A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. (Proverbs 15:13) The look on their faces testifies against them; they parade their sin like Sodom; they do not hide it. (Isaiah 3:9) As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man. (Proverbs 27:19) Comedian George Burns said of entertainment, …
Continue reading “22220.020 You Can Tell a Person by His Cover”
The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. (Proverbs 22:7) The wicked borrow and do not repay. (Psalm 37:21a) If you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have struck hands in pledge for another…go and humble yourself; press your plea with your neighbor…free yourself. (Proverbs 6:1-5, …
Continue reading “22220.021 Your Money and Your Slave Master”
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 …
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 …
Continue reading “22220.023 Laughter Is Not the Best Medicine”
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 …
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 …
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 …
Continue reading “22220.026 Plan the Work and Work the Plan”
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 …
Continue reading “22220.027 For You, I Have a Special Deal!”
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 …
Continue reading “22220.028 Plans from the Ultimate Planner”
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 …