Proverbs 11

Proverbs 11 – August 11, 2009

Proverbs are hard because there is so much on one chapter.

Verse 2 – When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom. Much of the trouble I have in my life is due to pride. I believe that I am right, that my agenda is more important, that it is my way or the highway. With these thoughts backing up my actions, I tend to get short tempered and irritable. My words become harsh and not long after I experience enormous shame for having acted unlovingly. Humbleness, realizing that I do NOT always know what is best is what shows true wisdom.

Vs 11 – By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked. Just one person, saying evil things can destroy something good.

Vs14 – Where there is no counsel, the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety. I feel so blessed to have a good number of Godly people in my life to give guidance and counsel. God’s word is very clear on this. Our decision to homeschool has been bolstered and supported by the men and women God raised up in our lives in this area!

Vs 24 – 25 really spoke to me as well. There is one who scatters, yet increases more; and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty…. So many times we want to hold on to things, whether it is our time, our money, our resources or our hearts – trying to protect ourselves but really we are only going to whither and die. Giving ourselves away is the only way to truly grow and experience the true blessings of God. So many times, I want to hold part of myself back – keep just a little bit back for myself . It is like I am afraid that if I give too much of myself then I will lose myself and that will be a bad thing. But really, if I would just empty myself of EVERYTHING then God would be able to fill me in a way that I cannot imagine. Then I can tie this all back to the pride thing…. I believe that the way I am is good, there is some streak of independent spirit that cannot believe that whatever God will fill me with is better… I DO NOT TRUST HIM. I am like a dog, chewing on an old bone whose master has a filet mignon held out to me – I see that juicy steak but I cannot trust that the steak is better, I cannot trust that he will really give me the steak, so I just continue to gnaw on the nasty old bone because at least I know it and it is comfortable. Hummm, I just need to give that bone to someone else in need and trust that my Master has so much more for me….