by Susan Barnes | 14 Nov 2022 | Short Devotion
“For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: ‘The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.’” 2 Thessalonians 3:10 The book of Proverbs emphasises the value of a good work ethic and uses illustrations like the industrious ant (6:6; 30:25)....
by Susan Barnes | 17 Aug 2018 | Devotions OT
“The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.” Proverbs 28:1 Proverbs are common sense sayings that are generally true. Generally, the wicked worry about being caught, so they never really relax. The saying goes that, liars need to...
by Susan Barnes | 10 Aug 2018 | Devotions OT
“A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart.” Proverbs 21:2 The Message Bible puts it this way: “We justify our actions by appearances; God examines our motives.” I have a friend who created a new workplace procedure which was quite...
by Susan Barnes | 3 Aug 2018 | Devotions OT
Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider. Proverbs 20:16 (From Constable’s Commentary) “The proverb encourages us to hold people to their obligations.” It’s okay to keep people accountable. Often we...
by Susan Barnes | 27 Jul 2018 | Devotions OT
To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue … The lot is cast into the lap but its every decision is from the Lord. Proverbs 16:1, 33 The same two verses in the Message read this way: “Mortals make elaborate plans,...
by Susan Barnes | 20 Jul 2018 | Devotions OT
“Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.” Proverbs 13:10 There’s a natural connection between strife and pride. Pride says, “What about me?” which encourages us to fight for favourable outcomes for ourselves. It’s no wonder...
by Susan Barnes | 13 Jul 2018 | Devotions OT
The name of the righteous is used in blessings, but the name of the wicked will rot. Proverbs 10:7 This was true for Tamar. Her name was used in a blessing when Boaz announced his intention to marry Ruth. “May your family be like that of Perez, whom Tamar bore to...
by Susan Barnes | 6 Jul 2018 | Devotions OT
“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs...
