"Only Life Changes"

Proverbs Chapter 13. In the Old Testament, a rebellious son was to be taken to the edge of the city and stoned to death. This was a drastic measure, but I believe we are to see in that lesson that a person who will not be instructed is headed for destruction. Loving parents rebuke their children when they are in error. When Proverbs 13:24 is seen in its correct, biblical context, it is evident that the rod in this passage, refers to a parent’s use of wise discipline to teach their child important lessons in life. Based on this foundation, we build the framework for godly parenting. The truth from Proverbs 13:24 means that godly parenting requires discipline, which includes physical pain. This does not mean child abuse, which is a criminal act of inflicting on a child out of anger and malice.Every verse in the book of Proverbs holds gems of wisdom from the Lord… whether they are words or warning or precious pearls of instruction – exhortation to live a godly life of simply encouragement to trust in the Lord with all our heart and to keep the eyes of our heart firmly fasted onto our Savior, Jesus Christ.

The council in this little verse of Scripture has colossal consequences, for although the mouth is so small, and the tongue is a tiny member of the body, it has far reaching ramifications. Jesus tells us that it is the words that comes out of the mouth that defiles a man, for our speech reflects the thoughts of our heart, while James reminds us that a tiny spark, carelessly cast from the tongue, can ignite a great and destructive inferno. How true that the one who guards his mouth and the word of his lips will keep himself out of trouble and preserve his life, while the one who opens his lips wide in careless cackling will come to ruin, how important therefore to let all the conversation that pours from our lips, be always full of grace and seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone. The Lord Jesus is the perfect example of One whose words were gracious and kind; wise and instructive, for who spoke the truth in love. As we bathe the thoughts of our heart in the Word of God and meditate on the truth of His wisdom, we will not only guard our mouth to keep us from evil but will pour out His words of healing and help to others, until it is not I that speak, but Christ that speaks through me.

Proverbs Chapter 13:1-25
A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke. A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence. He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction. The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame. Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner. There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches. The ransom of a man’s life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke. The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out. Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom. Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase. Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life. Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded. The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard. Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly. A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health. Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured. The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil. He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed. A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment. He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes. The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.
{Let’s Pray}
Father God, I thank You and praise You for my body, which is fearfully and wonderfully made by You. Guard my heart, (the words I feel), ears, (the words I hear), eyes, (the stuff I see), and tongue, (the words that come from my mouth), from foolish words and ill-considered comments. Let my speech be always gracious, good and kind as I speak the truth in love. I thank You and praise You for the words of wisdom that are found in the bible. Keep me from prideful insolence and destructive strife and teach me to walk in your way, to receive wisdom, and to be willing to learn from godly counsel. Help me to take to heart all that is written in Your Word, and enable me, in the power of the Spirit, to apply all that I learn by hearing and seeing in my everyday life so that I may not only be a good and faithful witness of Your love and grace, but be a member of Your Body that honors Your Holy Precious Name Jesus Amen.

{Power Verse}
A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence. Proverbs 13:2

Proverbs 12 –Words, Deeds, and Destiny. Proverbs 12:1. Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, But he who hates correction is stupid. The wicked is cursed by the transgression of his lips.–For his words, the product of his evil heart, while designed to injure others, often bring the offender himself into trouble (Psalm 7:16), and moreover, as being the true index of the inner life of the soul, are being stored up as a witness against him at the day of judgment” (Matthew 12:37). The “just man,” on the contrary, avoids all this “trouble.”The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips; rather, in the transgression of the lips is an evil snare. For by thy words (as well as thy tempers and works) thou shalt then be either acquitted or condemned. Your words as well as actions shall he produced in evidence for or against you, to prove whether you was a true believer or not. And according to that evidence you will either be acquitted or condemned in the great day. (Proverbs 18:7). A man by speaking unadvisedly or intemperately brings trouble upon himself, involves himself in difficulties which he did not foresee. Often when he has spoken in order to injure others, the slander or the censure has redounded on himself. {Psalm 7:15-16. He made a pit. This is a proverbial manner of speech often used in Scripture. It is taken from pits which are digged, and then covered with the leaves of trees, or some such unstable materials, either to make men fall into them, or else wild beasts, which are hunted into them.Psalm 9:16: The LORD is known by the justice He brings; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands. Higgaion Selah The LORD is known by his acts of justice; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands. ). “He who looketh gently shall obtain mercy; but he who frequents the gates [or, ‘contends in the gates,’ will harass souls.” This seems to mean the man who is calm and considerate for others will himself be treated with pity and consideration (Matthew 5:7); but he who is a gossip, or a busybody, or litigious, will be always vexing his neighbors.

Proverbs Chapter 12:1-28
Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish. A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn. A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved. A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones. The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit. The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them. The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand. A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised. He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread. A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding. The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit. The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble. A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise. A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame. He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit. There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment. Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy. There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief. Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight. A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness. The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute. Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad. The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them. The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious. In the way of righteousness is life: and in the pathway thereof there is no death.
{Lets Pray}
Father God, I thank You and praise You that Jesus is my Savior and has promised to be with me throughout the hard times in life. Keep me from dwelling on anxious thoughts and help me to hand all my cares over to You, as soon as they come into my mind. So that my heart may be filled with Your quietness and promised peace. Let me give every single anxious thought over to You and keep me from going to others with worries and problems flooding through my mind. I beleive that I would learn to keep the eyes of my heart looking to Jesus,  and the thoughts of my mind resting on You. You have promised to give Your perfect peace to everyone whose mind is stayed on You Jesus. I believe those going through tough stuff, because of others, that You will make all things right in all lives today. I thank You and praise You in Jesus Precious Name Amen.
“Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.”
Proverbs 12:25

Ephesians 5:1–21 continues Paul’s invaluable instructions on how Christians should live out their faith. Rather than imitating the world, or being controlled by worldly things, Christians are to be filled with the Spirit. Specific flaws such as sexual immorality, crude speech, and wasting of time are discouraged. Paul’s point in Ephesians 5:22-33 is unity in marriage facilitated by submission and sacrificial love. Marg Mowczko is an Australian theologian and writer with an interest in the mutuality (equality) of men and women in Christian ministry and marriage. Paul seems to be alternating between different subjects. He mentions wives, then husbands, then Jesus and the church, then husbands, and then wives again. This chopping and changing makes for confusing reading for most readers who are used to English literary styles. Paul uses a common literary device found in both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament. He used a chiasm to draw people’s attention to an important point. A chiasm is a way of arranging thoughts in sentences to form an X-shaped pattern.[1] The thoughts are stated sequentially in one direction until a main point or climax is reached; then the thoughts are repeated in reverse order. In a chiasm, the main point, or a highlighted idea, is often at the centre of a passage. Ephesians 5:22-33 is, in fact, beautifully structured with a vital point at the centre. By understanding the chiastic structure of Ephesians 5:22-33, we can see that Paul makes two (or more) corresponding statements about wives, husbands, and Jesus and the church; and he repeats key thoughts such as sanctification, love, and the head-body metaphor, etc. It is important to consider each statement along with its corresponding statement to gain a fuller understanding of Paul’s teaching in this passage.
Ephesians Chapter 5:1-21
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
“Marriage Like Christ and The Church”
Ephesians Chapter 5:22-33
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

Father God, I want to be more and more like Jesus to walk in newness of life and to truly be a life where Jesus can be seen in me, I thank You and praise You for the life example of the Lord Jesus. I know I cannot copy Him in my own strength, but I believe that in the power of the Holy Spirit, I would learn to walk in love, so that I become a sweet-smelling thankful offering that is pleasing to You. I thank You, praise You and give You all the honor and glory in Your Precious Name Jesus Amen.
(Power Verse)
“And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor.”
Ephesians 5:2

When I think of the wisdom and scope of His plan I fall down on my knees and pray to the Father. Of all the great family of God some of them up there in heaven and some down here on earth. That out of His glorious, unlimited resources He will give you the mighty inner strengthening of His Holy Spirit. And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in Your hearts , living within you as you trust in Him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love.
And may you be able to feel and understand, as all God’s Children should, how long, how wide, how deep and how high His love really is: and to experience this love for yourselves, (Though it is so great that you will never see the end of it, or fully know or understand it). And so at last you will be filled up with God Himself.

Ephesians 3:14-18

He alone is my rock, my rescuer, defense and fortress. Why then should I be tense with fear when troubles come?

Psalm 62:2

Proverbs chapter 11 means: Solomon continues his wise sayings in this chapter by contrasting the conduct and character of the upright and the wicked. Those labelled “righteous” or “blameless” here are those who follow godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:7). An upright, godly life leads a person in the right path. This keeps godly people from gaining a bad reputation, from suffering the consequences of sin, and from being taken in by their own greed. Those who reject wisdom are consumed and destroyed by their own evil. In particular, those who pursue wealth and worldliness at all costs will be left without hope (Proverbs 11:1–8). To those who seek righteousness not only benefit their own lives, they are a blessing to others. Their generosity helps their neighbor, and in return they can expect help in times of crisis. The righteous person’s life is attractive; they “capture” the souls of others and encourage them to also honor God. Godliness keeps a person from inviting trouble, from offending others with slander or gossip, and from ruining their reputation. In contrast, the wicked person harms his neighbors and his family. As a result, he can expect to see his legacy ruined and his reputation hated. Even if the unrighteous person escapes some earthly troubles, he has no hope, at all, in eternity (Proverbs 11:9–31).

Proverbs Chapter 11:1-31
A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight. When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom. The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them. Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death. The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness. When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth. The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead. An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered. When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting. By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked. He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace. A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter. Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure. A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches. The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh. The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward. As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death. They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight. Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered. As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion. The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath. There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it. He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him. He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a branch. He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart. The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.

{Let’s Pray}
Father God, I thank You and praise You for the Godly and wise counsel of Christian brothers and sisters that You have placed in my life, to give me godly guidance and wise instruction. Assist me in be willing to listen to their advice and I believe that You would confirm the guidance I receive in Your Word and through Your Holy Spirit. Use me, I believe in offering wise advice to others, and to be ready and willing to respond to Your leading and guiding in every area of my life. I thank You, praise You and give You all the honor and glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.

{Power Verse}

“Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.”
Proverbs 11:14

The proverbs of Solomon: Proverbs 10 begins a new section of the book. In some sense, the first nine chapters have been an introduction. It can be said that the collection of Solomon’s proverbs begins here as a series of two-phrase, single verse, wisdom sayings. This arrangement continues through Proverbs 22:16. The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother. 2 Ill-gotten treasures have no lasting value, but righteousness delivers from death. The proverbs of chapter 10 are mostly aimed at comparing the consequences one can expect from leading a righteous life as opposed to leading a wicked life. The comparison term “but” is repeated in almost every verse. These wise comments begin with a summary of how righteousness and evil result in different reputations (Proverbs 10:1–7).Those who participate in godly wisdom have a better likelihood of success. They are less likely to invite revenge, punishment, or judgment because of their actions.
Proverbs Chapter 10:1-32
The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother. Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivers from death. The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casts away the substance of the wicked. He becometh poor that deals with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent makes rich. He that gathers in summer is a wise son: but he that sleeps in harvest is a son that causes shame. Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covers the mouth of the wicked. The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot. The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall. He that walks uprightly walks surely: but he that perverts his ways shall be known. He that winks with the eye causes sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall. The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covers the mouth of the wicked. Hatred stirs up strife: but love covers all sins. In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding. Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction. The rich man’s wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty. The labor of the righteous tends to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin. He is in the way of life that keeps instruction: but he that refuses reproof erreth. He that hides hatred with lying lips, and he that uttered a slander, is a fool. In the multitude of words there wants not sin: but he that refrains his lips is wise. The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth. The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom. The blessing of the LORD, it makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom. The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted. As the whirlwind passes, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation. As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him. The fear of the LORD prolongs days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish. The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth. The mouth of the just brings forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out. The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaks frowardness.
{Lets Pray}
Father God, Cease and desist Gossip, which are lying lips. People that carry gossip usually fall into their own trap that they set before themselves. Let children know and believe with all their hearts that they are loved. You tell us in Your Word that hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins. Father, if any of my children are prone to negativity as their mother is, may they be reminded that a merry heart makes a cheerful countenance. Let them know You are right there with what ever they are going through. Guide others to encourage them and shine Your light, so may it never stop glowing in unity. I thank You, praise You and give You all the glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.
{Power Verse}
The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covers the mouth of the wicked. Proverbs 10:11

What does Proverbs chapter 9 mean? Chapter 9 further highlights the distinction between godly wisdom and worldly foolishness. Proverbs 9:1-12) Christ has prepared ordinances to which his people are admitted, and by which nourishment is given here to those that believe in him, as well as mansions in heaven hereafter. The ministers of the gospel go forth to invite the guests. Wisdom’s invitation, avoid foolish women. This returns to prior depictions of wisdom as a woman calling to be heard (Proverbs 8:1–4), and a seductive, sinful woman seeking gullible people as her prey (Proverbs 7:7–27). The chapter can be divided into three sections, each with six verses. What is the meaning of Proverbs 9? Better is he who is lowly and has a servant, Than he that makes himself mighty and is without bread. This proverb, like Proverbs 15:17, commends the middle rank of life with its quiet excellences.
Proverbs Chapter 9:1-18
Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars: She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table. She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city, Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled. Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding. He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebukes a wicked man getteth himself a blot. Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased. If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it. A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing. For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city, To call passengers who go right on their ways: Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.
{Let’s Pray}
Father God, good morning. I love You, thank You, praise You and give You all the honor and glory for this new day. Give me an understanding, forgiving and compassionate heart. Yearning of Your knowledge of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ… for the more I know Him and the power of His Resurrection, and the more I fellowship in His suffering and pain, the more I will understand Your eternal character and Your unsurpassed attributes to Your Awesomeness. Let me breathe in Your wisdom and hand it to others with Your light. I thank You, praise You and give You all the glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.
{Power Verse}
Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. Proverbs 9:9

Although Lady Wisdom is portrayed in several places through Proverbs 1-9, chapter 8 contains both the sage discussing Lady Wisdom and her speaking on her own behalf. Her speech in chapter 8 is actually her second one in the book as she also called out to the people in Proverbs 8. The chapter opens with rhetorical questions about whether Lady Wisdom cries out to the people. The next two verses reveal that indeed she does and she does so at the high places of the city as well as at the gates of the city (vs. 2-3). The locations she has chosen to advertise herself are central locations of community life and business. She has placed herself in the center of “human activity, commerce, justice, and teaching” in the city such that “wisdom becomes the medium of social order and the basis of life-sustaining teaching that maintains creation” Lady wisdom is famous for its description of the wisdom of God as a person or entity—a deity-level figure who assists God in some way with the creation of the world. 22 “The Lord possessed me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of old. In contrast to the evil woman of chapter 7, another “woman” is presented: Wisdom personified again as a prophetess whose call the son should heed. After calling to all classes of men to come and be wise, Wisdom praises in the first person her own moral excellence and value. Proverbs Chapter 8, wisdom is everlasting. Proverbs Chapter 8. In contrast to the evil woman of chapter 7, another “woman” is presented: Wisdom personified again as a prophetess whose call the son should heed. After calling to all classes of men to come and be wise, Wisdom praises in the first person her own moral excellence and value.
Proverbs Chapter 8:1-36
Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice? She “The Excellence Of Wisdom” she stands in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths. She cries at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors. Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man. O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart. Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things. For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them. They are all plain to him that understands and right to them that find knowledge. Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions. The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogance, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength. By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth. I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Riches and honor are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures. The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth: While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth: Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men. Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that hears me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoso finds me finds life, and shall obtain favor of the LORD. But he that sinned against me wronged his own soul: all they that hate me love death.
{Let’s Pray}
Father God, I thank You and praise You that in Jesus Christ dwells all the wisdom of the Godhead bodily and I am part of His spiritual body and one with Him by faith. I believe that I would be granted wisdom to choose the good and steer clear of the evil period! That my life may be rooted in Jesus Christ so deeply that His mind will influence my actions, attitudes, words and behavior so that Jesus is seen in me. I thank You, praise You and give You all the glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.

{Power Verse}
Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. Proverbs 8:34

As in his previous lessons, Solomon begins Proverbs 7 with a plea to his “son,” which may also be a reference to students. His request is that they pay close attention to his instruction and value his counsel highly. He commends valuing wisdom the way a man ought to cherish his own sister. “Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.”. This expression refers to the pupil of the eye which, because it is the source of sight, is carefully protected. The son is to guard and protect his father’s teachings because they give him spiritual and moral sight. Is a father’s message to his son. He tells his son a story about a foolish young man who fell into the trap of a seductress, and warns him not to do the same.{We are to breathe up these commandments within us. We are to do all we can to protect them. We are to ensure that God’s Word gets down through our ears, into our eyes to our heart for success, fulfillment, godliness, and virtue. So we can walk in the light and pass the light of Christ to others. Never let the light go. Stay close to God always.

Proverbs Chapter 7:1-27
My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee. Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye. Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart. Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman: That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattered with her words. For at the window of my house I looked through my casement, And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding, Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house. In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night: And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtle of heart. {She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house: Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.} So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him, I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows. Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee. I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt. I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves. For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey: He hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed. With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him. He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks; Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life. Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth. Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths. For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her. Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.
{Prayer}
Father God, open eyes and ears to Your commandments with true understanding. I thank You and praise You for the wise words that we find in the book of Proverbs. Help me to pay attention to gaining wisdom and understanding, knowing that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of His righteousness, wisdom and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. I thank You and praise You that in Jesus Christ dwells all the treasures of righteousness, wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. Stay far away from Harlots! I thank You and praise You that You want the marriage bed to be pure before becoming newlyweds. I thank You, praise You and give You all the glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.
{Power Verse}
Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye. Proverbs 7:2

Ephesians Chapter 4 Unity of Spirit, new life in Christ Ephesians Chapter 4. In the first three chapters of Ephesians, Paul has set forth the believer’s position with all the blessings, honors, and privileges of being a child of God.

Also in Ephesians 4:2 “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;” “Lowliness” means humility which is not found in the Latin or Greek vocabularies of Paul’s day. Ephesians 4:1–16: describes both the unity of believers and the new hope which Christians have in Jesus. The first part of the chapter begins with Paul’s mention of his imprisonment and his focus on Christian unity.

Also, in Ephesians 4:17–32 : is a valuable, highly practical explanation of how to live out a Christian life. Paul notes the difference between a life wallowing under the power of sin, as opposed to a life thriving in the power of Christ. Christians are called on to ”put away” the things which entangle unbelievers.

Ephesians Chapter 4:1-32

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, when he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplied, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, makes increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:  Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing, which is good, that he may have to give to him that needed. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

{Let’s Pray}

Father God, I believe that I too might be a bond-slave of Christ, who shed His blood to save me from my sins, and that I might walk in a manner that is worthy of the glorious calling to which You have called me. I thank You and praise You for the wealth of spiritual blessings that You have lavished on me, by grace through faith. Lord Jesus, I desire to live godly in Jesus Christ and to walk in humble dependence and humility of heart, before you all the days of my life. Help me to put off the old-self and to live as You desire in humble dependence and freedom upon You as I walk with You. I thank You, praise You and give You all the honor and glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.

{Power Verse}

 Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:3