Pro. 28 ESV

19 Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread,
but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.

I’ve chosen this proverb before, I’m sure, but it is one I really need to memorize. I’ve had more than a couple tell me there is grass in my garden. Mmmm. My excuse is that I simply don’t have the time it takes to keep grass out of the garden, and I think the grass will be fine anyway. Perhaps I need to try harder.

On the other hand this proverb commands me to to stay away from worthless pursuits. I can really waste time on the computer with worthless pursuits. Today, I will pray that the Lord guides me into worthwhile ventures.

Pro. 2 ESV

Treasure up the commands of God…”2making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding.

This week I’ve been lax in putting sermons together.  I know that breaks are needed, and okay to take, however, I can’t take a break from God and His wisdom.  The proverb today says that it doesn’t come easy.  Wisdom doesn’t fall into your lap.  One must make his ear attentive, and make his heart inclined.

Pro. 6 AMP

6Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider her ways and be wise!
7Which, having no chief, overseer, or ruler,
8Provides her food in the summer and gathers her supplies in the harvest.

The ant is a symbol for me to keep up with my sermon preparations ahead of time. Peter says that we are to be ready in and out of season. So, I “go to the ant” for inspiration to prepare before harvest time.

Pro. 4 AMP

Pro. 4:15Avoid it, do not go on it; turn from it and pass on.

Just “pass on” from evil. You don’t have to turn toward it, you can just pass on. I am so easily distracted, and my interest so easily piqued, but I don’t have to even give notice to the things outside my pathway. I can just pass on.

Pro. 12 MSG

Pro. 12:24 The diligent find freedom in their work;
the lazy are oppressed by work.

…27 A lazy life is an empty life,
but “early to rise” gets the job done.

Diligence is both freedom and accomplishment; laziness is restrictive and empty.

Pro. 12 (NIV)

This is one of my favorite chapters. Today I will include three choices.

Diligence (Sober living)
Pro. 12:11 He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment. … (v. 24) Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in slave labor.

Pro. 12:4 A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown…
I am thankful today that I have a noble wife. She is my crowning honor.

Pro. 12:25 An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.
I choose this one today knowing that I have a few friends that are weighed down. I pray a kind word (email) may be one of those seeds (see yesterday’s post).

Proverbs Chapter 12

Pro. 6 (NLT)

Pro. 6: 9 But you, lazybones, how long will you sleep? When will you wake up?

I like the NLT’s “lazybones.” That is what I am. When will I awake from my stupor? Laziness robs me of joy and self worth. Diligence encourages me. Go to the ant O sluggard. Wake up.