Proverbs 21:2 (NLT)“People may think they are doing what is right, but the LORD examines the heart.” The Limit of Human Sight Isn’t this the truth? Most of us truly believe we are doing the right thing. We mean well, but “meaning well” is a human standard, not a divine one. A person may think…

Proverbs 20:2 (NLT)“The king’s fury is like a lion’s roar; to rouse his anger is to risk your life.” Respect the Roar This is a direct warning: Do not agitate those who hold the power of your peace or your position. The proverb compares a leader’s fury to a lion’s roar. In the wild, a…

Proverbs 19:2 (NLT)“Zeal without knowledge is not good; a person who moves too quickly may go the wrong way.” Zeal is Not the Map This text is as direct as it gets. Often, we mean well; we have the greatest intentions and the strongest desires to help, only to discover too late that we lacked…

Proverbs 18:2 (NLT)“Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.” Confusing “Thought” with “Truth” “Fool” is a harsh word, but it is the biblical diagnosis for anyone who shuts their ears to the perspective of others. We live in a culture that confuses “speaking my mind” with “speaking the…

Proverbs 17:2 (NLT)“A wise servant will rule over a master’s shameful son and will share the inheritance of the master’s children.” Wisdom Over Pedigree A wise servant is simply one who gives ear to wisdom. They heed counsel. In the Kingdom, “to hear” is synonymous with “to obey.” This proverb reveals a startling truth: Wisdom…

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…

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…

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…

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…