Proverbs - Seasonal Honor

Proverbs 26:1

As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.

The proverb here is letting us know that honor is completely inappropriate for a fool.  We should not honor a fool.  Sometimes people flatter and speak highly of a fool to gain something.  The fool could be in a position of influence and someone might give them honor hoping to gain something.  We must be careful when giving honor and make sure that we are rendering honor to whom honor is do.  If we want to make it easier for our children to honor their father and mother we should seek to be wise women and leave folly aside.  When we conduct our lives in a manner seeking to make the wisest choices, honor will naturally follow.  Honor is to esteem someone highly and put them in a place of high regard.  Who are you honoring?  Are they foolish or are they wise?  Remember that honor to a fool is like lying out on the beach and having the snow fall all around.  It doesn’t fit the scenario and people are not prepared for it.

Seasons have appropriate conditions.  We like the snow but not at the beach when we are clothed for warm seasonal weather.  We like the warmth of the sun but not when Mr. Snowman is trying to maintain his identity.  The Lord is letting us know that honor is not appropriate for a fool any more than the cold snow is appropriate for summer activities.  Our world honors fools all the time.  There are awards given for music containing destructive lyrics. There are honors given to actors who portray characters that lead people to live lives that are foolish and destructive.  As followers of Jesus Christ we must consider who we honor and speak highly of.  Those who give us His truth deserve honor.  Those in authority over our lives should be given honor.  Our parents deserve our honor.  Before we speak highly of someone, consider if their lives are filled with foolishness according to God’s standard and then render honor to whom honor is due and withhold honor from a foolish person.

Knowing God - The Lord Wants a People for Himself

Deut 29:13

 That he may establish thee to day for a people unto himself, and that he may be unto thee a God, as he hath said unto thee, and as he hath sworn unto thy fathers,

 to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.

The Lord Wants a People For Himself

The Lord is the same today, yesterday and forever.  He wants to be unto us a God and establish for Himself a people.  As He spoke to the nation of Israel, so He speaks to those who, in Christ, are now sons and daughters.  The things He does in our lives are motivated by His great love and desire to have children who know Him and love Him.  Do you know of this love?  Do you walk in His love?  Do you face the day confident that, through the finished work of Jesus Christ, you are his child and He is your God?  Are you still trying to earn His favor?  Sister, He LOVES you!  He demonstrated this through Jesus on Calvary.  Nothing else has to be done.  You are His child and He wants to be YOUR God.  Enjoy this relationship today.  This brings Him great delight!

Knowing God - He is the HEAD of All Power

Col 2:10

And ye are complete in him,
which is the head of all principality and power:

He is the Head of ALL Power

Jesus is the head of all principality and power.  He is over all that comes our way in demonic or angelic influences.  We must remember this so as not to cower in fright and intimidation.  Jesus Christ is the head and NOTHING takes place without His knowledge and allowance in His disciples’ lives.  He is BIGGER than we have yet to comprehend.  If we truly apprehended this truth we would be in quite a place of rest and security.  This truth should free us from taking the victim role.  This should cause us to maintain a close intimacy with Jesus, seeking His counsel and leading in dealing with spiritual warfare and spiritual onslaught.  Lord, thank You that I am complete in You.  You are the head of ALL principality and power and I am Your child.  You want to guide me in these things that are too high for me. 

Proverbs - Ruling Your Spirit

Proverbs 25:28

He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like

a city that is broken down, and without walls.

This is a great proverb.  A city that did not have walls in the Old Testament days was extremely vulnerable and susceptible to bandits, takeovers and looting.  The walls needed to be built and maintained.  If a brick or two began to crumble, someone must be assigned to rebuild and shore up any weak sections of the city walls.  Our spirits must be ruled.  We are to rule over our own spirits.  This refers to our disposition and mood.  Our wills are to be walls.  We don’t just let our moods go wherever they want and submit to the whims and suggestions of our emotions and feelings.  We surround our feelings with the walls of our wills.  We don’t allow the borders of our feelings to flow over into our words and actions.  We must strengthen our walls and keep these things in check.  We don’t want the enemy coming into our days, lives or families, stealing away the precious substance the Lord has put within us.  Ask the Lord to show you how to rule your own spirit and remember that every time you do, your city is being protected with walls that keep the enemy out and safety within.

Knowing God - It is Better to Trust God

Ps 118:9

It is better to trust in the LORD

than to put confidence in princes.

The Lord Has the Authority We Need

Our trust will always be placed in someone or something.  The Lord is much more powerful and influential than any sort of earthly authority.  We have a friend in high places.  He is God!  He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, beyond all that we ask or think.  He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords.  The Lord is able to do more than we can even imagine.  Do you trust Him?   Are you looking to that boss?  Are you finding your hope in your husband?  Do you believe that doctor more than the One who made your body?  Are you trusting in that which someone in authority can do for you more than what the Lord God Almighty can do?  Truly it is BETTER to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in ANY authority.

Proverbs - Seeking Glory is Sticky Business!

Proverbs 25:27

It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.

Honey is sweet and delicious.  A little honey goes a long way.  If honey is spread too thickly, it usually runs off of the bread and onto our hands.  This stickiness is absolutely troublesome and everything we touch seems to take on this undesirable feel.  This is how glory works too.  When a man is legitimately praised for a talent or job well done, it is good.  People thrive on affirmation and it is sweet.  When a man looks for this praise himself and uses manipulation or leading questions to get it, it is not good.  The ‘honey’ drips all over and what was meant to be sweet is now troublesome and messy.  Let us be women who do not lean in to hear and bring about our own glory.  We will let other men’s lips praise us but we will not be those who instigate and cause such praise to be given.

Knowing God - The Lord is with Those who Help You

Ps 118:7

The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me.

The Lord is with Those Who Help Me

When people help us the Lord is actually working with them and through them.  Whenever someone comes alongside of us in our trials and troubles we can be confident that the Lord is in this action.  Receive their help and be sensitive to the Lord in it all.  It is the Lord who loves us and moves upon others to be vessels of His love, encouragement and support.  It is much nobler than just human concern.  To the child of God, help given by men is help given by God.  Thank the people, but thank the Lord that He is moving upon those around you to help you.

Proverbs - Don't Bow Down

Proverbs 25:26

A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.

We need never back down on doing what is right regardless of threats or intimidation.  We are not to bow our will to the whims and influences of this present wicked age.  We have been delivered from this evil world and its standards and directives are not our orders.  We serve the living God and to Him and to Him only will we bow.  When Mordecai chose not to bow to Haman, he proved his loyalty to God alone.  When Shadrach, Mishach and Abednego chose not to bow to the golden idol, they demonstrated their steadfast loyalty to God alone.  What is asking you to bow?  Who is asking you to bow?  Refuse to do so dear sister!  Do not be a troubled fountain or a corrupt spring.  Continue in your journey to please Him and disregard the mandates of the wicked.  As for you and your house – serve the Lord!

Knowing God - The Lord is On My Side

Ps 118:6

The LORD is on my side; I will not fear:

what can man do unto me?

The Lord is on My Side

This verse lets us know that fear is related to feeling we are outnumbered - outnumbered by people, circumstances, demands or needs.  This verse tells us that the Lord is on your side.  When a team has the best player on it, those who are less skilled still feel like they will win because the best player is on their side.  Ladies, the Lord is on your side.  It doesn’t matter how poorly you do, He is on your side.  This would be a great truth to proclaim when you feel intimidated or like you are losing.  Don’t just say it though.  Speak it, believing! 

Proverbs - Cold Water

Proverbs 25:25

As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

The good news we have been given comes from a far country.  The good news that God wants to forgive us and has taken care of the debt is great news!  The people around us are thirsty. Their souls are thirsty. They may not look thirsty but it is their souls that thirst.  There is a dryness to their lives and a thirst that cannot be satisfied apart from a restored relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  Sometimes we are afraid to tell someone about the good news of Jesus Christ because demonic whisperings come in and suggest we will offend or cause damage.  God tells us that we are giving cold water to a thirsty soul.  The next time we are given the opportunity to tell someone that their sins can be forgiven, think about this proverb.  Consider yourself giving a cup of cold water to a dry and thirsty soul.  

Proverbs - Cold Water

Proverbs 25:25

As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

The good news we have been given comes from a far country.  The good news that God wants to forgive us and has taken care of the debt is great news!  The people around us are thirsty. Their souls are thirsty. They may not look thirsty but it is their souls that thirst.  There is a dryness to their lives and a thirst that cannot be satisfied apart from a restored relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  Sometimes we are afraid to tell someone about the good news of Jesus Christ because demonic whisperings come in and suggest we will offend or cause damage.  God tells us that we are giving cold water to a thirsty soul.  The next time we are given the opportunity to tell someone that their sins can be forgiven, think about this proverb.  Consider yourself giving a cup of cold water to a dry and thirsty soul.  

Knowing God - He is With Us

Josh 1:5

 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

The Lord Wants to Affirm Our Leadership

The Lord didn’t just command Joshua what to do and how to do it, the Lord assured Joshua of His presence, help and commitment to Joshua and this call.  The Lord never intended us to carry out any sort of work without a complete dependence upon His presence, power and peace.  He wants to live through us.  Christ in us is the hope of glory.  We are privileged to be born at a time when the Holy Spirit does not dwell in a temple or tabernacle made with human hands but in our actual bodies.  We, like Joshua, should face our roles as moms, wives, employees, students etc, knowing that the Lord will be with us, not fail us and not let us down.  We can walk in those things that seem quite overwhelming if we remember that He is with us and for us.  If the Lord is with us, WHO can be against us?

Time to Redecorate!

Proverbs 25:24

It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop,

 than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.

These are the proverbs women know well.  They are often quoted by our husbands.  How do they learn these scriptures so fast?  Maybe they have experienced it to be true.  A brawling woman is difficult to live with.  We are told here that it is better to be on the roof of a house isolated and alone than to be in a beautiful mansion with a bitter and angry woman.  We know how this is.  When we are contentious we don’t even like to dwell with ourselves.  This shows us that getting a big house doesn’t make a happy family.  If we get into a mortgage we cannot afford we can end up on edge and be this brawling woman in a wide house.  To give our family a beautiful home our disposition and kindness furnishes them with great leeway to enjoy and dwell in peace and safety.  Rather than redecorating our rooms, let us redecorate our disposition.

Knowing God - The Lord Speaks When Things Change

Josh 1:1

 Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying,

                              The Lord Speaks When Things Change

Moses had led the people of God out of Egypt, through the wilderness and up to the point of going in and possessing the land.  Generations had come to respect and know Moses’ leadership.  Then he dies.  Joshua worked side by side with Moses and I am sure he was saddened by his death and a bit concerned with how things were going to go now that he was gone.  The Lord spoke to Joshua after the death of Moses.  He gave Joshua time to grieve, time to mourn and time to accept this loss.  Then the Lord began to give direction and plans to Joshua.  When we face such changes, take the time to mourn and accept, but remember that the Lord wants to speak to us about His plans in something that has taken us often by surprise.  It may be shocking to us, but the Lord knew it was going to happen and He has something to say to us about it.  Take the time to listen as the Lord speaks to you after something major rocks your world.

Proverbs - Backbiting Tongues

Proverbs 25:23

The north wind driveth away rain:

so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.

This is a great proverb.  Wind is likened to an angry countenance and rain is connected with a backbiting tongue.  As wind drives this rain away, an angry countenance can drive away a backbiting tongue.  When we are with someone who is backbiting or gossiping we can make a facial expression that denotes disgust and anger with such words.  Apparently this will help the backbiting stop.  Disapproval by our expression will help blow these words away and stop the downpour of bitterness and contempt.  

Proverbs - Blessing our Enemies

Proverbs 25:21-22

If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat;

and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee.

Human need should compel us to action.  Just as the Lord sends rain on the crops of the wicked farmer and righteous one living next door to each other, we should remain open and willing to be vessels of His provision and blessing to anyone.  True love is not equated with the worthiness of the person we are loving.  Love begins in the heart and comes from the love of God that has been shed abroad there.  To remain sensitive and willing to meet our enemies’ needs, we must be in a place of forgiveness and peace in our dealings with them.  If we hear of some sort of trouble they are facing we should ask the Lord how we might be used to meet those needs.  We might even do it in secret where they don’t know it is coming from us.  This will pacify anger and help bring about God’s heart on the matter. When our ways please the Lord, He makes even our enemies to be at peace with us.

Knowing God - The Lord is Our Deliverer

Col 1:13        

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

The Lord, Our Deliverer

We didn’t always realize we actually held captive by the power of darkness.  The Lord has delivered us from the power of darkness.  It was His doing and it was His work that did this for us.  The Lord is a deliverer.  We can look to Him to get us out of things that are too much for us.  He can not only deliver us out of them but then put us in the place we need to be.  He has the wisdom, power and resources to do this.  Maybe you are in a place where you feel trapped.  Look to Him – your deliverer and the One who can put you in a better place.

Wisdom - Weep with Those Who Weep

Proverbs 25:20

As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.

Taking away someone’s garment in cold weather would be mean and only rob him of his warmth.  When someone puts vinegar on nitre (baking soda) it begins to bubble and be very agitated.  When someone’s heart is heavy it is not time to make light of it and sing songs of rejoicing.  We are to weep with those who weep.  Turn off the radio and give the person a chance to mourn.  There is a time to mourn and allowing someone to do so will help them receive the comfort they need.  Blessed are those who mourn they shall be comforted.  Worldly people take someone who is mourning to a bar or party to try and help them forget their troubles.  This is like taking away their garment during such a cold season.  We are instructed not to do this.  When we are around someone whose heart is heavy we should be quiet and sensitive to their plight.  As we do this we will help cover them and protect them through such a difficult and vulnerable time.

Knowing God - The Lord is Our Help

Psalm 33:20

Our soul waiteth for the LORD:

he is our help and our shield.

The Lord is Our Help

The Lord is our help because He knows we need it.  Have you ever tried to lift something and it was just too heavy or awkward for you to lift?  We know we need to call on the name of someone who is able to help us lift it.  We don’t call on our two-year-old.  We don’t call out to our relative in another city.  We call on the name of someone who is able to help – someone who is near and someone who is able.  The Lord is able to help.  Here, He is called ‘our help’.  Don’t be so stubborn and self-reliant.  He is your help today.

Ask Him to help and watch the unique and loving ways He proves Himself to you.

Knowing God - The Lord Keeps Us Alive!

Psalm 33:19

To deliver their soul from death,

and to keep them alive in famine.

The Lord Can Keep Us Alive

The Lord’s eye is on us as we fear Him to deliver us from death and keep us alive in famine.  He can show us the way out and He can send what we need to sustain us in times of great need and dire circumstances.  As we hope in His mercy we will see His deliverance and recognize His provisioning.  He wants to show Himself faithful to us and we are to thoroughly anticipate His deliverance and keeping power in our lives.  Death and famine are no match for our God.

Proverbs - OUCH! A Broken Tooth!

Proverbs 25:19

Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble

 is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.

A person is unfaithful when they exhibit certain patterns.  Some of these patterns are;   they are consistently late to appointments, do a half-hearted job on tasks given to them or ignore matters that are important to others when they find something else they prefer to do.  When we have people like this that we rely upon, it is like having a broken tooth.  We are trying to break tasks down and get them done, but this ‘broken tooth’ just causes so much unnecessary pain that the job can’t get done.  When we are people like this we cause those who are counting on us to feel like they have a toe or foot out of joint.  They are trying to take the next step but the problems and discomfort of this toe causes the journey to be painful and in constant need of nursing along.   Seek the Lord for who you are to put your confidence in when delegating a task.  Seek the Lord when someone hands responsibility to you.  Let us not be that broken tooth or toe out of joint.

Knowing God - His Eyes are on Those who Fear Him

Psalm 33:18

Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him,

 upon them that hope in his mercy;

His Eye is on Those Who Fear Him

When we are making it our aim to respond to life in a way that pleases the Lord, His eye is upon us in a unique and safeguarding way.  His mercy is something we can hope in.  He can take anything we have done or others have done and turn it around in a most surprising and powerful way.  We must be much more in awe of who God is and what He can do than the choices and events caused by people or that which befalls us in this life.  We must fear HIM!  We must be a people who live our lives in a way that we are confident that His eye is upon us as we concern ourselves with His plans in a situation and His ability to show mercy through it all.  We are commanded here to actually behold that His eye is on us if we are doing these things.  Lord, I believe that as I fear you and hope in your mercy, your eye is upon ME!  I am safe, guarded and being directed by You!

Proverbs - Bearing False Witness

Proverbs 25:18

A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul,

and a sword, and a sharp arrow.

Lying about or giving a biased slant on someone is very serious.  Here is likened unto three different types of weapons, a maul(club), a sword and a sharp arrow.  We end up bruising our neighbor’s heart, piercing his heart and causing pain that penetrates and remains.  When we are speaking about someone we should think of our words as if we are using clubs, swords and sharp arrows.  These are never to be casually handled and thrown about.  They are to be used with purpose and not to hurt the innocent.  We are capable of this and we must be very cautious when speaking about another.  Let our words be those that build this person up and help the person listening to admire and love them.  Let our words be full of grace and kindness upon our tongue.  This way we won’t go around bruising, cutting and piercing someone by relaying the wrong message.

Knowing God - He Made Our Hearts Alike

Psalm 33:15

He fashioneth their hearts alike;

 he considereth all their works.

The Lord Made Our Hearts Alike

The Lord has made all people’s hearts alike.  We all started out with the same propensity to sin and the same propensity to have the light of the glory of God shine in our hearts through the face of Jesus Christ.  The Lord knows our hearts and the hearts of those around us.  He has made us and He can heal us.  He considers our works and connects those to our hearts.  We can be in a place where our hearts are producing the actions that demonstrate His presence within us.  As the Lord searches our works, He desires to connect that back to matters of the heart.  The next time the Holy Spirit convicts you of a sinful deed or attitude, you might ask Him to show you the heart of the matter.  This way, the Lord can get to the root of the problem and transform you from the inside out.

Proverbs - Friends and Neighbors

Proverbs 25:17

Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house;

lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.

This is great relationship advice.  We shouldn’t overstay our welcome.  This includes calling a friend, hanging out with a friend or going to someone’s home.  It is our responsibility to pace relationships so that we don’t cause our friend to grow weary of us.  People can be a bit too much when there is just too much of them in our lives.  Marriage is different.  Children are different. Using the word neighbor here denotes a relationship outside of the home where the other person has their own home and family.  Before you pick up that phone to call that familiar friend, pray.  Ask the Lord if this is an appropriate time to call.  When you are at someone’s house be sensitive to yawns and stretches and initiate your departure out of love and concern for this schedule.  We want to help our friends love their neighbor as themselves.  Let us know when to withdraw our feet.

Knowing God - He is Positioned

Psalm 33:14

From the place of his habitation

 he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth.

God is Positioned

God is positioned in his habitation.  He is not aimlessly floating through His creation.  His throne is established and He looks upon all the inhabitants of the earth.  There is nothing hidden from Him and He is positioned above all that people do and plan.  As we approach our God today we can rest knowing that He is positioned and able to send wisdom and direction because He sees it all.  When we seek Him concerning a particular situation we can be confident that He knows every detail and every heart.  If we feel shaken or almost moved out of our place, we can take great comfort in knowing that the Lord is looking from a place where He dwells quite securely and authoritatively.  He sees you.  He sees me.  Yes, He sees them!  Let this truth give you great peace as you draw near to Him asking Him to lead you and order your steps.

Proverbs - Blessings Can Turn Into Bondage

Proverbs 25:16

Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.

Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing.  Lusts are unbridled appetites.  Lust always asks for more and outside of the boundaries of self control.  We are told here that when we find something we enjoy we must stay very sober that we don’t take more than we should or we might just vomit from it.  The very thing that went down sweet will come up rancid.  If you sit down to eat something delicious, enjoy what is there and thank the Lord for it.  Don’t dream of seconds and what else is in the buffet.  Eat as much is sufficient for you.  If you find a hobby, enjoy it, but only spend the appropriate time in it or it will make you sick.  Anything we enjoy we should enjoy, but we must be cautious that a blessing doesn’t turn into bondage.

Knowing God - He Sees Every Person

The LORD looketh from heaven;

he beholdeth all the sons of men.

The Lord Sees Every Person

Sometimes we find ourselves dealing with people and relationships that can be quite difficult.  Perhaps we have a husband who is involved in things that grieve our hearts or children whom we suspect are involved in actions that can bring them harm and dishonor us.

The Lord looks from heaven.  The Lord beholds ALL the sons of men.  Nothing is hidden from him and we can approach him in prayer knowing He sees all and knows all.  This should give us quite a confidence when presenting people we love to Him.  We needn’t explain in explicit detail nor give a conclusive request because we don’t see everything.  He does.  Let us come with our cares and requests, knowing that He is looking and beholding.  He will take care of the rest.

Proverbs - Change Can Come From Patience

Proverbs 25:15

By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.

Long forbearing involves having patience and calmness with someone.  Even a prince with all of his authority could change his mind if you have endurance and a soft tongue.  Even if the answer has been given and feels like the situation is framed, the bone and structure could actually change.  Be careful not to be hasty in response to things.  Consider the fact that your God turns kings’ hearts and your God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, beyond all you could ask or think.  Wait on the Lord.  Look to Him to adjust something in the scenario.  If you wait on the Lord to do something you will renew your strength.  You will be able to wait with patience because you know that your God doesn’t slumber or sleep.  Then, as you have this long forbearing for a situation, you might just see a prince is persuaded and the direction change before you know.  Wait on the Lord, I say wait.

Knowing God - God Considers Us Valuable

Psalm 33:12

Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD: and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.

God Considers Us Valuable

Although Israel has a distinct place in God’s plan and favor, those of us who are in Christ are a holy nation.  We who were once not a people are now a people.  He has chosen us for his own inheritance.  He wants us and considers us as valuable as an inheritance.  An inheritance is supposed to be used wisely and hopefully will yield returns and not squandered on momentary pleasures.  Since we are blessed and considered His inheritance we would do well to come before Him and ask Him what He thinks is a good use of His inheritance.  Be open and flexible.  When we follow Him we will find ourselves seeing quite a return on a life invested in that which He considers valuable and important.

Proverbs - Boasting is not Good

Proverbs 25:14

Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.

When interviewing for a job or making ourselves available for a task, we should never overstate our abilities.  We will be like clouds and wind without rain.  Farming communities look to the clouds and wind as sources of water to help produce strong and healthy crops.  Those who hire us or use us will look to us to produce the skills and talents we have stated we have.  Let us be clear and honest with our experience and skills when others are looking to us to hold up our end of the bargain.  We don’t want to boast of a false gift.  Let us be plain and truthful in our assessment of our abilities.  If we are unsure of these things perhaps we could ask those we have worked for what they see as our strengths and weaknesses.  This way we can represent ourselves in a way that doesn’t leave room for us to feel overwhelmed by the expectations of those we serve. 

Knowing God - His Counsel Stands

Psalm 33:11

The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever,

 the thoughts of his heart to all generations.

The Counsel of the Lord Stands

Public opinion changes.  Personal opinion varies in different seasons of our lives.  We can get different advice from different people depending on their moods and feelings.  It is good to know that the Lord’s counsel stands forever.  His counsel works in all cultures, for all ages and for all people.  This is why looking to Him is so needed and valuable.  Even if everyone around us is going with popular opinion, we would be wise to take heed to His counsel.  His counsel is rooted in His heart and His heart is full of love and understanding.  He has designed us and He knows what works and what doesn’t.  As moms, we should share His counsel to the next generation knowing it will never lose its validity or value.

Snow at Harvest

Proverbs 25:13

As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.

When field workers are harvesting, they are laboring hard.  The sweat of their brow is more than obvious as they take their knives, bend down and cut down the stalks of grain.  They gather the stalks and join them into tall standing sheaves.  Then they come by and carry these bundles to the threshing floor and proceed with separating the wheat and chaff.  This is done with a winnowing fork and they bend over again and again throwing the stalks to the wind trusting the chaff to blow away and the good grain to settle upon the threshing floor. The laborer is hot and weary.  If a gentle snow would fall upon him, he would be refreshed and invigorated.  The Lord lets us know that when we are faithful messengers we are like this to those who send us.  If our husbands ask us to do something and we do it well and up to their expectations we refresh them.  If our children need us to get something at the store and we get the right thing in the right timing we refresh them.  If someone in authority over us asks us to pass on some information we must be careful to properly represent them.  Then we will be like snow in the time of harvest.  We will be a refreshment to those who send us. 

Knowing God - Our God is not Intimidated

Psalm 33:10

The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect.

Our God is Not Intimidated

Our God is not intimidated nor restricted by what humans decide to implement.  Even if many people agree, vote or concur on something, our God is able to bring it to nothing.  The plans of those who don’t know Him are no match for our God.  He is able to make them never come to pass.  Consider the plans of Haman to wipe out the Jewish people.  Consider Pharaoh’s army and their plans to overtake the exiting Jewish captives.  Consider the cross and its attempt to silence the Messiah.  Consider the prison that held Paul and Silas.  Our God is much bigger than armies, stronger than prison cells, more intelligent than noblemen’s strategies and greater than any sort of plan against you and me.  Thank you Lord for You are great and mighty and you are not threatened by the plans of those you created.

Proverbs - Reproof Can Be Beautifying

Proverbs 25:12

As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold,

so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.

A wise reprove is a person who knows how to help someone get something right in the eyes of the Lord.  They will be tactful, kind and uncompromising.  They will know the right timing and have scripture to support such words.  An earring is usually placed in the ear through a very small hole that has been pierced.  This earring must be placed in the exact opening and closed to remain and show its beauty.  When we must reprove our children, husbands or friends, we should handle it very carefully and seek to adorn their lives with the beauty of lasting wisdom.  This means that our opinions and thoughts are not to be the material from which our reproof is given.  Pure gold earrings do not bother the most sensitive of skin.  His words are like pure gold and suited for the most sensitive of hearers.  The key here is to place these words with care and gentleness.  Let us also seek to have our own obedient ear ready to hear any reproof our Lord sends our way.

Knowing God - His Word Stands

Psalm 33:9

For he spake, and it was done;

he commanded, and it stood fast.

The Lord’s Word is Final

The Lord’s Word is final.  What He says – stands.  The Lord commands and things stand firm.  This ought to produce in us a great sense of excitement when discovering His truth in His Word.  Whatever the Lord says is true and we don’t need to doubt or dissect it in order to see it come to pass.  Our souls thirst for stability and truth.  This can be found in His promises and counsel.  If we need advice for any area of our lives, we can find it in His written Word.  We will build our homes with material that endures the winds, waves and storms of this life when our homes are built according to what the Lord says.  When you and I go to His Word, we are in a place to receive enduring truths that cause our lives to be stable and sturdy

Proverbs - Words Spoken at the Right Time

Proverbs 25:11

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

When a word is fitly spoken it is an appropriate word at an appropriate time.  We have all experienced at one time or another when someone said something that just hit the spot.  Maybe it was a perspective or a scripture or even a casual comment that addressed just what we were going through.  Some commentators believe this is referring to the carving of apples of gold set in a filigree setting of silver.  The golden apples would stand out upon the backdrop of silver.  One year my husband saw some ‘golden apples’ at a store.  They were made of brass but such was our budget.  He then bought a silver colored tray and brought them home.  He set them upon our coffee table and instructed us that this would be a reminder that our words were to be fitly spoken.  When I would walk by this visual I would submit my tongue and the meditations of my heart to the Lord.  I would ask Him to help my words stand out in a beautiful way and be placed by the Master Craftsman.  Lord, we ask You to be the Craftsman who would take our words today and place them right where they would be best set.  Let the words of our mouth be acceptable in Your sight O Lord and be beautiful to all those who hear them.  Be glorified in us through our speech today.

Knowing God - The Lord is Someone to Awe

Psalm 33:8

Let all the earth fear the LORD:

 let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.

The Lord is Someone to Awe

Our God is worthy to be someone we stand in awe of.  He is powerful.  He is the Creator.  He is the judge of all the earth.  He holds the key to eternal life and He alone is pure and holy in all He does.  As we approach the day, it would be wise for us to pause and consider the position and power of our God.  As we do we should not only be in a place of awe that leads to a healthy relationship of deserved obedience but a place of safety knowing this God is our Father and the One who purchased us by the blood of Jesus Christ.  Fear the Lord.  Stand in awe of Him.  Begin to speak of His character and worship Him in truth.  You and I will find ourselves in a sober state of mind as we exalt the Lord and worship at His feet.

Proverbs - Debate Your Cause

Proverbs 25:9 -10

Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another:

Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.

It is very tempting to repeat a matter to another when we feel we have been wronged.  We may want to go to someone and let them in on our injustice and offense.  The Lord is telling us to go to the person himself and don’t let others in on it.  If we tell someone else and not the person who offended us, he might hear of it and our reputation will follow us.  It is easy to call someone we might sense will take our side.  It can make us feel coddled and comforted.  As women who claim to serve the Lord Jesus, we should go to the Lord alone and debate our cause.  If we must seek counsel, may it be with someone with spiritual maturity who won’t just take our side because they like us but desire to see us please the Lord in our responses.  When hurts abound and our hearts might be wounded, be cautious who you tell and consider talking to your neighbor with whom you have conflict.  This will help your reputation and demonstrate your desire to live at peace with all men as much as lies within you.

Knowing God - A Drop in the Bucket

Psalm 33:7

He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap:

he layeth up the depth in storehouses.

The Sea is a Drop in the Bucket to the Lord

The Lord is in charge of all the oceans.  He controls their boundaries and gives the waters the right amount of space to fill and support the life within it.  This helps us to know that the Lord is in charge of the different waves of life that come our way.  He will tell them they can only go so far and He is much bigger than the deepest times of tragedy and darkness.  If our God is able to take all of the waters of all of the seas and gather them together the way we pick up around the house, how could we not begin to trust our God with the most intimidating of circumstances?  He controls the oceans.  He is over those things that seem too deep and big for us.

Proverbs - Don't Strive Hastily

Proverbs 25:8

Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.

We shouldn’t want to contend about something quickly.  We must be slow to speak, quick to listen and slow to wrath.  We are told in this proverb that if we try to take a certain position quickly we might find ourselves in the wrong as the conversation goes along.  It is better to start with questions than our position on a matter.  We usually don’t have all the facts and have come to a wrong conclusion.  Let us ask questions hoping to discover the truth before we contend and strive about a situation.  There are things worth fighting for but it is so important that we search out a matter first.  With our husbands, friends and children we might start the conversation with a question before our judgment or opinion.  We can stop and pray with them before we talk so that the conversation is guided by the Holy Spirit – the Spirit of Truth rather than the heated passions of men’s convictions.  Jesus often asked questions first and HE knew the answers already.  How much more for us to be those gentle and quiet spirited women, should we approach a potential conflict in humility of mind and not go forth hastily to strive.

Knowing God - His Word Creates

Psalm 33:6

By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.

The Lord’s Words Create

The Word of the Lord creates.  His breath fills all He makes.  When we expose ourselves to the Word of the Lord, we will find new things created within us.  Where maybe we were once lazy and slothful, we may find a brand new zest for labor.  Where we were once weary and discouraged, we may find a resolve and fortitude that wasn’t there before.  Where we were once annoyed or bothered by someone, we may find ourselves affectionate and fond of them.  The Word of the Lord has creative qualities.  Reading the Word is not just a discipline designed to give us instruction but can actually create things within us that once were not there!   THAT is good news and should cause us to take in His Word with an even greater excitement and anticipation.

Take the Lower Place

Proverbs 25:6-7

Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king,

and stand not in the place of great men:

For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.

We are told by the Lord that we should not put ourselves in places of honor by own volition.  We are not to assume or desire a place of worldly prestige or position.  The Lord tells us to take the lower seat at a feast.  If we are asked to come up we are blessed.  It is better to humble ourselves and allow the Lord to lift us up.  When we go to a party or event don’t assume you have the head table.  When you are in the presence of anyone in direct authority over you don’t strive to sit by them or schmooze your way into an inner circle.  This could show that we are presumptuous and think more highly of ourselves than we ought.  Take the lower place and allow the Lord to lift us up.  It is better to be told, come up here than be asked to go to a lower place.  The Lord is trying to save us embarrassment and reminding us that truly we are but dust.  Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up.  Don’t ever presume position or privilege.

Knowing God - His Goodness Fills the Earth

Psalm 33:5b

…the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.

The Lord’s Goodness Fills the Earth

The devourer is active and destroying so many lives and things on this earth.  We can begin to focus on this and end up missing out on the fact that the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.  Do you believe this?  Well….let’s hide this scripture in our hearts today and trust that it will illuminate His goodness throughout our day that we might otherwise miss out on.  Look around and behold His goodness.  Don’t let the enemy blind you to His goodness, power and magnificence!  Open your eyes and behold how good our God is.  I trust that today we will see things we would not have seen as we expect to see His goodness.  Then we will be greatly encouraged that our God, yes, our God, is good and over all!