Read Proverbs 13
I read Proverbs 13 in the New Living Translation and the Amplified Classic.
My thoughts on Proverbs 13:
Don't refuse to listen to correction, we don't know it all and Google doesn't have all of the answers!
Speak wise words
Control your tongue - "Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips." (Psalm 141:3 NLT) Get help if you need it to make sure your words speak life and encouragement. Don't ever forget the power of your words.
Hate lies. Remember it's one of the seven things God hates. (See Proverbs 16-19 for the complete list)
Walking with the Lord guards our path.
A godly life is full of light and joy. That doesn't mean we won't have challenges. It means the challenges won't have us because we rest in Jesus, trusting Him.
God sets Himself against, resists, the proud. Resist - antitássomai, to range oneself against, i.e. oppose:—oppose themselves, resist (Strong's G498) "But He gives us more and more grace (power of the Holy Spirit, to meet this evil tendency and all others fully). That is why He says, God sets Himself against the proud and haughty, but gives grace [continually] to the lowly (those who are humble enough to receive it)." (James 4:6 AMPC) The proud - hupĕrēphanŏs, appearing above others (conspicuous), i.e. (figuratively) haughty:—proud (Strong's G5244) Do we really want to be who, or walk in what, God resists?
Taking advice is wise. To despise advice is asking for trouble. Of course I am talking about godly advice. "Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life." (Proverbs 19:20 NLT)
Instruction is life-giving.
Think before you act. "Don’t jump to conclusions—there may be a perfectly good explanation for what you just saw." (Proverbs 25:8 MSG) Do you have all of the facts before you act or react?
Be reliable.
Walk with the wise. Your circle reflects how you will grow. It can also paint a picture of who you are.
The verse that spoke to me:
"He who walks [as a companion] with wise men is wise, but he who associates with [self-confident] fools is [a fool himself and] shall smart for it." (Proverbs 13:20 AMPC)
"Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble." (Proverbs 13:20 NLT)
My takeaway:
I write devotions that I publish at 11am, Monday-Friday. Today's devotion was, "Divine Connections Part 1!" So of course, verse 20 stood out for me. It was confirmation about the importance and impact of connections. You can read that devotion by clicking this link: https://www.leisawilkins.com/post/divine-connections-part-1-2
“Don’t become partners with those who reject God. How can you make a partnership out of right and wrong? That’s not partnership; that’s war. Is light best friends with darkness? Does Christ go strolling with the Devil? Do trust and mistrust hold hands? Who would think of setting up pagan idols in God’s holy Temple? But that is exactly what we are, each of us a temple in whom God lives.” (II Corinthians 6:14-16 MSG)
Who you are connected to matters. Choose your connections wisely, with the help of Holy Spirit. It might mean making some changes in your circle. Trust God to determine who should be in your life, to what degree, and whose season is over. Decide to opt for Divine Connections every time! Your spiritual health and your God ordained purpose depend on it.
"Do not be so deceived and misled! Evil companionships (communion, associations) corrupt and deprave good manners and morals and character." (1 Corinthians 15:33 AMPC)
FAITH CONFESSION:
Lord, thank You for Divine Connections! Help me to recognize those You have placed in my life to walk alongside me, to counsel me, and to help to grow, spiritually and in wisdom. Also help me recognize those I need to avoid or possibly disconnect from. I will embrace the discipline, correction, and instruction of the wise in my life. Let Your Kingdom come, and Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven, through me.
Share in the comments what verse spoke to you and why. Let's grow in wisdom together.
Be Encouraged! ❤