Read Proverbs 14
I read Proverbs 14 in the New Living Translation.
My thoughts on Proverbs 14:
Wise women build, they don't destroy.
Following the right path reflects fear, reverence, for the Lord. "You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore." (Psalm 16:11 AMPC) God wants to show us the right path of life. This should be our heart's desire: "My steps have stayed on your path; I have not wavered from following you." (Psalm 17:5 NLT)
There is safety in wise words. So, think before you speak. "The more talk, the less truth; the wise measure their words." (Proverbs 10:19 MSG)
Be careful to choose the right path. What seems right may not be right and could lead to destruction. Ask God to show you the right path for you. Also, keep in mind He may not answer the way you think He might or even how He usually does. We can't box Him in. "Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow." (Psalm 25:4 NLT)
Don't believe everything you hear. Ask Holy Spirit to guide you. Jesus sent Him just for that. "However, I am telling you nothing but the truth when I say it is profitable (good, expedient, advantageous) for you that I go away. Because if I do not go away, the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you [into close fellowship with you]; but if I go away, I will send Him to you [to be in close fellowship with you]." (John 16:7 AMPC) Holy Spirit is our Comforter, Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby. He is everything we need.
The wise are cautious and avoid danger. Cautious - Wary; watchful; careful to avoid evils; attentive to examine probable effects and consequences of measures, with a view to avoid danger or misfortune; prudent; circumspect (Noah Webster 1828 Dictionary) "Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is." (Ephesians 5:15-17 AMPC) Are you applying caution to the decisions you make and the words you speak?
Fear of the Lord is a life-giving fountain. It is the source of life and sustains life. "Fear of the Lord leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm." (Proverbs 19:23 NLT)
A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body. "Don’t you see that you can’t live however you please, squandering what God paid such a high price for? The physical part of you is not some piece of property belonging to the spiritual part of you. God owns the whole works. So let people see God in and through your body." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 MSG) Jesus promises us peace and that peace is found in Him and available to all that believe in Him. "Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]" (John 14:27 AMPC
Wisdom rests in an understanding heart. "But to man He said, Behold, the reverential and worshipful fear of the Lord—that is Wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding." (Job 28:28 AMPC)
The verses that spoke to me:
"Those who follow the right path fear the Lord; those who take the wrong path despise him. The prudent understand where they are going, but fools deceive themselves. There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death." (Proverbs 14:2, 8, 12 NLT)
My takeaway:
The references to path got my attention. As I seek God's direction for this ministry, He has entrusted to me I want to make sure I'm following His path, not my own. I want to make decisions that honor Him. I must stay true to the mission and vision God has given me:
Encouraging and Empowering you to become who you were created to be, God's Masterpiece, a Divine Original!
We must be strategic and purposeful in following God. We get our strategy and purpose from Him. Once on the path to purpose we can't allow anything or anyone to distract us and cause us to detour from what God wants for our lives.
“Set your gaze on the path before you. With fixed purpose, looking straight ahead, ignore life’s distractions. Watch where you’re going! Stick to the path of truth, and the road will be safe and smooth before you. Don’t allow yourself to be sidetracked for even a moment or take the detour that leads to darkness.” (Proverbs 4:25-27 TPT)
When you keep your focus everything else falls in place. It doesn't mean there won't be distractions or that you won't stumble. It just means in the distractions and stumbles you keep your eyes on Jesus. Know your why and your Who and you will keep your focus.
FOCUS:
F = Faith
O = Overcoming
C = Circumstances
U = Using
S =Scripture
"Oh, that my steps might be steady, keeping to the course you set; I'm going to do what you tell me to do; don't ever walk off and leave me." (Psalm 119:5&8 MSG)
FAITH CONFESSION:
Lord, let my steps be steady, keeping to the course You set for me. I don't want to get off course. I am going to do what You tell me to do. I am listening for Your direction. I don't want to move without You. I know I can't do this alone. Please don't walk off and leave me alone limited to my own resources. I need You to show me Your way, the path You want me to take, so I can be in step with You. I can't do this without You, Abba Father. I surrender to You. What is my next step? Until I hear from You, I will stand on the Word You have given me and continue studying while going through Your preparation process. I give thanks Father that You are in the details of my life, making me more like You. Mold me and make me what You want me to be so I can walk in Your plan and purpose for my life. Let Your Kingdom come, and Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven, through me. I love You.
Share in the comments what verse spoke to you and why. Let's grow in wisdom together.
Be Encouraged! ❤
Proverbs 14:16
"The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence. "
My Takeaway:
People that have prayed and asked God for discernment and guidance are slower to act than others because they are waiting to hear from God on which direction they should go. But a person that does not seek God's counsel first and goes ahead with reckless abandon will regret their decision. Whatever we do, if it isn't God ordained ,it will not work out well for us.
WOW! Leisa. What wise words you have shared from the Lord! God has given you such a great gift of using your words to make things very understandable. Thank you so much for sharing, After reading from different translations, I chose TPT tonight. A few verses stood out for me. Proverbs 14:1 stood out for me because I have always been a stay at home mom and homemaker. The verse says every wise woman encourages and builds up her family……
Proverbs 14:26 goes along with this theme as a mom. Confidence and strength flood the hearts of the lovers of God who live in awe of Him, and their devotion provides their children with a place of shelter and security…