July 26 - Proverbs 26

1 Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, honor is not fitting for a fool. 2 Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest. 3 A whip for the horse, a halter for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools! 4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself. 5 Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes. 6 Like cutting off one's feet or drinking violence is the sending of a message by the hand of a fool. 7 Like a lame man's legs that hang limp is a proverb in the mouth of a fool. 8 Like tying a stone in a sling is the giving of honor to a fool. 9 Like a thornbush in a drunkard's hand is a proverb in the mouth of a fool. 10 Like an archer who wounds at random is he who hires a fool or any passer-by. 11 As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly. 12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. 13 The sluggard says, "There is a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets!" 14 As a door turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turns on his bed. 15 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth. 16 The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer discreetly. 17 Like one who seizes a dog by the ears is a passer-by who meddles in a quarrel not his own. 18 Like a madman shooting firebrands or deadly arrows 19 is a man who deceives his neighbor and says, "I was only joking!" 20 Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down. 21 As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife. 22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts. 23 Like a coating of glaze over earthenware are fervent lips with an evil heart. 24 A malicious man disguises himself with his lips, but in his heart he harbors deceit. 25 Though his speech is charming, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart. 26 His malice may be concealed by deception, but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly. 27 If a man digs a pit, he will fall into it; if a man rolls a stone, it will roll back on him. 28 A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.

Prov 26:1-28 (NIV)

Proverbs 26 - Pastor Chris Avila

There's an old famous song, "Everybody plays a fool!" I think this statement is true. I think we all at sometime play the fool. I believe that playing the fool is all tied up in our sinful nature. Even to this day, i may do something foolish. God's spiritual nature is tied to wisdom, which is what God desires us to walk in. The verse that stood out to me as i read was verse 11,"As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly." I'm a big visual guy, and this is a great visual! I worked in radio for 6 years and music and the club lifestyle was a stronghold in my life. When i gave my heart to God, it was only through the power of Jesus that broke the yoke of that stronghold. The funny thing is, i remember going back to a party one time in college after getting saved, and i remember just getting this sick feeling of being there. Like, "What am i doing here? I don't belong here!" "Whom the Son has set free, is free indeed!"

What strongholds are in your life right now? Is there anything that God is trying to set you free from today? You can do it! Don't return to that folly, you have the power of God in you to say no.God is not disappointed in you, but instead reaching out his arms of love saying, "Cast all your cares upon me!" I really feel in my heart there are some people that are reading this right now and you're tired of coming back to that "vomit!" If thats you, then right now pray and agree with me, that today you are SET FREE in Jesus name!

Prayer: "Lord, thank you that you love us so much, you speak to us right where we're at. Thank you for having patience with us and never giving up on us. I ask that right now, through the power of your Holy Spirit, you touch every person struggling with a stronghold reading this devotion. Break the yoke of that thing in Jesus name. I come against those habits, drinking, drugs, the party scene, sexual immorality, lust, in Jesus name! Let them never have an urge to go back. Let them taste and see YOUR goodness and mercy daily. We promise to give you all the glory God, we love you. In Jesus name, amen."

July 27 - Proverbs 27

1 Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth. 2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips. 3 Stone is heavy and sand a burden, but provocation by a fool is heavier than both. 4 Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy? 5 Better is open rebuke than hidden love. 6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. 7 He who is full loathes honey, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet. 8 Like a bird that strays from its nest is a man who strays from his home. 9 Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one's friend springs from his earnest counsel. 10 Do not forsake your friend and the friend of your father, and do not go to your brother's house when disaster strikes you-- better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away. 11 Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart; then I can answer anyone who treats me with contempt. 12 The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it. 13 Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if he does it for a wayward woman. 14 If a man loudly blesses his neighbor early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse. 15 A quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping on a rainy day; 16 restraining her is like restraining the wind or grasping oil with the hand. 17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. 18 He who tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who looks after his master will be honored. 19 As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man. 20 Death and Destruction are never satisfied, and neither are the eyes of man. 21 The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but man is tested by the praise he receives. 22 Though you grind a fool in a mortar, grinding him like grain with a pestle, you will not remove his folly from him. 23 Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; 24 for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations. 25 When the hay is removed and new growth appears and the grass from the hills is gathered in, 26 the lambs will provide you with clothing, and the goats with the price of a field. 27 You will have plenty of goats' milk to feed you and your family and to nourish your servant girls.

Prov 27:1-27 (NIV)

 Proverbs 27 - Shelley Wilson, Prayer Ministry Director

This proverb captures your heart.  There is so much that Solomon says.  Each verse seems to stand on its own.  Solomon encourages us that we really don’t know what tomorrow brings. And to boast about a future day would be presumptuous, as tomorrow has been promised to no one. Also, we should never sing our own praises, we should live in a place of humility and let others appreciate our good deeds for anything good or worthy of praise comes only through Christ and by His grace. 

As you meditate on God’s goodness today, let your heart stop at verse 6, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”  Tough love is better than flattering hypocrisy.  A true friend will tell you the truth at the expense of offending you.  It is better for us to hear truth than live in a false sense of security. 

 Prayer: Lord, help us to live each day like there is no tomorrow, appreciating every moment and loving people and life to the fullest.  Help us to be humble and treasure those in our lives who love us enough to tell us the truth.  May we continue to trust you and embrace true wisdom, which comes from your word.

July 28 - Proverbs 28

1 The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. 2 When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order. 3 A ruler who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no crops. 4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them. 5 Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand it fully. 6 Better a poor man whose walk is blameless than a rich man whose ways are perverse. 7 He who keeps the law is a discerning son, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father. 8 He who increases his wealth by exorbitant interest amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor. 9 If anyone turns a deaf ear to the law, even his prayers are detestable. 10 He who leads the upright along an evil path will fall into his own trap, but the blameless will receive a good inheritance. 11 A rich man may be wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has discernment sees through him. 12 When the righteous triumph, there is great elation; but when the wicked rise to power, men go into hiding. 13 He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. 14 Blessed is the man who always fears the LORD, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble. 15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked man ruling over a helpless people. 16 A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment, but he who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long life. 17 A man tormented by the guilt of murder will be a fugitive till death; let no one support him. 18 He whose walk is blameless is kept safe, but he whose ways are perverse will suddenly fall. 19 He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty. 20 A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished. 21 To show partiality is not good-- yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread. 22 A stingy man is eager to get rich and is unaware that poverty awaits him. 23 He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor than he who has a flattering tongue. 24 He who robs his father or mother and says, "It's not wrong"-- he is partner to him who destroys. 25 A greedy man stirs up dissension, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper. 26 He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe. 27 He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses. 28 When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.

Prov 28:1-28 (NIV)

Proverbs 28 - Don Bosco, Creative Arts Director

How marvelous is the word of God.  The Bible is a glorious gift to be cherished.  To those who would ask, “Why is the book of Proverbs relevant since we live by grace?”  I would say the Word also says, “To whom much is given, much is required.”  Since we have been given so many wonderful gifts from above, shouldn’t we desire to be an example to others out of sheer gratefulness? We are constantly admonished in the New Testament to “be mature” and “grow up”.  How can we be a guiding light without wisdom?  We need to live in Holy Fear of an Almighty God for it is the beginning of wisdom. (Also in Proverbs)   “Evil men understand not judgement: but they that seek the Lord understand all things” (Vs 5)  Jesus’ own words ring out, “Follow me!” “If you love me, keep my commands.”  Let’s press on to know and serve Him more.  For He is worthy of it.

Prayer:  Most Holy Lord., Let wisdom and understanding be our twin pillars.  Let them hold up the arch of our salvation by the grace granted to us through Jesus Christ our Savior.  Amen

July 29 - Proverbs 29

1 A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed--without remedy. 2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan. 3 A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. 4 By justice a king gives a country stability, but one who is greedy for bribes tears it down. 5 Whoever flatters his neighbor is spreading a net for his feet. 6 An evil man is snared by his own sin, but a righteous one can sing and be glad. 7 The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern. 8 Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger. 9 If a wise man goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace. 10 Bloodthirsty men hate a man of integrity and seek to kill the upright. 11 A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. 12 If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked. 13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives sight to the eyes of both. 14 If a king judges the poor with fairness, his throne will always be secure. 15 The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother. 16 When the wicked thrive, so does sin, but the righteous will see their downfall. 17 Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul. 18 Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law. 19 A servant cannot be corrected by mere words; though he understands, he will not respond. 20 Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him. 21 If a man pampers his servant from youth, he will bring grief in the end. 22 An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins. 23 A man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor. 24 The accomplice of a thief is his own enemy; he is put under oath and dare not testify. 25 Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe. 26 Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the LORD that man gets justice. 27 The righteous detest the dishonest; the wicked detest the upright.

Prov 29:1-27 (NIV)

Proverbs 29 - Don Bosco, Creative Arts Director

God is concerned for our entire well-being.  He loves us so much.  It is not enough for Him just to give us eternal life, but to also redeem us body, soul, and spirit.  It is to this end that the book of Proverbs speak. To do all things with righteousness is a blessing.  “A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honor shall uphold the humble in spirit” Vs: 23.  Too often it is when we KNOW something that we get in trouble.  Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.  When we use our knowledge to show ourselves better than someone, we have transgressed and have judged another’s servant.  Seek wisdom to be sure.  Act wisely redeeming the time to be sure. However, never forget the price that was paid for our salvation.  Seek HIM, and there great knowledge will be found.

Prayer:  Dear Lord,  Never let us forget that all good things come from You alone.  Let our knowledge be tempered by reverential fear.  In You, O Lord, let us find our anchor and our rock, and we will be content.  Amen

July 30 - Proverbs 30

1 The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, his utterance. This man declared to Ithiel--to Ithiel and Ucal: 2 Surely I am more stupid than any man, And do not have the understanding of a man. 3 I neither learned wisdom Nor have knowledge of the Holy One. 4 Who has ascended into heaven, or descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has bound the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is His Son's name, If you know? 5 Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. 6 Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar. 7 Two things I request of You (Deprive me not before I die): 8 Remove falsehood and lies far from me; Give me neither poverty nor riches-- Feed me with the food allotted to me; 9 Lest I be full and deny You, And say, "Who is the Lord?" Or lest I be poor and steal, And profane the name of my God. 10 Do not malign a servant to his master, Lest he curse you, and you be found guilty. 11 There is a generation that curses its father, And does not bless its mother. 12 There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, Yet is not washed from its filthiness. 13 There is a generation--oh, how lofty are their eyes! And their eyelids are lifted up. 14 There is a generation whose teeth are like swords, And whose fangs are like knives, To devour the poor from off the earth, And the needy from among men. 15 The leech has two daughters-- Give and Give! There are three things that are never satisfied, Four never say, "Enough!": 16 The grave, The barren womb, The earth that is not satisfied with water-- And the fire never says, "Enough!" 17 The eye that mocks his father, And scorns obedience to his mother, The ravens of the valley will pick it out, And the young eagles will eat it. 18 There are three things which are too wonderful for me, Yes, four which I do not understand: 19 The way of an eagle in the air, The way of a serpent on a rock, The way of a ship in the midst of the sea, And the way of a man with a virgin. 20 This is the way of an adulterous woman: She eats and wipes her mouth, And says, "I have done no wickedness." 21 For three things the earth is perturbed, Yes, for four it cannot bear up: 22 For a servant when he reigns, A fool when he is filled with food, 23 A hateful woman when she is married, And a maidservant who succeeds her mistress. 24 There are four things which are little on the earth, But they are exceedingly wise: 25 The ants are a people not strong, Yet they prepare their food in the summer; 26 The rock badgers are a feeble folk, Yet they make their homes in the crags; 27 The locusts have no king, Yet they all advance in ranks; 28 The spider skillfully grasps with its hands, And it is in kings' palaces. 29 There are three things which are majestic in pace, Yes, four which are stately in walk: 30 A lion, which is mighty among beasts And does not turn away from any; 31 A greyhound, A male goat also, And a king whose troops are with him. 32 If you have been foolish in exalting yourself, Or if you have devised evil, put your hand on your mouth. 33 For as the churning of milk produces butter, And wringing the nose produces blood, So the forcing of wrath produces strife.

Prov 30:1-33 (NKJV)

Proverbs 30 - Pastor Richard Mock

The writer of this proverb is Agur.  He collects, observes and assembles wise saying of others.   He lets us know of his weaknesses and then of his strength that can only come from God.  When we go before God to pray, what are the two things that we require? What is our position and what is our need?  We should always humble ourselves and know that God hears and can supply our every need.  Do you think more highly of yourself than you ought?  Your thoughts and tongue can and will get you in trouble when you use them to injury someone.  What about father and mother?  What about this generation that thinks, “it’s all about me”?  Don’t forget that we you and I are in this generation.   Are we now one that cry Give!  Give!  This insatiable desire to take, to never be satisfied will only lead to dishonor and death to those that will not honor God first then father and mother.  As Agur moves through these wise sayings, he brings us to an account of four things that are unsearchable and too wonderful to be full known.  An account of four things that are intolerable, that is, four kind of people that are very troublesome to the places where they live and the relations and companies they are in.  A servant, a fool, an odious woman and old-maid servant; should not forget that sin that will most easily beset them, pride and haughtiness which will be most insufferable and inexcusable.  They should humble themselves with the remembrance of who they are and whose they are.  These four things seem great and yet they are contemptible.   Agur next move is to specify four things that are small and yet they are very admirable and great in their size.   Bishop Patrick made a few observations about the ants, mice, locus and spider.  Do not admire size, beauty, strength or value a person or think the better of them for advantage, but to judge them by their wisdom and conduct. Admire the wisdom and power of their Creator.  We are to blame ourselves who do not act so much for our own true interest as the meanest creatures do or theirs.  And final, do not despise the weak things of the world.  They (small things) are made wise by the special instinct of nature.  All (people) that are wise are to salvation are made wise by the grace of God.  As we turn to these last four things a lion, a greyhound, a male goat, and a king. They are majestic, stately in their going and they look great.  The lion, the king among beast, his strength gives him pre-eminence and because of his position he will not alter his pace before them.  The greyhound is made for running.  The male goat, it is he that is the leader of his flock.  The king is at his best when he appears in his majesty, is looked upon with reverence and awe.  The teaching here is that we should learn courage and fortitude in all virtuous actions from the lion and not to turn away from any difficulty we meet with; from the greyhound we learn quickness and dispatch, from the male goat the care of our family and those under our charge, and from the king to have our children in subjection with all gravity.   We must always keep our temper and to be careful not to carry our resentments too far at any time.  We must bridle and suppress our own passions and stay humble.  We must not irritate the passion of others.  Let nothing be said or done with violence, but everything with softness and calmness.

Prayer: Father as I come before you today, I thank you for your love and grace.  My prayer today is that you would teach me balance in every walk of my life.  Keep me humble not only before You but before my brothers and sisters.  Teach me to honor Your children as you do everyday.  As You seek the best in me, teach me to follow you in seeking the best in your children.  Today I am fully aware of who you are and who I am.  It is in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ I pray.  Amen   

July 31 - Proverbs 31  

1 The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him: 2 What, my son? And what, son of my womb? And what, son of my vows? 3 Do not give your strength to women, Nor your ways to that which destroys kings. 4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Nor for princes intoxicating drink; 5 Lest they drink and forget the law, And pervert the justice of all the afflicted. 6 Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And wine to those who are bitter of heart. 7 Let him drink and forget his poverty, And remember his misery no more. 8 Open your mouth for the speechless, In the cause of all who are appointed to die. 9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, And plead the cause of the poor and needy. 10 Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain. 12 She does him good and not evil All the days of her life. 13 She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, She brings her food from afar. 15 She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants. 16 She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard. 17 She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms. 18 She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night. 19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hand holds the spindle. 20 She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet. 22 She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies sashes for the merchants. 25 Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come. 26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness. 27 She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: 29 "Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all." 30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates.

Prov 31:1-31 (NKJV)

Proverbs 31 - Pastor Richard Mock

This proverb is about a special kind of a woman; the mother of a son (king) and the virtuous woman.  This son happens to be Lemuel the king as he remembers his mother instructions as to how he should carry himself.  She did instruct him from his youth with good lessons as to how to walk as a man and a king.  It is the duty of the mother to teach their children what is good, that they may do it, and what is bad, that they may avoid it.  She know that it is better to train the child while he/she is young.  She trains him in the way of God so that he would call to mind and make good of the good instructions he received from her labor.  Not only would he be honored but she would also receive honor from God.  Her instructions to him, was to stay away from strong drinks (drunkenness) and strange women.  He must not allow these sins to take away his strength, his good judgments as to how he should always be aware of these pitfalls.  When he is sober in his thinking he will be able to speak and judge the good way of life for those that are poor and needy.  He must do well with his power, his knowledge, his interest; he must administer justice with courage, care and compassion.  This mother has instructed him well, she is the woman that will hear the words “well done good and faithful mother”.  Now who is this virtuous woman?  The question is who can find her?  This implies that she is not lost and a good man will know her qualifications.  This woman is the weaker vessel, yet she is made strong by wisdom and grace.  This gives her value far above rubies.  She knows how to take little and make much.  She knows how to raise her children.  She knows how to take a house and make it a good home.  She goes through pain as she carries out her duties as a mother and is honored by her household.  She isn’t one for gossip.  She is on duty as a godly woman.  When her husband walks through the street and is around godly men, they speak well of him because of the virtuous woman, (his wife) that is in his home.  This woman is blessed and praised by her children and husband.  The word of God says she is virtuous because she honored God; and because of that He has honored this woman.  She is priceless!  Her value is far above rubies.              

Prayer: Heavenly Father,  my prayer today is first to thank you for loving us so much that you would take time to leave words of instructions  for us today about the woman you made in your image.  This woman is priceless and to be honored because of whose she is.  You gave her value far above rubies and I thank and praise you for her.  You have taught her well and she has honored You by her obedience.  I ask that you would continue to open our eyes to answer the question “who can find this virtuous woman.  This is my prayer.  In the name of Your son, Jesus Christ.  Amen!