Jo’s Place

Proverbs 3 part 2 Wisdom is a tree of life, to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly. By wisdom the Lord founded the earth; by understanding he created the heavens. By his knowledge, the deep fountains of the earth burst forth, and the dew settles beneath the night sky. My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, because they will refresh your soul. They are like jewels on a necklace. They keep you safe on your way, and your feet will not stumble. You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly. You need not be afraid of sudden disaster… nor the destruction that comes upon the wicked, because the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap. Do not withhold good from those who deserve it… when it’s in your power to help them. If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say, “Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.” Don’t plot harm against your neighbor, because those who live nearby...

Proverbs 3 part 1 Trusting in the Lord My child,* never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, …and your life will be satisfying. Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck, as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, …and you will earn a good reputation. 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. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body, and strength for your bones. Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything that you produce. Then, He will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine. My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. For the Lord corr...

Proverbs 2 The Benefits of Wisdom  My child,* listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them, as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then, you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield, to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. Then, you will understand what is right, just, and fair, …and you will find the right way to go. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. Wisdom will save you from evil people, from those whose words are twisted. These men turn from the right way, to walk down dark paths...

1300 - Proverbs 1 part 2 Wisdom shouts in the streets. She cries out in the public square. She calls to the crowds along the main street, to those gathered in front of the city gate: “How long, you simpletons, will you insist on being simple-minded? How long will you mockers relish your mocking? How long will you fools hate knowledge? Come and listen to my counsel. I’ll share my heart with you and make you wise. “I called you so often, but you wouldn’t come. I reached out to you, but you paid no attention. You ignored my advice and rejected the correction I offered. So I will laugh when you are in trouble! I will mock you when disaster overtakes you—when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster engulfs you like a cyclone, and anguish and distress overwhelm you. “When they cry for help, I will not answer. Though they anxiously search for me, they will not find me. For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the Lord. They rejected my advice and paid no attention, when I cor...