Proverbs 11

Proverbs 11
The comments lately really reflect that you are getting Proverbs, there are general themes in the chapters and throughout the book, but each verse also stands alone as a wise saying that can be taken in and thought about. Good work on the comments, keep 'em coming. The gossip issue is a big deal because it deals with the mishandling of our tongues and the cruel intentions of our heart. Wisdom is in saying the right things at the right time and in being blameless in our thoughts and actions. Difficult, yes but possible with a strong relationship with Christ, you betcha. A reading of James 3 would be really interesting and helpful in this issue.of controlling our tongues and living wisely.
Ch. 11 continues the idea of putting our motivations and real character under the microscope. Here are some verses that stuck out to me, respond to these or others that stuck out to you.

• verse 1. People in the marketplaces would sometimes add weight to what people were buying, or fix the scales to weigh heavy so they would get more money. Whatever the exact situation it is wise to be honest because that is much easier to defend.
• verse 7 Back in the day there used to be a shirt that said, "he who dies with the most toys, still dies." Yeah a little dark, but a good reminder that if we waste our life accumulating things, in the end we don't have a whole lot to show for our time here.
• verse 9 This is the idea of being slow to speak and quick to listen. Even when it comes to giving advice/caring for our friends we learn more and can be more helpful by listening a lot more than we talk.
• verse 16 Again this idea of who we are as people, kind, is a lot more important than what we are, wealthy. If we focus on being who God has called us to be its amazing how He will provide.
• verse 21 This one is a tough one, because it seems like the "wicked" get away with a lot and come up pretty rosey. This verse is taking in the whole picture, we have to learn to think long term about the consequences of our lives and actions. We are much better off being full of right, because in the end that is what comes through.
• verse 27 I heard it said once that "you are exactly where you planned to be." We have to check our focus every day. Because we will find what we are really looking for, if we focus on the goodness of God that is where we will end up, if we just kind of go with the flow we will end up with evil.

I am really enjoying this journey and I pray for wisdom for me and all of you,

Go Live.