Our wisdom today comes from Proverbs 4:26.

“Make a level path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure.”

Everybody expects wisdom from a wise man who lives in a holy place. However, wisdom often comes from children and others. Some of my favorite pieces of wisdom came from my wife. I gained some wisdom that I still quote to others.

One of my favorite ones was, “Sometimes we make things harder than God intended for them to be.” I recall this now because it says something about today’s proverb. It calls on us to “make a level path” for our feet. Well, duh! Any of us would do that.

You might think so, but it is not always so.

We know we need to put back a little money for a rainy day, but then we spend all we earn.
We know we need to eat healthy foods, but then we fry everything.
We know we need to be kind to others, but then we snap at other folks.
We know…

Well, you can finish your own lists.

Make and walk the level path. It is the most beneficial.
Above all, don’t make things harder than God ever intended for them to be.

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

Today’s wisdom comes from Proverbs 16:28.

“A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip divides close friends.”

The verse highlights two destructive behaviors: spreading dissension and dividing close friends. A perverse person, driven by ill intentions, enjoys creating chaos and conflict. He thrives on seeing others at odds. On the other hand, a gossip subtly erodes the bonds of friendship and community. Gossip works like a poison, infiltrating relationships that once stood strong.

The passage ties the two men together: a perverse man and a gossip. Gossip is more than idle chatter; it’s harmful talk about others that can cause significant damage. It’s the act of sharing unnecessary or private information with people who don’t need to know it. When we gossip, we sow seeds of discord and division among people.

Here is a great test about whether you are gossiping. If you are telling private, hurtful information to another, then ask if the other person really needs to know it, or whether you just feel the need to tell it. If the other person is not a part of the problem or a part of the solution, then it is just gossip.

In closing, remember, “He who gossips to you, will gossip about you.”

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

Our wisdom for today comes from Proverbs 15:28.

“The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil.” 

This verse highlights the importance of taking time to consider our words before we speak. Thoughtful speech is not just about avoiding harm; it’s about adding value to our conversations and relationships.

When we pause to think about our responses, we create space for wisdom and kindness to guide our words. This thoughtful approach helps us communicate more effectively, ensuring that our words are aligned with our values and intentions. Impulsive speech often leads to misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and regrettable outcomes.

In a time when blurting out is the norm, the discipline of thoughtful speech becomes even more crucial. It requires patience and self-control, virtues that lead to a righteous life. Thoughtful communication reflects our inner character. It shows that we respect others enough to think before we speak and that we strive to reflect God’s love and wisdom in our interactions.

Here is one more reason to be careful with our words, as “Carl Sandburg said, “Be careful with your words. Once they are said, they can only be forgiven, not forgotten.”

I’m Lonnie Davis

And these are thoughts worth thinking.

Our wisdom for today comes from Proverbs 15:27.

“He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble on his household, but he who hates bribes will live.”

This passage does not say that a good income or a rich income is wrong. It warns of greed and “unjust gain.” There is nothing wrong with making the most of the talents God gives you. The harm begins when you try to build beyond the ability God gave you, when you reach for unjust gain.

The Bible is filled with examples of greed gone to ruin. Read the stories of Achan, Gehazi, or Judas Iscariot and his 30 pieces of silver.

No greedy man ever starts by believing that greed will harm the entire family, yet our proverb today says that very thing. As one wise writer said, “The legacy of a greedy man is a family left in the shadow of his sins.”

In our own time there is the example of Bernie Madoff. Bernie stole tens of billions from those who lost everything. His whole family also lost everything. He was sentenced to 150 years in prison. He had a phone available, but no one ever called him, not even a family member. He and his family suffered from the consequences of greed and unjust gain.

Indeed, “He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble on his household.”

I’m Lonnie Davis

And these are thoughts worth thinking.

Today’s wisdom is from Proverbs 16:25.

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”

Let me read that again, “THERE IS a way that seems right to a man, BUT its end is the way of death.” 

Sometimes that person who is so stubborn and frustrating to you, is not being stubborn. He thinks he is right. That is true about me too. One wise writer said, “Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”

What seems right to us may not align with God’s wisdom. This principle is vividly illustrated in the Bible when Peter rebukes Jesus. In Matthew 16, Jesus explained that He must be killed, but on the third day, He will be raised to life. Peter took Jesus aside and rebuked Him, saying, “Never, Lord! This shall never happen to you!” Peter’s reaction seemed right to him, driven by his love for Jesus and his desire to protect Him from harm.

However, Jesus responded sternly, “Get behind me, Satan!” Peter’s way SEEMED right, BUT it was not God’s plan.

This example reminds us of the importance of seeking God’s wisdom in our decisions. Our human perspective is often limited and flawed. 

What seems right to us might be wrong. 

Sometimes the HARD thing and the RIGHT thing, are the SAME thing. 

I’m Lonnie Davis

And these are thoughts worth thinking.

Today’s wisdom is from Proverbs 16:18:

“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”

In our lifetime we often witness the truth of this ancient wisdom. One striking example is the collapse of the Titanic. The ship was deemed unsinkable, a marvel of modern engineering and human ingenuity. This belief in its invincibility, however, became its greatest weakness. On that fateful night in 1912, the Titanic struck an iceberg and, despite all the assurances of its creators, sank into the icy depths of the Atlantic Ocean. Over 1,500 lives were lost, a tragic reminder of the consequences of arrogance.

Proverbs 16:18 warns us that arrogance leads to significant negative consequences. The Titanic’s story illustrates how overconfidence can blind us to potential dangers and make us vulnerable to unforeseen disasters. When we believe we are invincible, we may neglect necessary precautions and ignore warnings. This verse encourages us to cultivate humility, to recognize our limitations, and to be mindful of the risks that pride can bring.

The importance of this verse can be seen in the words of a writer who said, 

“Pride must DIE IN you, or nothing of heaven can LIVE IN you.”

I’m Lonnie Davis

And these thoughts are worth thinking.

Today’s wisdom is from Proverbs 17:24.

“Wisdom is the focus of the discerning, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.”

“The Perils of Wandering Eyes”

In the long list of Bible stories, few characters embody the wandering eyes of a fool like Samson. His story serves as a cautionary backdrop for today’s reflection.

Samson, anointed with super-human strength, was set apart for a divine purpose. Yet, his eyes, much like those of a fool in Proverbs 17:24, roamed aimlessly, lured by desire rather than guided by wisdom. His dalliances with Delilah, driven by lust rather than discernment, ultimately led to his capture and blindness. In a literal and figurative sense, his vision had led him to the ends of the earth, far from the wisdom he was meant to uphold.

This narrative warns us of the perils that await when our focus strays from wisdom. Like Samson, we may possess great potential, but without the anchoring force of discernment, we risk squandering our gifts and veering off our intended path. The wandering eyes of a fool lead to a life scattered and fragmented, devoid of the clarity that wisdom provides.

As we consider the tale of Samson, let us fix our eyes upon wisdom, allowing it to guide our choices and our journey. Only in the pursuit of wisdom, we find the direction and purpose that folly so carelessly discards.

I’m Lonnie Davis

And these are thoughts worth thinking.

Our wisdom for today is from Proverbs 17: verse 22.

“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.”

Just this past week I saw my little granddaughter take medicine. Her mother brought it to her and she opened her mouth and took her medicine. I was amazed because I remembered how my generation took medicine – basically kicking and screaming. We took it because we had too, but we hated it and fought it. I’ll bet many of you remember the same things.
Why the change? The answer reminds me of today’s verse. Mary Poppin sang, “A spoon full of sugar makes the medicine go down.” Those who make medicine have come to understand this.
You may not be a doctor or nurse, but you do have times when you have to deliver medicine to family or friends. Sometimes, this comes in the form of truths that may not be enjoyed.
The Apostle Paul did this in his letters. He wrote to correct people’s sins, but he almost always started off with a spoon full of sugar. He started with words of appreciation for their good things and then proceeded to the correction that needed to be made.
We would do well to remember that when we have to deliver medicine, rebukes or corrections, it is always good to start with the merry heart, a spoon full of sugar.
Our goal to is help and if all we do is hurt then the medicine will never be taken.

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

Our wisdom for today comes from Proverbs 17:17.

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

The most overused word in the English language may be the word “friend.” How many friends do you have? Some make a long list of all their friends. Those who do confuse the word “friend” with the word “acquaintance.” Today’s verse tells us the test of a real friend. The test? A friend loves at all times.

During the good times, it’s easy to have “friends” around. But the true test of friendship comes during tough times. A real friend is someone who loves you no matter what, through thick and thin. They are there to celebrate your successes and to help you in your failures.

Perhaps this is best seen in the story of the Prodigal Son. He takes all of his inheritance and goes to a far country. With money comes friends to help him spend. But when he “wasted all his money,” and was poor, he tried to find someone to give him something to eat, but as Jesus said, no one would give him “anything.” The friends who will celebrate with you, but run from you when you need help, were never really friends, they were merely acquaintances.

Everyone needs a friend, but to find out who they are, ask yourself whether they are with you when life is against you. As Proverbs says, “A friend loves at all times.”

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

Today’s wisdom is from Proverbs 17:2.

“A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who acts shamefully and will share in the inheritance among brothers.”

Have you ever looked at someone’s fancy job title or wealth and just assumed they had it all figured out? Well, this proverb is a wake-up call – success isn’t about where you started, it’s about how you move through life.

It says that even a lowly servant can end up being more respected and blessed than a rich person’s reckless child. How? By making smart choices and doing the right thing. 

You see, just being born into money or privilege doesn’t make you honorable. True honor comes from your character and actions. A wise servant who works hard and lives with integrity deserves way more props than some heir who just blows through their family fortune acting foolish.

This proverb reminds us not to judge people solely based on their background or social status. We’ve all known that one person who was born with every advantage who still managed to mess it all up through bad decisions. 

At the end of the day, influence and leaving a positive legacy isn’t about your starting point in life. It’s about choosing wisdom over stupidity every single day. Make good choices, stay humble, and do the right thing – and you can go farther than anyone thought possible.

I’m Lonnie Davis

And these are thoughts worth thinking.

Our wisdom for today comes from Proverbs 17:4.

“A wicked man listens to evil lips; a liar gives ear to a destructive tongue.”

Have you ever noticed how some people seem to attract drama and conflict wherever they go?

The root issue is that they often listen to and believe gossip, rumors, and lies rather than seeking the good in others. They gravitate towards other bad influences who whisper falsehoods and stir up trouble.

It’s a vicious cycle – the more you buy into negativity and deceit, the more it clouds your judgment and draws you further into toxicity. Pretty soon, you find yourself surrounded by untrustworthy people saying untrustworthy things. Your ability to discern fact from fiction becomes impaired.

The antidote is to consciously fill your mind with what is good, true, and positive. Be skeptical of idle chatter and juicy rumors. Align yourself with those who build others up rather than tear them down. Anchor your life in honesty and integrity.
As Philippians 4:8 says, “if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things.”

When you turn a deaf ear to lies and those who peddle them, you starve that negative cycle and reclaim your peace of mind. Seek kindness in others that you can trust, and then you’ll be able to navigate life with wisdom.

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

Our wisdom for today is from Proverbs 17:3. 

“A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold, but the LORD is the tester of hearts.” 

A crucible is a melting pot is used to melt silver, and a furnace is used to purify gold. These processes use intense heat to remove impurities, leaving behind pure metal. In the same way, God uses life’s challenges to refine our hearts. Just as silver and gold are made pure through heat, our true character is revealed and improved through difficult times.

We all face moments that test our patience, honesty, and faith. These tests can feel very hard, like being in a furnace. But these tough times are actually chances for us to grow. They help strip away our flaws and make our faith stronger. God, who tests our hearts, looks beyond what we show on the outside and focuses on who we really are inside.

Think about the challenges you are facing today. Are they helping you grow? Are they making your character stronger? Embrace these moments as opportunities from God to become better and more faithful. God uses life’s tests to make you stronger and purer, just like refining silver and gold.

I’m Lonnie Davis

And these are thoughts worth thinking.

Our wisdom for today comes from Proverbs 16: verse 24.
“The path of life leads upward for the wise, that he may avoid going down to Sheol.”

We all want a life that goes upward. This verse tells us the secret to the upward path. The secret is found in living a life of wisdom. At some time in each of our lives, we have a moment of our path going in a downward trajectory. The reason for it is that we lacked wisdom in the moment.

However, those who lead lives with everything constantly falling apart are quick to find an excuse. Usually, the excuse is that they are unlucky. Yes, Luck is a part of life. Solomon said, “The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong; neither is the bread to the wise, nor the wealth to the intelligent, nor the favor to the skillful. For time and chance happen to all.” (Ecclesiastes 9:11). However, if the path of your life is always downward, the reason is not luck. The real reason is because we have acted unwisely.

Our verse today calls on us to lead a life of wisdom. Reading and reflecting on the Book of Proverbs will help you gain that wisdom.

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

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.