Proverbs Blog-Along: Day 18

Ooops, I stopped again. I'm soooooooooooooooo sorry. I made a mental note every day until today, but decided to just do it today, instead of thinking about it only. So where were we? Chapter 17 was the last post in the series. I meant to do Days 18 to 20, but this turned into a longer post than I planned.

DAY 18

1It's selfish and stupid to think only of yourself (CEV)

In light of the recent Ebola outbreak across West Africa, I'm using the first part of verse 1 to ask why anyone who knowingly has the disease or has come in contact with someone with the disease refuses to report themselves to the authorities or be quarantined. I hear someone in Lagos who was at risk of having ebola refused to be quarantined, and now she actually has the disease!!!! She has family members who are now at risk! Is it fair?!?!?! People, DO NOT BE SELFISH!!!

10The name of the lord is a strong fortress;

the godly run to him and are safe.

I only picked out this verse because of the song... "The name of the Lord is, a strong tower, the righteous run into it, and they are saaaaaafe." I like running into (no pun intended) verses that are the basis for Christian songs. :)

11The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense;

they imagine it to be a high wall of safety.

Let me not even lie, I feel more comfortable when there's a certain level of money available to me (which is relative because I'm sure some people consider me poor, whereas other consider me rich - haha, yeah right). The point is, when my account drops below a certain balance, I start to panic like the world is about to fall out of the sky. SO WRONG!!!

13Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.

13 It's stupid and embarrassing to give an answer before you listen. (CEV)

I decided to quote from 2 versions because it gives a more weighty message. How many times have you started talking and arguing and jumping to conclusions before you've even gotten the full story? I know I have! 

16Giving a gift can open doors; it gives access to important people!

I can't help but think of how people who give bribes will now use this verse to their benefit. :(

21The tongue can bring death or life;

Watch what you say. Your words ARE powerful. Sometimes, I even extend it to my thoughts, because before you say it, you've thought it. If you can vanquish negative thoughts towards someone else, then you won't even utter the words. I have to admit that a lot of times sha, I have to ask God for forgiveness from some mean things in my head. 

22The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the lord. (CEV)

22 A man's greatest treasure is his wife - she is a gift from the LORD. 

Cakes quotes this verse (I put 2 versions) and it makes me smile :)

24There are “friends” who destroy each other,

but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.

24Some friends don't help,

but a true friend is closer

than your own family. (CEV)

Isn't this verse so true?!?! When you've found a true friend, you've basically found someone as good as, if not better, than even your own family members. I actually think it's doubly sweeter if/when your family members ARE your friends, e.g. my siblings and parents are among the best friends I could ever have. There's some form of communication EVERY.SINGLE.DAY. I also have other non-family members who are so close, I call them cousins or sisters, because a lot people don't understand why we're that close.

What are your favorite verses from Chapter 18?

Berry.

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