Life is filled with many challenges. We are often takem advantage of because we lack the wisdom to deal with people who are extremely shrewd (see Mark 16:7-9).  The wisdom that we need to win is available to us.  God's word has been "refined as silver"( or purified) to Protect and empower us to overcome our challenges.  The word "pure" in this verse, literally means to goldsmith or to melt away impurities!  Think about that for a second. Every word has been DESIGNED by God to meet OUR needs! When we trust Him, we are protected. Before we can trust Him, we have to spend time with His word.

There are many voices in the world vying for our attention. God has given us the abilty to find the one voice that will feed our soul and enable us to live an abundant life.  In order to posess this wonderful blessing, we have to expend some effort.  Read your Bible and ask God to speak to you!  He has promised that "If you learn from me, you will find rest for your soul" (Matthew 11:29).  "Bread" (in verse 13) represents everything we need for sucess, wisdom, peace, joy and power.  You cannot have the blessing if you are lazy (sleeping instead of seeking )!

The discovery of truth liberates and empowers people!  When someone tells you their version of the "truth", you only know what they "know".  However, when you pursue truth and find it, no one can take it from you.  A lazy person will not search diligently and he robs himself of wisdom, joy, and liberty.  Now you know why evil people easily deceive and dominate many.

When America decided to take prayer out of schools, it started a process of decay that has led to corruption throughout our government. This is exactly what this verse predicts! The only way back is wise leadership that will root out corruption and reestablish law and order. We MUST pray FOR our leaders, and that corruption is exposed and dealt with justly. What an amazing Proverb this is!

We make foolish and hurtful decisions when we lack wisdom.  True wisdom comes from God and there is no way to acquire it apart from a relationship with Him. Israel suffered greatly because they did not understand The scores of prophecies (parables) in the Bible about how and when their Messiah would come to them  (Luke 19:43-44). God wants to reveal the secrets of life to us, but we must be willing to humbly come to Him.  If we behave foolishly, like Israel, we too will suffer.

Carefully consider this verse from I Cor 2:7-8
"but we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:  which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory"

We live at a time when men love themselves and pleasure more than they love God. However, it is a time of great opportunity! The evil around us serves as a stark contrast to the love we show our neighbors. We are called to good works and they will shine brightly in the midst of darkness. Bless somebody today.

There is nothing wrong with hard work.  Being industrious is a virtue that typically produces many benefits.  Labor, as it is used here is something completely different.  The Hebrew term used here implies sorrowful or wicked labor.  The best way to understand this is to examine the behavior of the 5,000 people that Jesus fed in John chapter 6.

 After this miracle, the people "labored" to find Jesus, even to the point of crossing a sea to another country!   Note carefully what Jesus said to them, 
"...you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.  Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life..." -John 6:26-27 

In other words, what you labor FOR determines if your work will ultimately produce fulfilling and lasting results.  If your goal is to pursue wealth for the sake of comfort and the pleasures of life, sorrow is in your future.   The question we need to ask ourselves is, what do we work for and why?  There is a reason that there is something called a "rat race".

Why does the book of Proverbs exist?  Simply put, God loves you and He wants to keep your butt out of trouble!  God did not start with Proverbs, He started by creating a universe that "speaks" to us (Psalms 19:1-3).  His glory and His voice are on display for all to see and hear!  Everywhere we go, God is speaking.  This  passage reveals the extent to which God has gone to "speak" to us.  He is constantly crying out.  If we refuse to stop, listen and consider His voice, our butts will not be delivered!  When distress, anguish and worse come our way and we pray for help, He will not answer!  The good news is that if we choose to regard His voice (Isaiah 55:6), He will respond and pour out His Spirit to us (Proverbs 1:23).

Modern American culture has attempted to normalize adultery.  The goal is to minimize the stigma and consequences of the behavior.  This, however, will never happen.  A covenant breaker is a covenant breaker.  A cheater is a cheater.  A liar is a liar.  Words, philosophy, and feelings will never dismiss the reproach, dishonor, emotional injury, and desire for revenge  that are irrevocably attached to this behavior.  This proverb also carries a deeper message,  God is telling us how he feels and what He will do when we cheat on Him!  If we truly understood the consequences of adultery, we would NEVER do it!  Selah..

Everyone wants to be successful.  We all want life to be joyous, purposeful and fulfilling.  Unfortunately, most people never discover the secrets that lead to an abundant life. The information and the ability to apply it successfully come from God.  This proverb actually reveals the secret of acquiring wisdom!  "When I saw it, I considered it well...and received instruction".  When reading this proverb it is easy to overlook the principle of consideration. God gives us Instruction when we choose to "see" and carefully consider His word, works, and wonders.  This is why the Apostle Paul writes in Romans chapter 1 that the "invisible attributes" of God may be clearly seen and understood by the things which exist.  Our success is hidden in our willingness to see and consider that which is all around us.  Selah (means pause and think about it).