Proverbs 15

Today I chose Proverbs 15:1 which reads: "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." If you approach someone angrily how do you think they will respond? Angrily in return. If someone comes to you angry and you stay calm and gentle and loving chances are they will calm down. Not a guaranteed of course. You will definitely get better results returning kindness.

Proverbs 14

Today I chose Proverbs 14:29 which reads: "A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly." I think the reason a patient man has great understanding is because he allows himself the time to gain understanding. Someone who is impatient is going to try to find shortcuts. He might get there but it is going to take at least twice as long. Also, someone who is quick with their tongue and temper usually looks very foolish. They are quick to judge and criticize which leads to them jumping to conclusions only to be corrected later. Looking foolish.

Proverbs 13

Today I chose Proverbs 13:20 which reads: "He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm." If you want to be wise you should seek out people to be around who are wise. If you are looking for advice on a topic you look for someone who is an expert on that topic. If you were looking for advice on how to run a business would you ask someone who never has run a business or worse yet run one in the ground? Of course not. You wouldn't ask someone who runs or has run a successful business.

I am not in control

Today on the way back from church we were discussing whether or not to go to the night of worship at the CityPlace campus at 7 p.m.. We get home and tried to open the back doors of the van to let the lift down so I could get out. The door refused to open. A few months ago someone had tampered with the lock for that door but it would still open. Then about a month after that it would only open from the inside. So my father had to carry me from the van into the house and then lift the chair onto the ground. So needless to say any plans we had made were mute. Further evidence that I am not in control, God is.

Proverbs 12

Today I chose Proverbs 12:16 which reads: "A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult." I can remember several instances in my life when I had quickly taken offense to a comment someone has made causing me to respond inappropriately only to find out I had misunderstood them or their intentions. If I would have stayed calm and asked them to clarify I would have avoided embarrassment.

Proverbs 11

Today I chose Proverbs 11:25 which reads: "A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." I guess another way of stating this would be you have to give to receive. Self-help gurus have been saying this for the past several years thinking they are saying something new or unique. I find that most things they say can be found in the Bible. God will take care of or reward if you will those who learn generous and take care of others. This is not to say we should be stupid and give away money that we don't have to give away or that we need to provide our own basic needs. But if we have faith God will take care of everything.

Proverbs 10

Today I chose Proverbs 10:12 which reads: "Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs." Have you ever seen someone who is hateful tried to get things done or have interactions with people? More times than not an argument is what happens. On the other hand, have you ever seen someone who is loving handle adversity or someone who is angry? Most times the love will overtake the hatred and anger and the angry or irritated person will become calm. Any parent can probably think of times when the love they have for their children has allowed them to overlook or forgive even the worst offenses of their children. This is the same love God has for us.