Author: londavis@hotmail.com

Our text today is Proverbs 29:20.

“Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.”

I doubt if any of us would question the truth of this verse. Sometimes we find ourselves in situations where we say something before we think.

In Judges 11, when Jephthah was called upon to lead Israel against the enemy, he made a rash vow. He promised God, “If you give the Ammonites into my hands, whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph from the Ammonites will be the Lord’s, and I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering.” He should have thought about it a little longer. He had the victory, and when he returned home, it was his daughter, his only child, who came out to meet him. He certainly regretted his rash vow.

On a more positive note, we all should appreciate Proverbs 15:28: “The heart of the righteous weighs its answers.”

By pausing to think before we speak, we show respect for others and ourselves. Our words gain weight, meaning, and kindness.

I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth thinking.

Our Scripture for today is Matthew 11:15:

“He who has ears, let him hear.”

That seems like an odd statement.

I once posed a knowingly odd question to my friend’s five-year-old daughter. I asked, “Have you thoroughly contemplated the logical ramifications entailed in the theological dictums I have espoused?”

Her response? “No.” When I asked if she understood what I’d said, she answered, “I think you said you wanted to baptize me.”

Sometimes, our words fall on deaf ears. Not because of physical deafness, but because the message isn’t worth hearing or is beyond the listener’s comprehension.

When Jesus said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear,” it wasn’t odd or silly. After his teaching, he would say, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” What he was telling them was, you need to think about this. It is important!

Imagine being in the presence of the Son of God, hearing his wisdom firsthand, yet letting his words slip away like sand through your fingers. What a missed opportunity! While we can’t hear Jesus in person today, we’re still called to listen intently to his teachings.

So, when do we lack “ears to hear”?

• When our Bibles gather dust on the shelf.
• When our lives are so hectic that we can’t spare a moment for his words.
• When pride blinds us to the wisdom in God’s word.

If you have ears to hear, you will listen. If you seldom hear him, maybe you haven’t opened your heart or ears to him.

I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth thinking.

Our Scripture today is Genesis 25:8-9.

“At a ripe old age he breathed his last and died, old and contented, and was gathered to his people. His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him.”

These word are a description of Abraham’s death. All I can say is, I want to die like that, old and contented, with my family around me. 

After all, we are not made for here. We are made for there. All death is, is that day when we cross over to the next reality – eternity. 

The story is told that in a small village, there was a minister known for his gentle spirit. A young girl named Sarah fell gravely ill. Her time on earth was drawing to a close.

The minister, seeing her sorrow, spoke to her.

“Sarah,” he began, “do you remember how your father would carry you in his arms when you were tired or scared? How safe and loved you felt?”

“Yes,” she said, “I remember.—I was never afraid when Daddy was with me.”

“Well, Sarah,” the minister said, “soon you will be going to another room, a place called Heaven. And just like your father carried you in his arms, your Heavenly Father will carry you there. It is just moving from one room to another.”

Sarah’s eyes shone with a newfound peace. “I won’t be afraid, then,” she said softly. “I know I will be safe in God’s arms.”

I’m Lonnie Davis and these are thoughts worth thinking.

Forgiving the Unforgivable

Our text is Genesis 50:20.

“As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people.”

Here’s the backstory for this amazing scripture. Joseph had eleven brothers who threw him into a pit, sold him as a slave, and deceived their father into believing that a wild animal had killed him. Years later, they found themselves living in Egypt, a land essentially ruled by the very brother they had sold into slavery.

Imagine being in Joseph’s position. If your siblings had sold you as a slave, would you be able to forgive them? Listen to Joseph’s words to them, “You meant it for harm, but God intended it for good.” 

I admire that kind of heart. Not only did Joseph forgive his brothers, but he also welcomed them back into his life. Joseph also adds, “Do not be afraid. I will provide for you and your little ones.” So Joseph reassured his brothers and spoke kindly to them.

Despite being sold into slavery and enduring many years of hardship, Joseph embraced his brothers again. 

I will leave you with the words of another writer: “Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future.”

I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth thinking.

A Thief in the Family

Our text for today is Proverbs 28:24:

“He who robs his father or mother, saying, ‘It is not wrong,’ is a companion to the man who destroys.”

Living a long life allows you to witness many things. I’ve seen grown children, aware that their last parent is dying, enter the house and take valuable items. This certainly fits today’s proverb, but robbing one’s parents can take many forms. Financial exploitation, neglecting the care of elderly parents, misusing their money, failing to provide needed support, or being disrespectful and ungrateful are all ways of robbing them.

You might think, “I would never do that.” Yet, it is common enough that 2,800 years ago, the wise man had to warn against it. Notice especially the last part of the verse: “He who robs his father or mother, saying, ‘It is not wrong,’ is a companion to the man who destroys.” This means that mistreating your parents makes you akin to someone who causes great harm.

I’m blessed in that my kids treat me better than I could ever deserve, but this is a warning we all need to hear and perhaps share with a friend.

I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth thinking.

Our text today is Proverbs 29:18.

“Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the Law.”

One poet said, “Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others.” We all need a vision for what we want to be. However, today’s text does not talk about this kind of vision. The “vision” here is not a dream or a goal, but a word, a revelation from God.

What Proverbs tells us is, “When people lack divine guidance, they lose their way.”

In 1962, we removed prayer to God from our schools. Since then, we hauled away statues of the Ten Commandments from our courthouses. We prosecuted coaches who dared to pray before the violent sport of football. Crime runs rampant in our streets.

When I read this verse, I understand why there is sin all around us.

In times like these, we must remember that Christians before us lived under repressive leaders who would kill them for being Christians. We are blessed to live in a time where we vote, read our Bibles, and worship openly.

This proverb is a personal message for us about how we will accept God’s revelation.

Read and treasure it so that we don’t lose our way.

I’m Lonnie Davis and these are thoughts worth thinking.

Our text for today is Proverbs 29:25

“The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.”

This verse highlights the dangers of allowing fear of others to control us. Fear can be a trap that leads us into a web of anxiety, insecurity, and compromised integrity. When we are overly concerned with others’ opinions or reactions, we risk becoming ensnared in unhealthy behaviors and decisions.

Imagine living in constant worry about how others perceive you. This fear can drive you to act against your values and beliefs just to gain approval or avoid criticism. You may find yourself agreeing to things you disagree with or avoiding necessary but difficult conversations.

The anxiety and insecurity bred by this fear are crippling. They can consume your thoughts, making you second-guess every decision and action. This mental burden hampers your ability to live freely and confidently.

The second part of the verse offers a solution to fear: “but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.” Trusting in God provides a solid foundation, freeing us from the need to seek validation from others. By focusing on God’s approval rather than man’s, we avoid the snare of fear and live a more authentic, fulfilling life.

I’m Lonnie Davis and these are thoughts worth thinking.

Do You Want Peace?

Our text today is Proverbs 30:33: “For as the churning of milk produces butter, and the twisting of the nose draws blood, so stirring up anger brings forth strife.”

This proverb, with its vivid imagery, reminds us that our actions have inevitable consequences. Just as churning milk produces butter and twisting a nose causes bleeding, provoking anger leads to conflict. Husbands and wives who have been married for a while know how to push each other’s buttons. However, wise couples avoid doing so, understanding that certain behaviors naturally lead to specific outcomes. Those who seek peace steer clear of actions that incite anger.

Some outcomes are as predictable as the laws of nature. Churning milk and twisting a nose are simple actions with clear results. Similarly, our emotional responses and actions follow a natural progression. Depending on how we manage them, they can be either constructive or destructive.

If we desire a life of peace, we must avoid actions that lead to strife. By controlling our temper and reactions, we can foster peace in our relationships and communities. Just as we choose not to churn milk or twist a nose unnecessarily, we can choose not to stir up anger. In doing so, we create an environment of peace around us.

I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth thinking.

Our wisdom comes from Proverbs 28:19.

“He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.”

This verse teaches two important lessons:

First, the verse tells us that hard work is important. “He who works his land will have abundant food” means that if you work hard at what you do, you will be rewarded. This can be true for a job, chores, or any other task. When you put in the effort and stay committed, you will get good results and have what you need. Hard work leads to good things in life.

Second, the verse warns against chasing fantasies. “He who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty” means that if you spend your time on impossible or foolish ideas, you will end up with nothing. Things like trying to get rich quickly, gambling, or unrealistic career goals can lead to disappointment and financial trouble. It’s better to set realistic goals and work steadily towards them.

So, the next time you find yourself daydreaming about quick success or easy money, remember this proverb. Focus on putting in the work where it matters, and you’ll find that real success comes from dedication and effort, not from chasing fantasies.

I’m Lonnie Davis and these are thoughts worth thinking.

Our wisdom today is Proverbs 28:26:

“He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.”

This verse warns us against being too self-reliant. I believe in self-reliance, but we should not lean on our own thinking completely. Unless…

Unless you don’t live near or know anyone who is as smart as you are.
Unless you don’t have smart parents.
Unless you don’t feel you can trust God’s word.

You should trust yourself at least sometimes, but never be the only one you trust. Five hundred years after Solomon shared this wisdom, Socrates said, “Smart people learn from everything and everyone, average people from their experiences, and stupid people already have all the answers.”

That is saying much the same thing. If you are smart, if you are wise, you will learn from everything and everyone. If you are an average Joe, you have to make your own mistakes to learn anything. If you are foolish, you think you already have all the answers and don’t trust anyone else. You don’t even need to trust God.

As a youth, my mother always warned me to be careful of the word “fool.” I understand that, but Solomon said, “He who trusts in himself is a fool.”

Rather than that, be wise and trust God. Know what God tells you to do.

I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth thinking.

Our wisdom today is from Proverbs 28:1:

“The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.”

Consider the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3. After eating the forbidden fruit, their first instinct was to hide from God—an impossible feat, yet driven by their overwhelming guilt. This instinct to hide when we’ve done wrong persists in human behavior, illustrating the timeless truth of our proverb.

I personally grappled with this proverb as a child. At ten years old, I desperately wanted a pocket knife, though I mistakenly thought it was illegal to own one. Even so, I saved and bought a knife. One evening, while walking outside, I saw approaching headlights and was sure it was a police car coming for me and my knife. In a rush of fear, I threw the knife into the weeds. It turned out to be just a passing car. Feeling stupid, I went back to search for my beloved knife but never found it. Why did I throw it away? It’s simple: “The wicked flee when no one pursues.” This experience taught me how guilt can provoke irrational actions.

It works that way for all of us.

I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth thinking.

Our study today is from Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.”

The kindest person I ever knew was my wife, Liz. In 55 years and 160 days, I never heard her curse or scream at anyone. In fact, I never heard her raise her voice.

For those of you who knew her, you might think you could never be like that. But I believe you can. I even believe I can. Maybe not looking back, but from this day forward, you can.

Here are two reasons why:

First, our text doesn’t just suggest kindness and forgiveness as ideals; it calls on us to practice them. God wouldn’t tell us to do something impossible.

Second, God is more concerned with what you do from now on rather than what you did in the past. We are not perfect, just forgiven. We fall down and rise again. Proverbs 24:16 reminds us, “For though a righteous man may fall seven times, he still gets up, but the wicked stumble in bad times.”

I love the wisdom of Albert Einstein: “You never fail until you stop trying.”

I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth thinking.

Our wisdom for today is taken from Proverbs 25:14: “Like clouds and wind without rain is the man who boasts of gifts never given.”

When my wife’s father, a farmer, passed away, I met a friend of his at the funeral. He spoke of my father-in-law and gave him an unusual compliment. He said, “He’ll pay you.” As a farmer himself, he praised a man who would make a vow and then keep it, no matter what. “He’ll pay you.” In other words, he kept his word, even when it cost him.

God has that same love for those who keep their word, those He can trust to give the gift they promise.

In Psalms 15:1, King David asked, “Who may dwell in your tabernacle?” Three verses later, he answers, “He who vows to his own hurt and does not change.” Another translation says, “He who does not revise a costly oath.”

Solomon put it more directly in Ecclesiastes 5: verse 4, “When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it, because He takes no pleasure in fools. Fulfill your vow.”

In times of drought, clouds and wind without rain bring disappointment. You get your hopes up, only to have them dashed. Keep your vow to God and man. When you promise, keep that promise. It is a sign of your character.

I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth thinking.

Our wisdom for today comes from Proverbs 25:28:

“Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who does not control his temper.”

At first glance, this might seem puzzling. What does it mean for a city to have its walls broken down? In the times of King Solomon, city walls were essential for protection. Take the story of Jericho, for example. When the Hebrews needed to conquer it, God caused its walls to collapse, making it vulnerable to invasion. Without these walls, Jericho was defenseless.

This proverb uses that imagery to teach a lesson about self-control. A person who cannot manage their temper is like a city with crumbling walls, open to attack and chaos. Just as the walls of Jericho were crucial for its defense, self-control is vital for our personal integrity and safety.

Losing our temper can make us vulnerable. Imagine someone who gets angry quickly and then claims, “I get mad, but I get over it just as quickly.” It’s like attending a gathering, throwing gasoline on everyone, and then walking away, thinking everything is fine. But the damage lingers. The virtuous path is to control your temper, not just for yourself but for the well-being of those around you.

I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth thinking.

Our wisdom for today is in Proverbs 25, verse 21.
“If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.”

The Apostle Paul knew this verse well. In Romans 12: verse 20, he wrote,“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

There is a lesson for us in this verse.
We are not judged by how we treat those whom we love. A person can be judged by how they treat their enemies. A Godly person should be ready to help their enemies. Obviously, it is our hope that we can help them find God. One can never lead a person that they treat as an enemy.

All of this is emphasized by Jesus in Matthew chapter 5. He said, “I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” (verse 44).

So today, do something good for someone who seems to be your enemy.

I’m Lonnie Davis and these are thoughts worth thinking.

Our wisdom for today comes from Proverbs 22:13:

“The sluggard says, ‘There is a lion outside! I shall be slain in the streets!'”

Perhaps, just perhaps, there is a lion in the street. Usually, there is not. Often, the lion-in-the-street response is a way to avoid what we should do.

I love the quote from Benjamin Franklin: “He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else.”

You’ve heard so many excuses in your life. Here are a few common ones:

1. “I don’t have enough time.”

We all have the same 24 hours in a day. What you really mean is that you don’t prioritize that action very highly.

2. “I don’t have the skills.”

Well, learn them. Every skill is learned through effort and practice.

3. “It’s too hard.”

Success is not supposed to be easy. The hard work is what makes it worthwhile.

4. “I’ll do it later.”

Probably not. This is often a way to put things off until they are never done.

These and other like them are just lions in the street, imagined obstacles that keep us from moving forward. Let me leave you with this question: What lions are keeping you from doing what you need to do?

I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth thinking.

Our words of Devotion come from Lamentations 3: verses 22 and 23.

“His mercies never fail. They are new every morning;
great is Your faithfulness!”

Many years ago I heard a song that had a lyric in it that stunned me. It said of God, “Great is your faithfulness.” I always thought about OUR need to be faithful, but never considered that GOD is faithful. Upon researching the words more, I found that is a quote from Lamentations.

If you are like me, you also may have never thought about the faithfulness of God. Of course, we must be faithful because it is required of us, but there is more. God is faithful. That is comforting.

God’s mercies never fail. Every day when we awake, all of God’s goodness toward us is fresh and ready anew. He is always the same in his kindness and mercy toward you.

Because we know that all of this is true, then there is but one question to answer: Do you want to be like God and imitate him in all you do? If so, then you must also be faithful, because He is faithful.

Think about the faithfulness of God.

We want to be like him in our faithfulness.

I’m Lonnie Davis and these are thoughts worth thinking.

Ecclesiastes 7: verses 21 and 22 offers us profound counsel:
“Do not pay attention to every word that is spoken, or you may hear your servant cursing you. For you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others.”

This advice is valuable for all of us. Put simply, don’t take everything people say to heart, or you might hear something hurtful. Remember, there have been times when you’ve also spoken unkindly about others.

Expecting to live without hearing any negative comments is unrealistic and will only lead to disappointment. The key takeaway here is to avoid focusing on every criticism directed your way. Think about what a president endures. While elected by millions, there are just as many who voted against him, often braving harsh weather to cast their dissenting vote.

Verse 21 teaches us to rise above criticism because we, too, have been guilty of negative remarks. Don’t get angry with others for doing what you’ve done yourself.

Here’s a simple test I use when driving on a busy street: if I slow down to avoid crowding, someone inevitably cuts into my lane. Before getting upset, I remind myself, “Don’t be angry. You’ve probably done the same thing.”

This passage calls us to focus on what truly matters and to practice forgiveness even before being asked.

I’m Lonnie Davis and these are thoughts worth thinking.

Today’s wisdom comes from Ecclesiastes 7:10:

“Do not say, ‘Why were the old days better than these?’ For it is unwise of you to ask about this.”

The verse does not mean we should never reminisce about the good old days. Reflecting on great experiences can be enjoyable and meaningful. Ecclesiastes is cautioning against constantly declaring that the past was better than the present.

Yes, today might be a hard day, but if you retreat into the past, you won’t address today’s reality.

Spending too much time looking back idealizes the past and distorts your memory. Remember the saying, “Nostalgia isn’t what it used to be.” Another fitting quote is, “Nothing is more responsible for the good old days than a bad memory.”

Here are some reasons why it’s not wise to dwell on the past:

1. It prevents you from dealing with current problems.
2. It makes you think that all your good times are behind you.
3. It stops you from finding today’s lessons, whether good or bad. Remember, history only repeats itself if you don’t learn from it.

Any day can become a “good old day” if you have the faith to see it that way. Today, you can create new memories and connections, like picking up the phone and talking to someone, which you might look back on fondly in the future.

I’m Lonnie Davis and these are thoughts worth thinking.

Our wisdom for today is from Proverbs 21:23.

“He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.”

I think this message is quite clear, but let me paraphrase this for you.

“A person who watches what they say and controls their tongue keeps themselves out of trouble.”

Maybe you are the one in a hundred who does not need this message, but I have heard myself say, “I wish I had not said that.” I have suffered the consequences of a word I should not have said. I’ll bet you have, too!

How can we avoid this problem? If there is one thing we can do to avoid the consequences of saying things we later regret, it is this: Think before you speak.

The story is told of an elderly lady who was loved by all. One day, someone asked her why she was so admired. She answered, “I always taste my words before I spit them out.”

That story sums up the teaching of Proverbs 21:23. “Guard your mouth,” which means to taste your words before you spit them out.

I’m Lonnie Davis and these are thoughts worth thinking.