Proverbs

A little over a month ago, I began reading a chapter a day.  This very precious friend of mine pointed out that there are 31 chapters in the book of Proverbs.  If you read the chapter that coincides with the day of the month, you can read it over and over again every month and really study the book in depth.  Now WHY have I never thought of that?!!

The really cool thing for me is that when I typically try to use any type of method with a Bible study or quiet time I will miss a day and then feel like I have to play catch up.  This can sometimes be very discouraging, especially if you miss more than one day.  That is when I typically will just continue to put it off and then end up never getting back into it.  With this method, you just read whatever day it is.  No pressure to catch up, because next month you will be reading it again.  Another great thing is that reading this over and over each month will help me to memorize and more easily recall some of what I am reading.
 
Now do not get me wrong, I know that I need to be reading more than only Proverbs!  This has been a great refreshing new start for me though!  My plan is to slowly start incorporating another book of the Bible in with what I am already doing.  The point is to stick with it and make it a habit!

Today is April 12th, so I read Proverbs 12.  The following is this chapter in the New Living Translation.  I like to get out several different translations and read it several different ways.  I also use biblegateway.com quite often.  It is a really neat website!



"To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction.  The Lord approves of those who are good, but he condemns those who plan wickedness. Wickedness never brings stability, but the godly have deep roots. A worthy wife is a crown for her husband, but a disgraceful woman is like cancer in his bones. The plans of the godly are just; the advice of the wicked is treacherous. The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush, but the words of the godly save lives. The wicked die and disappear, but the family of the godly stands firm. A sensible person wins admiration, but a warped mind is despised. Better to be an ordinary person with a servant than to be self-important but have no food. The godly care for their animals, but the wicked are always cruel. A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies has no sense. Thieves are jealous of each other’s loot, but the godly are well rooted and bear their own fruit. The wicked are trapped by their own words, but the godly escape such trouble. Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards. Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others. A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted. An honest witness tells the truth; a false witness tells lies. Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing. Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed. Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace! No harm comes to the godly, but the wicked have their fill of trouble. The Lord detests lying lips,    but he delights in those who tell the truth. The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge, but fools broadcast their foolishness. Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave. Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray. Lazy people don’t even cook the game they catch, but the diligent make use of everything they find. The way of the godly leads to life; that path does not lead to death."




So here is one more change I am making.  The fact that I am doing one day at a time and one chapter at a time has really helped me to stick with it and stay in the word... HIS WORD.  Hopefully by being more diligent in this, I am not only making an outward change, but an inward change.

Have a wonderful Thursday!