R³ Devotional - Day 161

Did you know there are thirty wise precepts in Proverbs 22-24? Today’s reading emphasizes the importance of a good reputation, the value of wisdom and guidance,  and the dangers of associating with the wicked. It advises avoiding anger and envy,  seeking counsel, and maintaining a virtuous life. In essence, these chapters promote ethical behavior, positive relationships, and the pursuit of a life that honors God.

Proverbs 22-24 dispenses sage advice. What will keep you from following this wisdom? What will pull you off course? What will trip you up? I challenge you to name the obstacles and read these scriptures looking to apply these principles in spite of the challenges.  

Apply your heart. Train up in wisdom. Guard your soul.

Proverbs 22:17-21 (The Message)

Listen carefully to my wisdom;
take to heart what I can teach you.
You’ll treasure its sweetness deep within;
you’ll give it bold expression in your speech.
To make sure your foundation is trust in God,
I’m laying it all out right now just for you.
I’m giving you thirty sterling principles—
tested guidelines to live by.
Believe me—these are truths that work,
and will keep you accountable
to those who sent you.

1 – Respect the poor. Pr 22:22-23
2 – Stay away from angry people. Pr 22:24-25
3 – Do not gamble or depend on luck. Pr 22:26-27
4 – Stay within your boundaries. Pr 22:28
5 – Observe and respect skilled laborers. Pr 22:29
6 – Chew with your mouth closed. Pr 23:1-3
7 – Do not exhaust yourself pursuing riches. Pr 23:4-5
8 – Do not take handouts from a tightwad. Pr 23:6-8
9 – Do not waste your time talking sense into fools. Pr 23:9
10 – Do not cheat orphans. Pr 23:10-11
11 – Discipline yourselves to follow tested instruction and knowledge. Pr 23: 12 12 – Spank your kids. Pr 23:13-14
13 – Instill wisdom and truth into your children. Pr 23:15-16
14 – Do not envy others. Trust God. Pr 23:17-18
15 – Do not eat (or drink) too much. Pr 23:19-21  
16 – Listen to your parents. Respect them. Make them proud. Pr 23:22-25
17 – Stay away from loose women. Pr 23:26-28
18 – Stay sober. Pr 23:29-35
19 – Stay away from bad people. Pr 24:1-2  
20 – Build a house on the wise foundation of knowledge & understanding. Pr 24:3-4 21 – Think. Win at life by using strategic planning and wise counsel. Pr 24:5-6 22 – Listen. Have serious discussions with wise people. Pr 24:7
23 – Guard your reputation. Steer clear of fools playing with sin. Pr 24:8-9 24 – Stand strong in crisis. Pr 24:10
25 – Step up and rescue the perishing. Pr 24:11-12
26 – Consume knowledge. Be wise. Secure your future. Pr 24:13-14 27 – Keep your nose out of other people’s business. Pr 24:15-16. 28 – Do not gloat when your enemies fail. Pr 24:17-18
29 – Ignore people who toot their own horn. Pr 24:19-20
30 – Fear God. Respect your leaders. Obey. Pr 21-22
Use these real-life principles and apply them to your relevant life so that you will have ready action steps for each new day.