Thriving Words

The Proverb Challenge Day 29  Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. Proverbs 29:18 KJV A vision is something we see in our minds – “mental insight” as one definition puts it. It may be something God plants in us supernaturally or something we see on purpose. It involves the way we think about our past, our future and ourselves. People with sad past need to picture a bright future. Take a positive look at the possibilities of the future and speak of those things that do not exist as though they exist and thereby call them forth. Think and speak about your future in a positive way according to what God has placed in your heart - not according to what you have seen in the past or are seeing even now in the present. God has a great future for you. Believe it and confess it. I challenge you to start believing that something good is going to happen to you. Ask God for a vision to pursue and believe you can do whatev...

The Proverb Challenge Day 28 Committed and persistent work pays off; get-rich-quick schemes are ripoffs. Proverbs 28:20 MSG These days, I am worried about the ways people go about to get money. Don't me wrong, money is no bad but the way we seek to get money can be bad. People are looking for shortcuts all over. Virtually everyone want to be rich over night, the worrying part of it is that they don't want to work for it. Gambling, lottery, get-rich-schemes are the order of the day. A faithful man, who is true to God and man, “shall abound with blessings” from God and man. Not the possession of wealth, nor even the acquisition of it, is evil, but the eager haste of covetousness. A very faithful man, that is truly so; that is so in a moral sense; true to his work, makes good his promises, fulfils his contracts, abides by the obligations he lays himself under; is faithful in every trust reposed in him, be it greater or lesser matters, in every station i...

The Proverb Challenge Day 27 As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place. Proverbs 27:8 KJV Today Thriving verse is a simple warning to spiritually drifters. King Solomon liken them (drifters) to a bird that wander away from her nest. They are restless, searching endlessly. When a man drift away from God, he becomes vulnerable to attacks from the enemy.  It doesn’t just happen overnight, its slow moving. Starts by not reading your bible.  Not praying as much. Missing church because the game is on. People don’t just wake up one day hooked on pornography it starts by looking at some Jezebel in an under wear ad, then renting a wrong movie then before you know it your on your way out. Lot, Abraham nephew, relocated to a place beside Sodom, when he was to be resecued, he was resecued right inside Sodom. Most believers that drift away from God do not know they they are far from God until problems comes and the...

The Proverb Challenge Day 26 The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets. Proverbs 26:13 KJV Show me a man who is full of excuses and I will show you a man who is lazy. The slothful man hates every thing that requires care and labour. But it is foolish to frighten ourselves from real duties by fancied difficulties. We can all benefit from a study of the sluggard because too much of him lies in too many of us. Though we may not exhibit his characteristics to such a full extent and thus are not labeled slackers we can certainly profit from a gentle but straight forward thrust the Holy Spirit sends in our direction. And we must, for a loafer will not acknowledge nor deal with his problem. Let me make two observations before we begin. First, the slacker is not some sort of abnormal person. He or she is an ordinary man or woman who simply makes too many postponements or excuses for opportunities in life. Second, being a sluggard once ...

The Proverb Challenge Day 25 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls. Proverbs 25:28 KJV The above verse talks about Self Control. The ability to rule over your spirit is called Self Control. Solomon compare a man without self control to a city without walls. Such person is vulnerable. A city without walk is defenceless, so also is a man without control. People who cannot control themselves are like cities without walls to protect them. Such people will ways be in trouble. They are very much opened to attack. A man without self control is helpless. Self control is the ability to subject yourself under control. Imagine  a car without the brake controls, it will eventually have an accident, so also is a man without control. Everything about you must be under control; appetite, speech, spending, desires, anger etc. Self control require discipline. A disciplineless man can not control himself. Self con...

The Proverb Challenge Day 24 Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:  Proverbs 24:3‭ KJV Cultivating wisdom is one of the most important things we can do to increase our “personal capital.” Wisdom is an amazing multi-tool that helps us in so many realms and with so many particular decisions. House in this verse could mean a lot of things,  in Today's  Thriving Words, we will discussing Family. So I am going to rephrase the verse "Through wisdom is a family builded; and by understanding it is established" Making a family is not just about getting married, make love and have babies, etc... there's so much responsibilities involved within that. this is obvious to those who are already parents and they can surely affirm what i've said, for my statement is true. to the ones that are looking forward to a family life, prepare yourself for a WONDERFUL adventure. this is not a scary chapter, it's just the...

The Proverb Challenge Day 23 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. Proverbs 23:7 KJV We are a product of our thinking, we are what we think. Don't think because someone called you to come and eat, he / she meant that. Do not think because someone is laughing with you, he / she is happy with you. Selfishness starts from the mind. A selfish man might profess to be a kind man but truth is he has no sincere kindness to you, but inwardly grudges you over  that which he outwardly offers to you. Dont just judge solely on outward appreance or attitude. Beware of deceitful men, whose courtesies even you will repent of having accepted. The heart of man can only be known by God. Even a killer could offer his victim a cup of water. This verse is a call to us all to be careful and discernful about people especially those who seem to be hospitable to us. Not all kind people fake it but you a...

The Proverb Challenge Day 22 Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men. Proverbs 22:29 KJV I have this belief: even if you don't know God, if you are industrious and very good at what you do, you will be a star. Prayers is never a substitute for diligence. Seest thou a man diligent in his business?.... In the business of his calling, be it what it will, whether for himself or his master; constant in it, swift, ready, and expeditious at it; who industriously pursues it, cheerfully attends it, makes quick dispatch of it; does it off of hand, at once, and is not slothful in it, nor weary of it; when you have observed and taken notice of such a man, which is not very common, you may, without a spirit of prophecy, foresee that such a man will rise in the world; No matter who you are, you must be skillful, excellent and expert at what you do. What we do is important to God. He uses us as instrumen...

THE PROVERB CHALLENGE Day 21 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the Lord.   - Proverb 21:30 KJV   The wisdom of God is all important, and when you go after Him you will receive it. If you doubt God is sovereign, you will not after reading and musing on this proverb. Amen, and amen! Let all who know and love the LORD Jehovah say, “Amen!” For absolute statements of truth and dogmatic declarations of doctrine, here is one of the best. He alone is God, and no other being in heaven or earth can resist or question Him. Glory! He does His own will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth. Confess any rebellion. Humble yourself at His feet. Praise and worship Him forever. He reduced the greatest monarch in the history of the world to a grass-eating ox, until that man blessed and praised Him as the King of heaven (Dan 4:1-37). It is recorded in the chronicles of the Babylonian Empire. God is wiser than the wisest, ...

The Proverb Challenge Day 20 Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread. Proverbs 20:13 KJV Sleep is good. Our bodies need sleep. Don't deprive yourself of a good and sound sleep. But as much as we need to sleep, there is time to sleep and time to be awake, working. When you sleep too much, You become poor. Rich people do sleep but not too much. Don’t be too fond of sleep; you’ll end up in the poorhouse. Wake up and get up; then there’ll be food on the table. If you sleep all the time, you will starve; if you get up and work, you will have enough food. There is no food for lazy people. Sleeping too much means you are lazy. You can't have work to do and you are sleeping, poverty will come upon you. These days, there are lazy people who want to be rich, they are into all type of foolish activities like gambling. They don't want to do legal work that might take some time for them to be rich.  C...

The Proverb Challenge Day 19 He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good. Proverbs 19:8 KJV Wisdom is a principal thing, therefore get it. Why? He that get Wisdom loves his own soul.  The popular cry for self-love and self-esteem is a lie of humanistic psychology, the first listed symptom of the perilous times of the last days (II Tim 3:1-5). It is contrary to the Bible, which knows man loves himself enough and should learn to love others as much and esteem them better (Mat 22:39; Eph 5:28-29; Rom 12:10; Phil 2:3-4). Self-theory of the Bible is self-denial! The world says, “I am first.” The Bible teaches, “I am third.” Wisdom is self-serving, for it brings peace and prosperity to your own life. Of course, all those around you will also benefit by your excellent spirit and superior conduct. But you yourself are the great beneficiary of Lady Wisdom’s gracious invitations (Pr 8:1-11; 9:1-5). The good life, the abund...

The Proverb Challenge Day 18 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Proverbs 18:21 KJV A formidable power dwells within each of us. This power has changed the course of nations. It is capable of starting and ending wars. And it has made men rich and women famous. It has the means to commend or corrupt—to bless or to curse. It is the power of the tongue. It is well known that Many people has caused their own death, or the death of others, by a false or injurious tongue. The tongue as small as it is had the capacity to build or destroy. Words that proceed from the mouth can give life or kill. It's not untill you carry gun to kill someone before you become a killer. Your words can kill. In fact words of mouth travel faster and thus kill faster.  The tongue has incredible power. We can use our tongue to bring blessings and life or curses and death. The saying "sticks and stones can break my b...

The Proverb Challenge Day 17 The one who knows much says little; an understanding person remains calm. Proverbs 17:27 MSG A man of many words is not necessarily a man of wisdom. Wise folks don't talk too much or anyhow.  They speak when it is time for them to speak. They don't seek for audience because they want to speak. The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. A man show himself to be a wise man, by the good temper of his mind, and by the good government of his tongue. He is careful when he does speak, to speak to the purpose.  Wise folks speaks but no necessarily so much and their words are knowledge-filled, purposeful, precise and straight to the point. Unlike the foolish ones, they listen less and talk more...  Main Point: Loquaciousness doesn't not necessarily translate to Wisdom

The Proverb Challenge Day 16 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. Proverbs 16:25 KJV Today verse is one of my favourite scriptures. I called it a caution verse. It is a warning verse to everyone. Do not be deceived, not all that glitters is gold.  Don't follow a path simply because it is beautiful, rich etc. Don't be blinded by attractions. Get to know the real deal.  There are so many ways to make money but Wisdom will tell you that most of those ways leads to nothing but destruction.  There come a time in our lives that we assume we can do it on our own, that we can decide and choose for ourselves. Truth is you might be right or wrong. Because it is shining doesn't make it the way. Because it is smooth doesn't make it right. The ways of carelessness, of worldliness, and of sensuality, seem right to those that walk in them; but self-deceivers prove self-destroyers. So What Way lead...

The Proverb Challenge Day 15 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. Proverbs 15:2 KJV A major difference between the wise and the foolish is the way they speak. The words spoken by the wise are words of knowledge. Foolish folks talks nothing but nonsense.  The words of the wise are edifying words. A wise man express what he knows prudently and gracefully; taking due care both what, and when, and to whom, and in what manner he speaks. Knowing what to say, when to say it and how to say it is a characteristic of the wise. A wise man thinks before he speaks, a foolish man thinks after he has spoken. Fools are always in trouble because of how they speak. They speak anyhow. Wisdom is not found because you speaks so many words. Wisdom can be found in either few words or many words. Wisdom. Is found in the words spoken by wise folks. As the heart of a wise and good man is filled with useful knowledge, civil...

The Proverb Challenge Day 14 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. Proverbs 13:20 KJV There is a common saying that you are who you associate yourself with. Show me your friend and I will tell you who you are. A wise man won't follow fools. Association with the wise makes you wise and association with fools makes you foolish. A Dutch proverb says, "He that lives with cripples learns to limp;" and the Spanish, "He that goes with wolves learns to howl." We have a homely English proverb, "He that lies down with dogs shall rise up with fleas;" so the Orientals say," He that takes the raven for his guide shall light upon carrion." Multitudes are brought to ruin by bad company. And all that make themselves wicked will be destroyed. Befriend wise people and not foolish folks. Wisdom is passed from wise people buy fools have only foolish things to offer. Our associat...

The Proverb Challenge Day 13 Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known. Proverbs 14:33 KJV A major difference between a wise person and a fool is the preservation of Wisdom. A wise doesn't just act anyhow. He knows what he does and he does what he knows. A fool doesn't know the value of preservation. He just talks and act anyhow. Wisdom rest in the heart of him that has understanding,.... It is in his heart, as the treasury where it is laid up, and where it is kept in safety; here it lies hid and undiscerned, unmolested and undisturbed; no noise is made about it, or any ostentation of it; it dwells quietly and constantly there;  but that which is in the midst of fools is made known; the least share of knowledge which such persons have, or think they have, does not lie long in the midst of them; they take every opportunity of showing it to others, or of letting others know what they have ...

Day 12 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute. Proverbs 12:24 KJV Industry is the way to preferment. An instance of which we have 1 Kings 11:28, where we learn that Solomon advanced Jeroboam because he saw he was an industrious young man. Men that take pains in an honest employment, and especially those that labour to be useful to others, will thereby gain such an interest and reputation, as will give them a superiority over all about them. Thus many have risen strangely; and he that has been faithful in a few things has been made ruler over many things. And those who are diligent while they are young, frequently procure that wealth and power which enable them to rule, and so to rest, when they are oldIndustry is the way to preferment. An instance of which we have 1 Kings 11:28, where we learn that Solomon advanced Jeroboam because he saw he was an industrious young man.  Men that take pains in an honest employment, and espe...

The Proverb Challenge Day 11 He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.  - Proverbs 11:26 KJV I live in a country where sellers intentionally create scarcity to enrich themselves. When a commodity is in short supply and demand is high, price tends to be high. Today's verse admonish us to be honest in our business dealing. Don't hoard products at the expense of the masses.  Even when it is the norm in th industry you are operating, don't join to withhold corn from the people. Corn is food. It is what people will eat to survive. Do business in a right manner. Bad and wicked business tactics that is at the expenses of the people is dangerous and such business is cursed. Sell your products at a reasonable and affordable price. Don't be in a hurry to make money that you are ready to sell bogus products at an outrageous price. Beauty is abused by those who have not discretio...

The Proverb Challenge Day 10 The blessing of the Lord , it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it. Proverbs 10:22 KJV There are two types of riches in this world, the riches that has the blessings of the Lord and the riches that do not have the blessings of the Lord. The difference between the two types is that the riches without God's blessing is full of sorrow while the the one with God's blessing has no sorrow. The manner and methods in which men look for riches is really incredible. People can do almost anything to get money. They forget that what makes a man wealthy is the blessing of God. Riches are not gotten merely by wisdom or diligence, but also, and especially, by God’s favour and blessing. There are many way to be rich but there is only one way to be rich without sorrow. God blessings is always blessings. It lifts and never brings down, it increase and never decrease.  If those looking for money at all costs could understand that il...

The Proverb Challenge Day 9 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. Proverbs 9:10 KJV The phrase  "The Fear of the Lord"  has been downplayed for too long. The fear of the Lord is more than a mere respect or reverence. To fear God is to obey Him. To fear God is to do His Will. To fear God is to love. In reality, the fear of God is the Love of God.  Our fear of God is borne out of lov. To fear God is to honour Him for Who He is. To fear God is to Know Him. We become wise when we have the fear of God, we become wise when we do what God want. We become wise when we Love Him for who He is. Wisdom is found in God and getting close to God will only make us wise and wiser. The essence of this Proverb Challenge is not just to read but to read and become wise. This is a Wisdom Challenge that can only change your life for the better. God is wiser than the wisest, So it's only wise to honour God....

For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.  - Proverbs 8:11 KJV Wisdom is far better than wealth says King Solomon. For a world that is always materialistic in nature, Wisdom is the only way out. The difference between the foolish and wise is Wisdom. The foolish always think money is everything but the wise knows that Wisdom is everything. Wealth can be lost, but Wisdom will always remain. The value of Wisdom is more than wealth. While it is good to desire wealth, Wisdom should come first. Desire Wisdom and all the wealth you seek will come along. The world is in poverty not because there is shortage of money. It is because there is absence of Wisdom. Where there is an understanding heart, and willingness to receive the truth in love, wisdom is valued above silver and gold. The best thing a man should desire is Wisdom. A child of God must desire Wisdom. What makes you wise is not the amount of money you ...

For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her.  - Proverb 7:26 Solomon still continue his admonishment to Wise men in chapter 7. Infidelity is really a big problem for young men. Unsurprisingly, one of the causes of downfall of great men is infidelity. But why do men fall down easily to lust? Why do the so called strong men also fall to this same infidelity? Solomon with all his wisdom also fell into the trap. The answer is not too far away: men has underrated the issue of lust and has always believe in themselves to be stronger than infidelity.  Solomon knew this so well as the bible recorded that strange men lead him away from God. A wise man / woman should know that he is to flee from infidelity. Samson was fell from Grace to grass because he couldn't overcome lust. He was totally disgraced because of infidelity. David became a murderer because of infidelity. He allows himself to be consumed by lust. Joseph reached great heigh...

Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? Proverbs 6:27 KJV  The author asked a rhetoric question which is about LUST. The question implies a denial; he cannot escape burning. No more can he who burns in lust avoid destruction.  No one commit whoredom and doesn't get hurt. From Proverb Chapter 5, the writer has been emphasising on the need to abstain from fornication/adultery. It to be you of your Fortune. It kills you slowly, it takes away your dignity. No man walks through fire and won't get hurt, likewise, no wide man goes into fornication / adultery and doesn't get harmed. A Wise man runs away from sexual sins. One of the things that brings about a man's downfall faster is fonication/adultery.  No one is immune to sexual temptation, don't toy with it. Only a foolish man will go into the fire edpecting his clothes not to be burnt.  The writer liken sexual sins to fire, it will surely burn no matter who you think you ar...

For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord , and he pondereth all his goings. Proverbs 5:21 KJV One of the many things I learn early about God is this: He is Omnipresent, Omniscient and Omnipotent. He Knows all things and He is presently everywhere. Every of our ways (in the open or hidden) are laid bare before God. Nothing surprises Him, Nothing shocks Him. God sees clearly everything that a man does.  You can not hide your deeds from God, we might fooled men with our actions, we can never fool God. A wicked man or a good man are so clearly seen before God. Everyone will get their reward a th end of the day. Good or bad.  God’s eyes are everywhere, watching all actions (Pr 15:3; Ps 11:4; 139:1-12). Every thought, word, and deed is naked and exposed to the all-seeing eyes of the omniscient God. He sees and considers all your doings, so you should fear Him and hate sin. You should order your life, both in private and public, to please Him in all ways, at ...

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. - Proverbs 4:7 KJV Wealth, power, ease, pleasure, intellectual greatness are thought by different persons to be the principal thing. God says, “Wisdom is the principal thing.” Many years ago, I had always place wealth above Wisdom. I was so wrong then. From the first Chapter, The writer of Poverbs has been emphasising on getting Wisdom, I the fourth chapter, it say why: Wisdom is a major thing, Wisdom is the most important asset you can get. In our priority scale, Wisdom should always come first. Why is this wisdom called the principal thing? That is the principal thing which is the only abiding thing. True wisdom, like its source, is perennial, unchanging, everlasting. And it is the only satisfying thing. It comes from God; it leads to God. It comes from above; it leads to above.  Solomon was successful as a King because he chooses Wisdom first among many other things....

Happy   is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.  - Proverbs 3:13 KJV What makes a man happy is the Wisdom of God. You can't be endowed with the Wisdom of God and not be happy.  There are so many sad folks all around, that is because they haven't find Wisdom. Finding Wisdom is like digging for gold, imagine you striking at gold, despite your labour and stress you have gone through, you will naturally be happy because you have found gold. The same also with Wisdom.  Anyone that finds Wisdom has found Happiness and he / she is blessed.  Proverbs Chapter 3 emphasis on the priceless value of Wisdom, it's worth more than gold. If anyone should seek after something, it should be Wisdom. Nothing (not even money) can be compared to having Wisdom. No precious jewels or earthly treasures are worthy to be compared with true wisdom, whether the concerns of time or eternity be considered. We must make wisdom our business;...

For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. - Proverbs 2:6 KJV Day 2: There are basically two things that I learnt in Proverb Chapter 2. Firstly, God is the Sole giver of Wisdom. Secondly, He will give it to you if you truly seek for it. Foolishness is never of God.  Everything about God is    Wisdom. So many people seek wisdom outside God and they don't realize every Wisdom comes from God. There is no new knowledge with God. He knows them all which is why He is the One we need to ask Wisdom from.  God gladly and freely gives us Wisdom. Even the fear of the Lord start with wisdom. You can't fear God if you do t have Wisdom.  The Lord gives Wisdom to those that truly seek, thirst and hunger after it. The Wisdom of God won't just fall on you. You got to seek after it. Wise people are those goes after Wisdom.  What makes one foolish is not the absence of Wisdom, rather it is the not seeking afte...