SCRIPTURE: PROVERBS 21
MEMORY VERSES:
“All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs the heart.” (Proverbs 21:2)
“To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” (Proverbs 21:3)
“Haughty eyes and a proud hearts, the lamp of the wicked, are sin!” (Proverbs 21:4)
“A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.” (Proverbs 21:6)
“Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.” (Proverbs 21:9)
“If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered.” (Proverbs 21:13)
“He who loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and oil will never be rich.” (Proverbs 21:17)
“Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife.” (Proverbs 21:19)
“He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor. (Proverbs 21:21)
He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.” (Proverbs 21:23)
“There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.” (Proverbs 21:30)
“The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.” (Proverbs 21:31)
PARTS OF THE BODY THAT AFFECT A PERSON:
- Heart – proud (vs. 1, 4)
- Eyes – haughty (v. 4)
- Tongue – lying (vs. 6, 23)
- Ears – refuse to listen 13)
- Mouth – uncontrolled (v. 23)
KINDS OF WIFE TO AVOID:
- Quarrelsome wife (v. 9)
- Ill-tempered wife (v. 19)
THE RIGHT THINGS TO DO:
- Do what is right and just. (v. 3)
- Make plans diligently. (v. 5)
- Get instructions and knowledge. (v. 11)
- Do justice. (v. 15)
- Walk in the path of understanding. 9v. 16)
- Pursue righteousness and love. (v. 21)
- Guard your mouth. (v. 23)
- Give without sparing. (v. 26)
- Give thought to your ways. (v. 29)
DON’TS
- Do not lie. (v. 6)
- Do not be violent. (v. 7)
- Do not crave evil. (v. 10)
- Do not love pleasure. (v. 17)
- Do not be proud and arrogant. (v. 24)
- Do not be a sluggard that refuses to work. (v. 25)
- Do not be a false witness. (v. 28)
- Do not put on a bold front. (v. 29)
THOUGHTS:
Bribes cannot make God overlook the faults of our character. No amount of generosity or offerings can make up for dishonesty.
Be a diligent worker and not a lazy sluggard. Do not look for short cuts that result in inefficiency.
It is always beneficial to learn from the mistakes of others. We should listen to advices and take counsel from others to improve ourselves.
You have to save for the future. Do not keep up with the Joneses by spending every penny and stretch your credit to the limit. Examine your lifestyle and store money for hard times.
Some people try to bribe God by giving tithes to church, and doing volunteer work with the hope of God’s blessings in return. But God desires obedience and love more than religious ritual. God does not want our sacrifice of time, energy and money alone. He wants our heart with sincere love and devotion.
In a battle, victory rests with the Lord. But this does not negate your responsibilities. You have to do your part and make preparations. God will accomplish his purpose and use you if you have done your part.