Month: May 2024

Our wisdom for today is Proverbs 16:5.

“Everyone who is proud in heart is detestable to the LORD; be assured that he will not go unpunished.”

There are two parts to this wisdom: First, “Everyone who is proud in heart is detestable to the Lord.” Second, “He will not go unpunished.”

We all have a bit of pride. I’m proud of my family. I’m proud of my friends. This is not the “proud of heart” that our text is condemning.

The pride in this verse is not a small offense. This pride is excessive self-esteem that leads to arrogance and disdain for others. Pride causes murder, slander, theft, and a host of other sins. Hitler was proud. Mussolini was proud. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon was proud. This is recorded in the book of Daniel. “The king exclaimed, ‘Is this not Babylon the Great, which I myself have built by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?'”
The proud of heart says, “I did everything. I am great.”

Mere humans can also have this kind of pride. The evil man who betrays his family is proud. Men or women who become “proud in the heart” are not good people. They are not righteous before God.

The antidote to being proud of heart is to trust and lean on God. Nebuchadnezzar was punished for his pride, but restored when he “looked up to heaven…and honored and glorified Him who lives forever.” Daniel 4:34.

I’m Lonnie Davis
And these are thoughts worth thinking.

Our Moment of Wisdom today comes from Proverbs 16: verse 2

“All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes, but his motives are weighed out by the LORD.”

Let’s look closer:
“All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes?”

Really?

Yes, a man or woman usually does what seems right. Before you protest too loudly, let me add a caveat—the text says he does what seems right. He does not always do what is right, but rather what seems right. Unfortunately, we have a strange ability to fool ourselves.

When you reach the end of your life and consider your actions, you will know that some of the things you did were wrong, and you will wish you had not done them. As humans, we have the ability to talk ourselves into doing things we should not do. Later, we will know better, but at the time, it seemed like the thing to do.

This proverb encourages us to seek God’s guidance and wisdom, recognizing that His perspective is much broader and more accurate than our own. By aligning our motives with His will, we can ensure that our actions are genuinely righteous.

I’m Lonnie Davis
And these are thoughts worth thinking.

Our Scripture for today is Proverbs 16:6.

“By loving devotion and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns aside from evil.”

Our text teaches us one of the great lessons in life. It teaches us how to forgive. 

I mean really forgive. A lifetime ago, the kid next door came into our house and stole the grapes that I was saving for my self. I remembered that story for decades. Though I was upset at the time, getting past that does not really require forgiveness. Time and maturity heals that event.

But what about those times when you have been betrayed, or cheated on by someone you trusted with your life. A wife? A husband? A lifelong friend? Can you forgive that? I am telling you yes. I have seen it done. 

There are three secrets to such forgiveness:

1: It takes work. It won’t just happen without doing the work.

2: It takes time.

3. It takes following God.

Read our text again.

“By loving devotion and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns aside from evil.”

It says, “Loving devotion and faithfulness” atones for iniquity. That is a process and not an event. It takes time. The wounded party needs to see devotion and faithfulness, and in time, atonement will come.

Then it says, “and by the fear of the LORD.” That means following and respecting God and His will.

Yes! You can forgive. Give it time

I’m Lonnie Davis

And these are thoughts worth thinking.

Our Scripture for today is Proverbs 16: verse 1.

“The plans of the heart belong to man, but the reply of the tongue is from the LORD.”

Our text for today doesn’t tell us not to make plans, but it does remind us that whatever our plan, it is God who has the final say.

Sometimes our plans sound so wonderful that we think that surely God will help us with them. Do you remember the time when King David decided that he was going to build a temple for God? Even the prophet thought this sounded good. God said, “No. I have that planned for your son to do.”

David did a lot of great things, but I think his response to God’s answer to his plan is my favorite activity of David. David virtually said “okay.” and then decided that if God would not let him build it, then he would gather the building materials for the next king to build.

He is famous for killing the giant, but his response to his plans being rejected is even more amazing.

I too have plans. As I get older, I think more about that bucket list and all I have yet to do. However, like you, I need to remind myself that I can make plans, but God has the final say.

That is good with me, because God knows what is best, so I should trust Him.

So should we all.

I’m Lonnie Davis
And these are thoughts worth thinking.

Today, I am going to do something I have not done before. I am going to use the same verse two days in a row. I am doing this because this passage has been on my mind all day.

The text again is Proverbs 15:30

“The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the bones.”

What is that saying? I believe it is saying that when you are anxious, you may need someone to come and share your stress. Someone who will bring good news to the story. It will raise your spirits.

If you believe that, you might want to avoid news programs and political speeches. People from hundreds of miles away who go on television and shout at the top of their lungs. You have to be informed, but ration your time with those kinds of things.

I know that sometimes we have to speak about hard things, but do it in the right way. Forty years ago, I was sitting in the office with a friend as we listened to a sermon on tape. In the middle of the sermon, my friend said, “Wow! He is talking about the love of God, but he makes it sound like God is angry.”

There are times when we all need our spirits lifted. You will never find it with negative, life-is-always-bad” people. Always have that friend who will lift your spirits. You need it. Maybe even more importantly, resolve to be that friend who lifts others’ spirits.

It is a decision.

I’m Lonnie Davis
And these are thoughts worth thinking.

Our Text today is Proverbs 15:30

“The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the bones.”

If you’ve ever sat at night waiting for your teenager to finally gets home, then you know the joy that comes when he or she finally arrives.
Indeed, “the light of the eyes rejoices the heart.” There is joy and relief that washes over us when we hear good news. It can be as simple as a friend’s success, a loved one’s recovery, or an unexpected blessing in our lives. These moments not only bring immediate happiness but also have a deeper, refreshing impact on our spirits.

Good news is like a soft rain after a lengthy drought. Just as rain restores the parched ground, causing flowers to grow and rivers to flow again, good news lifts our mood.

In today’s world negative news often dominates and depresses our spirit. Turn the news off and share good news with someone. By spreading positivity, we have the power to uplift those around us. A kind word, a congratulatory message, or sharing an uplifting story can brighten someone’s day and bring renewed energy and hope.

Look for opportunities to share positive stories, offer words of encouragement, and celebrate the successes of others. By doing so, you’ll not only refresh your own spirit but also bring light and joy to those around you.
As we end, let’s remember that the “Gospel of Jesus,” does not mean “the news of Jesus,” It means “The Good News of Jesus.”

I’m Lonnie Davis
And these are thoughts worth thinking.

Our text is Proverbs 15:23.

“A man takes joy in a fitting reply—and how good is a timely word!” 

This verse highlights the significance of speaking thoughtfully and the joy that comes from providing the right words at the right moment.

When we consider our words before speaking, we are more likely to offer responses that are fitting and beneficial. Today’s proverb encourages us to value the impact of our speech. Words have the power to uplift, encourage, and bring clarity, but they can also hurt, confuse, and crush.

Reflecting on this verse, we realize that taking a moment to think before we speak can transform our words. Imagine a situation where someone is in distress. Nearly nine years ago, I went to the doctor for a diagnosis about cancer. He came in, sat at the desk with us. I will never forget the words he spoke. He said, “I wish I had better news for you.” I wanted words of hope. The rest of the meeting was a fog, but before I left he said more unforgettable words. He said, “You’ll be alright.” I was, and am. Before I began treatment, my radiologist said, “You’re not going to die of prostrate cancer. Prostrate cancer is the turtle of all cancers.” Some words you always remember!

I love the prayer of the old preacher, “Lord fill my mouth with worthwhile stuff, and nudge me when I’ve said enough.” That is what today’s verse is saying.

Lord help me have the fitting word at just the right time.

I’m Lonnie Davis

And these are thoughts worth thinking.

Our text today is Proverbs 15:17.

“Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a fattened ox and hatred therewith.” 

This verse cuts through our materialistic world, offering a profound truth: true joy doesn’t come from fancy possessions or extravagant displays, but flourishes in the fertile ground of love.

Imagine a simple meal shared with loved ones. The food might be basic, but the laughter and warmth around the table elevate the experience. Conversation flows freely, seasoned with shared stories and inside jokes. There’s a sense of belonging, of being accepted and appreciated for who you are. This simple gathering, fueled by love, creates a memory far more precious than any fleeting pleasure derived from material possessions.

On the other hand, consider a great feast consumed in an atmosphere of tension and animosity. The richness of the food is overshadowed by the coldness in the air. Forced conversations and awkward silences make the experience hollow. 

The proverb doesn’t suggest that material things are bad.  However, it reminds us not to prioritize possessions over genuine connection. A simple sandwich shared with love creates a richness that transcends a great feast. After all, the most delicious meals are always the ones seasoned with love.

At the end of your life, when you reflect on the great meals, it will not be the public banquet, but rather, you will long for the good old days, and the meals around the table with your family.

Remember this the next time you sit at a simple table with your family. 

I’m Lonnie Davis

And these are thoughts worth thinking.

Today’s proverb is Proverbs 15:6:
“The house of the righteous has great treasure, but the income of the wicked is trouble.”

Wait a minute. Is the Bible teaching that the more you have saved up, the more righteous you are? Of course not. It IS teaching that God calls on his people to manage their finances responsibly.

The Bible contains approximately 31,102 verses. Those who study the subject cite 2,350 verses dealing with money, wealth, and possessions, which is approximately 7.5% of the entire Bible.
Consider the teaching of just five of these verses:

1. Romans 13:8: “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another.”
2. Hebrews 13:5: “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”
3. Proverbs 13:11: “Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.”
4. Ecclesiastes 5:10: “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.”
5. Proverbs 21:20: “A foolish person devours all they have.”

There are hundreds of other Bible teachings on how to build and grow wealth. In fact, there is more in the Bible about how to live down here than about how beautiful heaven is. Be righteous and follow the Bible’s teachings on how to manage your possessions and your wealth will grow!

I’m Lonnie Davis
And these are thoughts worth thinking.

Today’s Bible verse is Proverbs 20: verse 3.
“It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.”

This amazing verse infers that we always have a choice. Admittedly sometimes we don’t. Sometimes the other person will not try at all. What do you do when it does not seem it is up to you. Paul said, “If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18)

I want you to remember one Bible story about a time when strife was hard to handle.
In the story of Abraham and Lot, there was strife everywhere. Abraham’s servants and Lot’s servants argued all the time. The strife became so great that it had to be handled. Abraham told Lot, “Please separate from me. If you go to the left, then I will go to the right; or if you go to the right, then I will go to the left” (Genesis 13).

From reading the Bible we know how it ended. Lot looked at the land and picked the best land for himself. Abraham was left with the second choice. In the story, Abraham accepts second choice and gave the rich land to Lot.

Imagine what it might have been if Abraham had been a lesser person. Maybe he would have said, “Are you crazy Lot? You ought to defer to me. I am your uncle. Without me, you would have nothing.” Of course we know he did not and God worked it all out for him.

So, how do you handle strife? Sometimes you separate, or give in. Just don’t demand your own way. Remember, fools are “quick to argue.”

I’m Lonnie Davis
And these are thoughts worth thinking.