Proverbs 10:1-32

This weekend we are going to study a bit more than we normally do--but we have 3 days to do it in so it shouldn't be too hard to get finished.

There are just so many things to learn in these verses. For the most part this passage is dealing with our big mouths! Does your mouth get you into trouble? I am not a 'big mouth' kind of person. I am not loud or boisterous...but that doesn't mean my mouth can't get me into a world of trouble.

I had to think about several things as I read these verses; here are some that stand out at me...there are many more! Please take the time this weekend to really contemplate these verses.

1) Am I diligent? (vs 4-5)
2) Do I receive instruction meekly and without complaint? (vs 8;17)
3) Do I have integrity? (vs 9)
4) Do I have hate in my heart for anyone? (vs 12;18)
5) Am I a blabber mouth or do I listen when I should? (vs 19)
6) When I do speak, is there purpose behind what I speak? (vs 31-32)

A couple of other points for discussion. For all practical purposes...our family is labelled close to the 'poor' end on the USA tax chart. Of course, we don't see ourselves as poor at all. We each have a computer, we have the internet, we have a car. We have meals on our table and a roof over our head. Still, we cannot own many things that a lot of other Americans own such as two cars, satellite,  department store clothing, etc. So, what about verses 4, or 15? Is it our fault that we are low on the pay scale?

Ok--can't say much more--we have some big storms here and the power keeps flickering. I need to get off the internet and unplug. We can discuss more this weekend. (except Sunday--I don't get on the computer on Sundays.)

Proverbs 6:1-5

Proverbs 6 is broken into five segments, so we will be looking at one section each day.

Today read Proverbs 6: 1-5.

So, how many times have you been known to 'put your foot into your mouth'?
We all have at one time or another. Let's face it...nothing gets us in more trouble than our mouth.

 Have you ever lost sleep over it?
 According to this passage, we are to seek forgiveness before we even do what?

I wonder how many nights I have fallen to sleep without seeking forgiveness or making things right with someone after I opened my big mouth?

Today, while going about your tasks, be conscience of your mouth. Purposely try to use it for loving, kindness, uplifting another. If you get into an argument, or mess up, ask forgiveness. Don't be rude. Even in public, or while driving. You think that other driving doesn't know what you're mouthing to him? He at least knows the attitude behind it!

Read verse 6 again. Just think of the feeling the gazelle has...he knows he is being hunted, he tries everything, running, dodging, jumping, hiding. And all of a sudden when he thinks he just can't make it anymore, he knows this is the end, he looks behind him...and he's free! He is no longer being hunted! That feeling of freedom is what God wants for us.

 It is much better than that "Oh, man, I just put my foot in my mouth again" feeling.