Weekly Recap #27 - Proverbs 1-18

This might not be the right choice of words....but this week, we started on the down hill slope of reading the Bible thru in a year.  

Can you even believe that the year is half over?  

Time flies by so fast...especially at my age!!!

We started in the Book of Proverbs this week.  This book of the Old Testament is considered a "Wisdom Book" and it contains instructions on many of the practical things that happen in our daily lives.  Many of the Proverbs were written by the wise King Solomon.  It points the believer to God with instructions on how to live a holy, upright life.....including choosing the right friends, the results of adultery, the value of hard work, dealing justly in business matters, the dangers of strong drink, treating the poor with compassion, the value of strong family ties and the characteristics of genuine friendship!!

Wisdom in Proverbs is portrayed as a woman

(well, of course it is...ha! ha!).....

.....and the book repeatedly emphasizes that foolish people speak foolish words.

Since there's no story line to Proverbs.....again, just like with Psalms, I'll share some of my favorites.

Proverbs 1:7 - Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Proverbs 2:7 - He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest.  He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.

Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.

Don't think too highly of yourself.....

Proverbs 3:7a - Don't be impressed with your own wisdom.

Just as we correct our children and grandchildren....for their own good....God disciplines us....

Proverbs 3:11-12 - My child, don't reject the Lord's discipline, and don't be upset when He corrects.  For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.

I need to write this one on my forehead!!!

Proverbs 3:21 - My child don't loose sight of common sense and discernment.  Hang on to them.

If possible, we need to help those in need....and we need to never withhold saying something nice to, or about somebody (that's my interpretation of this verse).....

Proverbs 3:27 - Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it is in your power to help them.

I read this one and thought it was a little funny...."getting wisdom is wise".....but, then I heard it a couple of times this week on a local Christian radio station....

Proverbs 4:6 - Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do!  And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.

Another funny one.....

Proverbs 6:9-10 - But you, lazy bones, how long will you sleep?  When will you wake up?

A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest.

Proverbs 11:2 - Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

 Be careful who you trust with your innermost thoughts.....

Proverbs 11:13 - A gossip goes around telling secrets but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.  

Proverbs 12:16 - A fool is quick tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.

Proverbs 12:18 - Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.

Proverbs 12:25 - Worry weighs a person down;  an encouraging word cheers a person up.

Proverbs 13:3 - Those who control their tongue will have a long life;  opening your mouth can ruin everything.

Appearances don't always reflect reality....

Proverbs 13:7 - Some who are poor pretend to be rich;  others who are rich pretend to be poor.

Never hesitate to discipline your children....or grandchildren.....

Proverbs 13:24 - Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children.  Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.

We can't fully understand each other's emotions.....

Proverbs 14:10 - Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can fully share its job.

Smiling on the outside, crying on the inside.....

Proverbs 14:13 - Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains.

This one reminds me so much of me.  Many times, I'll make plans to do something....and the good Lord will interrupt my plans with what HE wants done.....

Proverbs 16:9 - We can make our plans,  but the Lord determines our steps.

We shouldn't think too highly of ourselves....don't get all high and mighty....

Proverbs 16:18 - Pride goes before destruction and haughtiness before a fall.

Proverbs 18:12 - Haughtiness goes before destruction - humility precedes honor.

One commentary I read explained this verse this way.....Godly people grow in wisdom so their gray hair is a crown.  I'm gonna start thinking of that every time I look in the mirror!!! 

Proverbs 16:31 - Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life.

And....AMEN to this one.....

Proverbs 17:6a - Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged.

Don't hold a grudge....

Proverbs 17:9 - Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.

Because of what I shared with y'all about my depression....this verse really spoke to my mind and heart....

Proverbs 18:14 - The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear a crushed spirit.

The commentary said, "spiritual and emotional problems can be harder on us than a physical problem".

AMEN to that!!!

Well, precious readers.....I realize this has been kinda lengthy.  It was just that so many of the verses touched my heart in a special way so I wanted to share them with y'all, too!!!

Hope each of you have a blessed weekend....stay safe!!!

In His Most Precious Love....and with mine!!!