Proverbs 18

 This chapter contains so much wisdom for us. I like to compare the wise and foolish person when possible, and this chapter gives us many comparisons/contrasts. 

	Wise Person	Foolish Person	Verses
	Seeks knowledge and understanding.	Does not delight in understanding, only in expressing opinions.	2, 15
	Speaks wisely—words are deep waters and a wellspring of wisdom; brings satisfaction and life.	Mouth brings contention and destruction; lips are a snare; words lead to ruin.	4, 6–7,  20–21
	Has a strong spirit that sustains during trouble.	Has a wounded or unstable spirit that's hard to bear.	14
	Listens to both sides before judging; uses fair processes to settle disputes.	Speaks first without full knowledge; creates or worsens conflict.	13, 17–18
	Loyal friend; shows himself friendly.	Offends easily; difficult to reconcile with.	19, 24
	Runs to the name of the LORD as a strong tower.	Trusts in wealth and self-perceived security.	10–11
	Practices humility, leading to honor.	Possesses a haughty heart that leads to destruction.	12

The wise person doesn't gain these qualities overnight. They have to be cultivated and learned. For example, it's not natural for a person to be quiet and truly listen to another person. Selfish human nature wants to talk about self. But for Christians, I think we must crucify this area of our lives because it's the old man. Yes, it's not easy. Yes, it takes a lot of work. But it can be done. Listening requires a person to develop a quiet mind that can allow the other person to talk without self constantly thinking about what it's going to say next. Another example, it's not easy to develop a strong inner spirit. But it can be done as well. It just takes purposeful, dedicated work. Without a strong inner spirit, a Christian can easily crumble at every bump that comes along or be constantly offended at things another person says or does. Learning to let things roll off one's back and choosing not to be offended takes work. 

So, if you're still working on areas (as I am) and growing, don't be discouraged when you make a mistake or accidentally slip back into the old way. It might take a few years. Keep working. Keep growing. Stay faithful. Don't stop until the day you die. Sanctification is a lifelong process, and though we can't ever be perfect in this life, we can still follow very closely in Jesus' footsteps. 

Proverbs 17

Today for this chapter I'm sharing a couple verses that stuck out to me.

• 24: "Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth."  This verse challenges the reader to focus on gaining practical wisdom. Don't chase distant, pointless things or become distracted by vain pursuits. Stay focused on seeking godly wisdom.

• 27: "He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit."  This verse challenges the reader to be self-controlled in speech. Self-control in any area takes work. It won't happen overnight, but it's worth the time and effort. Work to have measured, thoughtful responses instead of fly-off-the-handle ones. Sometimes it's better to not say anything at all than to speak because words can truly show the foolish side of a person. Verse 28 says, "Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding."  This reminds me of young boys because unfortunately, I think many will grow up to be fools because they aren't being taught to speak carefully. While playing video and virtual reality games, they scream at the other players, call names, etc. They lack basic respect and when they talk to other kids or adults, there's no filter and they just say whatever. Adults can learn to keep their words in check, even if they weren't taught how to as a child. But it would be so much better for everyone in society if a child's grown-ups would teach him to choose words carefully so he's not a foolish, angry adult in the future. Like we've noted before in previous chapters in Prov. words can hurt and words can heal. Whichever one they do is up to us. 

Proverbs 16

For this chapter I'll share a few verses that stuck out to me.

3:  "Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established." My dear friend helped me understand this verse when she described a certain situation and person she had to deal with. It was most unpleasant for her, but she committed her thoughts and actions to God and determined to do what she had to because it was right. So, every time this unpleasant person said something hurtful and negative to her, she would reply with "God loves you." Eventually she said her attitude changed and the situation became a little better. In this case, she acted right and her thoughts did become established. Her example has never left my mind. 

25: "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." This is a warning - not all ideas that seem good are truly wise. Don't just make good decisions - make wise ones. Even "good" decisions may lead to destruction if they're not wise. Also, don't sacrifice good on the altar of the best. Because of impatience, unbelief, or foolishness, some people settle for what they think is good even though it's not the best that God has for them. Be careful on what path you choose to walk.

27: "An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire." An ungodly person actively searches for troubling or harmful things to say. Be careful who you listen to. This person's speech is destructive and like a fire that burns and consumes what it touches. Also take note of yourself to not become like this. Stay away from evil, gossips, drama, and people who cause trouble with their words. Guard your own speech so it doesn't harm others as well.

Proverbs 15

Take Care of Your Inwards:

When a person's heart is right and as it should be, his outward actions will be right. The inwards (heart) control so much. 

Vs. 1 & 2 say: "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness." 

How can a person control his anger if he hasn't first worked on his heart to be disciplined and controlled? Whatever's in a heart will come out as soon as it's shaken. How can a person use his tongue correctly if he hasn't done the work in growing himself in the Lord and growing in discretion?

God's eyes are in EVERY place, and they see the evil and the good. No one can hide. We can all hide our hearts and true thoughts from other people. But not from God. He desires heart obedience over outward rituals. Heart obedience will lead to correct outward behavior. But outward actions that appear "godly" or "righteous" DOES NOT lead to a good heart or heart obedience. If a person is concerned with outward behavior more than his heart condition because of what others think or because he wants to appear a certain way, his outward worship is fake, therefore his words are just empty. We can be fake to others, but never to God.

 8: "The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight."  

 16: "Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith." 

Friend, I encourage you with this today. Work on your inner heart and be more concerned about worshiping and serving God sincerely - not just outwardly. If your heart is right, your actions will be too.

Remember.

 Memorial Day. 

It's a somber day of remembrance, not a celebratory one like Veteran's Day. Today we remember the sacrifice of thousands upon thousands of soldiers. Alot of them gave their lives, and we remember them. But we also need to remember the ones that survived the wars that took their lives when they got home. And then there are many veterans living today who suffer from PTSD and deal very hard, debilitating effects from war. They were willing to die, and their dedication and love for country is extraordinary. It needs to be remembered. We don't want them become casualties either, which is possible even though wars are over. Then we also need to remember the families that had to go on living without their loved one in it. Their dedication and sacrifice is amazing. 

I'm grateful for the dead and the living because they were all willing to give everything to defend the country we call home - the United States of America. They each fought for something bigger than himself.  This is why I love visiting graveyards, because seeing all those hundreds of tombstones and reading the inscriptions remind me of the sacrifice and I never want to forget or take it for granted. 

O beautiful, for heroes proved in liberating strife, who more than self their country loved, and mercy more than life. 

 O beautiful for patriot's dream that sees beyond the years... 

None of the soldiers knew how this country would turn out. Yet they defended it with everything they had. They didn't just focus on the here and now, they looked toward the future, they fought for their dream - what could be. When I see people treat the flag flippantly or not honor veterans, it saddens my heart to no end because thousands died for the flag, died for the freedom we often take for granted. 

So many young kids are growing up without a deep respect for our country - I'd say to anyone who has influence over kids, whether it's parents, grandparents, family members, friends - teach those kids respect and how how honor. And most importantly remember. Remember the sacrifice. Remember the thousands. Don't let this holiday become another day just to throw parties. If we stop remembering, we'll definitely forget.

This song is called "Blades of Grass & Pure White Stones."

Romans 13:7

Render therefore to all their dues...honour to whom honour.

Farewell, April

 How was your April? I'd love to hear - either reply or comment on this post. That month felt like it passed by quickly to me. Here's a picture walkthrough from my point of view.  

First up, sky pictures. 

Let me tell you -- this kid, Carter, is a whole mood. 😂He cracks me up almost every day. When he needs a break from walking home from the bus stop, he just randomly falls on a cable box......

or lays down on the sidewalk. 😅

This is him describing what his baby brother's heartbeat sounded like. 😄

Weekly online English class with my Chilean students continues. They're fun to teach and we have a lot of funny moments. 

The international night market happens monthly, and my bestie visited the weekend of. We met up with our dear friend and had the absolute best time. 

Sparkling strawberry lemonade

Vietnamese dinner

Steamed barbeque chicken bun

Bestie and I also went to Hot Pot one night. 

Hot Pot is like a buffet but better because you can cook your own food. 

These geese and ducks are always around on my walks. 

My friend and I had a sleepover together one night. We made this delicious ramen noodle dish - only 3 ingredients: ramen noodles, cabbage, and bacon (with the noodle seasonings) - and Korean pancakes. Then we really enjoyed a fun time eating while watching a Chinese drama with my bestie (who's also my friend's friend) online. Friends make life 10x sweeter and I'm beyond grateful for the ones God has brought into my life. 

My friend and I celebrated Easter together by going to a ramen restaurant after church and had the best time. We tried Chashu Buns. Oh my, they are so delicious and the perfect size. 

They also make many types of ramen. 😋(And they have THE BEST mango slushy. No joke. 😀)

And that's the end! There's much more that happened not pictured, like lots of growing, laughing, grieving, hours of playing ping pong, meeting many new people, visiting a new church (that's my 10th one since moving to this area), interviews, watching God provide for me day by day, seeing God close doors and open others, and learning to trust more and more in the one who only does right. 

Isaiah 41:13

For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. 

Proverbs 14

 A wise man feareth, and depareth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident. 

Proverbs 14:16

First off, I see comparisons of a fool and a wise person. 

A fool: 

~ tears up the house

~ pridefully uses words to disgrace others, cause conflict, or ruin relationships - a fool will try to lift himself up while putting others down, but it will ultimately hurt him.

~ lacks discernment and does not speak with wisdom - this person does not have the lips of knowledge so verse 7 warns us to go away from him. A fool's speech is not instructive, edifying, or rooted in truth so why listen to him? This person is morally and spiritually hazardous, so we need to flee from him else our thinking might be corrupted, he might try to pull into arguments, or dull our sensitivity to truth.  

~ has deliberate or blind self-deception - he lies to others and himself, becoming so morally dull he believes his own falsehood. A fool lives without self-examination, preferring a comforting illusion to uncomfortable truth or reality. 

~ mocks sin - he treats sin lightly by laughing at wrongdoing or dismissing guilt.

~ continues on a reckless and stubborn path while being overconfident

~ is defined and marked by his consistent folly which never gives a good reward 

~ exposes his inner ignorance for everyone by being overly talkative and loud

A wise person: 

~ builds the house

~ uses words to protect - he speaks carefully and truthfully which reflects understanding, moral integrity, and patience. We need to practice wisdom in the area of speech because wise words protect the speaker and henceforth avoid conflict, protect reputation, and keep good relationships. 

~ uses wisdom to examine his life - examining involves self-awareness, and he reflects on his choices, motives, direction. He does a moral evaluation, such as asking the question, 'is this path righteous or foolish? God-honoring or self-serving?' He thinks forwardly, meaning he questions the consequences of decisions. This teaches us that wisdom isn't only about understanding the world, but also understanding yourself in light of God's truth. 

~ keeps a healthy fear of sin and danger that causes him to turn away

~ uses wisdom to gain wealth and it's a crown, a reward, for diligence, honor, and good judgment

~ stores up wisdom for the future and applies it from within 

  

Also, this chapter gives us a lesson in anger management. Verses 17 and 29 say: 

He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.

and...

He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly. 

Anger and deceit are character flaws and any person can remove them from his life by taking action to work on it. I'm sure we've all been around someone, or been that person, who gets angry quickly at every little thing. Impulsiveness leads to foolish actions and foolish words. Choices get made without wisdom or self-control. And anger clouds judgement so consequences may occur that could have been avoided with just a little patience and taking time to think before speaking. 

The second verse also warns against being easily provoked. Patience is lifted up as a sign of wisdom and insight. A person who is slow to anger possesses the ability to control his emotions and respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. The goal is to respond, not react. One shows self-control and wisdom, the other shows a lack of both. On the other hand, a person who is easily provoked promotes and displays foolishness because a quick temper elevates and exposes a lack of self-control and discernment. 

The ability to be slow to anger does not come overnight. It requires thought, a desire to grow, planning, and discipline. It's also just not an outward controlling, it also requires that the heart be controlled. Whatever's in someone's heart will boil up and out when it's shaken. So friend, I encourage you today, if you struggle with getting angry quickly, be humble enough to admit to God that you need help and start applying what you read in the Bible. Start working. Change won't happen without it. 

James 1:19-20

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. 

Proverbs 13

He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction. 

We looked closely at the importance of remaining silent the past couple posts so today we'll focus on friendship. But first, I noticed a few key things about righteousness. 

A righteous person tells the truth (5), will have his path protected (6), will shine brightly with joy and life (9), will have reward (21), and will be content (25). 

Now let's examine and apply verse 20. 

"He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed."

Wake up call here. BE CAREFUL WHO YOU CHOOSE AS FRIENDS. I heard a quote about the things that influence us the most are the books we read and the friends we have. I agree wholeheartedly. We all start out as simple. A simple person is naive or inexperienced because he lacks discernment and is open to both wisdom and folly because he's not committed to either yet. He believes things too easily without careful though, so this is why he needs guidance toward wisdom's path. 

The simple man can either go 2 ways: the way of the wise or the way of the foolish. There's no middle ground; it's one or the other. So, if we choose a friend who's foolish, we'll head down that path which will lead to destruction. You walk with a friend who speaks without thinking? That's foolish. Be careful because companionship of that person will lead to destruction. You walk with a friend who gets angry quickly? That's foolish and the path ends at the same destination. You walk with someone who mocks sin and makes fun of others, who can't learn from correction, who lacks self-control, who loves speaking more than listening? That's a fool and you're on a bad path. 

Often friendship can be discipleship, whether that's you discipling someone else or someone discipling you. Friends can be the strongest spiritual influencers, so it's vital to be careful with whom you choose to walk with. Walking with the wise leads to one being sharpened, challenged, and encouraged, and can make a world of difference in a person's life. 

Proverbs 12

Before we dig into this chapter, let's differentiate between wisdom and prudence. Wisdom is the broader quality of understanding and fearing God while prudence is the practical expression of wisdom - how it's applied in speech, decision-making, and self-control. 

Now let's look at the lessons we can apply.

First, value correction and pursue wisdom. Wisdom doesn't come while we're sitting on the sidelines waiting. We must take action and do the work to gain it.

~ Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish. 

~ A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised. 

~ The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

Second, live with integrity. Be honest in actions and words - truthfulness aligns us with God's heart, and that's something we should each desire. 

~ A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.

~ The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.

~ A good man obtaineth favour of the Lord: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

~ He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit. 

~ 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. 

~ Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.

~ In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death. 

Third, choose words carefully. They can heal or hurt. They can kill or make alive. 

~ The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.  A wicked person speaks with malicious intent, while the upright man's words bring rescue and justice. 

~ A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.

~ There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. 

~ A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.

~ Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.

There's a lot in these verses. We see a good definition of a fool:

1. emotionally impulsive - this person immediately reacts in anger or offense which shows a lack of self-control. Anger can be a hard area to control, so this takes work and discipline. If a person gets angry quickly, this is one sign of a fool. His anger is presently known and it brings shame. But a wise, discerning person will think before speaking, will not shame others, and will not make a bad situation worse. 

2. verbally destructive - the fool speaks recklessly, wounding other with words. His speech pierces like a sword. Ouch. To be on the receiving end of this hurts deeply. And words can't be taken back with just a "sorry." Once said they can't be unsaid so this teaches us to be careful with what we say. Words spoken in anger or in quick defense of oneself often bring hurt/shame because they're reactive. The receiver may try to forget whatever was said but the words may pop up again in his head in the future. 

3. loud and undiscerning

Unlike a prudent man who's wise and self- controlled with words, who uses restraint, who knows when to speak and how much to say, who keeps wisdom until it's needed, a foolish man's heart proclaims foolishness, meaning that the fool's inner thoughts overflow in his speech. He eagerly talks too much and too quickly. And his speech advertises his ignorance. He speaks his inner chaos out loud, and that's not wise. 

You and I do not know everything a person is going through. Someone may be feeling depressed or very disheartened or carrying a heavy burden on his heart, and instead of squishing him into the ground with harsh words, speak life. A good word makes a heart glad, and we can't underestimate the power of positive, uplifting words. 

I've never liked the saying, 'sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.' It's foolish to believe that. Instead, 'sticks and stones may break my bones, and words can and will hurt me.' 

"The tongue has no bones, but it's strong enough to break a heart."

 

"Words are free. It's how you use them that may cost you." 

Proverbs 11

 Chapter 11

The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressor shall destroy them.

A person of integrity is led and protected by his own godly wisdom. You might ask, 'how does integrity guide a person?' There are several ways. 

1. By setting clear boundaries. The upright live by truth so they don't need to weigh every choice from scratch. Many things don't have to be debated because they already know their line.

2. By giving clarity. Integrity clears confusion because the upright act based on what honors God rather than what they want in the moment. They're not easily swayed by emotions, convenience, or manipulation. 

3. By building trust and relationships. Integrity leads to peace with others because the upright are dependable. It guides them to better opportunities and influences.

4. By helping avoid traps. The upright are less likely to fall into deception, scandals, and crisis because their character keeps them from getting close to danger. Like no. 1, they have boundaries, and they already know where the line is set.

On the other hand, transgressors live by impulse, not principle, so their perverseness (moral crookedness) leads them by desire. 

To apply? Integrity is your compass so don't compromise on small things. 

I also want to point out vs. 9, 12-13, 27. "A hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.  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. He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him."

These verses contain valuable wisdom for believers. Don't lack understanding. A person who uses knowledge and understanding correctly will make sure his walk matches up with his talk. Don't be hypocritical, pretending to be two different things - outwardly spiritual/righteous but inwardly corrupt, or acting godly while hiding selfish, deceptive motives. Someone who lacks wisdom will weaponize his words and use them to lie, gossip, slander, manipulate, and flatter - all of which can destroy someone else mentally, spiritually, or emotionally, ruin that person's reputation, and/or sow distrust and division. Be on guard to not act like a friend but talk like an enemy. 
How does a hypocrite destroy his neighbor?

1. Through false accusations. He pretends to care while spreading lies behind someone's back. 

2. Through flattery or manipulation. He may gain a person's trust then use it to take advantage of him, or he may use scriptural/spiritual language to control others. 

 Just/righteous people aren't naive but are protected by truth and discernment. They have knowledge, insight, and understanding of how people and sin work so they can see through deception and avoid harm. Be wise with whom you trust because a lot of people can mask themselves and lie very well. They're called actors. We see them in movies and shows. But there are other people we may come in contact with who act one way but a totally different way behind our back. Beware of and avoid them.

To further apply -we should all be digging in our own hearts and asking God to search us and see if there be any wicked way in us, so we don't become hypocrites. 

Then, live a life that produces goodness, uplifts, and strengthens others. Invest in people spiritually by sharing and living the gospel, turning a sinner from his path, or guiding someone to truth through discipleship. Wisdom isn't just about knowledge, but using that knowledge to guide and influence people toward God. We only have this short life. How will we live to make a difference for eternity?

The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

Proverbs 11:23, 30