May 5 | Airing Opinions

Series | The Wisdom of Proverbs, Part 2

Scripture | Proverbs 18:2, “Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.”

Lesson 5 | Airing Opinions

Have you ever been in a disagreement with someone and heard him or her say something like this?  “Well, I don’t care what you think, I still believe I’m right!”  Or, “I don’t need to listen to what you’re saying because I already know you’re wrong!”  If you have chances are you were engaging with a person who was a “fool in their folly.”  Meaning, foolish people (lacking wisdom) act without understanding and simply want to share their own opinions.

A wise person listens to the other side and carefully weighs what is being said because they love wisdom and are always open to receiving new instruction.  However, as King Solomon states, fools don’t want to understand the other side they just want to state their own beliefs.

Jesus encountered people like this all time when He walked the earth.  Many times the Jewish people arguing with Him were not even really listening to His answers but were simply trying to make sure everyone heard their opinions.  Also, because they had no delight in learning or gaining knowledge from Jesus they remained ignorant and in their sins.

Once a successful businessman was sitting at table with fellow workers at an award ceremony.  The other businessmen did all the talking and never really tried to understand what the other person knew or did.  However, when it came time to give out the awards the one remaining silent was the only one at the table to receive the awards of achievement.  After receiving his rewards the others asked him, “Why  haven’t you been sharing your ideas with us?”  The man humbly replied, “No one asked me.”

True wisdom is shown in humility and the ability to learn new things.  Those who are proud and behave as “know-it-alls” are acting as fools.  Therefore, make sure next time you’re in a conversation that you are listening to others to gain wisdom, not just airing your own opinions.

Reflection | Do you find pleasure in learning new things or just airing your opinions?

Action | (1) Make a decision to be a life-long learner. (2) Next time you’re in a conversation ask yourself, “Am I hearing what the other person is saying?” (3) Lastly, if a person you’re talking to isn’t willing to listen to you but only wants to sharing his or her opinions let them know you need to move on because your time is valuable.

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Judges 21:1-Ruth 1:22, John 4:4-42, Psalm 105:1-15, & Proverbs 14:25. Click here to read online. 

May 4 | Cheerful Heart is Good Medicine

Series | The Wisdom of Proverbs, Part 2

Scripture | Proverbs 17:22, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

Lesson 4 | Cheerful Heart is Good Medicine

Did you know that God’s wisdom about a cheerful heart being “good medicine” has actually been proven true in the medical world?  For example, “one recent study polled healthy first-year law students at the beginning of the school year to find out how optimistic they felt about the upcoming year. By the middle of the first semester, the students who had been confident that they would do well had more and better functioning immune cells than the worried students.

Some researchers think that pessimism may stress you out, too, boosting levels of destructive “stress hormones” in your bloodstream. Of course, it’s also possible that having a positive attitude toward life makes you more likely to take better care of yourself. And you’re more likely to attract people into your life (and keep them there) — which in and of itself may boost your health” (Source and quote from Jane Framingham, Ph.D.).

We may not be able to control how people treat us and what happens to us in life; however, we are able to control whether we will have a cheerful heart or a crushed spirit.  And even if our spirits do get crushed, we don't have to let it stay that way.  God said in Isaiah 61:3a, “…and provide for those who grieve in Zion- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” 

Therefore, make a decision today to have a cheerful heart and good attitude.  Rejoice in the Lord and what He has done for you, Philippians 4:4.  And if you’re discouraged and crushed in your spirit ask God to exchange your mourning for joy and praise!

Reflection | Do you have a cheerful heart in the life?   

Action | (1) If you have a crushed spirit ask God to give you the spirit of joy. (2) Guard your heart and the joy that God gives you. (3) Lastly, in times of trouble find your joy in God and His love for you!

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Judges 19:1-20:48, John 3:22-4:3, Psalm 104:24-35, & Proverbs 14:22-24. Click here to read online. 

May 3 | A Friend Loves at All Times

Series | The Wisdom of Proverbs, Part 2

Scripture | Proverbs 17:17, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”

Lesson 3 | A Friend Loves at All Times

What is the real difference between a friend and a brother?  According to Solomon a friend is a spiritual relationship based on a choice whereas a brotherly relationship is a physical relationship based on obligation.  Solomon gives a great definition of a true friend, “one who loves at all times.”  And he also gives a powerful definition for a brother, “one born for adversity.”

Now some teachers in the past have seen the two relationships- friend and brother as antithetical or opposite, however, modern commentators like Allen P. Ross in the “Expositors Bible Commentary,” see them as complimentary.  Meaning, a friend can both love at all times and be there in times of adversity like a brother.  And a brother can not only be there for the tough times but also be a close loving friend.

Therefore, today this proverb gives two great nuggets of wisdom.  First, when choosing your friends do so based on their genuine love for you.  Also, be the kind of friend that loves with sincerity and is not only available in the good times but also in times of adversity.  Second, if you have a brother or sister, be there for them in their biggest battles in life and also choose to be their close friend.  Get to know them for who they really are and love them at all times.

Think of relationships like a book, some friends you will share a page with, others a chapter, and with a very select few you will share the book of life together.  Whether this person is a relative or a friend- I pray you can find someone in life to have this kind of relationship with!  

Reflection | Are you a good friend?   

Action | (1) Do you love your friends at all times? (2) Ask God to make you a great friend and brother/sister to people close to you. (3) Lastly, ask God today to bless your friends and siblings! 

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Judges 17:1-18:31, John 3:1-21, Psalm 104:1-23, & Proverbs 14:20-21. Click here to read online. 

May 2 | Avoiding Quarrels

Series | The Wisdom of Proverbs, Part 2

Scripture | Proverbs 17:14, “Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.”

Lesson 2 | Avoiding Quarrels

Have you ever noticed that there are some things in life not worth arguing about?  Especially for those who are married- have you realized that sometimes its better to just drop the issue before a fight starts?  I know I've learned this lesson the hard way.

There are times in life when arguments can be a good thing, however, Solomon is giving wisdom in regards to things that are not worth disputing over.  For example, imagine your wife wants to go grocery shopping on Saturday and have you watch the kids.  However, you want to spend time with your friends watching the game.  You can (a) start an argument by talking about your inconvenience or (b) drop the issue and be happy your wife takes such good care of the family!

Also here is an example at work, consider your helping a customer who feels you have done something wrong even though you know it was done correct.  You can either (a) start a quarrel and explain how the customer is wrong or (b) simply say you are sorry for their inconvenience and drop the issue.

King Solomon is not teaching us to be “doormats” but he is reminding us that when we start arguments they are like a dam being broke which results in everyone getting wet.  Thus, the wisdom is do our best to “drop” the small matters in life that cause arguments and simply move on.

Like the ole’ saying goes, “minor on the minors and major on the majors!”  Thus, do your best each day to stay “dry!”

Reflection | Can you drop a matter before a quarrel breaks out?   

Action | (1) Think of two ways you can avoid arguments in your everyday life. (2) Next time you’re about to start an argument, ask yourself, “Is this worth getting wet over?”

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Judges 15:1-16:31, John 2:1-25, Psalm 103:1-22, & Proverbs 14:17-19. Click here to read online. 

May 1 | Pride Goes Before Destruction

Series | The Wisdom of Proverbs, Part 2

Scripture | Proverbs 16:18, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”

Lesson 1 | Pride Goes Before Destruction

Remember Pharaoh in the time of Moses? He had watched God turn the water into blood, send frogs, flies, and gnats, and even kill the first-born males of Egypt all because he wouldn’t let the Israelites go.  However, when Pharaoh finally let God’s people go he quickly changed his mind and chased after them with his army.

When he saw the Red Sea being parted so the Israelites could escape he went following into the sea and God sent back the waters and he along with his army was destroyed.  When I think about the proverb above, I think about all the pride Pharaoh had that led to his destruction. 

One might think that after he saw just one plague he would have repented, but he was not willing because of his pride.  And especially after he lost his first-born son, I would think he would have been humble.  However, he was so full of pride and self-deception that he actually thought he could chase down and kill the people who’s God was powerful enough to split a sea in two!

Some who know the account remember that God actually “hardened” Pharaoh’s heart because of his pride, Exodus 9:12.  Meaning, God “reinforced” his pride and “baked in” his decision to be rebellious.  Paul also states that God will do this again in the end times with people who continually reject the truth.  God “sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie,” 2 Thessalonians 2:11.

Therefore, whenever you are in a situation when God is speaking to you through His Word be sure to always obey Him.  Pride will lead to destruction with God.  A haughty spirit, is the opposite of a humble spirit, thus be sure in your attitude (spirit) to always remain humble and obedient to God’s Word.

Reflection | Are you humble or prideful in regards to God’s Word?

Action | (1) Ask God to reveal any pride or disobedience you may have towards His Word. (2) Ask God to change your attitude (spirit) and make you humble. (3) Lastly, whenever you think about being prideful and rebellious towards God’s commands remember Pharaoh! 

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Judges 13:1-14:20, John 1:29-51, Psalm 102:1-28, & Proverbs 14:15-16. Click here to read online.