You know what the book of Proverbs is? The book of Proverbs is a list of all the things you know you should do, but you just don’t. It’s the small voice that tells you sign up for the 401k, but you brush it off until you’re like 60. It’s the voice saying don’t date him – something ain’t right, but you’re like YOLO (when that was actually a thing we said). That’s how I feel when I read the book of Proverbs. Like its preparing me to dodge the curveballs of life, but I’m pretending I’m not even playing the game. The older I get, the more I realize the stupidity of ignoring sound wisdom. There are multiple moments that I can look back on in my life and just think, “I bet there was a proverb for that, Kayla.” So I’ve decided that to share 4 lessons that the book of Proverbs has taught me and has helped me put the consequences of my actions into perspective. Let’s get into it.
Wisdom and Discipline makes the world go round – Smoothly. “These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, King of Israel. Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline and to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives to help the do what is right, just and fair.” (Proverbs 1:1-3) The book of Proverbs opens letting you know, out the gate, that the entire purpose of this entire book is so that you can live a life of wisdom and discipline. Why is that? Because we should make decisions out of wisdom and be discipline enough to maintain them. How much smoother could life be if we just did things that were just wiser. We would be so much more satisfied with ourselves. Personally, I have gotten in a funk about where I was in life and the Holy Spirit has shown me time and time again that I was not wise or a good steward of what he has given me. Before you purchase that new vehicle ask yourself, is it wise? Before you spend a week eating all that fast food, ask is it wise? Before you choose to slack off on that instruction at work, is it wise? Be discipline enough to dictate to your flesh that it cannot have what is not wise for you.
The Formula for a Good Reputation. “Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your hear. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation” (Proverbs 3:3-4) Who knew there was a formula for a good reputation. I’ve often thought about this, as I navigate the beginnings of my career. The formula is loyalty and kindness. It is up to us to decide “in what sense”. Each part of life will require a different form of loyalty, but the most relatable way to explain this concept is in work and friendship. Your job may expect you to be loyal to the mission and progression of the company. Your friend probably expects you to be loyal to them as a person and constant friend. Either way, loyalty is expressed in consistent behaviors that let others (as in your friend or employer) know that they are a priority, you are willing to do the hard things for their good, you will protect them, you are trustworthy, and genuinely want the best for them, and will play an active role in that process. Kindness is clear. Who doesn’t love being in the presence of a person that is warm, inviting and has proven their commitment. I think it’s important to note that just as we expect loyalty we must create an environment that makes people feel safe being loyal and kind to us. This formula does that as well. If you’re having a hard time building a good reputation compare your previous actions to loyalty and kindness and go from there.
Laziness is the Gateway to a Basic Life. “Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.” (Proverbs 21:5) Child, let me hide my face child! Someone please come in agreement with me that I will not be lazy when spending all this time at home. The sooner we take hold to this principal, the better. We live in a time that is all about the flex and not about the trenches. But I can assure you that those people who can truly flex have spent time working hard. There is no such thing that is easy money. Even those who’ve inherited riches, someone had to work for it. The bible says laziness lead to poverty (Proverbs 6:6-11). That can mean you’re physically broke but can also mean that you have lived a life that has not fulfilled you in anyway. There are so many scripture about laziness and the blessing of hard work, it’s as God knew the trap of laziness would be set before us. Don’t fall for it. It’s a set up. Get up every day and follow through with everything in you. Both hard work and laziness has a payoff. You choose the payoff.
Trendy Behavior is not for You. “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them. If you can help your neighbor now dont say ‘Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.’ Don’t plot harm against your neighbor, for those who live nearby trust you. Don’t pick a fight without reason, when no one has done you harm. Don’t envy violent people or copy their ways. Such wicked people are detestable to the Lord, but he offers his friendship to the godly.” (Proverbs 3: 27-32) Doesn’t this sound like an episode of Love and Hip Hop. (Take a look at Proverbs 6:17-19 if you’re more into Real Housewives) Today, we rejoice that we are petty or can make others feel insignificant. This behavior may look like strength to the world but it’s disgusting to God. The world’s standards will hold no weight on the day of judgement or when you’re being convicted by the Holy Spirit. We should be a people that is above this behavior. Not in an arrogant way (because we’ve all done it) but in a spiritual way. Don’t feed a desire to act out in a ways that is only temporarily fulfilling. Use this an opportunity to grow spiritually and please God. This is why it is so important to study the word of God so that when we see behaviors, standards and ideals that are common to the masses we can look at God standards and make sound decisions on what we will be apart of.
These are just 4 simple lessons I’ve found in the book of Proverbs. but there are tons more. I encourage you to sit and meditate on the book of Proverbs. There are 31 chapters so you can literally read the entire book in a month. Apply these principles to and expect to see the fruitfulness returned in your life. Guys I’m always so thrilled to click “publish” on yet another blog post. I enjoy showing up to talk to you guys every week. Make sure you drop a comment below and subscribe. See you guys next week.
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