Proverbs 14:13-17

I have chosen the verse that speaks tome for today and journaled about it.  You choose what verse speaks to you and journal it out in your bible, or in your sketchbook

¹⁵ Only simpletons believe everything they’re told!
    The prudent carefully consider their steps.

¹⁶ The wise are cautious^[a] and avoid danger;
    fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence.

¹⁷ Short-tempered people do foolish things,
    and schemers are hated.

¹⁸ Simpletons are clothed with foolishness,^[b]
    but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

¹⁹ Evil people will bow before good people;
    the wicked will bow at the gates of the godly.

²⁰ The poor are despised even by their neighbors,
    while the rich have many “friends.”

²¹ It is a sin to belittle one’s neighbor;
    blessed are those who help the poor.

Today I am looking at three Proverbs that seem to be strung together for me.

The wise and prudent:

·      Carefully consider their steps

·      They proceed slowly and avoid danger

·      They discern where they are going next and how to act accordingly

On the other hand, the foolish:

·      Believe everything they are told

·      Plunge ahead with reckless confidence

·      In haste, and without foundations, they do foolish things

·      Those that scheme are enemies

Accusations and gossip divide and separate the Body, and are one of satan’s easiest baits for us to swallow. The problem with gossip is that it kills the person you are gossiping about and fuels the gossiper with indignation and judgement that is spewed out with reckless confidence.

I define gossip as: “If you have nothing to do with the problem or the solution, it doesn’t concern you – stay out of it.”   When we listen to slander against another’s character and integrity and pass judgment, we are acting foolishly.  When we judge the intentionality of another’s heart we stand in the judgement seat of God.  Such bitterness, hate, judgement and slander shouldn’t find it’s way into our hearts and into our inner circles.

Open honest communication, where each step is prayed through and considered, promise us that we will avoid the reckless dangers of the foolish.   We are looking at the power of the tongue again, one of Solomon’s reoccurring themes in the Proverbs.  Perhaps, because it is one of the biggest baits used by satan.

Gossip hurts, we hold such power in our tongues to love and to encourage. We have to power to build up an army, or tear it down.  Gossip and slander are like little foxes that nip at the heels and discourage and weaken, a death by a thousand cuts.

How can we encourage someone today?  How can we edify the Body and shine encouragement into another’s heart? Do you know about Salty Sidewalks? It is where we, intentionally, spread the Gospel through the arts.  We make little things and we leave them around our neighborhoods.  We send them to the sick and the hurting, we send them to the military, we send them to the elderly. We send out His word because it will not come back void. We send our His word because it is the biggest encourager.  What will you do today to act prudently in the Kingdom? 

http://www.saltysidewalks.com