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Proverbs 16:2 (NLT)“People may be pure in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their motives.” The Mirage of “Self Purity” It is dangerously easy to feel like you are right and still be dead wrong. We have a natural ability to justify our actions, package our preferences as “the will of God,” and present…
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Proverbs 15:2 (NLT)“The wise person makes learning a joy; fools spout only foolishness.” Savory, not Salty It is one thing to possess the information someone needs to survive; it is another thing entirely to share it in a way they can receive it. Solomon tells us that a fool “spouts” foolishness—they might have the right…
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Proverbs 14:3 (NLT)“The talk of fools is a rod for their backs, but the words of the wise keep them out of trouble.” The Harvest of the Tongue This proverb suggests a binary reality: our behavior is the ultimate indicator of our beliefs. We are either fools or wise based on what we allow to…
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Proverbs 13:3 (NLT)“Those who control their tongue will have a long life; a quick retort can ruin everything.” Poor Tongue Management Disorder Are you suffering from PTMD? Being careful about your words is the primary way to stay out of trouble. Conversely, speaking rashly—hastily and thoughtlessly—invites disaster upon the speaker and everyone within earshot.When we…
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Proverbs 12:2 (NLT)“The LORD approves of those who are good, but he condemns those who plan wickedness.” The Motive Behind the Method God shows favor and acceptance to those of good character. However, to those who are “deceptively shrewd” or crafty, He not only withholds favor—He condemns. That is a bitter pill to swallow. To…
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Proverbs 11:3–5 (NLT)“Good people are guided by their honesty; treacherous people are destroyed by their dishonesty… The godly are directed by their honesty; the wicked fall beneath their load of sin.” The Lead and the Load What is guiding you? What are you being led by? If you find yourself perpetually without peace or joy,…
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Proverbs 10:2 (NLT)“Ill-gotten gain has no lasting value, but right living can save your life.” The Mirage of the Shortcut What are you willing to do for a dollar? In a world that worships “the hustle,” we are constantly tempted by the shortcut or the questionable quick gain. But Solomon is clear: Ill-gotten gains have…
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Proverbs 9:2 (NLT)“She has prepared a great banquet, mixed the wines, and set the table.” No Drive-Thru for Destiny Wisdom is calling you to a banquet, not a drive-through. Solomon describes a host who has labored, sacrificed, and prepared a delectable feast. This tells us two things: Wisdom is invaluable and it is intentional.In ancient…
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Proverbs 8:2 (NLT)“She stands on the hilltop and at the crossroads.” Wisdom is Not a Secret Wisdom doesn’t hide in a dark alley or a locked vault. According to Solomon, she stands where she can be heard and where she is most needed. She calls from the Hilltops—places of high visibility and audibility. God’s wisdom…
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Proverbs 7:2 (NLT)“Obey them and live! Guard my teachings as your most precious possession.” Beyond the Leather and Ink Many people treat their physical Bible with extreme reverence. They won’t let it touch the ground; they protect the corners; they would never dare to mark the pages. While we respect the “Holy Writ,” simply guarding…
