Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 11:30

by David Chadwick

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.”

Proverbs 11:30

Do you know what the word “righteous” means? It is defined as “someone acting in accordance with divine or moral law, free from guilt or sin; being morally justified, upright, or virtuous.”

When a righteous person lives righteously, the fruit of that person is a tree of life. Not only for themselves, but also for all those around them. Others will want to be righteous as well.

And like the tree of life in the garden of Eden, the fruit of the righteous man or woman gives life forever. A righteous life multiples righteousness for generations to come.

Our God is a righteous God (Psalm 11:7, Psalm 119:137, Ezra 9:15). His character is perfect righteousness. In fact, Psalm 145:7 says that God is righteous in ALL of his ways. As you may have heard me say, “I looked up ‘ALL’ in the dictionary. Guess what it means? ALL!”

Hebrews 12:28 says, “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe.” When those of us who are righteous in Christ live righteously, we are advancing an unshakeable, eternal kingdom that never fails.

What is the most righteous act that people who follow Jesus can do? The capturing of eternal souls!

After all, there is nothing we can take with us into eternity except our eternal souls.

And when we arrive in heaven, we will spend eternity with those who we helped come to know Jesus. Those whose eternal souls have been redeemed forever. And they will forever thank us for helping them get to heaven.

Make sure you keep first things first: the salvation of people’s eternal souls. Pray today for the harvest. Luke 10:2 says that the harvest is plentiful - the souls are many - but the laborers are few. May we pray EARNESTLY for the Lord to send out laborers into his harvest!

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 11:24-25

by David Chadwick

“One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”

Proverbs 11:24-25

Our verses from Proverbs today perfectly describe the spiritual law of reciprocity: whatever you give out, you get back.

Much like the physical law of gravity, this law is immutably woven into the universe. If you jump off a building, you will fall to the ground. Nothing in the universe, except God sovereignly intervening on your behalf, can keep this from happening.

This universal principle applies to money as well as other possessions (verse 24). When you practice generosity, you will experience generosity in return. None of us should give in order to get something in return, but inevitably, when you give generously just because you love Jesus, God will end up giving back to you.

But it also includes giving out time, talents, love, grace, mercy, and compassion. This truth can also apply to relationships. As my mom used to say, “If you want to have friends, be a friend!” It really is true. Whatever you give out relationally, monetarily, or emotionally will be returned to you as well.

In Luke 6:38, Jesus himself said to “give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

I love it when the principles of the Old Testament are reinforced by Jesus in the New Testament, showing us that all of Scripture is woven together to lead us and guide us in all truth.

Today, give this principle a try. Freely give a blessing to another person. Give a moment of hope. Then watch as your life becomes more enriched because of your obedience.

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 11:22

by David Chadwick

“Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman without discretion.”

Proverbs 11:22

For a moment, can you picture a gold ring in a pig’s snout? It’s a sight that looks and sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it? Well, that’s because it is! In Proverbs 11:22, Solomon says, “Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman without discretion.”

What a dramatic illustration! But it’s true. Solomon makes the comparison of a beautiful woman without discretion and without personal character to a pig with a nose ring.

Do you know what discretion is? It’s wisdom, shrewdness, care, and prudence. It’s a woman who has caution and tact, who thinks before she acts. Someone who considers the impact of decisions and brings thoughtful contributions to the table. It’s a woman who is modest and doesn’t flaunt herself in vain to the world.

But in the world’s eyes and especially in American culture, what is the main emphasis for women? Outward beauty. Our society focuses on image. Physical appearance. Success. Fame. Money. There is not a high value for integrity, honesty, and inward character.

My dad used to always tell me, “Marry a beautiful person more than a beautiful woman.” Fortunately, in my humble opinion, I got both. But the inner beauty is of far greater value in the kingdom than external beauty.

No matter how much plastic surgery or how many collagen injections a woman may receive, outward beauty will always fade. Only the inward, godly, Jesus-filled character of a woman is what lasts forever.

To further this point, another proverb in Proverbs 31:30 says, “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” With each passing day, the inward attributes of this kind of woman become more and more beautiful.

If you are a man, pursue a woman of discretion. And for you women out there, seek to be a woman of discretion. Instead of trying to find the right person, become the right person!