Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor. — Proverbs 15:33 Let’s close our reflections for this month by focusing again on wisdom. Here—about halfway through Proverbs—is aRead More…

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. — Proverbs 15:1 Think about a time when someone made you angry. May­be they cut you off in traffic.Read More…

Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning, and even among fools she lets herself be known. — Proverbs 14:33 In this proverb Wisdom is characterized as someone who “reposes” or comesRead More…

A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. — Proverbs 14:30 It’s interesting that peace is contrasted with envy in this proverb. We usually think ofRead More…

Even in laughter the heart may ache, and rejoicing may end in grief. — Proverbs 14:13 In my personal Bible at home, I often mark up verses that I want to beRead More…

There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. — Proverbs 14:12 Many of us have had moments when we have looked back onRead More…

An unplowed field produces food for the poor, but injustice sweeps it away. — Proverbs 13:23 In ancient Israel, the people were commanded to leave a share of the crops in theirRead More…

Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up. — Proverbs 12:25 Today there seems to be so much restlessness in people’s hearts and lives. People everywhere are stressed.Read More…

Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult. — Proverbs 12:16 I’ve often thought that the old saying “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words willRead More…

The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to ­advice. — Proverbs 12:15 As children, we learn to ask for help if there’s something we aren’t sure about.Read More…