January 25, 2024

Why are Christians Hypocritical?

Proverbs 20

Nicholas Parsons
Thursday's Devo

January 25, 2024

Thursday's Devo

January 25, 2024

Thursday's Devo

January 25, 2024

Thursday's Devo

January 25, 2024

Big Book Idea

Living wisely; God's way.

Key Verse | Proverbs 20:6

Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love,
but a faithful man who can find?

Proverbs 20

1  Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler,
    and whoever is led astray by it is not wise. 1 20:1 Or will not become wise
2  The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion;
    whoever provokes him to anger forfeits his life.
3  It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife,
    but every fool will be quarreling.
4  The sluggard does not plow in the autumn;
    he will seek at harvest and have nothing.
5  The purpose in a man's heart is like deep water,
    but a man of understanding will draw it out.
6  Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love,
    but a faithful man who can find?
7  The righteous who walks in his integrity—
    blessed are his children after him!
8  A king who sits on the throne of judgment
    winnows all evil with his eyes.
9  Who can say, “I have made my heart pure;
    I am clean from my sin”?
10  Unequal 2 20:10 Or Two kinds of; also verse 23 weights and unequal measures
    are both alike an abomination to the LORD.
11  Even a child makes himself known by his acts,
    by whether his conduct is pure and upright. 3 20:11 Or Even a child can dissemble in his actions, though his conduct seems pure and upright
12  The hearing ear and the seeing eye,
    the LORD has made them both.
13  Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty;
    open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread.
14  “Bad, bad,” says the buyer,
    but when he goes away, then he boasts.
15  There is gold and abundance of costly stones,
    but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
16  Take a man's garment when he has put up security for a stranger,
    and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for foreigners. 4 20:16 Or for an adulteress (compare 27:13)
17  Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man,
    but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel.
18  Plans are established by counsel;
    by wise guidance wage war.
19  Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets;
    therefore do not associate with a simple babbler. 5 20:19 Hebrew with one who is simple in his lips
20  If one curses his father or his mother,
    his lamp will be put out in utter darkness.
21  An inheritance gained hastily in the beginning
    will not be blessed in the end.
22  Do not say, “I will repay evil”;
    wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you.
23  Unequal weights are an abomination to the LORD,
    and false scales are not good.
24  A man's steps are from the LORD;
    how then can man understand his way?
25  It is a snare to say rashly, “It is holy,”
    and to reflect only after making vows.
26  A wise king winnows the wicked
    and drives the wheel over them.
27  The spirit 6 20:27 Hebrew breath of man is the lamp of the LORD,
    searching all his innermost parts.
28  Steadfast love and faithfulness preserve the king,
    and by steadfast love his throne is upheld.
29  The glory of young men is their strength,
    but the splendor of old men is their gray hair.
30  Blows that wound cleanse away evil;
    strokes make clean the innermost parts.

Footnotes

[1] 20:1 Or will not become wise
[2] 20:10 Or Two kinds of; also verse 23
[3] 20:11 Or Even a child can dissemble in his actions, though his conduct seems pure and upright
[4] 20:16 Or for an adulteress (compare 27:13)
[5] 20:19 Hebrew with one who is simple in his lips
[6] 20:27 Hebrew breath
Table of Contents
Introduction to Proverbs

Introduction to Proverbs

Timeline

Author and Date

Proverbs itself mentions Solomon (reigned c. 971–931 B.C.) as author or collector of its contents (1:1; 10:1), including the proverbs copied by Hezekiah’s men (25:1). There are also two batches of sayings from a group called “the wise” (22:17–24:22; 24:23–34), and “oracles” from Agur (30:1–33) and Lemuel (31:1–9). No author is named for the song in praise of the excellent wife that ends the book (31:10–31). Although Proverbs was begun in the time of Solomon, it probably was not in its present form until the time of Hezekiah (reigned c. 715–686 B.C.).

Theme

The goal of the book is stated right at the beginning (1:1–7): to describe what wisdom is and to help God’s people become wise. Wisdom is founded in the “fear of the Lord,” and it enables believers to express their faith in the practical details of everyday life.

Audience

The book is addressed to a young man. The situations he will face while he is young receive much attention. These situations supply concrete examples from which all readers can apply lessons to their own lives. Anyone who is wise and who pays attention will benefit (1:5) from this instruction.

Reading Proverbs

The reader of Proverbs must seek to understand the various types of people the book describes. The most obvious characters in the book are the wise, the fool, and the simple. Proverbs urges its readers to be wise, which means embracing God’s covenant and living out the covenant in everyday situations (compare 2:2; 10:1). The fool is the person who constantly opposes God’s covenant (1:7b). The simple is the person who is not firmly committed, either to wisdom or to folly; he is easily misled (14:15).

The first nine chapters of Proverbs are “wisdom poems” that urge the reader to pursue wisdom. The main section of Proverbs—the concise, memorable statements of two or three lines—begins in 10:1. Proverbs often seem to be mere observations about life, but their deeper meanings will reveal themselves if the following questions are kept in mind: (1) What virtue does this proverb commend? (2) What vice does it disapprove of? (3) What value does it affirm?

Key Themes

Proverbs offers wisdom on a wide array of topics from daily life: diligence and laziness (6:6–11); friendship (3:27–28; 18:24); speech (10:19–21); marriage (18:22; 19:14); child rearing (22:6); domestic peace (15:17; 17:1); work (11:1); getting along and good manners (23:1–2; 25:16–17; 26:17–19; 27:14); eternity (14:32; 23:17–18); and much more. It shows that “godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Tim. 4:8).

  1. God’s will is intensely practical, applying to every aspect of life. A proper relation to God involves trying hard to understand his truth, and then embracing and obeying that truth.
  2. A life lived by God’s will is a happy life (3:21–26).
  3. A life lived by God’s will is a useful life (3:27–28; 12:18, 25).
  4. A life lived by God’s will does not just happen. One must seek after it (9:1–6).

Outline

  1. Title, Goal, and Motto (1:1–7)
  2. A Father’s Invitation to Wisdom (1:8–9:18)
  3. Proverbs of Solomon (10:1–22:16)
  4. The Thirty Sayings of “the Wise” (22:17–24:22)
  5. Further Sayings of “the Wise” (24:23–34)
  6. Hezekiah’s Collection of Solomonic Proverbs (25:1–29:27)
  7. The Sayings of Agur (30:1–33)
  8. The Sayings of King Lemuel (31:1–9)
  9. An Alphabet of Womanly Excellence (31:10–31)
The Global Message of Proverbs

The Global Message of Proverbs

Proverbs: Wisdom for the World

The book of Proverbs is not simply a collection of “wise sayings” for life. It is heaven-sent help for stumbling sinners all over the world from every walk of life who are willing to listen to something other than their own fallen instincts. The “fool” in Proverbs is not someone who lacks intellectual capacity but one who stubbornly lives out of his own fallen intuitions, resisting instruction and correction. Likewise, the wise person in Proverbs is not someone who is intellectually superior but someone who humbly places himself beneath the authority of God. Such wisdom is for all God’s people everywhere.

In his great mercy God has clearly shown wisdom to the world—both through the instruction of his Word and in the person of his Son. The book of Proverbs summarizes true wisdom as rooted in the “fear of the LORD” (Prov. 1:7). In Jesus such wisdom takes on new clarity and glory as the one who is the “wisdom of God” (1 Cor. 1:24) and who “became to us wisdom from God” (1 Cor. 1:30). God’s global people are to receive such wise instruction, to base their wise living in the fear and worship of God, and to testify to a lost world about God’s saving wisdom.

God’s Wisdom Is Theological and Practical

In one sense wisdom is very much universal. It is difficult to find a culture or tradition without its own legacy of wise sayings. Some of these are culture-specific; others reflect the shared human experience.

Scripture’s admonition and exhortation about wisdom, however, is clear. Our faith is not to rest on man’s wisdom but is to be rooted in God’s power (1 Cor. 2:5). The wisdom of this world is “folly with God” (1 Cor. 3:19). Ultimate wisdom is from God (1 Cor. 1:30) and is revealed by God (1 Cor. 2:7). True wisdom is theological and God-given. Those who lack wisdom are to “ask God” for it (James 1:5). It is the Lord who gives wisdom (Prov. 2:6). In Proverbs 9:10 God’s people are reminded again that, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight” (compare 1:7). True wisdom is not the handy tips for life that get handed down from generation to generation among those who do not know God. True wisdom is divine. It is rooted in God’s own saving revelation to his people.

God’s wisdom is not only theological; it is also practical. Indeed, wisdom is practical because it is theological. Theology impacts daily life, and this is clearly seen in the instruction of Proverbs. Everyday life issues are addressed, including parental relations (Prov. 10:1; 15:20; 19:26; 23:25), marriage (5:18; 12:4; 18:22; 19:13–14; 31:10), money (3:9; 10:4; 11:1; 15:16; 16:11), and the power and danger of words (4:5; 7:5; 10:19; 16:24; 17:27). These are life issues that affect people of every age and place. Proverbs provides a picture of both the blessed life grounded in the fear of the Lord and the danger-filled and foolish life of those who despise the Lord’s wisdom and instruction (1:7).

God’s Wisdom Is Individual and Global

Individual wisdom. For every person, in every place, in every time, the message of Proverbs rings true: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 9:10). Wisdom from above is not mere advice or pithy sayings. Rather, the worthiest and most blessed advice flows from God, when he has his proper central place in the heart and worship of each individual created by his hand and in his image.

Global wisdom. The message of Proverbs is also global. This is true, first, because only God’s wisdom comprehensively instructs and skillfully dissects with perfect insight the hearts of mankind from every place and for every time. God’s wisdom is global, second, in that God’s global people are called to global engagement and a global mission. The Lord is not a tribal god. The teaching of Proverbs is not tribal lore. God’s wisdom is eternal and global. And God’s people are called to be instruments, through word and deed, of teaching his wisdom to the world. Those who are wise in God represent God to the world. For example, the wise exhibit generosity to the poor and the needy (Prov. 14:21, 31). The wise in God speak enduring and reliable wisdom to a world desperately looking for life-giving counsel. The wise in God feed even their own enemies (25:21).

Taking God’s Saving Wisdom to the World

In the book of Proverbs the Lord has equipped his people to fulfill his global and eternal purposes. God’s purpose is to reveal himself to and then through a people who will bring eternal blessing to the world, and that purpose is still unfolding around the world today (Matt. 28:18–20). In his kindness God has made known both the path of the wicked (Prov. 4:14) and the path of righteousness (12:28). The one leads to destruction and the other to life (11:19).

When love and grace is observed by the world in the lives of God’s people and supremely in the cross of Christ, it is indeed “folly” to them (1 Cor. 1:18, 21). But “the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Cor. 1:25). The wise in God share the good news of the wisdom of God in the gospel of Christ with nations both near and far. Such sharing, when it lands on receptive ears, is “like cold water to a thirsty soul” (Prov. 25:25).In grace God is opening blind eyes through the gospel to his glorious wisdom. In grace he has shown us and empowered us toward a life of God-honoring, upright living. In grace he will use us as his global ambassadors till the day we join in the angelic choir proclaiming, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen” (Rev. 7:12).

Job Fact #9: Proverbs in Job

Fact: Proverbs in Job

Proverbs in Job. In 17:5, Job may have been quoting a proverb to warn his friends not to make false accusations against him. Proverbs are an effective and memorable way of stating a truth. The book of Proverbs is a rich resource of such wisdom.

Proverbs Fact #1: Wisdom

Fact: Wisdom

Wisdom is a key term in Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. The word can mean “skilled at making sound decisions in life.” Proverbs 9:10 states that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”

Proverbs Fact #4: Garlands

Fact: Garlands

Garlands were wreaths woven from leaves and flowers. They were worn around the head or neck during various celebrations such as weddings. They were also symbols of honor for military success. In Proverbs, they symbolize the honor that comes from following the way of wisdom (4:9).

Proverbs Fact #7: The simple person

Fact: The simple person

The simple person (7:7) is one of the primary character types described in the book of Proverbs. The term describes someone who is immature and easily misled (14:15).

Proverbs Fact #10: A different kind of security

Fact: A different kind of security

A different kind of security. In biblical times, if a person was unable to pay his debt, the consequences could be serious. The whole family could be sold into slavery. If someone put up “security” for another person, he promised to pay that person’s debt if he was unable to do so himself. Proverbs teaches that putting up security for another person is generally unwise, since those who do so risk losing everything if the other person cannot pay his debt (11:15).

Proverbs Fact #27: Gluttony

Fact: Gluttony

Gluttony refers to excessive eating. The Bible condemns gluttony as well as drunkenness. Proverbs teaches that eating and drinking in excess can lead to poverty (23:19–21).

Proverbs Fact #28: Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs

Fact: Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs

Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs. Although most of the Proverbs were collected or written by King Solomon, who reigned from 971–931 B.C., the book of Proverbs did not exist in its present form until the time of King Hezekiah, some 200 years later. Hezekiah and “his men,” probably his scribes, recorded chs. 25–29.

Proverbs Fact #29: Rock badgers

Fact: Rock badgers

Rock badgers are small cliff-dwelling animals closely resembling guinea pigs. They live and forage for food in large groups and are good at hiding. They are best known for posting sentries that alert the group when danger is near. Perhaps it was this mark of wisdom that earned them a mention in Proverbs (30:26).

Proverbs Fact #19: Unequal weights

Fact: Unequal weights

Unequal weights. The price for some goods was fixed according to their weight. If the seller’s scales were unequal (20:23), the buyer could be charged far more than the fair price of the goods.

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

Romans 3 OT Reference
Sinful Condition
v. 10, none is righteous Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20
v. 11a, no one understands Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 11b, no one seeks for God Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one Ps. 14:3/53:3
Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips)
v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9)
v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips Ps. 140:3
v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness Ps. 10:7
Sinful Action
v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7
v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery Isa. 59:7
v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known Isa. 59:8
Summary Statement
v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes Ps. 36:1
Study Notes

Prov. 20:2 The first line of this proverb is almost identical to 19:12a. But 19:12b speaks of the king’s favor, while 20:2b speaks only of his anger. The text does not say that a king’s anger is always justified, only that it is lethal. Therefore, one should take care.

Study Notes

Prov. 20:8 winnows all evil. That is, he sorts and separates it out, and then removes it.

Study Notes
Proverbs Fact #19: Unequal weights

Fact: Unequal weights

Unequal weights. The price for some goods was fixed according to their weight. If the seller’s scales were unequal (20:23), the buyer could be charged far more than the fair price of the goods.

Study Notes

Prov. 20:8–12 This catalog of proverbs looks at judgment from various angles. The purpose of a king, representing human government, is to restrain evil through acts of judgment (v. 8). Awareness of one’s own guilt should make one merciful in judging others (v. 9). Scales (commercial tools that are often used as symbols of judgment) should be fair, balanced, and impartial (v. 10; see 11:1). People’s actions show what they are, and this applies even to children (20:11). As God made both the eye and the ear, he knows best how to assess a person or situation. His judgment will be final and decisive (v. 12). Sometimes these proverbs balance one another: God’s people need to be forgiving, but they also need to be able to judge good and evil in others.

Study Notes

Prov. 20:13–17 These proverbs all relate to wealth. Laziness leads to poverty (v. 13). People will set a value on something as it suits them (v. 14). Wisdom is better than wealth (v. 15). One should not trust a man who gets involved in foolish debts (v. 16). The pleasures that come from dishonest gain are brief (v. 17).

Study Notes

Prov. 20:20–21 The person who despises parental authority will eventually face utter darkness (compare Ex. 20:12). An inheritance gained hastily in the beginning. Too much wealth given too soon is often spent greedily, and so it does not last (see note on Prov. 13:11). In Israel, land was given as an inheritance for the continued welfare of the family (see 13:22), not to use simply for one’s personal pleasure.

Study Notes
Proverbs Fact #19: Unequal weights

Fact: Unequal weights

Unequal weights. The price for some goods was fixed according to their weight. If the seller’s scales were unequal (20:23), the buyer could be charged far more than the fair price of the goods.

Study Notes

Prov. 20:22–25 These four proverbs teach that God, not people (v. 22), is the judge and avenger. He detests all unfair bias in human judgment, as represented by uneven scales. Verse 24 emphasizes the mystery of divine sovereignty (see Ps. 37:23; Jer. 10:23). A person makes his own decisions and is responsible for them, but it is also true that God directs the steps of each.

Study Notes

Prov. 20:26–27 Drives the wheel over them refers to a heavy cart being drawn over the grain to separate the wheat from the chaff. For the health of his kingdom, a wise king must root out evildoers. The king can only use exterior acts to judge a person. God, by contrast, sees the innermost parts (see 1 Sam. 16:7). God’s judgment is thus more fair and more effective.

Study Notes

Prov. 20:28 God’s steadfast love and faithfulness was the foundation of the Davidic dynasty (1 Kings 3:6; 8:23; Ps. 89:28). God’s faithfulness, rather than human wisdom or power, is what will preserve the king.

S3:019 Proverbs 20

Listen Now

Dive Deeper | Proverbs 20

Solomon is giving divine counsel here on living wisely. How someone leads themselves and others reflects if they are led by God (the wise) or not (the foolish). From this passage we see what I call the four Rs in living wisely God's way:

Reverence: Living God's way begins with a reverence for the Lord (Proverbs 1:2-7; 20:12, 24)—having a right view of God and believing His way and Word are better than ours and for our good, regardless of our perception or feelings.

Reality: The reality of our human condition before God is that we are prone to sin (Proverbs 20:9). The passage points to many warnings about and examples of our sinful nature in both thought and action. When we are not honest about our sinful condition, we can fall into the trap of pride, boasting in ourselves (Proverbs 20:6).

Resources: God has given provisions for us to grow in godliness—His people (the church and community), His Spirit, and His Word. We are not meant to do life alone and need the counsel of the church and community to continually help us grow and make wise decisions (Proverbs 20:18).

Redeemer: Living God's way is centered on God's redemptive work by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ our Redeemer (Titus 3:4-5). God is the one who intervenes in our lives to help us see our need for Christ through the gospel. For God to direct our steps and open our eyes to follow Jesus is truly a miracle from Him.

When we fix our eyes on Jesus, yield our lives daily to God's Spirit, and allow His Word to inform our lives, we no longer see ourselves in light of Proverbs 20:6. Instead, we see the gospel in our lives by Christ's steadfast love and faithfulness (1 Corinthians 1:9).

Weekly, I get to do life and walk with college athletes, learning these same truths alongside them. While following Jesus is not a guarantee of perfection for any of us, it is a privilege to see others growing in the knowledge of God's grace through Jesus Christ for eternal salvation and daily sanctification.

This month's memory verse

with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

– Ephesians 4:2

Discussion Questions

1. What attributes of God are revealed in this passage. Why is that a comforting revelation?

2. Are there any circumstances currently in your life that make it difficult to see or trust God's sovereignty?

3. What provision of God (His People, His Spirit, or His Word) is the hardest to turn to right now and why? 

4. Is there an area of your life in which you sense God is calling you to turn from hypocrisy to integrity?

As we gear up to release even more features for Join The Journey in 2025, our staff team, unfortunately, no longer has the margin to continue to support the comment functionality. We have big things in store for Join The Journey 2025. Stay tuned!

MS

Michael Scaman

Ancient Story critics speak from Proverbs 20 as if written by Solomon's staff of scribes Selecting films that exemplify the wisdom found in Proverbs 20, the following choices can be considered: Nominees were: Film for Proverbs 19:1: Film Title: "Leaving the Bottle Behind" Synopsis: "Leaving the Bottle Behind" explores the destructive consequences of excessive drinking, highlighting the irony of individuals proclaiming faithfulness under the influence, while questioning the rarity of finding a truly righteous person in a world led astray by vices. Film for Proverbs 20:2: Film Title: "Lion's Roar" Synopsis: Set in a kingdom, this film depicts the lethal consequences of provoking the anger of a powerful king. It emphasizes the danger associated with challenging authority without justification. As the narrative unfolds, the characters grapple with the profound question of how much more intense and far-reaching the actions of a provoked God would be. Would the provoked God respond with love and mercy, or would divine judgment be swift and unyielding? Bit the critics choice is "Judgement Throne". In the winning story (and chapter ) one line from the King sounds remarkably like sanctification : blows that wound cleans away evil ; strokes make clean the innermost parts. Film for Proverbs 20:8: Film Title: "Judgment Throne" Synopsis: In a mythical kingdom ruled by a wise king guided by the scripture Proverbs 20:26–27, the monarch, driven to root out evildoers using external acts, discovers the profound interplay between his judgments and the wisdom of a higher power. As the king seeks justice, he unravels a divine mystery, realizing that the wise God's judgment reaches beyond external deeds, navigating the intricate terrain of the human heart to illuminate the true essence of his subjects. One striking line i These film choices aim to capture the essence of the proverbs mentioned, showcasing the wisdom and lessons they convey.
HS

Hugh Stephenson

Proverbs 20 in two parts-(plus some copy/paste from TC) Proverbs 20:1-15 On verse 5 - “The purpose in a man's heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.” If I am to model Christ and lead my family well God calls me to be “a man of understanding”. The Hebrew word is “ṯâḇûn”. Other translations use intelligence, wise, discerning, insight, discretion, reason and skillfulness. It is abundantly clear to me that there is no way I can gain or retain these qualities on my own. I may be able to get knowledge or information but the true qualities of a man to which verse 5 refers can only come to me from God. My application today is to ask God to show me the ways in which I am not submitted to Him. For it is only in submission and surrender that my sinful nature can die so that I may follow Him only.
HS

Hugh Stephenson

Proverbs 20:16-30 On verse 27 - “The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all his innermost parts.” As a young boy I thought that if I hid where no person could see me then God could not see me either. I used this idea to eat stolen cookies and candies. When my mom finally figured out this trick she reacted by laughing and explaining to me that God could see me and also knew what I was thinking. Uh-Oh. In my journey to know God more fully I have seen how His nature is an incredible blessing. He knows when I am eating stolen cookies but also knows when I am in intense pain or sorrow. He knows that I know I need Him above all. He knows what sin and rebellion has done to my heart and sent Jesus to remove my heart of stone and give me a new heart of flesh, (Ez 36:26). From Dr C - “God, even now, is "searching" out our "innermost" thoughts and feelings ("parts of [our] being"). Solomon compared our "spirit" (lit. "breath," Heb. nishmat, cf. Gen. 2:7) to a "lamp" that God uses to investigate all the darkened crannies of our being in this very graphic proverb (cf. Matt. 6:22; 1 Cor. 2:11). Here the "spirit" is almost equivalent to the conscience. The "still, small voice" (AV, NKJV) that Elijah heard was God's instrument, searching the prophet's heart (1 Kings 19:11-13). (God's Word also searches, cf. Heb. 4:12).” My application today is to share my story of grace and a new heart of flesh with at least one person.
HS

Hugh Stephenson

From Constable’s notes- Adding in verses 24,27 and 28. To me, they all speak to the sovereignty of God- V 24 “A man’s steps are for the LORD...” “Since God ultimately controls all that happens, a person cannot be completely sure of the future ("understand his way"), no matter how wisely he may plan for it (cf. 16:1, 9; 27:1; Ps. 37:23; Jer. 10:23; Luke 12:19-20; James 4:14). It becomes imperative, therefore, that we commit our ways to God and trust in Him (3:5-6; cf. Jer. 10:24). Israel's officers did this as they prepared to cross the Jordan River and enter the Promised Land (Josh. 3:2-5, 10). Moses asked the LORD to let him know His ways, so that he could lead the Israelites effectively (Exod. 33:12-13).” "This is one of the most profound insights in the Bible ..."[586] More on verse 27- V 27 “The spirit of the man is the lamp of the LORD...” “God, even now, is "searching" out every person's "innermost" thoughts and feelings ("parts of his being"). Solomon compared our "spirit" (lit. "breath," Heb. nishmat, cf. Gen. 2:7) to a "lamp" that the LORD uses to investigate all the darkened crannies of our being, in this very graphic proverb (cf. Matt. 6:22; 1 Cor. 2:11). Here the "spirit" is almost equivalent to the conscience.” "Breath typically goes in and comes out of a person, giving life; but it also comes out as wisdom and words."[589] "In sum, a person's speech associated with his breath serves as the LORD's flashlight to expose human thought, inclination, and will in the darkest recesses of a person's life."[590] V 28 “Steadfast love and faithfulness preserve the king…” “Not only accurate judgment (v. 26) but "loyalty" and "truth" sustain a king's rule. However, ultimately it is the LORD who is responsible for the safety of both a ruler's person and his sphere of authority ("throne"; cf. 2 Sam. 7:15; Ps. 18:35; 20:2; 41:3; 89:33; 119:117; Isa. 9:6). These are virtues that the reader, therefore, should value and apply to his or her own life. David was a king who was loyal to the LORD, for the most part, but Jesus will be the perfect King, who will combine loyalty to His Father and truth when He reigns on earth.” Verse 28 gives me the model of leadership. Any unclear element of my role is clarified in studying David and Jesus.
MA

Maryann Adams

Thanks, Nicholas! What a great outline - the "4 R's". I've written them on an index card and am planning to learn, apply, and share with someone. Another verse that stood out in the proverb is the 20:20 verse (easy mnemonic for scripture memory!).
LD

Lindsey Driscoll

Nic, great to see you today on the Journey! Keep up the faithful work of pointing athletes true identity to Christ rather than to their performance. Q1- that attributes of God were revealed to me? The 2 verses that really grabbed my heart today were Proverbs 20:5 and Proverbs 20:27. Gods love is so great and deep towards me he desires to know me intimately at the inmost being. Romans 5:8 reminds me that daily while I am still in sin, God still sent Christ to die for my sin, and the forgiveness for my sin is a demonstration of His great love. Out of abiding in Gods love I can be a Proverbs 20:5 woman who draws out others to be loved by God.
SB

Sue Bohlin

Hey Nicholas, thank you! I was struck by v. 6: "Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find?" Many verses in the Bible are translated with the word "man" but the original languages really indicate "people," which of course is much more inclusive of half the human population. Not here. The Hebrew word is "ish," meaning male. And it reflects the mindset of Solomon and gazillions of other people throughout history, looking just at men, prioritizing men, minimizing women. Sad, but yet another consequence of humanity's broken thinking after the Fall. I continue to do a deep dive into the whole "transgender moment," trying to understand what's driving the crazy. One thing I hear again and again is girls and women rejecting their femaleness because of systemic misogyny; they hear the message over and over, "Females count less than males, women aren't as valuable as men, s*cks to be you." They think that becoming a guy is an escape from the misogyny, but of course that's a lie. And the enemy laughs again.
GJ

greg jones

Q3 What provision of God (His People, His Spirit, or His Word) is the hardest to turn to right now and why? Substituting “turn to” with “struggle with” I’m answering the question this way. I want to struggle with all three of those provisions. But I want to struggle the same way you struggle with a last rep in a set when weight training. So there’s a struggle on one end of the spectrum where a person struggles with the first rep. I see that person as doing someone else’s weight. At the other end of the spectrum is the person that doesn’t work up a sweat. That person’s doing someone else’s weight also. That’s fairly easy to see in a weight room. I think it can be harder to spot or diagnose in a spiritual community because unlike a weight we can hide what we struggle with. And if we see struggle as weakness why would we not? Q4 Is there an area of your life in which you sense God is calling you to turn from hypocrisy to integrity? If hypocrisy is the bar what area of my life am I working? That determines my weight for my workout. Great devo. Keep influencing young lives.
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Amy Lowther

1. In this passage it is shown God is holy, is faithful, and offers steadfast love. These attributes of God are comforting because it shows He is true to facts, loyal to people, and holds religious practices sacred. 2. No. 3. None because I do a little bit everyday. I make time to know God and for Him to know me. 4. I am a sincere person in everything I do. It eliminates stress. Nicholas - Thank you for sharing your ideas. You make a good point in saying, “how someone leads themselves and others reflects if they are led by God”. May we all be true to God in everything we do. May we let God’s ways and ideas shine through us as we apply what we learn from God in daily life.