S – The one who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them 

will find mercy. 

 Proverbs 28:13 CSB

O – When we hide or cover our sins in our own doings, it usually leads to more sin or bad actions.  When we share in a safe place and resolve not to continue in sin, God grants grace.

A – This is another one of those “counter-intuitive” actions God expects of us.  When we sin, it is natural to want to hide it.  Yet, in sharing with an accountability person your struggle and the intention of going a different way brings freedom.  God doesn’t ask for perfection from us but does want to see us moving closer to Him.

R – Lord, help me to do this today.

S – Do you see a person who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. 

 Proverbs 26:12 CSB

O – Commentary: Haughtiness cultivates pride. It leads to failure because it does not allow for change in the face of criticism. Humility learns from others and leads to the honor of success.

 New Living Translation Study Bible 

A –  This is a pretty strong statement.  It definitely speaks to pride and arrogance.  It also speaks to the principle that when we view our own intelligence, skill or cunning is centered on us, we are worse off than those who are stupid or deceived.  

R – Lord, help me to be wise and humble today.  I am nothing without you and all that you have given me.

S – If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, 

²² for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you

 Proverbs 25:21–22 CSB

O – Compassion is a characteristic of all humans.  Most of us can have it with our loved ones.  But, can we have it with those outside that personal circle?  It is these acts of kindness that meet others’ needs and demonstrate the heart of Christ…even if they are an “enemy.”

A – Commentary: This may come from an Egyptian expiation ritual, in which a person guilty of some wrongdoing would carry a pan of burning coals on his head as a sign of his repentance. Thus treating one’s enemy kindly may cause him to repent.

The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures,

I like this application personally.  Moving in compassion should cause my heart to soften and repent of what I bring to the damaged relationship.  Hopefully, it would do the same for the other person but I cannot control them.

R – Lord, help me to act in compassion from a genuine heart today.  Let it soften my stubbornness to forgive and open up relationship with you and others.

S – Complete your outdoor work, and prepare your field; afterward, build your house. 

Proverbs  24:27 CSB

O – Priorities…if you have no source to provide for your family, how can you establish where you live?

A – This proverb is a great reminder to always evaluate our priorities.  Where God is always number one, the rest of them continue to be rearranged due to the day, circumstance or people involved.

R – Lord, help me keep you first and the people in my life the highest priority.  Let me be flexible to prioritize the people and situations that best help me accomplish your will today.

S – My innermost being will celebrate when your lips say what is right.

Proverbs 23:16 CSB

O – When are words are healthy, it is an indication that our hearts are in a good place.  

A – Our thought life is closest associated with our hearts and souls.  The Bible says out of the “abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.”  When our foundation is solid and we can meet life’s ups and downs with words of life, we make an impact for God.

R – Lord, help me to do this today.

S – Humility, the fear of the Lord, results in wealth, honor, and life.

 Proverbs 22:4 CSB

O – The fear of the Lord is based in respect and honor for God.  Humility is knowing you are not the focal point of all that is going on.  They work together.  The result is abundance, honor and we are truly alive.

A – Interesting that less of me and more of God results in more than expected in goods, wealth, resources…respect, elevation in position, value by others…meaning, purpose, and all in perspective.

The things we want the deepest start with our view of God.  And doing this while elevating Him and keeping a healthy perspective of ourselves.

R – Lord, help me to do this today.

S – A king’s heart is like channeled water in the Lord’s hand: He directs it wherever he chooses

Proverbs 21:1 CSB

O – Commentary:  A king was the most powerful individual in an ancient nation, and it seemed that he could do as he pleased. However, God directs the heart of the king.

 New Living Translation Study Bible 

A – Our actions are directed by wants, needs and desires.  That is the visible layer of the “why” behind what we do.  We also are led by our hearts and that is the realm that God/ Holy Spirit work in each day.  The key is to align our hearts with God’s plan and purpose.

R – Lord, help me to align my heart with your purpose and desire for me today.  

S – The one who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid someone with a big mouth

 Proverbs 20:19 CSB

O – There are people who want to be in the know and share too much from it.  Stay away from them.

A – We live in an age where information is more accessible than ever.  People fear missing out and want to be included.  Be the leader that gives communicates well – good information at the right time.  Listening is just as important.  Having a “big mouth” rarely works to your advantage.

R – Lord, let me listen well and communicate effectively today.

S – The one who acquires good sense loves himself; one who safeguards understanding finds success

 Proverbs 19:8 CSB

O – Commentary:  Wisdom translates lēḇ (lit., “heart”) which here means “sense” (rendered “understanding” in 15:32). Living sensibly shows that a person loves his … soul. This does not refer to vanity or narcissism but to genuine concern for one’s destiny. Cherishes is literally, “keeps, guards, or preserves” (cf. 19:16). To keep watch over one’s understanding results in benefits to one’s soul (8:35–36); he prospers (cf. 16:20) spiritually and emotionally (as well as materially).

“Proverbs,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures,

A – I like the commentary on this.  It isn’t just applied knowledge.  It connects to your heart and soul.  It confirms the interweaving connection of mind, soul and body.

R – Lord, help me to be wise and have common sense.  And let it bring all the benefits to my soul, mind and body.

S – A man who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord. 

 Pr 18:22 CSB

O – Commentary:  Matrimony is desirable because a wife is “a suitable helper” (see Gen. 2:20 and comments there). The Lord sanctions marriage for He states that finding a wife is a good thing and that God is pleased with marriage (on the noun favor, rāṣôn.

“Proverbs,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – This reaffirms God’s plan from the beginning.  Man and woman would come together to accomplish His purpose and will.  They would do this in a relationship with Him and with each other.  The woman in Genesis 2:20 is “Ezer Kenegdo,” which means “A strong warrior, complementary to man.”  It is a good thing when a husband and wife can do life together, complementing each other in their gifts, attitudes and actions.

R – Lord, thank you for the gift of my wife today.  Together, we choose to walk with You and each other in a way that brings glory to you.