S – Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, ³ for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. ⁴ And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing

James 1:2–4 ESV

O – Commentary:

It is important to note that James did not say that a believer should be joyous for the trials but in the trials. The verb translated “face” might more literally be expressed as “fall into,” peripesēte, much as the poor man “fell among robbers” (Luke 10:30). The “trials of many kinds” (peirasmois … poikilois) were also referred to by Peter, who used the same Greek words, though in reverse order (1 Peter 1:6). When surrounded by these trials, one should respond with joy. Most people count it all joy when they escape trials. James said to count it all joy in the midst of trials (cf. 1 Peter 1:6, 8).

It is clear that the reference here is to external trials, or tests of stamina (peirasmois) whereas later in the same chapter (James 1:13) the verb form (peirazomai) of that noun is used to speak of inner temptations, or solicitations to sin.

 J. Ronald Blue, “James,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 820.

A – We will face trials.  There will be tests of our faith that will challenge our relationship with God.  That is when we are most dangerous to the enemy.  In the hardest times, we still put our lives, faith and trust in a God who feels distant.  The steadfast relationship with God in all circumstances is one that pleases him.

R – Heavenly Father, you are the same today, yesterday and tomorrow.  Empower our hearts to do the same in our relationship with you.  We know there will be tests.  Strengthen our hearts to face trials and challenges with a resolute mindset.

S – Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. ²⁶  She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

Proverbs 31:25–26 ESV

O – Commentary:

Clothing is here referred to metaphorically to indicate that her appearance is one of strength and dignity. She is no shameful weakling. Also she can laugh at the future, that is, face it with confidence (cf. v. 21). Though 27:1 cautions against boasting “about tomorrow,” that does not do away with preparing for it (as ants do, 6:6–8; 30:25).

31:26. In keeping with the theme of Proverbs, this woman is praised for her wisdom and faithful instruction. The instruction probably refers to her teaching her children and her servant girls.

 Sid S. Buzzell, “Proverbs,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 973.

A – Strength, dignity, wisdom and kindness are all great attributes no matter who you are.  This portion of the chapter is dedicated to the “Proverb 31 Woman.” Knowing how culture viewed women at the time, this is a beautiful demonstration of character that causes this woman to stand out as she personifies servant leadership and God’s heart.

R – Heavenly Father, you the ultimate servant leader.  You didn’t ask us to pay the price for our sins.  You gave your son as the sacrifice, once and for all, to cover them.  Thank you for serving us with this act of love and all the other blessings you give us each day.

S – Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in his fists? Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is his son’s name? Surely you know! 

Proverbs 30:4 ESV

O – Commentary:

The only answer to the five questions in this verse is God. Only He can go up to heaven and come down, reminding one of Christ, the Son of God. And only God can hold the wind in … His hands (i.e., control the wind), and figuratively wrap the waters in His cloak (perhaps referring to the clouds; cf. Job 26:8), and only He has fixed the earth in its place (cf. Job 38:4, 6; Prov. 8:29). The question, What is His name? asks what His true character is like. The inquiry, What is the name of His son? suggests the question, “Has He imparted His nature or attributes to any other who may in any sense be called His ‘Son’?

Sid S. Buzzell, “Proverbs,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 969.

A – This verse reminds me of God asking Job “Where were you?” questions.  The fact that he also bring his son into the question is interesting since we know it is Jesus in retrospect.  It all points to the unlimited ability of God, his character and the Trinity.  We serve and know a big God.

R – Heavenly Father, you have no limits.  We worship and surrender to your authority, character and love for us.  We desire to know you more today.

S – One’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.
Proverbs 29:23 ESV

O – Commentary:
The reverse effects of pride and humility warn against the one and encourage the other. Ironically pride, by which a person seeks to elevate himself, actually results in his being brought low (šāp̱al) whereas one who is of lowly (šāp̱al) spirit is elevated by others to a position of honor (cf. 3:34; 15:33; 16:18–19; 18:12). God hates pride (see comments on 6:17) because it influences a person to live independently of Him.
 
Sid S. Buzzell, “Proverbs,” (https://ref.ly/logosres/bkc?ref=Bible.Pr29.23&off=7&ctx=29%3a23.+~The+reverse+effects+of+pride+and+) in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 968–969.

A -“Our attitude determines our altitude.” (John Maxwell).  In the spiritual realm, this principle applies.  Our attitude of reverence and honor for God elevates us to a place where he can use us.  When our attitude elevates ourselves, He has a way of bringing us to our proper place.  

R – Heavenly Father, we honor you as our God, Savior and Counselor.  You alone are worthy of all praise.  Empower us to remain humble in our relationship with you.  We can walk in confidence and strength while maintaining the proper reverence you deserve.

S – When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves. 
Proverbs 28:12 ESV

O – Commentary:
When a righteous leader rules a nation, the people are happy (cf. 11:10), for there is order (cf. 28:2) and justice. But when … wicked leaders are in charge, good people go into hiding (also stated in v. 28a) to get away from oppression (cf. vv. 15–16) which causes them to groan 
 
Sid S. Buzzell, “Proverbs,” (https://ref.ly/logosres/bkc?ref=Bible.Pr28.12&off=75&ctx=ked+are+contrasted.+~When+a+righteous+lea) in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 966.

A – I like that this takes away wealth, title and position.  It looks at the attitude of the heart and the desire for righteousness.  You can hide the heart for a season but like truth, it always becomes known.  We must examine our hearts on a regular basis to check its grounding and alignment with God.

R – Heavenly Father, we worship and surrender to you.  Examine our hearts and test our faith in you.  We want to lead ourselves, our families and others with hearts that are grounded in righteousness, truth and our relationship with you.

S – Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. 

Proverbs 27:17 ESV

O – When iron is rubbed against another piece of iron it shapes and sharpens it. Similarly people can help each other improve by their discussions, criticisms, suggestions, and ideas. On the influence of companions, whether good or bad, on one’s life

Sid S. Buzzell, “Proverbs,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 964.

A – We need people in our lives that will challenge us in our flaws, inconsistencies and blind spots.  Those relationships call out the good and bad in us so we can address them and grow forward.  We need to ask God to provide them and then build them into solid relationships.

R – Heavenly Father, you are Jehovah Jireh, our provider.  Would provide us with key “iron sharpeners” in our lives.  We need people who will celebrate our wins and also challenge our flaws, inconsistencies and blind spots.  This is a vital tool in growing closer to you.

S – Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips and harbors deceit in his heart; ²⁵  when he speaks graciously, believe him not, for there are seven abominations in his heart; 

Proverbs 26:24–25 ESV

O – There are people who hate others and will deceive them by flattery which doesn’t reveal their hearts.

A – One of the notes mentioned that hate is personal.  There are people who judge, critique and speak negatively of others in a personal way.  They can say nice things on the outside but the attitude of their heart is an abomination because they don’t forgive and value the other.  We need to examine our own hearts with those who challenge us.  We need to hate the sin and love the person…even when it is difficult.

R – Heaven Father, you are Lord of all of us.  There are people who are difficult in our lives.  Empower us to love them and hate the sin in their lives.  We want to discern what you are doing in the natural and spiritual realm.

S – A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls. 

     Proverbs 25:28 ESV

O – Commentary:

Without walls a city was vulnerable to enemy attacks. And an undisciplined person, who lacks self-control (cf. 14:17, 29; 16:32; 29:11), is also vulnerable to trouble.

Sid S. Buzzell, “Proverbs,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 961.

A – We have total control over our thoughts, words and actions.  If we are not diligent to conquer any of these three, it will lead to sin and results that will harm us.  Self discipline allows us to establish healthy boundaries in all three that give us freedom from the distractions and burden that sin brings us.

R – Heavenly Father, you are able to accomplish all that you purpose to do in us.  Help us establish good, healthy self control in any area that could harm us.  We want to be disciplined in our walk with you today.

S – If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.

Proverbs 24:10 ESV

O – If you are overcome in daily challenges, your physical and spiritual ability to handle it is restricted and narrow.

A – The Bible tells us there will be trouble.  It doesn’t make us bad Christians or guilty of doing something wrong every time.  Sometimes, we face tough situations because of other’s bad choices, actions or the enemy is making life difficult.  We can’t control them; We only control ourselves (thoughts, words and actions).   We need to grow in our faith and trust in God that in tough moments we don’t wither but flourish.

R – Heavenly Father, you created and hold all things.  Grow us in our faith and trust in you.  In the face of challenges and trails, empower us to grow in our faith and trust in you.  We want to be strong and ready for anything adversity we face today.

S – Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. ⁵  When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven. 

Proverbs 23:4–5 ESV

O – Commentary:

These verses warn against overwork for the sake of gaining riches. This speaks not against being industrious but against consuming oneself for money. Wise restraint in this area (as well as in what one eats at a banquet, vv. 1–2) is needed, especially in the present day when materialism drives many people to excessive work loads in order to accumulate more money. The reason for this advice is that riches are temporary and unstable 

 Sid S. Buzzell, “Proverbs,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 956.

A – God wants us to work hard and money is our gain for it.  It allows us to enjoy life’s blessings.  Yet, it shouldn’t take precedence or a higher place than God.  When we find the proper pursuit for both God and money, our lives are in alignment spiritually and materialistically.

R – Heavenly Father, you are Jehovah Jireh, our Provider.  Thank you for your blessings that you bestow upon us.  We are grateful for the abilities you give us to work diligently and to earn what we live on daily.  You provide and bless us in many ways.