People can make plans and set goals, but the Lord determines the final results. The sixteenth chapter of Proverbs emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s will and aligning our intentions with His purposes. The following verse effectively summarizes this idea: “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps” (Proverbs 16:9, New King James Version).  

Oh God (El Shaddai), I genuinely want to plan my life with wisdom. As I seek to do my very best, may I find comfort in relying on You to bring true success into my life. I want to do Your will above all else. Please uphold me in the good things, and steer me away from those that would be evil in Your sight. 

In this chapter, we see that God values honesty, justice, and integrity, especially in leadership and decision-making (vv. 10-13). A righteous ruler acts in accordance with truth and fairness, reflecting God’s moral character. 

God, I also ask those in positions of authority within this country to govern in a manner that fosters a quiet and peaceful life for all people. Furthermore, I pray that the leaders of our nation seek counsel from You to establish the moral fabric of this land. 

Proverbs 16 further emphasizes the importance of wisdom in speech and conduct. As we have seen throughout, words hold power; they can bring life, instruction, and healing when spoken wisely and graciously: “The heart of the wise teaches his mouth and adds learning to his lips. Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones” (vv. 23-24). 

God, grant me the skill to communicate more effectively; that You will be glorified, and that grace may be given to hearers. 

This chapter also teaches about the dangers of pride and the value of humility. Where pride leads to downfall, humility leads to honor and safety (vv. 18-19). These verses highlight a recurring biblical truth: humility is essential to opening the door to receiving God’s blessings. 

God, the world sure seems to reward those who are prideful and selfishly ambitious. May I find comfort in Your ways, and may You reward me with inner peace for seeking to be a humble man in Your eyes.

Finally, we read in this chapter about the Lord’s justice & guidance (vv. 25-33). Not every path that seems right to a person leads to life, but God weighs motives, guides choices, and brings about justice. The lot may sometimes appear random, but even chance events are under God’s control (v. 33)! 

Oh God (my Father and Master), without You, I am nothing. I open my heart and my life to You: to lead me, use me, and even try me. Rule my steps and lead me on the path You would have me take. May Your providential care be ever-present with me, amen!

Proverbs 13 draws a sharp line between the wise and the foolish, showing how choices shape the direction of a person’s life. It begins by reminding us that wisdom starts with being teachable—someone who listens to correction grows, while a mocker shuts the door to learning (vv. 1, 10, 13-16, 18). The chapter often ties wisdom to speech and work: wise words build up and protect, but careless talk can destroy; hard work brings steady reward, while laziness leads to lack.

It also reminds us that real wealth isn’t just about money—it’s about living a life well (vv. 7, 11, 25). Honest gain lasts, but wealth without integrity fades quickly. The chapter also touches on parenting, showing that loving discipline is part of true care (v. 24). It paints a picture of the righteous leaving a legacy—not only in possessions, but in values and example (v. 22). Throughout, the message is clear: a wise life is one shaped by discipline, integrity, and reverence for God.

These proverbs still hit home today. They urge us to listen before reacting, to work hard rather than cutting corners, and to value character over fleeting success (1 Thess. 4:11-12). In a world that prizes comfort and fast results, God calls us back to patience and consistency (Gal. 5:22-23; Rom. 12:12). For parents, we are reminded that correction done in love helps children grow strong (Eph. 6:1-4; Col. 3:20-21). And for all of us, God challenges us to speak carefully, manage our resources wisely, and live in a way that leaves a lasting legacy behind (2 Tim. 1:5; 3:14-17).

Proverbs 12 presents a variety of teachings that emphasize the values of wisdom, righteousness, and the importance of good character. The chapter begins by highlighting the significance of accepting instruction and the folly of rejecting it, asserting that a wise person embraces discipline as a means of growth. It contrasts the fate of the righteous with that of the wicked, illustrating how righteous actions lead to life, while wicked actions lead to destruction. 

The chapter also explores the impact of speech, noting that words can bring life or death (vv. 6, 13, 14, 17-23). It stresses the importance of using one’s words wisely and underscores the power of truthful and kind speech. Additionally, it highlights how righteous individuals are likened to a fruitful tree, benefiting not just themselves but also those around them. 

The text also dives into themes of hard work versus laziness, illustrating how diligent efforts lead to prosperity, while laziness can lead to poverty (vv. 11, 24, 27). There’s an emphasis on the value of integrity, suggesting that those who pursue honesty and justice are viewed favorably, both by others and by God. 

Furthermore, Proverbs 12 encourages self-control and the ability to manage one’s emotions, suggesting that a person who can control their anger is stronger than a warrior. It also provides insight into the importance of wise companionship and the influences of relationships, suggesting that associating with wise individuals can enhance personal growth (vv. 25, 26). 

Overall, Proverbs 12 serves as a guide to living a virtuous life, emphasizing the importance of wisdom, the benefits of righteous living, and the impact of our words and actions on ourselves and our communities.

Oh God, please forgive me for my sins, through the blood of Jesus (1 Jn. 1:8-2:2). I open myself to embrace Your wisdom and will reject the pathway of fools. Enable me wisdom and boldness to speak as I ought, that others may be blessed (and not discouraged) by my words (Eph. 6:19-20; Col. 4:2-6). I want to be a worker for you, O Lord; therefore, enable me to embrace honest labor, as well as opportunities to serve in ways that will help others, physically. Grant me a more perfect understanding and resolve to rule my own spirit also, that you may be glorified through me (Jn. 17:20-23). I want to know true success, in Your eyes, O God. Thank You for Your tender mercies and blessings. These things I petition in Jesus’ name, amen (Jn. 14:13-14; 15:16; 16:23-24).   

“Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight” (Proverbs 11:1, New King James Version). 

Sometimes, wickedness provides an advantage in a business deal, leading the righteous to feel tempted to abandon their principles. However, the proverbs repeatedly teach that we should never envy the wicked, as their success is often deceptive, insecure, and short-lived (vv. 2-6). Generally, the righteous will experience blessings on this earth and will look forward to eternity in heaven, because they seek God. In contrast, the wicked have nothing to rely on except judgment and calamity. They may enjoy a brief period of “success,” or pleasure, but they lack any lasting source of joy or security. 

The proverbs emphasize that righteousness offers a secure reward; even death cannot rob the righteous of their blessings (v. 18). The proverbs specifically provide excellent (and practical) guidance for successful business dealings, including the following principles: 

1. Be very cautious about standing surety for another’s debts (v. 15). 

2. Remain conscientious and fair in your business dealings, as you will be held accountable by God for how you treat others (v. 1). 

3. Be generous in your giving, for you will reap little if you do not (v. 24). 

By following such principles, individuals can face the challenges of business with both integrity and wisdom. 

Ultimately, the book of Proverbs reminds us that short-term gains do not measure true success. Those who manage their affairs with integrity and trust in the Lord will discover lasting security and peace, while the temporary rewards of the wicked will eventually fade away. How are you conducting your everyday business?

Proverbs 10 marks the beginning of Solomon’s concise, wisdom-packed sayings. Each verse is like a jewel, and while they may seem scattered at first glance, together they sketch a portrait of two kinds of lives: one rooted in God and the other built on self. 

One of the striking truths in this chapter is the connection between character and security. As it states, “He who walks with integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will become known” (v 9, New King James Version). Integrity does not promise an easy road, but it does offer peace of mind (cf. Matt. 7:13-14). There is no fear of being exposed and no wasted energy spent on maintaining a façade (Matt. 6:1-4). The secure footing of righteousness is not built on circumstances, but on the steady ground of honesty before God. 

The way we speak also takes center stage in this chapter. Solomon notes, “The mouth of the righteous is a well of life, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked” (v 11). Our speech reveals what fills our hearts (Lk. 6:45). The righteous do not merely avoid harmful words; their speech actively refreshes others, providing relief like cool water on a hot day (Matt. 10:42). In contrast, careless or deceitful words drain life, leaving behind wounds and mistrust. Every conversation presents us with a choice: will our words give life, or will they drain someone else’s spirit? 

Finally, verse 22 offers quiet reassurance: “The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.” In a culture that prizes hustle and achievement, Solomon reminds us that true satisfaction is not something earned, but something given (Tit. 3:5-7). God’s blessings enrich our lives without adding sorrow. Striving apart from Him may produce results, but it rarely brings peace (Lk. 12:16-21; Mk. 8:36). 

Proverbs 10 invites us to slow down and examine ourselves: Are my words giving life? Is my integrity intact? Do I trust God’s blessings more than my own efforts? 

Oh Lord God, please shape my heart so that my words bring life, my integrity brings peace, and my trust rests entirely in You. In Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen.

The 9th chapter of Proverbs presents a striking contrast between two voices that call out, compelling us to make a choice: will we listen to the voice of wisdom or the voice of folly? Both invite us to a feast, but only one leads to life. 

Wisdom is personified as a noble woman who prepares a rich banquet. She sets her table and calls out, “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here” (verse 4). Her invitation is extended not only to the simple (those who have not yet learned life’s lessons) but also to those who are already wise. As verse 9 states, “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be even wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.” 

The meal that wisdom offers is not physical food, but understanding, discernment, and the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom (verse 10). To accept her call means turning away from our own self-reliance and submitting to God’s ways, trusting that His word nourishes us more deeply than anything else! 

In contrast, the way of folly also calls out. The Proverbs describe a foolish woman as boisterous, who similarly invites the simple. However, her offer is deceptive. Verse 17 states that her appeal is, “Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.” Her banquet may look appealing at first; it seems more exciting and satisfying. Yet Solomon warns that those who dine with folly fail to realize that her table is set in the depths of Sheol (verse 18), and her feast leads to death! 

This chapter reminds us that every day we can choose which invitation to accept. Wisdom requires humility and a willingness to be corrected, taught, and guided by God; whereas folly appeals to pride, secrecy, and selfish pleasure. The outcomes of these choices are vastly different: wisdom leads to a life of fulfillment, while folly leads to ruin. 

Today, let us ask ourselves: which voice am I heeding? Am I yearning for God’s truth, or am I being led astray by shortcuts that promise joy, but ultimately lead to destruction? Let us choose wisdom’s feast, for at her table, we find life!!

Wisdom Calls to Us

Wisdom calls to individuals and urges them to recognize her value. In contrast to the clamorous wicked woman of Chapter 7, wisdom invites us to come and learn her worth in every prominent place where she stands and cries out: “To you, O men, I call, and my voice is to the sons of men. O you simple ones, understand prudence, and you fools, be of an understanding heart” (Proverbs 8:4-5, New King James Version). Her advice is good, not bad; it is worth more than silver and gold (vv. 10-11)! 

Wisdom Lists Her Gifts

Wisdom boasts an excellent history of accomplishments. Verse 13 states, “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth I hate.” Wisdom proclaims her significance in governance: “By me kings reign, and rulers decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, all the judges of the earth” (v. 15). In verses 17-18, she says, “I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently will find me. Riches and honor are with me, enduring riches and righteousness.” Indeed, wisdom blesses those who pursue her by filling their treasuries and rewarding them with greater wealth than silver and gold (vv. 19-21)!! 

Wisdom Assisted God in Creation

One of the greatest endorsements of wisdom is that even God made use of her in the marvelous creation and arrangement of the earth. Verse 22 declares, “The Lord possessed me at the beginning of His way, before His works of old. I have been established from everlasting, from the beginning, before there was ever an earth.” Verse 27 adds, “When He prepared the heavens, I was there; when He drew a circle on the face of the deep.” 

Blessed is the Person Who Listens to Wisdom 

How blessed is the one who watches and listens for wisdom daily (v. 34)! Verses 35 and 36 state, “Whoever finds me finds life, and obtains favor from the Lord; but he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; and all who hate me love death.” 

Personal Application 

When I reflect on the message of this chapter and the incredible way wisdom is extolled, I realize how easily I can become distracted and steer away from the richness that God provides daily. This chapter emphasizes that wisdom is available everywhere and offers riches as described. I’m sure that good kings like David, Hezekiah, and Josiah have utilized godly wisdom. And that type is wisdom is available to us! While I may not “hate” wisdom like some people in this world—those who literally reject the Bible and its teachings—I sometimes take lightly the words God has given me, in that I do not give my Bible enough love and attention. 

It is profound to consider that God speaks of wisdom as the very foundation of all things, present with Him from the beginning. So, I need to focus on striving for wisdom daily, taking time away from my busy schedule to pray earnestly to God, read His Word, and meditate more deeply on what He has to say. Utilizing that wisdom throughout my daily walk is critical, and it is an area in which we (all) can certainly grow! 

I ask for your help and guidance, Lord, so that I do not take Your words of wisdom lightly. I want to move forward in my life without missing the opportunities to conduct myself wisely, influencing this world in ways that will draw proper attention to You. Enable me, Father, to be the man You want me to be, in the image of Your Son, through the wisdom found in Your Word!! Amen.

In Proverbs 7, Solomon observes a naive young man from his window as he falls into the trap set by a wicked woman. The young man has ventured into her territory, the very place where she waits for her victims each evening. Solomon’s warning to young men is unmistakable: Stay away from her corner. Avoid her, because much stronger men than you have fallen victim to her schemes, leading to destruction and death. Do not think you will escape unharmed. Listen, young people of today (male and female), and learn this critical lesson: fornication is not something to take lightly. 

A young person might go to a crowded beach, date someone with a questionable reputation, or flirt with the excitement without intending to fall into an obvious trap. The wise man urges you to run in the opposite direction—don’t linger to be tempted, and don’t put yourself in such a dangerous position!!