Proverbs – Life SkillsWe can have peace by being peaceful. We can have good friends by being a good friend. We can be free of who others think we are by realizing who God says we are. We can drink from a well of negativity, hypersensitivity, hate, injustice and disrespect of human lives or we can drink from a well deep inside us formed from knowing God and knowing His way to live skillfully and pleasing to Him. Know God. Know what is right.
“Knowing what is right is like deep water in the heart;
a wise person draws from the well within.”
What is this deep water?Jesus said, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart’.
(John 7:37, NLT)
“I am the Way, the Truth and the Life” says Jesus. (John 14:6) When we believe in Jesus as The Way to God, the Truth about God we gain a new Life. This new life continually digs a well deep into our hearts, minds and souls of all that is right in God’s eyes. This well gives, sustains, refreshes and renews life forever. This well of deep water gives knowledge of how to live abundantly and expectantly by His Holy Spirit.
HOLY PAUSE
From what well am I drawing from?
How deep is the well of Truth in my life?
Am I drinking from His chalice of knowledge or doing life on my own?
What is the mark and measure of my character?
Proverb 20, The Message
Deep Water in the Heart
Wine makes you mean, beer makes you quarrelsome— a staggering drunk is not much fun.
2 Quick-tempered leaders are like mad dogs—
cross them and they bite your head off.
3 It’s a mark of good character to avert quarrels,
but fools love to pick fights.
4 A farmer too lazy to plant in the spring
has nothing to harvest in the fall.
5 Knowing what is right is like deep water in the heart;
a wise person draws from the well within.
6 Lots of people claim to be loyal and loving,
but where on earth can you find one?
7 God-loyal people, living honest lives,
make it much easier for their children.
8-9 Leaders who know their business and care
keep a sharp eye out for the shoddy and cheap,
For who among us can be trusted
to be always diligent and honest?
10 Switching price tags and padding the expense account
are two things God hates.
11 Young people eventually reveal by their actions
if their motives are on the up and up.
Drinking from the Chalice of Knowledge
12 Ears that hear and eyes that see—
we get our basic equipment from God!
13 Don’t be too fond of sleep; you’ll end up in the poorhouse.
Wake up and get up; then there’ll be food on the table.
14 The shopper says, “That’s junk—I’ll take it off your hands,” then goes off boasting of the bargain.
15 Drinking from the beautiful chalice of knowledge
is better than adorning oneself with gold and rare gems.
16 Hold tight to collateral on any loan to a stranger;
beware of accepting what a transient has pawned.
17 Stolen bread tastes sweet,
but soon your mouth is full of gravel.
18 Form your purpose by asking for counsel,
then carry it out using all the help you can get.
19 Gossips can’t keep secrets,
so never confide in blabbermouths.
20 Anyone who curses father and mother
extinguishes light and exists benighted.
The Very Steps We Take
21 A bonanza at the beginning
is no guarantee of blessing at the end.
22 Don’t ever say, “I’ll get you for that!”
Wait for God; he’ll settle the score.
23 God hates cheating in the marketplace;
rigged scales are an outrage.
24 The very steps we take come from God; otherwise how would we know where we’re going?
25 An impulsive vow is a trap;
later you’ll wish you could get out of it.
26 After careful scrutiny, a wise leader
makes a clean sweep of rebels and dolts.
27 God is in charge of human life,
watching and examining us inside and out.
28 Love and truth form a good leader;
sound leadership is founded on loving integrity.
29 Youth may be admired for vigor,
but gray hair gives prestige to old age.
30 A good thrashing purges evil;
punishment goes deep within us.
ITS A HEART CONDITION
Our words determine where our hearts are. Jesus also said, “What you say flows from what is in your heart” (Luke 6:45). If your heart is hard, then it will show by what you say. If you are bitter, then you will find yourself talking about it, because bitter people love to spread it around.But if you have a heart that is filled with grace and love and wisdom from God’s Word, that, too, will come out. And that should be the goal of every believer. THIS is the deep well to draw from when deciding what is right, good and wise. This is the Living Water that Jesus provides for our souls.
Dear Heavenly Father,You are wisdom. You are so, so good. You reveal who you are every day. Helps to draw from the deep waters of your love, mercy and grace you have provided. Help us to love well and live wisely. You are the well that never runs dry. Continue to grow and mature us with the fruits of your character that are nourished from your deep waters. May living waters run deep in our hearts. May we always draw from this well to respond to life here.
In Jesus Name, Amen
Daily Manna (Coffee with Jesus) 