Ch 9
verse 8
So don’t bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you. But correct the wise, and they will love you.
Sometimes mockers disguise as wise until you correct them.
Lord, grant me courage to speak truth and not be afraid of potential mockery. Yet, help me also to be wise to correct with wise words and only after careful thought. May my motives always be love and not careless blathering of my opinion.
Ch 10
verse 21
The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense. —
It’s been a year since I began playing with a website thinking it would be a new hobby and challenge to re-learn after giving up my business site. The energy and interest didn’t last (it’s harder than I remember) and it sat dormant and empty this long. The motive was wrong…praying now for a heart that desires to feed many, wisdom and integrity to do it in righteousness, and faithfulness to do it well. Sharing the gospel isn’t a hobby, it’s God’s call and commission; a website is in my wheelhouse so may be the platform to spread seeds of faith. Here am I Lord, send me. 🙏
Ch 11
verse 25
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
Lord, help me to be filled with an attitude of gratitude that feeds a refreshing day. May joy overflow from what God has given me in this life–mainly confident hope and contentment. May others be as blessed through me as I feel blessed by you.
Ch 12
verse 16
Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.
Feeling annoyed and insulted by someone. This verse dampens the fire a bit. Praying for a steady look at Jesus who endured the cross for all of MY offenses. May I forgive as I’ve been forgiven and overlook the insult. Thank you, Lord, for wisdom.
Ch 13
verse 19
The life of the godly is full of light and joy, but the light of the wicked will be snuffed out.
Not feeling the joy this morning. Lord, lift up my spirit and fill it with supernatural joy so I may reflect your light as I go about my day.
Ch 14
verse 26
Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.
Lord, help me to be at rest in confident faith that you are, indeed, my fortress. Help me to surrender the false notion that it depends on me to build it or keep it. May my children see in me full dependence on you rather than idle striving and may they know they can, likewise, find refuge and strength in you.
Ch 15
verse 1
A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.
Lord, help me to relinquish the need to be right today and help me to be righteous instead. When I am tempted to become irritable with the irritable people around me, guide my words towards gentle rather than harsh responses.
Ch 16
verse 24
Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Lord help my lunch conversation to be sweet, encouraging and soul lifting. In your goodness may it even be, literally, healing to the bones.