Tag Archives: Proverbs

Wisdom: Winning With Proverbs

Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance. (Proverbs 1:5 NLT)

Yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. (Proverbs 2:3-5 ESV)

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:6 NASB)

Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. (Proverbs 4:5 KJV)

May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. (Proverbs 5:18 NIV)

My son, obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. (Proverbs 6:20 NLT)

My son, keep my words and treasure up my commandments with you; keep my commandments and live; keep my teachings as the apple of your eye; bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call insight your intimate friend. (Proverbs 7:1-4 ESV)

I love those who love me, And those who diligently seek me will find me. (Proverbs 8:17 NASB)

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. (Proverbs 9:10 KJV)

The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, But violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. (Proverbs 10:11 ASV)

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

Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. (Proverbs 12:25 ESV)

He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction. (Proverbs 13:3 KJV)

Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty! (Proverbs 14:23 NLT)

A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1 NASB)

Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. (Proverbs 16:3-4 KJV)

The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues. (Proverbs 17:27-28 NIV)

It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the righteous of justice. (Proverbs 18:5 ESV)

Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool. (Proverbs 19:1 ESV)

He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips. (Proverbs 20:19 KJV)

He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be answered. (Proverbs 21:13 NASB)

Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people, or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul. (Proverbs 22:24-25 NLT)

Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. (Proverbs 23:4 KJV)

Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers. (Proverbs 24:6 NIV)

It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter. (Proverbs 25:2 NASB)

Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly. (Proverbs 26:11 ESV)

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips. (Proverbs 27:1-2 ESV)

Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all [things]. (Proverbs 28:5 KJV)

Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor. (Proverbs 29:23 NIV)

If you have been a fool by being proud or plotting evil, cover your mouth in shame. (Proverbs 30:32 NLT)

Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, [But] a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. (Proverbs 31:30 NASB)

Conclusion on The Wisdom in Proverbs

May God bless and keep you safe from all harm. May His power and strength keep you on the straight and narrow path because it is only when we follow His path that we encounter true joy, peace, and contentment in our lives.

Think about making a commitment to read the entire Book of Proverbs. Since there are thirty-one chapters in the book, you can finish the entire book in approximately 1 month by reading only one chapter each day.

In this blog, I just shared a “sprinkling of God’s wisdom” with you. Why not get a “downpour of His wisdom” by starting today with a Proverbs reading plan!

God Bless,

GreenePastures.org
GreenePastures.org

Member Inspirational Writers Alive; Bible Gateway Blogger Grid Member


Works Cited

Swindoll, Chuck. (n.d.) Proverbs Overview. Retrieved from HTTP://bereanbibleclass.tv. 8 Jan 2018.


Books by Patti Greene

Answer Me: Developing a Heart for Prayer (A Devotional Prayer Journal) by Patti Greene, click here

Awaken Me: Growing Deeper in Bible Study and Prayer (A Devotional Prayer Journal) by Patti Greene, click here

Anchor Me: Laying a Foundation in Bible Study and Prayer (A Devotional Prayer Journal) by Patti Greene, click here

Qualities of a Bad Leader from Proverbs: Part II

Qualities of a Bad Leader from Proverbs: Part II

[From Email notifications, click the title for best web viewing]

Bad leaders come in many varieties. There are bad military leaders, bad dictators, bad bosses, bad presidents, bad labor leaders, bad church leaders, bad business leaders, bad parents, and more. The Book of Proverbs mentions good (wise) leaders and bad (evil) leaders all throughout the Old and New Testament. If you missed my last blog on the Qualities of a Good Leader from Proverbs, you might want to check out the following blog link.

https://greenepastures.org/2016/06/qualities-good-leader-proverbs.

When my youngest son was in 5th grade, he joined the YMCA’s basketball class. It was his very first encounter with team basketball. He was a novice while some of the other boys were very experienced in the game. I will never forget one Saturday morning game. The two teams were running up and down the court acting as if they were big shot basketball players playing like their win would get them into the Basketball Hall of Fame. [I might mention that my son was skipping up and down the court.] Actually, it was somewhat cute to me. Long story short is that my son just happened to get his hands on the ball during the last few seconds of the game and he dunked it good! His surprise dunk won the game for his team. He was the hero. He got the applause, the high-fives, and the pats on the back.

Then, the fireworks began. There was a more experienced and aggressive fifth grader on the team whose father felt his son should have made the winning dunk. Out in the lobby of the YMCA, this father could be heard hollering and seen hitting his son for not getting the ball away from my son and making the winning points himself. I will never forget the look on that little boy’s face as he was belittled, hit, and humiliated by his own father. The next thing we saw was his father being pushed in the back of a police car in the YMCA parking lot. Someone must have called and reported him. Now, this is a real-life example of a poor leader. Not only did he belittle and embarrass his son, he exhibited jealousy, violence, and arrogance.

Some commentaries call the Old Testament King Ahab one of the most wicked kings Israel ever had. Even God said that King Ahab did more evil than any other king before him. King Ahab was the king of Israel around 869 to 850 BC. While he was an able warrior, he was completely disloyal to God and embraced his wife Jezebel’s paganism. The LORD gave Ahab a chance to redeem himself through the Prophet Elijah, but he refused. His legacy is intermingled with his wicked wife Jezebel, but even his father King Omri taught him to be wicked and as such he is remembered as an evil and corrupt king. In Richard R. Losch’s book All the People in the Bible, Losch describes Ahab as being “one of [Scriptures] more notorious scoundrels.” ¹

Some of the traits Success Magazine mentions about a bad leader in 15 Traits of a Terrible Leader are:

  • Lack of transparency
  • Dismissing ideas others than your own
  • Ego
  • Lack of empathy
  • Poor communication
  • Closed-mindedness
  • Inconsistency, and more. ²

In Biblical history, Herodias, Jehoram of Judah, Abimeleck, Herod, and Judas Iscariot were leaders in the Bible known as bad leaders. In Worst Presidents: Warren Harding (1921-1923) by Jay Tolson, President Warren Harding was mentioned as being one of the worst Presidents of the United States because he was more concerned with his womanizing, poker, golf, and mistress. ³ Even Harding admitted it. He said, “I am not fit for this office and should never have been here.”

I hope the basketball father mentioned at the beginning of this post made a turn-around. Watching ‘bad leadership’ is not a nice scene to witness. Ever!

Qualities of a Bad Leader: Book of Proverbs [Not exhaustive]

God Bless You.

PATTIGREENE.eps-(1

Bible Verses: See above.

Prayer: 

LORD, help me to recognize bad leadership. Let me discern between good and evil. As I evaluate others, let me look for their integrity, character, and their relationship with you. Let me always remember that just because someone is a leader that it does not mean that they are good leaders. O LORD, let me also remember that Scripture commands us to pray for all those in authority over us.


¹ Losch, Richard. All the People in the Bible: An A-Z Guide to the Saints, Scoundrels, And Other Characters in Scripture. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2008.

² “15 Traits of a Terrible Leader.” Success 13 Jan. 2015. Web.

³ Tolson, Jay. “Worst Presidents: Warren Harding (1921-1923). U.S. News and World Reports. 16 Feb. 2007. Web.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version containing the Old and New Testament. Wheaton: Crossway, 2001.


If you liked this article and would like to receive email notifications of new posts or to receive monthly newsletters, please click here and scroll down on www.GreenePastures.org to subscribe. It is an easy way not to miss any posts in your feed! Moreover, I would love seeing you as part of the Greene Pastures Community.

My Books – Available on Amazon or can be ordered at any retail book store.

To order Awaken Me: Growing Deeper in Bible Study and Prayer (A Devotional Prayer Journal) by Patti Greene, click here.

To order Anchor Me: Laying a Foundation in Bible Study and Prayer (A Devotional Prayer Journal) by Patti Greene, click here.

Comments are always welcome. And, I would love to see you subscribe to my blog. To sign up for Newsletter and/or blog, click here.

On my blog, I want to write about topics that serve your needs and about what matters to you. I strive to help you with your needs and interests. Therefore, I am inviting you to share your interests with me so the content I write about will be more relevant to you. Please comment on this blog or email me at Patti@GreenePastures.org for confidentiality.

Blogger Badge - White background 100x100#bgbg2

Qualities of a Good Leader from Proverbs: Part I

Qualities of a Good Leader from Proverbs: Part 1

Most of us have had “leaders.” They come in the form of parents, employers, church leaders, principals, mayors, and presidential leaders. The Book of Proverbs delves into the qualities of good leaders and bad leaders. The Bible mentions good (wise) leaders and bad (evil) leaders all throughout the Old and New Testament.

Today, in all occupations we find leaders from both extremes and some in-between. Just as in the Bible, there are leaders today who are:

  • Good leaders who remain good all their lives;
  • Bad leaders who remain bad all their lives;
  • Bad leaders who turn into good leaders; and
  • Good leaders who turn into bad leaders.

As a point of trivia, it is interesting the House of Israel had more bad kings than the House of Judah. Today, let us look only at the Southern Kingdom of Judah.

The Southern Kingdom consisted of two tribes (Judah and Benjamin). The Kingdom extended in the north as far as Bethel, while in the south it ended in the dry area known as the Negev. Its eastern and western boundaries were the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea. Jerusalem was its capital and it lasted from about 922-586 B.C. ¹

During this period in history, there were eight kings considered good kings and eleven kings considered bad kings in the Southern Kingdom. Out of the eight good kings, two bounced between the two extremes during their lives. King Asa, King Jehoshaphat, King Uzziah, King Jotham, and King Hezekiah, and King Josiah are noted in most commentaries as “good” kings. King Joash and King Amaziah are recognized as kings who did right in their youth, but evil in their old age.

Let us take King Jehoshaphat as an example of a good king. Jehoshaphat ruled the House of Judah between 873-849 BC. He was 25 years old when he became king. He established peace between the Kingdom of Judah and the Kingdom of Israel. He eliminated Baal worship in Judah. He desired the approval of God when attempting to recover Ramoth-gilead from the Syrians. Jehoshaphat had a very successful military career. He encouraged the worship of God and reformed the justice system. He died when he was 60 years old leaving a Kingdom who loved him. ³

Qualities of a Good Leader: Book of Proverbs ²

  • Knows wisdom and instruction [discipline]; Proverbs 1:2
  • Receives instruction in wise dealing in righteousness, justice, and equity; Proverbs 1:3
  • Gives knowledge and discretion to the youth; Proverbs 1:4
  • Listens and increases in learning; Proverbs 1:5
  • Obtains guidance; Proverbs 1:5
  • Fears the Lord; Proverbs 1:7
  • Walks in the way of righteousness; Proverbs 8:20
  • Embraces God’s instructions; Proverbs 8:32-33
  • Walks with integrity; Proverbs 10:9
  • Gives thought to his steps; Proverbs 14:15
  • Acts cautiously and turns away from evil; Proverbs 14:16
  • Their prayers are acceptable to God; Proverbs 15:8
  • Speaks with divine wisdom and never judges unfairly; Proverbs 16:10 (NLT)
  • Commits their work to the LORD; Proverbs 16:13
  • Life shows in their face; Proverbs 16:15
  • Acquires and seeks knowledge; Proverbs 18:15
  • Shifts out the wicked from the good; Proverbs 20:26 AMP
  • Conducts themselves with purity and unrighteousness; Proverbs 21:8
  • Possesses strength and their knowledge enhances their might; Proverbs 24:5
  • Has an abundance of counselors; Proverbs 24.6
  • Leads their land [their territory] towards stability; Proverbs 28:2
  • Understands justice; Proverbs 28:5
  • Builds up their land [their territory/the people]; Proverbs 29:4
  • Knows the rights of the poor; Proverbs 29:7
  • Possesses self-control; Does not listen to lies; Proverbs 29:12a
  • Faithfully judges the poor; Proverbs 29:14
  • Not hasty in words; Proverbs 29:20
  • Does not drink excessively [or at all]; Proverbs 31:4b
  • Judges righteously; defends the rights of the poor and needy; Proverbs 31:9

List is not exhaustive.

Today, as we look at our bosses, our parents, our government leaders, or anyone who has a leadership role over us, look and see how many of the qualities above they possess. While we are all human and not perfect, possessing some of these qualities is a good start to becoming a good leader in whatever field or occupation we find ourselves in today.

Next Week: Qualities of a Bad Leader from Proverbs: Part II

God Bless You.

PATTIGREENE.eps-(1


Bible Verses: See above.

Prayer: 

LORD, help me to be a good leader. Allow me to follow good role models in my life, so I can become a person with integrity and good standing with You and others. My heart’s desire is to become more like you in every situation and circumstance I face.  In Jesus’ Name. Amen.


¹ “The Kings of Judah.” Web. 22 June 2016. <bible-history.com>.

² The Holy Bible: English Standard Version containing the Old and New Testament. Wheaton: Crossway, 2001.

³Losch, Richard R. All the People in the Bible: An A-Z Guide to the Saints, Scoundrels, and Other Characters in Scripture. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 2008.


If you liked this article and would like to receive email notifications of new posts or to receive monthly newsletters, please click here and scroll down on www.GreenePastures.org to subscribe. It is an easy way not to miss any posts in your feed! Moreover, I would love seeing you as part of the Greene Pastures Community.

My Books – Available on Amazon or can be ordered at any retail book store.

To order Awaken Me: Growing Deeper in Bible Study and Prayer (A Devotional Prayer Journal) by Patti Greene, click here.

To order Anchor Me: Laying a Foundation in Bible Study and Prayer (A Devotional Prayer Journal) by Patti Greene, click here.

Anchor Me: Laying a Foundation in Bible Study and Prayer


Comments are always welcome. And, I would love to see you subscribe to my blog. To sign up for Newsletter and/or blog, click here.

On my blog, I want to write about topics that serve your needs and about what matters to you. I strive to help you with your needs and interests. Therefore, I am inviting you to share your interests with me so the content I write about will be more relevant to you. Please comment on this blog or email me at pattilondagreene@gmail.com for confidentiality.

Blogger Badge - White background 100x100#bgbg2

Surprising Proverbs

[From Email notifications, click the title for best web viewing]

 Surprising Proverbs

As a teenager, I had a healthy, holy regard for the Bible from afar. But, once I began to read the Bible at the age of 16 years old, I was awed that this HOLY BOOK contained some of the funniest and most profound things I had ever seen. One of the funniest proverbs I read as a new believer was about how it was better to live in the corner of an attic than with a crabby woman in lovely home. [Proverbs 21:9] I pictured my future husband hanging out in an attic because he couldn’t stand to be around me. Of course, it was funny because I wasn’t married at the time. Then, I read about a dog who returns to his vomit, just like a fool repeats his folly. [Proverbs 16:31] Finally, I read about how white hair is a crown of glory and is seen most among the godly. [Proverbs 26:11] — It made me think of my Grammy! Once I read verses like those, I was hooked into reading more of these surprising Proverbs. Believe it or not, those verses were what God used to get me interested in reading more of the Bible!

I love the word “PITHY.” My definition of a proverb is, “a brief, pithy statement voicing a wise truth regarding how we should live or how we should not live.”

The Book of Proverbs is an Old Testament book. Many of the proverbs come from King Solomon who spoke these words in the 10 century B.C. Solomon’s 3,000 wise sayings and 1,005 contains wisdom sayings for everyone — from the very young to the aged. God wants to instruct us on how to be a better person. He does this through this little instruction book by discussing the fear of God, reckoning, human speech, human sexuality, and more.

‘The purposes of the book of Proverbs are stated in the prologue to the wisdom collections in Proverbs 1:2-7.” They include:

  • Know wisdom and instruction
  • To receive teaching in wise dealing, righteousness, justice, and equity
  • To help the simple gain prudence and the youth to gain knowledge and discretion
  • To increase learning and to acquire skill in understanding
  • To understand proverbs, parables, wise sayings, and riddles, and
  • To learn the fear of the Lord.¹

I can’t help but encourage all of you to read this awesome book. Reading the Book of Proverbs will make you laugh, cry, inspire, and convict you. Today, let’s look at one proverb or phrase from each of the 31 chapters of Proverbs. Hopefully, these will excite and motivate you to read the entire chapter. Determine to read one chapter of Proverbs each day for a month. What a wonderful way to study this outstanding book. And, for all you women reading this blog, check out Proverbs 31 – It’s written just for you!!!

Surprising Proverbs: Verses from The Living Bible

Proverbs 1:7-9 How does a man become wise? The first step is to trust and reverence the Lord! Only fools refuse to be taught. Listen to your father and mother. What you learn from them will stand you in good stead; it will gain you many honors.

Proverbs  2:1-5 Every young man who listens to me and obeys my instructions will be given wisdom and good sense. Yes, if you want better insight and discernment, and are searching for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure, then wisdom will be given you and knowledge of God himself; you will soon learn the importance of reverence for the Lord and of trusting him.

Proverbs 3:5-6 If you want favor with both God and man, and a reputation for good judgment and common sense, then trust the Lord completely; don’t ever trust yourself. In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success.

Proverbs 4:24 Spurn the careless kiss of a prostitute. Stay far from her.

Proverbs 5:18 Be happy, yes, rejoice in the wife of your youth.

Proverbs 6:10-11 “Let me sleep a little longer!” Sure, just a little more!  And as you sleep, poverty creeps upon you like a robber and destroys you; want attacks you in full armor.

Proverbs 7:1-3 Follow my advice, my son; always keep it in mind and stick to it. Obey me and live! Guard my words as your most precious possession. Write them down, and also keep them deep within your heart.

Proverbs 8:33-34 “Listen to my counsel—oh, don’t refuse it—and be wise. Happy is the man who is so anxious to be with me that he watches for me daily at my gates, or waits for me outside my home!

Proverbs 9:6 Leave behind your foolishness and begin to live; learn how to be wise.

Proverbs 10:4 Lazy men are soon poor; hard workers get rich.

Proverbs 11:13 A gossip goes around spreading rumors, while a trustworthy man tries to quiet them.

Proverbs 12:20 Deceit fills hearts that are plotting for evil; joy fills hearts that are planning for good!

Proverbs 13:11 Wealth from gambling quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows.

Proverbs 14:17 A short-tempered man is a fool. He hates the man who is patient.

Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words cause quarrels.

Proverbs 16:3-4 Commit your work to the Lord, then it will succeed. The Lord has made everything for his own purposes—even the wicked for punishment.

Proverbs 17:27-28 The man of few words and settled mind is wise; therefore, even a fool is thought to be wise when he is silent. It pays him to keep his mouth shut.

Proverbs 18:17 Any story sounds true until someone tells the other side and sets the record straight.

Proverbs 19:21 Man proposes, but God disposes.

Proverbs 20:13 If you love sleep, you will end in poverty. Stay awake, work hard, and there will be plenty to eat!

Proverbs 21:14 An angry man is silenced by giving him a gift!

Proverbs 22:1 If you must choose, take a good name rather than great riches; for to be held in loving esteem is better than silver and gold.

Proverbs 23:22 Listen to your father’s advice and don’t despise an old mother’s experience.

Proverbs 24:17-18 Do not rejoice when your enemy meets trouble. Let there be no gladness when he falls— for the Lord may be displeased with you and stop punishing him!

Proverbs 25:2 It is God’s privilege to conceal things, and the king’s privilege to discover and invent. You cannot understand the height of heaven, the size of the earth, or all that goes on in the king’s mind!

Proverbs 26:17 Yanking a dog’s ears is no more foolish than interfering in an argument that isn’t any of your business.

Proverbs 27:1-2 Don’t brag about your plans for tomorrow—wait and see what happens. Don’t praise yourself; let others do it!

Proverbs 28:5 Evil men don’t understand the importance of justice, but those who follow the Lord are much concerned about it.

Proverbs 29:20 There is more hope for a fool than for a man of quick temper.

Proverbs 30:5-6 Every word of God proves true. He defends all who come to him for protection. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you, and you be found a liar.

Proverbs 31:10-12 If you can find a truly good wife, she is worth more than precious gems! Her husband can trust her, and she will richly satisfy his needs. 12 She will not hinder him but help him all her life.

I hope you enjoyed this little trip through the Proverbs.

If you have a favorite proverb, I would love to hear it in the comment section!

God Bless.

PATTIGREENE.eps-(1png-300x9

Bible Verses:

See above.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, I want to be a wise person. Please show me what I need to do and what I need to learn to be more like you. Help me to read through your Holy Scriptures with an understanding given from the Holy Spirit. I need you in my life and I need to be constantly close to you. Give me power to be committed in Bible study and prayer. If I don’t have you by my side, my life will spiral out of control and I don’t want that. Thank you for who you are and how you are going to lead my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.


To receive email notifications of new posts or to receive monthly newsletters, please subscribe at www.GreenePastures.org

Web Page: www.PattiGreene.com

To order Awaken Me: Growing Deeper in Bible Study and Prayer (A Devotional Prayer Journal) by Patti Greene, click here.

To order Anchor Me: Laying a Foundation in Bible Study and Prayer (A Devotional Prayer Journal) by Patti Greene, click here.

Awaken Me and Anchor Me (1)


Comments are always welcome. And, I would love to see you subscribe to my blog. To sign up for Newsletter and/or blog, click here.

Blogger Badge - White background 100x100#BGBG2

¹ Hill, Andrew and John H. Walton. A Survey of the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Zondervan. 2000.