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Our text today is Psalms 23:1.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

The story is told of a five-year-old girl in a Sunday school class when the class was challenged by the teacher to go home that week and memorize Psalms 23. Even casual Bible readers know some of that text. It is short, only six verses, and begins with the familiar words, “The Lord is my shepherd.”

The next week, as Bible class started, the teacher asked the children how many of them had memorized the Psalm. No one raised their hand except the little girl. The teacher asked her to come to the front of the class and recite the chapter. Slowly, she walked to the front of the class, took a deep breath, and started. “The Lord is my shepherd.”

After what must have seemed like an eternity to her, she finally said, “And that is all I know.” If I had been there, I would have added, “Honey, that is enough. Many people don’t know that wonderful thought. The Lord IS our shepherd.”

The passage teaches us other things the Lord does for us: He restores our souls, leads us in the path of righteousness, and protects us. These are all wonderful things, but it all begins with knowing: “The Lord is my shepherd.”

If you know nothing else from that great scripture, be sure you know the same thing the little girl knew.

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

Our verse for today is Proverbs 29:11:

“A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back.”

This verse highlights the power of restraint. It draws a clear line between two types of people: the fool and the wise. The fool is someone who lacks self-control, easily giving in to anger and allowing it to dictate their actions. This unchecked expression of emotion often leads to negative consequences, not only for themselves but also for those around them.

On the other hand, the wise person practices restraint, recognizing that not every emotion needs to be expressed immediately or fully. By holding back their anger, they demonstrate self-mastery and an awareness of the impact their words and actions can have. This wisdom fosters peace, preserves relationships, and encourages more thoughtful responses to life’s challenges.

Ultimately, this verse teaches us that wisdom is not just about knowledge but also about how we manage our emotions. Restraint is a sign of maturity and wisdom, while unchecked anger exposes the folly of those who lack self-control.

In light of this verse, we should each ask ourselves: “How often do I let my emotions, particularly anger, control my actions and words?”

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

Our text for today is Proverbs 28:21.

“To show partiality is not good,
yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.”

This Proverb warns us that favoritism can corrupt judgment. It highlights the dangers of showing favoritism, which leeds to compromised decisions and injustices. When we allow bias to influence our actions, we stray from the path of fairness and truth. There is one more interesting point here: The mention that “a man will do wrong for a piece of bread” suggests that even small, seemingly insignificant temptations can lead someone to do wrong.

“Let’s Dig a Little Deeper”
Proverbs 28:21 cautions us against the dangers of partiality, highlighting how it undermines justice and leeds to unfair decisions. Even a small temptation, like “a piece of bread,” can cause someone to act unjustly, betraying their values. This verse reveals a profound truth about human nature: we are easily swayed by immediate, minor gains, often compromising our integrity. It challenges us to remain vigilant, ensuring that fairness and righteousness guide our actions, regardless of the circumstances. By resisting favoritism, we uphold the true essence of justice and maintain our commitment to living with integrity.

Finally, Ask Yourself:
When faced with a temptation, no matter how small, do I consider the long-term impact on my character and relationships?

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

Our text for today is Proverbs 28: verse 6.
“Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse.”

Here is The Main Thing: Wealth Doesn’t Equal Worth:
This verse reminds us that being rich doesn’t inherently make someone better or more successful. True success is measured by one’s integrity and righteousness, not by their wealth.

Let’s Dig Deeper:
This proverb teaches us that integrity is more valuable than wealth, a lesson starkly illustrated by the life of Bernie Madoff. Madoff amassed great wealth through a fraudulent Ponzi scheme, deceiving thousands of people and stealing their money. Despite his financial success, his lack of integrity led to his downfall, leaving behind a legacy of disgrace and betrayal. This example underscores the verse’s wisdom: wealth gained through dishonesty brings emptiness and shame, while living with integrity, even in poverty, brings honor and peace. True success is not measured by riches but by a life lived with righteousness and moral character.

Finally, Ask Yourself
How do I respond when faced with the choice between doing what is right and what is profitable?

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

Exodus 3:11
“But Moses asked God, ‘Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?’”

This is one of the most relatable texts in the Bible.

In 1978, two psychologists coined the term “imposter syndrome.” It describes the feeling that people get when they have the chance to do or be something special but feel they might be discovered as frauds. The concept has become more popular since 1978, but it existed long before then.

Over 3,000 years ago, God called on Moses to travel through the desert, stand before the most powerful tyrant on earth, and tell him to stop it!

Would you be scared? I know I would. Moses knew who he was, and this was not within his ability. He asked God, “Who am I?”

Have you ever experienced imposter syndrome? You get the chance to do or be something great, but your first thought is, “I can’t do that. It is too much for me.” That is imposter syndrome. God had an answer for imposter syndrome. In the next verse, He says, “I will surely be with you…” (verse 12).

When you tackle a great work, make sure this is what God wants. Once you know that, then remember, you and God can accomplish anything. That is not being an imposter; that is walking in God’s purpose.

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

Our text for today is Proverbs 29:9
“If a wise man goes to court with a fool, there will be raving and laughing with no resolution.”

Did you ever have someone fill your glass and say, “Say when?” That means that we need to tell them when it is full enough.

Likewise, there are many times in life when you need to say when.

Know when to say when, when you are in a toxic relationship. However, before you make that decision, make sure you are not the toxic one. Don’t make that decision on your own. You are too close to the situation. Engage the counsel of a wise person who will tell you the truth.

Know when to say when, when you are in a toxic work environment. You are not a slave! Move on. Change your job. You and yours have to eat, so don’t be foolish. Your first priority is to work for yourself to find a new job.

Know when to say when, when you are constantly having unproductive arguments. If you are constantly in arguments, that is a different discussion. Someone wrote, “Don’t complain because you are surrounded by clowns, ask yourself why you keep going to the circus.”

Use wisdom in choosing your battles. Every hill is not worth dying on.

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

Our verse for today is Proverbs 29:25.

“The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.”

This verse offers a profound reminder: fear is not just an emotion, it’s a trap. When we allow fear to dominate our lives, it prevents us from living our best life. Fear entangles us, holding us back from stepping into God’s promises and purposes.

The phrase “Don’t be afraid” or variations like “Fear not” appear hundreds of times throughout the Bible. While some claim it appears 365 times, symbolizing a daily reminder, the exact number isn’t as important as the message itself. The consistent theme is clear: God does not want us to live in fear.

I know it seems that there is much to scare us, but God’s presence is more powerful than any fear we might encounter. Indeed, King Solomon closes the proverb by reminding us that the antidote for fear is to trust in the Lord. When we place our trust in God, we rise above the snares of fear, standing securely in the confidence of His care and provision.

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

Our text today is Proverbs 30:8-9.

“Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the bread that is my portion. Otherwise, I may have too much and deny You, saying, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, profaning the name of my God.”

What is this verse saying? “Don’t give me poverty,” I understand. But what about “Don’t give me riches”? Solomon then essentially says, “Give me just enough for today.”

I don’t know about you, but I have never once prayed, “Lord, put just enough food in my refrigerator for today. Put food in my pantry for today and for today only. I’ll worry about tomorrow when it gets here.”

We love abundance! When we were children and played the game of “If I had three wishes,” we didn’t ask for a million dollars. We asked for a million, zillion dollars. At least, I did!

It was Jesus who told us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.” This is the same message Solomon is conveying.

There are three things in life: needs, wants, and nice-to-haves. We need to feed our families. We need to live for God. Everything else is a “want” or a “nice-to-have.”

We are blessed because He has given us so much beyond just our needs.

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

Our Scripture for today is Ecclesiastes 3:1-2.

“To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot.”

Those of you who read the Bible probably recognize these as the opening words of a longer scripture. They beautifully point out that there is a time for everything.

I remember when I was in my early 20s, I thought, “I don’t know anyone who has died.” Years later, a teenager told me the same thing. Innocence can be so sweet. “Just wait,” I thought. You will.” We all do.

Now, I know more folks on the other side of the river of life than I do on this side.

For everything, there is a time. For everything, there is a season.

Learn to enjoy the season you are in. It is all you have. If you can’t enjoy the season you are in, then life will be hard.

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

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.