#Proverbs 28:26

[wiirocku]

Proverbs 28:26 (NKJV) - He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But whoever walks wisely will be delivered.

[blackwolfmanx4]

Real Talk:

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

[tiand]

Today's Word With Joel and Victoria Osteen - Flattery

A lying tongue hates its victims, and flattering words cause ruin. Proverbs 26:28, NLT Today’s Word In Daniel 6, to get rid of Daniel before he would be made the highest administrator in the Persian empire, the other administrators and high officers used flattery to get King Darius to pass a law that they knew Daniel would not obey because of his faith. The king’s ego was so inflated that it…

[inspiredbyhisword]

Bible Study: Building Deep Roots

This journal entry captures a heartfelt reflection on your spiritual and professional journey. It highlights your desire to deepen your relationship with God, find balance, and discern His will for your future. Let’s analyze the themes, provide biblical context for study, and offer guidance for further reflection and prayer.

Analysis and Context for Bible Study

Mark 4:17 – Spiritual Roots and Endurance

The verse reminds us that faith needs deep roots to endure trials and challenges. Your reflection ties beautifully to this truth: moments of spiritual immersion, like church summer camps, filled your heart with joy, but the pressures of life distracted you from fully applying His Word. This echoes the rocky soil, where joy is temporary without depth to sustain it. Developing deep roots requires consistent exposure to God’s Word and persistent prayer, as you noted.

Your desire to integrate prayer into every aspect of your day and approach Bible study with intentionality demonstrates a commitment to spiritual growth. This is a powerful way to build endurance, ensuring your faith isn’t easily shaken by burnout, career uncertainties, or worldly distractions.

Faith Without Works is Dead (James 2:26)

You rightly connect your reflections to the idea that hearing God’s Word isn’t enough—it must inspire action. Faith becomes alive through obedience, whether by prioritizing prayer, seeking clarity in your career, or pursuing opportunities that align with His plan. Your approach to actively applying for positions, researching social work fields, and seeking volunteer opportunities demonstrates a willingness to put your faith into action, trusting that God will guide your steps.

Matthew 7:7 – Seeking God’s Direction

The verse you chose, “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7, NLT), offers encouragement and a roadmap for discernment. It affirms that persistence in prayer, research, and action will lead to clarity. God’s answers may not come instantly, but your active pursuit shows faith in His timing and trust in His plans.

Professional Reflection in Light of Scripture

Your career path reflects a mix of diligence, uncertainty, and burnout. Balancing a calling to help others with the practicalities of work-life balance and financial stability is a common struggle. Jeremiah 29:11 also resonates here, reminding you of God’s good plans for your future. Trust that He is using this season to prepare you for what’s next, even if the final picture isn’t clear yet.

Your plan to volunteer as a domestic violence/sexual assault advocate shows wisdom. This step aligns with Proverbs 16:9: “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps” (NLT). By seeking experience and networking, you are positioning yourself for clarity while leaving room for God to guide you.

Spiritual Insights and Next Steps

Deepening Spiritual Roots: To build a strong foundation, keep incorporating prayer into every aspect of your day. Use scripture meditation and journaling as tools to internalize God’s Word. Reflect on how each verse applies to your life and transforms your perspective.

Trusting God in Career Decisions: Lean on Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take” (NLT). Surrender your uncertainties to Him while continuing your diligent research and efforts.

Managing Burnout: Seek moments of rest and renewal, remembering Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (NLT). Find ways to recharge spiritually and physically so that you can approach your current role and future goals with clarity and strength.

Prayers for Guidance and Strength

For Deep Roots: Father, help me develop deep roots in Your Word. Teach me to prioritize prayer and Bible study so that I can grow in my faith and stand firm through challenges.

For Clarity in Career Decisions: Lord, guide my steps as I navigate my career path. Help me to seek Your will above all else and trust that You are leading me toward Your good plans for my life.

For Renewal and Rest: God, give me the strength to persevere and the wisdom to find balance. Help me to trust in Your provision and find peace in Your presence.

For Faith in Action: Holy Spirit, empower me to put my faith into action. Let my decisions and efforts reflect trust in Your promises and obedience to Your Word.

Closing Reflection

Your journal entry reflects a genuine desire to grow in faith and seek God’s direction. Remember, God doesn’t waste any part of your journey—every step, even the challenging ones, serves a purpose in His plan. Continue to knock, seek, and trust, knowing that He will provide clarity in due time. Keep anchoring yourself in His Word, and He will lead you to a fulfilling path aligned with His will.

[mindfulldsliving]

Understanding the Fear of God: Impact on Faith and Wisdom

It is vital to rest in God's love, but that love is best understood when seen against the backdrop of His awe-inspiring greatness and our own need for His mercy. This perspective doesn’t just comfort us; it transforms us, grounding us in true wisdom that

Photo by Jr Korpa on Unsplash Introduction Proverbs 9:10-12 provides profound insights into the interconnectedness of the fear of God, faith, wisdom, and God’s love. These verses emphasize that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and that understanding leads to a fulfilling life. To fully grasp the depth of these concepts, it’s essential to explore related scriptures and their…

[greater-than-the-sword]

Proverbs and the Internet

Here is my hand-picked selection of proverbs that I felt had special applicability to life on the internet, and their application. Under the cut.

Proverbs 12:16

New International Version

16 Fools show their annoyance at once,

    but the prudent overlook an insult.

Proverbs 15:18

English Standard Version

Proverbs 16:32

18 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife,

    but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.

English Standard Version

Application: A lot of times if you simply don’t react, or don’t give people the dramatic reaction they are looking for, you can prevent a fight. Don’t be too easily goaded. You can end a lot of things by not being too easily goaded.

32 Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty,

    and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

___

Proverbs 3:30

New International Version

Proverbs 16:28 ESV

30 Do not accuse anyone for no reason—

    when they have done you no harm.

A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.

Proverbs 20:19 ESV

Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.

Proverbs 14:25

English Standard Version

Application: Is your circle of the internet one where people go around starting “drama” by telling lies about others? Do you know someone who does this? Get away from them. Have you done this? Think before you accuse someone of something.

25 A truthful witness saves lives,

    but one who breathes out lies is deceitful.

___

Proverbs 15:1

English Standard Version

Application: By being calm you can prevent people from lashing back at you and escalating. You can even de-escalate if you keep calm.

15 A soft answer turns away wrath,

    but a harsh word stirs up anger.

___

Proverbs 18:12

English Standard Version

Proverbs 15:33

12 Before destruction a man's heart is haughty,

    but humility comes before honor.

English Standard Version

Application: “Humility comes before honor”- you don’t have to be right or appear to be right. That won’t help you before God. It’s pride if you have to win every argument, if you have to be right every time.

33 The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom,

    and humility comes before honor.

___

Proverbs 13:20

English Standard Version

Proverbs 14:7

20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,

    but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

English Standard Version

Application: Just leave that toxic message board. Are you on a sector of the internet where they encourage you to hate other people in your life, and are dragging you into foolish mindsets, encouraging people to more and more extreme ideology, stirring up anxiety, etc? Get out of there.

7 Leave the presence of a fool,

    for there you do not meet words of knowledge.

___

Proverbs 14:15

English Standard Version

Application: It’s important to find sources and to check if things are true before you spread them! Don’t believe that something is true just because you read it on the internet.

15 The simple believes everything,

    but the prudent gives thought to his steps.

___

Proverbs 10:23

English Standard Version

Proverbs 15:21

23 Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool,

    but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.

English Standard Version

Proverbs 26:18-19

21 Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense,

    but a man of understanding walks straight ahead.

English Standard Version

Application: It is neither safe nor wise to hang out with the type of people on the internet who think that trolling, provoking other people, and stirring up trouble is fun. Whether it’s going to a different website to provoke and cause chaos to the people there, or posting flame bait, or leading people on with various forms of deception for entertainment, God hates this kind of behavior.

18 Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death

19 is the man who deceives his neighbor

    and says, “I am only joking!”

___

Proverbs 29:9

English Standard Version

Application: DON’T FEED THE TROLLS

9 If a wise man has an argument with a fool,

    the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.

___

Proverbs 9:7-9

New International Version

Proverbs 23:9

7 Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults;

    whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse.

8 Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you;

    rebuke the wise and they will love you.

9 Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still;

    teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.

English Standard Version

Application: Call the papers, somebody on the internet is wrong!

9 Do not speak in the hearing of a fool,

    for he will despise the good sense of your words.

Seriously, don’t feed the trolls.  You don’t need to write an essay to explain to every wrong person why they are wrong. Unless they are sincerely interested in listening to you, it will fall on deaf ears. Ask yourself if this person seems like they would actually benefit from being corrected.

___

Proverbs 12:15

New International Version

Proverbs 13:10

15 The way of fools seems right to them,

    but the wise listen to advice.

New International Version

Proverbs 15:32

10 Where there is strife, there is pride,

    but wisdom is found in those who take advice.

English Standard Version

Application: Are you listening when other people tell you that you are out of line?

32 Whoever ignores instruction despises himself,

    but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence.

___

Proverbs 15:28

English Standard Version

Application: Notice how the righteous “ponders”, but the wicked simply “pours out”. Think before you type something!

28 The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer,

    but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.

___

Proverbs 10:19

English Standard Version

Proverbs 17:27-28

19 When words are many, transgression is not lacking,

    but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.

English Standard Version

Application: Don’t post too much, don’t be easily angered. The more you type the more likely you are to say something wrong. Don’t be easily provoked. Even if you don’t have anything intelligent to say, if you withhold comment, you can even have a reputation for being smart.

27 Whoever restrains his words has knowledge,

    and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.

28 Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise;

    when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.

___

Proverbs 11:12

New International Version

Application: Don’t name-call people on the internet.

12 Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense,

    but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.

___

Proverbs 21:24

English Standard Version

Proverbs 22:10

24 “Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man

    who acts with arrogant pride.

English Standard Version

Proverbs 26:20-21

10 Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out,

    and quarreling and abuse will cease.

English Standard Version

20 For lack of wood the fire goes out,

    and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.

21 As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire,

    so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.

___

Application:

Just ban that guy from the server.

Is there one person who seems to be constantly causing issues? Is it because they’re too full of themselves and can’t stop making trouble? Just kick him out, seriously.

Proverbs 21:11

English Standard Version

Application: So you had to ban that guy from the server. If his misdeed was public, it can benefit others to explain why he got blocked and what happened so that other people don’t do the same thing. When troublemakers don’t just get away with things, other people can benefit from the negative example.

11 When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise;

    when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.

___

Proverbs 16:21

English Standard Version

Application: Or: “You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar”.

21 The wise of heart is called discerning,

    and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.

___

Proverbs 18:2

English Standard Version

Application: I feel like this one doesn’t even need any comment.

2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,

    but only in expressing his opinion.

___

Proverbs 18:13

English Standard Version

Application: Read! Don’t just tl;dr something and then react. Don’t just react to what you thought someone said.

13 If one gives an answer before he hears,

    it is his folly and shame.

___

Proverbs 18:17

English Standard Version

Application: Don’t just believe some one-sided callout post on face value. You should always listen to the other side of the story before you decide who is right and who is wrong.

17 The one who states his case first seems right,

    until the other comes and examines him.

___

Proverbs 29:11

English Standard Version

Application: Don’t overshare on the internet. Some things you need to keep to yourself. Don't just say every thought that runs through your head.

11 A fool gives full vent to his spirit,

    but a wise man quietly holds it back.

___

Proverbs 20:3

English Standard Version

Proverbs 26:17

3 It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife,

    but every fool will be quarreling.

English Standard Version

Application: Fools be quarreling. When you happen to see two people fighting, don’t get involved! It’s like jumping into a dogfight. Why would you do that? You literally have no dog in this fight.

17 Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own

    is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears.

___

Proverbs 25:11-12

English Standard Version

Application: None of this is to say you should never say anything on the internet. There are many times it is quite wise and beneficial to say something or even correct people.

11 A word fitly spoken

    is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.

12 Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold

    is a wise reprover to a listening ear.

___

Proverbs 26:4-5

English Standard Version

Application: These two proverbs contrast each other to make a point. Sometimes someone is being so stupid that to answer them is to stoop to their level. You simply shouldn’t even dignify that kind of garbage with a response.

4 Answer not a fool according to his folly,

    lest you be like him yourself.

5 Answer a fool according to his folly,

    lest he be wise in his own eyes.

On the other hand, sometimes someone is being so foolish that you just have to reply to them, otherwise they will get away with it.

You should always be asking yourself “is it worth it to actually engage with this? Is it degrading to me? Will anyone benefit if I do?”

[thespiritualencourager]

Your heart is deceitful above all things (Jer 17:9). It lies to you more than anyone else, but you believe your heart. It is desperately wicked, so its lies are always toward folly and sin. Because your heart is so deceitful and wicked, you cannot fully grasp its danger to you, apart from Scripture’s warnings. The verse concludes, “Who can understand it?”

Safety is only by mistrusting your heart; obeying your teachers, parents, and counselors; bringing every thought into captive obedience to Scripture; and keeping your heart there with all diligence (Pr 4:23; II Cor 10:4-6). Do not ever let your mind think outside the word of God (Ps 119:128). Which means you must learn it, and learn it well (Ps 119:11). Do not ever allow the profane thought you can get away with disobeying (Deut 29:18-20).

Other proverbs also teach this warning. “There is a way that seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Pr 16:25). “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkens unto counsel is wise” (Pr 12:15). “He that trusts in his own heart is a fool: but one who walks wisely, he shall be delivered” (Pr 28:26).

"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?"

— Jeremiah 17: 9 (ESV)

[desertflowerbowling]

malevolent poetry/literary references: season 3

part 21: the unconquerable

the first of several references this season to “Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening”, a poem written in 1923 by Robert Frost, and first referenced in part 5.

we’ve had references to “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley before, but this is the first time Arthur recites more than a few words. the poem was written in 1875, and Arthur and Yellow go on to discuss the author’s life in more detail in part 22.

like the earlier Robert Frost poem, this phrase is a common refrain throughout Malevolent as a whole. as discussed in my season 1 post, the source of the proverb itself appears to be a Persian fable written by Attar of Nishapur, a medieval Sufi poet. it gained popularity in the west in the early nineteenth century, thanks to a translation and retelling of the story by Edward Fitzgerald.

part 22: the town

William Ernest Henley was born in 1849, and at the age of 12, he developed tuberculosis of the bone in his left leg. when he was 16, his left leg was amputated below the knee after years of painful treatments. in 1873, Henley sought the help of the surgeon Joseph Lister, after being told that his right leg would have to be amputated as well. Lister performed multiple surgeries that allowed Henley to keep his leg, and it was while recovering from this that Henley was inspired to write “Invictus”.

this appears to be a reference to the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, who wrote in his 1886 book Beyond Good and Evil that “He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.”

here, Arthur quotes the beginning of a speech from the play Henry V by William Shakespeare. the speech is given by King Henry in Act 3, Scene 1.

part 23: the past

another Robert Frost reference, not much I can say about this one that hasn’t already been covered.

part 24: the mine

again, not much to say about the phrase itself. but it is interesting to me that the last line of this episode is Arthur saying “this too shall pass”, which was also the last line of part 21, but spoken by Yellow.

part 26: the bedrock

this is the third reference to “Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening” this season, the most of any season so far. it’s also notable that John is able to recite a part of the poem we haven’t heard from Arthur before.

part 28: the undefeated

Larson is reciting “A Poison Tree” by William Blake. the poem was published in 1794 as part of Blake’s Songs of Experience collection.

[spideez]

When you’re Cheated on in a relationship

The one who is cheated on has two options: stay AND forgive or leave AND forgive. forgiveness is mandatory. “Forgive as God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32)

But don’t worry, Justice WILL come for all parties (the husband, the wife, the side dude/chick. (Proverbs 6:26-35, 7:5. Read proverbs 5-7. Focuses solely on cheating and marriage. Good stuff, really.)

also, watch “amazing Love.” The acting’s okay, but the lesson is that we are just like Hosea’s unfaithful wife. We’re the unfaithful wife to God. But God will ALWAYS take us back, regardless of the r@pe, murder, cheating, lies, denies of Him, etc. if we repent.

Also, I have to inform you that you CANT divorce UNLESS you get cheated on, and you CANT get remarried after divorcing someone unless your divorced spouse dies. So make it count the first time. (Matt 5:28-32, Rom 7:1-3)

freeze all your credit cards and money. Make sure all assets that he or she has access to are revoked.

then, (I don’t mean to force anything on anyone) but ask God to bestow His grace on you to forgive him or her, then ask God to bestow His grace on her to forgive him or herself.

Grieve. Take time to know that you may never get back together again. Distract yourself. Get to know the single you again. Find your strengths, weaknesses, and turn them into strengths. Pray to God to help you heal.

I’m gonna tell you what I tell the others. Hear me out.

ultimately, (I don’t mean to force anything on you,) but ask God to send the right friends in your life and to remove the wrong ones for you. Same goes for your future wife or husband. Just pray, and wait. keep God first, as Billy Graham said.

Look around you. People did things their way and now people commend cheating (emotionally and physically), open relationships, and open marriages.

Unfortunately these people (both non-Christians AND SOME Christians) encourage cheating (both emotional and physical) and open relationships and open marriages (more emotional cheating) are crossing the lines of {Lev 18-20, Ex 20:26, Num 5:18-31, Prov 5–7, Mal 2:13-15, Matt 5:28-32, Matt 7:12-23, Matt 25:11-12, Lk 13:27, Heb 13:4}

The real one that God has for you won’t cheat on you emotionally or physically and won’t want open relationships and open marriages. It’ll be magical—-your wife/husband will only want you and no one else. He/she will only want to be with you and know you while serving God with you. How cool is that?

After all, “The Blessing of the Lord brings wealth. He adds no painful toil to it.” -Prov 10:22

And “He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.” - prov 18:22

And “Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.” -Prov 19:14

(I don’t mean to force anything on you,) but ask God to send the right friends in your life and to remove the wrong ones for you. 

Same goes for your future wife or husband. Just pray, and wait. keep God first, as Billy Graham said.

these men and women are your brothers and sisters.

“That man sitting next to you, that’s your brother. That woman over there, lthat’s your sister.” -Stan Lee

Treat them as such. Besides, some of these people are taken. How would you like it if someone gave your girlfriend/wife or husband/boyfriend a certain look?

My friend, don’t do this. These men and women are just trying to get by. They don’t need anyone looking at them in a certain way. They just want to be loved, Not lusted after. Not looked at and used like a s3x toy and put away when not needed. They might be low on money, they could have been traumatized, they could be su!cidal, they could be selling their bodies unwillingly so they can get cash. Please. You don’t know what theyre going through. 

Cool story—many of these women are being tr@fficked and r@ped in YOU KNOW WHAT. these pictures aren’t consensual. Imagine if this happened to your wife, girlfriend, sister, mother, cousin, friend, grandmother, aunt, etc. them begging for their life while doing terrible nasty things.

Ayo, i don’t mean to force anything on anyone, but we have various types of evidence for biblical events, if anyone is interested. I also found ways to combat lust, if anyone is interested. (I’m talking archaeological evidence, miracles caught live, arguments against evolution, divine revelation, science, cosmology, fulfilled prophecy, evidence for the Bible outside of the Bible, God’s work in people’s lives, etc.)

[girlbloggercher]

how to read the Bible

this is in order!

1. John

2. Mark

3. Matthew

4. Luke

5. Genesis

6. Exodus

7. Leviticus

8. Numbers

9. Dueteronomy

10. Romans

11. Galatians

12. Colossians

13. Proverbs

14. Ecclesiastes

15. Job

16. 1 Peter

17. 1 Corinthians

18. 2 Corinthians

19. Ephesians

20. Philippians

21. 1 Thessalonians

22. 2 Thessalonians

23. 1 Timothy

24. 2 Timothy

25. James

26. 2 Peter

27. 1 John

28. 2 John

29. 3 John

30. Jude

31. Psalms

32. Joshua

33. Judges

34. 1 Samuel

35. 2 Samuel

36. 1 Kings

37. 2 Kings

38. 1 Chronicles

39. 2 Chronicles

40. Ezra

41. Nehemiah

42. Jeremiah

43. Lamentations

44. Ezekiel

45. Joel

46. Amos

47. Obadiah

48. Nahum

49. Habakkuk

50. Zephaniah

51. Haggai

52. Zechariah

53. Malachi

54. Micah

55. Hosea

56. Luke

57. Esther

58. Jonah

59. Song of Solomon

60. Acts

61. Titus

62. Philemon

63. Hebrew

64. Isaiah

65. Daniel

66. Revelation

[blushcoloreddreams]

Verse recs for combating lust?

1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

1 Corinthians 6:18 in the Bible says, "Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body

1 John 2:16 "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world."

Romans 13:14 "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof."

James 1:14-15 "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."

Galatians 5:16 "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh."

Romans 8:6 "For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace

Matthew 5:28 "But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart

1 Peter 5:7-8 "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour"

Hebrews 13:4 “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral

Proverbs 6: 25-26 “Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes. For by means of a harlot a man is reduced to a piece of bread, and the adulteress will prey upon his precious life”

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Balaam, the Donkey, and the Angel

21 So in the morning Balaam got up, saddled his donkey, and went with the princes of Moab.

22 Then God’s anger was kindled because Balaam was going along, and the angelb of the LORD stood in the road to oppose him. Balaam was riding his donkey, and his two servants were with him.

23 When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand, she turned off the path and went into a field. So Balaam beat her to return her to the path.

24 Then the angel of the LORD stood in a narrow passage between two vineyards, with walls on either side. 25 And the donkey saw the angel of the LORD and pressed herself against the wall, crushing Balaam’s foot against it. So he beat her once again.

26 And the angel of the LORD moved on ahead and stood in a narrow place where there was no room to turn to the right or left. 27 When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she lay down under Balaam, and he became furious and beat her with his staff.

28 Then the LORD opened the donkey’s mouth, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you that you have beaten me these three times?”

29 Balaam answered the donkey, “You have made a fool of me! If I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you right now!”

30 But the donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not the donkey you have ridden all your life until today? Have I ever treated you this way before?”

“No,” he replied.

31 Then the LORD opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand. And Balaam bowed low and fell facedown.

32 The angel of the LORD asked him, “Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to oppose you, because your way is perversec before me. 33 The donkey saw me and turned away from me these three times. If she had not turned away, then by now I would surely have killed you and let her live.”

34 “I have sinned,” Balaam said to the angel of the LORD, “for I did not realize that you were standing in the road to confront me. And now, if this is displeasing in your sight, I will go back home.”

35 But the angel of the LORD said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but you are to speak only what I tell you.” So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.

36 When Balak heard that Balaam was coming, he went out to meet him at the Moabite city on the Arnon border, at the edge of his territory. 37 And he said to Balaam, “Did I not send you an urgent summons? Why did you not come to me? Am I really not able to richly reward you?”

38 “See, I have come to you,” Balaam replied, “but can I say just anything? I must speak only the word that God puts in my mouth.”

39 So Balaam accompanied Balak, and they came to Kiriath-huzoth. — Numbers 22:21-39 | Majority Standard Bible (MSB) The Holy Bible, Majority Standard Bible is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God’s Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Cross References: Genesis 21:19; Exodus 4:24; Exodus 23:20; Numbers 14:40; Numbers 21:13; Numbers 22:40; Joshua 5:13; 1 Samuel 15:24; 2 Chronicles 18:13; Proverbs 12:10; Isaiah 16:12; Matthew 15:19; James 1:19; 2 Peter 2:15-16

Read full chapter

Story of Balaam - Prophet and Talking Donkey in the Bible?

[gabebrodudeman]

"we worship God from a place, not for a place" this quote (I heard in a devotional this morning) goes hard because I don't worship God in the hopes I can earn a place in heaven, I worship him because he promised me a seat in heaven.

Romans 3:20 NLT

[20] For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are.

Romans 3:23-25 NLT

[23] For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. [24] Yet God, in his grace, freely (Isaiah 55:1)makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. [25] For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past,

Over and over God tells us the same thing:

"do not be afraid," and "have faith."

Too often in this beautiful weird little app I see too many people getting caught up in the wrong and irrelevant details (Luke 10:38-42, Matthew 11:15).

Luke 10:25-37 NLT

[25] One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?” [26] Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?” [27] The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself(Proverbs 19:8).’” [28] “Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this and you will live!” [29] The man wanted to justify his actions (Genesis 4:9), so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” [30] Jesus replied with a story: “A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road. [31] “By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. [32] A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side. [33] “Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. [34] Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. [35] The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’ [36] “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked. [37] The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.”

This. This right here is why Jesus hated the Pharisees so much. Because they couldn't understand this, this important but basic commandment. Compassion (Luke 11:46).

Let me put it this way, a person shouldn't be telling you what you should be doing, but instead Jesus should be speaking to you through that person (Matthew 12:33), this is why Proverbs encourages advice and council but in the same breathe God warns you to be careful of who you take that advice from because people are human and only those who have Christ in them are to be trusted.

[fierysword]

[Sophia] is mother, wife, lover, beloved, virgin, and bride (cf. Job 28; Proverbs 1-9; Sir 24:1-2; Wis 7:21-26). Sometimes it is said that she is now hidden and unapproachable (Job 28:13; Sir 1:20-32); in other texts (Wis 7:24-27; Sir 1:10, 15; 6:20-22) she can be found by those who seek her and who are among the elect.

Wisdom Has Built Her House: Studies on the Figure of Sophia in the Bible by Silvia Schroer

[thejokerismybf]

When you said Harley Quinn is the Proverbs 31 woman if you squint hard enough what did you even mean

What did I mean??? I meant Harley Quinn is Proverbs 31 if you swapped the linen for latex and the merchant ships for a getaway car.

"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come." (Prov. 31:25) Have you SEEN her in a crop top holding a mallet?? That’s strength. That’s dignity. That’s canon. The laughing at days to come? That's harley's WHOLE character, pookie.

"She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks." (Prov. 31:17) Once again, mallet. Need I say more?

"She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue." (Prov. 31:26) She has a PhD in psychology, survived dating the literal embodiment of chaos, and still knows how to serve a look and a diagnosis. That’s strength and discernment.

“Her children arise and call her blessed...” (Proverbs 31:28) In this case, “children” = her little army of chaotic girlies. They arise. They bless. They serve looks. ALSO her hyenas.

Is she a mess? Yes. Is she morally complex? Sure. But Proverbs 31 never said anything about being boring.

Do I have to clarify more, or did I paint the picture alright?

[scribeforchrist-blog]

Burnout Season

MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK

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+ Proverbs 3:26 For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught

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VERSE OF THE DAY

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+ Hebrews 10:39 But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones whose souls will be saved.

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** SAY THIS BEFORE YOU READ; HERE’S SOME CHRISTIAN TRUTHS **

I AM NOT BURNT OUT

I AM DOING IT IN HIS STRENGTH

I AM STRONGER

I AM FREE

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READ TIME:7 Minutes & 28 Seconds

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THOUGHTS:

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 What does faithful mean to you? I can say faithful means loyal, dependable, and consistent. That’s what that means to me when I hear the word faithful. I used to diet a lot, and I would eat everything healthy. I would hardly eat any chocolate things of that nature because I had a goal in mind, so I would go to the gym, workout 6 days a week, strength train, and meal prep I did It all I wanted to lose a bunch of weight, but as I got burnt out, I would slowly eat things I shouldn’t , like ice cream and other things, and I started going to the gym less, so I became not so inconsistent but slowly lost the love I had for dieting and the drive because I did it for so long, I got burnt out.

  This is just like our spiritual life when we read our word and pray. We do things we should do to maintain our spiritual growth, and we learn to stay faithful. We learn that, that’s what we must do to stay faithful. We must push through the hard times and not get burned out, but sometimes, even in this, we get burned out because we don’t allow ourselves to do this in his strength; we do it in our strength, and that’s what causes us to burn out, we become less consistent, and we become less driven to stay in the fight. Still, God wants us to know that we must remain faithful and consistent, and no matter if we don’t, he will always be dependable because that’s who he is in our lives.

 1 John 5:5 Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

 We can overcome burnout and what's happening because we believe in Jesus. Many of us lose hope because we see what this world has, but they don’t have anything on us. They might seem to have the upper hand right now and seem like they are winning, but they aren’t. But we must stay faithful regardless of what's happening around us.

 Psalm 44:18 Our heart has not turned back, nor have our steps departed from your way;

  David said he hadn’t turned back, nor has he departed; from the ways of God, it is easy to depart from God. It was easy for me to quit my diet and start doing what I wanted to do, but what would’ve been better if I stayed in it and pushed through the tough times and not lose heart? But we must have a want to do this. We must have the drive to want to live for Jesus.

A lot of us don’t want to live for Jesus because we think it's easier doing what we want, but God wants us to know that we must remain faithful we must, push through the hard times, and not falter because we feel we can't make it we have to push through in his strength be accurate with Jesus and say, Jesus, I am failing, Jesus I am having a hard time

   The reason why we are burnt out is because we are do things in our way and our strength; we think because we are so strong, we can do it ourselves; and we are too busy allowing everyone’s opinions to run our lives, we let them say oh you can do this or oh you don’t need anybody, or oh your independent but let me tell you something friends we are weak. We can’t do it on our own; we are not strong enough to do anything by ourselves; the only way to get through prayer without distraction is in his strength; the only way to make it through the day in holiness is through Him , burnout happens when we try to conquer every mountain by ourselves.

  Sometimes, in our burnout, we allow our hearts to turn and our steps to depart his ways. Because we are allowing what we feel to get in the way of having emotions, and to feel isn’t the problem; it’s the way we do it; it’s the way we allow our emotions to run our life, and we don’t allow God to check our emotions they will steer us wrong. Sometimes, the enemy will place situations at our door to get us to acknowledge how we feel , because he wants us to be bitter, filled with rage, and anger, but we can’t allow them to surface, which causes us to steer away.

 The Holy Spirit today is speaking to someone; he’s saying your burnout because you allow the enemy to take over your emotions; your burnout because you're not feeding your spirit man the way you should; he said your burnout because you let situational things to determine your life, he said you should stop and turn around and allow me to your strength you , you need to allow me to be your everything in your time of burnout.

  ***Today we talked about burnout, and a lot of us deal with this and don’t know how to let go of it; some of us deal with it, but we just kind of let it rest in our life, but God wants us to let go of the season we are in he wants us to come back and rest in him a lot of us don’t know how to do that because we have gotten comfortable in our problems we have gotten comfortable in this season we’re in and to get out burnout we must hand everything over to God.

  Proverbs 14:14 The backslider in heart will be filled with the fruit of his ways and a good man will be filled with the fruit of his ways

  We can’t allow our burnout to let us backslide. We can’t allow our burnout to conduct our spiritual life because if we do, we won’t come out of this loop hold until we trust in God; that’s what it boils down to: do you trust in God? Do you allow him to be the conductor of your life? Do you allow him to help you during your rough season? Seasons can come and go, but some seasons stay longer because we don’t know how to move through them. If you feel this, is you, ask God to help you through this season of your life.

©Seer~ Prophetess Lee

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PRAYER

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Heavenly Father, we thank you for today and ask you to give us peace in our lives through this season. Lord, we thank you for everything you have done in our lives and ask you to help us through this season. Lord, give us strength to work through our burnout; we want to do it in your strength, not in ours; lord, we thank you for the fresh anointing and the favor you have given us; in Jesus' Name, Amen

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REFERENCES

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+ Proverbs 1:32 For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them

 

1 Timothy 6:9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction

 

+ John 5:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment but has passed from death to life.

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FURTHER READINGS

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 Proverbs 12

Acts 28

2 Corinthians 13

John 16

Luke 5

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