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.

At some time in our lives, we all feel alone.

Nearing the end of Jesus’s earthly life, He told his disciples, “you will leave me all alone.”

Jesus knew that the time of his arrest, trial, and crucifixion was nearing. Jesus also knew that those closest to him would run.

So where do you get the strength to hold on when there is no one there to hold?

Jesus knew the great secret of being alone. Listen to the way he explained it in John 16, verse 32.

“An hour is coming, and has already come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and you will leave Me all alone…”

He then told them the secret of being alone: “Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.”

Jesus knew that when everything is against you, when your cross is near, when even those closest to you desert you, even then. You are never alone.

No, because the father is with you.

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

Our wisdom for today is Proverbs 20:15:

“There is an abundance of gold and rubies, but lips of knowledge are a rare treasure.”

In today’s world, it’s easy to find wealthy neighborhoods. Drive through certain areas, and you’ll see million-dollar homes and luxury cars. The United States alone boasts over 22 million millionaires. Material wealth is visibly abundant and easily recognizable.

However, wisdom is not as readily apparent. You can’t drive through a neighborhood and pinpoint who possesses true knowledge and understanding. Unlike wealth, which can be displayed through physical possessions, wisdom is an intangible quality. It resides within and reveals itself through thoughtful words and actions.

Proverbs 20:15 reminds us that gold and rubies are valuable, but true wisdom is rarer and more precious. Lips that speak wisdom are a treasure because they offer guidance, insight, and understanding that material wealth cannot provide.

Shiny things are everywhere, but only wisdom makes a lasting impact.

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

Our wisdom for today is found in Proverbs 20:6.

“Many a man proclaims his loving devotion, but who can find a trustworthy man?”

This profound verse echoes Maya Angelou’s famous quote: “When people show you who they are, believe them the first time.” Both sentiments underscore a crucial life lesson: actions speak louder than words.

We often encounter people who boast about their loyalty and good intentions. However, words alone cannot measure one’s character. It is through consistent, reliable actions that character is revealed.

Being trustworthy means aligning our actions with our words, fulfilling our promises and commitments, even when it’s inconvenient or challenging. It’s about being dependable and faithful, not just in grand gestures but in the small, everyday moments that build trust over time.

Remember, whether explicitly stated or not, people are always watching. Our actions, more than our words, define who we are and what we stand for. 

We must always be people whose whose actions consistently demonstrate that we are who we claim to be.

In a world where words are plentiful but genuine trustworthiness is rare, let us be the exception. Let our actions speak so loudly that our words become almost unnecessary.

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

Our wisdom for today comes from Proverbs 21:17.

“He who loves pleasure will become poor; the one who loves wine and oil will never be rich.”

This proverb is not about wine and oil. This verse is a powerful warning on the dangers of prioritizing pleasure over responsibility.

The love of pleasure, whether through indulgence in luxurious living, excessive partying, or constant pursuit of entertainment, can lead to financial ruin. The verse specifically mentions “wine and oil,” because they were symbols of wealth and indulgence in ancient times.

The message here is clear: while enjoying life’s pleasures is not inherently wrong, making them the center of one’s life can have dire consequences. The pursuit of pleasure often leads to neglect of more important duties such as work, saving, and investing wisely. When one’s resources are continually spent on fleeting pleasures, the result is often poverty.

Reflecting on this, we are reminded to assess our own lives. Are we investing our time and resources in ways that build a stable future, or are we chasing temporary pleasures that leave us empty? This verse is saying, “If you love having fun too much, you’ll end up poor; if you always want fancy things, you’ll never be wealthy.”

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

Today’s wisdom comes from Proverbs 22: verse 3.

“The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” – –

This proverb is about being smart and careful. It tells us that wise people can spot trouble before it happens. They’re like weather forecasters who see storms coming.

But here’s the wisdom, wise people don’t just see danger, they do something about it. They protect themselves, like getting under a shelter when it’s about to rain.

On the other hand, some people aren’t so careful. The proverb calls them “simple.” These folks ignore warning signs and keep going, even when trouble’s ahead.

The lesson? It’s not enough to just see problems coming. We need to act to stay safe. It’s like seeing a “Wet Floor” sign. The smart move is to walk carefully or go another way, not to ignore it and risk falling.

Here’s another way to say it: “Smart people see trouble coming and avoid it, but foolish people keep going and end up in trouble.”

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

Our wisdom for today comes from Proverbs 25:24:

“Better to live on a corner of the roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife.”

At first glance, this proverb might seem like a jab at difficult spouses, particularly wives. However, such an interpretation misses the deeper wisdom it offers. Let’s peel back the layers to reveal its true essence.

Firstly, this wisdom applies equally to all relationships. A quarrelsome husband can be just as challenging to live with as a quarrelsome wife. But there is more.

Picture living on the corner of a roof – exposed, uncomfortable, and precarious. Now imagine preferring this to a spacious, comfortable house. What could make someone choose such discomfort? The answer: constant conflict.

This proverb isn’t about spouses at all. It’s about the value of peace. It’s telling us that a small, tranquil space is far more desirable than a grand house filled with strife. It’s a powerful reminder that harmony and respect are more precious than any material comfort.

In essence, this wisdom encourages us to prioritize peaceful relationships in all aspects of our lives. It’s urging us to reflect on what truly matters – is it the size of our house, or the quality of the relationships within it?

So, the next time you hear someone quoting this proverb as a joke about marriage, gently remind them of its true meaning. Better yet, offer this modern interpretation: “A peaceful spot on the rooftop beats a whole house full of drama.”

Whether we’re husbands, wives, children, colleagues, or friends, that’s a wisdom we can all “Amen.”

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

Our wisdom today comes from Proverbs 25:16:

“If you find honey, eat just what you need, lest you have too much and vomit it up.”

This proverb, though simple, carries a profound message that’s challenging to follow in our modern world. Let’s paraphrase it: “When you encounter something sweet, enjoy it in moderation—excess can turn pleasure into pain.”

We live in a time of abundance, in a land overflowing with opportunities and comforts. It’s easy to lose sight of moderation when surrounded by such plenty.

You might think of the extravagant feasts described in biblical times—lavish banquets with abundant food and endless tables of delicacies, often leading to overindulgence. But let’s be honest, doesn’t that sound a lot like our modern all-you-can-eat buffets?

With this perspective, let’s revisit the proverb. “If you find honey,”—and indeed, we have. We’re surrounded by ‘sweetness’ in various forms. The wisdom lies in the next part: “Eat just what you need, lest you have too much and vomit it up.”

While excess can bring momentary joy, it often leads to long-term consequences.

In a world that constantly urges us to indulge, perhaps true wisdom lies in knowing when to say “enough.”

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