Read Proverbs 20
I read Proverbs 20 from the New Living Translation.
My thoughts on Proverbs 20:
We should not let anything control us. If it impacts your thoughts, words, and actions in a negative way you need to stay away from it.
We don't need to participate in every disagreement or argument that comes our way. Sometimes silence is the best response. Sometimes people don't want to understand or listen and there's nothing you can do to change that. "A [self-confident] fool has no delight in understanding but only in revealing his personal opinions and himself." (Proverbs 18:2 AMPC)
People with wisdom and understanding can draw out advice.
Walk in integrity. Your children are watching. You are creating a path for them. You're also creating a path for others as people are always watching to see if what we say is reflected in our actions.
Avoid double standards. Treat everyone honestly and equally. "For God shows no partiality [[a]undue favor or unfairness; with Him one man is not different from another]." (Romans 2:11 AMPC)
There is value in wise words. The words we speak have power and should not be used carelessly. "Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift." (Ephesians 4:29 MSG)
What you get through deceit will not last and could end in destruction. Deceit - sheqer, an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial):—without a cause, deceit(-ful), false(-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, lie, lying, vain (thing), wrongfully (Strong's 8267)
Good counsel will help your plans succeed. "Where no wise guidance is, the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety." (Proverbs 11:14 AMPC) "Oil and perfume rejoice the heart; so does the sweetness of a friend’s counsel that comes from the heart." (Proverbs 27:9 AMPC)
There is nothing good about gossip. Don't be a part of telling tales about others. Don't hang around people that do and don't tell them anything. If they talk about others, they will talk about you. Talebearer - râkîyl, a scandal-monger (as travelling about):—slander, carry tales, talebearer (Strong's H7400) "[My] brethren, do not speak evil about or accuse one another. He that maligns a brother or judges his brother is maligning and criticizing the Law and judging the Law. But if you judge the Law, you are not a practicer of the Law but a censor and judge [of it]." (James 4:11 AMPC) "Moreover, as they go about from house to house, they learn to be idlers, and not only idlers, but gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not say and talking of things they should not mention." (1 Timothy 5:13 AMPC)
Honor your parents. This is a command that comes with a promise. "Honor (esteem and value as precious) your father and your mother—this is the first commandment with a promise—That all may be well with you and that you may live long on the earth." (Ephesians 6:2-3 AMPC)
We don't have to exact revenge on others. God is our defense and avenger. Let Him take care of the matter. "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for [God’s] wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay (requite), says the Lord." (Romans 12:19 AMPC) "Unto You, O my Strength, I will sing praises; for God is my Defense, my Fortress, and High Tower, the God Who shows me mercy and steadfast love." (Psalm 59:17 AMPC) "Yes, You are my Rock and my Fortress; therefore for Your name’s sake lead me and guide me. Draw me out of the net that they have laid secretly for me, for You are my Strength and my Stronghold." (Psalm 31:3-4 AMPC)
God directs our steps. We may not understand the path but we can trust the path He guides us along. I hear the Lord saying, “I will stay close to you, instructing and guiding you along the pathway for your life. I will advise you along the way and lead you forth with my eyes as your guide. So don’t make it difficult; don’t be stubborn when I take you where you’ve not been before. Don’t make me tug you and pull you along. Just come with me!” (Psalm 32:8-9 TPT)
Keep your vows, promises to God. I would add keep your word across the board. If you say you're going to do something, do it, or don't say it. If you can't do it circle back to the person and let them know. Don't act like you never said it! Vow - neder, a promise (to God); also (concretely) a thing promised:—vow(-ed) (Strong's H5088) "When you make a vow to God, your God, don’t put off keeping it; God, your God, expects you to keep it and if you don’t you’re guilty. But if you don’t make a vow in the first place, there’s no sin. If you say you’re going to do something, do it. Keep the vow you willingly vowed to God, your God. You promised it, so do it." (Deuteronomy 23:21-23 MSG)
God sees everything. We can't hide anything from Him. He knows our motives and our heart. We may be able to hide our motives from people but God sees and acts accordingly. "But the Lord said to Samuel, Look not on his appearance or at the height of his stature, for I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7 AMPC) "The heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly perverse and corrupt and severely, mortally sick! Who can know it [perceive, understand, be acquainted with his own heart and mind]? I the Lord search the mind, I try the heart, even to give to every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings." (Jeremiah 17:9-10 AMPC)
The verse that spoke to me:
"Don't trap yourself by making a rash promise to God and only later counting the cost." (Proverbs 20:25 NLT)
My takeaway:
The words we speak are powerful and we will be held accountable for them. We can't use words thoughtlessly.
"But I tell you, on the day of judgment men will have to give account for every idle (inoperative, nonworking) word they speak." (Matthew 12:36 AMPC)
If I make a vow to God, about something I will do, then I need to do it. I want God to know that He can count on me.
"It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay. Do not allow your mouth to cause your body to sin, and do not say before the messenger [the priest] that it was an error or mistake. Why should God be [made] angry at your voice and destroy the work of your hands?" (Ecclesiastes 5:5-6 AMPC)
It's important not to make a rash or emotional vow. Instead, I must count the cost before making the commitment. I remember my mom telling me to think before I speak. That's wisdom. Once you say it then do it.
"Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn’t first sit down and figure the cost so you’ll know if you can complete it? If you only get the foundation laid and then run out of money, you’re going to look pretty foolish. Everyone passing by will poke fun at you: ‘He started something he couldn’t finish." (Luke 14:28-30 MSG)
This Scripture is a reminder of the importance of keeping my word to God and those I interact with. I want to operate with integrity and honor in all of my interactions. Those that know me know that I don't give my word lightly and if I say I am going to do something they can count on me to do it. So, I consider my yes before I make a commitment to do something. If I'm not sure I can do it I say so.
FAITH CONFESSION:
Lord, I will consider my words before I say anything. I will not speak idle unproductive words but words of life. I have wisdom in the moment to know what to say yes to and what to say no to because Holy Spirit is there as my Counselor. I will consider the cost before making a commitment to You and others. I will be a person that honors You with my words and actions. Lord, 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! ❤