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Our wisdom for today is from Proverbs 16:26.
“The appetite of the laborer works for him, for his hunger urges him on.”

This verse highlights an essential truth: lasting motivation must come from within ourselves. While external motivations can provide temporary boosts, it is our inner drive that sustains us through difficult tasks and long journeys.

The laborer’s appetite in this verse symbolizes the burning desire, ambition, and hunger that fuel the human spirit. It is the fire that ignites the soul and compels us to work tirelessly in pursuit of our aspirations. Without this internal fire, even the most enticing rewards eventually lose their luster.

True achievement requires more than just a motivational speech. It demands a commitment that can only be kindled by the flames burning within our hearts. When we tap into that passion and hunger, we unlock reserves of energy and perseverance that know no bounds.

There is an old saying, “Do what you love and you will never work a day in your life.” That quote is a little overstated, but the core of it is true. Doing what you love does not mean you will not work. It means that it won’t feel like work. You can get lost in the work.

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

Our Wisdom for today is Proverbs 15:19.
 
“The way of the slacker is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.”

I love that this version uses the word “slacker.” Other translations say “lazy,” or “slothful.” They all mean the same thing, but no one wants to be called lazy or a sloth. Using “slacker” makes it easier to see that this proverb is a warning meant for all of us.
Here are some behaviors commonly exhibited by a slacker. Slackers frequently procrastinate on important tasks, ignore chores, arrive late, or avoid difficult work. 
You may think, “Well, everyone does those things.” No, they don’t; at least if they do, it is very, very rare.

Here is what the verse teaches about the pitfalls of being a slacker. 
First, it leads to difficulty.

The verse begins by stating, “The way of the slacker is like a hedge of thorns.” This imagery suggests that laziness makes life’s journey more difficult and obstructed. Just as a hedge of thorns can cause pain and hinder progress, laziness can create unnecessary challenges and hardships.

Second, it leads to obstacles of our own making.
Thorns represent obstacles that we might encounter. In the context of laziness, these obstacles are often self-inflicted. Our own lack of initiative or effort can create barriers that make life harder than it needs to be. If you have ever been a slacker, you know what I mean.

We all experience moments of slacking. The key is to avoid making it a habit.

I’m Lonnie Davis
And these are seeds for reflection.

Our wisdom for today is from Proverbs 16:27.

“A worthless man digs up evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.”

We’ve all had that person who simply does not like us. Not understanding that will drive you crazy. Lincoln said, “You can’t please all the people all the time.” I might add you can’t please all the people any of the time. If you found a cure for cancer, someone would accuse you of stealing the idea from someone else. You can’t avoid people who might criticize you.

Our verse does warn us about one kind of person we ought to avoid. The man who goes about trying to “dig up evil.” The image of “digging up evil” paints a vivid picture of someone deliberately unearthing and pursuing wicked deeds and malicious intentions. Rather than letting wrongdoing lie buried, they make it their mission to dredge it up and fan the flames of conflict. Such behavior is likened to a “scorching fire” – something that rapidly spreads destruction in its wake.

Such a man is “worthless” and untrustworthy.
There will always be those in the world whose goals are not noble but seek only to stir the pot of negativity. The wise path is to refuse to be drawn into their circle. The world and even your neighborhood are filled with good people who want to help. Spend your time on them and not the dirt-digger.

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

Our wisdom for today is Proverbs 16:verse 24.

“Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”

What do you know about honeycombs?

All I know is that they are sweet and folks love them. People will go through a wall of bees to gather one. 

Our wisdom verse today compares pleasant words to a honeycomb. Instead of being sweet-tasting, they have the power to heal our hearts and our spirits. 

Let me give you one thought that will be relevant to your pleasant words: Everyone you meet is fighting a battle. Everyone needs uplifting, encouraging, and pleasantness. Everyone!

Here is a man who just got a big promotion. Is he fighting a battle? Perhaps his parents are old, and he fears losing them, or his child is hospitalized. 

Here is a woman who has a great family, and her bills are paid. She has money in the bank. Does she need encouragement? Perhaps she misses her friends and family back home. Maybe she is waiting to go into the hospital for a test?

Obviously, these examples could be multiplied. Maybe these examples seem contrived, but you don’t know what you don’t know. 

What we do know is that your honeycomb words have the power to be “sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”

Everyone you meet needs their heart lifted. Everyone!

“Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”

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

Today’s Wisdom is Proverbs 16: verse 11.

“Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are His concern.”

In these words are two great principles for our hearts.

First: The “Scales and balances are from the LORD.” It is God who makes things right or wrong. All things about fairness, honesty, and morality come from God. If there is no God, then there is nothing that is wrong. From the murder of millions of Jews in the gas chambers to the theft of property, everything right or wrong is all just an opinion. As believers in God, we know things are right or wrong. How do I know? The Bible tells me so!

 Second, God cares whether you are treated fairly. As the verse says, “All the weights in the bag are His concern.” You are never alone. Understanding God’s sovereignty helps us trust that true justice will prevail, even when human systems fail. In times of injustice or when we face dishonest dealings, this verse assures us that God’s ultimate justice will prevail. The principles of fairness and justice are not mere human inventions but divine mandates. God is the ultimate source of these standards, and he is concerned for us. 

Does Jesus care? Oh yes, he cares.

I’m Lonnie Davis

And these are thoughts worth thinking.

Our Wisdom for today is Proverbs 23: verses 4 and 5.
“Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to restrain yourself. When you glance at wealth, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky.”

The story is told of a man who was driving out in the country when he saw a sign on a huge farm. The sign read. “Free Land.” This seemed great to him and so he stopped. He asked the farmer about the free land. The farmer said, “Yes. It is absolutely free. I will give you all the land you can run around while it is still day.”

The man took the deal and started running. He ran for an hour. He was tired, but he thought, “Free land.” He ran another hour and then another. Finally, the sun started setting. He turned to run home. Far from home, he ran and ran. As the sun was fully setting, he saw the farmhouse in the distance. Just after it turned dark, he arrived at the farm. Exhausted, he fell to the ground and the farmer said, “Well, it is no longer day, so you get nothing.”

We must learn the secret of contentment or we will wear ourselves out and end up with nothing.

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

Our wisdom for today is Proverbs 16:5.

“Everyone who is proud in heart is detestable to the LORD; be assured that he will not go unpunished.”

There are two parts to this wisdom: First, “Everyone who is proud in heart is detestable to the Lord.” Second, “He will not go unpunished.”

We all have a bit of pride. I’m proud of my family. I’m proud of my friends. This is not the “proud of heart” that our text is condemning.

The pride in this verse is not a small offense. This pride is excessive self-esteem that leads to arrogance and disdain for others. Pride causes murder, slander, theft, and a host of other sins. Hitler was proud. Mussolini was proud. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon was proud. This is recorded in the book of Daniel. “The king exclaimed, ‘Is this not Babylon the Great, which I myself have built by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?'”
The proud of heart says, “I did everything. I am great.”

Mere humans can also have this kind of pride. The evil man who betrays his family is proud. Men or women who become “proud in the heart” are not good people. They are not righteous before God.

The antidote to being proud of heart is to trust and lean on God. Nebuchadnezzar was punished for his pride, but restored when he “looked up to heaven…and honored and glorified Him who lives forever.” Daniel 4:34.

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

Our Moment of Wisdom today comes from Proverbs 16: verse 2

“All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes, but his motives are weighed out by the LORD.”

Let’s look closer:
“All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes?”

Really?

Yes, a man or woman usually does what seems right. Before you protest too loudly, let me add a caveat—the text says he does what seems right. He does not always do what is right, but rather what seems right. Unfortunately, we have a strange ability to fool ourselves.

When you reach the end of your life and consider your actions, you will know that some of the things you did were wrong, and you will wish you had not done them. As humans, we have the ability to talk ourselves into doing things we should not do. Later, we will know better, but at the time, it seemed like the thing to do.

This proverb encourages us to seek God’s guidance and wisdom, recognizing that His perspective is much broader and more accurate than our own. By aligning our motives with His will, we can ensure that our actions are genuinely righteous.

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

Our Scripture for today is Proverbs 16:6.

“By loving devotion and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns aside from evil.”

Our text teaches us one of the great lessons in life. It teaches us how to forgive. 

I mean really forgive. A lifetime ago, the kid next door came into our house and stole the grapes that I was saving for my self. I remembered that story for decades. Though I was upset at the time, getting past that does not really require forgiveness. Time and maturity heals that event.

But what about those times when you have been betrayed, or cheated on by someone you trusted with your life. A wife? A husband? A lifelong friend? Can you forgive that? I am telling you yes. I have seen it done. 

There are three secrets to such forgiveness:

1: It takes work. It won’t just happen without doing the work.

2: It takes time.

3. It takes following God.

Read our text again.

“By loving devotion and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns aside from evil.”

It says, “Loving devotion and faithfulness” atones for iniquity. That is a process and not an event. It takes time. The wounded party needs to see devotion and faithfulness, and in time, atonement will come.

Then it says, “and by the fear of the LORD.” That means following and respecting God and His will.

Yes! You can forgive. Give it time

I’m Lonnie Davis

And these are thoughts worth thinking.

Our Scripture for today is Proverbs 16: verse 1.

“The plans of the heart belong to man, but the reply of the tongue is from the LORD.”

Our text for today doesn’t tell us not to make plans, but it does remind us that whatever our plan, it is God who has the final say.

Sometimes our plans sound so wonderful that we think that surely God will help us with them. Do you remember the time when King David decided that he was going to build a temple for God? Even the prophet thought this sounded good. God said, “No. I have that planned for your son to do.”

David did a lot of great things, but I think his response to God’s answer to his plan is my favorite activity of David. David virtually said “okay.” and then decided that if God would not let him build it, then he would gather the building materials for the next king to build.

He is famous for killing the giant, but his response to his plans being rejected is even more amazing.

I too have plans. As I get older, I think more about that bucket list and all I have yet to do. However, like you, I need to remind myself that I can make plans, but God has the final say.

That is good with me, because God knows what is best, so I should trust Him.

So should we all.

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

Today, I am going to do something I have not done before. I am going to use the same verse two days in a row. I am doing this because this passage has been on my mind all day.

The text again is Proverbs 15:30

“The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the bones.”

What is that saying? I believe it is saying that when you are anxious, you may need someone to come and share your stress. Someone who will bring good news to the story. It will raise your spirits.

If you believe that, you might want to avoid news programs and political speeches. People from hundreds of miles away who go on television and shout at the top of their lungs. You have to be informed, but ration your time with those kinds of things.

I know that sometimes we have to speak about hard things, but do it in the right way. Forty years ago, I was sitting in the office with a friend as we listened to a sermon on tape. In the middle of the sermon, my friend said, “Wow! He is talking about the love of God, but he makes it sound like God is angry.”

There are times when we all need our spirits lifted. You will never find it with negative, life-is-always-bad” people. Always have that friend who will lift your spirits. You need it. Maybe even more importantly, resolve to be that friend who lifts others’ spirits.

It is a decision.

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

Our Text today is Proverbs 15:30

“The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the bones.”

If you’ve ever sat at night waiting for your teenager to finally gets home, then you know the joy that comes when he or she finally arrives.
Indeed, “the light of the eyes rejoices the heart.” There is joy and relief that washes over us when we hear good news. It can be as simple as a friend’s success, a loved one’s recovery, or an unexpected blessing in our lives. These moments not only bring immediate happiness but also have a deeper, refreshing impact on our spirits.

Good news is like a soft rain after a lengthy drought. Just as rain restores the parched ground, causing flowers to grow and rivers to flow again, good news lifts our mood.

In today’s world negative news often dominates and depresses our spirit. Turn the news off and share good news with someone. By spreading positivity, we have the power to uplift those around us. A kind word, a congratulatory message, or sharing an uplifting story can brighten someone’s day and bring renewed energy and hope.

Look for opportunities to share positive stories, offer words of encouragement, and celebrate the successes of others. By doing so, you’ll not only refresh your own spirit but also bring light and joy to those around you.
As we end, let’s remember that the “Gospel of Jesus,” does not mean “the news of Jesus,” It means “The Good News of Jesus.”

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

Our text is Proverbs 15:23.

“A man takes joy in a fitting reply—and how good is a timely word!” 

This verse highlights the significance of speaking thoughtfully and the joy that comes from providing the right words at the right moment.

When we consider our words before speaking, we are more likely to offer responses that are fitting and beneficial. Today’s proverb encourages us to value the impact of our speech. Words have the power to uplift, encourage, and bring clarity, but they can also hurt, confuse, and crush.

Reflecting on this verse, we realize that taking a moment to think before we speak can transform our words. Imagine a situation where someone is in distress. Nearly nine years ago, I went to the doctor for a diagnosis about cancer. He came in, sat at the desk with us. I will never forget the words he spoke. He said, “I wish I had better news for you.” I wanted words of hope. The rest of the meeting was a fog, but before I left he said more unforgettable words. He said, “You’ll be alright.” I was, and am. Before I began treatment, my radiologist said, “You’re not going to die of prostrate cancer. Prostrate cancer is the turtle of all cancers.” Some words you always remember!

I love the prayer of the old preacher, “Lord fill my mouth with worthwhile stuff, and nudge me when I’ve said enough.” That is what today’s verse is saying.

Lord help me have the fitting word at just the right time.

I’m Lonnie Davis

And these are thoughts worth thinking.

Our text today is Proverbs 15:17.

“Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a fattened ox and hatred therewith.” 

This verse cuts through our materialistic world, offering a profound truth: true joy doesn’t come from fancy possessions or extravagant displays, but flourishes in the fertile ground of love.

Imagine a simple meal shared with loved ones. The food might be basic, but the laughter and warmth around the table elevate the experience. Conversation flows freely, seasoned with shared stories and inside jokes. There’s a sense of belonging, of being accepted and appreciated for who you are. This simple gathering, fueled by love, creates a memory far more precious than any fleeting pleasure derived from material possessions.

On the other hand, consider a great feast consumed in an atmosphere of tension and animosity. The richness of the food is overshadowed by the coldness in the air. Forced conversations and awkward silences make the experience hollow. 

The proverb doesn’t suggest that material things are bad.  However, it reminds us not to prioritize possessions over genuine connection. A simple sandwich shared with love creates a richness that transcends a great feast. After all, the most delicious meals are always the ones seasoned with love.

At the end of your life, when you reflect on the great meals, it will not be the public banquet, but rather, you will long for the good old days, and the meals around the table with your family.

Remember this the next time you sit at a simple table with your family. 

I’m Lonnie Davis

And these are thoughts worth thinking.

Today’s proverb is Proverbs 15:6:
“The house of the righteous has great treasure, but the income of the wicked is trouble.”

Wait a minute. Is the Bible teaching that the more you have saved up, the more righteous you are? Of course not. It IS teaching that God calls on his people to manage their finances responsibly.

The Bible contains approximately 31,102 verses. Those who study the subject cite 2,350 verses dealing with money, wealth, and possessions, which is approximately 7.5% of the entire Bible.
Consider the teaching of just five of these verses:

1. Romans 13:8: “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another.”
2. Hebrews 13:5: “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”
3. Proverbs 13:11: “Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.”
4. Ecclesiastes 5:10: “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.”
5. Proverbs 21:20: “A foolish person devours all they have.”

There are hundreds of other Bible teachings on how to build and grow wealth. In fact, there is more in the Bible about how to live down here than about how beautiful heaven is. Be righteous and follow the Bible’s teachings on how to manage your possessions and your wealth will grow!

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

Today’s Bible verse is Proverbs 20: verse 3.
“It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.”

This amazing verse infers that we always have a choice. Admittedly sometimes we don’t. Sometimes the other person will not try at all. What do you do when it does not seem it is up to you. Paul said, “If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18)

I want you to remember one Bible story about a time when strife was hard to handle.
In the story of Abraham and Lot, there was strife everywhere. Abraham’s servants and Lot’s servants argued all the time. The strife became so great that it had to be handled. Abraham told Lot, “Please separate from me. If you go to the left, then I will go to the right; or if you go to the right, then I will go to the left” (Genesis 13).

From reading the Bible we know how it ended. Lot looked at the land and picked the best land for himself. Abraham was left with the second choice. In the story, Abraham accepts second choice and gave the rich land to Lot.

Imagine what it might have been if Abraham had been a lesser person. Maybe he would have said, “Are you crazy Lot? You ought to defer to me. I am your uncle. Without me, you would have nothing.” Of course we know he did not and God worked it all out for him.

So, how do you handle strife? Sometimes you separate, or give in. Just don’t demand your own way. Remember, fools are “quick to argue.”

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

The story is told of one man who was called to bail his son out of jail. As he left for the jail, a nosey neighbor said, “If he were my kid, I’d leave him in jail.” The father answered, “If he were your kid, I’d leave him in jail too.”

One of the curses of being the oldest child is having kids before your siblings and listening to them tell you how to raise your child. You hear words like, “When I have kids, they will not…”

One of the joys of being the oldest child is watching your younger siblings have children and seeing those children do exactly what their parents said they would never do.

To understand why this happens, read First Peter 4: verse 8, “Love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” I call this passage a New Testament proverb. It would fit well in the book of Proverbs.

The reason my kid’s sins are not as bad as your kid’s sins is because I love my kids deeply and “love covers a multitude of sins.” It is the way of love to look past faults and imperfections.

Now read it again and this time stop after the word “covers.” It reads “Love each other deeply, because love covers…”

When you love someone, love covers…whatever. It doesn’t make wrong right, but it helps you love one another.
It is the secret of living together in happiness.

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

Our text for today is Proverbs 10:19
“When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.”

We recently did a proverb and talked about the “Yak-Yak” people. They will talk about what they are going to do but never follow up. Today’s proverb talks about the Yakety-Yakety people. These are folks who talk and talk but never say anything. They say what they think, whether they think or not.

I confess to having a tendency toward this fault. I know because when I get home, I sometimes think, “I wish I hadn’t said that.” Plato said, “Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something.” (Remember this quote and you will be able to quote Plato.)

I was married to a woman who was thought of as quiet. I noticed two things about her:

1. When she said something, people cared and listened.
2. In 55 years, I never heard her say, “I wish I hadn’t said that.”

Once, a man was talking to his young daughter as a truck approached their house. He asked her what she knew about the truck. She was stumped, so he told her, ‘The truck is empty, and we know this because an empty truck rattles the most.’

That is the meaning of our text today:
“When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.”

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

Today’s Scripture is Proverbs 10: verse 4.

“Idle hands make one poor, 

 but diligent hands bring wealth.” 

When I was a kid, I was told, “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop.” It sounded like it was from the Bible. The thought is in today’s study. To allow yourself to do nothing, will bring poverty, but if you will diligent in your work, you will find wealth. 

This verse is one of the wonderful places where the Bible gives us a commentary in the next verse. Let’s read it again, with both verses together.

Verse 4, “Idle hands make one poor, 

 but diligent hands bring wealth.”

Verse 5, “He who gathers in summer is a wise son, 

 but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.”

This verse is telling us that it is not enough to simply do the right thing, but to do it at the right time. We must gather during the time of harvest, because, if we don’t, then we will miss the harvest and fail..

We see this same principle in our own lives. In school our assignments must be on time or we suffer. A cake taken from the oven too late is ruined. Fuel must be put in the car in a timely way. I’m sure you can think of a hundred ways this applies to your own life. Don’t let your hands be idle, but do what needs to be done and do it in a timely way. 

Someone put it his way, “Fools do eventually, what wise people do immediately.”

I’m Lonnie Davis

And these are thoughts worth thinking.

Our Scripture for today is Proverbs 7:2-3.

“Keep my commandments and live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. Tie them to your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.”

This proverb is a call for the very unpopular thought that we need to pay attention to the authority over us. Of course the greatest authority is God and His Word. Today when you urge people to “keep” God’s commandments, you will be jeered by many as a “commandment keeper.” To some, God is love and has nothing to do with our need to keep commandments. Of course God IS love, but he is also the wise one who gave us commandments. 

Notice in this proverb how God tells us to behave toward his commandments. 

First, “guard his teachings as the apple of your eye.” If anything gets into our eye, we react suddenly with an effort to guard the eye. 

Second, “Tie them to your fingers.” There is an old saying about the need to tie a string around your finger so that you will remember. Each time you see the string on your finger, you will remember why it is there. This is part of the rationale for the wedding ring. 

Third, “Write them on the tablet of your heart.” Take the commandments and memorize them. Because they are in your heart, you can reflect on them at the odd moments of the day.

It is an honor to be called a “commandment keeper.” This proverb calls on us to be so.

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