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!

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 11:21

by David Chadwick

"Be assured, an evil person will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will be delivered.”

Proverbs 11:21

“Be assured…” is how today’s proverb starts out. Let’s take a look at it together. “Be assured, an evil person will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will be delivered” (Proverbs 11:21).

According to these words, we should be absolutely assured of the truths in this Scripture. So what is it of which we should be assured? That no evil person will go unpunished!

How many of you have ever been wrongly hurt by an evildoer? Betrayed by a close friend? Used by a boss for his or her own benefit? Abused by a spouse? Lied about? Slandered? And then seemingly gotten away with their evil acts?

Does any of this sound familiar? Of course!

We have all had people wrongly hurt us. It’s an unfortunate part of living in a broken world.

But according to God’s Word, no evil person will go unpunished. Every evil person who has ever lived must face the judgment seat of God. They will be judged for their wrongdoing and will face consequences. God’s judgment will be a perfect judgment.

Romans 12:19 says, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’” Alexander the Coppersmith did the apostle Paul “great harm.” Paul simply said, “the Lord will repay him for his deeds” (2 Timothy 4:14).

What a powerful reminder for us all! We must leave vengeance to the Lord. Only he can and will judge all things perfectly. We can’t match his righteous ability to bring about justice in our sinful state. Our flawed human hearts, minds, and perspectives are always skewed.

Nonetheless, rest assured: God will judge all evil and wrongdoing.

In light of that, don’t be vengeful. Don’t become an evil person in your pain caused by evil people. Remember, bitterness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. So, release your offenders. Forgive. Let God be God. And enjoy the rest of your life knowing he will ultimately bring about true justice.