Guarding the Heart
The key to godly character and a life blessed by God is carefully guarding our hearts because the state of the heart determines actions and character.
Proverbs 4:20-27
Controlled In An Age of Rage
The wise person learns to control their words and actions to promote understanding and peace rather strife and anger.
Proverbs 29:11
Know Limits
Humans were created with inherent limits, and the wise person knows and embraces the need for self-control and limits in life.
Proverbs 25:16
Growing Generous
As those who are cared for and blessed by God, we should develop a heart that is generous towards others in thought and action, willing to help in whatever way we can.
Proverbs 11:24-26
Fruitful Friendships
Friends have a powerful influence upon us, so the wise person builds close relationships with people who will encourage them in prudent, healthy actions rather than emboldening them in foolish, harmful habits.
Proverbs 13:20
Watching Your Words
Words have powerful consequences for individuals and the whole community, so the wise person controls their tongue.
Proverbs 12:18
Sloth
Sloth is a disordered love that that does not desire God, His works, or the vocations He has given me, but finds them boring, refusing the effort to love and serve God and others.
Proverbs 26:13-15
Envy
Envy is a disordered love that is dissatisfied with the lack or perceived insufficient measure of gifts and vocations given by God, and which resents another person for the presence or greater measure of those same gifts.
Proverbs 14:30
Pride
Pride is a disordered love that seeks to exalt myself above God and His will for my life, refusing to accept my God-given limitations.
Proverbs 16:18
The Seven Root Vices
In our struggle against sin, it is important that we learn to cut the root vices that feed sin, and to practice habits that encourage virtues that feed godly character.
Proverbs 5:21-23
The Ministry of Mercy
We are called by God’s Law to show mercy to the poor and vulnerable because they are the image of God, and He promises to bless those who obey this call.
Proverbs 19:17
Slip of the Tongue
Relationships can be strengthened or damaged by words – which are the overflow of the heart – and repairing them requires confession and repentance in word and deed.
Proverbs 12:18
Finding Refuge in the Name of the Lord
God’s Name reveals that He is a tower of refuge and protection for His people, while others place their trust in vain imaginations.
Proverbs 18:10-11
God’s Heart for Crisis Pregnancies
God has a heart of compassion towards crisis pregnancies, both for the unborn child and the woman.
Proverbs 24:11-12
The Path of Blessing, The Path of Trouble
In general, those walking the path of wisdom will be blessed in every area, while those walking the path of the fool will find their lives filled with trouble.
Proverbs 14:11
The Integrity of the Wise
The wise are called to lives of integrity – speaking truthfully, acting honestly, and behaving reliably.
Proverbs 13:6
The Tongue of the Wise
The wise realize the power of the tongue, and carefully guard and use it to bring blessing rather than curse.
Proverbs 18:20-21
The Self-Control of the Wise
The wise cultivate self-control, building helpful traits and restricting harmful desires.
Proverbs 25:28
The Teachable Heart of the Wise
The wise have teachable hearts that hunger for instruction and even correction so that they may become wiser.
Proverbs 13:1
The Humility of the Wise
The wise person will reject pride and embrace the humility that flows from recognizing our own unworthiness before God.
Proverbs 11:2
The Sexual Life of the Wise
The wise person will avoid all sexual immorality but will enjoy a passionate sexual relationship with their spouse.
Proverbs 5:1-23 (& Song of Solomon)
The Heart of the Wise – Shaping Our Souls for Character
The key to a godly character is carefully guarding our hearts because the state of the heart determines character.
Proverbs 4:20-23
The Gate to the Way of Wisdom: The Fear of the Lord
The gate to the way of wisdom is the fear of the Lord — a proper reverence and awe for our great God.
Proverbs 1:7
The Way of Wisdom
The wisdom books of the Old Testament teach us how to shape our souls so that we acquire the skill to learn and live successfully in this fallen world.
Proverbs 1:1-7
Biblical Principles for Selecting A Marriage Partner (Part 2)
When thinking about a marriage partner, we need to follow God’s wisdom and choose someone, not based on external looks, but on the basis of godly character.
Proverbs 31:10, 30