In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.  ~ Proverbs 14:23

Hmm, I’m noticing a pattern here! The last three days, I’ve noticed the verses that are about words. So, now you know: I have a problem with talking too much. Thanks for bearing with me.

As I’ve mentioned earlier, it is true that some words are worth more than money can buy. Words that praise God, encourage fellow man or instruct in wisdom are valuable words indeed. And we cannot  forget the precious words of prayer. But this verse is contrasting labor and talk. Which is worth more? Telling someone you care, or showing them? Saying you will do a good job, or doing it? Blabbing about what you know, putting that knowledge to use helping others?

Today, the world surely runneth over with words. Social media has run amuck in many ways. That’s not to say that it cannot be used for good. At least, I hope it can! Facebook and blogging are two ways that I  stay connected with friends and family far away. But with every asset, there is some form of liability. It’s so easy now for everyone to voice an opinion without having to back it up in real life. After all, the Internet allows for a great deal of anonymity. But the Lord can see it all, and He knows if we’re all talk or not. For the most part, words are empty unless backed up by a life of work, diligence, faithfulness and honesty.

Talk is cheap, but actions are priceless.

He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction. ~ Proverbs 13:3

This verse makes me think of that saying, “Loose lips sink ships.” That’s one time where keeping your mouth literally enables you to keep your life. How dreadful to say the wrong thing and give away top-secret war plans or something. I’m not at war against an outward enemy, my battle is against my own flesh.  Whenever I have “opened my mouth wide” (shudder) and let go of my opinion without pausing to ponder those words before they are spoken, I have found myself in a state of unhappiness or destruction, as this verse says.

Words and I have a love/hate relationship. I love it when I say the right thing, and I hate it when I don’t. But it’s not the words’ fault, it’s mine own. I control what I do and don’t say. And sometimes I steer myself right into a ditch.

Two reasons we lose control of our words:

Pride. This can be traced back as the source of many sins. On the surface, it doesn’t seem so terrible. Bragging, exaggerating or hypocrisy are forms of pride. We start to share our many talents or our latest achievements, and perhaps we make it sound a bit better than it really was. Or we tell others we are flawless in some area of the Christian life, because it would be dreadful if someone knew that we, professing Christians, struggle with sin. Next thing you know, we’re trapped by our words. It’s humiliating. It’s easier just to be ourselves and be honest.

Evil intentions.  Some words are wrong because they are the result of evil intentions. We know better, but do it anyway. Gossip, sowing discord, slander and lying are due to evil intentions. Even those without Christ know that lying is wrong, but that doesn’t stop them from doing it. Christians do it, too. Despite the old saying, sticks, stones AND words can hurt.

I want to take control of my words and use them as God has instructed me in His Word. It’s a battle, but if I truly seek His help, I can win the victory.

Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad. ~ Proverbs 12:25

I suppose it isn’t necessary to share this, but words are important to me. I relish each moment that I am able to communicate face-to-face with someone. My heart soars when I read a love note from my husband. I enjoy spending evenings -and sometimes days – reading quality literature. And of course, I thrill at the thought of getting to put my own words down on paper, or a screen in this case. It makes sense that of all the ways in which to communicate love and understanding, the written – or spoken – word is the fastest way to cheer my heart.

A few days ago, I was feeling disheartened. I prayed about it and tried to leave it with the Lord. Just hours later, I received a text message from a friend, just asking how I was and letting me know she was praying for me. For me! I was so thrilled! It was the Lord answering my weary heart’s prayer. He was saying, “Keep going. You are not alone.” I hate to admit it, but sometimes I do feel alone. Some personalities are prone to depression and I suppose I hit the jackpot. In those times I pray, and trust God with my tiny mustard-seed faith. And words also help me a lot. Whether I’m writing them, speaking them, hearing them or reading them, they are the thing that makes my heavy heart glad. No other words edify me more than God’s Words. I want to pass along good words today, and share God’s Words with others. I want to make a sad heart glad, just as the Lord has done for me.

There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. ~ Proverbs 11:24

This verse caught my eye today. How many times have I heard stories from my parents and other church friends about how they gave – sometimes sacrificially, sometimes out of their abundance – to some need of the church, only to see God give it right back with interest! In fact, my husband and I have a few stories like that ourselves. It’s a trite saying, but it’s true: you cannot out-give God.

Likewise, I’ve seen many people who live in fear, storing up an abundance of financial security, only to live unhappy lives in pretend poverty.  I’ve also seen some of those people lose their  safety net  due to an economic downswing. How much better it would have been to see some of that “financial security” invested into God’s Work,  particularly that of foreign missions?

Just as the farmer scatters an abundance of seed and reaps a bountiful harvest, so should we Christians do the same. I thought of a few things we should invest:

• Our time to serving God
• Our mouths in witnessing
• Our finances into the ministry of church and missions
• Our love in the souls of children and church family
• Our words in praise and prayer
• Our eyes in the pages of God’s Word
• Our ears in the preaching and hearing burdens of others
• And so much more!

I pray I can scatter that which God has given me that it may be used for His purposes until He calls me home.

In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise. ~ Proverbs 10:19

If there was a ever a verse that had my name beside it, it’s this one! I am a talker. It has been my greatest burden in life. Many sins can be committed with words. Slander, hypocrisy, lying, and gossip to name a few. Everyone is guilty of committing such sins.

A few years ago, I read through a convicting little book simply called If by Amy Carmichael (missionary to India from 1895-1951). One portion which especially gouged me was the following paragraph:

If a sudden jar can cause me to speak an impatient, unloving word, then I know nothing of Calvary love. For a cup brimful of sweet water cannot spill even one drop of bitter water, however suddenly jolted. (page 35)

Charles Bridges says of this passage: “Considering, therefore, the sin connected with the multitude of words, it is surely our wisdom to refrain our lips.” Ah! Yes! Lord, help one such sinner as I! I am forever speaking harsh words, or wrong words, or too many words. I know I will never achieve perfection in this area during my lifetime, but does this mean I should quit trying to improve? As Paul says in Romans, God forbid! My heart’s desire is to run the race faithfully, striving to be more like Christ each day, until at last I am home with Him. This means working to tame my motor mouth, and only the Lord can handle such a monumental task.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. ~ Proverbs 9:10

The fear of God can first be seen in children as a fear, or attitude of respect, toward their father. They don’t fear him every minute, like they would an evil ogre.  They do fear his disapproval and chastening when they do wrong. This kind of fear his healthy for our bodies.

Children of God feel the same way toward our Heavenly Father. We are ever aware of His watchful eye. This thought brings comfort when we are doing all we can to walk in the ways of the Lord. But when we are struggling with sinful thoughts, words or actions, we feel a trembling in our hearts at His presence. We know that He has seen our sin. The guilt can be overwhelming. But, this is a good thing! This fear and guilt draws our hearts toward repentance and right living. This kind of fear is healthy for our minds.

I vividly recall when, as a teenager, an opportunity to sin presented itself to me. No one was around; I thought I could get away with it. Then, the thought came to me that God would know. I knew the Lord would make sure that my parents would find out, too. (Num. 32:23) Imagining their disappointed faces kept me from doing wrong. I wish I could say this was the case every time I was tempted to sin, but I cannot. However, learning to fear God early in life did spare me some heartache. I am thankful for the proper fear of the Lord, which began with the proper fear of my dad and mom.

Thanks for joining me for the second week of a “March” through Proverbs. I have been blessed by this time of study together, and I hope you have been also. I love hearing from you! Thank you to those who have shared that you are reading along, and to those who share a verse you love.  Ready for week two? Here we go!

For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. ~ Proverbs 8:11

If you ever think that obeying God’s ways  is for the birds, just pick up your Bible and read Proverbs chapter eight. It extols the multitude of virtues of having wisdom. It explains in detail that wisdom is wonderful, and a prize worth seeking.

Today’s verse sums it up succinctly, in my opinion: It’s better than anything else you could ever desire. Wow.

Here are a few details about wisdom:

• It dwells with prudence, learns new things – verse 12
• It hates pride, arrogance, the evil way and the froward (perverse) mouth. – verse 13
• It sits with princes and kings – verses 16-17
• It possesses riches – verses 18-19
• It was possessed by the LORD before anything was created – verses 22-31
• Happy is the one who seeks after it – verse 34
• To hate wisdom, is to love death – verse 36

Proverbs teaches us more about searching for wisdom in later chapters, but this one points to Whom we can get wisdom, and that is from God Himself. From a relationship with Jehovah, we can have light to guide us on this path of life. When we sorrow, He illuminates our path despite our tears. In times of worry, He comforts us in His Word. In times of stress, He meets us on our knees. With God  lives wisdom, and the man or woman who seeks it, is on the path of life.

For whoso findeth me [wisdom] findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD. ~ Proverbs 8:35

Do you know God? You can only know Him through His Son, Jesus. Has Christ, the Good Shepherd, been calling your name? If so, answer Him, and begin walking with Wisdom, the Lord Himself.

Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye. ~ Proverbs 7:2

Proverbs chapter seven is mostly about the danger of the strange woman, or the harlot. It is quite descriptive of her manner, dress, behavior and the end result of that behavior. Any Christian who reads this chapter and isn’t afraid of the harlot, may not be a true Christian! I read it today, making note of these characteristics because I do not want to exhibit them. Sadly, I sometimes do. Verse 11 says, “She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:. . .” I’m afraid I have been both loud and stubborn at times. Ouch.

The verse that I am writing about today is one that, as a child, I misunderstood. When I heard the phrase “he (or she) is the apple of my eye”, I took it to mean someone you couldn’t stop looking at! Well, that’s not a bad interpretation, I guess. We should love to look at God’s words, His law or commands. But it means much more than that. The apple of the eye is the most sensitive part of our bodies. Who doesn’t react strongly if something is pointed at our eyeball?  We put up our hands and jerk our heads away to protect our eyes. Workmen wear safety glasses or face shields for certain jobs. And have you ever been poked in the eye? Nothing hurts quite like that! Solomon is directing sons to regard God’s Word with that kind of care; to protect it, to cherish it.

Verse 3 tells us to keep the law near us, at our hands and in our hearts (minds). We do this by submitting the precious words to memory. Placing God’s Words in my brain takes work, but it’s well worth it. I need to improve on that.

Again, the statement by Charles Bridges that I quoted a few days ago bears repeating: “If wisdom is not loved, lust will be indulged.” That’s really what it comes down to, isn’t it? Do we love our flesh, or God’s Word? It’s up to me, and to you, to choose.

Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:  Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest. ~ Proverbs 6:6-8

Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man. ~ Proverbs  6:10-11

This chapter provides much practical wisdom for daily living. The father warns his son to be careful of loaning money in verses 1-5. In verses 6-8, we are told to look at the smallest of creatures for an example of industry and diligence. The ant has no guide and yet works faithfully. We have many guides: a conscience, the Bible, and pastors; yet we often fail to keep ourselves mindfully employed. The ant has no ruler, yet we have one holy and supreme Ruler, the King of Kings. How then, can we become distracted? Because of our sinful natures. Unlike the ant, we have many abilities and talents. We can make choices. My goal is to make the right choices, to be active in the things God would have me to do.

Verses 10-11 warn against the dangers of laziness. I am prone to that! I often wake and think “just a little more sleep”. The flesh is so hard to control at times. Laziness is not just exhibited by too much slumber, but also by using work time for our pleasures, or in putting off tasks that should be tackled immediately. I have to work at not indulging in the whims of my flesh. I am looking forward to the day when I can be in my glorified, flesh-free body in Heaven.

How can we manage our flesh and fight laziness? Again I quote theologian Charles Bridges:

• Live by rule
• Have a schedule
• Be employed in God’s work early
• Store useful knowledge in the mind
• Study and pray over God’s Word
• Remember, repetition forms the habit, habit forms the character.

I am enjoying our “March” through this wonderful book. As Psalm 119:130 says, The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. (Hey, that’s me!)

Thank you for joining me!

For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings. ~ Proverbs 5:21

This chapter continues the lessons to sons. Wisdom is exalted (verse 1-2) and a great warning is issued about the strange woman (verses 3-14). Near the end of the passage, there is an exhortation to the son to be thankful for his own wife, and to take pleasure in her. (verses 15-23) However, the verse I chose for today has a universal application. Men, women and children would do well to remember that God is aware of all that we do; He is considering or pondering our actions.

The passage is dealing with sexual sin in particular. The harlot is available and willing to pursue after the “precious life” (Proverbs 6:26). This chapter is a warning about such women. In this day and time of the Internet, men have access to vile things, and they can stumble into it accidentally! But, as theologian Charles Bridges says, “If wisdom is loved, lust will not be indulged.”  A wise man builds walls around himself to keep him from danger and is accountable for his actions. He brings lustful thoughts into captivity quickly. (2 Cor. 10:5)

This passage isn’t only for my husband, it also applies to me, too. First, I do not want to bear the traits of the strange woman. I want to be the opposite, in fact. I want to guard my own thoughts and words so as never to give an easement to unclean living in any area of my life.  When I fail, I want to seek forgiveness immediately from the Lord and from others if I have offended them. I want to be sensitive to the Good Shepherd’s staff, to feel the slightest tugging of correction. Second, I want to remember that He is watching me, and thinking about me, as verse 21 so clearly states. Third, I want to provide for my husband the affection that a wife should. Charles Bridges says it so well, and so discreetly:

Tender, well-regulated domestic affection is the best defense against the vagrant desires of unlawful passion.

By keeping my own husband feeling loved and adored, I hope to keep the birds of sinful desire from nesting too closely to our marriage. Of course, the responsibility for our thoughts and actions rests within each of us alone; but I do not want to be a stumbling block to anyone, especially my own, wonderful man.