Foundations: Proverbs - Day 28 - Words That Lift Up Others

READ: Proverbs 10:31, 12:18, 16:24, 25:11-12

Just as words can be used to destroy, they can be used to lift others up! Oh what a joy this is as a ministry! This is intentional, not something we simply hope will happen once in a while. Our motivation to be consistent with this is twofold. First, there’s the unconditional love of God serving as a fuel! He rejoices over us with singing and so why wouldn’t we bless others with specific words that uplift?

Second, as God’s love motivates us, so too does our knowledge of what this can do for others. “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver” (25:11), Proverbs declares. Apples of gold in a setting of silver? That would’ve cost a fortune back then AND today. Proverbs is saying that a fitly spoken word is priceless. This is motivating!

At times our words need to be directed to a hurting soul. As people take the brunt of the difficulties of life, we can provide words that make a massive difference. We must be specific, as lead by the Spirit. Sometimes simple words such as, “I’m praying for you” mean much, but at other times, we need to ask God for something that’s way more detailed. Let’s remember that, “. . . the tongue of the wise brings healing . . .” (12:18).  Even where people are hurting because of their own sin or temptations, we must be gracious. We too can identify with their weaknesses, if we’re humble.

Finally, lifting up others can include passing on wisdom, or as Proverbs affirms, “the mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom . . .” (10:31). Of course, our wisdom should be well-timed, and given at a point where it will be received. Nor should we ever assume that we’re meant to pass on ALL our wisdom!

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.      Think of those times when the words of others have built you up. Reflect on how they made you feel. Praise God for these people, whether family, friends or strangers.

2.      Ask God to show you specific people that you could lift up with your words in the near future. Ask God to show you any specific words, thoughts, pictures or verses that you can use. 

Foundations: Proverbs - Day 27 - Words That Destroy Others

READ: Proverbs 10:18-19, 11:12-13, 20:19

There are many ways to destroy others with our words. Maybe all of us have felt the sting of what others have said to us, whether serious or “in jest”. As we consider our own words, let’s not forget the pain of what we’ve received. Such pain can cause us to more seriously consider our ways.

According to Proverbs, it’s foolish to slander. It’s sinful. It’s taking our words, and destroying that which God has created in His image. What is slander? Slander includes intentional efforts to degrade another person, or even careless words that serve to lower them in the eyes of others. Slander often happens when our words are too many, and because of this silence can be VERY good.  As Proverbs declares, “when words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent” (10:19).

Another way is to destroy others is to belittle them. This is making a person smaller than they are. How dare we do this, as God made them! Proverbs reminds us that, “whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent” (11:12). Again, silence is valued! Slander and belittling are so vile that we need to walk away from such things, even being willing to not associate with those who engage it this behaviour. It’s that important to God!

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.      Obviously it’s important that we seek to note where we slander or belittle others. Ask God to help you be honest on where you fail in this way. It also may be important to seek to apologize to anyone who has been hurt by your words or to others who have heard such words.

2.      Ask God to show you any pain you’re still carrying from the words of others. Are there things that your parents, in-laws, teachers, spouse, friends or “enemies” have said that have caused pain? Ask God to speak to this pain. Also forgive these people in prayer. 

Foundations: Proverbs - Day 26 - Guarding Our Speech As A Part Of Wisdom

READ: Proverbs 4:24, 10:11, 13:3, 15:1

One of the wisest things we can do, according to Proverbs, is guard our speech. This is SO hard to do, isn’t it? Yet we have to intentionally and diligently seek to move in this direction. We’re clearly told, after all, to, “put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you” (4:24). Improper speech should be put away from us and devious talk should be far from us. These are strong words. It means we should double our efforts to change our speech if we’re struggling in this area.

Of course, as in all things that are wise, guarding our speech benefits both others and us. We’ll discuss this more in a later day, but it’s important to note that, “the mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life . . .” (10:11). Think of the imagery that’s being used here! A fountain would serve as such a relief and blessing to a thirsty body! Our words can accomplish the same for a thirsty soul. What a wonderful invitation then to use our words in a way that brings life to others. An exciting goal to have! Something powerful to live for! 

On the flipside, much chaos can flow from what people say, or as Proverbs notes, “. . . he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin” (13:3). Because of this, the next four devotionals will go into greater detail about our speech. The time spent is worth it, because of the power of the tongue to do great good or cause great harm.

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.      Spend some time in prayer taking stock of where you feel you use your words in a godly manner, and where you need to grow. Thank God that He’s willing to go on this journey with you. Praise Him for any growth that has taken place in the past.

2.      Read James 3:1-12 and take notes on what it says about the tongue and our use of words. 

Foundations: Proverbs - Day 25 - How We Obtain Money Really Matters

READ: Proverbs 11:18, 16:8, 21:17

Since money creates many possibilities for us, Proverbs warns of using improper and ungodly means to obtain more money and stuff. It’s another trap we can fall into, or in the words of Proverbs, “the wicked earns deceptive wages, but one who sows righteousness gets a sure reward” (11:18).  What do we want? Money that comes from wickedness, which is fleeting, or the SURE reward that God promises? We may cringe a bit at the use of the word, “wickedness”, but to obtain money in improper ways is wickedness in God’s eyes. This should humble us all.

The starting point in steering clear of this trap is to make sure that we have right motives about money. What is our goal for money? Proverbs warns that personal pleasure cannot be our goal, “whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man . . .” (21:17). When we seek personal pleasure through money and stuff we’re saying loud and clear – “God is lacking.” Greed, is idolatry, the Bible declares. We must ask God to forgive us if we’ve fallen into this, an easy thing to do in our culture.

Once our motive is right, much is taken care of. But we still must guard our hearts and watch for the temptations to gain money through deceit, stealing, or other forms of ungodliness. One day God will reward us greatly if we remain faithful to doing things His way.

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.      Take some time to consider this question – is my hope in stuff and money, or in God? What do your emotions, your desires, your bank account say about this? What would those who are close to you say?

2.      Have you ever stolen from a workplace, or not reported all of your income on your taxes? Have you ever not paid someone what they deserved for work they did? These are ungodly ways of obtaining money. Spend time in confession and repentance, asking God to show you if there are any steps to make things right. 

Foundations: Proverbs - Day 24 - Be Careful With Whom You Make Financial Arrangements

READ: Proverbs 6:1-3, 11:15, 17:18, 22:26-27

There are many ways that money can lead us into a trap. Today, we’ll look at two specific ways. First, out of greed or a desire to get ahead in life really fast (even with good motives – “to give more”), we can try to take shortcuts. One such shortcut is to enter into financial partnerships with people who have not chosen to live out consistent godliness. Proverbs warns of this and the amount of stress this can create in our lives is massive. Such unwise financial partnerships can involve entrusting ourselves to the wrong employer, starting a business with the wrong people, or seeking assistance from people without clearly agreeing on the cost of labor, etc. So often a good deal ends up being a bad deal!

A second trap is to continue to provide financial support or security for someone who has an unrepentant heart.  Or as Proverbs says, “do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts;  if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you” (22:26-27). Why would we get ourselves in such trouble? At times, we can commit to false compassion. We feel guilty about a person’s situation and don’t want to be accused of not caring. However, in reality, our false compassion is actually an act of selfishness and not out of love. It’s about how WE feel, not what’s best for the person.

There are other traps we can fall into with money. Our awareness of this should cause us to carefully consider our use of almost every dollar or things we have. Proverbs encourages us to be wise in this way. 

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.      Have you ever taken shortcuts in attempt to get ahead really fast? Have you ever made poor financial decisions that caused you stress? If yes, try to reflect on what went wrong at this time.

2.      Ask God if there are people that you’re showing false compassion towards. Are there people that you are helping because you feel guilty? Are there people who need to experience the consequences of their choices? Since there’s no formula on what we should and shouldn’t do, make sure that you diligently pursue God for His heart. 

Foundations: Proverbs - Day 23 - Let’s Honour God With The Wealth We Have

READ: Proverbs 3:9-10, 11:4, 11:24, 11:28, 15:16, 19:6, 19:17

We all have different amounts of wealth, as there is certainly a randomness to what we have. Rather than concern ourselves with the exact number, Proverbs invites us to honor God with whatever we have. This is a consistent command throughout God’s Word and might be best illustrated when Jesus affirms the widow who gave even out of her poverty.  “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the first fruits of your produce” (3:9), Proverbs challenges us.  

How can we honor God with what we have? Practice generosity – this is the starting point! When we’re generous we imitate God. In doing so, we often gain the favour of others. Or as Proverbs declares, “many seek the favor of a generous man and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts” (19:6). Of course, when we gain influence because of our generosity, the purpose is to then use this influence for God’s glory as well. It’s all about God, but certainly we attain incredible fulfillment in drawing people to His kingdom through our actions.

We also honor God with our wealth by not trusting in what we have. There’s a warning in Proverbs about this, stating that, “whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf” (11:28). At times, God may bless us with certain advantages that we can be tempted to trust in. This is a very slippery slope to find ourselves on! We must realize that, “even little is good, when we combine it with a fear of God.” It’s not wealth that we need, but God. This is a simple truth, but life-transforming if we walk it out.  

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.      Spend some time in prayer and ask God – do you honor Him with your wealth? (this can include savings, your paychecks, and the material items you have) Also ask Him if adjustments need to be made.

2.      Spend some time praising God for His provision in your life. Also praise Him that He is trustworthy. Confess any lack of trust that you have shown, which is often exhibited in worry and stress. 

Foundations: Proverbs - Day 22 - Be Careful What You Pursue

READ: Proverbs 12:11, 13:4, 21:25

In our culture, we are bombarded with the relentless message that we need more stuff, better stuff, newer stuff. Since we also are encouraged to live in the moment, we can forget that there will be consequences for chasing after things that we don’t need. Many people have ruined their marriages, their health and their witness for God by being unwise about what they pursue.

Proverbs has a stark reminder of what happens when we chase after what the world promotes, “whoever works his land will have plenty of bread but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense” (12:11). How many times pastors have had to sit with people who are in complete despair and financial ruin because of their ungodly pursuits! Let’s exhibit good “sense” as followers of Christ and never allow ourselves to get to this point.  

Proverbs has another related warning, declaring that, “the desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor” (21:25). This refusal to labor can relate to work, but also in our homes. It’s the “desire” of the sluggard that causes great problems. Many boys and girls are growing up without emotional bonds with their fathers and/or mothers due to the desire to chase after many things. They may be home, but they can be absent because of the desire for video games, excessive sports, incredible amounts of time on Facebook. These may seem like trivial matters, but Proverbs is suggesting that we must weigh carefully what we’re pursuing. We are wise if we take this warning seriously. Any changes we make now will be worth it in the present AND for eternity.  

  

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.      Ask God to show you a time where you: i) pursued something which ended up in an unwise decision AND, ii) when you decided to let go of a pursuit and was blessed as a result. Ask Him to alert you to things that you may be chasing which are unwise.

2.      If you have children, ask God to give you an honest assessment on whether or not you are emotionally available to them. Then, ask THEM if they feel that you’re regularly distracted by something. If anything negative is revealed through this assessment, ask God to give you wisdom on how to make necessary adjustments.