbs 14:23 There is profit in all hard work, but endless talk leads only to poverty.
Proverbs 14:24 The crown of the wise is their wealth, but the foolishness of fools produces foolishness.
Proverbs 14:25 A truthful witness rescues throats, but one who utters lies is deceitful.
Proverbs 14:26 In the fear of Yahveh one has strong confidence and his children have a refuge.
Proverbs 14:27 The fear of Yahveh is a fountain of life, turning people away from the snares of death.
Proverbs 14:28 A large population is a king’s splendor, but a shortage of people is a ruler’s devastation.
Proverbs 14:29 A patient person shows great understanding, but a quick-tempered one promotes foolishness.
Proverbs 14:30 A tranquil heart is life to the body, but jealousy is rottenness to the bones.
Proverbs 14:31 The one who oppresses the poor person insults his Maker, but one who is kind to the needy honors him.
Proverbs 14:32 The wicked one is thrown down by his own sin, but the righteous one has a refuge in his death.
Proverbs 14:33 Wisdom resides in the heart of the discerning; she is known even among fools.
Proverbs 14:34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.
Proverbs 14:35 A king favors a prudent servant, but his anger falls on a disgraceful one.

a well inside

Commenting on verse 27, Don MacDaniels writes “Have you ever seen an artesian well? I know of only a few places I have visited where there is such a thing. Day and night it does not stop gushing its life-giving sweet water. Would you have such a well inside you? Not only would it quench your thirst but that of your friends around you. My friends, this can be had if we do as our passages suggest: spend time with the wisest of men and listen to their encouragement. Stop each day and spend time with the Lord, and truly listen for his still, small voice.” (Maranatha Devotions, April 22, 2016).

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further training in stupidity

Posted on November 13, 2024 by Jefferson Vann

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further training in stupidity

Proverbs 13:1-25 (JDV).

Proverbs 13:1 A son gets wise from his father’s correction, but a mocker doesn’t listen to rebuke.
Proverbs 13:2 From the fruit of his mouth, a person will enjoy good things, but treacherous people have an throat for violence.
Proverbs 13:3 The one who guards his mouth keeps his throat; the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.
Proverbs 13:4 The throat of the idler craves, yet has nothing, but the diligent is fully satisfied.
Proverbs 13:5 The righteous hate lying, but the wicked bring disgust and shame.
Proverbs 13:6 Righteousness guards one whose road is straight, but wickedness undermines the sinner.
Proverbs 13:7 One person pretends to be rich but has nothing; another pretends to be poor but has abundant wealth.
Proverbs 13:8 Riches are a ransom for a person’s throat, but a poor person hears no threat.
Proverbs 13:9 The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is put out.
Proverbs 13:10 Arrogance leads to nothing but strife, but wisdom is gained by those who take advice.
Proverbs 13:11 Wealth obtained by fraud will dwindle, but whoever earns it through labor will multiply it.
Proverbs 13:12 Hope delayed makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life.
Proverbs 13:13 The one who has contempt for instruction will pay the penalty, but the one who respects a command will be rewarded.
Proverbs 13:14 A wise person’s instruction is a fountain of life, turning people away from the snares of death.
Proverbs 13:15 Good sense wins favor, but the road of the treacherous never changes.
Proverbs 13:16 Every sensible person acts knowledgeably, but a fool displays his stupidity.
Proverbs 13:17 A wicked envoy falls into trouble, but a trustworthy courier brings healing.
Proverbs 13:18 Poverty and disgrace come to those who ignore correction, but the one who accepts correction will be honored.
Proverbs 13:19 Desire fulfilled is sweet to the throat, but to turn from evil is detestable to fools.
Proverbs 13:20 The one who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm.
Proverbs 13:21 Disaster pursues sinners, but good rewards the righteous.
Proverbs 13:22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his grandchildren, but the sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.
Proverbs 13:23 The uncultivated field of the poor yields abundant food, but without justice, it is swept away.
Proverbs 13:24 The one who will not use the rod hates his son, but the one who loves him corrects him diligently.
Proverbs 13:25 A righteous person eats until his throat is satisfied, but the stomach of the wicked is empty.

further training in stupidity

Stupidity comes naturally to humans. We do not have to work at it. But if we want further training, here are some helpful hints:

Train your ears not to listen to rebuke (13:1), to despise the word (13:13), and to ignore instruction (13:8).
Train your mouth to always be open (13:3).
Train your body for violence (13:1), bringing shame and disgrace (13:5).

LORD, forgive us for acting stupid. Give us the wisdom to listen and follow your truth.

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save the comeback

Posted on November 12, 2024 by Jefferson Vann

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save the comeback

Proverbs 12:1-28 (JDV).

Proverbs 12:1 Whoever loves correction loves knowledge, but one who hates correction is stupid.
Proverbs 12:2 One who is good obtains favor from Yahveh, but he condemns a person who schemes.
Proverbs 12:3 No one can be made secure by wickedness, but the root of the righteous is immovable.
Proverbs 12:4 A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a wife who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones.
Proverbs 12:5 The thoughts of the righteous are just, but advice from the wicked is deceitful.
Proverbs 12:6 The words of the wicked are a deadly ambush, but the speech of the upright rescues them.
Proverbs 12:7 The wicked are overthrown and are destroyed, but the house of the righteous will stand.
Proverbs 12:8 A man is praised for his insight, but a twisted mind is despised.
Proverbs 12:9 Better to be disregarded, yet have a servant, than to act important but have no food.
Proverbs 12:10 The righteous cares about his animal’s throat, but even the merciful acts of the wicked are cruel.
Proverbs 12:11 The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks sense.
Proverbs 12:12 The wicked desire what evil people have caught, but the root of the righteous is productive.
Proverbs 12:13 By rebellious speech an evil person is trapped, but a righteous person escapes from trouble.
Proverbs 12:14 A person will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth, and the work of a person’s hands will reward him.
Proverbs 12:15 A fool’s road is right to his own eyes, but whoever listens to counsel is wise.
Proverbs 12:16 A fool’s displeasure is known at once, but whoever ignores an insult is sensible.
Proverbs 12:17 Whoever speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness speaks deception.
Proverbs 12:18 There is one who speaks rashly, like a piercing sword; but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Proverbs 12:19 Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue, only a moment.
Proverbs 12:20 Deception is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.
Proverbs 12:21 No disaster overcomes the righteous, but the wicked are full of misery.
Proverbs 12:22 Lying lips are repulsive to Yahveh, but faithful people are his delight.
Proverbs 12:23 A smart person conceals knowledge, but a foolish heart publicizes stupidity.
Proverbs 12:24 The diligent hand will rule, but laziness will lead to forced labor.
Proverbs 12:25 Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs it down, but a good word cheers it up.
Proverbs 12:26 A righteous person is careful in dealing with his neighbor, but the roads of the wicked lead them astray.
Proverbs 12:27 A lazy hunter doesn’t roast his game, but to a diligent person, his wealth is precious.
Proverbs 12:28 There is life in the right path, and a road in whose pathway there is no death.

save the comeback

Tracy Ainsworth writes “While Proverbs 12 speaks to many issues, it has much to say about wisdom and communication. Accepting correction is wise. Interestingly, verse 23 says sometimes a prudent man conceals knowledge – in other words, one doesn’t have to loudly trumpet everything one knows or believes!” (Maranatha Devotions, October 7, 2018).

Sometimes the smart way to reply is to not reply, even if you have a comeback. Many of us have been rescued from harm by knowing when to shut up.

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in the long run

Posted on November 11, 2024 by Jefferson Vann

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in the long run

Proverbs 11:1-31 (JDV).

Proverbs 11:1 Fraudulent scales are detestable to Yahveh, but an accurate weight is his delight.
Proverbs 11:2 When arrogance comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom.
Proverbs 11:3 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of traitors destroys them.
Proverbs 11:4 Wealth is not profitable on a day of wrath, but righteousness rescues from death.
Proverbs 11:5 The righteousness of the blameless clears his road, but the wicked person will fall because of his wickedness.
Proverbs 11:6 The righteousness of the upright rescues them, but traitors are trapped by their own desires.
Proverbs 11:7 When the wicked person dies, his expectation comes to nothing, and hope placed in wealth vanishes.
Proverbs 11:8 The righteous one is rescued from trouble; in his place, the wicked one goes in.
Proverbs 11:9 With his mouth the ungodly destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge, the righteous are rescued.
Proverbs 11:10 When the righteous thrive, a city rejoices; when the wicked die, there is joyful shouting.
Proverbs 11:11 A city is built up by the blessing of the upright, but it is torn down by the mouth of the wicked.
Proverbs 11:12 Whoever condemns his neighbor lacks sense, but a person with understanding keeps silent.
Proverbs 11:13 A gossip goes around revealing a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.
Proverbs 11:14 Without guidance, a people will fall, but with many counselors there is deliverance.
Proverbs 11:15 If someone puts up security for a stranger, he will suffer for it, but the one who hates such agreements is protected.
Proverbs 11:16 A gracious woman gains honor, but violent people gain only riches.
Proverbs 11:17 A kind man does his throat a kindness, but a cruel person brings ruin on his flesh.
Proverbs 11:18 The wicked person earns an empty wage, but the one who sows righteousness, a true reward.
Proverbs 11:19 Genuine righteousness leads to life but pursuing evil leads to death.
Proverbs 11:20 Those with twisted minds are detestable to Yahveh, but those with a straight road are his delight.
Proverbs 11:21 Be assured that a wicked person will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will escape.
Proverbs 11:22 A beautiful woman who rejects good sense is like a gold ring in a pig’s snout.
Proverbs 11:23 The desire of the righteous turns out well, but the hope of the wicked leads to wrath.
Proverbs 11:24 One person gives freely, yet gains more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor.
Proverbs 11:25 A generous throat will be made fat, and the one who gives a drink of water will receive water.
Proverbs 11:26 People will curse anyone who hoards grain, but a blessing will come to the one who sells it.
Proverbs 11:27 The one who searches for what is good seeks favor, but if someone looks for trouble, it will come to him.
Proverbs 11:28 Anyone trusting in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like foliage.
Proverbs 11:29 The one who brings ruin on his household will inherit the wind, and a fool will be a slave to someone whose heart is wise.
Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, but violence takes throats away.
Proverbs 11:31 If the righteous will be repaid in the land, how much more the wicked and sinful.

in the long run

Wisdom will prove itself right in the long run, and foolishness will prove itself wrong. The incidents where people seem to be profiting from wrongdoing are just temporary exceptions. When we look at the eternal results, we see that living righteously is good practical advice. Every decision we make is going to fall into one of the two categories. Look at the big picture.

LORD, help us to see the wisdom of living right.

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evidence of wisdom

Posted on November 10, 2024 by Jefferson Vann

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evidence of wisdom

Proverbs 10:1-32 (JDV).

Proverbs 10:1 Solomon’s proverbs: A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grieves to his mother.
Proverbs 10:2 Wicked treasures do not profit anyone, but righteousness rescues from death.
Proverbs 10:3 Yahveh will not let the righteous go hungry, but he pushes the wicked away from what they crave.
Proverbs 10:4 Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.
Proverbs 10:5 The son who gathers during summer is prudent; the son who sleeps during harvest is disgraceful.
Proverbs 10:6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
Proverbs 10:7 The remembrance of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.
Proverbs 10:8 A wise heart accepts commands, but foolish lips will be destroyed.
Proverbs 10:9 The one who lives with integrity lives securely, but whoever twists his roads will be found out.
Proverbs 10:10 A sly wink of the eye causes grief, and foolish lips will be destroyed.
Proverbs 10:11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirs up conflicts, but love covers all transgressions.
Proverbs 10:13 Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of the one who lacks sense.
Proverbs 10:14 The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of the fool hastens destruction.
Proverbs 10:15 The wealth of the rich is his fortified city; the poverty of the poor is their destruction.
Proverbs 10:16 The reward of the righteous is life; the wages of the wicked is punishment.
Proverbs 10:17 The one who follows instruction is on the path to life, but the one who rejects correction goes astray.
Proverbs 10:18 The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.
Proverbs 10:19 When there are many words, sin is unavoidable, but the one who controls his lips is prudent.
Proverbs 10:20 The tongue of the righteous is pure silver; the heart of the wicked is of little value.
Proverbs 10:21 The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense.
Proverbs 10:22 Yahveh’s blessing enriches, and he adds no painful effort to it.
Proverbs 10:23 As shameful conduct is pleasure for a fool, so wisdom is for a person of understanding.
Proverbs 10:24 What the wicked is terrified of will come to him, but what the righteous desire will be given to them.
Proverbs 10:25 When the destructive wind passes, the wicked are no more, but the righteous are secure forever.
Proverbs 10:26 Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so the idler is to the one who sends him on an errand.
Proverbs 10:27 The fear of Yahveh prolongs life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.
Proverbs 10:28 The hope of the righteous is joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish.
Proverbs 10:29 The road of Yahveh is a stronghold for the honorable, but destruction awaits the malicious.
Proverbs 10:30 The righteous will never be shaken, but the wicked will not remain on the land.
Proverbs 10:31 The mouth of the righteous produces wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out.
Proverbs 10:32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked, only what is perverse.

evidence of wisdom

How can one judge the degree to which he or she has gained wisdom? Look at the results of the decisions you make. Specifically, do your decisions make other people glad, or cause them to worry or fear? Those closest to you will tend to be happier if you are living the kind of life that fits into God’s purpose. No matter what kind of religious beliefs you profess, laziness, hypocrisy, and violent words and actions will cause harm to those closest to you. Love, commitment, and genuineness will bring them peace and joy.

LORD, give us the wisdom to live your way, to positively touch the lives of others.

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choose the wise life

Posted on November 9, 2024 by Jefferson Vann

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choose the wise life

Proverbs 9:1-18 (JDV).

Proverbs 9:1 Wisdom has built her house; she has carved out her seven pillars.
Proverbs 9:2 She has slaughtered what needed to be slaughtered; she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table.
Proverbs 9:3 She has sent out her female servants; she calls out from the highest points of the city:
Proverbs 9:4 “Whoever is morally naive, enter here!” To the one who lacks sense, she says,
Proverbs 9:5 “Come, eat my bread, and drink the wine I have mixed.
Proverbs 9:6 Leave inexperience behind, and you will live; go straight on the road of understanding.
Proverbs 9:7 The one who corrects a mocker will bring abuse on himself; the one who rebukes the wicked will get hurt.
Proverbs 9:8 Don’t rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke the wise, and he will love you.
Proverbs 9:9 Instruct the wise, and he will be wiser still; teach the righteous, and he will learn more.
Proverbs 9:10 “The fear of Yahveh is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Proverbs 9:11 Because by me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.
Proverbs 9:12 If you are wise, you are wise for your own benefit; if you mock, you alone will bear the consequences.”
Proverbs 9:13 Folly is a rowdy woman; she is gullible and knows nothing.
Proverbs 9:14 She sits by the doorway of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city,
Proverbs 9:15 calling to those who pass by, who go straight ahead on their paths:
Proverbs 9:16 “Whoever is morally naive, enter here!” To the one who lacks sense, she says,
Proverbs 9:17 “Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten secretly is tasty!”
Proverbs 9:18 But he doesn’t know that the ghosts are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.

This interesting passage depicts the life of wisdom and the life of folly as two women, both calling out for a relationship with a morally naive young man. The women are not different in their outward appearance or even their age. They could be identical twins in that respect. No, the difference between them is how they choose to catch their prize. Folly only offers bread and water and appears to have stolen that. She lures her man by offering him something for nothing. Wisdom built her own house, slaughtered her own cattle, and sent out her servants to buy everything she needed from the proceeds of her own hard work. Wisdom is the Proverbs 31 wife.

Both wisdom and folly are options, and both are appealing. But wisdom takes more work, and sometimes people opt for unrighteous living out of laziness. They are not equal in their result. The unrighteous life leads to spiritual death and the likelihood of an early physical death.

LORD, give us the courage to choose the wise life.

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falling for innovation

Posted on November 8, 2024 by Jefferson Vann

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falling for innovation

Proverbs 8:1-36 (JDV).

Proverbs 8:1 Doesn’t wisdom call out? Doesn’t understanding give her voice?
Proverbs 8:2 At the heights overlooking the road, at the crossroads, she is standing.
Proverbs 8:3 Beside the gates leading into the city, at the main entrance, she is crying out:
Proverbs 8:4 “People, I call out to you; my cry is to the children of Adam.
Proverbs 8:5 Learn to be smart, you who are morally naive; develop common sense, you who are foolish.
Proverbs 8:6 Listen, for I speak of noble things, and what my lips say is right.
Proverbs 8:7 Because my mouth tells the truth, and wickedness is detestable to my lips.
Proverbs 8:8 All the words from my mouth are righteous; none of them are deceptive or perverse.
Proverbs 8:9 All of them are clear to the perceptive, and right to those who discover knowledge.
Proverbs 8:10 Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold.
Proverbs 8:11 Because wisdom is better than jewels, and nothing desirable can equal it.
Proverbs 8:12 I, wisdom, share a home with smartness and have knowledge and discretion.
Proverbs 8:13 To fear Yahveh is to hate evil. I hate arrogant pride, the evil road, and perverse speech.
Proverbs 8:14 I possess good advice and sound wisdom; I have understanding and strength.
Proverbs 8:15 It is by me that kings reign and rulers enact just law;
Proverbs 8:16 by me, princes lead, as do nobles and all righteous judges.
Proverbs 8:17 I love those who love me, and those who search for me find me.
Proverbs 8:18 With me are riches and honor, lasting wealth, and righteousness.
Proverbs 8:19 My fruit is better than solid gold, and my harvest is better than pure silver.
Proverbs 8:20 I walk in the ways of righteousness, along the paths of justice,
Proverbs 8:21 giving wealth as an inheritance to those who love me and filling their treasuries.
Proverbs 8:22 “Yahveh acquired me at the first of his road, before his works of long ago.
Proverbs 8:23 I was formed before ancient times, from the beginning, before the land began.
Proverbs 8:24 I was born when there were no watery depths and no springs filled with water.
Proverbs 8:25 Before the mountains were established, prior to the hills, I was given birth —
Proverbs 8:26 before he made the land, the fields, or the first soil on the land.
Proverbs 8:27 I was there when he established the heavens, when he laid out the horizon on the surface of the ocean,
Proverbs 8:28 when he placed the skies above when the fountains of the ocean gushed out,
Proverbs 8:29 when he set a limit for the sea so that the waters would not violate his command, when he laid out the foundations of the land.
Proverbs 8:30 I was a skilled craftsman beside him. I was his delight every day, always rejoicing before him.
Proverbs 8:31 I was rejoicing in his inhabited world, delighting in the children of Adam.
Proverbs 8:32 “And now, sons, listen to me; those who keep my roads are fortunate.
Proverbs 8:33 Listen to instruction and be wise; don’t ignore it.
Proverbs 8:34 Anyone who listens to me is fortunate, watching at my doors every day, waiting by the posts of my doorway.
Proverbs 8:35 Because the one who finds me finds life and obtains favor from Yahveh,
Proverbs 8:36 but the one who misses me injures his throat; all who hate me love death.”

falling for innovation

Occasionally, you will hear someone talk about “old school.” It refers to the old way of doing things, which, depending on who uses the term, may be a good thing or not. Solomon says that wisdom is old school. In fact, it is the oldest. When God was creating the world, he used wisdom. It makes sense for us, as creatures, to live our lives by the same resource that our creator used to begin them.

LORD, forgive us for falling for innovation. Teach us how to live by your wisdom.

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