Proverbs 17

READ CHAPTER 17 OF PROVERBS ON YOUR OWN,

OR FOLLOW THE LINK HERE TO READ IT ONLINE!

  

 VERSE TO MEMORIZE THIS WEEK: 

There are many plans in a man’s heart,
Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand.

What is desired in a man is kindness,
And a poor man is better than a liar.

The fear of the Lord leads to life,
And he who has it will abide in satisfaction;
He will not be visited with evil. 

Proverbs 19:21-23 NKJV

EXTRA VERSES TO MEMORIZE:

*Proverbs 18:10 (NKJV) 

The name of the Lord is a strong tower;

The righteous run to it and are safe.

*Proverbs 14:26-27 (NIV)
Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress,
    and for their children it will be a refuge. 

The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,
    turning a person from the snares of death.

 

I love the book of Proverbs! It is so straight forward and easy to understand. The hard part is applying it to our lives.

I am not going to touch on every verse, just a few that tell us to be quiet.

Prov. 17:1  Better is a dry morsel with quietness than a house full of feasting with strife.

I believe  "quietness" in 17:1 is talking about having peace and unity in your heart and  home. If you have kids, you know that actual quietness rare. You may have a lot of problems, maybe your finances are lacking or your health is bad or you have relationships falling apart. The list could go on and on. We are all faced with hard situations. Things can be chaotic around you, but you can still have quietness (peace). 

Prov. 17:9  He who covers a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates the best of friends.

Prov. 26:20  Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.

According to these verses we can keep the peace, or we can keep things stirred up. If you want to shatter the peace in your home, bring up the past mistakes or shortcomings of your spouse or children. Even if a fight doesn't start, the quietness (peace) has been broken and a wedge  has been driven between you. Have you ever had someone in your life that is always bringing up embarrassing or ignorant things you have done? I can hear it now "remember that time you..." and here you go having to relive things you would rather forget. I used to have someone I was around a lot who did this to me. This person loved nothing better than to make me feel bad about myself. Did I enjoy this person's company? No! I started avoiding them. Don't be that guy.

Phil. 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God , which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

"Be anxious for nothing" NOTHING? I was very upset about a situation in my life recently, and this verse came to mind. "Really, Lord, be anxious for nothing, not even in this situation?" As I am pondering this verse another one comes to mind. James 1:22 But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 

What better way to show the Lord we trust Him than to be "doers of the Word and not hearers only." By keeping our mouth shut and not worrying we are putting our faith into action.

Prov. 17:27 He who has knowledge spares words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.

This is where we all want to be: knowledgeable, calm, and full of understanding. According to the next verse, we can appear to be a little closer to that goal than we really are.

Prov. 17:28 Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips he is considered perceptive.

Any of us can be "counted wise" and be "considered perceptive". Simply by not saying anything, we can seem wiser than we are. Have you ever said, "He/she seemed smart until they opened their mouth"?  

I think this is an area where it would be a good idea to, "Fake it until you make it!" Keep your mouth SHUT!

Speaking when I should keep my mouth shut, or worrying and being anxious are things the Lord has really been dealing with me about for the past year. I am learning to truly trust Him. He will bring you peace that passes understanding if you will allow Him to.

 

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  KATHLEEN JUSTICE is the wife of 17 years to Bronson, and homeschooling mother to three children.  She is a certified Crossfit Trainer/Coach (and just one tough chick)!  Kathleen attends Freedom Fellowship in Silsbee, Texas where she serves in the Sound and Media Ministry.  Before taking this position, she served as Nursery Director for many years.