31 Days of Proverbs - Day 31

Today is our last Proverbs reading. Read the passage below and take time to digest it, turn it over in your mind and think about it. What life applications do you receive from this scripture? What questions do you have? Please take a moment to share your comments below. Thank you for reading along with Encounter church during these 31 days of Proverbs.

Proverbs 31

Sayings of King Lemuel

 ¹ The sayings of King Lemuel—an oracle his mother taught him:

 ² "O my son, O son of my womb,
       O son of my vows, 

 ³ do not spend your strength on women,
       your vigor on those who ruin kings.

 ⁴ "It is not for kings, O Lemuel—
       not for kings to drink wine,
       not for rulers to crave beer,

 ⁵ lest they drink and forget what the law decrees,
       and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.

 ⁶ Give beer to those who are perishing,
       wine to those who are in anguish;

 ⁷ let them drink and forget their poverty
       and remember their misery no more.

 ⁸ "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
       for the rights of all who are destitute.

 ⁹ Speak up and judge fairly;
       defend the rights of the poor and needy."
       Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character

 ¹⁰ A wife of noble character who can find?
       She is worth far more than rubies.

 ¹¹ Her husband has full confidence in her
       and lacks nothing of value.

 ¹² She brings him good, not harm,
       all the days of her life.

 ¹³ She selects wool and flax
       and works with eager hands.

 ¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships,
       bringing her food from afar.

 ¹⁵ She gets up while it is still dark;
       she provides food for her family
       and portions for her servant girls.

 ¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it;
       out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

 ¹⁷ She sets about her work vigorously;
       her arms are strong for her tasks.

 ¹⁸ She sees that her trading is profitable,
       and her lamp does not go out at night.

 ¹⁹ In her hand she holds the distaff
       and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

 ²⁰ She opens her arms to the poor
       and extends her hands to the needy.

 ²¹ When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
       for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

 ²² She makes coverings for her bed;
       she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

 ²³ Her husband is respected at the city gate,
       where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

 ²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them,
       and supplies the merchants with sashes.

 ²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity;
       she can laugh at the days to come.

 ²⁶ She speaks with wisdom,
       and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

 ²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her household
       and does not eat the bread of idleness.

 ²⁸ Her children arise and call her blessed;
       her husband also, and he praises her:

 ²⁹ "Many women do noble things,
       but you surpass them all."

 ³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
       but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

 ³¹ Give her the reward she has earned,
       and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Source: www.biblegateway.com (NIV)

31 Days of Proverbs - Day 30

Proverbs 30

Sayings of Agur

 ¹ The sayings of Agur son of Jakeh—an oracle:
       This man declared to Ithiel,
       to Ithiel and to Ucal:

 ² "I am the most ignorant of men;
       I do not have a man's understanding.

 ³ I have not learned wisdom,
       nor have I knowledge of the Holy One.

 ⁴ Who has gone up to heaven and come down?
       Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of his hands?
       Who has wrapped up the waters in his cloak?
       Who has established all the ends of the earth?
       What is his name, and the name of his son?
       Tell me if you know!

 ⁵ "Every word of God is flawless;
       he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

 ⁶ Do not add to his words,
       or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.

 ⁷ "Two things I ask of you, O LORD;
       do not refuse me before I die:

 ⁸ Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
       give me neither poverty nor riches,
       but give me only my daily bread.

 ⁹ Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
       and say, 'Who is the LORD ?'
       Or I may become poor and steal,
       and so dishonor the name of my God.

 ¹⁰ "Do not slander a servant to his master,
       or he will curse you, and you will pay for it.

 ¹¹ "There are those who curse their fathers
       and do not bless their mothers;

 ¹² those who are pure in their own eyes
       and yet are not cleansed of their filth;

 ¹³ those whose eyes are ever so haughty,
       whose glances are so disdainful;

 ¹⁴ those whose teeth are swords
       and whose jaws are set with knives
       to devour the poor from the earth,
       the needy from among mankind.

 ¹⁵ "The leech has two daughters.
       'Give! Give!' they cry.
       "There are three things that are never satisfied,
       four that never say, 'Enough!':

 ¹⁶ the grave, the barren womb,
       land, which is never satisfied with water,
       and fire, which never says, 'Enough!'

 ¹⁷ "The eye that mocks a father,
       that scorns obedience to a mother,
       will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley,
       will be eaten by the vultures.

 ¹⁸ "There are three things that are too amazing for me,
       four that I do not understand:

 ¹⁹ the way of an eagle in the sky,
       the way of a snake on a rock,
       the way of a ship on the high seas,
       and the way of a man with a maiden.

 ²⁰ "This is the way of an adulteress:
       She eats and wipes her mouth
       and says, 'I've done nothing wrong.'

 ²¹ "Under three things the earth trembles,
       under four it cannot bear up:

 ²² a servant who becomes king,
       a fool who is full of food,

 ²³ an unloved woman who is married,
       and a maidservant who displaces her mistress.

 ²⁴ "Four things on earth are small,
       yet they are extremely wise:

 ²⁵ Ants are creatures of little strength,
       yet they store up their food in the summer;

 ²⁶ coneys are creatures of little power,
       yet they make their home in the crags;

 ²⁷ locusts have no king,
       yet they advance together in ranks;

 ²⁸ a lizard can be caught with the hand,
       yet it is found in kings' palaces.

 ²⁹ "There are three things that are stately in their stride,
       four that move with stately bearing:

 ³⁰ a lion, mighty among beasts,
       who retreats before nothing;

 ³¹ a strutting rooster, a he-goat,
       and a king with his army around him. 

 ³² "If you have played the fool and exalted yourself,
       or if you have planned evil,
       clap your hand over your mouth!

 ³³ For as churning the milk produces butter,
       and as twisting the nose produces blood,
       so stirring up anger produces strife."

Source: www.biblegateway.com (NIV)

31 Days of Proverbs - Day 29

Proverbs 29

 ¹ A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes
       will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.

 ² When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice;
       when the wicked rule, the people groan.

 ³ A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,
       but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.

 ⁴ By justice a king gives a country stability,
       but one who is greedy for bribes tears it down.

 ⁵ Whoever flatters his neighbor
       is spreading a net for his feet.

 ⁶ An evil man is snared by his own sin,
       but a righteous one can sing and be glad.

 ⁷ The righteous care about justice for the poor,
       but the wicked have no such concern.

 ⁸ Mockers stir up a city,
       but wise men turn away anger.

 ⁹ If a wise man goes to court with a fool,
       the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.

 ¹⁰ Bloodthirsty men hate a man of integrity
       and seek to kill the upright.

 ¹¹ A fool gives full vent to his anger,
       but a wise man keeps himself under control.

 ¹² If a ruler listens to lies,
       all his officials become wicked.

 ¹³ The poor man and the oppressor have this in common:
       The LORD gives sight to the eyes of both.

 ¹⁴ If a king judges the poor with fairness,
       his throne will always be secure.

 ¹⁵ The rod of correction imparts wisdom,
       but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.

 ¹⁶ When the wicked thrive, so does sin,
       but the righteous will see their downfall.

 ¹⁷ Discipline your son, and he will give you peace;
       he will bring delight to your soul.

 ¹⁸ Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint;
       but blessed is he who keeps the law.

 ¹⁹ A servant cannot be corrected by mere words;
       though he understands, he will not respond.

 ²⁰ Do you see a man who speaks in haste?
       There is more hope for a fool than for him.

 ²¹ If a man pampers his servant from youth,
       he will bring grief in the end.

 ²² An angry man stirs up dissension,
       and a hot-tempered one commits many sins.

 ²³ A man's pride brings him low,
       but a man of lowly spirit gains honor.

 ²⁴ The accomplice of a thief is his own enemy;
       he is put under oath and dare not testify.

 ²⁵ Fear of man will prove to be a snare,
       but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.

 ²⁶ Many seek an audience with a ruler,
       but it is from the LORD that man gets justice.

 ²⁷ The righteous detest the dishonest;
       the wicked detest the upright.

What thoughts or comments can you share on this reading? 

31 Days of Proverbs - Day 28

Proverbs 28

 ¹ The wicked man flees though no one pursues,
       but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

 ² When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers,
       but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.

 ³ A ruler who oppresses the poor
       is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.

 ⁴ Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,
       but those who keep the law resist them.

 ⁵ Evil men do not understand justice,
       but those who seek the LORD understand it fully.

 ⁶ Better a poor man whose walk is blameless
       than a rich man whose ways are perverse.

 ⁷ He who keeps the law is a discerning son,
       but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.

 ⁸ He who increases his wealth by exorbitant interest
       amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.

 ⁹ If anyone turns a deaf ear to the law,
       even his prayers are detestable.

 ¹⁰ He who leads the upright along an evil path
       will fall into his own trap,
       but the blameless will receive a good inheritance.

 ¹¹ A rich man may be wise in his own eyes,
       but a poor man who has discernment sees through him.

 ¹² When the righteous triumph, there is great elation;
       but when the wicked rise to power, men go into hiding.

 ¹³ He who conceals his sins does not prosper,
       but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

 ¹⁴ Blessed is the man who always fears the LORD,
       but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.

 ¹⁵ Like a roaring lion or a charging bear
       is a wicked man ruling over a helpless people.

 ¹⁶ A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment,
       but he who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long life.

 ¹⁷ A man tormented by the guilt of murder
       will be a fugitive till death;
       let no one support him.

 ¹⁸ He whose walk is blameless is kept safe,
       but he whose ways are perverse will suddenly fall.

 ¹⁹ He who works his land will have abundant food,
       but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.

 ²⁰ A faithful man will be richly blessed,
       but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.

 ²¹ To show partiality is not good—
       yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.

 ²² A stingy man is eager to get rich
       and is unaware that poverty awaits him.

 ²³ He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor
       than he who has a flattering tongue.

 ²⁴ He who robs his father or mother
       and says, "It's not wrong"—
       he is partner to him who destroys.

 ²⁵ A greedy man stirs up dissension,
       but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.

 ²⁶ He who trusts in himself is a fool,
       but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe.

 ²⁷ He who gives to the poor will lack nothing,
       but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.

 ²⁸ When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding;
       but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.

31 Days of Proverbs - Day 27

Proverbs 27

 

 ¹ Do not boast about tomorrow,
       for you do not know what a day may bring forth.

 ² Let another praise you, and not your own mouth;
       someone else, and not your own lips.

 ³ Stone is heavy and sand a burden,
       but provocation by a fool is heavier than both.

 ⁴ Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming,
       but who can stand before jealousy?

 ⁵ Better is open rebuke
       than hidden love.

 ⁶ Wounds from a friend can be trusted,
       but an enemy multiplies kisses.

 ⁷ He who is full loathes honey,
       but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet.

 ⁸ Like a bird that strays from its nest
       is a man who strays from his home.

 ⁹ Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart,
       and the pleasantness of one's friend springs from his earnest counsel.

 ¹⁰ Do not forsake your friend and the friend of your father,
       and do not go to your brother's house when disaster strikes you—
       better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.

 ¹¹ Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart;
       then I can answer anyone who treats me with contempt.

 ¹² The prudent see danger and take refuge,
       but the simple keep going and suffer for it.

 ¹³ Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger;
       hold it in pledge if he does it for a wayward woman.

 ¹⁴ If a man loudly blesses his neighbor early in the morning,
       it will be taken as a curse.

 ¹⁵ A quarrelsome wife is like
       a constant dripping on a rainy day;

 ¹⁶ restraining her is like restraining the wind
       or grasping oil with the hand.

 ¹⁷ As iron sharpens iron,
       so one man sharpens another.

 ¹⁸ He who tends a fig tree will eat its fruit,
       and he who looks after his master will be honored.

 ¹⁹ As water reflects a face,
       so a man's heart reflects the man.

 ²⁰ Death and Destruction are never satisfied,
       and neither are the eyes of man.

 ²¹ The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold,
       but man is tested by the praise he receives.

 ²² Though you grind a fool in a mortar,
       grinding him like grain with a pestle,
       you will not remove his folly from him.

 ²³ Be sure you know the condition of your flocks,
       give careful attention to your herds;

 ²⁴ for riches do not endure forever,
       and a crown is not secure for all generations.

 ²⁵ When the hay is removed and new growth appears
       and the grass from the hills is gathered in,

 ²⁶ the lambs will provide you with clothing,
       and the goats with the price of a field.

 ²⁷ You will have plenty of goats' milk
       to feed you and your family
       and to nourish your servant girls.

Source: www.biblegateway.com (NIV)

31 Days of Proverbs - Day 26

Proverbs 26

 ¹ Like snow in summer or rain in harvest,
       honor is not fitting for a fool.

 ² Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow,
       an undeserved curse does not come to rest.

 ³ A whip for the horse, a halter for the donkey,
       and a rod for the backs of fools!

 ⁴ Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
       or you will be like him yourself.

 ⁵ Answer a fool according to his folly,
       or he will be wise in his own eyes.

 ⁶ Like cutting off one's feet or drinking violence
       is the sending of a message by the hand of a fool.

 ⁷ Like a lame man's legs that hang limp
       is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.

 ⁸ Like tying a stone in a sling
       is the giving of honor to a fool.

 ⁹ Like a thornbush in a drunkard's hand
       is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.

 ¹⁰ Like an archer who wounds at random
       is he who hires a fool or any passer-by.

 ¹¹ As a dog returns to its vomit,
       so a fool repeats his folly.

 ¹² Do you see a man wise in his own eyes?
       There is more hope for a fool than for him.

 ¹³ The sluggard says, "There is a lion in the road,
       a fierce lion roaming the streets!"

 ¹⁴ As a door turns on its hinges,
       so a sluggard turns on his bed.

 ¹⁵ The sluggard buries his hand in the dish;
       he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.

 ¹⁶ The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes
       than seven men who answer discreetly.

 ¹⁷ Like one who seizes a dog by the ears
       is a passer-by who meddles in a quarrel not his own.

 ¹⁸ Like a madman shooting
       firebrands or deadly arrows

 ¹⁹ is a man who deceives his neighbor
       and says, "I was only joking!"

 ²⁰ Without wood a fire goes out;
       without gossip a quarrel dies down.

 ²¹ As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire,
       so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.

 ²² The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
       they go down to a man's inmost parts.

 ²³ Like a coating of glaze over earthenware
       are fervent lips with an evil heart.

 ²⁴ A malicious man disguises himself with his lips,
       but in his heart he harbors deceit.

 ²⁵ Though his speech is charming, do not believe him,
       for seven abominations fill his heart.

 ²⁶ His malice may be concealed by deception,
       but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.

 ²⁷ If a man digs a pit, he will fall into it;
       if a man rolls a stone, it will roll back on him.

 ²⁸ A lying tongue hates those it hurts,
       and a flattering mouth works ruin.

Source: www.biblegateway.com (NIV)

31 Days of Proverbs - Day 25

Proverbs 25

More Proverbs of Solomon

 ¹ These are more proverbs of Solomon, copied by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah:

 ² It is the glory of God to conceal a matter;
       to search out a matter is the glory of kings.

 ³ As the heavens are high and the earth is deep,
       so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.

 ⁴ Remove the dross from the silver,
       and out comes material for the silversmith;

 ⁵ remove the wicked from the king's presence,
       and his throne will be established through righteousness.

 ⁶ Do not exalt yourself in the king's presence,
       and do not claim a place among great men;

 ⁷ it is better for him to say to you, "Come up here,"
       than for him to humiliate you before a nobleman.
       What you have seen with your eyes

 ⁸ do not bring hastily to court,
       for what will you do in the end
       if your neighbor puts you to shame?

 ⁹ If you argue your case with a neighbor,
       do not betray another man's confidence,

 ¹⁰ or he who hears it may shame you
       and you will never lose your bad reputation.

 ¹¹ A word aptly spoken
       is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

 ¹² Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold
       is a wise man's rebuke to a listening ear.

 ¹³ Like the coolness of snow at harvest time
       is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him;
       he refreshes the spirit of his masters.

 ¹⁴ Like clouds and wind without rain
       is a man who boasts of gifts he does not give.

 ¹⁵ Through patience a ruler can be persuaded,
       and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

 ¹⁶ If you find honey, eat just enough—
       too much of it, and you will vomit.

 ¹⁷ Seldom set foot in your neighbor's house—
       too much of you, and he will hate you.

 ¹⁸ Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow
       is the man who gives false testimony against his neighbor.

 ¹⁹ Like a bad tooth or a lame foot
       is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble.

 ²⁰ Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day,
       or like vinegar poured on soda,
       is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

 ²¹ If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;
       if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.

 ²² In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head,
       and the LORD will reward you.

 ²³ As a north wind brings rain,
       so a sly tongue brings angry looks.

 ²⁴ Better to live on a corner of the roof
       than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.

 ²⁵ Like cold water to a weary soul
       is good news from a distant land.

 ²⁶ Like a muddied spring or a polluted well
       is a righteous man who gives way to the wicked.

 ²⁷ It is not good to eat too much honey,
       nor is it honorable to seek one's own honor.

 ²⁸ Like a city whose walls are broken down
       is a man who lacks self-control.

Source: www.biblegateway.com (NIV)

31 Days of Proverbs - Day 24

Proverbs 24

 ¹ Do not envy wicked men,
       do not desire their company;

 ² for their hearts plot violence,
       and their lips talk about making trouble.

 ³ By wisdom a house is built,
       and through understanding it is established;

 ⁴ through knowledge its rooms are filled
       with rare and beautiful treasures.

 ⁵ A wise man has great power,
       and a man of knowledge increases strength;

 ⁶ for waging war you need guidance,
       and for victory many advisers.

 ⁷ Wisdom is too high for a fool;
       in the assembly at the gate he has nothing to say.

 ⁸ He who plots evil
       will be known as a schemer.

 ⁹ The schemes of folly are sin,
       and men detest a mocker.

 ¹⁰ If you falter in times of trouble,
       how small is your strength!

 ¹¹ Rescue those being led away to death;
       hold back those staggering toward slaughter.

 ¹² If you say, "But we knew nothing about this,"
       does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
       Does not he who guards your life know it?
       Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?

 ¹³ Eat honey, my son, for it is good;
       honey from the comb is sweet to your taste.

 ¹⁴ Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul;
       if you find it, there is a future hope for you,
       and your hope will not be cut off.

 ¹⁵ Do not lie in wait like an outlaw against a righteous man's house,
       do not raid his dwelling place;

 ¹⁶ for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again,
       but the wicked are brought down by calamity.

 ¹⁷ Do not gloat when your enemy falls;
       when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice,

 ¹⁸ or the LORD will see and disapprove
       and turn his wrath away from him.

 ¹⁹ Do not fret because of evil men
       or be envious of the wicked,

 ²⁰ for the evil man has no future hope,
       and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.

 ²¹ Fear the LORD and the king, my son,
       and do not join with the rebellious,

 ²² for those two will send sudden destruction upon them,
       and who knows what calamities they can bring?
       Further Sayings of the Wise

 ²³ These also are sayings of the wise:
       To show partiality in judging is not good:

 ²⁴ Whoever says to the guilty, "You are innocent"—
       peoples will curse him and nations denounce him.

 ²⁵ But it will go well with those who convict the guilty,
       and rich blessing will come upon them.

 ²⁶ An honest answer
       is like a kiss on the lips.

 ²⁷ Finish your outdoor work
       and get your fields ready;
       after that, build your house.

 ²⁸ Do not testify against your neighbor without cause,
       or use your lips to deceive.

 ²⁹ Do not say, "I'll do to him as he has done to me;
       I'll pay that man back for what he did."

 ³⁰ I went past the field of the sluggard,
       past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment;

 ³¹ thorns had come up everywhere,
       the ground was covered with weeds,
       and the stone wall was in ruins.

 ³² I applied my heart to what I observed
       and learned a lesson from what I saw:

 ³³ A little sleep, a little slumber,
       a little folding of the hands to rest-

 ³⁴ and poverty will come on you like a bandit
       and scarcity like an armed man. 

Source: www.biblegateway.com (NIV)

31 Days of Proverbs - Day 23

 Proverbs 23

 ¹ When you sit to dine with a ruler,
       note well what is before you,

 ² and put a knife to your throat
       if you are given to gluttony.

 ³ Do not crave his delicacies,
       for that food is deceptive.

 ⁴ Do not wear yourself out to get rich;
       have the wisdom to show restraint.

 ⁵ Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone,
       for they will surely sprout wings
       and fly off to the sky like an eagle.

 ⁶ Do not eat the food of a stingy man,
       do not crave his delicacies;

 ⁷ for he is the kind of man
       who is always thinking about the cost.
       "Eat and drink," he says to you,
       but his heart is not with you.

 ⁸ You will vomit up the little you have eaten
       and will have wasted your compliments.

 ⁹ Do not speak to a fool,
       for he will scorn the wisdom of your words.

 ¹⁰ Do not move an ancient boundary stone
       or encroach on the fields of the fatherless,

 ¹¹ for their Defender is strong;
       he will take up their case against you.

 ¹² Apply your heart to instruction
       and your ears to words of knowledge.

 ¹³ Do not withhold discipline from a child;
       if you punish him with the rod, he will not die.

 ¹⁴ Punish him with the rod
       and save his soul from death. 

 ¹⁵ My son, if your heart is wise,
       then my heart will be glad;

 ¹⁶ my inmost being will rejoice
       when your lips speak what is right.

 ¹⁷ Do not let your heart envy sinners,
       but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD.

 ¹⁸ There is surely a future hope for you,
       and your hope will not be cut off.

 ¹⁹ Listen, my son, and be wise,
       and keep your heart on the right path.

 ²⁰ Do not join those who drink too much wine
       or gorge themselves on meat,

 ²¹ for drunkards and gluttons become poor,
       and drowsiness clothes them in rags.

 ²² Listen to your father, who gave you life,
       and do not despise your mother when she is old.

 ²³ Buy the truth and do not sell it;
       get wisdom, discipline and understanding.

 ²⁴ The father of a righteous man has great joy;
       he who has a wise son delights in him.

 ²⁵ May your father and mother be glad;
       may she who gave you birth rejoice!

 ²⁶ My son, give me your heart
       and let your eyes keep to my ways,

 ²⁷ for a prostitute is a deep pit
       and a wayward wife is a narrow well.

 ²⁸ Like a bandit she lies in wait,
       and multiplies the unfaithful among men.

 ²⁹ Who has woe? Who has sorrow?
       Who has strife? Who has complaints?
       Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?

 ³⁰ Those who linger over wine,
       who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.

 ³¹ Do not gaze at wine when it is red,
       when it sparkles in the cup,
       when it goes down smoothly!

 ³² In the end it bites like a snake
       and poisons like a viper.

 ³³ Your eyes will see strange sights
       and your mind imagine confusing things.

 ³⁴ You will be like one sleeping on the high seas,
       lying on top of the rigging.

 ³⁵ "They hit me," you will say, "but I'm not hurt!
       They beat me, but I don't feel it!
       When will I wake up
       so I can find another drink?"

As we enter into our last week of the month of Proverbs let's read together the final chapters and discuss what we learn together.

Source: www.biblegateway.com (NIV)

31 Days of Proverbs - Day 22

Proverbs 22

 ¹ A good name is more desirable than great riches;
       to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

 ² Rich and poor have this in common:
       The LORD is the Maker of them all.

 ³ A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge,
       but the simple keep going and suffer for it.

 ⁴ Humility and the fear of the LORD
       bring wealth and honor and life.

 ⁵ In the paths of the wicked lie thorns and snares,
       but he who guards his soul stays far from them.

 ⁶ Train a child in the way he should go,
       and when he is old he will not turn from it.

 ⁷ The rich rule over the poor,
       and the borrower is servant to the lender.

 ⁸ He who sows wickedness reaps trouble,
       and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.

 ⁹ A generous man will himself be blessed,
       for he shares his food with the poor.

 ¹⁰ Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife;
       quarrels and insults are ended.

 ¹¹ He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious
       will have the king for his friend.

 ¹² The eyes of the LORD keep watch over knowledge,
       but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.

 ¹³ The sluggard says, "There is a lion outside!"
       or, "I will be murdered in the streets!"

 ¹⁴ The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit;
       he who is under the LORD's wrath will fall into it.

 ¹⁵ Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,
       but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.

 ¹⁶ He who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth
       and he who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.

Sayings of the Wise

 ¹⁷ Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise;
       apply your heart to what I teach,

 ¹⁸ for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart
       and have all of them ready on your lips.

 ¹⁹ So that your trust may be in the LORD,
       I teach you today, even you.

 ²⁰ Have I not written thirty sayings for you,
       sayings of counsel and knowledge,

 ²¹ teaching you true and reliable words,
       so that you can give sound answers
       to him who sent you?

 ²² Do not exploit the poor because they are poor
       and do not crush the needy in court,

 ²³ for the LORD will take up their case
       and will plunder those who plunder them.

 ²⁴ Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man,
       do not associate with one easily angered,

 ²⁵ or you may learn his ways
       and get yourself ensnared.

 ²⁶ Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge
       or puts up security for debts;

 ²⁷ if you lack the means to pay,
       your very bed will be snatched from under you.

 ²⁸ Do not move an ancient boundary stone
       set up by your forefathers.

 ²⁹ Do you see a man skilled in his work?
       He will serve before kings;
       he will not serve before obscure men.

What thoughts or impressions do you gather from this reading? Please share in a comment below.

A Gargantuan Task

This Sunday, through God's handsome, happy and humble servant - Steven Lee Kagy, you will be given an amazing opportunity to fill out the greatest survey ever crafted by human hands. This short survey about Encounter Groups will change your life and the life of our church, for all time. With a few short strokes of a mere pen or pencil you will take on the awesome responsibility of shaping Encounter Church. By telling us what you think, you will shake Encounter to its very core and reshape the very face of the church. As you meditate daily for the remainder of this week, and consider the colossal issues of our days, turn your inward gaze to self-reflecting questions like:

“Who are some Encounter Group teachers I would like to hear?” 

Or “What’s the best time/day for me to attend an Encounter Group?” 

To prepare you for this Herculean effort, I must tell you that you even need to be ready to answer the tough, personal, gritty questions like:

“Do you currently or have you ever attended an Encounter Group?” 

Verily! You have a gargantuan task of enormous responsibility ahead of you. PREPARE! Make ready! Gird your loins! Fight the good fight! This Sunday we shall see who not only succeeds in filling out the survey, but who MASTERS it…and sets the very course of the greatest ministry in the greatest church, for all time—in human history. ~SK

Consider Your Investment

In response to this past Sunday's lesson titled Free Handouts, Shelby, our resident Law Enforcement at Encounter, was asked to pass on some tips for safely responding to poverty in Louisville. 

Panhandlers are frequently aggressive and use intimidation to "encourage" people to make donations.  Panhandling or "flying a sign" (like Michael's) in Louisville is a crime.  It should be reported by calling 911, as those who engage in this know it is illegal and often will lead to larger crimes, including burglary. Your 911 call could also prevent potential for injury to that individual who stands in the road while distracted drivers are all around them.

If you choose to give money, consider your investment, because that is what it is, right?  You wouldn't throw money out your car window without regard for where it goes, but you would invest it wisely, as the Proverbs direct. Is giving $1, $5, or $10 to the hard luck guy on the off ramp a wise investment? Would you be better off to show God's love by providing a meal or giving time or money to a homeless shelter or a substance abuse recovery center? Consider the examples shown in "Extreme Home Makeover" - those folks are desperately impoverished, but from what is shown, they continue to obey the law and carve out an existence while their homes fall down around them. This condition is more common in Louisville than most would like to consider. What can be done to see to this overwhelming need? While the Holy Spirit may lead you to give to that guy on the side of the road (and I take no issue with that), Michael has asked me to give suggestions based on my experience with the "other half" of society of what I have seen work.   

Unfortunately, when you give to that guy on the off ramp he is more than likely going to use it to get high, directed by a substance more powerful than the free will God gave him. The next time you are at Taco Bell, consider buying a few $5 gift cards and keeping them in your car/wallet to pass them on. I have seen gentlemen who have been deprived their first drink of the day and who seize violently by noon as their body literally needs alcohol to function, often drinking mouthwash to satisfy their need. We have an excellent resource in Louisville called the Healing Place which takes all types of addicts and has a van to pick up people who are too impaired even to go to jail.  Yes, there is a "too drunk." If you want to see Jesus, watch the recovering addicts who meet the police car transporting that man or woman who is lower than the sidewalk. He is picked up by his brothers, cleaned up if he has fouled himself, and welcomed inside to sleep it off and work through it if he so desires. Those recovering were taken in the same way, weeks or months before.  

Shelters are abundant in Louisville, but we rarely think about the Salvation Army unless that obnoxious bell is ringing outside of Kroger around Christmas. Well, they said it: "need knows no season."  Consider giving your resources to one of the other shelters, including Wayside Christian Mission and St. Vincent DePaul. Women and children also use the resources, and they uniquely use emergency shelters like The Center for Women and Families, where they are provided not only shelter, but also protection against terrible domestic violence situations. All of the above links have a "get involved" or "donate" tab because they need your help. These shelters provide necessary resources, which are intended to rehabilitate the impoverished and prop them up. A shelter is intended to be temporary; they have staff who place people in housing and get them work and get them off the street. Shelters require the client to check in for dinner by 4pm and be sober, once checked in he is in for the night. Consider your investment.

Consider when you go out to lunch after Church: I've always been told church goers are, as a whole, poor tippers to their wait staff. Your waitress at Denny's is probably closer to that "Extreme Home Makeover" example than you realize. If led, reward her good effort with more than the after church 10%. You tip 40% on $10 and you won't miss it, but she will benefit. Maybe tell her why you are tipping her, and use it as an opportunity to share your faith. You can do this on any other day as well.  

Share your food by preparing a meal for the Ronald McDonald House, whose residents are often far from home with exhausted funds because they have been caring for sick loved ones for many months or even years. (FYI - They hate spaghetti due to overexposure.) Use your time to help an elderly neighbor - odds are they are on a fixed income and could use the help. Big Brothers Big Sisters is always looking for volunteers to mentor children. Cedar Lake Lodge will come get your donations, including furniture, and use them to assist the mentally challenged. Habitat for Humanity needs your help to provide shelter for families, widows and orphans, and they are always looking for a few able hands.

The opportunities are vast. While I have no ill will toward a person "flying a sign," my job requires I respond and take action, for your safety and theirs. As mentioned, if you are led, do what you will, though I would discourage giving cash. The need is great and the opportunities are many. Now you know how to help. ~SS