Proverbs 20:19: A gossip betrays a confidence, so avoid a man who talks too much

If a person talks about someone else to you (a talebearer), they will talk about you when you are out of sight to someone else. A talebearer is to be avoided. They reveal secrets and stir up strife.

Those who love to spread secrets will flatter to learn them.

Proverbs 20:20 If a man curses his father or mother, his lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.

We see in this Scripture the opposite of “honor thy father, and thy days will be long upon the earth”.

Our mother and father’s love is probably more than anyone else’s. To curse them is, in essence, to curse yourself. This grievous sin will result in spiritual death.


Proverbs 21:20 – In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.    

This proverb is about saving for the future.  Easy credit has many people living on the edge of bankruptcy.  The desire to keep up and to accumulate more pushes them to spend every penny they earn, and they stretch their credit to the limit.  But anyone who spends all he has is spending more than he can afford.  A wise person puts money aside for when he or she may have less.  God approves of foresight and restraint.  God’s people need to examine their lifestyles to see whether their spending is God-pleasing or merely self-pleasing.

Proverbs 21:21 He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.

Those who pursue “righteousness” and “mercy” receive more than they seek.

We have read repeatedly that righteousness is being in right standing with God.  We also have read many times that it is Jesus’ righteousness that we take on.  We must accept Jesus as our Savior and we have righteousness.  But this speaks of a walk (followed) in that righteousness and mercy. 

We are told to be merciful because Jesus was merciful to us first.  Righteousness, mercy, and honor for us are a by-product of our salvation.

 


Proverb 19:21 Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’S purpose that prevails

Man cannot always trust his own heart, but you can always trust the counsel of the Lord. Man must have a brand-new heart engraved with the laws of God before his heart is trustworthy. The counsel of God is found in the Bible.

 Proverbs 19:22: What a person desires is unfailing love; better to be poor than a liar. 

 Here again, it must mean a poor, honest man is better than a rich liar. God says He loves a cheerful giver. If a man desires to do good, he will be kind. Rich liars are not kind since their lies bring harm; a kind poor man is more desirable 

 

 


When the spirit is broken, people lose hope. I have heard medicine doctors say that there is an element other than the severity of the illness, and the treatment they have to give for a specific disease or condition is called the will to live.

A person who says in his spirit, “I will not die,” heals faster and, to the amazement of the doctors, sometimes lives when all human hope is gone.

On the other hand, you can give someone medicine that should cure them, and if they have no will to live, they will probably die. The spirit of man is his life. Many die from a broken heart soon after they have lost a loved one.

Proverbs 18:15 The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. 

We see here someone eager to learn by doing and by listening.

Proverbs 18:16 A man’s gift makes room for him And brings him before great men

We see that a gift sometimes softens the heart and makes the way more accessible. This is not the word for a bribe but rather for a presentation given to someone.

I think a very nice gesture is to carry flowers or candy to the host when you are invited to dinner. It is just a way of showing you appreciate the effort she has gone to prepare the meal. Little gestures of friendship make everyone feel good.


17:19 Whoever loves a quarrel loves sin; whoever builds a high gate invites destruction.

We see that a sinner enjoys causing others heartache. Sin and strife walk hand in hand. We also see someone who builds a fancy house from the outside so the neighbors will be envious of him. This can only bring destruction. Pride goes before a fall.

 Plainly put: This is an image of a proud person who flaunts his wealth with a huge house and a large front door, and thus invites death.

Proverbs 17:20 One whose heart is corrupt does not prosper; one whose tongue is perverse falls into trouble.

A sinful heart brings forth sinful words. Ugly speaking, dirty jokes, and cursing bring even more sin. It is a never-ending cycle that feeds upon itself and gets worse and worse. This person is not honest, and those trading with him cannot believe anything he says. His deceit shows, and no one wants to deal with him. God will not bless him, and destruction is what’s in front of him. 


Read the 4 Gospels of The New Testament and allow your relationship to grow. Jesus dont have the power He is the POWER!


Proverbs 16:21: The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction. 

True wisdom (godly wisdom) is the subject above.  Godly wisdom is recognized by others around you, and they have respect for you because of the decisions you make.  We see in the rest of verse twenty-one that people who speak nice things are listened to more readily.  People listen and learn more from someone who speaks softly and kindly.

The “sweetness of the lips” is like “words of honey,” which reflect intelligence, judiciousness, and discernment in speech, referring to eloquent discourse from the wise.


Proverbs 15:22-23 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.  23 A person finds joy in giving an apt reply-and how good is a timely word!

Because our perspective is limited, we often need the godly wisdom and insight of others when making important decisions and plans. God frequently uses the counsel of fellow believers to reveal His will.

People fixed on one way of thinking may miss the right path because they are closed to new possibilities. Seek guidance from trusted, experienced people who can expand your vision and broaden your perspective. Build a network of advisers, remain open to fresh ideas, and weigh their suggestions carefully. Your plans will be stronger and more likely to succeed.

Verse 23 continues the thought in verse 22: a counselor takes joy when sound advice, offered at the right time, is accepted.

Proverbs 15:24 The path of life leads upward for the prudent to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead.

 We see that the wise choose the way that leads to heaven above. They are aware that hell exists beneath. They are on a higher plane. They seek the way of the Godly. Their home is in heaven; and they refuse the way of sin that leads to hell. 

Proverbs 15:25 The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place. 

The proud do not think they need any help from anyone. God loves and helps the humble. We must reach out for his help before He will give it. When evil men try to take the property of widows, God will intervene. The most desolate (widows), who have God’s help possess a more permanent dwelling place than the prosperous and self-reliant sinners. God helps those who cannot help themselves. We really need Him, but some are too proud to admit they need Him.What the book of Psalms is to prayer and devotional life, the book of Proverbs is to everyday life.  Proverbs gives partial suggestions for effective living.  This book is not just a collection of homey sayings, it contains deep spiritual insights drawn from experience.  A proverb is a short, wise, easy to learn saying that calls a person to action.  It doesn’t argue about basic spiritual and moral beliefs, it assumes we already hold them.  The book of Proverbs focuses on God, his character, works and blessings and it tells how we can live in close relationship to him.

Solomon the third king of Israel, son of the great King David, reigned during Israel’s golden age.  When God said he would give him whatever he wanted, he asked for an understanding heart (1Kings 3:5-14) God was pleased with this request, and he not only made Solomon wise but also gave him great riches and power and an era of peace.  Solomon built the glorious temple in Jerusalem and wrote most of the book of Proverbs.  His Profile is found in 1 Kings 4.


The Armor of God and Its Purpose

Dear Lord, I now follow your command to put on the full armor of God because my battle is not against flesh and blood but against rulers, authorities, the powers of this dark world and against spiritual forces of evil in the unseen world.

Belt of Truth

I first pray on the Belt of Truth that it may be buckled around my waist. May I be centered and encircled by your truth, dear Lord. Hem me inside all that is true and right and may I be protected and held up by the truth of your living word.

Breastplate of Righteousness

I pray on the Breastplate of righteousness. Please protect my vital organs and my inner man. Cover my integrity, my spirit, my soul. Guard my heart for it is the wellspring of life. Please strengthen and guard the most vulnerable places in my life with that which is right, good, and noble that I might not receive a fatal blow from the enemy.

Gospel Shoes of Peace

I pray on the Gospel Shoes of Peace. I choose to stand in the shoes of your good news and on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ, the solid rock. All other ground is sinking sand. I pray that I will not slip or fall but that my feet would be firmly fitted on your lordship, Jesus. I choose to stand on you so that the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus, the Rock of Ages. I receive your peace now, Jesus, from the sole of my feet to the crown of my head.

Shield of Faith

I pray the Shield of Faith into my hand now. As I take up the shield of faith I ask that you might extinguish every dart and arrow that is launched from the enemy to take me down spiritually, physically, mentally, or emotionally. Every attempt of the enemy to destroy my joy I ask that my faith in you would make it flame out. Extinguish every flaming arrow that would come against me, my family, or my ministry. May my faith always be out in front of me like a shield. Give me the courage to “faith my fears” by choosing to walk by faith and not by sight.

Helmet of Salvation

I pray on the Helmet of Salvation that you might protect my mind from the thoughts that can lead me astray. I choose to take every thought captive and arrest ill-intentioned ideas and motives that would harm others or distract me from your will for me. I submit every captured thought to the Lordship of Christ and ask that you would imprison those thoughts that are not of you, Lord. Transform my mind and renew my thinking that I may think God thoughts and have a sober mind that is focused on your glory. Please protect me from being double minded that I may allow my mind, the command center for the rest of my body, to be saturated with the mind of Christ.

Sword of the Spirit

Finally, I take up the Sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. I pray this offensive weapon into my hand and ask that your word would be fitting for every encounter I face. As the enemy gets close to me, please give me the insight, wisdom, and skill to wield the word of God spoken in season and out of season to inflict pain against the enemy. May the enemy and his team flee from me upon hearing the word of God spoken by the power and direction of the Holy Spirit. Give me the sword of the spirit to cut through the wiles of the devil so that I may discern the schemes of the enemy when he is near. With all kinds of prayers, supplication, and intercession I pray to you Lord as the one who fights my battles. Now that I’m in your armor, I walk away from this prayer covered and ready to face my day as you go before me and protect me in the midst of the spiritual warfare in this unseen world.

Thank you, Lord, for the spiritual weapons of armor and prayer that you have given me. No weapon formed against me shall prosper and you will refute every tongue that accuses me. Thank you, Father, that I am more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus.

Arthur: Doctor David Anderson. Lead Pastor of Bridgeway Community Church.


I entered the Army at 17 and proudly served 20 years as an Active Army Infantryman, retiring at 37. Life has brought its share of victories, struggles, and lessons, but through it all, God has been faithful. Today, my battlefield is no longer physical—it’s a spiritual one. I now serve the Lord by sharing His Word, reaching the lost with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and helping lead souls to salvation. My greatest mission is to glorify God and faithfully proclaim His truth until He calls me home.

To really follow someone’s every Command; you must really develop deep trust in who is commanding you and know and understand the Commands.  

Rob Henry story on how I came Under Gods Command.  Here is some of my story on how I became to not just to know Jesus, but to love him.  God was calling me a long time ago, but I just did not know it at the time, check out my story that came from the following scripture.  

Galatians 6:7-8 NIV

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. [8] Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

What Seeds Are You Sowing?

It would be shocking if you planted corn and pumpkins grew instead. God’s creation teaches us a simple truth: we reap what we sow. That principle applies to every area of life.

If you gossip about your friends, you’ll eventually lose their trust. Every choice produces a result. If you live to satisfy your sinful desires, you’ll eventually reap sorrow and destruction. But if you live to please God, you’ll reap joy, peace, and eternal life.

So ask yourself: What kind of seeds are you planting today?

One of Satan’s greatest lies is convincing us that everything is fine while we continue living in sin. He whispers, “God understands,” hoping we’ll justify what we already know is wrong. The truth is, God does understand—He understands when we choose to ignore His Word instead of obeying it.

The enemy is patient. He lets us believe we’re getting away with sin, then suddenly attacks through our finances, relationships, health, family, work, or our minds. That is why we must stay close to God and remain under His protection.

This morning’s devotion from The Purpose Driven Life (Galatians 6:7-8) reminded me of my own journey to Christ.

Back in the early 1980s, when I was about 23 years old and stationed at Fort Ord, California, I often drove nearly 100 miles to Oakland just to party. Drinking, dancing, chasing women, and enjoying the nightclub scene became my lifestyle. I loved every minute of it.

One night about two years later, around two in the morning, while driving back to Fort Ord after partying and still under the influence of alcohol, I rolled down my window, looked toward heaven, and said, “Lord, I know You are not going to let me keep getting away with the life I’m living.”

I believed God existed. I believed Jesus died on the cross. But I wasn’t ready to live under God’s command.

It was like knowing the United States has a powerful Army, appreciating the freedom Soldiers protect, yet never choosing to enlist. I wanted the benefits of knowing God without surrendering my life to Him.

Then something began to change.

One evening I was sitting in my room with a bottle of E&J in my hand when some friends stopped by to go partying. As I held up the bottle, I asked them, “Man, isn’t there more to life than this? Drinking, chasing women, and lying all the time?”

They thought I had lost my mind.

What I didn’t realize was that God was already working on my heart.

About a week later, I went to church and gave my life to the Lord. I was now under God’s command. Although I was still hanging around the same places and people, everything began to feel different.

I attended church faithfully and went to Bible study, but something still seemed missing. No one really discipled me or explained what it meant to truly follow Christ. Everyone wore suits and ties, talked about loving everybody, and openly declared their love for God.

I wanted to be honest.

One night I prayed, “Lord, I believe in You, but I don’t love You. I can’t keep pretending.”

I honestly expected God to punish me for saying that.

Instead, He placed one simple desire on my heart:

Read the four Gospels.

That changed everything.

As I read about Jesus—His compassion, His power, His miracles, His courage, His love, and even how people rejected Him—I fell in love with Him.

For the first time, my relationship with Christ became personal.

I became so excited that I would call my father while reading the Gospels just to tell him what I had discovered. I told him about Jesus’ miracles, His boldness, and how He willingly endured suffering for us. My father, who had been turned off by church, listened with great interest because he was hearing God’s Word instead of religious tradition.

From that point on, my walk with Christ took off.

God later used me to lead my mother to Christ, and she has faithfully served Him ever since.

Looking back, I realize just how important God’s Word truly is. What we don’t know can hurt us. But when we sincerely seek God, He will faithfully lead us to His Son.

Today, this verse carries a meaning I didn’t understand back then:

“If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.” — 2 Chronicles 7:14

God wasn’t looking for perfection. He was looking for surrender.

He wasn’t waiting for me to clean up my life before coming to Him. He was waiting for me to seek Him with an honest heart so He can clean me up.  

If you’re reading this today, remember: the seeds you sow today will shape the harvest you reap tomorrow.