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Proverbs 8:5 (NLT)“How naive you are! Let me give you common sense. O foolish ones, let me give you understanding.” This or That? The group Black Sheep had it right when they penned the lyrics: “You can get with this, or you can get with that… the choice is yours.” Every single day, you are…
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Proverbs 7:4 (NRSV)“Say to wisdom, ‘You are my sister,’ and call insight your intimate friend.” The Anatomy of Intimacy In the ancient context, “sister” was a term of deep, covenant intimacy—often used to describe a spouse. Solomon isn’t telling you to merely know about Wisdom; he is telling you to marry her. There should be…
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Proverbs 7:25-27 (NLT)“Don’t let your hearts stray away toward her. Don’t wander down her wayward path. For she has been the ruin of many; numerous men have been her victims. Her house is the road to the grave. Her bedroom is the den of death.” The Gravity of Distraction Solomon provides a haunting contrast here…
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Proverbs 5:6 (NLT)“For she does not care about the path to life. She staggers down a crooked trail and doesn’t even realize where it leads.” The Sedation of Sin Solomon warns us here of the “immoral woman”—the voice that leads us away from Wisdom. At first, her words are honey-sweet and appealing, but the end…
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Proverbs 3:4 (NLT)“Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation.” The Gravity of Character At the end of the day, whose approval are you truly seeking? When you assess the sum total of your efforts, your spending, and your service, is the goal to please God…
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Proverbs 2:6 (NLT)“For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” The Myth of the Self-Made Mind Let’s settle this once and for all: Wisdom is not gained if it is not granted. You can seek after knowledge and research information until you are exhausted, but it is all for nothing if…
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Proverbs 1:5-6 (NLT)“Let those who are wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. And let those who understand receive guidance by exploring the depth of meaning in these proverbs, parables, wise sayings, and riddles.” Don’t Stay Small In times past, “prudence” was an encouragement to grow, yet today we often settle for being…
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Proverbs 31:4-6 (NLT)“And it is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine. Rulers should not crave liquor. For if they drink, they may forget their duties and be unable to give justice to those who are oppressed.” The Danger of Distraction In vino veritas—in wine there is truth—but in indulgence there is often a…
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Proverbs 30:5 (NLT)“Every word of God proves true. He defends all who come to him for protection.” The Safest Place on Earth The safest place in the whole world is in the center of the will of God! We know God through His flawless Word. Man can only truly know God because He has chosen…
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Proverbs 29:4 (NLT)“A just king gives stability to his nation, but one who demands bribes destroys it.” Stability vs. Strife The book of Proverbs is loaded with sharp contrasts that help us navigate our choices. Here, Solomon shows us that Justice is the bedrock of a people. It produces stability, fosters joy, and brings a…