Old Testament / Proverbs

  • Persevering Diligence

    Proverbs 10:4, 26; 21:5

    During the day today, consciously fill every moment with productive activity (including eating and necessary rest). Refrain from wasting time. If you find your day filled already, are you doing too much? Are you often rushed? If so, think about ...Read More

  • Proverbs

    Proverbs 26:4–5

    In the book of Proverbs, we find many themes addressed including the importance of the fear of God, the respectability of work, the need to be industrious in our labors, the folly of sexual immorality, and the raising of a ...Read More

  • Self-Control

    Proverbs 25:28

    Is the fruit of self-control manifesting itself in your life? Do you lose your temper often, or are you able to control your emotions? Take some time to look at the relationships in your life to see whether you are ...Read More

  • The Dramatic Arts

    Proverbs 2:1–15

    The neopaganism promoted in today’s movies and television causes many believers to avoid these mediums altogether. While we must be careful about what we view, even drama can glorify God (1 Cor. 10:31). Ezekiel, for example, acted out ...Read More

  • The Fear of the Lord

    Proverbs 1:1–7

    In our casual culture we must take care that we always have a reverent fear of the Lord. While Jesus has made us His friends (John 15:15), we need to remember that His friendship is like none other, for ...Read More

  • The Lord’s Direction

    Proverbs 16:1, 9; 21:1

    Do you have anxiety about the future and decisions you have to make? Could your anxiety stem from trying to make things work for yourself instead of trusting God? Consider your experiences, circumstances, and talents. How might you be striving ...Read More

  • The Myth of Chance

    Proverbs 16:33

    As today’s passage indicates, even a random outcome in the casting of lots to make a decision is determined by the hand of God. Every seemingly “chance” event — a flat tire, running into a long-lost friend, a roll of ...Read More

  • The Sin of Sloth

    Proverbs 21:25–26; 26:13–16

    Make specific changes in your life to fight laziness. This can include your vocation, physical exercise, and spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible study, attendance at worship, and service. If you have children, establish guidelines for housework, school work, and spiritual ...Read More

  • The Thief of Time

    Proverbs 10:5; 20:4; 24:30–34

    If you are guilty of procrastination, confess it to the Lord. Before the day begins, consider what you need to accomplish that day and commit to doing those things in an orderly time frame. This also applies to spiritual matters ...Read More

  • The Trap of Vain Glory

    Proverbs 17:19; 25:6, 7, 27

    Read Philippians 2:1–11 and Galatians 5:13–26. Have you pursued earthly success in order to fulfill your ambition? If so, consider giving up those positions or pursuits in obedience to God. In what other ways do you ...Read More

  • Unjust Gain

    Proverbs 10:16; 11:18; 13:11

    Examine your work habits. This can include not only your vocation, but your duties at home and at church. In what ways do you cheat those who are in authority over you? If you are in authority, are you fair ...Read More

  • Wisdom Literature

    Proverbs 9:10

    To what end do you pursue knowledge? Is your desire just knowledge for the sake of knowledge, or do you seek wisdom in order to live a life coram Deo, before the face of God, pleasing to Him? Consider the ...Read More