Give me what I need

I found two interesting verses in Proverbs 30:8-9.  The author said that they didn't want poverty nor riches.  If they had poverty they would steal and if they had too much they would disown God.  The poverty gospel is wrong as well as the prosperity gospel.  The Provision Gospel is the one that God calls us to.  God, give me what I need--nothing more, nothing less.

Knowing the difference between wisdom and deceit

I've already shared how the author of Proverbs describes wisdom as a voice.  Well, so is deceit.  That is why it is so important to listen to the right voices.  So how do we do that?  I believe the only way to know for sure you are hearing the right voices is to be reading God's Word on a regular basis and listening to His voice.  If you don't know someone's voice well you can be fooled.  But if my wife were to call me, I know her voice the moment I hear it because I know her well.  We spend a lot of time together.  That's how it should be with wisdom.  If I spend time in God's Word and listening for His voice, He will speak.

Listeners are successful

Last year one of our pastors was guiding me on some career goals.  He gently pointed out that an area I could improve on is listening.  He said my brain is always thinking ahead.  I took his advice and read two books on listening skills. When I re-did my Rule of 5 I included Listening as one of my five.  The Bible points that in Proverbs 21:28 that good listeners are successful.  That is my desire today.

God's name is a strong tower

I've heard Proverbs 18:10 for years.  Depending on the translation, it basically says that God's name is a fort and if we run to His name we are safe.  I'm not sure exactly how that works but I just rely on God for everything and instead of trying to do things on my own power.  At least I try.  Anytime I take over I mess things up.  Maybe that's the point, run to God and let him handle everything.

Get Busy

One of the themes I see in Proverbs is that the wise get busy.  They don't procrastinate and wait for things to happen, they make things happen.  It is one thing to depend on God, but it is another thing to depend on Him as you get busy.

Silence is golden

I don't know who coined the phrase, "Silence is Golden," but I'd like to have a few words with them.  As I'm studying in Proverbs it is obvious that Wisdom has a voice and it speaks.  If I'm desperately seeking wisdom, why is God so silent? 

Get Wisdom - Get Understanding

I was studying in Proverbs 3 & 4 today.  I was impressed by the fact that the beginning of wisdom is just to get it. (Proverbs 4:7).  The author also emphasized that if you want wisdom and understanding you have to go get it.  It comes from God, but He wants us to go after it with everything we have.