Making thriving disciples of Jesus, who make more disciples of Jesus
I Want a Merry Heart
If you are not as close to God as you use to be, who moved?” - Unknown
Overview: Proverbs 15 is a chapter marked full of antitheses (direct opposites) between the wise and the foolish. The subject of speech such as a soft answer, the lips of the wise, a word spoken in due season, and the answers from the heart of the righteous are mentioned throughout the passage. The writer also speaks of useful correction and the wisdom in receiving instructions. Other subjects of concentration are the stability of the righteous, the contented mind, the slothful man, the covetous, the impious, the diligent, and the man who fears the Lord. This chapter gives sound, godly guidelines and the results that come if the guidelines are followed. There are warnings as well and consequences listed for those who choose not to observe the counsel of the Lord.
Memory Verse: Proverbs 15:1 - A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15
1 A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. 3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good. 4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, But perverseness in it breaks the spirit. 5 A fool despises his father’s instruction, But he who receives correction is prudent. 6 In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, But in the revenue of the wicked is trouble. 7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge, But the heart of the fool does not do so. 8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But the prayer of the upright is His delight. 9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But He loves him who follows righteousness. 10 Harsh discipline is for him who forsakes the way, And he who hates correction will die. 11 Hell and Destruction are before the LORD; So how much more the hearts of the sons of men. 12 A scoffer does not love one who corrects him, Nor will he go to the wise. 13 A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. 14 The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness. 15 All the days of the afflicted are evil, But he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast. 16 Better is a little with the fear of the LORD, Than great treasure with trouble. 17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, Than a fatted calf with hatred. 18 A wrathful man stirs up strife, But he who is slow to anger allays contention. 19 The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, But the way of the upright is a highway. 20 A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish man despises his mother. 21 Folly is joy to him who is destitute of discernment, But a man of understanding walks uprightly. 22 Without counsel, plans go awry, But in the multitude of counselors they are established. 23 A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, And a word spoken in due season, how good it is! 24 The way of life winds upward for the wise, That he may turn away from hell below. 25 The LORD will destroy the house of the proud, But He will establish the boundary of the widow. 26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD, But the words of the pure are pleasant. 27 He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, But he who hates bribes will live. 28 The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil. 29 The LORD is far from the wicked, But He hears the prayer of the righteous. 30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, And a good report makes the bones healthy. 31 The ear that hears the rebukes of life Will abide among the wise. 32 He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, But he who heeds rebuke gets understanding. 33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, And before honor is humility.
Confession: I will speak with words of encouragement and life. My speech will glorify the Lord I will receive correction and instruction. I will follow the ways of the Lord with reverential fear.
THOUGHTS...INSIGHT...What is the Lord saying to me? Leave a comment below.