Day: Eleven
Text: Proverbs 11
Introduction-
How much do you care about honesty? (Lev. 19:35-36).
How you do or conduct your business, matters to God. Delight the Lord by using just and fair practices in every situation and circumstance.
The book of Proverb 11 teaches us that there is great wisdom in humility. Humility no doubt is an important foundation for wisdom (Micah 6:8). We see also in this chapter that integrity of the upright will continually guide them. It also shed light about the limitation wealth, and that we should not be the type of person(s) that destroys your neighbor with your mouth – guide your tongue and words, that the way of wisdom is the way of love and respect. Most importantly, this chapter talks about the fruit of the righteous and winning souls for the Lord is wise.
Life Lessons and Applications from Proverb 11
- Integrity (v. 1) – God detests “dishonest scales” or cheating in any shape or form. The life application here is operate with absolute integrity in your place of work, in business, at home, in the society, and in the Church. Avoid all fraudulent practices, even if they are common, to maintain a clear conscience and honor God.
- Humility vs Pride (v. 2) – Pride leads to disgrace and destruction, but humility brings wisdom. The life application here is avoid arrogance and the belief that you know it all. But be humble, have a teachable spirit which will guide you to wiser life choices.
- The Value of Uprightness (v. 3, 5-6) – Integrity guides the upright, while the unfaithful are destroyed by their own crookedness. The life application here is that, let honesty and moral integrity guide your every decision, as they help create a stable, and safe life path.
- Wealth vs Righteousness (v. 4) – Wealth is worthless on the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. The life application here is to prioritize character and spiritual growth over the accumulation of riches, as material wealth cannot save you in the day of judgment.
- Generosity Brings Prosperity (v. 24-25) – Giving freely can lead to more, while withholding causes poverty – 2 Cor. 9:8-13. The life application here is to cultivate a generous, liberal spirit towards others; investing in people often results in personal and community growth – Luke 6:38.
- The Power of Words (v. 9, 11, 13, 15) – Gossip destroys, don’t be that person(s) that destroys your neighbor with the words of your mouth, either verbally or on social media. The life application here is guard your speech, keep secrets, avoid toxic gossip, and speak words that build up your community.
- Righteous Influence (v. 10-11) – When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices. The life application here is to strive to be a person of good character who brings blessings and positive influence to your family, workplace, and the society at large.
- The fruit of the righteous (v. 30) – The righteous life will bear fruit and give life to others. One of the greatest exercises of wisdom is to win souls to God. It takes wisdom to love; it takes wisdom to give; it takes wisdom to answer does who are yet to come to God’s Kingdom. Note the life application here. We use words to win in romance so to win souls, you must love them. We use the words win in war, so to win souls is like a battle, we use the word win in regards to sports, so to win souls is a competition. Friends, to win souls is wise, so don’t be that person(s) in Church that do nothing about soul winning but criticizing those who are busy for the Lord – Matt. 25:14-29.
Key word of the Day – Live Righteously
Complied by: Mark Olumese
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