The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe. (Proverbs 18:10 NASB) The metaphors used in the Bible are wonderful tools to help us understand who God is, what he is like, and who we are in relation to him. On several…

The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the Lord tests hearts. (Proverbs 17:3 ESV) God is at work in us, conforming us to the image of his Son, Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29 ESV). But he compares testing our hearts to the purifying of silver in a…

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. (Proverbs 16:24 ESV) Yesterday we talked about how a gentle answer can abate anger. Today, let’s consider the power of gracious words. What are gracious words? The word grace in the Bible is goodness toward those…

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1 ESV) I have a friend with a house full of children from age three to twenty. I have known her for over twenty years and have watched the way she disciplines her children in public. I’ve…

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. (Proverbs 13:20 ESV) It’s natural to adopt the mannerisms of those whom we admire. I’ve caught myself speaking with a fake British accent after watching the BBC baking show. But can wisdom be acquired simply by proximity…

Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.(Proverbs 12:1 NKJV) This verse always makes me smile because of its simplicity and frankness. Loving the process is loving the outcome, it is foolish to think you can achieve anything without instruction. Imagine a piano teacher who never…

Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves. (Proverbs 11:18 NIV) When my children were young, much of their behavior was motivated by a desire for attention – whether it was positive or negative didn’t always seem to matter. Some days they chose to behave well…

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out. (Proverbs 10:9 NIV) Have you ever gone above the speed limit? Made a U-Turn where it was clearly marked not to? Run through a red light? Gone the wrong way on a one-way street? If you…