May 27, 2020
The book of Proverbs is a collection of short sayings in the Old Testament meant to instill wisdom in God’s people. As we read, it is important to remember that a proverb is a statement which is generally true in principle, not a universally true promise. Let’s dig into the Word together and allow the Lord to shape our hearts, our minds, and our lives in his wisdom over the next month!
In the first part of Proverbs 10, we are given wise instruction about things to avoid, and also the things that matter most. The key to living a life without regret, a life pleasing to the Lord, is integrity. Integrity has often been defined as “always doing the right thing, even when no one is watching”. Of course, we know that God is always watching, and we want to honor Him. Here in Proverbs we are reminded that when we live a life of honesty and integrity, we can “walk securely” (v.9), knowing that He is with us.
Living a life of integrity is not just about our actions, but also about our words. Words are powerful. They can lift others up, give hope, give comfort and peace. Or they can destroy others, causing great grief and despair. In this part of Proverbs 10, the writer contrasts the “mouth of the fool” (v.14) with the “mouth of the righteous” (v.11), and reminds us that controlling our tongue is vital to our life and relationships.
Finally, in the last part of the chapter, we are given a list of blessings that are given to the “righteous”. When we live a life of integrity, watching what we say and do, honoring God with our actions and our words, then “the desire of the righteous will be granted” (v.24). What an amazing reminder, that He wants what is best for us! He only asks that we follow Him wholeheartedly, living a life of honesty, integrity and love.
Proverbs 10
The Proverbs of Solomon
10 The proverbs of Solomon.
A wise son makes a glad father,
but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.
2 Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit,
but righteousness delivers from death.
3 The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry,
but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.
4 A slack hand causes poverty,
but the hand of the diligent makes rich.
5 He who gathers in summer is a prudent son,
but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame.
6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous,
but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
7 The memory of the righteous is a blessing,
but the name of the wicked will rot.
8 The wise of heart will receive commandments,
but a babbling fool will come to ruin.
9 Whoever walks in integrity walks securely,
but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.
10 Whoever winks the eye causes trouble,
and a babbling fool will come to ruin.
11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,
but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
12 Hatred stirs up strife,
but love covers all offenses.
13 On the lips of him who has understanding, wisdom is found,
but a rod is for the back of him who lacks sense.
14 The wise lay up knowledge,
but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near.
15 A rich man’s wealth is his strong city;
the poverty of the poor is their ruin.
16 The wage of the righteous leads to life,
the gain of the wicked to sin.
17 Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life,
but he who rejects reproof leads others astray.
18 The one who conceals hatred has lying lips,
and whoever utters slander is a fool.
19 When words are many, transgression is not lacking,
but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.
20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver;
the heart of the wicked is of little worth.
21 The lips of the righteous feed many,
but fools die for lack of sense.
22 The blessing of the Lord makes rich,
and he adds no sorrow with it.
23 Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool,
but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.
24 What the wicked dreads will come upon him,
but the desire of the righteous will be granted.
25 When the tempest passes, the wicked is no more,
but the righteous is established forever.
26 Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes,
so is the sluggard to those who send him.
27 The fear of the Lord prolongs life,
but the years of the wicked will be short.
28 The hope of the righteous brings joy,
but the expectation of the wicked will perish.
29 The way of the Lord is a stronghold to the blameless,
but destruction to evildoers.
30 The righteous will never be removed,
but the wicked will not dwell in the land.
31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom,
but the perverse tongue will be cut off.
32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable,
but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Family Discussion Question:
- What does the word “integrity” mean to you? How does living a life of integrity bring glory and honor to Jesus?
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for today and for another chance at living a life that is pleasing to You. We are taught from an early age the difference between right and wrong, good and evil, and wise and foolish. However, some choose to not listen to what they have been taught but rather follow their own desires. Your Word is true and steadfast and perfect. Living a life of integrity, of always doing what is pleasing, upright and acceptable, is what You have commanded. It is the only way to live with purpose and a pure heart. In so doing , we will receive joy and countless blessings. A person of honor and integrity is more blessed than silver and gold. Please guide me each day to lead a life of integrity…to always consider You first in all of my actions and decisions. I want to always please and honor You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Amen!
I love this prayer. Thank you for this prayer. This really lifted me up.
Father, I ask you to guard my mouth, guard my heart, guard my path as I walk through this day today. Amen.
Amen!
When I follow God’s Word I believe that shows integrity. Yet, there are times I may not feel like doing it. But God teaches me something that I needed to learn when I do it.
And then I realize again that His ways are always best. I have so much more to learn! I am thankful that God is always patient with me as I walk through life!
One of my life verses is Proverbs 3:5-6…..Trust the Lord, with all my heart, do not lean on my own understanding. In all my ways acknowledge Him, and He will make my paths straight. When I trust Him, my focus is not on me, but on Him…..When I trust Him, I see things the way He wants me to see things, and do things His way not mine.
(v.11) connects with me on a deep level… ” The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life.” I want my words to add value, build up, inspire, and be a life-giving fountain. God has blessed my journey with so many people who have consistently splashed Living Water with their words flowing from their righteous life hidden in Christ.
Father, may I taste my words before I speak today. May I only speak words that edify, that lift you up, and lift others up. May my ways be pleasing in your eyes. Amen
Someone with integrity is trustworthy. Their lives honor God through their actions and words.
Proverbs 10:21 is my takeaway this morning, and the truth I want to carry with me: “The words of the godly encourage many.” (NLT)
Lord Jesus,
Help me to be ready to bring a word of encouragement to someone’s life today. Let me be mindful of my words and let them be chosen wisely. They carry much power so I pray I will use my words to speak life, love and kindness to those I get to intersect with today as You lead me.
In Your precious name,
Amen.
Love covers all transgressions. I will fear the Lord. I will walk in integrity. I will not be shaken.
Amen
Thank You for Your words of wisdom Lord. Today I will write wonderful memories (verse 7) to those left behind that will surely encourage and bless…a bring a tear to the eye. Thank You Father. Amen
Lord help me to show the courage of David facing Goliath. I must speak up and not shrink from the truth when others are speaking untruths and living as if God does not exist. To live with integrity is to give you honor and glory!
Oh Lord, allow me today to be ise my words to strengthen and lift up many. May the words apoken today be a fountain of love to those who hear It. May you lead and guide my every footstep and word that proceeds out of my mouth. May you be exalted and lifted. May honor you today with my thoughts and my tongue. Continue, oh Lord show me what it truly means to the a life of Christ!
I am open to you, use me as your vessel.
In Jesus name, Amen!
The fear of the Lord prolongs life and the hope of the righteous brings joy. Lord, help me to be wise with my words & be a blessing to someone today. In Jesus Name, Amen
Today’s prayers are wonderful and I love reading others prayers as they minister and encourage me. Thanks to everyone that participated in responding today.
Having integrity is the core of life and it reveals the true heart of a person. We are not perfect but when we fall short and is convicted, it is awesome to know that we have a God that loves us and gives us an opportunity to come to him and go to others to asked for forgiveness. I am thankful for parents that taught me how important integrity is when I was a child. Reading the Proverbs are good reminders of the things that are important to God and should be important to us. Thank you Jesus for opening my heart, mind and soul to hear your word and share your word with others. I am truly blessed.
AMEN! AMEN!
AMEN! and AMEN! To God be the glory forever and ever!
The three way test: before we speak, we need to filter our words with these questions. 1. Is it the truth? 2. Is it kind? 3. Is it necessary? If not, don’t say it. It is better to say nothing and thought to be a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.
Thank you Lord for your indwelling Spirit. Fill me today to be a husband and father of integrity. That I would live out my faith according to your ways, not mine, for your kingdom, not mine.
“The mouth of the wicked conceals violence”. Am I a wicked person? Am I using my platform to speak God’s truth? We are called to speak the truth otherwise we are concealing violence. Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable to you my Father. Please Father, forgive us.