Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 15:22

by David Chadwick

“Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.”

Proverbs 15:22

My wife Marilynn and I are taking a look at some of our favorite verses from the book of Proverbs. In a world where everyone has an opinion, but few have wisdom, we find this book of the Bible to be of utmost importance.

What do you do when you have to make a hard decision? When you are faced with a dilemma and must act in wisdom? The first thing you should always do is turn to the Lord and to his Word. Pray for the power of his Holy Spirit to lead and guide you to truth that will encourage, strengthen, and fortify you.

Secondly, you should seek the invaluable support of trusted friends and advisors who love God and seek his will for their own lives. Solomon specifically said to seek a multitude of these kinds of advisers to succeed. Do you know why he suggests this? Because sometimes it takes many different people’s perspectives to give a full picture of understanding.

God often uses other wise individuals to help you navigate difficult decisions because trusted people can help you discern the right thing to do. Having many advisers helps you to see through your blind spots in order to make the right choice.

May I add one other insight here? Proverbs 16:31 says that gray hair is a crown of glory that comes from a righteous life. Do you know what this means? It means that people who have gray hair have learned certain things that only life could teach them. They have come face-to-face with situations, trials, and dilemmas that give them unique perspectives. They often have some of the best wisdom simply because they've lived life the longest. Glean from these people. Lean into their perspectives. They have invaluable resources.

In summary, when making a difficult life decision, here are some things to remember. Read God's Word. Pray for the Holy Spirit to bring you both wisdom and knowledge. Seek counsel from a wise friend. Give trusted advisers the ability to speak into your situation, especially those with gray hair. Then with humility, make your decision.

And trust God with the outcome.

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 15:1

by David Chadwick

“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Proverbs 15:1

Have you ever had someone speak an angry word toward you? Maybe a friend? Your spouse? A boss at work? We live in a broken world where self-control is lacking and anger is commonplace.

Angry words can trigger shame, condemnation, and deep pain. It can be very hard to navigate angry words. So how should you respond when someone speaks angrily toward you?

The answer to this question and so many others can be found in the book of Proverbs. This book gives us practical wisdom for everyday life. It provides the answers to confusing questions and the knowledge to handle the difficult things we face.

In Proverbs 15:1, Solomon gave us the best answer for how to handle an angry attack. The answer might shock you! He says that “a soft answer turns away wrath.” When someone speaks an angry word against you, a gentle response without a lot of emotion is sure to confound the angry assailant.

Whereas an angry response only intensifies the anger, gentleness leaves the angry person dumbfounded. A soft response almost sedates the fury coming from the other person.

When you respond to someone's anger toward you with a soft answer, it ratchets down the emotion. It prevents anger from increasing. It gives the angry person a chance to calm down and engage in a civil conversation. That is always the best option to keep a relationship intact.

One of my favorite quotes that I have heard over the years says, “If you fight might with might, it usually leads to trouble.” Anger begets anger. Wrath begets wrath. Kindness begets kindness. After all, you reap what you sow (Galatians 6:7-9).

Sow softness, gentleness, and kindness. Yes, even in the midst of anger. And watch as God works on your behalf.

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 12:22, 6:16-17

by David Chadwick

“Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.”

Proverbs 12:22

“There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood.”

Proverbs 6:16-17

Can a good and loving God hate anything? Yes! If you have ever spent any time reading the Bible, you know that God can, and does, hate many things! While God is love (1 John 4:8), he still has the capacity to emotionally respond with hatred.

I find great comfort in this side of the Lord because in order for love to truly exist, there must be an abhorrence for everything that hinders love. Things like wickedness (Proverbs 15:8-9), pride (Psalm 5:5), evil deeds (Revelation 2:6), selfish motives (Proverbs 15:26), and those who love violence (Psalm 11:5).

Take some time to read through some of these verses for yourself. As you do, you will see that even the things that God hates reveal his nature and character as a good Father and the embodiment of love. Today, let’s take a deeper look at one more thing that God really hates: lying lips (Proverbs 12:22, Proverbs 6:16-17).

Why does God hate deception? Because God’s word is holy and true (John 17:17). Jesus himself, in John 14:6, said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Because God is truth, there can be no falsehood in him.

The devil, however, works in direct opposition to the truth. From the beginning of time, his native language has been “deception.” He is both a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44). Lying lips destroy people created in God’s image. It’s a devious weapon to kill, steal, and destroy.

Do you remember what the devil’s first temptation of Eve was in the garden of Eden? He said in Genesis 3:1, “Did God really say this?” Satan is a master deceiver and has built his entire mission around deception.

May we all act faithfully in our quest after the truth. And may we always bring truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). The world would be so much better if we committed to love what God loves and hate what God hates! After all, it is the truth that sets us free (John 8:32).