Verse: Proverbs 15:27-28

As a husband and a father, I can be conflicted by the question, “What should I do?”. Most of the time the answers are simple. Other times, not so much. Let me explain. The gifting and calling that’s been on my life since I was a child has been to edify the church and witness to the un-churched through music.

Without a shadow of any doubt, I am confident in my ability to create music, either in the moment or as a thought out process. I enjoy every aspect of music. Even the parts that can be a bit tricky, like the business side. My point is that because of my passion for music, it’s easy to unknowingly make selfish decisions that effect my loved ones in a negative way. Sure, they love me and enjoy my gifting along with me, but if I were to take a week long tour where I was going to come home with less than I left with, that would be selfish. Selfish because I would have made a decision based on my own desire just to be out performing rather than pursuing a better paying offer that would actually benefit our family who was sacrificing time with me.

I’m talking about selfish greed for more. More of what you think you identify yourself with. More experiences. More decisions made from selfish ambition. Ambition will bribe you with the idea that if you don’t do it you’re missing out. No, that’s lie. Trust God, love your family. He will direct your steps. The right opportunities will show up and when they are right, you will know it. I think we all know better than to be money greedy, but not many us realize the damage we do out of a selfish greed that latches on to our hearts.

28 The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.

Be still and know that He is God. Sometimes it’s difficult for me to be content because of that greedy desire for more music, more performing, the feeling that I’m missing out. No! I am exactly where I need to be. Sometimes I even find myself complaining about the dumbest stuff. I have a beautiful wife, an adorable son and we are blessed. What do I have to complain about? You ever notice that you feel almost physically gross after complaining. I’m not sure how godly complaining is. Sure doesn’t feel like it. On the opposite, how good do you feel when you compliment someone? That’s got to be godly, right? Whatever the case, the tongue has the power of life or death. To build up or tear down. Thinking before we speak should be common sense but we all struggle. Let’s continue to search out the heart of God. May His words be our words. May His thoughts be our thoughts and may we all lift each other up in our words and our prayers to the glory of God. Amen.

Proverbs 14: 28-29

28 A growing population is a king’s glory; a prince without subjects has nothing.

One of the greatest joys I’ve experienced is to watch something that I’ve been a part of grow from nothing into something great. Whether it’s been a company, a church, youth group, band, or family; the joy experienced during times of growth is intoxicating. A saying that’s stuck with me on this subject is that there are no mountains without valleys. This could mean that the mountain top experience, when you’re riding high on life, probably won’t last forever. At some point after you reach the top you must go down the other side and start the trek upward again. I think this is a completely natural part of life and the phases we go through on our journey. I really believe that even though you might be going through a valley that you can still have your joy. In this way, if you refuse to let your joy be stolen, you will continue to experience growth even when it seems like your world is falling apart. Mainly, growth in your character, your spirit, endurance and your love for others as you experience peace that surpasses all your understanding. If you decide, while traveling through the valleys, that everyone and everything is out to get you and allow your joy to be stolen, then you are like the prince without subjects. You will be left with nothing because your inner man has given up. Don’t give up, but let the Holy Spirit guide your thoughts and actions, leading you to still waters of peace and an everlasting joy in the Lord that is our strength in the valleys.

29 People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness.

Verse 29 is a subject very near and dear to my heart. Ephesians 4:26 says, “Don’t sin by letting anger control you.” It goes on to say in verse 32, “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” There are always two sides to every story. Very rarely, aside from straight God-given commands, is a subject simply black and white. I’ve noticed that most people have a reason for doing things they do. For example, If someone cuts me off on the road my first reaction is to get angry at that person. But if somehow they could communicate their reasoning for being in such a hurry like maybe their wife is in labor and they’re rushing to the hospital. Then I wouldn’t be angry but would actually be looking for ways to help. I know this is far-fetched example but you get the idea. Try to be understanding of other people. You never know what someone else is going through and your patient endurance with them might just be the Jesus they need to see at that moment. For all you married couples out there, this verse couldn’t be directed at a better target. A great book that I’ve just finished is all about bringing understanding to both sides of the unity. It’s called Love and Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs. If there’s ever been a need for understanding so that we can control our anger towards one another, it’s in our marriages. Marriage should represent the beautiful image of Christ and His bridegroom, the church. Too often we see good relationships lost because of petty things escalated out of proportion because of a lack of understanding which causes a foolish hot temper. Remember, don’t sin by letting anger control you, but be kind and tenderhearted toward each other always looking for ways to understand your fellow man. The world would be a lot better place if we could learn and put into practice this wise and simple truth.

Proverbs 13: 24-25

At first glance these two verses may seem to have nothing in common, but you might be surprised at how truth can be woven intricately together. Let’s start by looking at verse 24.

24 Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.

Before I became a father, I thought I understood verse 24. I thought to myself, “Of course, what a no-brainer. I’m definitely going to discipline my children. I for sure don’t want my kids to be those who throw fits at the stores and talk back to their parents.” Looking back on those thoughts I’m amazed how naïve I was. When you experience the miracle of fatherhood and motherhood, you understand that your children are, arguably, your everything. You never want to see any harm come to them. You don’t want to see them sad or hurting and will virtually do everything in your power to make sure that they are sheltered from things that might harm them. So, when you are commanded to discipline your children with the rod, as a parent, things become a lot more real. If that’s not bad enough, if we don’t discipline our children then we are said to hate them. How could that be? I believe that as much as we love our children we are called to raise them in the ways of Christ. You do not have to teach a child to be selfish, but you do have to teach them to share. The tendencies to live for one’s self are natural to our human nature. If unaddressed, the child is in danger of all sorts of things developing that could be harmful to them later in life. As the saying goes to the child being disciplined, “This hurts me more than it hurts you”. We as parents must be strong and obedient to the Lord in the stewardship of our children. Proverbs 22:6 (NLT) explains this. “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.” We know all this as truth because our loving Father in Heaven also disciplines us as His children. Hebrews 12:6-11 (NLT) reveals God’s Fatherly love for us saying, ^”For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” Discipline should be known as a trait of absolute value. Yes, chastening is painful to both the one receiving and the one doing the disciplining, but what comes from godly chastening are the values that save souls and build the Kingdom of God. Let love abide, trust the Lord and lead your children into his wonderful grace just as God also, through kindness, led us to repentance and grace.

25 The godly eat to their hearts’ content, but the belly of the wicked goes hungry.

In verse 25 we discover a beautiful truth about seeking a godly lifestyle above self. A content person may be defined as someone who is satisfied with what they have. We know through reading the Word that one of the fruits of the spirit is joy. (Galatians 5:22-23) That same joy, the joy of the Lord, is our strength. (Nehemiah 8:10) When we fully put our faith in Him and entrust all that we have to Him, He will give us rest. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” –Matthew 11:28 (NIV). You see, in Christ there’s a peace that surpasses all of our understanding. (Philippians 4:7) When we delight ourselves in the Lord He in turn gives us the desires of our hearts. (Psalm 37:4) The beauty here is that the more we grow in Christ the more our desires mirror His. We then begin to become the person we were always meant to be from the beginning. It’s not hard to see then why, in contrast, that the belly of the wicked will go hungry. If we’re just speaking spiritually, living apart from God is like living in a desolate wasteland. Your spirit cannot be nourished by our creator. It then begins to feed on itself revolving all the more over in its own wicked self loathing, victim mentality that blames God and the world for its misfortune. Do as David did and come out of the desert and seek nourishment in His presence. Psalm 63 “¹ O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. ² I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory.³ Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! ⁴ I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer.⁵ You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy.”

Proverbs 13:24-25

At first glance these two verses may seem to have nothing in common, but you might be surprised at how truth can be woven intricately together. Let’s start by looking at verse 24.

24 Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.

Before I became a father, I thought I understood verse 24. I thought to myself, “Of course, what a no-brainer. I’m definitely going to discipline my children. I for sure don’t want my kids to be those who throw fits at the stores and talk back to their parents.” Looking back on those thoughts I’m amazed how naïve I was. When you experience the miracle of fatherhood and motherhood, you understand that your children are, arguably, your everything. You never want to see any harm come to them. You don’t want to see them sad or hurting and will virtually do everything in your power to make sure that they are sheltered from things that might harm them. So, when you are commanded to discipline your children with the rod, as a parent, things become a lot more real. If that’s not bad enough, if we don’t discipline our children then we are said to hate them. How could that be? I believe that as much as we love our children we are called to raise them in the ways of Christ. You do not have to teach a child to be selfish, but you do have to teach them to share. The tendencies to live for one’s self are natural to our human nature. If unaddressed, the child is in danger of all sorts of things developing that could be harmful to them later in life. As the saying goes to the child being disciplined, “This hurts me more than it hurts you”. We as parents must be strong and obedient to the Lord in the stewardship of our children. Proverbs 22:6 (NLT) explains this. “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.” We know all this as truth because our loving Father in Heaven also disciplines us as His children. Hebrews 12:6-11 (NLT) reveals God’s Fatherly love for us saying, ^”For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” Discipline should be known as a trait of absolute value. Yes, chastening is painful to both the one receiving and the one doing the disciplining, but what comes from godly chastening are the values that save souls and build the Kingdom of God. Let love abide, trust the Lord and lead your children into his wonderful grace just as God also, through kindness, led us to repentance and grace.

25 The godly eat to their hearts’ content, but the belly of the wicked goes hungry.

In verse 25 we discover a beautiful truth about seeking a godly lifestyle above self. A content person may be defined as someone who is satisfied with what they have. We know through reading the Word that one of the fruits of the spirit is joy. (Galatians 5:22-23) That same joy, the joy of the Lord, is our strength. (Nehemiah 8:10) When we fully put our faith in Him and entrust all that we have to Him, He will give us rest. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” –Matthew 11:28 (NIV). You see, in Christ there’s a peace that surpasses all of our understanding. (Philippians 4:7) When we delight ourselves in the Lord He in turn gives us the desires of our hearts. (Psalm 37:4) The beauty here is that the more we grow in Christ the more our desires mirror His. We then begin to become the person we were always meant to be from the beginning. It’s not hard to see then why, in contrast, that the belly of the wicked will go hungry. If we’re just speaking spiritually, living apart from God is like living in a desolate wasteland. Your spirit cannot be nourished by our creator. It then begins to feed on itself revolving all the more over in its own wicked self loathing, victim mentality that blames God and the world for its misfortune. Do as David did and come out of the desert and seek nourishment in His presence. Psalm 63 “¹ O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. ² I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory.³ Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! ⁴ I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer.⁵ You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy.”

Proverbs 12:15-16

15 Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.

Have you ever felt the need to prove yourself to other people? If you have then you probably know that overwhelming feeling that comes over you saying, “You’re not good enough” or something to that nature. In those times, it’s easy to retract back into your shell and try desperately to accomplish everything on your own, no stopping to ask for help, just a persistent go so everyone will see you as something special. Problem with that is that we all are better with other people than we are by ourselves. In every walk of life, community trumps solitary living.  Don’t get me wrong; I am a person that enjoys spending time alone, dreaming new dreams, solving problems and admiring creation. But when it comes to doing life in the best way possible, there’s always someone who’s walked the same path you’re walking and may have great words to share to help you overcome your current obstacle. Shake off that “not good enough” feeling. John3:16 says that God loved this world so much that He sent His only begotten son to pay the ultimate price for us to be reconciled with Him through salvation in Jesus Christ for His good and perfect will for our lives. This means that you are good enough. You are loved and cherished by God almighty. Moreover, you are created fearfully and wonderfully in His image. Perk up and seek out wisdom that is readily available to you. All you have to do is ask God and the bible says He freely gives without measure. That also means to keep good people around you who will build you up but also who will be honest with you to help make you the best version of you that you’re meant to be.

16 A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.

When I first got married, I found out very quickly that I wasn’t as calm natured as I once thought I was. For some reason I felt myself losing my cool at many things that I would never have normally lost it over. Looking back at that time in my life, I’m grateful to my incredible wife for her patience as I learned to rule my temper in all the little moments that got the best of me. I know now that there were a lot of various things contributing to my sky rocketing temper during that time. It all came down change. My life was changing and unknowingly, I was not handling it well. Thankfully, I became aware of my temper issue and was able to cling to scripture. Nothing but destruction came out of my “lost” moments. Even though my good wife was(is) patient, I know I hurt her every time I gave her a side glare, answered with a sharp tongue or was just simply selfish in my actions. I was a FOOL. But although I was once a fool, I’m now striving for wisdom through redemption in the Lord and taking every human thought and outburst captive in Jesus name, choosing to act, the best I can, how Jesus would act and treat his loved ones. Staying calm when insulted is one of the most difficult things to learn and even harder to put into diligent practice. Sometimes we just want to vent, right? Think realistically about the consequences “just venting” might cause to you, your relationships, etc. Give it to God, breathe and receive the peace of God that surpasses all understanding. After that, do it again! Every day, every moment, decision and thought require our best. This world needs Christians to be what God says we should be. The good thing is that Christ knows our struggles and invites us to freely go to Him and He promises to give us rest and a light yoke. Trust Him; He is our salvation after all.