Proverbs - Too Many Words

Proverbs 10:19

In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin:

but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

          Given long enough any conversation has a more likely probability to produce sin.  We read here that the more words spoken, the more likely sin will occur. How long are you on the phone and why?  How long are you on the instant messenger and why?  How many statuses really need to be posted and why?  Is it time to leave that conversation in the parking lot or mall because the words are not purposed with love and fellowship?  Limit your human conversation unless you sense the Spirit’s control and leading to continue.  You will definitely cut down on the chances of gossip, slander, judgment, being misunderstood and a countless number of other sins and conflict.  Pour out your heart before Him.  Budget your time in human communication with a great sense of purposed speech.  Approach conversation with a ready mind and knowledge that if there are too many words, especially those spoken in carelessness, sin might very well be produced.

Knowing God - He Binds Us in the Bundle of Life

1 Sam 25:29

… but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the Lord thy God;…

Abigail is giving a prophetic word here to David.  What a neat word.  The Lord takes those He calls and loves and binds them in the bundle of life with Him.  This word was given after declaring the pursuit of Saul against David.  We may have things seeking after us but we have a God who binds us in the bundle of life WITH HIM!  He is the life.  We are in Him.  We are in life.  Here we see that the Lord, Himself, binds us in that bundle of life.  How wonderful!  Thank You Lord that You bind me in the bundle of life WITH you!

Knowing God - God Gives Rest Sometimes

2 Chron 20:30

 So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet: for his God gave him rest round about.

The Lord is able to give rest round about.  He can quiet our enemies and let us enjoy seasons with minimal conflict and turmoil.   Many of us think this is something the Lord should always do, but it will not be the case.  This truth should help us get through those turbulent seasons knowing that the Lord will most likely give us a season of rest soon and should also help us enjoy those resting times to the fullest.  We can always ask the Lord to give us or someone we are praying for, rest round about, but remember we are asking NOT demanding.  Lord, thank you that you know what seasons we need to produce the most lasting and abundant fruit for you to be glorified!

Proverbs - Repulsion

Proverbs 29:27

An unjust man is an abomination to the just:

and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.

Here we see the contrast between two groups of people.  The just man is an abomination to the wicked and the wicked man is an abomination to the just.  An abomination is something that is detested.  Light and darkness don’t dwell together.  There is a built in repelling factor.  Those who are born of God will sense a great chasm between themselves and those who are yet under the sway of the wicked one.  Those who are yet dead in sins often disdain those who are walking in the light because their deeds become exposed as evil.  This conflict is acceptable and not personal.  If we understand this we won’t confuse the natural repulsion we have with wickedness and yet seek to love the person committing such acts.  We are not to have fellowship with the world.  Our fellowship is with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ.  Our fellowship is with those who are born of God and like-minded in Him.  Don’t be overly concerned if you feel far away from those who surround you and yet not know Christ.  Love them and accept the repulsion for wickedness itself.

Proverbs - Anger and Sin

Proverbs 29:22

An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

If you find yourself struggling with anger you probably have some relationship problems and find yourself crossing the line on more than one occasion.  Anger is very powerful and it often gets the best of us.  Sometimes anger comes from guilt.  We are resisting cooperating with the Lord’s prodding and we find ourselves agitated and unsettled.  Sometimes anger comes from a lack of sleep and filling our minds with worthless input.  Sometimes anger comes from pride thinking we deserve more or better than we have.  Anger is the spider of the cobwebs of strife.  Let us cease from wrath.  Let us consider mercy and humble ourselves in a place of consistent gratitude and patience towards others.

Proverbs - Dealing With Foolish People

Proverbs 29:9

If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man,

 whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.

Recognizing foolishness will help us avoid unnecessary contention.  We are taught in the word to contend for the faith but a foolish person can get us contending for all kinds of meaningless things.  When this happens we end up exhausted and drained.  Knowing when to let a fool go on and not enter in to his foolishness is a mark of maturity.  A wise woman will know when to be quiet and avoid such a trap to work her up over nothing.  We need rest.  Let us not slip into these things but rather let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts.  

Proverbs - Turning Wrath Away

Proverbs 29:8

Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.

Wrath is rather intimidating at times.  We can get sucked into an attitude before we even know what has happened.  To be wise women we need to turn away wrath.  We shouldn’t mock someone in their anger nor should we trivialize a person’s feelings when they are exhibiting such anger.  When our children begin to vent, we must take them seriously and seek to turn the wrath away and get to the issue at hand.  Sure, the wrath of man does not work the righteousness of God, but going past the wrath to the issue will help extinguish the wrath and bring about a solution.  Let us not be those scornful women who get pulled into a heated rage.  Let us have soft answers and tender hearts whenever wrath is evident.