Tag: in Jesus’ name

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Wisdom Prayer

Wise In Their Own Eyes!

Wise In Their Own Eyes!

Dear Lord, I pray for those who are not wise in their own eyes. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Ever been around a know it all?

This type of person claims to have all the right answers. Although this is not necessarily the case, such a person thinks they have the wisdom to make decisions and tell others what to do.

Proverbs 26:12 (ESV) is about those who think they are wise when their actions prove otherwise.

“Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.”

Have tendencies toward being a know it all?

Stop. Stop being a fool.

Realize there is wisdom in God’s holy and inspired word. Trust the Lord.

Do not be a person who claims to be wise. Instead, be humble in the face of the Lord.

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Wisdom Prayer

Good News from a Far Country?

Good News from a Far Country?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who receive good news from a far country. In Jesus’ name, amen.

How refreshing it is to drink cold water on a hot day.

The notes for Proverbs 25:25 in the English Standard Bible tell us, “Good news that comes from a far country is unexpected and revitalizing.”

Proverbs 25:25 (ESV) is a metaphor comparing cold water and good news.

“Like cold water to a thirsty soul,
so is good news from a far country.”

Think of a thirsty soul. When New Testament believers think of Good News, they think of the life, death, resurrection, and Christ’s power to save the lost. This message is revitalizing.

Let it have its effect.

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Wisdom Prayer

Show Kindness to Enemies!

Show Kindness to Enemies!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who show kindness to their enemies. In Jesus’ name, amen.

To help an enemy is counterintuitive.

Solomon, in his wisdom, saw the benefit of providing food and drink for a hungry and thirsty enemy.

Proverbs 25:21-22 tells what happens to an enemy when showered with unexpected blessings.

“If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat,
and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink,
for you will heap burning coals on his head,
and the Lord will reward you.”

According to the notes for Proverbs 25-21-22 in the English Standard Version of the Bible, it says, “Although interpreters differ about the meaning of the metaphor of heaping coals on the enemy’s head, it is likely an image for leading him to repentance or shame, suggesting that he will feel inward burning pangs of guilt for his wrongdoing.”

As difficult as it might seem, when it is time to confront an enemy who is hungry or thirsty, do as the proverb says.

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Wisdom Prayer

Fitly Spoken?

Fitly Spoken?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those whose words are fitly spoken. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Properly chosen words, given at just the right time, can have a tremendous impact. It is not always easy to come up with appropriate things to say.

Proverbs 25:11 (ESV) compares the right words with objects of great value.

“A word fitly spoken
is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.”

Do you think before you speak? Ponder the importance of words. Are your words affirming and encouraging or negative and discouraging?

Think before you speak.

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Wisdom Prayer

The Vineyard of a Man Lacking Sense!

The Vineyard of a Man Lacking Sense!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who have the discipline to work hard. In Jesus’ name, amen.

What are the tell-tale signs of neglect?

Years ago, there was a university study conducted in a major city in the South. The researcher looked at the condition of birdbaths throughout the city. The study found there was a statistical correlation between a family in distress with the poor condition of the family’s birdbath. Well maintained birdbaths more likely showed stability in the home.

Proverbs 24:30-34 (ESV) shares King Solomon’s observation of what might at one time have been a thriving piece of land.

“I passed by the field of a sluggard,
by the vineyard of a man lacking sense,
and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns;
the ground was covered with nettles,
and its stone wall was broken down.
Then I saw and considered it;
I looked and received instruction.
A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest,
and poverty will come upon you like a robber,
and want like an armed man.”

Let this be fair warning. Avoid the habits of those who don’t want to work. Has sleep, slumber, and the folding of hands taken over? There is still time. Get to work, or face the consequences of poverty or worse.

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Wisdom Prayer

Wisdom and Honey!

Wisdom and Honey!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who know wisdom is honey to the soul. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Perhaps you have a favorite memory of the taste of honey. If it was ona freshly baked biscuit or all by itself, the experience is probably memorable.

In Proverb 24:13-14 (ESV) wisdom and honey form a bond.

“My son, eat honey, for it is good,
and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste.
Know that wisdom is such to your soul;
if you find it, there will be a future,
and your hope will not be cut off.”

Have you given the search for and acquisition of wisdom the importance it deserves? Note the words, “If you find it.” This implies there are those who search but never find it.

Don’t be one who searches and never finds wisdom. God’s word contains wisdom. Search for wisdom there. Finding it will be sweet.

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