PROV 3

 

Prov 3:13-35

 

13 - You are blessed when you find wisdom and gain understanding

14 – Wisdom is more valuable than silver and yields more profit than Gold.  Its priceless.

15 – More priceless than rubies and precious gems.  Nothing in life can compare with wisdom.

16 – Long life is in her right hand and in her left hand is riches and honor.

17 – The way and path of wisdom is pleasant and peaceful.

18 – She is a tree of life so hold onto to her.  Hold on to her and be blessed.

19- By wisdom the Lord formed the earth and through understanding He set the heavens in place.

20 – Through knowledge all forms of water came about.

21- Solomon counsels his son to not let wisdom and understanding out of his sight for by them sound judgment and prudence come.

22 – Wisdom is life and grace to those who embrace it.

23 – Wisdom is a place of safety and those who walk in it will not stumble.

24 – When you lie down you will be safe and you will have a sweet sleep.

25 – You will have no fear and disaster will overtake you as it does the wicked.  A little comparison here.

26 – Since wisdom dwells with God He will be with you and you will not be snared.  You will see what is coming.

27-29 – Do not with hold help when you can.  Do not send you neighbor away.  Do not plot against your neighbor who trusts in you.

30 – Do not accuse anyone especially if they done you no harm. 

31 – Do not envy the violent or choose their ways.

32-33 – The Lord detests the perverse and a curse is on the wicked.  He takes the upright into His confidence and blesses the home of the righteous.

34 – The Lord mocks the proud but shows mercy to the humble and oppressed.

35 – The wise get honor and the fool ends up being shamed.

 

Prov 4

 

1-2 – Solomon tells his sons to listen to his words through them they will gain sound understanding.

3-4 – David taught Solomon these same things when he was young.  Through the commandments of God he will live.

5 – Get wisdom and understanding and through them you will live.

6-9 – Wisdom is compared to a woman.  Wisdom will protect you and if you love her she will watch over you.  Right from the beginning get wisdom go after it even if it costs you everything.  If you cherish wisdom you will be exalted and be honored.  Through wisdom you will have a garland and crown.

10-13– Solomon then reminds his son that wisdom will add years to life. It will keep you on a straight path.  When you walk you will not be hampered when you run you will not stumble.  Hold onto to understanding it will guard you and give you life. 

14-17 – Avoid the path and way of the wicked.  They cannot rest until they do evil they eat the bread of wickedness and drink violence.

18-19 – The way of righteousness is like a bright sunny day.  You can see everything clearly.  The way of the wicked is dark and they stumble all the time. 

20-22 – Pay attention to wisdom.  Keep the words of wisdom in sight and in your heart.  Wisdom is life to those who hear it and health to their bodies. 

23 – Guard your heart because everything you do flows from it.

24 – Keep your mouth and conversation free of perversity and corruption.

25-27 – Keep your eyes straight ahead.  Give thought to your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.

Do not turn left or right and keep your foot from evil.

 

 

 

QUOTES FOR MAY 16, 2026

PSALM 15

 

Psalm 15

 

Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent?  Who may live on your holy mountain?

 

1.        This is one of the 70 some psalms which David authored.  David was a shepherd, warrior, musician, singer, king and prophet.  Did you know God showed David the crucifixion of Jesus a thousand years before it happened.  Psalm 22 is the most famous. 

2.        He asks two questions.  Lord who can dwell in your tabernacle or sacred tent.  Who can be in your presence?  Who can stand you glory, essence and nature?  Who can be holy, righteous and set aside for holy purpose?  The first question is about the actual tabernacle.

3.        Who can dwell on your holy hill?  Who can be on Mount Moriah?  The temple sat on the spot where Abraham attempted to sacrifice His son, and it was the spot where the Lord almost destroyed Jerusalem.  David bought the land set up a temporary tabernacle and Solomon would later build the temple both places were sacred.  Did you know that today you are the temple of the Holy Spirit?   You are sacred, holy, set apart for the Lord. 

4.        When the Bible says you are a temple of the Holy Spirit, it means that God’s Spirit lives in you. It also means that you are a holy place and that you need to take good care of yourself—spiritually, physically, and mentally. Each individual person who trusts Jesus Christ to forgive his or her sins is a temple of God and the Holy Spirit dwells within them. In type, we are each a temple—an instrument for worshipping and glorifying God.  

 

2 The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart;

 

1.        This means What does it mean to be blameless? It is to live with integrity and moral purity. When a man is blameless before God, he is regarded as faithful and usable by Him. He reflects God's character and values. He avoids sin and compromise.

2.        Walking in righteousness is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting a life lived in accordance with God's will and commandments. It signifies a journey of faith and obedience, where believers strive to align their actions, thoughts, and intentions with the divine standards set forth in Scripture.

3.        Speaking the truth from our heart means expressing genuine, authentic, and honest words and actions that reflect the truth we know and trust. It does not necessarily mean being blunt or hurting others but rather being true to our core beliefs and values.  This is about our character.  Jesus was a master of this.

 

3 whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others.

 

1.        When you speak the truth from your heart.  You watch your tongue and mouth.  You are quick to hear slow to speak and slow to anger.  You speak about people the way you would want to be spoken about.  You do not slander.  Slander is a legal term for the act of harming a person’s reputation by telling one or more other people something that is untrue and damaging about that person. It is also known as oral or spoken defamation.

2.        You do no wrong to your neighbor.  You treat people the way you want to be treated.  It is not because they are good or godly, but you are.  Jesus would reemphasize this thought in the Sermon on the mount.  You neighbor is anyone you interact with at anytime.  This is a quality of the child of God.  You are truthful, honest, forgiving, loving, gracious and kind.

3.        Cast no slur means you refuse to gossip, speak evil or malign the reputation of your neighbor.  Gossip dies when you refuse to listen or speak.  The church can be a bad place for gossip.   This is about our words and activities in this field.  Talk about the rumor mill song

 

4 who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the Lord; who keeps an oath even when it hurts and does not change their mind.

 

1.        Does not honor, respect, promote or associate with wicked people.  It refers to disapproving or rejecting a wicked or immoral individual. It is often used in religious or moral contexts to emphasize the importance of avoiding associating with such persons. 

2.        To honor means recognition, respect and reward for those who live in reverence and awe of the Lord. 

3.        You keep your word, promise or oath.  You can be trusted, you are loyal, honorable, and keep promises even when it costs them.  You do not change your mind.  That is why Jesus said let your yah and nay but your word.  God honors his word above His name.  Talk about Rob Roy.  This is about how we treat others and keep our word.

 

5 who lends money to the poor without interest, who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.

 

1.        David knew the problem people have with money.  Three chief reasons people end relationships.  Trust, money and communication.  He was talking about how the law taught that you do not charge the poor or fellow Jew interest on a loan.  It means to be generous. 

2.        It means you refuse to take a bribe especially against the innocent.  How you handle money shows who has your heart.  This is especially a problem with those in civil authority.  Remember where you heart is there is your treasure.   

3.        Whoever does these things will never be shaken.  This means nothing and no one can shake you.  Everything can and will be shaken but you have a rock, anchor, shelter, refuge and place of safety.  This is such a powerful psalm

PSALM 15

 

Psalm 15

 

1 Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent?   Who may live on your holy mountain?

 

     David asks himself and his reader’s two questions.  The first is who may dwell in the sacred tent or the tabernacle?  The tabernacle was where the presence, purity, sacredness, holiness, authority and power of God resided.  So who can dwell or even abide in such a place?  Who can receive the full pardon from their sin, salvation and redemption it brings?  Who can get the mercy, grace and forgiveness of God? 

     The next question who can live on your holy hill?  David said he would rather be a gatekeeper at the house of God than 1000 years somewhere else.  David’s own palace was a couple hundred yards away from the tabernacle.  He could see it when he wrote this psalm which was written near the end of his life.  David was a worshipper and He loved God’s house.  He is a role model for what a true child of God should look like.  David was a man after God’s own heart and we should make that our goal. 

 

David then gives a list of twelve things he thinks are criteria for a godly life.  So we will call them David’s twelve rules for life.  These are also fruit of a godly life.  These are out growths of a life centered on God. 

 

1.      The one whose walk is blameless.  You cannot attach blame, slander, accusation or shame on one who walks blameless.  You are walking in love acceptance and forgiveness.  You are living for God and you remember you have an audience of one.  Your private world and public world are the same.  Your thoughts, words and deeds are influenced by the word of God and prayer.  You care only for what God thinks and lived accordingly.  You are not influenced, controlled or subject to popularity, fame, fortune or things.  You know you are called to be an example.  Your life speaks about your faith.  You show others your faith by what you do.  Your walk backs up your talk.

 

2.       Who does what is righteous.  Righteous means a person or conduct) morally right or justifiable; virtuous, good or excellent.  It means right thinking, attitude, motives, speech and actions.  You want to be right with God and man.  This is your aim and goal every moment.  You live as Jesus could come back at any moment.  You think Phil 4:8, 8 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”  You know actions will follow what we think.  David begins with action.

 

3.      Who speaks the truth from their heart.  Paul clarifies it by saying speak the truth in love.  You speak the truth.  You live the state or quality of truthfulness.  You share God’s word.  You tell others about Jesus that He is the way, the truth and the life.  Truth is part of your DNA.  You speak from your heart.  There is no agenda or selfish motives.  You want the best for others.  Honesty, integrity, transparency and accountability are your aims and goals.  You speak the truth in love.  Your truth is patient, kind, does not dishonor, not self seeking, angry, wrongful, evil, desires to protect, build trust and hope

 

4.      Whose tongue utters no slander.  Slander is known as oral or spoken defamation, slander is the legal term for the act of harming a person's reputation by telling one or more other people something that is untrue and damaging about that person.  In Proverbs 6:16-19, Solomon says that slander is sinful and God considers it an abomination.  Never say something about someone unless it positive, uplifting and encouraging.  Little rule of thumb concerning social media.  Never post something you will regret later.  People have asked me over the years how do you deal with slander?  First, do not try to defend yourself.  It makes you look more guilty or petty.  Secondly, never slander someone back.  Thirdly, keep quiet unless a job or friendship is at stake them speak the truth nothing more and keep to the facts.  Fourthly, let God defend you.  Remember the truth always comes out later.  When you live the truth your true friends will believe you over the slander. 

 

5.      Who does no wrong to a neighbor.  A neighbor is a friend, associate, someone you care about.  Your neighbor is anyone you come into contact with.  Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.  You are to love others as you love yourself.  Jesus said people will know we are His disciples by the way we love one another.  Here are ten things you can do to treat others better.

 

a.      Instead of judging people by their past, stand by them and help them build their future. Treat them with respect and make their journey your own.

b.      Listen with curiosity, speak with candor, and act with integrity.

c.      Treat everyone with kindness--not because they are kindhearted, but because you are.

d.      Don't try to make yourself great by making someone else look small.

e.      Remember, everyone has a story. Withhold judgment and instead offer the consideration you'd like to receive.

f.       We don't meet people by accident. Every person you meet will have a role in your life, be it big or small. Some will help you grow, some will hurt you, some will inspire you to do better.

g.      The best teachers are those who don't tell you how to get there but show the way.

h.      Never look down on someone unless you are helping them up.

i.       Appreciate those who have supported you, forgive those who have hurt you, help those who need you.  Treat people the way you want to be treated and life will instantly get better.  Remember you reap what you sow.

j.       Treat people like you want to be treated is a good way at looking at this thought

 

6.      Casts no slur on others.  A slur is an insinuation or allegation about someone that is likely to insult them.  You are careful what you say and how you say it.  You measure your speech.  Insults are caused by three things,  Jealousy, insecurity and lack of understanding.  God has given you the ability to successfully deal with these.  He has freed you from them in Christ.  He has given you love, security and self control.  There is no reason to insult others.  Who the Son sets free is free indeed.  David says that those who practice these things.  Those who dwell in the tabernacle of God and live on the Holy Hill will not be shaken.  You have built your life on the rock Christ Jesus and no matter what comes your way you will not be shaken because you are centered on the Lord. 

 

 

PSALM 15 PART 2

 

We are continuing our series on the 12 rules for life as laid out in Psalm 15 by David.  Mankind can always give rules for life.  I have read the laws of a learner by Bruce Wilkinson.  There are lots of gurus and motivational speakers who can give you rules and principles for life but David was a success in what He did and he had a wonderful relationship with God and we can learn some very powerful things from His life.  What I love about this Psalm is that completely agrees what is throughout the Bible.  So today let us look at three more.  They are found in verse 4.

 

In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; KJV, a contemptible person is despised, NASV, who despises a vile person, NIV, despise the despicable. MB. 

 

1.      When you are a child of God behavior is very important.  It is a outgrowth of character.  When you come across someone who is rude, loud, aggressive, selfish and self-absorbed it hurts your heart.  Despicable in the truest sense is a hateful person.  A person intent on hurting others, being mean, getting revenge, blaming others for their faults and failures.  Contemptible means scornful, mocking and rude.  A quality of a righteous person is that we hate, dislike and do not tolerate a person like that.  This is where you speak the truth in love.  You defend those who the objects of this behavior.  A contemptible person is often a bully.  We should always stand up against a bully.

 

a.       The child of God is called to care for the sick, prisoner, feed the hungry and stand up for the vulnerable.  This is where James says we can become angry and sin not.  We have a responsibility to stand up for righteousness.  We are the conscious of the world.  We must exercise of morally responsibility.  The reason we see the moral decay of our society is because the church is no longer the moral compass of the nation.

b.      We have dead preacher delivering dead sermon to dead people.  This is the time where say thsus sayeth the word of the Lord.  To the Hillary Clinton’s, Justin Trudeau’s of the world.  The Bible is true and every man a liar.  To those who say the Bible needs to be rewritten, no it does not it just needs to be re-read.

c.      This is the time we love the sinner but hate the sin.  This is the time where we say get right with God.  Remember the gospel will always be offensive because it tells people they are sinners and need a savior.  It is not popular to tell someone they are not okay.  You are a herald warning of impending doom and judgment.   We need to not be afraid to correct or even rebuke someone when they are acting like a fool or may I even say an idiot.  Never be afraid of people be more afraid of God.  Again it is done in love.  We must love people enough to stand strong for truth, morally and righteousness.  We must love them enough to try and help, correct and change bad behavior, bullying and rudeness.  God loves us to much to leave us the way we are and we must do the same if possible.  Talk about David dealt with the man who claim to kill Saul.

 

But honors those who fear the Lord. 

 

1.       This mean you hold someone in high regard, esteem and respect.  The reason is because that person fears the Lord.  Solomon said the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Pr 9:10.  When we are talking about fear of the Lord we mean to hold in respect and reverence.  You need to have a healthy fear of God.  He is the one who hold your life in His hands.  One day you are going to be judged by Him and He made you. 

2.      Here are six ways you can honor someone who fears the Lord.

 

a.      Refuse to believe an accusation or unsupported charge against them.  Do not gossip or attack their character.

b.      Support what they are doing or believe in some sort of visible way.

c.      Always speak well of them whenever possible.  Talk about their good points and characteristics and why you admire them.

d.      By giving them gifts, tokens of appreciations for who they are and what they have done.

e.      By being their friend and fellow believer in the Lord.  Being loyal, trustworthy, faithful, honest, truthful and responsible.

f.       Living the best life possible and using them as examples and role models. 

 

He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.  KJV, He takes an oath to his own detriment, and does not change; NASV, who keeps an oath even when it hurts NIV

 

1.      Simply put a person who is keeps his promise no matter what.  Your word is stronger than any written contract.  When you swear and oath, make a promise do a contract under no circumstances do you not fulfill it.  Even if cost you much. 

2.      Here are seven reasons you should keep your promises.

 

a.      Unfulfilled promises leave open loops.  Areas where the enemy and others can attack you character, reputation and integrity.

b.      Fulfilled promises are great for motivation and success.  Did you know breaking a promise can actually begin cycles of failure.  Remember you reap what you sow.

c.      Broken promises impact you as much as the person you make the promise to.  They impact you negatively.  You feel that you have let that person down and yourself.

d.      Living up to every single promise builds trust in yourself and others.  It also builds respect and reputation.

e.      Keeping your promises helps you to find a peaceful balance.  It brings peace with God, others and ourselves.

f.       A string of unfulfilled promises can damage your self-esteem.  It can bring shame, disappointment and embarrassment.  It hurts you believe or not as much as it hurts others.

g.      Fulfilling promises keeps you on track to achieve your life goals.  It keeps you motivated because you feel good about being responsible, helpful and trusted by others.  You have touched others, kept a commitment.

 

3.      It is not easy to keep a promise or oath and a person of integrity follows Jesus’ advice when he said, “Let your yes be yes and your no, no.  Nothing more is needed or added.  A godly person can be trusted with their word.  

4.      Remember promises are hard work, to be taken seriously, they are affirmation of love, respect, friendship and connection.  Promises are should never be beyond our boundaries and abilities.  Promises are both about what we can do for others and ourselves.  David says keep your promises even to your own hurt or detriment.  They are a mark of who you are and God’s influence in your life. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QUOTES FOR MAY 14, 2026

 

PSALM 15

 

Psalm 15

 

1 Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent?   Who may live on your holy mountain?

 

          David asks himself and his reader’s two questions.  The first is who may dwell in the sacred tent or the tabernacle?  The tabernacle was where the presence, purity, sacredness, holiness, authority and power of God resided.  So who can dwell or even abide in such a place?  Who can receive the full pardon from their sin, salvation and redemption it brings?  Who can get the mercy, grace and forgiveness of God?    David had brought the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem after it had been away or not with the people in a visible way.  When they brought it they stopped every 18 feet and made a sacrifice.  From the home of Ebed edom to Mount Moriah they sacrificed 3708 times. 

     The next question who can live on your holy hill?  David said he would rather be a gatekeeper at the house of God than 1000 years somewhere else.  David’s own palace was a couple hundred yards away from the tabernacle.  He could see it when he wrote this psalm which was written near the end of his life.  David was a worshipper and He loved God’s house.  He is a role model for what a true child of God should look like.  David was a man after God’s own heart and we should make that our goal. 

 

David then gives a list of twelve things he thinks are criteria for a godly life.  So we will call them David’s twelve rules for life.  Recently Jordan Peterson wrote a book called 12 rules for life and then wrote a follow up.  Ben Franklin had his 13 rules for life.  These are David’s.  I think I would rather have David’s because they are  based on the revelation of God.  These are also fruit of a godly life.  These are out growths of a life centered on God. 

 

•       The one whose walk is blameless.  You cannot attach blame, slander, accusation or shame on one who walks blameless.  You are innocent of blame.  You are a person of integrity.  You live above reproach or suspicion.  Daniel was such a man.  Dare to be a Daniel.  You are walking in love acceptance and forgiveness.  You are living for God and you remember you have an audience of one.  Your private world and public world are the same.  Your thoughts, words and deeds are influenced by the word of God and prayer.  You care only for what God thinks and lived accordingly.  You are not influenced, controlled or subject to popularity, fame, fortune or things.  You know you are called to be an example.  Your life speaks about your faith.  You show others your faith by what you do.  Your walk backs up your talk. 

 

•       Who does what is righteous.  Righteous means a person or conduct) morally right or justifiable; virtuous, good or excellent.  One of the compound names of God is Jehovah Tsidkenu which means the Lord the righteous one.  Being righteous is a communicated godly attribute.  You get its fullness when you come to Christ.  It means right thinking, attitude, motives, speech and actions.  You want to be right with God and man.  This is your aim and goal every moment.  You live as Jesus could come back at any moment.  You think Phil 4:8, 8 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”  You know actions will follow what we think.  David begins with action.

 

•       Who speaks the truth from their heart.  Paul clarifies it by saying speak the truth in love.  You speak the truth.  You live the state or quality of truthfulness.  You share God’s word.  You tell others about Jesus that He is the way, the truth and the life.  Truth is part of your DNA.  You speak from your heart.  There is no agenda or selfish motives.  You want the best for others.  Honesty, integrity, transparency and accountability are your aims and goals.  You speak the truth in love.  Your truth is patient, kind, does not dishonor, not self seeking, angry, wrongful, evil, desires to protect, build trust and hope.  You know that truth must be given but in such a way that will best help the person you are speaking too.  You use truth as a balm of Gilead to heal not as a bullet or sword to kill and destroy. 

 

•       Whose tongue utters no slander.  Slander is known as oral or spoken defamation, slander is the legal term for the act of harming a person's reputation by telling one or more other people something that is untrue and damaging about that person.  In Proverbs 6:16-19, Solomon says that slander is sinful and God considers it an abomination.  Never say something about someone unless it positive, uplifting and encouraging.  Little rule of thumb concerning social media.  Never post something you will regret later.  People have asked me over the years how do you deal with slander?  First, do not try to defend yourself.  It makes you look more guilty or petty.  Secondly, never slander someone back.  Thirdly, keep quiet unless a job or friendship is at stake them speak the truth nothing more and keep to the facts.  Fourthly, let God defend you.  Remember the truth always comes out later.  When you live the truth your true friends will believe you over the slander. 

 

•       Who does no wrong to a neighbor.  A neighbor is a friend, associate, someone you care about.  Your neighbor is anyone you come into contact with.  Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.  You are to love others as you love yourself.  Jesus said people will know we are His disciples by the way we love one another.  Here are nine things you can do to treat others better.

 

•       Instead of judging people by their past, stand by them and help them build their future. Treat them with respect and make their journey your own.

•       Listen with curiosity, speak with candor, and act with integrity.

•       Treat everyone with kindness--not because they are kindhearted, but because you are.

•       Don't try to make yourself great by making someone else look small.

•       Remember, everyone has a story. Withhold judgment and instead offer the consideration you'd like to receive.

•       We don't meet people by accident. Every person you meet will have a role in your life, be it big or small. Some will help you grow, some will hurt you, some will inspire you to do better.

•       The best teachers are those who don't tell you how to get there but show the way.

•       Never look down on someone unless you are helping them up.

•       Appreciate those who have supported you, forgive those who have hurt you, help those who need you.  Treat people the way you want to be treated and life will instantly get better.  Remember you reap what you sow.

 

Treat people like you want to be treated is a good way at looking at this thought

 

•       Casts no slur on others.  A slur is an insinuation or allegation about someone that is likely to insult them.  You are careful what you say and how you say it.  You measure your speech.  Insults are caused by three things,  Jealousy, insecurity and lack of understanding.  God has given you the ability to successfully deal with these.  He has freed you from them in Christ.  He has given you love, security and self control.  There is no reason to insult others.  Who the Son sets free is free indeed.  David says that those who practice these things.  Those who dwell in the tabernacle of God and live on the Holy Hill will not be shaken.  You have built your life on the rock Christ Jesus and no matter what comes your way you will not be shaken because you are centered on the Lord.  James gives us a wonderful way to handle the temptation to slander or insult someone.  Be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger.  Your zinger insult will not accomplish what you want unless you are totally heartless.  Instead choose to make a difference.