Reflections on Proverbs 30-31

Which proverb especially speaks to your life situation today? How should you respond?

God’s Word – God’s Word is true. We can trust in it, find refuge in it. If we try to add to his Word or change it, we will be rebuked; our words are false (30:5-6). In what ways are you trusting in the truth of God’s Word? When are you tempted to try to adjust his Word to fit your desires?
Virtuous Wife – A virtuous wife is one who works diligently, minister to others, cares for her household, and fears the Lord. Wife: How do these verses challenge you to grow? Husband: How is your wife like this? Do you praise her as you should?

Reflections on Proverbs 28-29

Which proverb especially speaks to your life situation today? How should you respond?

Justice – God ultimately brings justice (29:26). Leaders should seek justice (29:4, 14). All people should live justly (28:5-7). Are you striving to live justly? Pray that your leaders would rule justly. Look for justice ultimately from the Lord.
Fear and Trust – We ought to fear the Lord rather than men (28:14, 29:25). We ought to trust in the Lord rather than ourselves (28:25-26). Who do you fear? When are you tempted to fear people? Who do you trust? When are you tempted to trust in yourself?

Which proverb especially speaks to your life situation today? How should you respond?

The Fool – Proverbs 26:3-12 paints the picture of a fool. A fool cannot be trusted with tasks. He continues in his folly. His attempts to speak wisdom dismally fail. Yet there is more hope for a fool than one who is wise in his own eyes. When are you tempted to be wise in your eyes?
The Sluggard – Proverbs 26:13-16 paints the picture of a sluggard. He makes up excuses not to work. He sleeps and lounges around when he should be up. He starts a task, but never finishes. What work does God have for you to do? Think beyond just jobs. What excuses have you been making? What tasks do you need to finish?

Which proverb especially speaks to your life situation today? How should you respond?

Rich and Poor – The rich should share with the poor (22:9). The rich ought not oppress or rob the poor (22:16, 22). Are you helping those less fortunate than you? How?
Training Children – Parents are to discipline their children to drive out folly and teach them the way to live (22:6, 15; 23:13-14). Parent, are you consistently doing this? Teenager, will you submit to this process for your own good?

Which proverb especially speaks to your life situation today? How should you respond?

Lazy – The sluggard sleeps and doesn’t work (20:4, 13). The result is poverty (20:13). The plans of the diligent bring abundance (21:5). Which one are you? What tendencies do you have towards laziness?
God is in Control – The Lord directs our steps (20:24), turns the heart of the king (21:1), throws down the wicked (21:12), and brings victory (21:31). Nothing can avail against God (21:30). How do these truths encourage you?

Which proverb especially speaks to your life situation today? How should you respond?

Anger – Wisdom leads us to overlook offenses rather than become angry (19:11). Why is that a wise response? Why is it so difficult to respond this way? What offenses do you need to overlook right now?
Wife – A good wife is a good gift from God; it is an example of God’s favor (18:22, 19:14). Husband: do you value your wife? Are you thankful for this good gift from God? A quarreling wife is like a continual dripping of rain (19:13). Wife: are you quarrelsome?

Which proverb especially speaks to your life situation today? How should you respond?

Pride – The Lord hates and punishes pride (16:5). Pride leads to destruction (16:18). What examples have you seen of pride leading to one’s downfall? It is better to be humble and poor, than proud and rich (16:19). Do you believe this? Really? In what areas are you tempted to be proud?
Before the Lord – The Lord tests our hearts (17:3). We may think we are good, but the Lord weighs our spirits (16:2). What does God see when he looks at you? What sin do you need to turn away from out of reverence for God (16:6)? Thank God for his love and faithfulness by which our sins are paid for (16:6)!

Which proverb especially speaks to your life situation today? How should you respond?

Fear of the Lord – The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life (14:27). It is instruction in wisdom (15:33). It is a place to find confidence and refuge (14:26). It is better than wealth (15:16). The one who fears the Lord walks in uprightness (14:2). Are you walking in the fear of the Lord and enjoying its benefits?
Folly – Folly tears down homes (14:1). Fools are reckless, careless, and quick to anger (14:16-17). Fools speak folly (15:2), despise instruction (15:5), and despise their parents (15:20). Are you acting like a fool?

Which proverb especially speaks to your life situation today? How should you respond?

The Wise and the Fool – A wise man listens to advice, but a fool only pays attention to his own ideas (12:15). The wise ignore an insult, but the fool gets angry (12:16). When are you tempted to act like a fool? How might you learn the wisdom found in these verses?
Choice of Companions – Proverb 13:20 tells us we become like those we spend time with. If we spend time with the wise, we will grow wise. If we make fools our companions, we will become foolish. Who are you spending time with? In what direction are they leading you?

Which proverb especially speaks to your life situation today? How should you respond?

The Righteous and the Wicked – Chapters 10-11 begin a number of short proverbs, many of which address the contrast between the righteous and the wicked. There is a general theme of blessing for the righteous, but trouble for the wicked. How have you seen this general truth to be true in your life? What exceptions have you seen?
The Tongue – A good tongue gives life and wisdom; it feeds others. In what ways is your tongue like this? A bad tongue speaks too much, pouring out what is worthless and perverse, slandering and belittling others. When has your tongue been guilty of acting like this? Ask God to help you guard your tongue.