Five and a Half Ways to Recognize a Sluggard (and How to Know if it is You)

Read the article, "Five and a Half Ways to Recognize a Sluggard (and How to Know if it is You)" on my other blog site: www.AbideWithHim.com.

Do You Take Advice Well?

How are you at taking advice?  In preparation for a Bible Study, I looked for all of the verses in Proverbs that say something about taking advice from people.  Take a poke through these... (I included both the New King James and the New Living Translation.  For me, I love reading Proverbs out of these two side by side.)

	The New King James Version	New Living Translation
Proverbs 10:17	He who keeps instruction is in the way of life, But he who refuses correction goes astray.	People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray.
Proverbs 12:15	The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel is wise.	Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.
Proverbs 13:10	By pride comes nothing but strife, But with the well-advised is wisdom.	Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise.
Proverbs 13:13	He who despises the word will be destroyed, But he who fears the commandment will be rewarded.	People who despise advice are asking for trouble; those who respect a command will succeed.
Proverbs 13:14	The law of the wise is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death.	The instruction of the wise is like a life-giving fountain; those who accept it avoid the snares of death.
Proverbs 13:18	Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction, But he who regards a rebuke will be honored.	If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept correction, you will be honored.
Proverbs 15:10	Harsh discipline is for him who forsakes the way, And he who hates correction will die.	Whoever abandons the right path will be severely disciplined; whoever hates correction will die.
Proverbs 15:12	A scoffer does not love one who corrects him, Nor will he go to the wise.	Mockers hate to be corrected, so they stay away from the wise.
Proverbs 15:22	Without counsel, plans go awry, But in the multitude of counselors they are established.	Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.
Proverbs 15:32	He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, But he who heeds rebuke gets understanding.	If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.
Proverbs 18:2	A fool has no delight in understanding, But in expressing his own heart.	Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.
Proverbs 19:20	Listen to counsel and receive instruction, That you may be wise in your latter days.	Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.
Proverbs 19:27	Cease listening to instruction, my son, And you will stray from the words of knowledge.	If you stop listening to instruction, my child, you will turn your back on knowledge.
Proverbs 20:18	Plans are established by counsel; By wise counsel wage war.	Plans succeed through good counsel; don’t go to war without wise advice.
Proverbs 24:5–6	5 A wise man is strong, Yes, a man of knowledge increases strength; 6 For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, And in a multitude of counselors there is safety.	5 The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger. 6 So don’t go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many advisers.
Proverbs 25:11–12	11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver. 12 Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold Is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear.	11 Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket. 12 To one who listens, valid criticism is like a gold earring or other gold jewelry.
Proverbs 27:17	As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.	As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.
Proverbs 29:1	He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.	Whoever stubbornly refuses to accept criticism will suddenly be destroyed beyond recovery.

 Pastor Noel

Proverbs on Parenting

In preparation for my Connect Group this week (we are studying the book of Proverbs), I went through Proverbs and pulled out all of the verses that dealt with parenting in some fashion or another.

Look through this list... How much better off would we all be if this became the guiding influence in how we raised our children?

Pastor Noel

--------------------------

Proverbs on Parenting

Parents Have A Responsibility to Correct their Children

… Proverbs 1:8–9 8 My child, listen when your father corrects you. Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. 9 What you learn from them will crown you with grace and be a chain of honor around your neck.

… Proverbs 13:1 A wise child accepts a parent’s discipline; a mocker refuses to listen to correction.

… Proverbs 13:24 Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.

… Proverbs 15:5 Only a fool despises a parent’s discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise.

… Proverbs 19:18 Discipline your children while there is hope. Otherwise you will ruin their lives.

… Proverbs 22:15 A youngster’s heart is filled with foolishness, but physical discipline will drive it far away.

… Proverbs 23:13–14 13 Don’t fail to discipline your children. They won’t die if you spank them. 14 Physical discipline may well save them from death.

… Proverbs 29:15 To discipline a child produces wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child.

… Proverbs 29:17 Discipline your children, and they will give you peace of mind and will make your heart glad.

Parents Have A Responsibility to Live a Wise Life as an Example

… Proverbs 5:1–2 1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom; listen carefully to my wise counsel. 2 Then you will show discernment, and your lips will express what you’ve learned.

… Proverbs 11:21 Evil people will surely be punished, but the children of the godly will go free.

Parents Have A Responsibility to Teach their Children

… Proverbs 6:20–22 20 My son, obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. 21 Keep their words always in your heart. Tie them around your neck. 22 When you walk, their counsel will lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you. When you wake up, they will advise you.

… Proverbs 22:6 Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.

… Proverbs 31:1 The sayings of King Lemuel contain this message, which his mother taught him.

Proverbs for the Children

… Proverbs 1:8–9 8 My child, listen when your father corrects you. Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. 9 What you learn from them will crown you with grace and be a chain of honor around your neck.

… Proverbs 5:1–2 1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom; listen carefully to my wise counsel. 2 Then you will show discernment, and your lips will express what you’ve learned.

… Proverbs 6:20–22 20 My son, obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. 21 Keep their words always in your heart. Tie them around your neck. 22 When you walk, their counsel will lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you. When you wake up, they will advise you.

… Proverbs 8:32–33 32 “And so, my children, listen to me, for all who follow my ways are joyful. 33 Listen to my instruction and be wise. Don’t ignore it.

… Proverbs 13:1 A wise child accepts a parent’s discipline; a mocker refuses to listen to correction.

… Proverbs 15:5 Only a fool despises a parent’s discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise.

… Proverbs 19:26 Children who mistreat their father or chase away their mother are an embarrassment and a public disgrace.

… Proverbs 23:22 Listen to your father, who gave you life, and don’t despise your mother when she is old.

… Proverbs 23:24 The father of godly children has cause for joy. What a pleasure to have children who are wise.

… Proverbs 23:25 So give your father and mother joy! May she who gave you birth be happy.

… Proverbs 28:24 Anyone who steals from his father and mother and says, “What’s wrong with that?” is no better than a murderer.

… Proverbs 30:17 The eye that mocks a father and despises a mother’s instructions will be plucked out by ravens of the valley and eaten by vultures.

Miscellaneous

… Proverbs 10:1 The proverbs of Solomon: A wise child brings joy to a father; a foolish child brings grief to a mother.

… Proverbs 13:22 Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren, but the sinner’s wealth passes to the godly.

… Proverbs 15:20 Sensible children bring joy to their father; foolish children despise their mother.

... Proverbs 17:6 Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children.

… Proverbs 17:21 It is painful to be the parent of a fool; there is no joy for the father of a rebel.

… Proverbs 17:25 Foolish children bring grief to their father and bitterness to the one who gave them birth.

… Proverbs 19:13 A foolish child is a calamity to a father; a quarrelsome wife is as annoying as constant dripping.

… Proverbs 30:11 Some people curse their father and do not thank their mother.

… Proverbs 31:28 Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her:

Better Living Through The Book of Proverbs

We are quickly approaching time for sign-ups for the next Connect Group Semester. I am really looking forward to this next semester. I have decided to lead a Sunday, 9:30 co-ed group instead of my usual weekday group for men. All total we believe we will have six young co-ed groups meeting in the Sunday, 9:30 slot this go around.

I just put together the description piece for my Connect Group for this next semester. (Catalogs are being printed next week.) Take a look...

.........................

Better Living Through The Book of Proverbs

In this group, we will study the principles taught by the book of Proverbs and learn how those principles can impact and improve our daily lives. So many practical issues are dealt with in Proverbs:

* How To Be a Better Wife
* How To Raise Godly Children
* How To Lower the Stress of Finances
* How To Manage Time and Priorities
* How To Deal with Bad Relationships
* How To Refrain from Sexual Sin
* How To Have Lasting Integrity
* How To Have a Happier Home
* How To Be a Leader
* How To Make Wise Decisions
* How To Be a Better Husband & Dad
* How To Overcome Anger
* How To Always Have Enough Money
* How To Live Without Regret
* And on and on...

We will begin our study by learning about the background and the structure of the book of Proverbs so that we will be well equipped to mine its riches. Then we will begin to study the book for practical application. We will use both teaching and discussion to sort out the meanings because as the book of Proverbs says, "Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established and there you will find safety." (Proverbs 15:22, Proverbs 11:14)

As our book for this group, we will use the Crossway Classic Commentary on Proverbs by Charles Bridges.

This group will be geared to the age range of those with children still in the home.

Pastor Noel

Proverbs on Relationships

I was studying today in preparation for an upcoming series of messages. I was planning on preaching a few messages from the book of Proverbs on relationships among Christians. So I read through the book and tried to categorize all the 'relationship' verses by topic so that I would have a better handle on what Proverbs has to say about the subject. I didn't include verses on family relationships or on sexual relationships because that wasn't my focus (although there are plenty of those verses).

I've decided to go a different direction with my message series, but I thought some people would find this verse list interesting.

Read through these verses or focus on a category that interests you. Remember, though, that as you read them you should think of how they can apply to your own life, not just about how they can apply to people you know :).

Pastor Noel

-----

Accountability to Others / Taking Advice

Proverbs 10:17 NLT People who accept correction are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore it will lead others astray.

Proverbs 12:15 NLT Fools think they need no advice, but the wise listen to others.

Proverbs 13:10 NLT Pride leads to arguments; those who take advice are wise.

Proverbs 13:13 NLT People who despise advice will find themselves in trouble; those who respect it will succeed.

Proverbs 13:14 NLT The advice of the wise is like a life-giving fountain; those who accept it avoid the snares of death.

Proverbs 13:18 NLT If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept criticism, you will be honored.

Proverbs 15:10 NLT Whoever abandons the right path will be severely punished; whoever hates correction will die.

Proverbs 15:12 NLT Mockers don't love those who rebuke them, so they stay away from the wise.

Proverbs 15:22 NLT Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many counselors bring success.

Proverbs 15:31 NLT If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise.

Proverbs 15:32 NLT If you reject criticism, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.

Proverbs 18:2 NLT Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.

Proverbs 19:20 NLT Get all the advice and instruction you can, and be wise the rest of your life.

Proverbs 19:27 NLT If you stop listening to instruction, my child, you have turned your back on knowledge.

Proverbs 20:18 NLT Plans succeed through good counsel; don't go to war without the advice of others.

Proverbs 24:5-6 NLT A wise man is mightier than a strong man, and a man of knowledge is more powerful than a strong man. 6 So don't go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many counselors.

Proverbs 25:11-12 NLT Timely advice is as lovely as golden apples in a silver basket. 12 Valid criticism is as treasured by the one who heeds it as jewelry made from finest gold.

Proverbs 27:17 NLT As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend.

Proverbs 29:1 NLT Whoever stubbornly refuses to accept criticism will suddenly be broken beyond repair.


Admonishing a Fellow Believer

Proverbs 9:8-9 NLT So don't bother rebuking mockers; they will only hate you. But the wise, when rebuked, will love you all the more. 9 Teach the wise, and they will be wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn more.

Proverbs 12:26 NLT The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray.

Proverbs 17:10 NLT A single rebuke does more for a person of understanding than a hundred lashes on the back of a fool.

Proverbs 25:13 NLT Faithful messengers are as refreshing as snow in the heat of summer. They revive the spirit of their employer.

Proverbs 27:9 NLT The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.

Proverbs 27:17 NLT As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend.



Bad Company Corrupts Good Character

Proverbs 1:10-15 NLT My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them! 11 They may say, "Come and join us. Let's hide and kill someone! Let's ambush the innocent! 12 Let's swallow them alive as the grave swallows its victims. Though they are in the prime of life, they will go down into the pit of death. 13 And the loot we'll get! We'll fill our houses with all kinds of things! 14 Come on, throw in your lot with us; we'll split our loot with you." 15 Don't go along with them, my child! Stay far away from their paths.

Proverbs 13:20 NLT Whoever walks with the wise will become wise; whoever walks with fools will suffer harm.

Proverbs 14:7 NLT Stay away from fools, for you won't find knowledge there.

Proverbs 20:19 NLT A gossip tells secrets, so don't hang around with someone who talks too much.

Proverbs 22:24-25 NLT Keep away from angry, short-tempered people, 25 or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul.

Proverbs 23:20-21 NLT Do not carouse with drunkards and gluttons, 21 for they are on their way to poverty. Too much sleep clothes a person with rags.

Proverbs 24:21-22 NLT My child, fear the LORD and the king, and don't associate with rebels. 22 For you will go down with them to sudden disaster. Who knows where the punishment from the LORD and the king will end?


Benefits of Fellowship

Proverbs 13:20 NLT Whoever walks with the wise will become wise; whoever walks with fools will suffer harm.

Proverbs 15:17 NLT A bowl of soup with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate.

Proverbs 18:24 NLT There are "friends" who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.


Careless Speech

Proverbs 11:9 NLT Evil words destroy one's friends; wise discernment rescues the godly.

Proverbs 11:11 NLT Upright citizens bless a city and make it prosper, but the talk of the wicked tears it apart.

Proverbs 11:12 NLT It is foolish to belittle a neighbor; a person with good sense remains silent.

Proverbs 12:18 NLT Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.

Proverbs 13:3 NLT Those who control their tongue will have a long life; a quick retort can ruin everything.

Proverbs 15:28 NLT The godly think before speaking; the wicked spout evil words.

Proverbs 18:7 NLT The mouths of fools are their ruin; their lips get them into trouble.

Proverbs 21:23 NLT If you keep your mouth shut, you will stay out of trouble.

Proverbs 25:18 NLT Telling lies about others is as harmful as hitting them with an ax, wounding them with a sword, or shooting them with a sharp arrow.

Proverbs 26:18-19 NLT Just as damaging as a mad man shooting a lethal weapon 19 is someone who lies to a friend and then says, "I was only joking."

Proverbs 29:20 NLT There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking.


Controlled Temper

Proverbs 12:16 NLT A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.

Proverbs 13:3 NLT Those who control their tongue will have a long life; a quick retort can ruin everything.

Proverbs 13:16 NLT Wise people think before they act; fools don't and even brag about it!

Proverbs 14:17 NLT Those who are short-tempered do foolish things, and schemers are hated.

Proverbs 14:29 NLT Those who control their anger have great understanding; those with a hasty temper will make mistakes.

Proverbs 15:1 NLT A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger.

Proverbs 15:18 NLT A hothead starts fights; a cool-tempered person tries to stop them.

Proverbs 15:28 NLT The godly think before speaking; the wicked spout evil words.

Proverbs 17:27 NLT A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered.

Proverbs 19:11 NLT People with good sense restrain their anger; they earn esteem by overlooking wrongs.

Proverbs 20:22 NLT Don't say, "I will get even for this wrong." Wait for the LORD to handle the matter.

Proverbs 26:4-5 NLT When arguing with fools, don't answer their foolish arguments, or you will become as foolish as they are. 5 When arguing with fools, be sure to answer their foolish arguments, or they will become wise in their own estimation.

Proverbs 29:11 NLT A fool gives full vent to anger, but a wise person quietly holds it back.

Proverbs 29:22 NLT A hot-tempered person starts fights and gets into all kinds of sin.


Criticism

Proverbs 3:30 NLT Don't make accusations against someone who hasn't wronged you.

Proverbs 11:12 NLT It is foolish to belittle a neighbor; a person with good sense remains silent.


Encouragement

Proverbs 12:25 NLT Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.

Proverbs 27:17 NLT As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend.


Fairness

Proverbs 24:23 NLT Here are some further sayings of the wise:It is wrong to show favoritism when passing judgment.


Forgiveness

Proverbs 17:9 NLT Disregarding another person's faults preserves love; telling about them separates close friends.

Proverbs 19:11 NLT People with good sense restrain their anger; they earn esteem by overlooking wrongs.


Friendship

Proverbs 18:24 NLT There are "friends" who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 25:17 NLT Don't visit your neighbors too often, or you will wear out your welcome.

Proverbs 27:10 NLT Never abandon a friend – either yours or your father's. Then in your time of need, you won't have to ask your relatives for assistance. It is better to go to a neighbor than to a relative who lives far away.


Gossip

Proverbs 11:13 NLT A gossip goes around revealing secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.

Proverbs 16:28 NLT A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends.

Proverbs 17:9 NLT Disregarding another person's faults preserves love; telling about them separates close friends.

Proverbs 18:8 NLT What dainty morsels rumors are – but they sink deep into one's heart.

Proverbs 20:19 NLT A gossip tells secrets, so don't hang around with someone who talks too much.

Proverbs 25:23 NLT As surely as a wind from the north brings rain, so a gossiping tongue causes anger!

Proverbs 26:20 NLT Fire goes out for lack of fuel, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops.


Healing Speech

Proverbs 12:18 NLT Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.

Proverbs 12:25 NLT Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.

Proverbs 15:1 NLT A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger.

Proverbs 20:15 NLT Wise speech is rarer and more valuable than gold and rubies.

Proverbs 25:15 NLT Patience can persuade a prince, and soft speech can crush strong opposition.

Proverbs 27:9 NLT The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.


Kindness

Proverbs 3:3-4 NLT Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace; write them deep within your heart. 4 Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation.

Proverbs 3:27-28 NLT Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it's in your power to help them. 28 If you can help your neighbor now, don't say, "Come back tomorrow, and then I'll help you."

Proverbs 11:17 NLT Your own soul is nourished when you are kind, but you destroy yourself when you are cruel.

Proverbs 11:25 NLT The generous prosper and are satisfied; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.

Proverbs 14:21 NLT It is sin to despise one's neighbors; blessed are those who help the poor.

Proverbs 15:1 NLT A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger.

Proverbs 17:17 NLT A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.


Loyalty

Proverbs 3:3-4 NLT Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace; write them deep within your heart. 4 Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation.

Proverbs 17:17 NLT A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.

Proverbs 19:22 NLT Loyalty makes a person attractive. And it is better to be poor than dishonest.

Proverbs 20:6 NLT Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is really faithful?

Proverbs 27:10 NLT Never abandon a friend – either yours or your father's. Then in your time of need, you won't have to ask your relatives for assistance. It is better to go to a neighbor than to a relative who lives far away.


Reconciling Broken Relationships

Proverbs 18:19 NLT It's harder to make amends with an offended friend than to capture a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with iron bars.


Sowing Discord / Arguing

Proverbs 6:16, 19b NLT There are six things the LORD hates – no, seven things he detests: ... a person who sows discord among brothers.

Proverbs 17:14 NLT Beginning a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.

Proverbs 17:19 NLT Anyone who loves to quarrel loves sin; anyone who speaks boastfully invites disaster.

Proverbs 18:6 NLT Fools get into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating.

Proverbs 18:19 NLT It's harder to make amends with an offended friend than to capture a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with iron bars.

Proverbs 20:3 NLT Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.

Proverbs 22:10 NLT Throw out the mocker, and fighting, quarrels, and insults will disappear.

Proverbs 22:24-25 NLT Keep away from angry, short-tempered people, 25 or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul.

Proverbs 26:17 NLT Yanking a dog's ears is as foolish as interfering in someone else's argument.

Proverbs 26:21 NLT A quarrelsome person starts fights as easily as hot embers light charcoal or fire lights wood.