As a young girl I had to learn the books of the Bible. Our Sunday School teacher – who happened to be my mom – had us learn 5-7 books each week beginning with the Old Testament. At the beginning of class, we would learn those books and receive a quick highlight of what each entailed. Our minds were young and our attention spans probably very small. The following week we would individually recite those books. If we got them correct we received a small incentive such as a pencil, eraser, sticker, etc. Then we would learn the next batch and the following week we would recite those along with the previous ones. This continued until we reached the end.
Many decades have passed and as I reflect on that time, what do I remember the most? Not the rewards. Not studying and memorizing. Not the praise for doing a good job. I remember my mom being a Sunday School teacher and filling me with the Holy Spirit. She wasn’t mom for that hour. She was my teacher. I remember sitting in church one Sunday and the minister asked everyone to recite John 3:16. I wasn’t very old and did not know it, but I was so amazed how effortlessly mom sat there and recited it. In the car on the way home, she said she would teach it to me.
I believe that Proverbs is one of my favorite books of the Bible because essentially it is nothing but storytelling. It is filled with wise sayings, anecdotes, and guidance for everyday living. I love a good story, but I love a short phrase packed full with good intentions.
Proverbs 12:22: The Lord detests lying lips, but He delights in people who are trustworthy.
This verse highlights two character traits that matter a great deal to me…honesty and integrity. I loathe liars! It repulses me when people say and do things that are not true just to get ahead, put someone else down, or take the easy way out. How do you think you are bettering yourself by practicing such evil? The verse is so simple. The Lord strongly despises liars, but takes great pleasure in honest folk. It is not rocket science understanding the verse. Plain and simple and to the point – Proverbs.
Proverbs 14:1: The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.
A woman often sets the emotional tone of her home. She is the catalyst for how well the house operates and that all pistons are firing with good judgment, patience, and everyone travels along a righteous path. That foolish woman? She’s on the hot mess express. Her poor decisions and selfish actions cause an inferno of destruction. Her choices reflect selfishness rather than wisdom, and the consequences ripple through the family. That’s what I love about Proverbs. It doesn’t dance around the point. It’s plain, practical, and impossible to understand.
Proverbs 17:22: A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
As the song goes – Don’t Worry, Be Happy! Those who know me are probably thinking – hey, take your own advice. Truth, I am a worrier, but with age comes wisdom and trial and error. When things are going your way – smile and rejoice. When the light starts dimming, still smile and rejoice! Keep things in perspective and don’t take yourself – or life – too seriously.
I have known people who fall into each one of these Proverbs. Whether you’re a lifelong believer or simply someone trying to live a better life, Proverbs has something to teach you. God’s wisdom isn’t reserved for Bible scholars – it’s practical guidance for ordinary people trying to navigate everyday life.
Sometimes the shortest verses leave the deepest marks. Which one hit home for you?
Until next time,
-Molly
Thoroughly loving your posts, Molly!
Liz
Thank you! I truly appreciate you!