26 Like snow in summer or rain in harvest,
honor is not fitting for a fool.
2 Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow,
an undeserved curse does not come to rest.
3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey,
and a rod for the backs of fools!
4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
or you yourself will be just like him.
5 Answer a fool according to his folly,
or he will be wise in his own eyes.
6 Sending a message by the hands of a fool
is like cutting off one’s feet or drinking poison.
7 Like the useless legs of one who is lame
is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
8 Like tying a stone in a sling
is the giving of honor to a fool.
9 Like a thornbush in a drunkard’s hand
is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
10 Like an archer who wounds at random
is one who hires a fool or any passer-by.
11 As a dog returns to its vomit,
so fools repeat their folly.
12 Do you see a person wise in their own eyes?
There is more hope for a fool than for them.
13 A sluggard says, “There’s a lion in the road,
a fierce lion roaming the streets!”
14 As a door turns on its hinges,
so a sluggard turns on his bed.
15 A sluggard buries his hand in the dish;
he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.
16 A sluggard is wiser in his own eyes
than seven people who answer discreetly.
17 Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears
is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own.
18 Like a maniac shooting
flaming arrows of death
19 is one who deceives their neighbor
and says, “I was only joking!”
20 Without wood a fire goes out;
without a gossip a quarrel dies down.
21 As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire,
so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.
22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
they go down to the inmost parts.
23 Like a coating of silver dross on earthenware
are fervent[a] lips with an evil heart.
24 Enemies disguise themselves with their lips,
but in their hearts they harbor deceit.
25 Though their speech is charming, do not believe them,
for seven abominations fill their hearts.
26 Their malice may be concealed by deception,
but their wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.
27 Whoever digs a pit will fall into it;
if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them.
28 A lying tongue hates those it hurts,
and a flattering mouth works ruin.
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God’s message through Solomon is so perfect.
Share what you have learned in the scriptures today with others
11 As a dog returns to its vomit,
so fools repeat their folly.
For all the obvious reasons
Follow His Words everyday, and teach others to do the same.
v20 Without wood a fire goes out;
without a gossip a quarrel dies down.
v 21 As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire,
so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.
How many times have I contributed to idle gossip unaware of the consequences and the trouble it can cause. My act of obedience and influence is to step back from those situations.
Lord, don’t let my lips contribute to any quarrels today. Let me be kind and considerate to those around me. Amen
I find it hard working from home figuring out what the small acts of kindness on a daily basis. Exerting influence being the second part, I think can be done and exemplified at work and is something I do on a regular basis. On the kindness side I do actively seek people out when at church and talk to them. I also try to assist if asked or see an opportunity. This has been ingrained in me for awhile. I will keep doing this and think about what the next step is.
I like verse 17, “Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own.” The lesson for me is to avoid getting into arguments, especially arguments not concerning our own business and arguments over meaningless things, like someone’s opinion. Someone else’s opinion does not matter, so why argue with them about it?
(2/24/23) Proverbs 24:5-6 The Message
“It’s better to be wise than strong; intelligence outranks muscle any day. Strategic planning is the key to warfare; to win, you need a lot of good counsel.”
This is a key in martial arts, but good for every conflict. We also fight against the spiritual forces of wickedness in heavenly places. Therefore, seek Christ first, and receive council from others to confirm you’re on the right path.
Lord, let me be a useful tool in your hands, doing what you would have me to do. I will be a blessing to others for the sake of the gospel and bring honor to my Lord.
5 Answer a fool according to his folly,
or he will be wise in his own eyes.
I think back of all those times when I was to afraid to speak up and just nodded my head and went along with the group. By not speaking up I was encouraging the person who was trying to lead the group astray. Whether it being going to a party I shouldn’t have been at, or going along with something that is not Christ like. Agreeing with a fool makes them stronger and more confident in their poor decision making. Our inaction is an action.
Our pastor challenged us to say the Lord’s Prayer every day for a week so I will try to hold myself and “daughter” accountable.
20 Without wood a fire goes out;
without a gossip a quarrel dies down.
I know that I say and repeat things that I probably shouldn’t. Either I don’t know all the facts or I repeat second hand information. The gossip might stop, but sometimes I fan the flames or keep it going.
Never keep doing something that is not working to get a different result. That way of thinking will never end well. Instead, take a step back and try to see another perspective or viewpoint to help in overcoming the obstacle or challenge. You never know what you will learn and be able to grow from.
I’m working on becoming a strong influence and becoming more obedient to God.
I’m still amazed on how our obedience can serve as influence. People will follow a leader who follows their leader.
v 11 As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.
This verse reminds me of the Israelites who repeatedly turned away from God over and over again. I used to shake my head at this until one day years ago, I realized I do exactly the same thing. Just like the dog in the verse, I have repeated sin in my life and inch by inch I am giving it to the Lord. He has helped me come a long way but it is a daily struggle. Only with His strength am I able to have victory.
Obedience is a daily event. I learn this more benifically over and over every day as I take new steps one moment at a time in the right direction. Today is a super-fantastic day, I’m greatful and positive! I’ve been doing things to increase my personal relationship with the Lord while reaching out and it’s so helpful.
To stay focused on taming my tongue at work. It is difficult, because a lot of people don’t care,there only there for a paycheck. It’s sad
Faith
Something we’ve started praying for “ BOB
Burden of the lost souls
Opportunity take control of opportunity to pray for the lost
Boldness for sharing Gods word
God commands us to “Go “ and spread the word
May we all be obedient in sharing His love
Thanks Al
Hello Brothers, I pray not only for myself but for all of you , That we can all be the best reflection of Christ in our daily walk, and that those around us can see this each day. Not an easy task in a world where people don’t want to believe in anything Spiritual. Be strong and of good faith.
Verses 18-19
As someone who likes to joke around and use sarcasm, I need to be much more careful of my actions and words towards others. Being situationally aware and understanding that others may watching me that don’t understand the context or have the same relationship with me as the person I may be joking with. As such, they may question why I am saying or doing something that seems inappropriate.
verses 11 and 28 stood out to me, and yes, I know I am two days behind, but I am catching up for the last time in this 35 day challenge. 🙂
11: “as a dog returns to its vomit, so fool repeat their folly.” this speaks to me about ANYONE that struggles with repetitive sin, myself included. we fools repeat our folly because we are relying on our own strength to keep ourselves from sinning, and I have SEEN my own dog return to her own vomit to eat it, so I FULLY understand this verse.
28: “a lying tongue HATES those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.” this is the main reason I take offense when my kids lie to me, and why I try not to lie to anyone about anything, I don’t want to leverage hate in my speech or actions, I want to leverage love, as Jesus instructs us to. “love one another as I have loved you” (Jesus Christ).
i’m cautioned to watch my mouth for it’s easy to say the right things but no to do them. Lord help me to close the gap between what i know and what i do.
Walk as He walked. Following Him and nothing else.
Proverbs 26:11 says, “As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.” Someone told me this means that whatever made the dog sick, will make it sick again, and similarly, fools suffer from repeating the same mistakes.
Thank you my brothers.
I praise our God for the examples I have. Thank you Steve not only for being a blessing to your friend’s mom, but an example to us.
Blessings to all
To encourage those I am directly or indirectly in their lives to live by God’s principles, values and standards. When we live by God’s moral and dietary law we are bless.
Good stuff. A welcome dose of wisdom.
Obedience, not stirring up fights and being humble. I pray for wisdom daily. God gives it to us in these proverbs. I pray today that I will remember this throughout my day.
Love and wisdom is my takeaway. I can relate to my old way (v23) of being what I thought was nice, but without love there is no sincerity. V4/5, be wise in your responses, have enough humbleness to let people be right sometimes…your counsel may not be the right timing or for them.
Lord I seek to be obedient today in how I influence others. I have a day of influencing lined up with students choosing schedules. Give the words to say so that I can influence them ad you want.
Amen brothers
May the Lord give me and by brothers the discernment to live for moments of obedience
Follow hard after Christ
21 As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire,
so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.
I’m thankful for the many passages that we’ve been reading that remind me to seek to avoid quarrels.
Today my influence is on my sick son at home, praying with him and giving him comfort.
I think 4 was my favorite today – Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
or you yourself will be just like him. – Lord, help me from becoming a fool by falling for the folly of others. Instead help me to keep silent and be the wiser.
Verse 20 Without wood a fire goes out;
without a gossip a quarrel dies down.
Gossip is a hard one, I will not always start something but have jumped in on it! I need to steer clear of it all together! Lord helped me to dodge the gossiping obstacles that appear in my road today. Helped me to always think WWJD!
Verses to remember:
11 As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.
12 Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them.
18 Like a maniac shooting flaming arrows of death
19 is one who deceives their neighbor and says, “I was only joking!”
20 Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.
22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.
Lord I pray that I can exert influence in a positive way on a daily basis, and that I have a powerful impact on others lives.
20 Without wood a fire goes out;
without a gossip a quarrel dies down.
I have been guilty of gossip many times in my life. I may have felt justified but it is still sin.
I am making an effort to bring up my faith and Jesus whenever I can.
I am challenged often by how to view my own efforts when it comes to obedience. My own effort is so insufficient, yet my effort is absolutely necessary in following Christ. Just “trying harder” ultimately ends in failure, but I need to try harder. I long to know better what it means to live in obedience without falling back into viewing my relationship with Christ as based on performance.
In The MSG translation 10: Hire a fool or a drunk and you shoot yourself in the foot. This verse stands out to me today.
Vs 26 For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases
So good for our families and friendship, don’t provide any more fire wood
Tonight is my last night of our current small group, I am praying that it is fruitful and the group continues on stronger than ever
Ministry is an activity! Obedient daily and sharing influence. Continue to believe and share that we as men have an important role in Ministry. We can do! Step up, step out and start influencing those convictions.
small acts of obedience done daily – good stuff!
Words and actions reveal who we really are, whether we realize it or not. Our goal needs to be focusing on our relationship with God and aligning to His example and allowing Him to pour into our life. Those things that are not Christ-like will be revealed and with Christ we can put them to death and live in the newness of life He provides.
I had the opportunity to do “ministry” with my sister last night. Looking forward to getting home and my church family.
Obedience!! That is the key take away! I love this word and how deeply it applies to our daily walk.
God is giving me more opportunity everywhere I go to minister to other men. I’m very thankful for that
Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them. Proverbs 26:27
I know I sometimes dwell on things that don’t appear right to me and then I share my frustration with others. As I’m digging that pit I’m certainly not following the Lord or influencing anyone around me! Lord, help me put the shovel down!
God, please work in me so ministry is a natural over flow of my heart!
Good advice !! Be careful !!
Be wise in our talk and actions !!
I will continue to be obedient in the manner of which I have been called to these past months…assisting in the care of my friend’s Mom, who has dementia. It is difficult at times to say the least…I spend 2-3 hours throughout the day with her… giving meds, feeding her, helping in anyway I can….but what she loves most is reminiscing about the memories of long ago…what she does remember. Just to sit and talk…and listen. And of course… making her laugh! It is a humbling experience to see the cognitive decline in a person. I am learning to be a bit more selfless. Thank you Lord. And also to Jay…thank you.
God bless you and give you strength Steve. That is certainly a worthy Ministry.
I’ve done many of the foolish things listed. I’m setting my eyes on Jesus to lead and keep me on the right path so that I may serve him in his ministry to my friends and family.
SAODI (Small Acts of Daily Impact or Influence). In another teaching I learned this as setting my intention. Before my feet hit the floor I was to set my intention for the day (i.e. hopeful, joyful, curious, etc). I am not setting my mood I am setting how I will be in the world no matter how the world shows up. I am setting how I choose to live the day rather than letting the day live me. Now, if I can only remember to set my intention daily 😉
I feel convicted by the fact I desire to post things on social media that stir others to anger. God, help me direct my energies in more productive activities.
God, may I be the first to let the fire go out today.
Today is a new day with new direction. Where will God lead me today so that I may further His kingdom? we will see!
Remember it’s not what goes in the mouth that defiles us, it’s what comes out. What we say comes from our heart and our tongue can be a hurtful weapon.
Be wise when speaking to other and speak what would be pleasing to God.
Staying focused today on turning up the Obedience from the wisdom of God and being that continuing influence to help others.
Proverbs 26:4
Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
or you yourself will be just like him.
Consistent obedience is perhaps my biggest struggle. I let the busyness of my own life take over and lead my thoughts and actions. I pray that I am able to feel God’s presence always, and use it to guide me.
Choose carefully your words and actions when engaging in conversations with others. Be sure to speak honestly but only when your words can have a positive impact on those listening. Don’t fuel anger or support jealousy, but speak words of encouragement and forgiveness .
Verse 4 strikes me. In our divisive culture with social media just a click away it’s way too easy to a enter a fool’s discussion. Better to be obedient to Lord and his word!
Daily doing his will
I will use my influence as an employer today and show my obedience through listening, understanding, and caring.
Proverbs 20; without wood a fire goes out and without gossip a quarrel dies down. God help me to be obedient today when I hear, or do, not to listen to gossip around me today but walk away. God I pray for your strength in these daily matters.
4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him.
12 Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them
20 Without wood a fire goes out;
without a gossip a quarrel dies down.
Everyday we will be tempted by man, but no matter the battle if we fix our eyes on Jesus, there will be no wood to fuel that fire! Have a great day PV Brothers!
I don’t want to be an earthen pot covered in silver dross.
Do not be apart of spreading miss information. Trust in the lord. Speak the truth
So many words about fools, and sluggards lord help me to be wise, give me the strength and wisdom to do what’s necessary and important. I pray your spirit keeps me from getting entangled with fools.
Employees will make or break a business. Verse 10 reminds me to choose wisely.
As a dog returns to its vomit,
so fools repeat their folly.
So true. Obedience is responding with, not my words, but His. Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.
God has the best timing. All this information has proved to be instrumental in starting a new men’s group that includes 5 men that have never been in a all men group. God has perfect timing!!