God gave us the Bible, His word, to guide us in the right direction. One of my favorite places in the Bible is Proverbs as it often gives me tangible pieces of wisdom that help me live and lead. I have seen God’s grace as He has spoken directly into a situation, or a need or a request through what I have read or heard.
These are power words from Proverbs 15…
Proverbs 15:4 NLT
Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.
We need to be reminded that we must be people who err on the side of grace and make sure we build people up with our words. We have the opportunity to help or hurt people as we speak. God calls us to encourage others, and our words are a great place to start.
Proverbs 15:1 NLT
A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.
Again, be reminded that the places we are most comfortable are often the places where we let our guard down. That means we need to guard against becoming angry or letting ourselves be drawn into being mean or hurting the people closest to us.
Proverbs 15:17 NLT
A bowl of vegetables with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate.
Often when we realize what our place in life is and we trust God there is incredible insight and peace that comes from God. It is better to have very little and have God’s blessing rather than eat like a rich person and have nothing.
Proverbs 15:22 NLT
Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.
This was one of the places that I want to stop and think. We fail when we don’t listen to or take into account what the wise people in our lives says. God uses those people to teach us.
Proverbs 15:33 NLT
Fear of the LORD teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.
I end with this: Often we meet people who are self-confident, or even arrogant, because what they say doesn’t happen. They become fools. It is the people who seek God for wisdom that are humble and who God will honor. I have seen this in me and in others. God will give us the confidence that we need, yet we need to check ourselves and make sure our confidence is based on the Savior and not in our ourselves.
Watch God work when His hand is on your life. That is what some people would call your “sweet-spot” which is a cool and real place. I pray that you will find it and stay that. I pray that for myself and for the people I serve with. I am grateful for each of them and what they teach me.
God has great things ahead. I can’t wait to see what He has for us in the future!
NOTE: most of this devotion was originally shared in October of 2012.
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