Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips. (Proverbs 27:2) It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to seek one’s own honor. (Proverbs 25:27) My godly father had an expression which pretty much “nailed it” in describing people who are filled …
Author Archives: Jonathan Kobayashi
22220.023 Laughter Is Not the Best Medicine
A happy heart makes the face cheerful. (Proverbs 15:13a) A cheerful heart is good medicine. (Proverbs 17:22a) Someone has said, “Everybody lights up a room—some by entering and others by leaving.” One would think that Christians, of all people, would light up a room by entering. Yet a friend of mine is convinced that some …
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22220.024 Other Names for Treachery
The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity. (Proverbs 11:3) The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires. (Proverbs 11:6) If they say, “Come along with us; let’s waylay some harmless soul…,” my son, do not go along with them; do …
22220.025 Nuclear Sticks and Stones
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1) The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. (Proverbs 15:2) The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. (Proverbs 15:4) The elementary school playground …
22220.026 Plan the Work and Work the Plan
Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. (Proverbs 6:6-8) A godly family member has been successful in the lumber business in Nebraska. After taking over ownership of the family …
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22220.027 For You, I Have a Special Deal!
Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked. (Proverbs 10:6) The wicked man earns deceptive wages, but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward. (Proverbs 11:18) Soon after my wife and I married, a securities dealer challenged us to invest in some over-the-counter stock. This, our first …
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22220.028 Plans from the Ultimate Planner
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed…In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. (Proverbs 16:3, 9) Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. (Proverbs 15:22) Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what …
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22220.029 Friends in Low Places
My Son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them… (Proverbs 1:10) He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. (Proverbs 13:20) He who keeps the law is a discerning son, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father. (Proverbs 28:7) There’s a fun country and …
22220.030 The “Dumb Dog” Syndrome
As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly. (Proverbs 26:11) A hot-tempered man must pay the penalty; if you rescue him, you will have to do it again. (Proverbs 19:19) The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. (Proverbs 22:3) On more …
22220.031 A Place Called Hope
The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing. (Proverbs 10:28) Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. (Proverbs 13:12) Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. …