WHAT IN THE WORLD IS GOING ON

I received this from a friend who is a Missionary in Japan, Nils Olson...

I don’t think there is anybody in the world today who hasn’t noticed how much our world has changed in the past couple of years. I mean really changed.

                   

“It’s scary!”

“It’s crazy!”

“It’s unbelievable!”

There is no need to go into detail. The world-wide web lets us know every second the details. Have you ever noticed how on weekends, the world seems to take a break from criticism, rumors, economy, politics and religion? Really! News anchors take the weekend off and non-famous newscasters-in-training read the weekend news. People rarely are seen in church anymore. Then first thing early Monday morning, what my Dad used to call “the rat race” begins all over again. Competitors and commentators vie for first place and the highest ratings. 

Even though we think the condition of our world is unbelievable, it is nevertheless 100 percent believable. A man named Paul wrote to a young man whom he considered a son and said, 

“But you must realize that in the last days the times will be full of danger. Men will become utterly self-centered, greedy for money, full of big words. They will be proud and abusive, without any regard for what their parents taught them. They will be utterly lacking in gratitude, reverence and normal human affections. They will be remorseless, scandal-mongers, uncontrolled and violent and haters of all that is good. They will be treacherous, reckless and arrogant, loving what gives them pleasure instead of loving God. They will maintain a facade of ‘religion' but their life denies its truth. Keep clear of people like that.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5 The New Testament in Modern English, J. B. Phillips).

When reading over and over the above list that describes our world, our own country and what’s happening in our economy, politics, and religion, it should be no surprise to us; it shouldn’t scare us. We should be shouting out to God from the depths of our hearts, “Even so, come Lord Jesus.” 

We, as citizens of America, and especially as citizens of the Kingdom of God, should be seeking the Lord while He can be found; we should be calling upon Him while He is near; we should forsake our wicked ways and our unrighteous thoughts; we should (by all means) return to the LORD, so that He will have compassion on us and abundantly pardon us. 

“But,” you may say, “I don’t fall into that list of people; I pray; I fast; I attend worship; I tithe and offer.” If we call ourselves American, we are members of America, one nation. More easily understood, “we are members of one another.” 

“Oops!  I never thought of it that way before,” you might say.

Let’s transpose a scripture without changing its meaning, okay? 

So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. (Rom 12:5) So we, being many, are one nation (because of the grace God shed on the USA), and every one of us (whether saved or not saved) are members of one another.

As Americans, especially in the days in which we are living now, we should . . . 

Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute us: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in our own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in us, live peaceably with all men. (Rom 12:9-18)

Our nation, the United States of America, doesn’t seem to be “one nation under God with liberty and justice for all” anymore. What in the world is going on? 

We (Americans) need “to seek the LORD while He may be found.” There will come a time when He cannot be found anymore.

We (Americans) need to “call upon Him while He is near.” There will come a time when He is not.

We (Americans) need to “forsake our wicked way and unrighteous thoughts.” The ways we are choosing may seem right, but the end of those ways are leading us to death, separation from God.

We (Americans) need to “return to the LORD.” Perhaps then “He will have mercy upon us.”

We (Americans) need to “return to our God.” WHY? Because “He will abundantly pardon” us.

How many remember Junior High School typing class when we typed this on our Remington typewriters to determine our personal typing speed and accuracy? 

𝙽𝚘𝚠 𝚒𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚐𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝚖𝚎𝚗 

𝚝𝚘 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚊𝚒𝚍 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚒𝚛 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚝𝚛𝚢.

We (Americans) should all take heart to the meaning and become doers of this word. Let us be quick and accurate in our prayers for the United States of America this weekend and always. 

Jesus Ascends / Satan's Downfall

 Satan’s Downfall from Heaven:

Isaiah 14:13-14

I will ascend into heaven

I will exalt my throne above the stars of God

I will sit on the mount of the congregation

I will ascend above the heights of the clouds

I will be like the Most High

 

Jesus’ Ascension to Heaven:

I Am the Bread of life ~ John 6:35

I Am the Light of the world ~ John 8:12

I Am the Door / Gate ~ John 10:9

I Am the Good Shepherd ~ John 10:11

I Am the Resurrection and the Life ~ John 11:25

I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life ~ John 14:6

I Am the True Vine ~ John 15:1

IT MUST BE ADVANTAGEOUS TO LOOK OLD AND TIRED

 by Danna Shirley

My older sister, Nan, and I had flown to California to meet our middle sister, Paula, after our 101-year-old mother passed away. We didn’t know exactly what would or could be done in going through the house and her belongings. We went through albums and chose pictures along with other things. We selected some of her hand-made afghans she had crocheted before she lost her sight. Of course, her clothes didn’t fit any of us so they stayed in the closet. Not much could be brought back in our suitcases anyway, so we didn’t bother to go through larger items or heavy books.

Returning to Tennessee, our flight was at five a.m. out of Oakland. We were up by two and planned to leave the house by three; plenty of time to get to the airport.

Who would have thought there would be traffic that early on a Saturday morning.

                                                                                 

Our niece, Robbin, pulled up to Southwest Departures and to our shock, the lines for outdoor check-in spread way down the sidewalk. We unloaded, said our good-byes, and went inside. The lines to check-in wound around and around and up and down the designated aisles. Time was marching on and we worried we might miss our flight.

Who would have thought the airport would be so busy that early on a Saturday morning.

We finally made it up to the counter to weigh-in and deposited our luggage. We were bedraggled and needed to find a restroom. The agent must have realized our dilemma and took pity on us. While everyone else was directed to the very long lines at security at Terminal 2, she quietly said, “If you go out those double doors and turn left about 100 yards, you can go to Terminal 1 and your gate is right inside.

 It must be advantageous to look old and tired. 

We unashamedly slipped away from everyone else as we hustled to Terminal 1. We were about tenth or so in line when two very nice security guards came up and asked if we’d like to go priority.

“Why, yes, of course, thank you very much.”

They took us to the front of the line. We didn’t have to take off our shoes and I didn’t have to take out my computer before everything went through the scanner. I told the security guard next to me, “I could just hug your neck right now.” He smiled.

It must be advantageous to look old and tired.

Our gate was right next to security. I sat down while Nan did her potty break and then they called for the passengers to line up. If we had followed everyone else through security at Terminal 2, we would have missed our flight.

Yes, it is advantageous to look old and tired. 😊

It’s also advantageous to be a child of the Most High God! Thank You, Lord

My Christian Dilemma

by Danna Shirley

I presume I will ramble with my thoughts and feelings but I do want to get them down as I am dealing with this frustration in our country and leadership... Democrats/Biden/Harris/Pelosi/Schumer/fake news, ad nauseam.

I've prayed and prayed and prayed for America to come back to some common sense in 2020-2021. Whatever else can be said about Trump, he got things done and turned our economy around and gave the U.S. respect in the world. He kept the U.S. interests his priority without compromise... and by doing all this for us, he was lied about, scorned, hated, investigated, impeached falsely, and had his re-election stolen by unscrupulous people.

Biden/Harris have undone all the good that was accomplished to the point of opening the floodgates at our southern border, increasing our gas prices by reversing our energy independence, killing good jobs on the pipeline; I could go on and on...but now Biden is a mockery on the world stage and a disgrace to America for being elected, no not elected--for being placed as a figurehead in the White House and being used as a backdrop by those who are really in control. 

Biden, undoubtedly, will soon be replaced by Harris b/c it's obvious he has dementia and can't give a speech without screwing it up even when he only has to read it off of a piece of paper or a monitor. Harris was assigned to deal with the southern border crisis and has still not visited the chaos since given the task March 24th. 

Back to I've prayed and prayed and prayed...God, why is Your hand slow? Why is satan having a heyday in this last great country of freedom and democracy? If we lose to socialism, open borders, defund the police, Black Lives Matter, Antifa, riots, murders, reparations, critical race theory, sex changes in children, etc, etc, etc...what will happen to America. 

And what about our world...terrorism, Communism, starvation, persecution. 

Where is the fulfillment of Your Word...

"May Your ways be known throughout the earth, Your saving power among people everywhere. May the nations praise You, O God. Yes, may all the nations praise You. Let the whole world sing for joy, because You govern the nations with justice and guide the people of the whole world. May the nations praise You, O God. Yes, may all the nations praise You. Then the earth will yield its harvests, and God, our God, will richly bless us. Yes, God will bless us, and people all over the world will fear Him." (Ps 67:2-7)

Jesus, are you coming soon? "Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!" (Rev 22:20)

21 IRREFUTABLE FACTS OF THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST

Compiled by Pastor Robert Morris, Gateway Church, Dallas, TX 

1. Jesus Himself will come again. “For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16)

2. Jesus Himself will receive us. “When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with Me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.” (John 14:3)

3. We will meet Him in the air. “Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.” (1 Thessalonians 4:17)

4. He will minister to those who are found watchful. “The servants who are ready and waiting for His return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, He Himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat!” (Luke 12:37)

5. He will return to the earth. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday He will return from heaven in the same way you saw Him go!” (Acts 1:11)

6. He will return to the Mount of Olives. “On that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem. And the Mount of Olives will split apart, making a wide valley running from east to west. Half the mountain will move toward the north and half toward the south." (Zechariah 14:4)

7. He will return in flaming fire. “And God will provide rest for you who are being persecuted and also for us when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven. He will come with His mighty angels, in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those who don’t know God and on those who refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus." (2 Thessalonians 1:7-8)

8. He will come with power and great glory. “And then at last, the sign that the Son of Man is coming will appear in the heavens, and there will be deep mourning among all the peoples of the earth. And they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” (Matthew 24:30)

9. He will stand on the earth. “But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and He will stand upon the earth at last.” (Job 19:25)

10. He will destroy the antichrist. “Then the man of lawlessness will be revealed, but the Lord Jesus will slay him with the breath of His mouth and destroy him by the splendor of His coming. And God will provide rest for you who are being persecuted and also for us when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven. He will come with His mighty angels, in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those who don’t know God and on those who refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus.” (2 Thessalonians 2:8)

11. He will sit on the throne of His glory. “But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit upon His glorious throne.” (Matthew 25:31)

12. He will be given the throne of David. “He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His ancestor David.” (Luke 1:32)

13. He will be given the nations. “Only ask, and I will give you the nations as Your inheritance, the whole earth as Your possession.” (Psalm 2:8)

14. He will gather all nations and judge them. “All the nations will be gathered in His presence, and He will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.” (Matthew 25:32)

15. He will reign on the earth. “For the time is coming,” says the LORD, “when I will raise up a righteous descendant from King David’s line. He will be a King who rules with wisdom. He will do what is just and right throughout the land.” (Jeremiah 23:5)

16. He will be given the kingdoms of this world. “Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices shouting in heaven: “The world has now become the Kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever.” (Revelation 11:15)

17.He will be given dominion. “He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey Him. His rule is eternal—it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed.” (Danial 7:14)

18. All who are in the grave will hear His voice. “Don’t be so surprised! Indeed, the time is coming when all the dead in their graves will hear the voice of God’s Son.” (John 5:28)

19. Every eye will see Him. “Look! He comes with the clouds of heaven. And everyone will see Him—even those who pierced Him. And all the nations of the world will mourn for Him. Yes! Amen!” (Revelation 1:7)

20. Every knee will bow. "Let all the world look to Me for salvation! For I am God; there is no other. I have sworn by My own name; I have spoken the truth, and I will never go back on My word: Every knee will bend to Me, and every tongue will declare allegiance to Me.” (Is 45:22-23)

“For it is written, As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” (Romans 4:11)

“…that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Phil 2:10-11)

21. We can hasten the coming of the Lord. “…looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along. On that day, He will set the heavens on fire, and the elements will melt away in the flames.” (2 Peter 3:12 NLT)

PROVERBS ~ The Positives

compiled by Danna Shirley

If you follow these Positives, you may never have to deal with the negatives!

(New Living Translation)

 Chapter 1

Live disciplined and successful lives

Do what is right, just, and fair

Give knowledge and discernment

Listen and become even wiser

Receive guidance

Explore the words of the wise

Foundation of true knowledge

Listen to correction, instruction, true knowledge

Learning will crown you with grace and honor

Listen to wisdom’s counsel

Listen to wisdom and live in peace

Chapter 2

Treasure wisdom’s commands

Tune your ear to wisdom

Concentrate on understanding

Cry out and search for insight and understanding

Seek them like hidden treasures

Fear the Lord and gain knowledge of God

The Lord grants wisdom and common sense

The Lord is a shield to walk with integrity

The Lord guards the just and protects the faithful

Understand what is right, just, and fair

Find the right way to go

Wisdom will enter your heart

Knowledge will fill you with joy

Wise choices will watch over you

Understanding will keep you safe

Wisdom will save you from evil

Follow the steps of the good

Stay on the paths of the righteous

The godly will live in the land

Those with integrity will remain in the land

Chapter 3

Remember the things you have been taught

Store God’s commands in your heart;

if so, you will live long and life will be satisfying

Never let loyalty and kindness leave you; tie them around your neck;

write them deep in your heart

Find favor and a good reputation

Trust in the Lord

Seek His will in all you do

Fear the Lord and turn from evil

Have healing in your body; strength in your bones

Honor the Lord with your wealth

Don’t reject the Lord’s discipline

The Lord corrects those He loves

Wisdom and understanding bring joy

Wisdom is more profitable than silver, gold, or rubies

Wisdom offers long life and honor

Wisdom guides down delightful paths

Wisdom’s ways are satisfying

Wisdom is a tree of life; hold her tightly

Don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment;

they will refresh and keep you safe from stumbling

Lie down and sleep soundly without fear

The Lord is your security

Do not withhold good to those who deserve it

Help your neighbor

The Lord offers friendship to the godly

The Lord blesses the home of the upright

The Lord is gracious to the humble

The wise inherit honor

Chapter 4

Listen when your father corrects you

Pay attention and learn good judgment

Get wisdom; develop good judgment

Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do

Develop good judgment

Embrace wisdom and she will honor you

Wisdom’s ways will lead you in straight paths

Guard wisdom’s instructions, they are the key to life

Righteousness, like first gleam of dawn, shines bright

Let wisdom’s words penetrate deep into your heart

Wisdom’s words bring life and healing

Guard your heart; it determines the course of life

Avoid perverse and corrupt speech

Fix your eyes ahead; make straight your safe path

Don’t get sidetracked

 Chapter 5

Pay attention to wisdom; listen to wise counsel

Show discernment

Share your love and sex with your own spouse

Be a fountain of blessing for your spouse

May you always be captivated by his/her love

Chapter 6

Save yourself from a friend’s debt

Learn the ways of the ants and be wise

Obey commands; don’t neglect instruction

Walk in good counsel and be led by them

Good counsel will protect you and advise you

Good counsel is a lamp and a light of instruction

Corrective discipline is the way to life

Chapter 7

Follow good advice; treasure and obey good commands and live

Guard instructions; write them deep in your heart

Love wisdom and insight

Don’t let your heart stray away from your spouse

 Chapter 8

Listen to wisdom; hear understanding; use good judgment

Wisdom speaks truth and detests deception

Wisdom’s advice is wholesome

Wisdom’s words are plain with understanding; clear with knowledge

Choose instruction and knowledge rather than silver, gold, or rubies

Wisdom lives with good judgment, knowledge, and discernment

Common sense and success, insight and strength belong to wisdom

Wisdom walks in righteousness and justice

Wisdom has been there from the beginning of creation (vs 22-31)

Listen to wisdom; follow the ways of wisdom with joy and be wise

Whoever finds wisdom finds life and receives God’s favor

Chapter 9

Wisdom calls out from the heights overlooking the city and urges…

Come in with me; begin to live and use good judgment

Correct the wise and they will love you

Instruct the wise and they will be even wiser

Teach the righteous and they will learn even more

The fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom

Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment

Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life

To become wise is beneficial

 Chapter 10

A wise child brings joy to a father

Right living can save your life

The Lord will not let the godly go hungry

Hard workers get rich

A wise youth harvests in the summer

The godly are showered with blessings and have happy memories

The wise are glad to be instructed

People with integrity walk safely

A bold reproof promotes peace

Godly words are a life-giving fountain

Love makes up for all offenses

Wise words come from people with understanding

Wise people treasure knowledge

The wealth of the rich is their fortress

The earnings of the godly enhance their lives

People who accept discipline are on the pathway of life

Keeping your mouth shut is sensible

Words of the godly are like sterling silver and encourage many

The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich

Living wisely brings pleasure to the sensible

Hopes of the godly will be granted

When storms of life come, the godly have a lasting foundation

Fear of the Lord lengthens one’s life

The hope of the godly results in happiness

The way of the Lord is a stronghold to those with integrity

The godly will never be disturbed

The godly person gives wise advice and helpful words

 Chapter 11

The Lord delights in accurate weights

With humility comes wisdom

Honesty guides good people

Right living can save you from death

The godly are directed by honesty

The godliness of good people rescues them

The godly are rescued from trouble

Knowledge will rescue the righteous

The whole city celebrates when the godly succeed

Upright citizens are good for a city and make it prosper

A sensible person keeps quiet

Those who are trustworthy keep a confidence

Wise leadership upholds a nation

There is safety in having many advisers

Do not guarantee another person’s debt

A gracious woman gains respect

Your kindness will reward you

The reward of the godly lasts

Godly people will find life

The Lord delights in those with integrity

The children of the godly will go free

The godly can look forward to a reward

Give freely and become more wealthy

The generous prospers

Those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed

People bless the ones who sell in time of need

Search for good and you will find favor

The godly flourish like leaves in spring

The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life

A wise person wins friends

The righteous are rewarded here on earth

Chapter 12

You must love discipline to learn from it

The Lord approves of those who are good

The godly have deep roots

A worthy wife is a crown for her husband

The plans of the godly are just

The words of the godly save lives

The family of the godly stands firm

A sensible person wins admiration

The godly care for their animals

A hard worker has plenty of food

The godly are well rooted and bear their own fruit

The godly escape troubles

Wise words bring many benefits and hard work brings rewards

The wise listen to others

A wise person stays calm when insulted

An honest witness tells the truth

The words of the wise bring healing

Truthful words stand the test of time

Joy fills hearts that are planning peace

No harm comes to the godly

The Lord delights in those who tell the truth

The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge

Work hard and become a leader

An encouraging word cheers a person

The godly give good advice to their friends

The diligent make use of everything they find

The way of the godly leads to life

Chapter 13

A wise child accepts a parent’s discipline

Wise words will win you a good meal

Those who control their tongue will have a long life

Those who work hard will prosper

The godly hate lies

Godliness guards the path of the blameless

The life of the godly is full of light and joy

Those who take advice are wise

Wealth from hard work grows over time

A dream fulfilled is a tree of life

Those who respect a command will succeed

Instruction of the wise is like a life-giving fountain

A person with good sense is respected

Wise people think before they act

A reliable messenger brings healing

Accept correction and you will be honored

It is pleasant to see dreams come true

Walk with the wise and become wise

Blessings reward the righteous

Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren

Those who love their children care enough to discipline them

The godly eat to their heart’s content

 Chapter 14

A wise woman builds her home

Those who follow the right path fear the Lord

The words of the wise keep them safe

An honest witness does not lie

Knowledge comes easily to those with understanding

The prudent understand where they are going

The godly acknowledge guilt and seek reconciliation

The tent of the godly flourishes

Laughter can conceal a heavy heart

Good people receive their reward

The prudent carefully consider their steps

The wise are cautious and avoid danger

The prudent are crowned with knowledge

Blessed are those who help the poor

If you do good, you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness

Work brings profit

Wealth is a crown for the wise

A truthful witness saves lives

Those who fear the Lord are secure; He will be their children’s refuge

Fear of the Lord is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from snares

People with understanding control their anger

A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body

Helping the poor honors God

Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart

Godliness makes a nation great

 Chapter 15

A gentle answer deflects anger

The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing

The Lord is watching; keeping His eye on the good

Gentle words are a tree of life

Whoever learns from correction is wise

There is treasure in the house of the godly

The lips of the wise give good advice

The Lord delights in the prayers of the upright

The Lord loves those who pursue godliness

Do not abandon the right path

The Lord knows the human heart

A glad heart makes a happy face

A wise person is hungry for knowledge

For the happy heart, life is a continual feast

Better to have little with the fear of the Lord

A bowl of vegetables is better with someone you love

A cool-tempered person stops arguments

The path of the upright is an open highway

Sensible children bring joy to their father

A sensible person stays on the right path

Many advisers bring success

Everyone enjoys a fitting reply

It is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time

The path of life leads upward for the wise

The Lord delights in pure words

The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking

The Lord hears the prayers of the righteous

A cheerful look brings joy to the heart

Good news makes for good health

The wise listen to constructive criticism

If you listen to correction, you grow in understanding

The fear of the Lord teaches wisdom

Humility precedes honor

Chapter 16

The Lord gives us our right plans

The Lord examines our motives to be pure

Commit your actions to the Lord and your plans will succeed

The Lord has made everything for His own purposes

Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin

When your life pleases the Lord, even your enemies will be at peace

We make our plans but the Lord determines our steps

Speak with wisdom; never judge unfairly

The Lord demands accurate scales and balances

The Lord sets the standards for fairness

The Lord’s rule is built on justice

The Lord is pleased with words from righteous lips

The Lord loves those who speak honestly

The wise will try to appease anger

The Lord’s favor refreshes like a spring rain

It is good to have wisdom and good judgment

The virtuous follow the path of safety

Better to live humbly than prideful

Those who listen to instruction will prosper

Those who trust the Lord will be joyful

The wise are known for their understanding

Pleasant words are persuasive

Discretion is a life-giving fountain

A wise mind speaks wisdom

The words of the wise are persuasive

Kind words are like honey—sweet and healthy

Gray hair is a crown of glory gained by living a godly life

Better to be patient and have self-control

Chapter 17

Better to live in a peaceful house

The Lord tests the heart

Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged

Parents are the pride of their children

Love prospers when a fault is forgiven

Dwelling on a fault separates close friends

A person of understanding accepts a rebuke

Stop a dispute before a quarrel breaks out

A friend is always loyal

A brother is born to help in time of need

It is poor judgment to put up security for a friend

A cheerful heart is good medicine

Sensible people keep their eyes glued on wisdom

A wise person uses few words

A person with understanding is even-tempered

Chapter 18

Friendly people care about others

Wise words are like deep waters

Wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook

The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to Him safely

Humility precedes honor

Intelligent people are always ready to learn

Intelligent people have their ears open for knowledge

Giving a gift can open doors to important people

Don’t offend or let arguments separate friends

Wise words satisfy like a good meal

Be a treasure to your spouse and find favor from the Lord

A real friend sticks closer than a brother

 Chapter 19

To acquire wisdom is to love yourself

People who cherish understanding will prosper

Sensible people control their temper

Sensible people earn respect by overlooking wrongs

The Lord’s favor is like dew on the grass

Keep the commandments and keep your life

If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord; He will repay

Get all the advice and instruction you can and you will be wise

Make your plans but the Lord’s purpose will prevail

The fear of the Lord leads to life, security, and protection

If you correct the wise, they will be all the wiser

Listen to instruction, my child, and you will gain knowledge

 Chapter 20

The wise stay away from alcohol

It is honorable to avoid a quarrel

Good advice lies deep in the heart; understanding draws it out

The godly walk with integrity; their children follow and are blessed

Ears to hear and eyes to see—both are gifts from the Lord

Wise words are more valuable than gold and rubies

Plans succeed through good counsel and wise advice

The Lord directs our steps

Count the cost before making a rash promise to God and others

The Lord’s light penetrates the human spirit exposing hidden motives

Unfailing love and faithfulness are made secure through love

The glory of the young is their strength

The gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old

Discipline purifies the heart

 Chapter 21

The heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord,

He guides it wherever He pleases

The Lord examines the heart

The Lord is pleased when we do what is right and just

Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity

The innocent travels a straight road

If you instruct the wise, they will be all the wiser

Don’t shut your ears to the cries of the poor

A secret gift calms anger and pacifies fury

Justice is a joy to the godly

Do not stray from common sense

Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love, will find life, righteousness, and honor

Watch your tongue and keep silent

A credible witness will be allowed to speak

The virtuous think before they act

No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the Lord

On the day of battle, the victory belongs to the Lord

 Chapter 22

Choose a good reputation over great riches

Being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold

A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions

True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life

Direct your children onto the right path and they will not leave it

Blessed are those who are generous because they feed the poor

Love a pure heart and gracious speech

The Lord preserves those with knowledge

Apply the words and instruction of the wise to your heart

Keep these wise sayings in your heart and always ready on your lips

Trust in the Lord

Make an accurate report

Don’t agree to guarantee another’s debt or put up security for them

Chapter 23

Don’t wear yourself out; be wise enough to know when to quit

Commit yourself to instruction

Listen carefully to words of knowledge

If your child’s heart is wise, your heart will rejoice

I will celebrate when you speak what is right

Fear the Lord; you will be rewarded and hope will not be disappointed

Listen and be wise; keep your heart on the right course

Get the truth; get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment

What a pleasure and joy to have godly and wise children

May your eyes take delight in following wise ways

Chapter 24

A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense

The wise are mightier than the strong

Those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger

Seek wise guidance; victory depends on having many advisers

Rescue those who are unjustly accused

Wisdom is sweet to the soul

If you find wisdom, you will have a bright future and hope

It is wrong to show favoritism when passing judgment

An honest answer is like a kiss of friendship

Do your planning and preparation before building

 Chapter 25

No one can comprehend the height of heaven or the depth of the earth

Humble yourself and wait for an invitation

Keep a confidence and don’t betray a person’s secret

Keep a good reputation by avoiding [telling or listening to] gossip

Timely advice is lovely

Listen to valid criticism

Trustworthy messengers are refreshing and revive the spirit

Patience and soft speech can break through opposition

Feed the hungry and give water to the thirsty; the Lord will reward you

Don’t seek honors for yourself; practice self-control

 Chapter 26

Speaks of fools

Speaks of laziness

Speaks of quarrels

Speaks of hatred

 Chapter 27

The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense

Never abandon a friend

Be wise and make your heart glad

A prudent person foresees danger and take precautions

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend

Workers who protect their employer’s interests will be rewarded

The heart reflects the real person

Know the state of your families and put your heart into caring for them

 Chapter 28

The godly are as bold as lions

Wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability

To obey the law is to fight evil

Those who follow the Lord understand justice

Young people who obey the law are wise

Honest people will inherit good things

When the godly succeed, everyone is glad

If we confess our sins and turn from them, we will receive mercy

Blessed are those who fear to do wrong

One who hates corruption will have a long life

The blameless will be rescued from harm

A hard worker has plenty of food

The trustworthy person will get a rich reward

Never show partiality

People appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery

Trusting the Lord leads to prosperity

Whoever walks in wisdom is safe

Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing

 Chapter 29

When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice

The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his family

A just leader gives stability to his nation

The righteous shout for joy as they escape evil traps

The godly care about the rights of the poor

The wise will calm angry agitators

The upright seek to help the blameless

The wise quietly hold back their anger

A disciplined child produces wisdom

When the godly are in authority, righteousness flourishes

You will have peace and a glad heart with disciplined children

Humility brings honor

Trusting in the Lord means safety

The righteous despise the unjust

 Chapter 30

Every Word of God proves true

God is a shield to all who come to Him for protection

O God, help me never to tell a lie

O God, give me neither poverty nor riches; just enough to satisfy

Never slander a worker to an employer

 Chapter 31

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves

Ensure justice for those being crushed

Speak up for the poor and helpless; see that they get justice

 A Wife of Noble Character

A virtuous and capable wife is more precious than rubies

She can be trusted and will greatly enrich her husband

She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life

She takes care of her household and plans her day’s work

She is energetic and strong and a hard worker

She makes sure her dealings are profitable

She offers hospitality

She extends a helping hand to the poor

She opens her arms to the needy

Her family has all they need

She is clothed with strength and dignity

She laughs without fear of the future

She speaks wise words

She gives instructions with kindness

She carefully watches everything in her household

Her children stand and bless her

Her husband praises her

She is virtuous and capable above all other women

She is a woman who fears the Lord and will be greatly praised

She will be rewarded for all she has done

Her deeds publicly declare her praise