Proverbs 14

Good Afternoon Girls - I am sorry that this didn't get posted yesterday, the day just seemed to get away from me. J is recovering well but it will take some definate time to get used to the cast. He is already complaining that its itchy and that he can't do anything. I am still stressed that he will somehow re-injure it, so I need to probably calm down a bit. This is going to be quite a learning experiance.

Today we look at Proverbs 14 - let's read:
Proverbs 14
1 The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.
2 Whoever fears the LORD walks uprightly, but those who despise him are devious in their ways.
3 A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them.
4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests.
5 An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies.
6 The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.
7 Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips.
8 The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.
9 Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright.
10 Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.
11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish.
12 There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.
13 Even in laughter the heart may ache, and rejoicing may end in grief.
14 The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, and the good rewarded for theirs.
15 The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.
16 The wise fear the LORD and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure.
17 A quick-tempered person does foolish things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated.
18 The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19 Evildoers will bow down in the presence of the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
20 The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends.
21 It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.
22 Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find[a] love and faithfulness.
23 All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.
24 The wealth of the wise is their crown, but the folly of fools yields folly.
25 A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful.
26 Whoever fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.
27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.
28 A large population is a king’s glory, but without subjects a prince is ruined.
29 Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.
30 A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.
31 Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.
32 When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God.
33 Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning and even among fools she lets herself be known.[b]
34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.
35 A king delights in a wise servant, but a shameful servant arouses his fury.

My thoughts and take-aways:
This is one of my favorite chapters because as a Christian, Wife, and Mother I feel that the Lord is talking directly to me. I could go verse by verse but for the sake of time I am going to focus on three. This chapter starts with verse 1 stating, " The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down." WOW - What an incredible statement. As I read that I ponder my position. I want to be the one who builds up my husband and my kids. I would never want to 'tear them down'. So my first thought goes to my words - did I choose the right words and tone to talk to them? Did I do everything in love or did I let my emotions control the conversation? My second thought goes to my actions - Do I always show them my love? Do I always put them first? I don't want to be a 'hold on for a minute' type wife or mom. I know that I need to be reminded of this everyday.

The next verse I love is verse 26, "Whoever fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge." I have mentioned before that it took me a while to realize that we should not only love our Lord but we should fear Him as well. This verse tells me that if I fear the Lord (Which I do after studying Revelation at length) I am safe in Him and for my children it will be a refuge. How comforting this is as a mother. What are your thoughts?

The last verse that speaks to me is verse 29, "Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly." Patience is something I understand that I have but it is a 'fruit' that I need work on. Sometimes I let my emotions determine my actions, and I need to be "Slow to anger, quick to listen and quick to resond."

Tell me your thoughts in the comments!

Love to all!
M