Wisdom is skill for right living. Wisdom is the saw we use to cut our way through life. We need a sharp saw if we are going to cut our way through life.
Proverbs is one of the best ways to sharpen your wisdom saw.For many years, I have made a practice of reading the chapter of Proverbs corresponding to that day’s date. Today, for instance, is November 18. My goal is to read Proverbs 18.
Lest I exaggerate, I don’t do this every single day. But, I do it many days and across years it makes a tremendous difference.
Often when I read Proverbs, I paraphrase a note as a way to talk to myself about wisdom. Below are some of the verses that recently struck me from Proverbs 18 with my notes to self.
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18:1 Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; be breaks out against all sound judgment . . . Note to self: “Get thy sorry carcass to church this Sunday. Attend small group. Invite someone over. Don’t be isolated.”
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Proverbs 18:2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. Note to self “Shut and listen".”
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Proverbs 18:8 Words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body. Note to self “Gossip affects your spiritual waistline,” see here.
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Proverbs 18:9 Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys. Note to self “Get to work.”
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Proverbs 18:13 If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame. Note to self: “Shut up and listen.”
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Proverbs 18:17 One who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him. Memorizing this one. Note to self: “Don’t be too impressed when someone comes in and gives you one version of a story. Listen to the other side too.”
Proverbs 18:22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord. Note to self: “Thank God for Jamie. I am the most favored man in human history.”
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Proverbs 18:24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Note to self: “Thank God for Les, Chip, Jeff, Dave, Dan, and many others.”
What stands out to you from Proverbs 18?
I like your way of thinking. I read the book of Proverbs almost exactly the same way. Matter of fact, I posted similar thoughts on Prov. 18 on two different occasions: May 18, 2009 and June 18, 2009. I really should start doing that again. Enjoyed your post.