There is so much in this chapter. As soon as I read it, I had to read it again, and then read the study notes in the margin of my Bible. This little chapter is packed full of powerful tidbits of information for daily living and how to just simply conduct ourselves like adults in the fear of The Lord and with Love for others. If there is one thing for sure the Bible teaches us, is that as far back as forever, folks didn’t know how to act and some of us still don’t … or we often forget in heat of a moment when it’s all to easy to just let emotions take over. Just like most things, so much of what I read in this chapter comes down to the very basics of living a Godly life.
I think many of the things in this chapter spoke so clearly to my heart because they are things that I have been reminded of lately. Some of them I almost feel like I had to relearn. But, when I take a moment to think about that statement in itself, did I really have to relearn them? I guess maybe that really wasn’t the thing, right? Of course it wasn’t. It’s so easy to let life, people, feelings, emotions, the ‘what if’s’ of all the scenarios, and other people all influence us and how we think and feel and conduct ourselves.
For me, this chapter imparts wisdom on how we can conduct ourselves in a manner that is representing ourselves well, honoring to God, and that at the same time sets the stage for the best outcome when interacting with others. To me, there is so much in this chapter, it’s exciting to me and I actually have a smile on my face while I am writing this, I am hoping the smile is coming through the pages. LOL.. when I can so clearly see the dots being connected together to paint a gorgeous picture that of course makes perfect sense, it is exciting to me!! If I am being honest, there is almost so much in here that it is overwhelming to me.
The first two verses, for example, they tells us how to handle difficult conversations and how to deescalate a situation with someone. Moderating or controlling our emotions and tailoring our words appropriately helps others listen to what we are saying and potentially have a different reaction based on how we handle our side of the conversation. That is genius! And it does really work. I used it just this week!! Someone approached me in conversation and they were gruff and ready to tell me how I was wrong and here is what was going to be and next and next, etc. Instead of spouting off back to this person with attitude, I listened, asked a couple questions, and calmly explained that this person and I were not disagreeing. The conversation deescalated instead of escalating based off of my response. Making the choice to observe self control instead of giving attitude, just helped me in the long run.
Verse 13, What and how people feel affects how they present themselves. I know this one is true first hand. For most of us, our feelings pour out of us whether we realize it or not. Whether we are trying to hide it or not… some of us are better actors than others but I would guess that a majority of us, exude our feelings in how we present ourselves, how we conduct ourselves, how we interact with others.
Verse 14. Whether we enjoy knowledge or ‘trash’ is a very good indication of where we are in life. Being self aware of this is good for personal growth. If I am always worried about the latest gossip and what is going on with the person across from me, then how can I have time to make sure I am doing what I need to be doing to be a better me today than I was yesterday.
Verse 18. Again with controlling our emotions. My thoughts are the ability to control our emotions show maturity. Soundness. Confidence. Love. Wisdom.
Verse 28. Again, self control of emotions and words. The verse says ‘The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evIl words.‘
Words can hurt so very deeply when we are not careful with them. Words can never be taken back and are rarely forgotten even when we try to forgive because we know that we need to do that for our own peace.
Verse 33 says ‘Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.‘ The study notes on this verse are: ‘Fear of the Lord fosters humility because proper regard for God counteracts our delusions of self-sufficiency. ‘ For me, this says that fearing the Lord keeps me humble with an understanding that I am who I am because of the Lord. Period.
I think that is important to remember for ourselves but I also think that it’s important to remember about other people as well.
We are all loved by God. We are all precious in His sight. We are all who we are because of God. Could we be a little kinder to one another if we remembered that Jesus loves the person we are looking at just as much as He loves the person in the mirror? Could that help with us treating others kinder and gentler. Could that help with some of the self control things described in this chapter? Just a thought to ponder over… I think yes. Something for all of use to think about.
Much Love ♥️
Michelle
Proverbs 15 New Living Translation
1 A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. 2 The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness. 3 The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good. 4 Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. 5 Only a fool despises a parent’s[a]discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise. 6 There is treasure in the house of the godly, but the earnings of the wicked bring trouble. 7 The lips of the wise give good advice; the heart of a fool has none to give. 8 The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but he delights in the prayers of the upright. 9 The Lord detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue godliness. 10 Whoever abandons the right path will be severely disciplined; whoever hates correction will die. 11 Even Death and Destruction[b] hold no secrets from the Lord. How much more does he know the human heart! 12 Mockers hate to be corrected, so they stay away from the wise. 13 A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit. 14 A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash. 15 For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast. 16 Better to have little, with fear for the Lord, than to have great treasure and inner turmoil. 17 A bowl of vegetables with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate. 18 A hot-tempered person starts fights; a cool-tempered person stops them. 19 A lazy person’s way is blocked with briers, but the path of the upright is an open highway. 20 Sensible children bring joy to their father; foolish children despise their mother. 21 Foolishness brings joy to those with no sense; a sensible person stays on the right path. 22 Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success. 23 Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time! 24 The path of life leads upward for the wise; they leave the grave[c] behind. 25 The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but he protects the property of widows. 26 The Lord detests evil plans, but he delights in pure words. 27 Greed brings grief to the whole family, but those who hate bribes will live. 28 The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words. 29 The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayers of the righteous. 30 A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health. 31 If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. 32 If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding. 33 Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.
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