Being Welcome
“Don’t visit your neighbors too often, or you will wear out your welcome.” Proverbs 25:17 NLT Being welcome is important, especially when it comes to ministering to people and sharing the gospel. We want to do all we can to cultivate gospel relationships with people, including our neighbors. But, as with many things, more is not […]
A Taste for Honey
“Do you like honey? Don’t eat too much, or it will make you sick!… It’s not good to eat too much honey, and it’s not good to seek honors for yourself.”Proverbs 25:16,27 NLT There are 61 references to honey in the Bible. Honey is often referenced in relationship to God’s provision and abundance. “But I would feed […]
Persuasion Power
“Patience can persuade a prince, and soft speech can break bones.” Proverbs 25:15 NLT Anger and shouting frequently leads to…. more anger and shouting. Have you ever seen a shouting match won? Have you ever seen anyone change their minds by harsh words? There were theories sometime in the 60’s and 70’s that offered the Idea of […]
A Promised Gift
“A person who promises a gift but doesn’t give it is like clouds and wind that bring no rain.” Proverbs 25:14 NLT This year our landlord put new sod down on our yard. It looked great but required twice a day watering to get established. The thing is that we don’t have a working sprinkler system. […]
Refreshment
“Trustworthy messengers refresh like snow in summer. They revive the spirit of their employer.” Proverbs 25:13 NLT Often times in business we think of inspiration as a one-way street that comes down from leadership and management. But it in reality it ought to be a two-way street. At times everyone can get discouraged. If you are an […]
Seeking Valid Criticism
“To one who listens, valid criticism is like a gold earring or other gold jewelry.” Proverbs 25:12 NLT Criticism can make you better, but it can also make you bitter. We learn in this proverb that the value does not come automatically from the speaker. No, the value of correction is tied to the willing ear […]
Timely Advice
“Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket.” Proverbs 25:11 NLT “Timely advice is lovely.” It would be difficult to argue the point. Is the author just stating a fact or making an interesting observation? Is it along the category of “the sky is blue” or “men are different than women?” We gain […]
Be a Secret Keeper
“When arguing with your neighbor, don’t betray another person’s secret. Others may accuse you of gossip, and you will never regain your good reputation.” Proverbs 25:9-10 NLT Conflict is bound to happen. When we get into arguments, it is important to stay in control of out words. Anger and frustration can cause us to say things […]
Keep Your Eye on the Ball
A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber. Proverbs 24:33-34 NLT Did you notice the repetitive phrase in this week’s Proverb. It is there 3 times. “a little”. This isn’t a […]
First Things First
“Do your planning and prepare your fields before building your house.” Proverbs 24:27 NLT The lesson is about a farmer, but the principle applies to all income earners. This is a proverb that teaches us a crucial principle of business—first things first. The immediate application is this. If you buy a fertile piece of ground, you should […]
