Wedding Crowns – A Homily. As far as marital symbols go, it’s tough to beat wedding rings. They symbolize solid faithfulness and life-long commitment. The circular rings reminds us of eternity, of the lifelong nature of their commitment, and of the Source of Love that lasts forever. Rings are worn on the body, which means …
Unwise: Conclusion to Proverbs WISDOM: the practical art of living skilfully (Peterson); moral understanding; astute discernment; shrewd insight; practicing the truth in daily life; learning to live as our Creator intended; a lifestyle of applying God’s revelation-knowledge to decision-making; “practical spirituality” (NIV notes). The book of Proverbs is centered on the makings of wisdom, about …
Proverbs 31:10, 25, 26, 30. “A virtuous and capable wife is more precious than rubies. She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last, but a woman who …
Proverbs 30:8-9. “Give me enough food to live on, neither too much nor too little. If I’m too full, I might get independent, saying, ‘God? Who needs him?’ If I’m poor, I might steal and dishonor the name of my God.” (Message). “Give me neither undue poverty nor undue wealth – but rather, feed my …
Proverbs 29:1. “He who stubbornly refuses to accept criticism will suddenly be destroyed beyond recovery.” (NLT). “For people who hate discipline and only get more stubborn, there’ll come a day when life tumbles in and they break, but by then it’ll be too late to help them.” (Message). “One oft-reproved may become stiff-necked, but he …
Proverbs 28:23. “In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery.” (NLT). “He who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with the tongue.” (NASB). “If you correct someone with constructive criticism, in the end he will appreciate it more than flattery.” (TPT). “In the end, serious reprimand …
Proverbs 27:9, 17. “The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense. As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” (NLT). “Just as lotions and fragrance give sensual delight, a sweet friendship refreshes the soul. You use steel to sharpen steel, and one friend sharpens another.” (Message). “Sweet friendships …
Proverbs 26:22. “Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one’s heart.” (NLT). “Listening to gossip is like eating cheap candy; do you want junk like that in your belly?” (Message). “Gossip is so delicious, and how we love to swallow it! For slander is easily absorbed into our innermost being.” (TPT). “The words of …
Proverbs 25:21-22. “If you see your enemy hungry, go buy him lunch; if he is thirsty, bring him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness, and God will look after you.” (Message). “If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat; if they are thirsty, give them water to drink. You will …
Proverbs 24:11-12. “Rescue the perishing; don’t hesitate to step in and help. If you say, ‘Hey, that’s none of my business,’ will that get you off the hook? Someone is watching you closely, you know. Someone not impressed with weak excuses.” (Message). “If you refrained from rescuing those taken off to death, those condemned to …
Proverbs 23:17-18. “Don’t envy sinners, but always continue to fear the Lord. You will be rewarded for this; your hope will not be disappointed.” (NLT). Fear of the Lord: Reverence; adoration; devotion; awe; honor; respectful fearfulness; astonishment; wonder; worship; trusting openness. “Do not let your heart envy sinners, but be zealous for the fear of …
Proverbs 22:1. “A sterling reputation is better than striking it rich; a gracious spirit is better than money in the bank.” (Message). “A good name is to be more desired than great riches, favor is better than silver and gold.” (NASB). “Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better …