OT: The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 29

Proverbs 29:1-27

29:1 We cannot habitually reject constructive criticism; it makes us stubborn and causes us to neglect character growth. Regardless of any individual's specific circumstances, we all have room to grow within us. It is crucial that we continue to grow in character and spirit throughout our lives. Growth in character enables us to live more objectively and compassionately.

29:2 Righteous leadership promotes the well-being of the people; conversely, cruel leadership causes distress. 

29:3 We cause God to rejoice when we pursue and cherish wisdom, that is: the philosophy in scripture He has left for us to search and know. But when we live chasing our desires and temptations, making worldly things our idols, we waste our blessed, valuable place in the Kingdom of God.

29:4 Good, secure things are established through works of justice. Bribery and deceit ensure inevitable destruction.

29:5 It is not kind or prudent to flatter someone. People require honesty in order to continually grow in a space of self-awareness. 

29:6 Evil actions inevitably ensnare the evil-doer, but God causes the works of the righteous to succeed.

29:7 Good humans are aware and empathetic (and active) toward the plight of others. A wicked person can be identified by their ignorance of disparity and unwillingness to care about people in distress.

29:8 It is destructive to have an angry, scoffing temperament. A wise person is, with their solemnity, able to quell the storm.

29:9 Wisdom and foolishness are like oil and water, they do not mix well enough to communicate productively.

29:10 Ruthless persons neglect and despise those in need but the righteous seek to help them.

29:11 A fool explodes all of their immediate emotions and reactions hastily in a situation. A wise person waits and reflects instead of speaking hastily. 

29:12 Corruption negatively influences the people around it. 

29:13 It is good to remain humble, for though an evil man might find himself with power, he is under the same divine law and the person he is oppressing. God (and God's law) is above him.

29:14 God establishes leaders who are honest and compassionate and fair.

29:15 It is important to discipline children (and adults) otherwise they become spoiled, ignorant and self-righteous.

29:16 Free will on the earth means that sometimes the wicked will multiply but God promises that we will see their end.

29:17 Give children correction, it will help them and bring peace to the relationship. They will learn respect and work-ethic and so much more from gentle, steadfast correction throughout childhood.

29:18 God's law (this scripture) provides us with order and comfort and hope. To live without it is chaotic and dangerous. 

29:19 Whenever teaching someone anything, we must explain and lead by example.

29:20 It is not prudent to speak hastily. We must wait until we have all of the facts and can respond calmly and objectively. 

29:21 We should treat the people around us well and they will become like precious family.

29:22 Anger is useless and destructive; it causes situations to become worse. Actions done from a furious mindset cause one to make many harmful mistakes. We must work with God to process our emotions so that we respond appropriately to situations which bother us.

29:23 Pride will eventually cause a person to fall, but humility always benefits a person's reputation... God ensures that it is so.

29:24 To partner with evil is to discard one's own life. 

29:25 Fear and anxiety trap a person... but trust in God provides safety.

29:26 So often humanity seeks praise and comfort and favor from other humans but it is most important that we endeavor to please God. When we endeavor to please God, our intentions and motivations are in alignment with a righteous lifestyle.

29:27 The righteous and unrighteous have an entirely different view of life and are unable to respect each other.

OT: The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 28

Proverbs 28:1-28

28:1 A righteous lifestyle provides security that an unrighteous lifestyle does not. A righteous person has more courage as they draw their strength from God and act with the promise of His defense in mind.

28:2 A corrupt system has a lot of turnover but a honorable and wise person prolongs righteousness.

28:3 The circumstances of our situation should cause us to become empathetic toward people in similar situations. Our personal experience should serve us in serving others rather than ignoring or further worsening the status of another.

28:4 Unrighteousness supports the endeavors of cruelty but righteousness defends justice from those who wish to pervert it.

28:5 An evil person is too self-absorbed, too owned by greed and temptation to understand the concept of justice. Students of the Lord however, are taught the intricacies of justice for all.

28:6 It is better to be poor and humble than rich and perverse; if wealth, fame and power come only at the cost of the quality of character, we must reject them.

28:7 God loves when we listen to and follow the law He left for us; He left instructions about life so that we would thrive here. When we use discernment, balancing everything, relationship and idea in accordance with God's will, we make Him proud. But we do the opposite when we surround ourselves with gluttonous behavior.

28:8 God has arranged the world such that the humble will receive what the arrogant procure.

28:9 There is no point trying to communicate with God if we are not receptive to what He is saying as well. It is a two-way relationship.

28:10 We are responsible for our influence on others: good and bad.

28:11 An arrogant thinks they are wise but only a humble man is able to understand the nature of wisdom.

28:12 Righteous behavior causes joy for the people around but cruelty causes people to hide.

28:13 God prefers us to be honest and to seek redemption rather than to lie and pretend we are perfect. Honesty allows us to change and improve our behavior.

28:14 A heart that remains open, faithful and hopeful in God is happy, but the stubborn and apathetic exist in chaos and strife.

28:15 Corrupt leadership tramples every good thing under its rule.

28:16 An unwise ruler causes much oppression and destruction. A humble person who lives with moderation extends his life.

28:17 A guilty person will live a life in hiding. 

28:18 God preserves those who try their very best to live without harming others; but the cruel will be caused to fail.

28:19 Good, hard work-ethic will cause a person to have plenty of what they need. Laziness and a frivolous lifestyle causes a person to lack (in goods, needs and character).

28:20 Jesus told us that when we seek the kingdom of God, all the things we need will be added to our lives (Matthew 6:33). A faithful relationship with God will always cause blessings to abound. God loves to take care of His children and provide them with the things they need and the relationships and opportunities that make them happy and their life meaningful.

A person who hastily pursues wealth, fame and power, however, neglects God's righteous code and causes trouble for themselves. God wants us to steadily build strong, authentic things, ideas, businesses and relationships. To take the quick, corrupt route would be to disappoint Him.

28:21 God would like us to be objective, to not show partiality or take bribes.

28:22 The exclusive pursuit of material wealth, power and fame is a pointless, harmful lifestyle with no future.

28:23 It is better to be honest (and subsequently assist a person) than to flatter them (and ensure their ruin).

28:24 We must be respectful to the people in our lives; it is especially dangerous when we are not self-aware enough to realize when we are harming others with our behavior or choices.

28:25 Arrogance causes distress for the people around; an arrogant person neglects to be aware and empathetic to the people and situations they find themselves in. But to trust in God is to prosper; God helps us to recognize, appreciate and nourish the things in our life which provide us our needs and hopes.

28:26 Lean not on your own understanding, Proverbs 3:5-6. A righteous lifestyle is wise and a righteous person is saved and transported by God into blessing and even abundance. 

28:27 God is generous to the people who are generous to others' in need. He is grateful and proud of His empathetic children, whose actions improve and influence the world and well-being of humanity. He blesses such behavior. But ignorance and neglect angers God for there are so many people and issues that need our attention.

28:28 Cruel behavior causes people to hide; cruelty stifles the joy and life out of humanity. But the destruction of the evil causes the righteous to finally prosper and increase... and such is the plan of God.

OT: The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 27

Proverbs 27:1-27

27:1 Be present in the current day. There is much to glean from each day, God prefers that we are alert and observant in it, rather than overly concerned about what is next.

27:2 Live righteously and humbly and others will acknowledge you honorably. It is not prudent or attractive or wise to praise oneself; arrogance is a distraction that obscures the reality of situations and causes the arrogant one to miss or ruin opportunities. 

27:3 Wrath sits heavily on a person's conscious; it is an unbearable weight that wearies and pollutes a person's soul.

27:4 Jealousy is a poison that ruins a person inside and out. As God's children, we must learn and trust that if we are meant to have something, God will ensure that we do... and if we do not have something, God does not mean it to be in our lives.

27:5 Even though stressful, it is sometimes easier to start an argument than it is to admit love.

27:6 A friend is able to be honest even when it hurts but an enemy will tell a harmful lie just because it's easier.

27:7 When truly hungry, desperate for something, everything taste is sweet. But when we are content and satisfied, we sometimes take for granted the sweetest of a thing. Remember to be grateful to God in good times as much as we rely on Him in bad!

27:8 We must not wander from the path of God or from our honest selves. He is our home and safe place.

27:9 Friendship is a comfort to the heart, a source of counsel and support.

27:10 Be true to your friends. Do not neglect anyone in favor of friendship with someone else.

27:11 Live wisely and make God proud. Good character will enable others to stand by you and defend you when necessary.

27:12 Prudent people are able to plan and prepare for all circumstances for they listen to and learn from God. However, someone who does not listen to God will make mistakes which cause them to fall.

27:13 If you recommend a person or vouch for them, ensure that they are honorable.

27:14 Do not flatter people for selfish means.

27:15-16 It's difficult and chaotic to life with a contentious person.

27:17 Good friends sharpen each other, cause and inspire the other to become better in character.

27:18 Those who keep with the kingdom of God will reap the benefits within it; and those who are steadfastly loyal to God and wait on His will will be honored.

27:19 A person's  actions and amount of compassion towards others, reveals who they truly are.

27:20 Unchecked is a bottomless pit. We must learn to live with and value moderation and appreciation for what we have.

27:21 Our quality character speaks of our value. 

27:22 A fool resists personal growth and ignores lessons to change their behavior.

27:23-27 Be diligent; take care of the people in your life. Do not value riches over the well-being of others. Wealth and power and temporary and fragile but love of others should be solid and permanent. Our relationship with God naturally provides for us all that we need and nourishes our souls.

OT: The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 26

Proverbs 26:1-28

26:1 Honor cannot be found in a foolish person. A foolish person neglects to learn the lessons in life that teach them to be honorable people. A person who does do constructive within themselves cannot be depended upon for honor.

26:2 Our protection from God, through our faith, protects us from the evil plots (curses) of others committed against us. Although they may wish and plan and try to harm us, their curses never land. God protects His righteous children and when we are blameless, He ensures that we are not blamed.

26:3 Metaphorically speaking, discipline and rebuke is necessary to learn and grow in character. 

26:4-5 It is difficult to reason with a stubbornly foolish person. Sometimes a rebuke is more effective to teach common sense. 

24:6 A foolish person cannot be trusted with confidential, important matters. God wants us to surround ourselves with people we can trust and rely on, and if there are none (or few), to recognize that and not entrust the wrong people with personal information.

24:7 A foolish person is unable/unwilling to interpret a proverb, parable or passage with a message. We we become studious, compassionate, self-disciplined students of God, we build on our common sense and wisdom. We can do more with more complex lessons and ideas.

24:8 It is destructive to honor a foolish person, for a foolish person with honor and responsibility will be unable to appropriately care for that which is put in their control. God teaches us not to trust foolish people, but He also teaches us not to be foolish people.

24:9 A foolish person cannot use a proverb for good because they do not understand it. Wisdom disables them, confounds them because they have no base of common sense on which to build upon. It's important to remember that this "foolish" person is someone who rejects wisdom and justice and compassion. They live by their own flawed law rather than by God's logical one.

24:10 But God is good; He provides opportunity for all. Opportunity to grow and learn and thrive. 

24:11 Yet a foolish person rejects the opportunity and returns to their folly. Every day people choose to live by their own code of conduct rather than God's and it leads them further astray.

12:12 Arrogance is even worse than foolishness. We need humility (even if it's only a tiny amount) in order to have the opportunity to listen, learn and grow. An arrogance person is too absorbed in themselves to have the humility to listen.

26:13-16 A lazy person will make every excuse before actually doing something productive. Even basic things they seldom do or do slowly. It causes them to be weary and regressive and self-absorbed. It's important to be active and alert and receptive to God's law and new ideas and opportunities. We are not meant to live in stagnant waters but in the living water.

26:17 It is ridiculous to entangle oneself in matters that are someone else's business. 

26:18-19 Harmful mocking, teasing and behavior is not a sport. Cruel and deceptive behavior is not absolved by glib behavior. 

26:20-22 Some behavior actual stokes a fire and causes more destruction. We are supposed to learn how certain behavior helps or hurts in a situation. Sometimes we need to change our reactions and responses in order to prevent further destruction (even when it is difficult to do so). We should train ourselves to remain calm and objective in arguments with the intention to end it, rather than  (intentionally or inadvertently) fuel it. 

26:23 It is useless, harmful and deceptive to be a sweet-talker with a cruel heart. 

26:24-26 God wants us to learn our God-given ability to discern between people who are honest and people who are not. Some people have deceptive, selfish, cruel intentions. God wants us to be able to weed them out and He provides us with the skill. Scripture helps us to hone that skill, to interpret a person's behavior and discover their true motives.

26:27 We reap what we sow. This passage is an iteration of that; when we live cruelly, we set ourselves up for cruelty to return. We dig holes for others to fall into and we found ourselves in them. We roll stones to block others and then we find ourselves blocked by that stone.

26:28 Lies and flattery are destructive. Be honest and foster authentic relationships. 

OT: The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 25

Proverbs 25:1-28

25:1-2 God is the embodiment and proliferation of wisdom. He designed the universe; there is so much about His knowledge that is unattainable to us because of its complexity. But is the glory of God's faithful children to search Him, to seek within those omnipotent spaces for the character of God. As our relationship develops with Him, more and more is revealed, so much of life is able to be understood. 

25:3 We have God's complexity within us; as vast as the earth, our own hearts are searched thoroughly by Him. He endeavors to know us well and fully, and we endeavor for the same: to know Him as well as we possibly can. 

25:4-5 Our relationship with God is a cleansing, molding, sharpening, refining process. As we learn from Him and become more disciplined in the things of Spirit (love, wisdom and justice in all their forms) the more securely we are established in righteousness. 

25:6-7  We are taught to be humble creatures. For when we boast and shove ourselves in places, we will shamefully discover that we are not welcomed there. God recognizes humility in His children; He knows that a humble character is able to learn and grow and therefore become qualified for exalted positions. We do not have to force our way into opportunities, relationships, or anything else. God will tailor those things to our specific measurements and will secure us within them. 

25:8-10 God does not want us to rush into arguments and entanglements. He wants us to act wisely, patiently and observe. Reflect. Contemplate. He does not want us to gossip or stir up tension or anxiety. Poor behavior will ruin our reputation and cause a shameful result.

25:11-12 Appropriate responses to people and situations are like valuable treasure, fresh fruit. We should interact and behavior, therefore, with respect and solemnity. 

25:13 There is purity in an honest messenger. It is troublesome to embellish or downplay. Circumstances can best be dealt with when the information is full and honest, and no more or less than that.

25:14 A disciplined student of God develops whatever particular gift God has given them. They use it to change the lives of the people around them for the better. But we have to be careful not to force ourselves into spiritual positions that we are not qualified for: it harmful at worst and useless at best. We all have gifts and places to develop and use those gifts, we must listen to and follow God into the places we are meant to be. 

25:15 There is great power in perseverance, as well as in a gentle. God teaches us humble, honorable, patient, quiet ways to make huge impacts in our life. 

25:16 Moderation is advised. We shouldn't spoil ourselves with things; we must always remember to exhibit patient and discipline, reservation when necessary. We must always practice self control.

25:17 It's important not to overstep boundaries. 

25:18 To lie about person or event can do lethal damage to a life or situation.

25:19 Arrogance in an unrighteous person hurts others and dismantles good things. We must be righteous people at all times, so that when a difficult situation arises, we have the God-taught wherewithal to persevere wisely through it (rather than cause further destruction).

25:20 Do not be foolish: when people need kindness, do not give them cruelty. 

25:21-22 We are taught here that kindness is more effective than cruelty. Emulating or returning poor behavior is not effective in improving a circumstance or character. Moreover: God rewards kindness, especially when it is given to a undeserving person. We learn a lot when we are kind when it is difficult.

Matthew 5:46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?

25:23 Anger within a person will come out as anger to others. We have to do construction within ourselves in order not to do harm to others. We have to learn and grow in patience and kindness and communication.

25:24 It is truly traumatizing to life with a contentious person, therefore endeavor to not even be that contentious person. God teaches us peace and kindness for a reason; it's important for the health of all souls involved. 

25:25 There are simple pleasures that bring complex joy; we should not take them for granted. 

25:26 Our relationship with God builds courage within us; because of God's strength, we are able to stand against injustice. Our lives are useful when our faith is our armor and commander.  

25:27 It is not good to overindulge or to be arrogant. We spoil and corrupt ourselves (our careers, our friendships, relationships, and everything else) when we have no self control and too much self-righteousness.

25:28 We must be a faithful fortress within ourselves. We must be self-disciplined and faithful in order to have strong borders, defense and courage. If we are unable to control ourselves, our entire lives will be chaotic and undisciplined. 

OT: The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 24

Proverbs 24:1-34

24:1-2 Do not be envious of people who seem to have "it all" but actually have no integrity or righteousness. Corruption leads to violence and trouble, and Proverbs assures us that no amount of wealth, power of fame is worth losing your soul over. 

24:3-4 Through wisdom sturdy businesses, relationships, marriages, families and other institutions are built. By following instruction from God, we fill our lives with blessings. 

24:5-6 A wise person is strong, not susceptible to temptation. A wise person is strong because they have chosen their strength and reinforcement: God. We are wise when we listen to God about how to remain on an honorable, progressive path. 

24:7 It's foolish to reject wisdom, for once wisdom is rejected, it cannot be obtained by the fool who neglects opportunities for growth.

24:8-9 It is sinful to mock justice and righteousness. It is evil to scheme and deceive. 

24:10 God builds His children to be strong in weak moments; we do not wither or weary in adversity. We persevere in faith.  

24:11-12 Our God is merciful; we call to Him for help and He saves us. He is also aware of our inner thoughts; He knows when we only inadvertently get ourselves into trouble. He certainty does not blame us when we did not know any better. But He calls us to listen and learn from Him so that we will know better the next time.

24:13-14 We are encouraged to eat honey; that is: read scripture, listen to God, observe the life of Jesus. We are meant to take righteousness in so that as we live, we will also express it outwardly. God's advice is nourishment for our soul and for our spirit of hope.

24:15-16 Do not purpose to harm or thwart others. God has sentenced evil to calamity. Though an evil person might cause a righteous one to fall, the fall will be soft and temporary. 

24:17-18 We are not meant to experience pleasure when someone else fails. God wants us to be kind and supportive. 

24:19-22 We have no reason to be afraid or envious of unjust, but powerful, people. God is our protection against them. We are advised against associating in corrupt matters. 

24:23-25 Be honest and fair. Be as objective as possible, always aware of the ways you might inadvertently be partial to one side. Corrupt leaders will be despised but there are blessings for people who uphold, promote, restore and create justice. 

24:26 Kindness and honesty are forms of affection.

24:27 It is best for us to build strong, secure souls and atmospheres first. When we begin to build families, houses, and permanent fixtures in our lives, they will be placed on a strong, peaceful foundation. Listen to and follow God, growing character and faith and our field will be fit.

24:28-29 Do not testify or witness against anyone falsely. We cannot deceive God, though we may sometimes convince others; He knows when we are being unfair, untruthful and unkind. We are not supposed to live with vengeful spirits. God is our avenger. 

24:30-34 The people who do not listen to God or learn from scripture find themselves in barren fields and chaotic atmospheres. They neglect opportunities or fail at them (having not developed the skills to retain them). Laziness and apathy cause us to lose, miss, or destroy good things in our lives. They have no wisdom or defense. It happens steadily, and then all at once our life is fiercely destroyed by poor character, weak faith, and corrupt/lazy behavior.

OT: The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 23

Proverbs 23:1-35

23:1-3 It's important to maximize opportunities; when we have the opportunity to use our gift from God to promote justice when in the presence of someone who can actually make change, we must use that time effectively. And in order to remain smart and sober in those situations, we have to say no to temptations that will derail us. God does not want us to be slaves to our desires; we should be not be bribed into corruption nor tempted away from justice by things we are weak to.

23:4-5 We must not lose ourselves or waste our relationships in the pursuit of wealth. To live solely to acquire wealth is to neglect the spiritual element of our lives. True wealth is in the kingdom of God, and we want to be there to inherit it. 

23:6-8 Do not allow yourself to be flattered. Perceive when situations, people and relationships (business, romantic, platonic or otherwise) are inauthentic. 

23:9 Wise, coherent planning is wasted on the foolish; if a person is unwilling to cooperate smartly, find someone else to partner and plan with.

23:10-11 Keep the faith. Though many generations of families have let go their faith in God, keep a relationship with Him that will last into your posterity. People before us have gone into the "fields of the fatherless", that is, they have abandoned God and must navigate through life in their own.

23:12 Apply yourself, your heart, your time, your attention to instruction. God is our teacher and often He provides examples for us to learn from. He always provides a lesson in scripture to learn from. We should be observers and listeners so that we do not miss important lessons and opportunities to grow and change our family, community and world for the better.

23:13-14 It is dangerous to spoil a child, for they will turn into an adult with no respect or discipline. An adult with no respect or discipline will be unsuccessful in career, friendships, relationships and life.

23:15-16 God's heart rejoices when we behave and speak with wisdom and justice.

23:17-18 Although it may seem that the secular method works to obtain power, wealth and fame, it is a vain and void lifestyle. God does not want us to feel discouraged when living righteously does not seem to reap the same, or amount of, rewards that living unjustly might. But a corrupt or arrogant lifestyle is temporary and does not provide contentment. God promises to fulfill the hopes of the righteous; as His children, we must trust Him to do so.

23:19-21 Live contentiously; when we live in alignment with God's will and commandments, we refrain from mixing with corrupt people and business. He wants us to be humble and live with moderation and sobriety. He wants us to be active and productive instead of lazy and weary.

23:22 Respect elders; and if they are not honorable examples, still do not stoop to their level.

23:23 Accept only truth. And offer truth freely. Be honest and fair. Learn earnestly. 

23:24-25 It is heartening for a parent to witness their child grow into a respectful, responsible adult.

23:26-28 Instruction from proverbs for living life: give your heart to God and your eyes to observing Him. When we live in accordance with God's will, we will avoid temptation and corrupt which we would have previously been bait to.

23:29-35 The weary, the disheartened, the complainers are people who do not live with sobriety. We are warned in this last section of the proverb not to become enthralled with alcohol. It is dangerous and will change our character for the worse. We will be unable to perceive the reality of our situation and our ignorance will cause further problems.