Proverbs 14:34-35 

As humans, we are sinners by nature so we want to exalt ourselves and live to please ourselves. Because of that, we have strained relationships with God and with others since sin brings division between God and people. When my mom went to high school, two of the popular kids always boasted about their coolness and got away with it but then they went to college, they found themselves friendless and they ended up dropping out of college. Pride leads them to destruction and they are not successful in their fields since it takes good relationships to be successful in life.

The point I am making here is that Godliness can make anyone great without the need to exalt oneself since Godliness causes us to live and do things for his glory. Jesus Christ said if anyone wanted to be great in the kingdom, they have to be the servant of all. When people choose to follow their own sinful desires, and not consider God and others in all of their decisions, they will bring disgrace to others.  Even people in authority dislike it when people do not submit to them and honor them. Does anyone like it when people sin against them and not submit to their interests or needs or honor them? No one really does. Humans are created to give God all the glory, honor and praise and by doing that, they need to live a life based on God’s word.

Submission to God is the first step to walking in humility since when we submit to him, we will serve others. A servant’s heart is a generous heart. The two greatest commandments are to love God and to love others. One can learn to be great in the kingdom by living a life according to Gods word. Then, God will make the person great because this person is doing it for Gods glory and for his glory alone. Real Christian maturity is when one stops arguing with God. It is a daily choice to submit to God and one can live a Godly life by getting in the word and finding out ways to honor and serve one another. Pray about how and where God wants you to serve and serve as God leads. Remember, God honors those who honor him.

Proverbs 14: 32-33

32 The wicked are crushed by disaster, but the godly have a refuge when they die. 

Change is hard. It may be one of the most difficult things we do as we seek to learn, grow, and engage the world while trying to live out our faith. Sometimes we can find ourselves unwilling to change in spite of obvious and direct evidence that we should. In the scripture above we learn that “the wicked are crushed by disaster”. Galatians 6: 7-10 tells us “Don’t be misled-you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone- especially to those in the family of the faith.”

I don’t see the writer referring to “the wicked” as just criminals or generic ne’er-do-wells. When we consider context wicked means those who do not place their trust in God. If we live our lives for ourselves only we remove God from the position of Master and place ourselves at the head of the table. Obviously, this leads us down roads where we make decisions based on what is good for us first and foremost instead of communing with God in prayer as a Servant to his will. Our challenge is to understand that God has big plans for us…he wants us to place his will ahead our own so he can do his work in our lives. He has promised through Jesus’s death and resurrection an eternal life to those who seek him. This Proverb may be a warning to those who will not change or submit to Gods will for their lives. Those who put themselves in the place of Master instead of servant, those who place pride above humility and themselves above God will not escape his judgment and will have no control over their final destination. We must submit in service to the Father if we are to receive his eternal refuge.

33 Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart; wisdom is not found among fools.

Wisdom is gained by understanding, the question then is how we gain understanding. The Proverb specifically states it takes “heart”. Consider Matthew 6:21 “Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be”. We must understand that submitting to Gods will is how to gain and keep wisdom. If our treasure is elsewhere then we limit our own ability to gain Gods wisdom because our heart is not seeking it. Proverbs 3:5 tells us “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding” This is further evidence that God wants us to submit our hearts to his will for our lives. When we do he can use us to bless others, and be a light of hope in the world. For some this is a major change. It means putting God at the head of the table and humbly seeking to serve him, even when we may not like where he is leading us… As I conclude…let’s consider a couple of questions:

1. Is wisdom gained by going after what I want or listening to what God wants?
2. What can I do better, differently, or more diligently to make sure God is the focus of my heart?
3. What motivates my actions God or worldly things?

Proverbs 14: 30-31

A common in theme in Proverbs is learning what is and how to do God’s way. Again, the author is teaching us that God’s way is always the best way. No matter how we are feeling about a decision or situation; God’s thoughts are higher than our thoughts and his ways are higher than ours. He sees all things out of time, from beginning to end. He knows how the story plays out. And he leads us step by step walking with us, holding our hand, and not just giving us a map to figure it all out on our own.

Our vertical relationship, the relationship with our self and the Father must be in check and healthy if we are to have a full life. This verse teaches that a peaceful heart is health to the body but a jealous one causes disease. Literally, when we are out of the umbrella of God’s boundaries for us we can become sick in our bodies because of our choices in sin. But if we look at the verse metaphorically, we can see this to be true too.

From my experience, jealousy, anger, envy, and selfishness have all caused my heart to ache and be unsettled internally. These emotions (if held onto and not released into God’s care) can cause chaos and confusion within one’s self, which in turn, affects our relationship with God and others.

Our relationship with God is hindered because we are now hiding things from him and not allowing him to be our Healer and Comforter. Then, it becomes like a ripple effect with those around us. We are unsettled in who we are, distant from God, and unhappy with people. This one emotion and choice can lead to chaos if it goes unchecked.

A peaceful heart leads to health and wholeness with self, God and others. The next verse shows us God’s care for how we treat the poor. Those who hold down or oppress the poor insult God. All people are created and loved by God. No matter how lost or broken. They are God’s masterpiece. Life may have hit them hard or choices may have led down a wrong path, but that does not change who they are. Beloved by God as you are. The author teaches us that it insults God when we treat his people wrongly, especially the poor.

But those who help the poor honor God. This is my life’s mission. To honor God in all that I do. How best to start than by loving his people, especially those who are overlooked. God sees and adores them. What an honor it is for us to be the ones who can treat people with the care and love God has for people. I have traveled overseas to do missions and I am always overcome with the joy of the Father’s heart for the poor. I think of one experience specifically, my friend Faith and I were walking through this village in Cambodia that literally was sitting in grey water (basically a sewer). They had built planks on top of planks to raise their houses (houses reminded us of the playhouses we would have in our backyards) from letting the water, feces, and trash come in. There was a woman sitting on her porch working on something when I saw the rope burn mark around her neck. It took all that is within me not to cry right then. She told us that she has no way to provide for her children. Her baby daddy left them and now this woman is stuck to figure out how to get a job and care for her multiple kids. She finally had enough and attempted to hang herself, but her oldest daughter found her before her last breath escaped her and cut her down. After this conversation, Faith and I walked down the path with no words. I just wanted to hold this woman and cry with her. I would have sat for hours with her if I were able. I would have given her all the money I had to help her. I would have watched her kids for her while she was at work if I could have. I would have told them stories about Jesus and how he has a special place in his heart for them. There is this amazing thing that happens whenever you are around the people Jesus loves, he gives you the eyes to see and the heart to feel what he feels about them.

This was by far the poorest community I have ever been in. And honestly, the dirtiest place I’ve ever been. But I would have stayed there for hours and not even cared. I believe this is how Jesus loves. And it honors him when we choose to love the way he does. And it should be an honor for us that we get to be the ones who can share this love to the poor and those around us.

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 14: 26- 27

Christmas Day was an oddly warm one in North Texas this year. However, the following day was even more abnormal, and came with sorrow. It brought terrible storms riddled with violently destructive tornadoes that ripped through neighborhoods, destroying homes.

One particular family of five took shelter in their utility room while the storm raged around them. When the tornado passed, their entire home was destroyed—every part of it, except the utility room where the family huddled and prayed. This family is led by God-fearing parents. This mother and father do not fear the Lord only in the middle of a storm, but also in the normalcy of everyday life. Their lives reflect Jesus daily, and they teach their children to do the same.

This story is a perfect example of the promises found in Proverbs 14:26-27. Faith can truly be a terrifying thing. The storm clouds and thunder of life threaten our content lives, and we find we must decide what we trust in. When the paycheck doesn’t add up to the bills, when the loved one is lost, when the biggest mistakes seem irreversible, fear of the future creeps in. Proverbs offers the promise that those who fear God are secure. Just like the parents in the tornado, the fear of the Lord shelters not only one person, but also the children—the families—of the one who trusts in the Lord. Fear of the Lord offers not only protection but a fountain of life—this is abundant, joyful life.

The securities of God may not always be total physical protection from natural disaster, but a look at scripture shows that God is always about his glory, which includes what is best for his children. Put your trust in the Lord, and he will be your refuge.

Proverbs 14:24-25

A life is marked by the actions taken within it. In every moment we have a choice; to step with wisdom or to follow foolishness. Proverbs repeatedly reminds us that foolishness brings destruction, associating it with folly.

24 The crown of the wise is their wealth, but the folly of fools brings folly.

In architecture a folly is a structure that is costly to build, but serves no practical use. An example would be a large statue placed in a garden; pretty to look at, but forget about it sheltering you from a storm. To live a life riddled of folly, or senselessness as webster’s defines it,  is to denounce wisdom. A foolish man marked by folly heads towards failure.

As the wise seek more, their wisdom accumulates adding to their life. The wise are crowned, or marked with blessings, because of the value that their wisdom adds. Those that use their wisdom with their wealth expand their impact as they honor God.

25 A truthful witness saves lives, but one who breathes out lies is deceitful.

Where wisdom resides, so does truth. As Christians, we hold The Truth that can set the world free. The Gospel of Jesus Christ holds an eternal weight, heavy enough to pardon sin and save lives. Knowing The Truth is not enough, we have the duty to witness and save lives. As Christians we have a responsibility to take The Good News to those who are lost: our friends, our neighbors, our family members.

Today walk in wisdom, push away from folly, disown deceit, and share The Truth that saves.