Proverbs 15
1 Have you ever expressed angst when a matter made you mad?
You felt your spirit sadly tank knowing that you have been had.
2 O how we need to control the tongue using it for gain,
An unruly tongue can come undone inflicting heartache and pain.
4 A healing tongue will bring life; that’s how it should be used,
But it is a fire of evil and strife when allowed to lie and accuse.
9 The Lord is not pleased with wicked men who love to scheme and plot.
10 Rejecting correction again and again, punishment is their lot.
13 A joyful heart makes your face bright, but sadness crushes the soul.
If you make God your daily delight, He will keep you whole.
15 All the days of those oppressed are wretched as can be.
Better to be by God possessed—on that we all agree.
16 I may not have much in worldly wealth, but treasure in heaven awaits.
Riches are mine and eternal health the moment I enter His gates.
25 The Lord tears down the house of the proud, the widow He protects.
To abuse the widow is disallowed if ever you would be blessed.
31 Listen, my friend, with a humble heart to thoughts that are well advised.
It will give you a blessed head start on the journey to become wise.
32 If you reject God’s discipline, you only harm yourself.
Failing to surrender to Him will put you aside on the shelf.
33 Reverence for God is an apt beginning, for it will make you strong
Granting power to stop the sinning; forgive you for all past wrongs.
Humility comes before honor bestowed, obedience before the glory.
O God, through me let your Spirit flow. May that be my earthly story.
© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
The Way of the Fool
Proverbs 14
1 She who is wise builds her home with truth and love as her stand.
The foolish woman is sadly prone to destroy it by her own hand.
4 Without oxen the stable is clean, but it’s tragic to say the least.
Without an ox to turn the soil there is no food or feast.
7 Stay away from fools, my friend; receive this very wise tip,
You will see clearly in the end stupidity flows from his lips.
8 The prudent person plans ahead. He knows what he has to do.
The fool needs others to be fed; he doesn’t think things through.
9 The sinner shrugs off the guilt within; there is no transformation.
Godly people acknowledge their sin; seek reconciliation.
12 There is a way that seems right to a man but ends in terrible death.
I will be thankful for God’s plan when I draw my final breath.
14 Both backslider and the good man will get what they deserve
So I will seek out God’s game plan as recorded in His Word.
15 Naïve fools believe what they hear. The discerning man thinks it through.
Since he is known by his peers, he bids each fool adieu.
16 A hot-headed man is foolish indeed. No one respects a schemer.
Remove yourself with lightning speed from silly intemperate dreamers.
21 He who despises his neighbor sins, but he who is kind is blessed.
Generously pour out your love and favor. You will enjoy sweet rest.
23 Earnest hard work produces great gain, but fools are known by their talk.
The diligent rise to a higher plane while others complain and gawk.
30 A heart at peace gives life and health but jealousy rots the bones.
Give me honor instead of wealth; then take me to heaven’s home.
34 Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a great disgrace.
God help us see our awful estate. O call us to seek Your face.
© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
1 She who is wise builds her home with truth and love as her stand.
The foolish woman is sadly prone to destroy it by her own hand.
4 Without oxen the stable is clean, but it’s tragic to say the least.
Without an ox to turn the soil there is no food or feast.
7 Stay away from fools, my friend; receive this very wise tip,
You will see clearly in the end stupidity flows from his lips.
8 The prudent person plans ahead. He knows what he has to do.
The fool needs others to be fed; he doesn’t think things through.
9 The sinner shrugs off the guilt within; there is no transformation.
Godly people acknowledge their sin; seek reconciliation.
12 There is a way that seems right to a man but ends in terrible death.
I will be thankful for God’s plan when I draw my final breath.
14 Both backslider and the good man will get what they deserve
So I will seek out God’s game plan as recorded in His Word.
15 Naïve fools believe what they hear. The discerning man thinks it through.
Since he is known by his peers, he bids each fool adieu.
16 A hot-headed man is foolish indeed. No one respects a schemer.
Remove yourself with lightning speed from silly intemperate dreamers.
21 He who despises his neighbor sins, but he who is kind is blessed.
Generously pour out your love and favor. You will enjoy sweet rest.
23 Earnest hard work produces great gain, but fools are known by their talk.
The diligent rise to a higher plane while others complain and gawk.
30 A heart at peace gives life and health but jealousy rots the bones.
Give me honor instead of wealth; then take me to heaven’s home.
34 Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a great disgrace.
God help us see our awful estate. O call us to seek Your face.
© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Monday, November 8, 2010
Pithy Proverbs for Personal Practice
Proverbs 13
1A wise son heeds his father’s instruction. The scoffer never learns.
He is headed for self destruction, a matter of grave concern.
3If you learn to guard your tongue, you will improve your life.
Hasty words carelessly flung are followed by anger and strife.
4The sluggard craves material treasure, yet he ends up poor.
He who places work before pleasure will be blessed and secure.
5Godliness guards the righteous man because he loves God’s Word.
Those who are evil scoff at this plan; their selfishness is preferred.
9A godly life is like a bright lamp reflecting heaven’s pure light.
The evil man will find himself camped in eternity’s darkest night.
11Stay away from get-rich schemes; your money will fade away.
Make saving your prudent money theme and you will win the day.
12Hope deferred makes a heart sick so put action to your dreams.
A house is built brick upon brick until the dream you redeem.
15Common sense will guide a man with careful, constructive deduction.
The impulsive man without a plan is headed for certain destruction.
18He who refuses sage direction inherits only disgrace.
He who listens with reflection creates for himself a place.
21Trouble chases sinners, my friend, and it never loses a race.
Blessings and honor come without end to those who seek God’s face.
22A good man leaves an inheritance for generations yet to come.
The best inheritance you can leave is to show them what God has done.
Some leave money, houses, and land; items cherished from youth,
But there is no greater legacy than a life of love and truth.
24The scripture says to spare the rod is the same as hating your son.
To fail to teach him love and respect is to leave the job half done.
These wise proverbs Solomon wrote to help us think more clearly.
Though they serve well as a pithy quote, it’s best to live them sincerely.
© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
1A wise son heeds his father’s instruction. The scoffer never learns.
He is headed for self destruction, a matter of grave concern.
3If you learn to guard your tongue, you will improve your life.
Hasty words carelessly flung are followed by anger and strife.
4The sluggard craves material treasure, yet he ends up poor.
He who places work before pleasure will be blessed and secure.
5Godliness guards the righteous man because he loves God’s Word.
Those who are evil scoff at this plan; their selfishness is preferred.
9A godly life is like a bright lamp reflecting heaven’s pure light.
The evil man will find himself camped in eternity’s darkest night.
11Stay away from get-rich schemes; your money will fade away.
Make saving your prudent money theme and you will win the day.
12Hope deferred makes a heart sick so put action to your dreams.
A house is built brick upon brick until the dream you redeem.
15Common sense will guide a man with careful, constructive deduction.
The impulsive man without a plan is headed for certain destruction.
18He who refuses sage direction inherits only disgrace.
He who listens with reflection creates for himself a place.
21Trouble chases sinners, my friend, and it never loses a race.
Blessings and honor come without end to those who seek God’s face.
22A good man leaves an inheritance for generations yet to come.
The best inheritance you can leave is to show them what God has done.
Some leave money, houses, and land; items cherished from youth,
But there is no greater legacy than a life of love and truth.
24The scripture says to spare the rod is the same as hating your son.
To fail to teach him love and respect is to leave the job half done.
These wise proverbs Solomon wrote to help us think more clearly.
Though they serve well as a pithy quote, it’s best to live them sincerely.
© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Striking Words of Wisdom
Proverbs 12
An intelligent man can still be stupid. Would you like to know when?
Every time he refuses correction, he starts all over again.
The worthy wife is a husband’s delight, the glory of his home.
A contentious woman doth trouble incite, she’s cancer to his bones.
The plans of the godly are just and fair; the wicked are full of deceit.
So do your business with those who care; steer clear of those who cheat.
A wise man is praised by others, perverse men are despised.
Be sure your friends are godly brothers. Perversity is not advised.
A righteous man cares for his stock. He especially loves his pet.
The man without kindness for his flock will find his Maker upset.
The industrious farmer working his land will have plenty to eat.
Hunger and the lazy dreamer are very sure to meet.
Words of wisdom and tasks not shirked will bring rewards so true.
Very few die from overwork, so don’t be a lazy fool.
Truthful words stand the test of time. Dishonesty is soon exposed.
The righteous please the Great Divine, but liars He will oppose.
A discerning man of learning will not flaunt his superior mind.
The foolish man, his pea brain churning, is never so inclined.
Even a fool if he holds his tongue will often be thought wise,
But sure as there is breath in his lungs, he will reveal his disguise.
When worry becomes a consuming fear, a man needs a special friend
To stand alongside as he perseveres from beginning to the end.
The lazy man will shoot his game but fail to prepare a meal.
God’s love for creation forever remains; how do you think He feels?
The way of the godly leads to joy that does not end with his death.
The heavenly future he will enjoy will take away his breath.
So listen dear friends, be wise to God’s Word. Joy and peace they impart.
No greater wisdom will ever be heard, so plant them deep in your heart.
© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
An intelligent man can still be stupid. Would you like to know when?
Every time he refuses correction, he starts all over again.
The worthy wife is a husband’s delight, the glory of his home.
A contentious woman doth trouble incite, she’s cancer to his bones.
The plans of the godly are just and fair; the wicked are full of deceit.
So do your business with those who care; steer clear of those who cheat.
A wise man is praised by others, perverse men are despised.
Be sure your friends are godly brothers. Perversity is not advised.
A righteous man cares for his stock. He especially loves his pet.
The man without kindness for his flock will find his Maker upset.
The industrious farmer working his land will have plenty to eat.
Hunger and the lazy dreamer are very sure to meet.
Words of wisdom and tasks not shirked will bring rewards so true.
Very few die from overwork, so don’t be a lazy fool.
Truthful words stand the test of time. Dishonesty is soon exposed.
The righteous please the Great Divine, but liars He will oppose.
A discerning man of learning will not flaunt his superior mind.
The foolish man, his pea brain churning, is never so inclined.
Even a fool if he holds his tongue will often be thought wise,
But sure as there is breath in his lungs, he will reveal his disguise.
When worry becomes a consuming fear, a man needs a special friend
To stand alongside as he perseveres from beginning to the end.
The lazy man will shoot his game but fail to prepare a meal.
God’s love for creation forever remains; how do you think He feels?
The way of the godly leads to joy that does not end with his death.
The heavenly future he will enjoy will take away his breath.
So listen dear friends, be wise to God’s Word. Joy and peace they impart.
No greater wisdom will ever be heard, so plant them deep in your heart.
© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Thursday, November 4, 2010
A Contrast of Right and Wrong
Proverbs 11
The Lord is not pleased with fraudulent scales; dishonesty He detests.
Be fair and upright in all your sales and you will pass His test.
Riches won’t help on Judgment Day. You might as well hold your breath.
So honor God in all your ways; be saved from eternal death.
When good people trust in God, His Word will be their guide.
If selfish ambition runs roughshod, it turns the truth aside.
With his mouth the godless man defames his innocent neighbor.
If this becomes your personal plan, do not expect God’s favor.
The integrity of the godly man will help his city thrive,
But when the wicked control the land, it’s difficult to survive.
A gossip betrays a confidence; he cannot control his tongue.
Be done with him; run away, for surely you will be stung.
For lack of guidance a nation falls. Be sure you have good advisors.
From foolish counsel disaster spews forth, a strong and relentless geyser.
The Lord despises the perverse, but He loves the righteous man.
When your casket is in the hearse, what then will be your plan?
The wicked will not go unpunished; of this you can be sure.
Eternal glory awaits the righteous, the one who kept his way pure.
A generous man gives freely indeed and yet he gains still more.
Another withholds from those in need. Soon he himself is poor.
Godliness is freely expressed when the generous gives to others.
Some day he may find himself blessed by godly sisters and brothers.
The righteous person is like a tree rooted and grounded in love.
Be a soul-winner, for wise is he who prepares for heaven above.
Treasure these proverbs; bury them deep. Don’t let them get away.
It’s time to awake from life’s dull sleep and live for God each day.
© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
The Lord is not pleased with fraudulent scales; dishonesty He detests.
Be fair and upright in all your sales and you will pass His test.
Riches won’t help on Judgment Day. You might as well hold your breath.
So honor God in all your ways; be saved from eternal death.
When good people trust in God, His Word will be their guide.
If selfish ambition runs roughshod, it turns the truth aside.
With his mouth the godless man defames his innocent neighbor.
If this becomes your personal plan, do not expect God’s favor.
The integrity of the godly man will help his city thrive,
But when the wicked control the land, it’s difficult to survive.
A gossip betrays a confidence; he cannot control his tongue.
Be done with him; run away, for surely you will be stung.
For lack of guidance a nation falls. Be sure you have good advisors.
From foolish counsel disaster spews forth, a strong and relentless geyser.
The Lord despises the perverse, but He loves the righteous man.
When your casket is in the hearse, what then will be your plan?
The wicked will not go unpunished; of this you can be sure.
Eternal glory awaits the righteous, the one who kept his way pure.
A generous man gives freely indeed and yet he gains still more.
Another withholds from those in need. Soon he himself is poor.
Godliness is freely expressed when the generous gives to others.
Some day he may find himself blessed by godly sisters and brothers.
The righteous person is like a tree rooted and grounded in love.
Be a soul-winner, for wise is he who prepares for heaven above.
Treasure these proverbs; bury them deep. Don’t let them get away.
It’s time to awake from life’s dull sleep and live for God each day.
© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Instructions for Daily Living
Proverbs 10
A wise man makes his father glad; this is an admirable thing.
The foolish makes his mother sad; his shame is a constant sting.
Money gained by wicked deeds cannot purchase respect,
But when righteousness proceeds, it has the opposite effect.
The godly man will always eat, for he belongs to the Lord.
Frustration reigns o’er those who cheat. They will receive no reward.
If you are lazy listen to this: You can expect to be poor.
Slothfulness is never bliss: this you can know for sure.
The wise man works hard in the summer fields gathering the crops.
The sluggard sleeps in, stupidity creeps in and all the blessings stop.
The godly receive His blessings. Many good memories have they.
The life of the wicked is distressing. His memory will fade away.
The wise man receives instruction; the fool just babbles away.
Integrity will avoid destruction; dishonesty leads you astray.
The earnings of the godly man will bless him without and within.
The ill-gotten gain of the evil man is squandered away in sin.
Hiding hatred makes you a liar, to slander makes you a fool.
He who is wise has a desire to live by the Golden Rule.
The words of the godly encourage many. Often their word will rule.
Don’t speak at all if you lack common sense, for you will be labeled a fool.
When the storms of life blow hard, the wicked are whirled away,
But the righteous man has a sure foundation. He is here to stay.
Fear of the Lord lengthens your life; wickedness cuts it short.
A life devoid of sin and strife is the kind of life I support.
There are many very wise proverbs found in this wonderful book
So why not open your family Bible and take a discerning look?
© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
A wise man makes his father glad; this is an admirable thing.
The foolish makes his mother sad; his shame is a constant sting.
Money gained by wicked deeds cannot purchase respect,
But when righteousness proceeds, it has the opposite effect.
The godly man will always eat, for he belongs to the Lord.
Frustration reigns o’er those who cheat. They will receive no reward.
If you are lazy listen to this: You can expect to be poor.
Slothfulness is never bliss: this you can know for sure.
The wise man works hard in the summer fields gathering the crops.
The sluggard sleeps in, stupidity creeps in and all the blessings stop.
The godly receive His blessings. Many good memories have they.
The life of the wicked is distressing. His memory will fade away.
The wise man receives instruction; the fool just babbles away.
Integrity will avoid destruction; dishonesty leads you astray.
The earnings of the godly man will bless him without and within.
The ill-gotten gain of the evil man is squandered away in sin.
Hiding hatred makes you a liar, to slander makes you a fool.
He who is wise has a desire to live by the Golden Rule.
The words of the godly encourage many. Often their word will rule.
Don’t speak at all if you lack common sense, for you will be labeled a fool.
When the storms of life blow hard, the wicked are whirled away,
But the righteous man has a sure foundation. He is here to stay.
Fear of the Lord lengthens your life; wickedness cuts it short.
A life devoid of sin and strife is the kind of life I support.
There are many very wise proverbs found in this wonderful book
So why not open your family Bible and take a discerning look?
© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Monday, November 1, 2010
Principles for Success
Proverbs 6
Many snares will trap a man and slowly cause him to smother.
One of them is when you agree to pay the debts of another.
If you have signed for another’s debt with your name on the dotted line,
You have created a lingering threat that may last a very long time.
Take my advice and don’t waste time, get off that debt load now.
You must not rest until it is done. Work hard to find a way how.
Many could learn from the ant these days about the rewards of hard work.
The ant does not lounge in a hazy daze scheming to gain more perks.
He labors all summer gathering food to prepare for winter’s blast.
He is prepared for all that ensues until the cold weather has passed.
But you, O sluggard, lie on your bed thinking others should feed you.
You should be working every day to care for your kids who need you.
“A little slumber, a little more sleep, a folding of hands to rest.”
That’s a philosophy of deceit that surely will fail life’s test.
There are six things that provoke the Lord. His anger shall rise like a flood:
Haughty eyes, a lying tongue and hands that shed innocent blood.
A wicked schemer, a dissolute man who is quick to embrace what is wrong;
A corrupt witness whose lying tongue continually sings a false song.
Wait, there’s one more; here’s number seven: God hates a contentious man
Who continually stirs up angry dissension any old way he can.
Well, my son, there is much to learn as we walk this journey on earth.
Working hard for what you earn will give you a sense of self worth.
Being an honest and humble man with industrious resolution
Is God’s clear and successful plan for your social contribution.
Bind these thoughts around your neck; bury them deep in your heart,
For honor, blessings, peace, and joy such wisdom will surely impart.
© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Many snares will trap a man and slowly cause him to smother.
One of them is when you agree to pay the debts of another.
If you have signed for another’s debt with your name on the dotted line,
You have created a lingering threat that may last a very long time.
Take my advice and don’t waste time, get off that debt load now.
You must not rest until it is done. Work hard to find a way how.
Many could learn from the ant these days about the rewards of hard work.
The ant does not lounge in a hazy daze scheming to gain more perks.
He labors all summer gathering food to prepare for winter’s blast.
He is prepared for all that ensues until the cold weather has passed.
But you, O sluggard, lie on your bed thinking others should feed you.
You should be working every day to care for your kids who need you.
“A little slumber, a little more sleep, a folding of hands to rest.”
That’s a philosophy of deceit that surely will fail life’s test.
There are six things that provoke the Lord. His anger shall rise like a flood:
Haughty eyes, a lying tongue and hands that shed innocent blood.
A wicked schemer, a dissolute man who is quick to embrace what is wrong;
A corrupt witness whose lying tongue continually sings a false song.
Wait, there’s one more; here’s number seven: God hates a contentious man
Who continually stirs up angry dissension any old way he can.
Well, my son, there is much to learn as we walk this journey on earth.
Working hard for what you earn will give you a sense of self worth.
Being an honest and humble man with industrious resolution
Is God’s clear and successful plan for your social contribution.
Bind these thoughts around your neck; bury them deep in your heart,
For honor, blessings, peace, and joy such wisdom will surely impart.
© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
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