Proverbs 11:25 NIV

 
We are here taught the great lesson, that to get, we must give; that to accumulate, we must scatter; that to make ourselves happy, we must make others happy; and that in order to become spiritually vigorous, we must seek the spiritual good of others. In watering others, we are ourselves watered.
 
How? Our efforts to be useful, bring out our powers for usefulness. We have latent talents and dormant faculties, which are brought to light by exercise. Our strength for labour is hidden even from ourselves, until we venture forth to fight the Lord’s battles, or to climb the mountains of difficulty. We do not know what tender sympathies we possess until we try to dry the widow’s tears, and soothe the orphan’s grief. We often find in attempting to teach others, that we gain instruction for ourselves.
 
Oh, what gracious lessons some of us have learned at sick beds! We went to teach the Scriptures, we came away blushing that we knew so little of them. In our converse with poor saints, we are taught the way of God more perfectly for ourselves and get a deeper insight into divine truth. So that watering others makes us humble. We discover how much grace there is where we had not looked for it; and how much the poor saint may outstrip us in knowledge.
 
Our own comfort is also increased by our working for others. We endeavour to cheer them, and the consolation gladdens our own heart. Like the two men in the snow; one chafed the other’s limbs to keep him from dying, and in so doing kept his own blood in circulation, and saved his own life. The poor widow of Sarepta gave from her scanty store a supply for the prophet’s wants, and from that day she never again knew what want was. Give then, and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, and running over.
Charles Spurgeon
 

The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

Proverbs 11:25 KJV

 
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Proverbs 26:4 NIV

Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.

Proverbs 26:5 NIV

 
In one verse, the Bible says, “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself” (Proverbs 26:4).
 
In the very next verse we read, “Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes” (Proverbs 26:5).
 
These two verses are often used to disprove the inspiration of the Bible. After all, it would appear to be a blatant contradiction. In one verse it says we should not answer a fool; the very next sentence tells us we should answer a fool. Which is it?
 
I’ve read a few different answers to this — many good thoughts. The best explanation I’ve found is that there is simply no winning with a fool. If you allow yourself to be drawn into an argument with a fool, you may be brought down to his level. Fools tend to use anger and rudeness in their arguments. They speak without thinking first. They have no humility and are not concerned with truth as much as they are concerned with vindication. To use such tactics is foolish, and arguing with a fool prompts me to respond in kind. I cannot afford to fall into the fool’s trap.
 
However, we are told in the next proverb to answer a fool in order to prevent him from thinking he is wise when he is not. A fool believes that your silence is an admission of defeat — thus confirming him in his folly. Unfortunately, when that happens, his behavior has been reinforced and others may follow suit.
 
The problem is when you try to correct a fool, he will not receive your correction. The writer goes on to say: “Like a lame man’s legs that hang limp is a proverb in the mouth of a fool” (v. 7). A fool does not know what to do with wisdom. It is no use giving it to him. The best thing may be to leave him to God, for only God can break through his folly.
 
There is something worse than a fool: a man who is certain of his own wisdom. “Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him” (v. 12).
 
I want so badly to be wise, but I am too often a fool. God, keep me from being wise in my own eyes, and grant me the wisdom that only you can provide.
 
A proverb can do incredible good in the life of those who will learn the lesson. But a proverb in the mouth of a fool can do incredible damage. Proper use of proverbs requires self-awareness and discernment. As a general rule, I find that people who read a proverb and think, “This applies so well to someone else — in fact, I think I’ll share the wisdom of this proverb with them right now” — that tends to be a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
 
The best way to read the Proverbs — heck, the best way to read the whole Bible — is probably the one where you say, “God, I’m not concerned right now with what you want to say to anyone but me.”
John Alan Turner
 

4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

Proverbs 26:4-5 KJV

By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established;

Proverbs 24:3 NIV

Building a house, or anything for that matter, without wisdom and understanding will lead to a broken home.

Psalms 127:1 drives home the point in greater detail…
Unless the LORD builds the house,
its builders labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchmen stand guard in vain.

As I think of the projects and other things in my life that I wanted to be successful and worked many hours to make sure it was, I’m reminded of the dead ends I would always run into. The funny thing is when I prayed for direction and listened to God I was not only on the right path but new opportunities grew that I never would have thought of.

The most recent example is this site. For those of you that have come to read a Daily Proverb everyday I sound like a broken record but I can’t share enough with each person that visits aDailyProverb.com, sends me an email, tweet, or direct message how much they have grown my faith. The last few months have been the most exciting and adventurous months that I have had in a long time. I can’t wait to see what God has planned next.

It is really hard to give up control and led God lead the way. We can do so much more through Jesus Christ than we can do on our own. Whether you want to move up in your job, create a new business, or get you home and family in order, the Bible says with faith we can move a mountain. We all can grow our faith. We all can build wonderful things but only with the wisdom of God will they be established.

Proverbs 24:26 NIV

 
Excellent speech, appropriate answers, and words of truth are wonderful things. Good men perceive and respect such wise use of language. They will love the man who answers matters well with sound lips. Here is a goal for prudent men – excellent speech.
 
The tongue and lips – the faculty of speech – are potent tools for good or evil. In many proverbs and elsewhere in the Bible, men are warned against misuse of the tongue and encouraged to wise use of it (10:19; 12:18; 15:4; 18:21; Jas 1:19; 3:2-10).
 
One of the most direct routes to wisdom and godliness is learning excellent speech. For speech is the quickest and clearest evidence of a fool (17:28; 18:7; Eccl 5:3). But good words and answers are as beautiful as fine art (10:20; 25:11).
 
A wise man by the noble use of his mouth can feed many (15:4,23; 10:21). And good men love those who speak well (12:14; 16:13; 22:11; Job 6:25). By the little context we have here, we see the emphasis on the beauty of judges giving right answers (24:23-25).
Excellent speech is not by accident. It is by diligent use of Solomon’s rules. Excellent speech requires preparation (15:28), hesitation (25:8), humiliation (26:12), limitation (17:27), discretion (26:4-5), certain words of truth (22:21), and graciousness (22:11).
 
Paul would say…,

“Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (Col 4:6). He understood the purpose and object of speech to be the gracious building up of the hearer (Eph 4:29).
Our Lord Jesus was the Master at giving right answers (Matt 22:46). We read with great pleasure how He handled conspiracies of the Jews to trap Him in His words, for He would confound them on the spot. When He spoke in general, the people were astonished (Matt 7:28-29). His enemies said, “Never man spake like this man” (John 7:46)!
 
He also blessed His disciples with wisdom and speech to confound their enemies, even without preparation (Luke 21:12-15)! The deacon Stephen brought the great hatred of the Jews on him for their inability to resist his wise speech by the Spirit of Christ (Acts 6:10).
 
It is your Christian duty to grow in the ability to teach and defend the truth of the gospel. Paul rebuked the Hebrew saints for their lack of progress toward teaching (Heb 5:12-14). And Peter exhorted his readers to be ready to give reasonable answers, not feelings, for their hope in Jesus Christ (I Pet 3:15). Dear reader, do you deserve kisses on the lips?
Jonathan Crosby
 

Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer.

Proverbs 24:26 KJV

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Proverbs 10:25 NIV

As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more : but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.

Proverbs 10:25 KJV

Proverbs 24:3 NIV

This is one of my favorite Proverbs. Now I admit that I have a habit of saying, that is one of my favorite Proverbs. With so many verses in Proverbs that I either relate it to something in my own life or someone from the community here, it is easy for me to accidentally water down my favorite list of Proverbs.

 
Proverbs 24:3 is one of the verses that God put on my heart as this site was being built. It’s one of the verses that are helping my wife and I understand what direction we are to go and what direction we are not to go.
 
The last two weeks have been filled with days I will not soon forget. I will go into more detail tomorrow about the challenges, problems, and difficulty we have had recently and the revelations they have led to.
 
One of the doors that has been opened for us will provide multiple Proverbs reading plans for each day in 2010 for free. Starting January 1st 2010, through Proverbs365.org, readers will be able to sign up for the Proverbs daily reading plans that they would like to receive by email every day. For example if you would like to read one chapter every day from Proverbs then there you will be able to sign up for an email program that will send you all the verses for Proverbs Chapter 1 on January 1st, Chapter 2 on the 2nd, and so on.
 
Besides the “typical” monthly Proverbs reading plan, Proverbs365 will also have daily email programs for multiple Bible versions, a Proverbs yearly, a Proverbs single verse, and a Proverbs for kids nightly reading available for sign up. You will be able to cancel at anytime, change your reading plan, or sign up for multiple email programs.
 
The services will not be available until January 1st but if you are interested in being on our beta testing team, to help us iron out any bugs in December, please send an email to proverbs365@adailyproverb.com
 

Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:

Proverbs 24:3 KJV

Proverbs 7 NIV w/ Proverbs 6 NIV

 
Are you a self-starter? Do you have a great enough sense of responsibility to know what you ought to do and to do it? Solomon continues his condemnation of sluggards by comparing them to ants (6:6-8). These little people do not need a meeting every morning to be told what to do and how to do it. They just go to work and get things done, now!
 
The ants provide an excellent lesson in wise planning, diligence, frugality, and investment. They work hard all summer to provide for their needs during the fall, winter, and spring (6:8; 30:25). They work hard, consume little, and save much. All three of which are great virtues.
 
And they do it without direction. The ants do not have a guide, overseer, or ruler to remind them of diligence, frugality, and saving. They do these things instinctively by God’s wise creation. It is a shame that most men cannot copy the virtues of these insignificant little people. Solomon must warn his son about sluggards of the human race who do not work during harvest (10:5; 20:4).
 
Many men must be forced to work, reminded to work, told how to work, reproved for jobs poorly done, reminded how to do the job right, and constantly followed to keep them working (6:9-11; 20:13). They will take a day off for a cold or headache. If the boss is away, they will play. These are sluggards.
Other men spend everything they make, much of it on pleasure (21:17,20; 23:21). They will spend next month’s labor by using credit cards for entertainment and toys today. Others like them will invest their money in foolish schemes that rob them and their family (28:19). These two kinds of men – the sluggard and the waster – are brothers. They both come from the family of financial ruin (18:9). They both could learn much from the ant.
 
Parents, you are responsible to teach your children hard work, wise foresight, spending discipline, and constant saving. These four simple traits will do more for their future financial and personal success than any other natural investment you can make in them. Teach them about the ant!
 
The cure for sluggards and spendthrifts is simple and obvious. Starve them. They will learn both virtues – diligence and saving. This is the wisdom of God, and humanistic shortcuts like public education, welfare, jobs programs, and charity will not cut it (20:4; II Thess 3:6-14). Christian charity extends only to acts of God, not consequences of slothor waste, only to necessary things, not toys or entertainment.
 
The locusts are also praised in 30:27 for not having a king, but the virtue there is social responsibility and cooperation, for they all go forth by bands. But the ant is singled out twice for its great diligence and frugality, with a wise eye to the future (6:8; 30:25). Paul warned that every man shall bear his own burden (Gal 6:5).
 
Dear reader, what should you be doing today? Do you need someone to tell you, again? Do you need to be punished by authority or circumstances to do it? Consider the ant, and go do what you ought to be doing. You will be blessed in the deed naturally and spiritually. And you should be especially eager to get at your spiritual duties.
 
Our Lord Jesus Christ was the ultimate self-starter. He was focused on obeying His Father from the beginning, which He showed even at twelve years of age in the temple. And He did this in spite of His mother and Joseph not understanding or helping Him toward His goal (Luke 2:49; John 4:34). Listen to Him speak of His burden to serve His Father: “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work” (John 9:4).
 

6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: 
7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,

Proverbs 7 KJV w/ Proverbs 6 KJV

Proverbs 15:30 NIV

 
We are mobile today in Knoxville TN. Our son Cooper has that cheerful look and the light in his eyes and as the Proverb predicts it does bring joy to the heart. Not just his heart but also mine. Today we are going to meet his favorite band, Third Day. When he received the good news the other day, it sure did bring “health to his bones.”
 
Coop knows every Third Day song by heart and when the boys sing some of their songs, especially Cry Out To Jesus, the sound is pure, innocent, and sweet. There is so much on TV and radio that kids should not watch or listen to. Even some of the stuff that is supposed to be for kids is nothing more than MTV for a younger crowd. So how did Third Day become his favorite group. After all unless you put some energy into it, there is not a lot of radio or TV stations that play Christian music.
 
A lot of the credit goes to my wife, Brandi. I grew up with rap, rock, and pop. I wouldn’t let our children listen to the music I did but through Brandi I realized they never heard ME listen to the music I wanted them to listen to. A couple of years ago I forced myself to listen to KLOVE and GMT. It wasn’t long until I was singing songs from Jeremy Camp, Casting Crowns, and other Christian artist. Today most of the songs on my iPhone are Christian and Gospel. Throw in some good uplifting country songs, sermons, and the Daily Audio Bible, and my music collection made a 180. I don’t miss my old music collection because none of the songs I use to fill my hears with lifted me up. Pimping in the hood does not tend to make the soul rise, at least mine anyway.
 
There isn’t a song in my old library that my son could sing that would fill my heart with the amount of faith, peace and joy I will receive tonight when my son is singing songs of praise to our Lord with my wife, the rest of the family, our preacher, and thousands of voices and hands giving glory to our God. Rise Up My Friends!
Chris Riehl
 

The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.

Proverbs 15:30 KJV

 
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Proverbs 3:3 NIV

 
Bible verse high school football banners banned
Tonight I read an article online, it said something about a high school in Fort Oglethorpe, GA. It drew my attention because my friend since high school, now lives there with her husband where they both teach at a high school. It turned out to be one of the most uplifting things I could have noticed because tonight I am on fire to bring glory to God. I wish I could feel this fire all the time. I may not have it as much as I would like but I have it right now.
 
The article and video are about how the cheerleaders were forced to change the banner the high school football players run through at the beginning of their games and the response by them and the Fort Oglethorpe, GA community to this demand.
 
At this school the cheerleaders put a different Bible verse, every week, on a banner for the football players to run through. It has been a tradition for them since the 9/11 terror attacks. This week they have been banned from carrying out an 8 year tradition because a parent complained to the school superintendent so for legal purposes they are no longer allowed to display bible verses.
 
I initially found it very sad, then I had some anger, but then I found something in this that brings tremendous joy to my heart and I am sure a smile to God’s face. The football players, cheerleaders, student body, and towns people are not saying “I am sorry, if it offends someone it won’t happen again.” They are standing up for what they believe in.
 
The school body and towns people showed where they stand on the ban of Bible verses on the field earlier in the week when hundreds turned out for a pep rally with signs covered in scripture. The best part came on game day, when students poured into the school early Friday morning in cars with painted on bible verses covering them, dressed in t-shirts displaying verses written on them, and instead of painting their favorite player’s number on their faces they had their favorite book, chapter, and verse.
 
I thought it couldn’t get any better, but then game time came and a crowd of over 500 students and fans came out to show their support equipped with signs displaying phrases like Praise Jesus, He Reigns, and signs with Bible verses were everywhere. Some male students had even painted there bodies red and had Bible verses written in white all over there bodies. Others wore shirts written with scripture. All these people were displaying their love and faithfulness to our holy, gracious, and always loving God, some literally with it written on their hearts.
 
My friend said it was a heart filling display of a community coming together in the name of Jesus and love for our Savior. It was also a media frenzy with not only local news, but national news cameras galore.
 
This all started with these students, teenagers that are often written off for not caring about God or his word. Our society seems to set these kids up to have wild, crazy fun. Some say it is what you are suppose to do when your young, so party it up. Life isn’t about that, it is about bringing glory to God, honoring him with all your heart and soul.
 
The cheerleaders might not have banners with Bible verses anymore, but the parking lots, stadium stands, fans, signs, and town are going to be covered in scripture. All Living Faith Out loud!
Brandi Riehl
 

Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:

Proverbs 3:3 KJV

 
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Proverbs 19:21 MSG

 
The testimonies that were shared yesterday gives strength to this Proverb. Proverbs 19:21 teaches us that God’s purpose for our life will prevail even if we fight it. Every testimony posted here or on the numerous cardboard testimony videos online are from people, like me, who turned to God after realizing our own way wasn’t working.
 
Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.
Proverbs 19:21 NIV
 
Just look at the changes God made in the people who posted their “cardboard testimonies” here. Do you think anyone of them would want to go back to who they were before? I may not be where I or God wants me to be but I thank God every day I am not where I used to be. I laugh now when I think of the saying, A Bible that is falling apart usually belongs to a person who isn’t, because the more used my Bible looks the more new I feel.
 
Many plans are in a man’s mind, but it is the Lord’s purpose for him that will stand.
Proverbs 19:21 AMP
 
If you would like to share your testimony or to read the testimonies of others in the community, please click here.
 

There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.

Proverbs 19:21 KJV

 
What is your testimony? Share it today!

Proverbs 15:20 NIV

 
We have been wanting to share with the community, the Idlewild Church website because of their Proverbs resources. We didn’t know how or when we were going to dedicate a daily Proverb to Idlewild, but today God helped us decide today was the day.
 
We have struggled, with our youngest son, getting him potty trained. As you can see from the post picture he likes his diapers as he wears one on his head. Last night, around three in the morning, he woke us up and said I need to go to the bathroom. Whether it was the fact I was awoken from a deep sleep, I knew he had a pull-up on, or just couldn’t figure out why he chose 3:am to be a “big boy”, the expression on my face broke his heart and he began to cry.
 
We got out of bed and helped him to the bathroom where he accomplished a huge milestone in his short life, albeit in the middle of the night with terrible aim. Besides when he took his first steps I haven’t seen that amount of pride on his face before. I’m guessing he felt the same about me because he kept asking, are you proud of me dad? He won’t know just how proud I was of him until he has a son of his own.
 
This morning I was looking for a verse for day 15 and ended up at Idlewild. The devotion God led me to was Proverbs 15:20 and the title was What makes a dad glad? If you would have asked me yesterday I wouldn’t have told you that getting awoken at three in the morning would, but this morning it was.
Chris Riehl
 
Click here to read the What makes a dad glad devotion from the Idlewild website.
 

A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.

Proverbs 15:20 KJV

 
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Proverbs 14:20 NIV

 
Money lies! Money corrupts! This proverb represents Solomon’s sad observation of human selfishness: men are friendly for what they can get from others. Even a poor man’s neighbors hate him, because he is of no use to them in getting ahead. But a rich man, no matter what his character or conduct, has many more friends than the poor man.
 
Money lies! The fine things of the rich, their many friends in high places, their dignified manners, and their ability to help are all dangerous illusions. They tell you nothing of the heart and soul behind the prosperous eyes and beneath the luxurious clothes. Many rich men are arrogant and have nothing noble or virtuous about them (18:23; I Sam 25:10). As a woman’s beauty does not prove character, neither does a man’s wealth (11:22; 31:30).
 
Money corrupts! Men that ought to love their neighbors will hate them for the simple reason they are poor. Men that ought to hate proud oppressors will grovel before the rich, in hope they might eat crumbs that fall from his table. If the rich ask for a favor, they will leap at the opportunity and often shut their eyes to compromise or evil involved (17:23).
 
The measure of a person is his soul, character, and conduct, not his wealth. Nabal was very rich, but he was a fool (I Sam 25:2-11). Ruth was a destitute Moabite widow, but she was a jewel of a virtuous woman (Ruth 3:11). Instead of valuing what a person earns or owns, wise men will inquire about their fear of God and observe their moral conduct.
 
What are the lessons? The proverb is not teaching what should be, but rather what is common. One lesson is that popularity proves nothing (19:4,6). Another is a warning against measuring by assets, rather than character (19:7). Another is to remember that true friends are not affected by a change in circumstances (17:17). And a further lesson is to guard against preferential treatment of the rich and respect of persons (Jas 2:1-10).
 
But there are other lessons. God chose His elect for salvation mainly from the poor of this world (I Cor 1:26-29; Jas 2:5). Therefore, though poverty may indicate a low standing in society, it says nothing of one’s standing with God. It was much better to be the beggar Lazarus being licked by dogs than to be the rich man living in luxury (Luke 16:19-31).
 
No matter how dear are the friends, or how many there are of them, that reject you; God will never desert you, no matter how poor (Ps 73:25-26; Heb 13:5-6). He set His love on you when you were his hateful enemy, and He will not remove His love for the minor turns of life’s events (Rom 5:6-11). He became poor to make you rich (II Cor 8:9).
Jonathan Crosby
 

The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.

Proverbs 14:20 KJV

 
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