PROVERBS 4 -. THE VALUE OF LISTENING TO OUR PARENTS

    

 

1. LISTEN TO YOUR PARENTS

In this Passage - Proverbs 4:1-9 we see the value of learning the wise teaching of parents and elders. Learning is HARD WORK but it has "immense value". Children are encouraged to learn from their parents, and it is their responsibility to pass on WISDOM to them. As grandmother, teacher and writer, I still VALUE LEARNING and "esteem and embrace" it, so I can pas it on to my granddaughters. 

"My children, listen when your father corrects you. Pay attention and learn GOOD JUDGEMENT,  for I am giving you GOOD GUIDANCE . My father taught me, "Take my words to heart. Follow my commands and you will live." Proverbs 4:1,2a&4 (NLT)

"It's not good enough to listen to wise words , you need to LIIVE THEM. PUT GOD'S WORDS INTO PRACTICE! Lord, help us GROW in wisdom and understanding by reading and listening to GOD'S TEACHINGS." Nicky Gumbel

"Believe in the value of WISDOM and it will make you great. USE IT and it will bring you honour. Like flowers in your hair, it will beautify your life. Like a CROWN, it will make you look beautiful." Proverbs 4:8&9 (ICB)

Proverbs reminds us that to be WISE and BEAUTIFUL we need to be LIKE JESUS. We need to have His Heart and to live obedient to His Word. This is the kind of beauty money can't buy. BELIEVE this PROMISE in GOD'S WORD and ask Him "to fill you with the wisdom from above."

2. GUARD YOUR HEARTS

"Get yourself in an imagination station; go back to Jerusalem - back in time, in a busy market place - with King Solomon and his sons. He was sharing with them some words of wisdom. Have you ever spent time with your mother and father, listening and learning to their words of wisdom and uunderstanding. This applys to daughters as well!" Peyton Jones

These young men and women were guided well by their parents and their grandfather David, but they probably followed many distractions, as our children also do today. But their father didn't want their sons to stumble and fall.  In the market place there were many swindlers, and the fathers wanted their young ones to "step wisely in the world". He is not telling them "which path to take", but is equipping them to make the "right choices." 

 "Hold on to INSTRUCTION and do not let it go. GUARD IT WELL, for it is your LIFE. Do not set your foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the ways of the evildoers. AVOID IT and do not TRAVEL ON IT; turn from it and go on your way."  

Proverbs 4:13-15 (NIV)

3. FOLLOW THE WAYS OF THE GOOD

"The ways of the GOOD PERSON is like the light of dawn. It grows brighter and brighter until it is full daylight.....Don't ever FORGET MY WORDS. Listen closely to what I say.  These WORDS are the secret to life for those who find them. They bring HEALTH to the whole body." Proverbs 4:18, 21&22 (ICB)

"Then the father sees sees something GOOD - A RIGHTEOUS PERSON! Have you ever been to a campsite when it is dark, but in the morning the sun begins to rise. Suddenly the world become alives with fresh sunshine. That's the PATH OF THE RIGHTEOUS, following the full LIGHT OF DAY." Peyton Jones

There is a dark path where the wicked stumble. It is dangerous and you can't see the "spiritual righteousness". But our Father reminds us that we need to pay attention to what He says. To listen to HIS WORDS, to guard our hearts from all "lust, envy, poison", that will lead us into darkness.

Give careful thought to your words, and keep your eyes focused on what is right.  Watch where you put your feet, so you can go in the right direction. Remember what Jesus taught us:

a) The mouth is an overflow of the heart. Corrupt words is a sign that something has gone bad on the inside.

"Don't use your mouth to tell lies, keep it from perversity.  Don't ever say things that are not true, keep corrupt talk from your lips." Proverbs 4:24 (ICB/NIV)

b) Eyes are a lamp for the body. Every athlete knows that if he loses his gaze and focus, you will move off track.

"Keep your eyes focused on what is right, fix your gaze directly before you. Keep looking straight ahead at what is good." Proverbs 4:25 (ICB/NIV)

c) Don't just start walking on the path - know where you intend to go. Commit yourself to follow God's way!

"Give careful thought to the paths of your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or to the left. Keep your foot from evil. "                                     Proverbs 4:26&27 (NIV)

I have just been given a new "Game" to play, for my Stroke Trial. I have to keep my eyes and brain focused and on track. I have fallen over once! And, it's not as easy as I thought to keep "on track". Mark keeps telling me: "Keep your eyes on the whole board", but that's not so easy when you haven't got 100% peripheral vision. Also, when you feel a little dizzy and your legs are don't want to cooperate.  

But, my online Dr Lee Warren reminds me: "What you think in your BRAIN, affects the WAY YOUR BODY ACTS."  

And if I can train my brain to "keep on track" with my "Game", I should also be able to be obedient to follow GOD'S WILL in my life.  We need to "program our brains to think as Jesus thinks" and to believe HIS TRUTH in our lives. 

4. WALK WISELY

You have a part to play in responding to GOD'S CALL!  You are to THINK WISELY, SPEAK WISELY, be careful WHAT YOU LOOK AT  and WHERE YOU GO!  The life you lead will flow from your heart. Your words are powerful, and you can use them to lift others up in an encouraging way, or you can bring them down. I would hope that you would chose the LOVE AND KINDNESS. 

Paul reminded us:

"Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

Be careful what you look at - especially on T.V, the computer, social media. Jesus said, that if you look at the wrong things your whole body is full of darkness, but if follow Him, you are more to have HEALING and RIGHTEOUSNESS.  

"The EYE IS A LAMP of the body, If your EYES ARE HEALTHY, you whole body is full of life.....Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and LIVE RIGHTEOUSLY, and He will give you everything you need." Matthew 6:22 &33 (NIV/NLT)

Avoid TEMPTATION - "keep your feet from evil". We encouraged to "run with perseverence" and "fix our eyes on Jesus".  If you follow Jesus and all the PROMISES IN HIS WORD, He will lead in the "WISDOM WAY". It may not always be EASY, but ultimately, it will be filled with JOY AND EXCITEMENT.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that so easily snares us, and let us RUN WITH PERSEVERENCE THE RACE MARKED OUT FOR US, FIXING OUR EYES ON JESUS, THE PIONEER AND PERFECTER OF OUR FAITH." Hebrews 12:1&2b (NKJV/NIV)

"Spiritual growth is like a journey. You progress ONE STEP AT A TIME. It doesn't matter how far you get, but that you are heading in the right direction, and keep going that way. Thank you Lord that you lead us on the STRAIGHT PATHS AND WE CAN FOLLOW YOUR WISDOM today. Guard our hearts and help us to WALK WISELY!" Nicky Gumbel

"THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW KING JAMES VERSION", 1982, Thomas Nelson

"THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW INTERNATONAL VERSION", 2011, Biblica

'THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW LIVING TRANSLATION", 2015, Tyndale House Publishers

'INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S BIBLE", 2015, Thomas Nelson

GUMBEL, Nicky, "Wisdom Way - Proverbs 24-27 - "Bible In One Year" (2009/2026), Alpha International/YouVersion

JONES, Peyton, "Guard Your Hearts - Proverbs 4", 2026, Through the Word

WARREN, Dr Lee, "10 Commandments for Self Brain Surgery" , 2025, www.neurosurgeon.com

"Keep Your Heart" - Proverbs 04:23, Scripture Memory Verse (ESV) ", 0

 

PROVERBS 3:27-35: RELATIONSHIPS

 

RELATIONSHIPS 

"Wisdom was at work in creation and continues to be at work in our everyday LIVES AND RELATIONSHIPS." Pat & David Alexander 

"  Never walk away from someone who deserves help. Take every opportunity to DO GOOD; if you have the opportunity to HELP SOMEBODY, do not delay."                                                                                                      Proverbs 3:27&28 (MSG)

If you are serious abour build lasting relationships and keeping committments you need to have a desire SHOW KINDNESS and HELP YOUR NEIGHBOUR whenenver they they are in need. 

"Do not plot harm against your neighbour, for those who live nearby TRUST YOU." Proverbs 3:29 (NLT)

If trust is lost, it is difficult to regain. We need to retain our confidence in our friends and neighbours. TRUST IN GOD helps us to LOVE OUR NEIGHBOURS. Sometimes our motives can be misinterpreted, but we need to do all we can to uphold our "integrity", and remain our trustworthy.

"All lovin relationships involve some element of TRUST. We also need to have FAITH AND  INTIMACY WITH GOD, - communion with Him. Lord, help us to live a life of FAITH - walking closely with You and putting our TRUST AND CONFIDENCE IN YOU." Nicky Gumbel

                                                                      

         

EMOTIONAL HUMILITY FOCUS

"Do not envy the violent people or chose (copy) any of their ways. Such wicked people are detestable to the Lord, but He offers FRIENDSHIP tom the godly (taking them into His confidence)." Proverbs 3:31&32  (NIV/NLT)

There are two types of people:

* The oppressors - the violent and the wicked.

* The righteous and godly - following God's way.

It's natural for us to admire political leaders, athletes, actors, business people - especially young people. But we need to be careful of their attributes - especially their words and   actions. Public life can effect a person's homelife.'=

 Improper talk should not be used in our homes - especially offensive speech and hurtful actions. Our home with our family needs to be a place of REFUGE AND PEACE. Parents need to respect the unique potential of their children, and children need to respect their parents.

Children can LEARN AND PRACTICE HUMILITY from their parents. Jesus reminds us in his beautitude teaching that his followers need to be HUMBLE AND PEACEMAKERS. We are not to be critical of others or to find fault with others. FORGIVENESS IS THE KEY! 

"A person who produces GENUINE FORGIVENESS will open up his life to the blessings of God." John and Janice Walsh

"God blesses those who are HUMBE, for they will inherit the whole earth....God blesses those who work for PEACE, for they will be called children of God."                                                                                                          Matthew 5:5&9 (NLT)

"God gives grace to the humble. The wise inherit honour but fools are put to shame." Proverbs 3:34b&45 (NLT)  

CONFLICT MANAGEMENT

"Do not walk around picking a fight without reason; when no one has done you harm, always spoiling for a fight." Proverbs 3:30 (NLT/MSG)

Conflict and misunderstandings are part of life. But if we value RELATIONSHIPS we need to learn to MANAGE CONFLICT amd "produce peace". 

I have never been known to be an angry person, but when I had my strokes, my family and friends used to tell me that my personality had changed. There were days I found I really "lost it", especially my patience with my husband. But I didn't like this me, I wanted to get back to the old me: the SMILING, PEACEFUL AND LOVING ME! 

According to Dr Lee Warren, the author of, "The Life Changing Art of Self Brain Surgery", and my new "neurosurgeon", we can learn to manage our anger and conflict, and "produce peace". 

" Anger  is a "signal, not a supervisor". When you feel anger arising, say to yourself, "I am still in charge . Create SPACE before you EXPLODE. Use your "10 mminute rule" - MOVE -  go for a walk; BREATHE - pray and read Scripture. Underneath your anger is usually something more - hurt, fear, shame, injustice. Ask yourself: "What am I really feeling?" Choose your words - "How are you feeling, rather than attacking." Dr Lee Warren

"Be angry, but do not sin. Do not let the sun go down  on your anger."                                                                                                               Ephesians 4:26 (ESL)

"Whoever is SLOW TO ANGER is better than the mighty, and He who RULES HIS SPIRIT, than he who takes a city." Proverbs 16:32 (ESL)

"A gentle answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger."                                                                                                                   Proverbs 15:1 (ESL)

"THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION" - 2011, Biblica

"THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW LIVING TRANSLATION" - 2015, Tyndale House Publications

"THE HOLY BIBLE - ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION" - 2001, Good News Publishers

"THE MESSAGE: THE BIBLE IN CONTEMPORARY LANGUAGE" - 2018, Eugene H. Peterson, Tyndale House Publications

"ALEXANDER, Pat & David, 2009 , "The Lion Handbook to the Bible" - 4th Edition", Lion/Hudson Publishers

GUMBEL, Nicky. "Be Confident in the Lord: Proverbs 3:21-25 - The Bible in One Year",   2009/2026, Alpha International/YouVersion 

WALSH, John and Janice, "Successful Living- Proverbs 2" , 2000, Home Schooling

WARREN, Dr W. Lee M.D, "10 Commandments of Self Brain Surgery - The Life Changing Self Brain Surgery", 2025, Tyndale Refresh

"Do Not Withhold God - Proverbs 3:27-32", 2025, Bible Songs in Worship,         Worship Jesus/YouTube

PROVERBS 3:11-35 - THE TEACHERS ADVICE

 

TAKE WISE TEACHING TO HEART 

Now, I am not saying that I am the wisest teacher. I don't believe I was ever the best parent; but I do know that my parents did the best they could as they could when it came with their teaching and disciplining. How? With their LOVE and their actions -  "WALKING IN THE TRUTH".

I never liked getting into trouble. I always hid away in my room, up in my tree outside, or went for a ride on my bike to the park for a swing. I didn't like getting punisshed, but I knew that sooner or later I would have to ley my anger calm down, so I could go I tell the TRUTH. Sometimes the correction hurt, but afterwards my dad would always come and and give me a hug, followed by a Bible story (teaching a lesson).

Like my time with my father, we need "repent of our sins", so we can have a "beautiful, loving relationship with our Father God."  

"My son, do not despise (reject) the chastening (discipline) of God; neither be weary, (upset) when he corrects you. The Lord loveth those He corrects; even as a father in whom He delighteth." Proverbs 3:11&12 (NKJV/NLT) 

"Every child needs discipline to help them grow. His father knew he couldn't delay or his son would resent him, and turn away from God. There will be trials ahead for you, but knnow that GOD LOVES YOU. Remember He has purpose for every trial, and all you need to do is TRUST IN HIM. BELIEVE IN HIM and He will BELIEVE IN YOU!" Peyton Jones 

"And we know that in all things God works together for good to those who LOVE GOD, to those who are called according TO HIS PURPOSE." Romans 8:28 (NKJV)

 GROW INTO BETTER PEOPLE

* Be more valuable SERVANTS, ministering TO OTHERS!

*Expanding your WORKS,  having a greater impact in your COMMUNITIES!

Be happier CHILDREN OF GOD!

                           

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for His GOOD WORKS, which GOD PREPARED beforehand that we should WALK IN THEM. Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)  

My husband loves to get out in his garden , to prune his plants , so they will GROW HEALTHY and "well shaped". God also prunes His people, shaping their behaviour, so they develop godly behaviours and characters. 

We also "find wisdom" and "gain wisdom", profiting as we gain great riches in "silver and gold". But these are not necessarily material riches or physical health  - they are also aso riches of PEACE and HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS. 

"Happy are those who find wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; for her proceeds are better than the proceeds of silver, and her gain than fine gold." Proverbs 3:13&14 (NKJV)

"A tree makes fruit, WISDOM GIVES LIFE to those who use it. Everyone WHO USES WISDOM WILL BE HAPPY." Proverbs 3:18 (ICB)

GOD'S WAY, GOD'S TIME

 "My child, hold on to wisdom and reason. Don'y lose sight of sound judgement and discretion. They will be life your your soul, like a necklace, adornment for your neck, that will beauitify your life."  Proverbs 3:21&22 (ICB/NIV)

"These come from walking closely with God. You will soon shine with "inner beauty from your soul". You will have LIFE and GRACE, finding success and happiness."

Nicky Gumbel

You can be an inspiration to others. I have many friends who have radiated JOY and CHRIST'S LOVE to me over the years - both men and women. They have reflected GRACE in their lives even in their greatest TRIALS and in the time of greatest LOSS. 

The best way to deal with these difficult situations is to keep GOD'S WISDOM flowing through you:

* Meditating on His Scripture.

* Feeling His Assurance.

*Lying down in a Peaceful Sleep.

*Trusting that God is in Control. 

"When you lie down, you will not be afaid; YES, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet." Proverbs 3:24 (NKJV)

"I WILL LIE DOWN IN PEACE AND SLEEP; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." Psalm 4:8 (NKJV)

"Peace comes from a relationship with God. No pillow is as soft as a clear conscience. Whatever happens, you can trust that God is watching over you."

Nicky Gumbel

"The Lord will keep you safe, have no fear of sudden disaster (trouble coming suddenly), for the Lord is at your side and will keep you from being caught in a trap." Proverbs 3:25&26 (ICB/NIV/NLT)

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"THE HPLY BIBLE - NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION" - 2011, Biblica

"THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW LIVING TRANSLATION", 2015, Tyndale House Publishers

"INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S BIBLE", 2015, Thomas Nelson

JONES, Peyton, "Trust the Lord - Proverbs 3" (2026), Through the Word.

GUMBEL, Nicky, "Through Jesus, the Universe Was Created" - "The Bible in One Year", 2009/2026, Alpha International/YouVersion

"Blessed is the One Who Finds Wisdom - Proverbs 3:13-26", 2025, You Tube

 

PROVERBS 3: TRUST AND OBEY

 

1. TRUST AND OBEY

The famous hymn "Trust and Obey" almost never made it , for the it was just a poem written by Daniel Towner, and he threw his first manuscript in the bin. Fortunately, his wife found it, and along with his pastor, the Reverend J.H Sammis , who later put it to music, they encouraged him to "never give up".

When God calls you to work on something, you may get frustrated, but don't give up. Paul encouraged us with Scripture:

"For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that WE CAN DO GOOD THINGS HE PLANNED FOR US LONG AGO." Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

Today my writing is really illegible. I am looking aroung at all thes young people at the Library on their computers, and I wonder if I will ever be able to write coherently again. Today I went to the "Neura Smart Step Stroke Clinic" to be tested for a trial. I was very nervous, as I haven't been feeling very positive about my future. But today, I did really well - and went away more confident, trusting in the Lord and His future plans for myself and my family.  I knew again, we could:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and don't depend on your own understanding. Remember the Lord (seek His will) in everythng you do, and He will show you which path to take (give you success)." Proverbs 3:5&6 (ICB/NLT) 

2  PERFECT TRUST

Can you TRUST GOD? Do you have a RELATIONSHIP with someone you can DEPEND ON in your time of need? Do you believe that GOD IS WITH YOU ALWAYS?  Do you hav evidence of His "presence and power"?

This is something I have always had! I'll confess, there have been times when I have faced adversity, darkness and despair, and have been "overwhelmed" by circumstances beyond my control, but I have alwayS ALWAYS BELIEVED THAT GOD IS SOVEREIGN and has CARED FOR ME. I find "calm assurance" by resting in His LOVE and OMNIPRESENCE.

Many of us try to face what we feel are "unfair circumstances" trying to face them alone. I'll admit, there are times, over the years, when I have been "angry with the world", and even my family. Yes, I admit, I have tried to do things in my own strength, but I have always come back to CHRIST.

"Helen Rosevere was a British Missionary in the Congo. While serving the Lord she was raped, assaulted and treated brutally. Yet, HER FAITH REMAINED STRONG. Why? ...."First, God brought me here, and BY HIS WILL I am in this place. I WILL REST! He will keep me here IN HIS LOVE and GIVE ME GRACE to behave as His child. Then every TRIAL IS A BLESSING that is intending for learning and strength. Last, in HIS GOOD TIMES he brings me out." Charles Swindoll/Helen Rosevere

* When we feel  hurt and alone, GOD ASSURES US THAT HE CARES!

* When we feel angry and resentful, GOD PROVIDES WISDOM & STRENGTH!

* When we fell anxious, GOD PROMISES US PEACE AND SECURITY!

* May He give us EARS TO HEAR, HEARTS TO TRUST AND MINDS TO REST IN HIM!

* God is ultimately TRUSTWORTHY!

"YOU WILL KEEP IN PERFECT PEACE, ALL WHO TRUST IN YOU, ALL WHOSE THOUGHTS ARE FIXED ON YOU. TRUST IN THE LORD ALWAYS, FOR THE LORD GOD IS THE ETERNAL ROCK." Isaiah 26:3&4 (NLT)  

3. TRUST GOD FOR THE IMPOSSIBLE

Walking with God is the most exciting and rewarding experience you can have, but there are also hard times and struggles.  

Elijah was sitting at a dried up brook at Cherith when God came to him and instructed him to go to Zarapeth. It was a long walk in the wilderness, and when he got there he was hungry and thirsty. Yet God had already prepared a widow for his arrival. 

When Elijah met the woman , she had been gathering sticksto make her last meal for her son, before she died. Elijah took courage and spoke to her.

"He called to her and asked: "Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink? As she was going to get it, he called, "And bring me, please, a piece of bread."

"As surely as the Lord your God lives," she replied, "I don't have any bread - only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. "

"Elijah said to her, "Don't be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, then make something for you and your son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says, "The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land." 1 Kings 17:10b,11,12a, 13&14 (NIV)

QUIET! TRUST! COURAGE! It certainly built the woman's faith! GOD WAS FAITHFUL! The woman was obedient and her bowl of flour empty and the jar of oil never ran dry. There are 2 important things you can learn about TRUSTING GOD:

1. "It doesn't always alter our circumstances".

2. It is "hinged on our obedience" and it "changes us". 

"PERFECT TRUST gives us character and stability in hard times. One of the most encouraging things FAITH is that it PLEASES GOD." Charles Swindoll

"And WITHOUT FAITH it's impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him MUST BELIEVE THAT HE EXISTS that He rewards those who seek Him."                                                                                                                   Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

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