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.

Our Scripture for today is Proverbs 3:13-14.

“Blessed is the man who finds wisdom,
the man who acquires understanding,
for she is more profitable than silver,
and her gain is better than fine gold.

Often people confuse two terms: knowledge and wisdom. Knowing means you know something. Wisdom means you know the right thing to do. There can be wise factory workers and foolish doctors. I love wise people.

In 50 years of working in churches, I have heard countless prayers. I’m sure I have heard prayers for wisdom, but they are rare. Publicly, Christians are more apt to pray for patience than for wisdom. At least that has been my observation.

That is strange because the Bible tells us that patience comes from enduring hardship. (James 1: verse 3). However, it teaches that we should pray for wisdom (James 1: verse 5). Wisdom also comes from Bible study. (Proverbs 2: verse 2).

1 Kings 3 gives us a famous example of Solomon’s wisdom. Two women brought a case to Solomon about who was the rightful mother of a baby. In those days, there were no medical tests to establish this. Solomon decreed that the baby be cut in half, and each mother would get half. One agreed, and the other offered to give up the child. From this, Solomon knew who the real mother was.

In our personal and public prayers, we should pray for wisdom.

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

Our text for today is Proverbs 16:26

“A worker’s appetite works for him because his hunger drives him onward.”

It sounds unspiritual to set a goal of working for a material possession. I sometimes refer to life’s little treasures as “things and stuff and junk.” That comment makes it sound wrong to like nice things.

After church services one sweet lady who had been contemplating retirement, told me that she was going to keep working because she likes things and stuff. We both laughed. It is not wrong to like things. In fact our proverbs tells us that working for something is what gives us motivation.

Do you want a new car? Work for it.
Do you want a new house? Work for it.
Do you want a nice vacation? Work for it.

The only time it is wrong is when such a goal becomes your idol and chief purpose in life. Work is so important that Paul told the Thessalonians, “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.”

We sometimes think that working is a curse. The curse was the hard toil involved in tending the ground. (Genesis 3:17)

Before the curse, man worked in the Garden of Eden. We were made for work. Our appetite motivates us to do more work.

If you hate your work, change jobs.
If you are a young person, learn to work at something you will enjoy.
If you are not getting rewarded for your labor, work differently.

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

Our text for today is Proverbs 1: verse 8

“Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction
 and do not forsake the teaching of your mother.” 

Mark Twain once said, “When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years,”

I think of the book of Proverbs as though a wise man is coming to the end of his life, and he writes down wise words to guide his kids. 

Out of the 3,000 proverbs Solomon knew, the first one he listed was the one we read today: “Listen to your mother and father.”

I have asked many people, “What saying do you use that starts with ‘My mother always said,’ or ‘My daddy used to say.’” 

My own grandad used to say, “Don’t take no wooden nickels.”

One lady told me, “My daddy always said, ‘Don’t ever take advice from anyone who has nothing to lose in giving it.’” 

As wise words go, these are good, but what if we had a list of wise words from the wisest man who ever lived? We do! It is called the book of Proverbs.

Here is a great plan: There are 31 chapters in Proverbs. Why not read the whole book through in a month—a chapter a day? Then next month, do it again. 

If you use this plan for one year, you will become a wiser person. 
You will find yourself quoting Solomon.
You will be blessed.

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

Proverbs 23:1-2

Our text for today is Proverbs 23: verses 1 and 2

“When you sit down to dine with a ruler, consider carefully what is set before you, and put a knife to your throat if you possess a great appetite.”

It may seem odd to select this proverb as relevant. The verse says to “put a knife to your throat.”

First we should note that this is symbolic language. Solomon is not saying you should cut your own throat. No, he is teaching that you ought to realize where you are and behave in an appropriate manner. 

At a funeral, in a worship, before a special person, or any other event, observe where you are and behave in a proper manner. 

We do this all the time.

A person bites their tongue and holds back from saying something rude or offensive to their boss. Those who don’t behave in this way, usually hop from job to job.

To maintain harmony, certain subjects are not discussed at family gatherings, or at least should not be discussed. You know what the subjects are.

A parent refrains from disciplining their child in public. Instead, we say things like, “When we get home we will discuss this.”

Today’s proverb is actually an urgent lesson. Pay attention to where you are and behave accordingly. Those who ignore this rule never quite fit in.

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

Our text for today is Proverbs 15:12.

“Mockers resent correction, so they avoid the wise.

Our Scripture has two parts to it. One we understand, but the other we sometimes overlook.

Part ONE: Mockers get upset when you correct them.

I get this. I really do. I even admit that sometimes I have not wanted to be corrected. That is to my shame. It is also a very human condition. No one likes to be criticized, but we all need it.

Part TWO: Mockers avoid the wise.

Mockers will not consult with those who disagree with them. That is not only wrong, it is foolish. Don’t you want to see both sides of an issue? Listening to others can make you better.

Do you want to be a better singer? Listen to others who will be honest.
Do you want to be a better writer? Seek advice from good writers.
Do you want to be a better driver? Take driving lessons from a professional.
Do you want to be wise? Consult the wise.
If you want to be better at anything, seek the counsel of others.

Mockers don’t do that. They avoid the wise. If you disagree with them, you will be avoided. Don’t be a mocker. Seek out the opinions of others, even if they disagree with you – especially if they disagree with you. It will make you better.

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

Our Scripture for today is First Kings 3: verse 5

“One night the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, ‘Ask, and I will give it to you!’”

When you were a kid, did you ever play the game of three wishes? It goes, suppose you rubbed a lamp, and a genie came out and gave you three wishes; what would they be.” The first two wishes are easy, but the third wish requires thought because it is the last one. Finally, you might cleverly say, “I wish I could have unlimited wishes.”

Today’s verse does not involve some child playing a game. It was real. It was God. 

God said to Solomon, “Ask, and I will give it to you.”

What would your answer be to that real promise?

Would you say wealth, or health, or unlimited wishes?

Knowing myself, I don’t know what I would ask.

Knowing the story, I am amazed at Solomon’s answer.

Solomon said, “Give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” Solomon used his one great request to help others. He essentially said, “Lord, let my will be Thine.”

If this were you, what would your request be? 

God is waiting for your answer. I love the famous adage, “When people show you who they are, believe them.” 

He is also watching for our answer.

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

Proverbs 14:23
“All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”

There is an old church song that starts, “We shall do much in the years to come, but what have we done today.” This song is the perfect song for today’s verse.

I call this verse “The Yak-Yak Rule.” It does not talk about the out-and-out lazy person who refuses to ever work, but rather, it warns against being a person who talks and talks about what you are going to do someday but never does the work. You can recognize such a person by all the great plans they leave in their path but never do. They only have, as the verse says, “mere talk.”

Here are three issues with Yak-Yak people:

First, Yak-Yak people build a habit of talking and talking but not doing the work. This carries over into every aspect of life.

Second, Yak-Yak people come to poverty. This is what the proverb teaches.

Third, Yak-Yak people have damaged relationships. Their friends and family come to distrust them. That is a hard life.

In truth, Yak-Yak folks don’t see what they really are because they really do believe they will eventually accomplish their intentions. It just seldom happens. That is the way it is with Yak-Yak people.

By the way, I plan never to be a Yak-Yak person again.
That is my plan.
We’ll see!

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