ANSWERING BEFORE LISTENING

LISTENING EARS

Read Proverbs 18–19

     Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge. Proverbs 19:27 NIV

* * *

     Solomon continues to speak to his son about guarding his tongue and using his ears: "A fool," he says, “finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions.” (18:2)

     He goes on to say, “He who answers before listening–that is his folly and his shame.” (18:13) “The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him.” (18:17)

* * *

     To make a wise judgment, both parents and children need to listen carefully, because “the heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out.” (18:15)

* * *

     Dear Lord, I know that I am guilty of answering before listening. As a busy mother/grandmother it is easy to jump into a matter between my children and make a judgment based on what seems obvious. Help me to listen for the underlying hurt, anger or frustration in my grandchildren. Give me an understanding heart, and the patience to teach them to “Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.” (19:20)

* * *

     Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.   Proverbs 23:12

A PLACE OF REFUGE

THE SECURE HOUSE
 Proverbs Chapters 13–14

     In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge. Proverbs 14:26 NKJV

* * *

     Solomon started out well because of the instruction he received from his parents and the wisdom he received from God. As we will see, he did not finish well because he gave in to the culture of the nations surrounding him. His desire to ‘have it all’ corrupted his worship of God.
      Late in life, King Solomon expressed the futility of a self‑indulgent lifestyle. He said, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in grief.” (14:12-13)

* * *

     Like Solomon, we face pressures in our homes because of the wickedness of our culture. The overt idolatry that brought Solomon down is not exactly the same; but there are many influences that are deadly to the purity and sanctity of our homes.

     Lord, help us to build up, encourage and invest ourselves in our families. Solomon said that "those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness." (14:22b) The influences we allow in our homes, and the people we associate with, all have an impact on our children. Give us kind words, uplifting activities, and faithfulness–the building blocks of a secure home and a godly life.

* * *

     The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down. Proverbs 14:1 NIV
     The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death. Proverbs 14:27 NIV

WORDS MATTER

RECKLESS OR HEALING WORDS

Read Proverbs Chapters 12–13

       From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him.     Proverbs 12:14 NIV

* * *

      Whether they are uplifting or demeaning, words affect the quality of our lives. Solomon wrote, "A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult." (12:16) An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up. (12:25)
     Words matter because they reflect the condition of our hearts– Jesus said, “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.”(Matthew 12:34b-35 NKJV)

* * *

      Lord, I pray that You will help me to guard my lips for You have said, "He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin." (Proverbs 13:3) I know that the example I set before my children will profoundly affect their attitudes. Help me to be diligent in teaching them that words matter, and that there is great satisfaction in being a kind, encouraging person.

* * *

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18 NIV

A WISE CHILD

Read Proverbs 9–10

      Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning. Proverbs 9:9 NIV

* **

     In these selected proverbs, Solomon is teaching his son the importance of diligence and obedience. He says “A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother.” (10:1)
     Solomon contrasts diligence with laziness in the example of the farmer's son; "He who gathers crops in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son." (10:5)
     He teaches his son that listening is an important part of learning. As Solomon aptly puts it, "The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin."(10:8) He warns, “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.” (10:19)

* * *

     Lord, help us to follow your guidelines in training and disciplining our children. Give us the proper balance of love and discipline, as we teach our children to be respectful and willing to learn. Help us also to encourage their efforts by not being overly critical. Grant us patience as they grow in knowledge–as You have been patient with us.

* * *

     "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy one is understanding. For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life."  Proverbs 9:10–11 NIV

INFLUENCE OF A PARENT

GUIDANCE
Read Proverbs 3–4

      Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5–6 NKJV

* * *

      The wisest thing that Solomon ever did was to acknowledge his own limitations and ask God for wisdom. There is a reason why Solomon knew he needed to do this: He says, When I was a boy in my father's house, still tender, and an only child of my mother, he taught me and said "Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:3–4a, 7 NIV) Solomon heeded his father David's sound advice, and asked God for a wise and discerning heart, which God was more than happy to give.

* * *

      We cannot overestimate the importance of our influence on our children. Both good and bad kings in the Bible were influenced by their parents. David started teaching a very young Solomon that the beginning of wisdom is the fear of God, and as a result, Solomon started out in the right direction.

* * *

      Lord, I pray for the salvation of each one of our children and grandchildren. Help us to be faithful in teaching them to seek after You, asking for Your guidance in both small and large decisions.

* * *

      Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.  Proverbs 4:10–11 NIV

THE SEARCH FOR WISDOM

HIDDEN TREASURE
Read Proverbs 2; James 1

     –and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure– then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:4–6 NIV

* * *

     Throughout the book of Proverbs, Solomon presents a very important principle echoed in the New Testament: We must seek and ask for wisdom from God, and when He gives it, we must act upon it. 

      James wrote, "Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like." (James 1:23–24)
     The beginning of wisdom is belief that God’s Word is true–but believing is not enough if we don’t carry through and apply it to our lives.

* * *

     Lord, as I open my Bible this morning, I am seeking for hidden treasure. Show me what I need to learn and then empower me to make any changes You require. I lift up my family, my husband and my children. Give me the ability to understand their needs and be ready with a wise and discerning answer. May my thoughts and actions reflect the wisdom mirrored in Your precious Word.

* * *

      If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.    James 1:5 NIV

WORDS OF WISDOM

THE PROVERBS OF SOLOMON
Read Proverbs 1

      The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair– Proverbs 1:1-3 NIV

* * *

      When young King Solomon began to reign, God appeared to him in a dream saying, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” (1 Kings 3:5) Solomon, citing his youth and lack of experience requested, “give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.”(1 Kings 3:9)

      This humble request pleased God because Solomon placed wisdom above wealth and honor. God granted his request and told him, “I will give you what you have not asked for–both riches and honor–so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings.” (1 Kings 3:13) Solomon’s wise sayings have been recorded in the book of Proverbs, benefiting generations of believers.

* * *

      Lord, I too acknowledge my need for wisdom. Sometimes the choices are large ones, needing extended prayer and insight, but most are the daily little choices that will add up to a significant direction for our family. I come to You this morning for fresh insight from Your Word.

* * *

      Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance…The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge… Proverbs 1:5,7a NIV

TELL THE CHILDREN

A JOYFUL HEART
Read Psalms 144–145

      Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. Psalms 145:3–4 NIV

* * *

      Most of his adult life, David was surrounded by enemies, first by Saul who was personally jealous of him, and then by armies who threatened Israel. David recognized that victory comes from the Lord, and he cried out to God for protection.
     Then in his prayers, he acknowledged God's greater plan in it all, “… that all men may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations.”(145:12-13)

      David concluded that his mission was to praise the works of the Lord to all who would listen: “One generation,” he declared, “will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.” In the midst of all that was happening he said, "I will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness." (145:4, 7)

* * *

      Lord, give me a joyful heart that sings like David, in every circumstance, “The LORD watches over all who love him, My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD.” (145:20-21) Help us to remember to tell our children and grandchildren everything You have done for us.

* * *

      Then our sons in their youth will be like well-nurtured plants, and our daughters will be like pillars carved to adorn a palace.   Psalm 144:12 NIV

MY ANXIOUS THOUGHTS

Read Psalms 139

     Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Psalm 139:23

* * *

     David never tried to hide his negative thoughts from God. Instead, he poured them out to his Heavenly Father, knowing he would be understood. He said, "O LORD, you have searched me and you know me… you perceive my thoughts from afar… Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD." (vv.1,2b, 4)
     When he feared for his life, he trusted God for his safety saying, "All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." (v.16) When he wondered if he was doing the right thing he said, “See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (v.24)

* * *

     Dear Father, I too have anxious thoughts. What a comfort to know that you had plans for me even before I was born and all of the days of my life were known by You – past, present and future. “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.”(v.13) Help me to quiet my heart with these precious truths from Your Word.

* * *

     I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. Psalm 131:2

BLESSING AND PROSPERITY

THE REWARD OF CHILDREN

 Read Psalms 127–128

      Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways. Blessings and prosperity will be yours; Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house… children are a reward from him. Psalm 128:1-2b, 3a; Psalm 127:3b

* * *

     The Psalms portray children as a sign of blessing and prosperity. The Psalmist declares, “Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth.” (127:3-4) Along with this blessing, however, comes a warning: Unless the LORD builds the house its builders labor in vain. (127:1)

* * *

     God promises that if we put Him first in our lives we will eat the fruit of our labors–a blessed home. But when we focus on what the world expects of us, working long hours and doing too much, our lives become unbalanced. When this happens, the Psalmist says, "In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat–for he grants sleep to those he loves." (127:2)

* * *

     Dear Father, I pray for the peace and rest that comes from focusing on You, even when I am busy. Help me to order my priorities according to Your perfect will. Thank You for the blessings of children.

* * *

     May the LORD bless you from Zion all the days of your life… and may you live to see your children's children.   Psalm 128:5–6 NIV

A LAMP TO MY FEET

A LIGHT FOR MY PATH

Read Psalm 119

     I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.  Psalm 119:104–105 NIV

* * *

     Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the book and the theme is heart rending – David has experienced it all. He agonizes over wicked men delighting in his troubles and the memories of sin in his own life. Sincerely repentant, he says, "I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.” (v.32)

     Now as he seeks the Lord with all of his heart he determines to continue to walk in freedom from sin. Hiding God's Word in his heart, he finds that he has more insight and understanding than all of his teachers. He has answers for those who taunt him, and comfort in his suffering. He says, “Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them. Though I am lowly and despised, I do not forget your precepts.”  (Psalm 119:140–141)

* * *

     Lord, help us to faithfully teach our children from the Bible and help them to hide it in their hearts. Through the Psalmist You promised that Your faithfulness continues through all generations. Like David, I have put my hope in your word. (Psalm 119:90,114)

* * *

     How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:9–11 NIV

PRAISE THE LORD

FORGET NOT HIS BENEFITS

Read Psalm 102–103

      But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children. Psalm 103:17

* * *

      In Psalm 102 David pours out his heart in anguish, sick and fearful for his life–but in Psalm 103 David praises God for all of the benefits to his soul. He has been healed from his sickness, with his youth renewed. The LORD, he says, is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. …He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. (103:8, 10) 

      David would never forget the love and mercy extended to him by his compassionate Heavenly Father. He praises God that “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” (103:12)

* * *

      Dear Heavenly Father, I too, want to praise you for all Your benefits. You have satisfied my desire with good things and put a new song in my mouth. Like David I can say, Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. (103:1) May I reflect, in my countenance and attitude this day, that I am a thankful woman in my inmost being.

* * *

      Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the LORD: Psalm 102:18 NIV

SETTING BOUNDARIES

IN MY HOUSE
Read Psalm 101

     I will walk in my house with blameless heart. I will set before my eyes no vile thing. Psalm 101:2b–3

* * *

     David determined in his heart that he would avoid the evil influences that were all around him. He could not control the perverse wickedness he saw as he walked through the land, but he could choose to focus on the deeds of godly faithful people. He could also set boundaries on what he allowed in his own house. If he did not set these limits, he knew that the evil would cling to his own mind and heart.

     Christians today have even more difficulty in setting boundaries. The unlimited evil coming into our lives every day by television and internet has the power to destroy us. It takes determined discipline to control those influences. Sometimes the lies are very subtle and our children may not be able to distinguish between truth and error. The Psalmist says, “No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house; no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence.” (Psalm 101:7)

* * *

     Lord, convict us when we allow evil men and women to indoctrinate our children by way of television. Help us to avoid those images on the internet that would cling to our own minds and hearts, drawing us away from You. Help us to replace those evil influences by cultivating fellowship with faithful Christian friends.

* * *

     My eyes will be on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me; he whose walk is blameless will minister to me.   Psalm 101:6 NIV

WORRY VS FAITH

AN UNDIVIDED HEART

Read Psalm 86
                 “Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. For great is your love toward me… “ Psalm 86:11-13a NIV

* * *

      There are many things in life that can cause us to have a divided heart. David was referring to the absolute worship of the Lord as opposed to worthless idols. But in our lives, other things can enter in and become like idols. Jesus said, "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life…." (Matthew 6:24-25a)

* * *

      Lord, I am guilty of worry. Sometimes it is easier to trust for the big things in life than for the little nagging worries that creep in each day. James said that the opposite of faith is worry, for “he who doubts is like a wave of the sea; blown and tossed by the wind… he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does." (James 1:6b, 8) Lord, You are my Provider, my Comforter, and my Almighty God. Increase my faith and give me an undivided heart of trust in Your perfect plan for our lives.

* * *

      You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you. Psalm 86:5

A NEW SONG

A TIME TO SPEAK
Read Psalm 40

     I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly. Psalm 40:10

* * *

     King David fell into grievous sin with Bathsheba. (2 Samuel 11–12) He repented, and God forgave him, but with a long road of consequences ahead of him. Referring to his great sin he said, “He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” (40:2)
     David recognized God's gracious mercy and plan for his life when he said, "The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare." (40:5b) God had given him a new song and for the rest of his life he would sing it to all who would listen.

* * *

     Dear Lord, I want tell others about Your love and mercy in my life. Forgive me for getting so busy that I sometimes go an entire day without mentioning your name. As David said, “Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let such as love Your salvation say continually, “The LORD be magnified!” (Psalm 40:16 NKJV)

* * *

     He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD. Psalm 40:3 NIV

TRUST IN THE LORD

A BLESSED FUTURE

Read Psalm 37

     For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected forever, Psalm 37:28a NIV

* * *

     As David grew old, he looked around and saw wicked men growing stronger and more violent–lying "in wait for the righteous, seeking their very lives." (37:32) Yet David writes confidently, “If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.” (37:23–24)

     David looks to the past and says, "I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken.”(37:25) He looks to the future and reminds us that "The days of the blameless are known to the LORD, and their inheritance will endure forever…their children will be blessed."(37:18, 26b)

* * *

     Dear Heavenly Father, I lean on Your faithful, everlasting love for us. You have promised that those who love You can look forward to a blessed future, saying, “Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.” (Psalm 37:5 NKJV) I claim this promise for my family and for all of us who have received Your righteousness through the cross.

* * *

     Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.    Psalm 37:3-4 NIV

THE BLESSED NATION

Read Psalms 33–34

     The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD. Psalm 33:10-12a

* * *

     These Psalms of David reflect his joyful, trusting heart in the midst of extreme trial – running from King Saul who hated him, and escaping a pagan king who could have killed him. But in the midst of it, David sang joyfully of God’s faithfulness to the nations and individuals who honor Him. He said, “Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.” (Psalm 34:8)

     Those of us who listen to the news each evening can't help but be dismayed by the attempts to undermine our Christian heritage. America's founding documents still proclaim God as Lord, but that godly foundation is being chipped away with alarming speed.

     Our hope is not in the ability of men to come to our rescue. God is, after all, in charge of history. We need not fear the plans of our enemies, because God has the ability to foil their plans, if He so chooses. Our prayers should be for our leaders to turn back to the God of their fathers.

* * *

     Lord, help us to faithfully live the truth and teach it to our children. Help us to remind them of the godly heritage handed down from our nation's fathers, and to give testimony of the faithfulness of God in our own lives.

* * *

     Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.   Psalm 34:11

THE HOUSE OF THE LORD

Read Psalm 27–28

      One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life. Psalms 27:4

* * *

      King David had a heart for God's house, which in his day was the Tabernacle. He wanted to build a temple for the Lord, but God would not let him do it in his generation. David’s son, Solomon would be the one to carry out his plans, with materials his father had gathered together.   (1 Kings 8:19)

* * *

      Today, the Lord's house is the Church, the Body of Christ, made up of believers who are themselves, the Temple His Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 3:16–17) The places where the Church meets, places of fellowship and worship, can be anywhere–in a home, a school or an elaborate building. The author of Hebrews warns, "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25)

* * *

      Lord, thank You for the privilege of meeting freely with other believers. May our love for Your Church be so genuine and obvious that our children and grandchildren, like David, will desire to dwell in Your house all the days of their lives.

* * *

      At his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD. Psalm 27: 6b

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD

Read Psalms 23–25; John 10:11–18

     The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. Psalm 23:1–3 NKJV

* * *

     King David, a former sheep herder, knew all about tending flocks of sheep. Without a shepherd to follow, the lambs would wander into dangerous territory, falling down ravines or being attacked by wolves or lions. Jesus spoke of Himself as the Good Shepherd who cares for His sheep–not as a hireling–but as one who owns His flock. He said, “I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.” (John 10:14 NKJV)

* * *

     Like sheep, we are prone to wander into precarious situations. Only when we fix our eyes on our Shepherd will we be safe and secure from Satan who loves to disrupt and destroy. Peter warns believers to “be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. “ (1 Peter 5:8 NKJV)

* * *

     Lord, I praise you for your leading and protection for our family and our church. With You as our Shepherd we can say with David, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalm 23:6 NKJV)

* * *

     Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25:4–5 NIV