Words of the Wise

Proverbs 22:17-19

17 Listen to the words of the wise;
apply your heart to my instruction.
18 For it is good to keep these sayings in your heart
and always ready on your lips.
19 I am teaching you today—yes, you—
so you will trust in the Lord.

Dear Friends,

As I continue to memorize Romans 12, God is showing me on a daily basis what it means to be a living sacrifice. These scriptures are becoming engraved on my heart as I have had several opportunities to share and teach these scriptures to my children in our day to day living (sleeping, eating, going-to-school, being on the basketball team, hanging out with friends, family life, chores, ordinary living). That is what it means to have it in your heart and ready on your lips. I especially love verses 9-21 in the Message version.

Romans 12:9-21 (The Message)

9-10Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.

11-13Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.

14-16Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down. Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody.

17-19Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it."

20-21Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he's thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don't let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.


Have a Blessed Day!!