Proverbs 31

READ CHAPTER 31 OF PROVERBS ON YOUR OWN,

OR FOLLOW THE LINK HERE TO READ IT ONLINE!

  

 VERSES TO MEMORIZE THIS WEEK: 

 

Proverbs 28:1 (NKJV)
The wicked flee when no one pursues,
But the righteous are bold as a lion.

 

Proverbs 30:5-6 (NIV)

Every word of God is flawless;
    he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
 Do not add to his words,
    or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.

 

 PROVERBS 31 DEVOTIONAL

Dear women of all ages in all walks of life, this is for YOU. Whether you're single, married, working or a stay at home mom, take a few minutes and let the Holy Spirit minister to you through this powerful Scripture.

I know we've all heard the term "Proverbs 31 woman" and often times we think of a perfect little homemaker who knits clothing, grows her own garden and effortlessly cooks every meal from scratch. We all know, in this day and age, that's not exactly reality for every woman. However, this Scripture has challenged many women as well as myself to figure out what it means to be that Proverbs 31 woman within the walls of our everyday lives.  I broke down these scriptures and wrote down the qualities and actions of this woman that is in the heart of all of us as women. (Read this next part slowly and let it sink in your spirit).

She is strong, smart and compassionate. She is pure. She is humble and does not put her value in material things. She is trustworthy and respected. She comforts and encourages. She is frugal. She's patient and does not rush big decisions. She rises early and spends time with her heavenly Father. She is not only spiritually strong, but she is physically strong. She treats her body as the temple of the Holy Spirit and eats healthy and exercises. (Yes, that's biblical) She is fully prepared for whatever comes her way and does not easily let the trials of this life burn her out. She is a hard worker and diligent at the task set before her. She is generous of her time and money. She is full of wisdom and gives godly advice and counsel. Her home is in order and her family is blessed.

She does not participate in gossip, self-pity or idleness. She is aware of her surroundings. She is confident and secure within herself. She does not waste time in vain worrying about her physical beauty (although she is beautiful). She reverently fears and worships the Lord daily.

I know what you're thinking…she still sounds pretty perfect. The truth is, this woman is the purest example of an amazing, God fearing woman. It's the kind of single girl you can be. It's the kind of wife/mom you can become. It's the career driven woman you can be.

No, we're never going to be perfect. We're going to forget to read our Bibles and some days we may even stay in our PJ's all day, but let this inspire you to dominate in the areas you may be lacking in. The key is seeking God FIRST. When we do that, everything else falls into place. (Matt. 6:33) When we begin to reign in every area in our lives, it not only affects us, but it affects the people we are surrounded by daily.

I challenge you to take some time and mediate over this Scripture and see how you can apply it to your life. You may need to change up your schedule or re-prioritize some things. You may need to say NO when you've always said YES just to be a people pleaser all the while neglecting your family. You may need to get rid of some unhealthy friendships that are bringing you down. Whatever you have to do, let this be the start of the beautiful and lovely Proverbs 31 woman in YOU.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  SARAH REEVES KOTHLOW is the wife of 3 years to Phillip, and has 2 Labradoodles named Jasmine and Theodore.  They attend church at The Belonging in Nashville, Tennessee.  Sarah has been leading worship since she was 15, and started her journey recording with Sparrow Records and touring with Britt Nicole, Josh Wilson, and Rush of Fools along with several others artists.  She has two incredible CDs, Sweet Sweet Sound and Broken Things.  Together, Phillip and Sarah travel the country leading worship at various churches and events.  Fun facts about Sarah: Favorite verse-Romans 8:28, Favorite things-DIY Projects with her husband, cooking, bargain shopping, and hanging out with her church family!     


You can find Sarah's Events and Music at:

sarahreevesmusic.com    www.facebook.com/sarahreevesmusic 

www.youtube.com/SarahReevesMusic     Instagram.com/SarahReevesMusic

Twitter.com/SarahReeves

Watch Sarah's cover of Take Me to the King!

 

Proverbs 30

READ CHAPTER 30 OF PROVERBS ON YOUR OWN,

OR FOLLOW THE LINK HERE TO READ IT ONLINE!

  

 VERSES TO MEMORIZE THIS WEEK: 

 

Proverbs 28:1 (NKJV)
The wicked flee when no one pursues,
But the righteous are bold as a lion.

 

Proverbs 30:5-6 (NIV)

Every word of God is flawless;
    he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
 Do not add to his words,
    or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.

 

 

 

Proverbs 30- Take Heed

If you are like me there are days when we can get annoyed with others.  Or maybe you start thinking a little too highly of yourself.  Sometimes we allow the world and daily pulls to become our priority. That is not a good place to be. Girls, have you ever just needed a wake-up call?  Well it is time, the alarm is sounding, and we better listen to it.  We are His cherished and loved daughters, let’s awaken to that.   Proverbs 30 is amazing, it is right to the point.  So here we go and it starts with a bang!

 

Verse 1-6

“The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, his utterance. This man declared to Ithiel-to Ithiel and Ucal. Surely I am more stupid than any man, and do not have the understanding of a man. I neither learned wisdom nor have knowledge of the Holy One. Who has ascended into heaven, or descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has bound the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is His Son’s name, if you know? Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.”

Man that got my attention.  I don’t know about you but I can just picture him standing there, with a face of annoyance and frustration.  Almost as a parent speaking to a teenager, saying oh man you are wise and I am so foolish.  What have I been thinking?  We have all been there.  But he starts off with this sarcastic tone and then finishes it up with the truth.  To me there is wisdom in this we must always start and finish with His truth.  But ladies it doesn’t stop there.  There is a stern warning we all must be careful to follow. Do not ever add or take away from His word or we are found to be liars. Whoa you had me at DO NOT.  After that it was like flashing yellow lights proceed with caution.  So here we go.   We all have seasons we will go through.  Times of over flow where all our needs are met above and beyond.  Times of just enough, and that we may feel desperate and just hope we make it through the day.  There are different concerns with all seasons.  Be careful in the times of much to not become self-sufficient. Relying on our own abilities and taking our eyes off of the Father. It happens so easily we are comfortable, wanting for nothing. So what worries you do have you begin to solve on your own and it begins.  We start to put our own abilities above what the Father is doing, and was doing for us.  In the times we have just enough these same things can happen, but sometimes you might find yourself searching for more. Be content in all things. 

Proverbs 30:7-9 is a wonderfully wise prayer.   “Two things I request of You (deprive me not before I die): Remove falsehood and lies far from me; Give me neither poverty nor riches. Feed me with the food allotted to me. Lest I be full and deny You, and say, Who is the Lord? Or lest I be poor and steal, and profane the name of my God.”

Father, don’t let us become so full that we get to a point where we no longer rely on you. Or so much wanting that we take matters into our own hands. Forgive us for when we have done this. You are enough for me.

Oh man this is piercing my heart.  Let us be women after your heart and not our desires.  Shall we proceed?  Well it just continues to warn us.  The next warning is equally as vital and we should heed it.

Proverbs 30:10-14

“Do not malign (slander, speak evil of) a servant to his master, lest he curse you, and you be found guilty. There is a generation that curses its father, and does not bless its mother. There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes. Yet is not washed from its filthiness. There is a generation oh, how lofty are their eyes! And their eyelids are lifted up. There is a generation whose teeth are like swords. And whose fangs are like knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men. “

Father, let us women guard our mouths from speaking evil of others. If it is not to build some up let us not allow it from our lips.  Let us renew the way we think.  Let our thoughts and words be your thoughts and words.  Forgive us for the times we have done this.

Proverbs 30:15-16

“The Leech has two daughters Give and Give!  There are three things that are never satisfied, Four never say enough! The grave, the barren womb, the earth that is not satisfied with water and the fire never says, “Enough!”

Father, let us be satisfied with you. When we look for things to satisfy we are like a raging fire, sucking up all the air around us.  What a suffocating way to live.  No Lord, I will not live like that. You are enough for me.

 

Proverbs 30:21-23

“For three things the earth is perturbed, yes for it cannot bear up. For a servant when he reigns, a fool when he is filled with food, a hateful woman when she is married. And a maidservant who succeeds her mistress. “

Father, let us heed your words, not only to hear, but to also follow through.  Let us understand how to serve and not always be looking to elevate ourselves. 

 

Proverbs 30:24-30

“There are four things which are little on the earth, but they are exceedingly wise: The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their food in the summer. The rock badgers are feeble fold yet the make their homes in the crags.(cliffs, rocks) The locusts have no king, yet they all advance in ranks. The spider skillfully grasps with its hands, and it is in the king’s palaces.”

Father, let us work together like the ants. We are daughters, how much more could we do for the kingdom if we truly understood what it meant to link arms and work in one accord. Renew our minds to truly understand this; we are stronger together. Let us know when we are feeble, but in that have wisdom to rely on you. You are our strength. Oh how we would be surprised by the things we thought would never be. You can do more than we could ever imagine. Just like a little girl as her father swings her on to his shoulders with full trust and no worries.  Let us do that with You, father.  Let us be willing to get dirty and work hard with a smile on our face and joy flowing from us. Now let’s finish this with correction.

Proverbs 30:32-33

“If you have been foolish in exalting yourself, or if you have devised evil, put your hand on your mouth. For as the churning of milk produces butter. And wringing the nose produces blood, so the forcing of wrath produces strife.”

Father, I know I am your daughter loved, and cherished. Let me always examine myself. Hear your voice and understand your love is more precious to me than anything in this world. Let me hear corrections and take heed. Father, I am awake. ARE YOU?

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  CANDACE RIDDLE is the wife of 14 years to Pastor Court, and homeschooling mom to 2 boys ages 12 and 10.  She has been homeschooling since their oldest started school.  Their 12 year old is a freshman, and their 10 year old is in 4th and 5th grade.  Pastor Court has been in the ministry for almost 16 years.  Candace has always served as a part of the Children's Church wherever they were.  They now serve in Silsbee, Texas at New Covenant Church and have been there for 1 1/2 years as the (lead)Pastors.  Candace is presently over Children's Ministry and Women's Ministry.  Her passions are the Lord and her family.  Candace loves her friends and adores her doggies!



Proverbs 29

READ CHAPTER 29 OF PROVERBS ON YOUR OWN,

OR FOLLOW THE LINK HERE TO READ IT ONLINE!

  

 VERSES TO MEMORIZE THIS WEEK: 

 

Proverbs 28:1 (NKJV)
The wicked flee when no one pursues,
But the righteous are bold as a lion.

 

Proverbs 30:5-6 (NIV)

Every word of God is flawless;
    he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
 Do not add to his words,
    or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.

 



Something that my favorite Pastor always says (no, its not Joel Osteen) is that we need to have elephant skin. We absolutely cannot carry our feelings on our shoulders. I, myself, am very guilty of this. I have gotten a lot better over the years, but it is a struggle.

How many times when you're mad, upset, or angry with someone have you wanted to come at them with a vengeance? You know what I mean! You've practiced the chewing you're about to give them while the phone is ringing...or driving to their house..or while they're on their way home from work. We've all been there. Has it ever really made you feel any better? Maybe for a minute. But what good does it do?

I'm sure if you've been reading along throughout this month you have noticed how badly the fool is talked about. It ain't good!

"A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back."

Proverbs 29:11

"An angry man stirs up strife, and a furious man abounds in transgression."

Proverbs 29:22

If we are to truly grow and love one another the way we are commanded to we absolutely have to have this "elephant skin". I don't want to be a fool, nor do I want to be a transgressor. The enemy wants so badly to take our peace and destroy our friendships.

"He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks wisely will be delivered."

Proverbs 28:26

We cant afford to act on our emotions!! If we lean on Jesus and go to Him with our problems with one another first He can give us the peace and guidance to do what needs to be done. He is our ultimate best friend!!

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  JESSIE COWART is the wife of three years to Charles, and Stay-at-Home Mom to her 11 month old daughter, Allison (a.k.a. Puddin' or Squinky)!  Their family attends Freedom Fellowship in Silsbee, Texas, where both Charles and Jessie serve on the praise team, and Jessie teaches Girls' Classes.  A fun fact about Jessie is that she makes THE BEST Pumpkin Muffins/Bread EVER!  (You're welcome!)  

Proverbs 28

READ CHAPTER 28 OF PROVERBS ON YOUR OWN,

OR FOLLOW THE LINK HERE TO READ IT ONLINE!

  

  VERSES TO MEMORIZE THIS WEEK: 

 

Proverbs 28:1 (NKJV)
The wicked flee when no one pursues,
But the righteous are bold as a lion.

 

Proverbs 30:5-6 (NIV)

Every word of God is flawless;
    he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
 Do not add to his words,
    or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.

This chapter is loaded with things about government and rulers (one of my husband’s favorite subjects). My hope is that you have gleaned some things on your own about that because I am unable to go there with you….LOL.

 

My focus today is on verse 13:

He who covers his sins will not prosper. But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.

 

Immediately this verse came to mind:

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ~1 John 1:8-9

 

I have been saved, set free, and cleansed by the mercy and love of my Savior, Jesus Christ!!! Oh, and how grateful I am for that!!! I was saved when I was 19, so my teenage years are ones I am not proud of AT ALL. In fact it used to torment me and bring me shame when I thought of them. Have these thoughts ever gone through your mind?

 

-“How can you be of any use to the Kingdom of God?”

-“Remember what you did?”

-“There are people who know what you used to be.”

-“You are no good.”

-“You are a failure.” 

 

These thoughts are meant to make you ineffective. They are from Satan, the accuser of the brethren! His goal for you is death and destruction.  However, Jesus’ goal is simple….LIFE!

“God sent not His son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through Him might be saved.” ~John 3:17

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” ~Romans 8:1

 

I always wondered why it’s so much easier to accept the bad thoughts rather than the good ones. I read this scripture and it made sense:

 

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. ~Isaiah 55:8

 

Our thoughts are not naturally God’s thoughts.  In order for our thoughts to be in line with His thoughts we must be immersed in a daily communication with Him through prayer and scripture. God didn’t promise us easy…He promised us good!

If you are struggling with thoughts of unworthiness, let me encourage you today:

 

-Jesus has cleansed you from ALL unrighteousness ……………….1 John 1:8-9

-Jesus came so that you can have an ABUNDANT life…………….John 10:10

-Jesus threw your sins as far as the east is from the west……………Psalm 103:12

-Jesus sanctified you (called you out of darkness) with His blood………1 Cor. 6:11

-Jesus set you free from the bondage of sin………………………………Galatians 5:1

-The old person you were is gone…………………………………….2 Cor. 5:17

 

 

STAND FIRM ON THE PROMISES OF JESUS!

 

I love the bit in Lion King when Rafiki, the monkey, hits Simba on the head with his stick. Simba says “ Ouch! What was that for?”  Rafiki responds, “It doesn’t matter. It’s in the past.”  The truth is our past is wiped clean with the confession of our sins. It doesn’t matter anymore and it doesn’t define who we are anymore.

 

 

 

I love this scripture (it’s one of my favorites) and this is how I define my life:

 

To provide for those who grieve in Zion

To bestow BEAUTY instead of ashes

The oil of JOY instead of mourning

And a garment of  PRAISE instead of a spirit of despair

They will be called oaks of righteousness,

A planting of the Lord

For the display of his splendor

~Isaiah 61:3

 

Let the Lord’s splendor be displayed through your testimony. He has given you beauty, joy and praise. He has made you an oak of righteousness to display His splendor. I love that!! I'm going to say it again…..

HE HAS MADE YOU AN OAK OF RIGHTEOUSNESS TO DISPLAY HIS SPLENDOR!!

 

Let that be your daily definition and thought pattern! Without the blood we are all unworthy, but I am so thankful for the mercy of a Savior who was willing to pay it all for my eternal rest.

 

“JESUS PAID IT ALL. ALL TO HIM I OWE. SIN HAD LEFT A CRIMSON STAIN. HE WASHED IT WHITE AS SNOW!!”

 

 

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: NAOMI CHANCE is the wife of almost 16 years to Dale, and homeschooling mom to three children.  She serves as Ladies' Ministries Director at Freedom Fellowship in Silsbee, Texas, where her whole family is very active, and each serve in some capacity. 

Proverbs 27

READ CHAPTER 27 OF PROVERBS ON YOUR OWN,

OR FOLLOW THE LINK HERE TO READ IT ONLINE!

  

 **NEW**  VERSES TO MEMORIZE THIS WEEK: 

 

Proverbs 28:1 (NKJV)
The wicked flee when no one pursues,
But the righteous are bold as a lion.

 

Proverbs 30:5-6 (NIV)

Every word of God is flawless;
    he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
 Do not add to his words,
    or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.

 

 

 

Proverbs has much to say about friendship; who we should be friends with, how we should treat our friends, the value of Godly friends, and the peril of choosing foolish friends. One of mine and my sisters’ favorite Proverbs about friendship is found in chapter 27, verse 17;

“As iron sharpens iron,

So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”

 

Iron is sharpened by iron, or a like substance. When good things are put together with good things they produce more good things. Likewise, when bad things are put together with bad things they produce, that’s right, more bad things! We are wise when we form friendships (our close intimate relationships) with likeminded individuals; people who are striving for the same things that we are. In our case, to live God-pleasing, spiritually productive lives.

When we surround ourselves with Godly friends we will “sharpen the countenance” of one another. To sharpen, according to the dictionary, is to “alter, cause a transformation, intensify, improve, enhance, better, or upgrade.” A person’s countenance is defined as their bearing (the manner in which one conducts oneself) or demeanor (behavior, conduct, appropriateness, properness). So, here’s my version of Proverbs 27:17;

 

As good stuff improves and intensifies other good stuff,

So a Godly man enhances the behavior and attitudes of his friend.

 

The first time I read Proverbs 27:5-6 I was really confused.

 

“Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed.

Faithful are the wounds of a friend,

But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”

 

How can any type of rebuke be better than love, and why would you conceal love? “Faithful are the wounds of a friend…” What? I read a commentary by Matthew Henry, and the meaning of these verses began to become a little clearer to me. These verses explain how we can be that friend that “sharpens” our friend’s countenance. True friends will tell you, gently and in love, when they see you about to falter, or worse, already caught up in sin. We should be able to accept reproof or correction from friends that we love and trust. “Love carefully concealed”, refers to that friend that would choose to let you stay in your sin rather than cause you (or themselves) any discomfort or embarrassment by talking to you about it. “The kisses of an enemy” refers to that person who has proven themselves to be against you. When he comes bearing praise and flattering words, beware! Do not be deceived. You cannot put your confidence in his changed outward behavior; it does not guarantee a heart full of good intentions towards you.

 

Verse 9 of Proverbs 27 compares the counsel of our good friends to the sweetness of good smelling perfume;

 

“Ointment and perfume delight the heart,

And the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel.”

 

Matthew Henry explained this verse so well in his commentary on Proverbs 27 that I will not try to restate it. He said;

 

“…A good reason given why we should thus value true friendship and be choice of it. (1.) Because of the pleasure of it. There is a great deal of sweetness in conversing and consulting with a cordial friend. It is like ointment and perfume, which are very grateful to the smell, and exhilarate the spirits. It rejoices the heart; the burden of care is made lighter by unbosoming ourselves to our friend, and it is a great satisfaction to us to have his sentiments concerning our affairs. The sweetness of friendship lies not in hearty mirth, and hearty laughter, but in hearty counsel, faithful advice, sincerely given and without flattery, by counsel of the soul (so the word is), counsel which reaches the case, and comes to the heart, counsel about soul-concerns, Ps. 66:16. We should reckon that the most pleasant conversation which is about spiritual things, and promotes the prosperity of the soul.”

 

I charge you to strive to be that friend that is always “sharpening” those around you. The first step to being able to give “hearty counsel”, like the friend Proverbs speaks of, is to immerse yourself in the Word of God daily. Drink it in and let it fill you up, soak in it and let it saturate your heart and mind. Then you will be prepared to be a friend God can use in the lives of those that you love.

 

 



ABOUT THE AUTHOR: TIFFANY KILPATRICK is the wife of 11 years to Shannon Keith, and Mother (and step-mother) to 5 boys ranging from 15 to 23 years old.  She is a Middle School Reading Teacher, and was the school Librarian before that.  Tiffany and her family attend Freedom Fellowship in Silsbee, Texas, where she sings on the Praise Team.