Month: June 2024

Our wisdom for today is taken from Proverbs 18:6.

“The lips of fools bring them strife, and their mouths invite a beating.

Here are words which say the same thing but in a different way – “A fool’s words stir up trouble and invite a fight.”

Words are powerful tools, capable of building up or tearing down, healing or even hurting. Just as we exercise caution when handling fire, we must be equally mindful of our speech. Reckless words can ignite conflicts and lead to serious trouble, much like a spark in dry grass.

The Bible provides numerous examples of the consequences of careless speech. One striking instance is found in Numbers 14. The Israelites’ constant grumbling and complaining against Moses and God in the wilderness led to severe repercussions. Their lack of faith and negative words, resulted in an entire generation perishing in the desert.

This example serves as a reminder of the impact our words can have, not only on ourselves but on those around us. It shows the importance of cultivating a tongue that speaks words of faith, encouragement, and wisdom, rather than doubt, criticism, and foolishness.

Let me leave you with this great thought from Carl Sandburg, “Be careful with your words, Once they are said, they can be only forgiven, not forgotten.”

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

Our wisdom for today is taken from Proverbs 17:5.

“He who mocks the poor insults their Maker; whoever gloats over calamity will not go unpunished.”

From this text, notice especially the phrase, “whoever rejoices in calamity will not go unpunished.” It seems so human to rejoice when your enemy suffers. Why does God forbid this? This injunction speaks to the importance of compassion and empathy with others. Rejoicing in someone else’s misfortune reflects a hardened heart, one that finds pleasure in the suffering of others. This attitude not only damages our relationships with those around us but also distances us from God. 

When we find joy in others’ hardships, we are essentially ignoring the call to love and support one another. The Bible repeatedly urges us to bear each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2) and to show kindness and mercy. Rejoicing in other’s pain is a direct contradiction to these teachings. It leads to a spiritual and moral downfall. This verse warns that such behavior will not go unpunished. 

Instead of finding satisfaction in others’ struggles, we should strive to be sources of encouragement and comfort, reflecting God’s love in our actions. 

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

Our wisdom for today is from Proverbs 17:13.

“If anyone returns evil for good, evil will never leave his house.”

One of the most ignorant things anyone ever says is, “It’s my life. I’m not hurting anyone but myself.” Look at today’s reading again. It does not say that your offense will affect only you. It says it affects your entire house.

Of course, there are personal consequences. The person who returns evil for good begins to develop a hardened heart, becoming more prone to bitterness and anger. This negative mindset affects an outlook on life, leading to the perpetuation of harmful behaviors.

There are also family consequences. The immediate family of the person committing these negative actions is directly impacted. Children, spouses, and other household members are exposed to an atmosphere of negativity and conflict. This environment can lead to emotional stress, anxiety, and a lack of peace within the home.

Children and younger family members often emulate the behaviors they observe. When they see a family member responding to kindness with malice, they may begin to adopt similar behaviors.

One writer put it best when he said, “Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children.”

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

Our wisdom today comes from Proverbs 4:26.

“Make a level path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure.”

Everybody expects wisdom from a wise man who lives in a holy place. However, wisdom often comes from children and others. Some of my favorite pieces of wisdom came from my wife. I gained some wisdom that I still quote to others.

One of my favorite ones was, “Sometimes we make things harder than God intended for them to be.” I recall this now because it says something about today’s proverb. It calls on us to “make a level path” for our feet. Well, duh! Any of us would do that.

You might think so, but it is not always so.

We know we need to put back a little money for a rainy day, but then we spend all we earn.
We know we need to eat healthy foods, but then we fry everything.
We know we need to be kind to others, but then we snap at other folks.
We know…

Well, you can finish your own lists.

Make and walk the level path. It is the most beneficial.
Above all, don’t make things harder than God ever intended for them to be.

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

Today’s wisdom comes from Proverbs 16:28.

“A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip divides close friends.”

The verse highlights two destructive behaviors: spreading dissension and dividing close friends. A perverse person, driven by ill intentions, enjoys creating chaos and conflict. He thrives on seeing others at odds. On the other hand, a gossip subtly erodes the bonds of friendship and community. Gossip works like a poison, infiltrating relationships that once stood strong.

The passage ties the two men together: a perverse man and a gossip. Gossip is more than idle chatter; it’s harmful talk about others that can cause significant damage. It’s the act of sharing unnecessary or private information with people who don’t need to know it. When we gossip, we sow seeds of discord and division among people.

Here is a great test about whether you are gossiping. If you are telling private, hurtful information to another, then ask if the other person really needs to know it, or whether you just feel the need to tell it. If the other person is not a part of the problem or a part of the solution, then it is just gossip.

In closing, remember, “He who gossips to you, will gossip about you.”

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

Our wisdom for today comes from Proverbs 15:28.

“The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil.” 

This verse highlights the importance of taking time to consider our words before we speak. Thoughtful speech is not just about avoiding harm; it’s about adding value to our conversations and relationships.

When we pause to think about our responses, we create space for wisdom and kindness to guide our words. This thoughtful approach helps us communicate more effectively, ensuring that our words are aligned with our values and intentions. Impulsive speech often leads to misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and regrettable outcomes.

In a time when blurting out is the norm, the discipline of thoughtful speech becomes even more crucial. It requires patience and self-control, virtues that lead to a righteous life. Thoughtful communication reflects our inner character. It shows that we respect others enough to think before we speak and that we strive to reflect God’s love and wisdom in our interactions.

Here is one more reason to be careful with our words, as “Carl Sandburg said, “Be careful with your words. Once they are said, they can only be forgiven, not forgotten.”

I’m Lonnie Davis

And these are thoughts worth thinking.

Our wisdom for today comes from Proverbs 15:27.

“He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble on his household, but he who hates bribes will live.”

This passage does not say that a good income or a rich income is wrong. It warns of greed and “unjust gain.” There is nothing wrong with making the most of the talents God gives you. The harm begins when you try to build beyond the ability God gave you, when you reach for unjust gain.

The Bible is filled with examples of greed gone to ruin. Read the stories of Achan, Gehazi, or Judas Iscariot and his 30 pieces of silver.

No greedy man ever starts by believing that greed will harm the entire family, yet our proverb today says that very thing. As one wise writer said, “The legacy of a greedy man is a family left in the shadow of his sins.”

In our own time there is the example of Bernie Madoff. Bernie stole tens of billions from those who lost everything. His whole family also lost everything. He was sentenced to 150 years in prison. He had a phone available, but no one ever called him, not even a family member. He and his family suffered from the consequences of greed and unjust gain.

Indeed, “He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble on his household.”

I’m Lonnie Davis

And these are thoughts worth thinking.

Today’s wisdom is from Proverbs 16:25.

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”

Let me read that again, “THERE IS a way that seems right to a man, BUT its end is the way of death.” 

Sometimes that person who is so stubborn and frustrating to you, is not being stubborn. He thinks he is right. That is true about me too. One wise writer said, “Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”

What seems right to us may not align with God’s wisdom. This principle is vividly illustrated in the Bible when Peter rebukes Jesus. In Matthew 16, Jesus explained that He must be killed, but on the third day, He will be raised to life. Peter took Jesus aside and rebuked Him, saying, “Never, Lord! This shall never happen to you!” Peter’s reaction seemed right to him, driven by his love for Jesus and his desire to protect Him from harm.

However, Jesus responded sternly, “Get behind me, Satan!” Peter’s way SEEMED right, BUT it was not God’s plan.

This example reminds us of the importance of seeking God’s wisdom in our decisions. Our human perspective is often limited and flawed. 

What seems right to us might be wrong. 

Sometimes the HARD thing and the RIGHT thing, are the SAME thing. 

I’m Lonnie Davis

And these are thoughts worth thinking.

Today’s wisdom is from Proverbs 16:18:

“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”

In our lifetime we often witness the truth of this ancient wisdom. One striking example is the collapse of the Titanic. The ship was deemed unsinkable, a marvel of modern engineering and human ingenuity. This belief in its invincibility, however, became its greatest weakness. On that fateful night in 1912, the Titanic struck an iceberg and, despite all the assurances of its creators, sank into the icy depths of the Atlantic Ocean. Over 1,500 lives were lost, a tragic reminder of the consequences of arrogance.

Proverbs 16:18 warns us that arrogance leads to significant negative consequences. The Titanic’s story illustrates how overconfidence can blind us to potential dangers and make us vulnerable to unforeseen disasters. When we believe we are invincible, we may neglect necessary precautions and ignore warnings. This verse encourages us to cultivate humility, to recognize our limitations, and to be mindful of the risks that pride can bring.

The importance of this verse can be seen in the words of a writer who said, 

“Pride must DIE IN you, or nothing of heaven can LIVE IN you.”

I’m Lonnie Davis

And these thoughts are worth thinking.

Today’s wisdom is from Proverbs 17:24.

“Wisdom is the focus of the discerning, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.”

“The Perils of Wandering Eyes”

In the long list of Bible stories, few characters embody the wandering eyes of a fool like Samson. His story serves as a cautionary backdrop for today’s reflection.

Samson, anointed with super-human strength, was set apart for a divine purpose. Yet, his eyes, much like those of a fool in Proverbs 17:24, roamed aimlessly, lured by desire rather than guided by wisdom. His dalliances with Delilah, driven by lust rather than discernment, ultimately led to his capture and blindness. In a literal and figurative sense, his vision had led him to the ends of the earth, far from the wisdom he was meant to uphold.

This narrative warns us of the perils that await when our focus strays from wisdom. Like Samson, we may possess great potential, but without the anchoring force of discernment, we risk squandering our gifts and veering off our intended path. The wandering eyes of a fool lead to a life scattered and fragmented, devoid of the clarity that wisdom provides.

As we consider the tale of Samson, let us fix our eyes upon wisdom, allowing it to guide our choices and our journey. Only in the pursuit of wisdom, we find the direction and purpose that folly so carelessly discards.

I’m Lonnie Davis

And these are thoughts worth thinking.