Proverbs 14-15 The Wisest Woman

1 The wisest of women builds up her home,
but a stupid one tears it down with her own hands.

2 Whoever lives right fears the Lord,
but a person who is devious in his ways despises him.
Prov 14:1-2 (GW)

10 The heart knows its own bitterness,
and no stranger can share its joy.

11 The houses of wicked people will be destroyed,
but the tents of decent people will continue to expand.

12 There is a way that seems right to a person,
but eventually it ends in death.

13 Even while laughing a heart can ache,
and joy can end in grief.
Prov 14:10-13 (GW)

10 The heart knows its own bitterness,
and no stranger can share its joy.

11 The houses of wicked people will be destroyed,
but the tents of decent people will continue to expand.

12 There is a way that seems right to a person,
but eventually it ends in death.

13 Even while laughing a heart can ache,
and joy can end in grief.

14 A heart that turns {from God} becomes bored with its own ways,
but a good person is satisfied with God's ways.
Prov 14:10-14 (GW)

1 A gentle answer turns away rage,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.

2 The tongues of wise people give good expression to knowledge,
but the mouths of fools pour out a flood of stupidity.

3 The eyes of the Lord are everywhere.
They watch evil people and good people.
Prov 15:1-3 (GW)

13 A joyful heart makes a cheerful face,
but with a heartache comes depression.
Prov 15:13 (GW)


29 The Lord is far from wicked people,
but he hears the prayers of righteous people.
Prov 15:29 (GW)

Reflection of B:

Again the bible describes who the wisest woman is. She is one who will build her home, not tear it down (14:1).

No one can fully understand someone's heart nor fully share someone's joy, except himself/herself. We often may think that our way is right, yet it can be very wrong (14:10,12).

People may try to hide their sorrows from others by laughing, yet their hearts may be aching. Someone closed to me is like this and I just feel that I don't understand him no matter how hard I try. As long as he chose not to share with me his feelings, I have no way to understand him.My wild guesses inly made matters worse.

I am not good at hidding my feelings. People can read me like a book. When I feel sad and hurt, it shows. This is something I find hard to cover up. I am not sure if that's a good thing. However, one thing I must learn is to turn my heart to God always so that it can be "satisfied" and I won't get hurt easily (14:14).

Perhaps another thing I need to learn too is to know when to keep my mouth shut and my thoughts to myself. For not everyone can accept what I want to say. I have to learn to be more diplomatic about it (15:1).

Joy is what I need now, otherwise sadness will show on my face. For now, I am so tried and worn.... I need to sleep.


Dear Lord,
I am very tired, both physically and emotionally. I need to rest in You. Help me to be the woman You want me to be. Let me be one who can build a home and not tear it down. Help me Lord be a wise woman, Lord.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Proverbs 13 Birds of the Feathers Flock Together

20 Whoever walks with wise people will be wise,
but whoever associates with fools will suffer.
Prov 13:20 (GW)

Reflection of B:

We become who we are with regularly. If we are with the wise and the sensible people who takes discipline we will be like them. But if we are with the fools who live ungodly life we will be just be like them too, unless there is a special mission or calling from God to go and be an influence to these people. So we need to know our own limitation and choose the right company.

Dear Lord,
Help me to constantly check my company and be in the right place that You want me to be. I pray that I will be a shining light wherever I go and not to be led astray by anyone.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Proverbs 12 - The Crown Of A Husband

1 Whoever loves discipline loves to learn,

but whoever hates correction is a dumb animal.

2 A good person obtains favor from the Lord,
but the Lord condemns everyone who schemes.

3 A person cannot stand firm on a foundation of wickedness,
and the roots of righteous people cannot be moved.

4 A wife with strength of character is the crown of her husband,
but the wife who disgraces him is like bone cancer.
Prov 12:1-4 (GW)

Reflection of B:

The crown of a husband, his glory, is when he can find a wife of strength and character. If he gets someone who disgraces him, then he will be like as if he is suffering from terminal disease like bone cancer. That's something very serious.


Dear Lord,
I pray that I will be a crown of glory and not a bone cancer to anyone you placed in my life. Let me be a woman of strength and character that will show forth Your work in my life and give glory to You,
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Proverbs 10-11 - Love Covers All Wrongs

12 Hate starts quarrels,
but love covers every wrong.

13 Wisdom is found on the lips of a person who has understanding,
but a rod is for the back of one without sense.

14 Those who are wise store up knowledge,
but the mouth of a stubborn fool invites ruin.
Prov 10:12-14 (GW)

30 The fruit of a righteous person is a tree of life,
and a winner of souls is wise.
Prov 11:30 (GW)

Reflection of B:

What someone did recently made me feel very sad and hurt. I just wondered how a person could be so insensitive and mean, especially from someone whom I have cared for before. I felt very angry and felt the urge to show others what kind of person he is. I know I have to leave vengeance to God and not take things int my own hands, yet I still felt the unrest in my heart and it almost turned into hatred.... I didn't feel such strong feeling before.

However, in my Bible reading today (belated one), I came across Proverbs 10:12:

"Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs."

This verse came to me on time (though it was behind my reading schedule). Well God's timing is always perfect, though ours aren't. This verse reminded me that I should let love reigns in my heart and not take revenge. I should give life to someone instead of bringing death by my actions even if I have been hurt. I need God's help to keep my peace, keep my cool, and don't react. I need to let God's love covers the wrongs that were done to me.


Dear Lord,
You are always on time, though I may be behind time. Thank You for speaking to my heart today. I want to surrender all the hurts I felt to You. May Your love reigns an let it covers all wrongs that were done to me. I need You to hold me tight again. Please don't let me slip away.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Proverbs 9 - Don't Be Gullible

6 Stop being gullible and live.
Start traveling the road to understanding.”
Prov 9:6 (GW)


7 Whoever corrects a mocker receives abuse.
Whoever warns a wicked person gets hurt.

8 Do not warn a mocker, or he will hate you.
Warn a wise person, and he will love you.

9 Give {advice} to a wise person,
and he will become even wiser.

Teach a righteous person,
and he will learn more.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Prov 9:7-10 (GW)

Reflection of B:

Someone ever told me that I am "gullible", that I easily believe others. When I was younger, I was more skeptical about things people say. However, when I grew older I tend to believe others till proven wrong. Am I really "gullible"? If I am, I better "start traveling the road to understanding.” (v6).

I have also learned it the hard way about verses 7 to 9 before. These verses also help us test if a person is "a wise person" or "a righteous person" (v9) when we give advice or teach someone. How this person behaves speaks for him/her as to who he/she really is. I was wrong in my perception of certain people close to me till I see their response to correction. I was sadden, but I learned something precious. Reading God's word help me to know God more, fear Him more and to be wiser.


Dear Lord,
I confess that many times I have been gullible and have been deceived in one way or another. It hurt a lot. Help me to know You more so that I will be wiser day by day. Help me to be careful of people around me and be able to perceive danger when it is coming. Guide me in my association with people be it personal or at work. I commit myself to Your almighty hands tonight.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Proverbs 8 - Wisdom As Life Saver

12 “I, Wisdom, live with insight,
and I acquire knowledge and foresight.

13 To fear the Lord is to hate evil.
I hate pride, arrogance, evil behavior, and twisted speech.

14 Advice and priceless wisdom are mine.
I, Understanding, have strength.
Prov 8:12-14 (GW)

17 I love those who love me.
Those eagerly looking for me will find me.
Prov 8:17 (GW)

32 “Now, sons, listen to me.
Blessed are those who follow my ways.

33 Listen to discipline, and become wise.
Do not leave my ways.
Prov 8:32-33 (GW)

Reflection of B:

Wisdom has insight, knowledge and foresight (v12). To have wisdom we need to fear God. To fear God is to "hate evil", not to have "pride, arrogance, evil behavior, and twisted speech" (v13). The world system may advice us otherwise, but in God's wisdom it is not so.

When we are willing to live a godly life and apply godly wisdom, we will be "blessed". We need to ask God for wisdom and He will grant it to us,provided we are willing to follow His ways of doing things.


Dear Lord,
Teach me Your way and I will follow You. When I am tempted to do otherwise, bring me back to the right path. Let me apply Your wisdom in my work and dealing with people around me. Thank You for Your guidance in my life.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Proverbs 6-7 - Results of Laziness and Adultery

6 Consider the ant, you lazy bum.
Watch its ways, and become wise.

7 Although it has no overseer, officer, or ruler,

8 in summertime it stores its food supply.
At harvest time it gathers its food.
Prov 6:6-8 (GW)

16 There are six things that the Lord hates,
even seven that are disgusting to him:

17 arrogant eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that kill innocent people,

18 a mind devising wicked plans,
feet that are quick to do wrong,

19 a dishonest witness spitting out lies,
and a person who spreads conflict among relatives.
Prov 6:16-19 (GW)

32 Whoever commits adultery with a woman has no sense.
Whoever does this destroys himself.

33 An adulterous man will find disease and dishonor,
and his disgrace will not be blotted out,

34 because jealousy arouses a husband's fury.
The husband will show no mercy when he takes revenge.
Prov 6:32-34 (GW)

25 Do not let your heart be turned to her ways.
Do not wander onto her paths,

26 because she has brought down many victims,
and she has killed all too many.
Prov 7:25-26 (GW)

Reflection of B:

The above chapters are warnings to those who are lazy and for men who go to the prostitutes commit adultery. They will reap what they sow eventually. We must be careful not to fall into such traps.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your reminder. May I not fall into any sins that are mentioned above.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen

Proverbs 5 - Enjoy Your Marriage

18 Let your own fountain be blessed,
and enjoy the girl you married when you were young,
Prov 5:18 (GW)

21 Each person's ways are clearly seen by the Lord,
and he surveys all his actions.

22 A wicked person will be trapped by his own wrongs,
and he will be caught in the ropes of his own sin.
Prov 5:21-22 (GW)

Reflection of B:

Wisdom tells us that we should enjoy the one we married and not set our heart on someone else. Yet people tend not to listen to this advice. Straying from it has caused many agonies for all in the family.

Another warning is that God can see whatever we do, even no one knows. Sins will be found sooner or later if we don't repent.


Dear Lord,
I pray that You will continue to keep me pure and stay within Your teaching. Forgive me for the sins I may have done and washed me clean. Guide my path so that I will not fall into any temptation.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Proverbs 4 - Guard Your Heart

23 Guard your heart more than anything else,
because the source of your life flows from it.

24 Remove dishonesty from your mouth.
Put deceptive speech far away from your lips.
Prov 4:23-24 (GW)

Reflection of B:

How is my heart now? Thoughts about some pasts today somehow troubled my serene heart. Melancholy set in.

The above verses reminded me that I must guard my heart above all so that it will not affect my life. We are reminded to love God with all our heart, to give Him our heart. Only He can keep our heart in good condition and not be hurt unnecessarily.


Dear Lord,
I give my heart to You tonight. Keep it save in You. Let me not be affected by the pasts or be crippled by it.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Proverbs 2-3 - Benefits of Wisdom

1 My son,
if you take my words {to heart}
and treasure my commands within you,
Prov 2:1 (GW)

6 The Lord gives wisdom.
From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

7 He has reserved priceless wisdom for decent people.
He is a shield for those who walk in integrity

8 in order to guard those on paths of justice
and to watch over the way of his godly ones.

9 Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—
every good course {in life}.

10 Wisdom will come into your heart.
Knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.

11 Foresight will protect you.
Understanding will guard you.

12 {Wisdom will} save you
from the way of evil,
from the person who speaks devious things,
Prov 2:6-12 (GW)

3 Do not let mercy and truth leave you.
Fasten them around your neck.
Write them on the tablet of your heart.

4 Then you will find favor and much success
in the sight of God and humanity.

5 Trust the Lord with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths smooth.
Prov 3:3-6 (GW)

9 Honor the Lord with your wealth
and with the first and best part of all your income.
10 Then your barns will be full,
and your vats will overflow with fresh wine.
Prov 3:9-10 (GW)

27 Do not hold back anything good
from those who are entitled to it
when you have the power to do so.
Prov 3:27 (GW)

Reflection of B:

There are so many wise things we can learn from the above proverbs.

1. Principles of wisdom

• We will be wise if we keep God's words in our heart (2:1)
• Only people who are "decent" and have "integrity" (2:7), and those who uphold "justice" and are "goldy" (2:8) will have God's wisdom.
• God's wisdom will "protect" and "guard" us (2:11), and will also "save" us (2:12).
• "Mercy" and "truth" must be our life success principle (3:3,4).
  

2. To ourselves - We need to "trust in the Lord" and "not rely on our own understanding" so that God will help us remove the obstacles along the way (3:5,6).

3. To God - "Honor the Lord with our wealth" and give Him what is best and He will ensure our barn overflows (3:9,10).

4. To others - We are to reward those who deserve and are entitled to it when we have the power to do so(3:27).


Dear Lord,
Thank You for reminding me that Your wisdom is more than anything else I can possess. I pray that I will not detour from Your teaching and will stay faithful to Your principles of life for me. May I trust You fully and honour You with all I have. I pray that I will treat my colleagues and business associates fairly at my workplace. Watch over me, Lord.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Proverbs 1- The Reasons for Proverbs

1 The proverbs of Solomon, David's son who was king of Israel, {given}

2 to grasp wisdom and discipline,
to understand deep thoughts,

3 to acquire the discipline of wise behavior—
righteousness and justice and fairness—

4 to give insight to gullible people,
to give knowledge and foresight to the young—

5 a wise person will listen and continue to learn,
and an understanding person will gain direction—

6 to understand a proverb and a clever saying,
the words of wise people and their riddles.


7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.
Stubborn fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Prov 1:1-7 (GW)

32 “Gullible people kill themselves because of their turning away.
Fools destroy themselves because of their indifference.

33 But whoever listens to me will live without worry
and will be free from the dread of disaster.”
Prov 1:32-33 (GW)

Reflection of B:

Proverbs are words of wisdom written by people who fear the Lord and received knowledge from God. They help us not to fall prey of the wicked.

Someone ever said that I am "gullible" and too trusting. Perhaps I am. I trust people till I am proven wrong. Yet God has always brought justice for me at the end. In His sovereignty, He protected me from harm while I learned to be less gullible as I read the word of God, especially the book of Proverbs. Yes, by obeying God's word, we will not get ourselves into unnecessary troubles.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your words of wisdom, written through people who feared You, for our protection. I pray that I will keep Your words in my heart and follow Your instruction. Teach me Your way, Lord.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen

My Daily Bible Reading

Surprised by Richard's email recently:

> I notice you haven't posted a daily meditation in a while.
> I know I never visited frequently, but sometimes I found
> something of interest or inspiration.


My reply:

> No. I am still doing it almost daily, as I am following the Bible Reading
> schedule found in the Bible Explorer (BE). I record all my thoughts in the
> document in the BE after each reading. I will post them on the website when
> I can find time to do so.
>
> Thanks for asking.


My Thoughts:

Sometimes I do missed my Bible reading for a few days due to my work. But I will catch up as I have a Bible Reading calendar in the Bible Explorer software. I will be posting my devotion soon over the weekend.

Thank God for friends who care and are concern for me. It's good to know that I may be out of sight but not out of mind. May God be with them always.

Thanks, Richard! :D

Psalm 136-137 - His Mercies Endures Forever

26 Give thanks to the God of heaven
because his mercy endures forever.
Psalms 136:26 (GW)

1 By the rivers of Babylon, we sat down and cried
as we remembered Zion.
Psalms 137:1 (GW)

Reflection of B:

In Psalms 136, the phrase "because his mercy endures forever" repeated 26 times. They remind us that God's mercy never ends even though very often we make Him sad. He will always forgive us when we turn to Him and repent from our sins. Even when our enemies try to destroy us, yet God will will rescue us in His own way.


Dear Lord,
Thank You that Your mercy endures forever. Let me be merciful to others as well.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 135 - You Are Like Your Idols

15 The idols of the nations are made of silver and gold.
They were made by human hands.

16 They have mouths, but they cannot speak.
They have eyes, but they cannot see.

17 They have ears, but they cannot hear.
They cannot breathe.

18 Those who make idols end up like them.
So does everyone who trusts them.
Psalms 135:15-18 (GW)

Reflection of B:

Idols, be they objects or humans, will make the makers like them. That's why in the Ten Commandment, God said "You shall not have any idol before me." We should love God whole heartedly instead of idolizing objects or people.

Dear Lord,
I pray that You will remind me not to make anything or anyone my idol, giving them more time than I should. I pray that I will love You with all my heart, my soul and my strength. Draw me, and I will run after You.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 134 - In the House of God

1 A song for going up to worship.

Praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord,
all who stand in the house of the Lord night after night.

2 Lift your hands toward the holy place, and praise the Lord.

3 May the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion.
Psalms 134:1-3 (GW)

Reflection of B:


Dear Lord,
How is it like to stay in Your house day and night? It should be such a joyful moment instead of facing this world of sins and sadness. I pray that I can be in Your house day and night too.
Praise Your most holy name. Amen.

Psalms 132-133 - Live In Harmony

1 A song by David for going up to worship.

See how good and pleasant it is
when brothers and sisters live together in harmony!

2 It is like fine, scented oil on the head,
running down the beard—down Aaron's beard—
running over the collar of his robes.

3 It is like dew on {Mount} Hermon,
dew which comes down on Zion's mountains.
That is where the Lord promised
the blessing of eternal life.
Psalms 133:1-3 (GW)

Reflection of B:


Yes, peace and harmony is good.... all Christians are to do that. Unfortunately, sometimes they have allowed themselves to be divided over simple issues and opinions. That's not what God wants. We need to learn how to live in harmony.


Dear Lord,
Teach me Your way of peace and love. Teach me how to avoid conflicts and arguments that aren't productive. I commit my whole week to You as I work.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen