P31 CHALLENGE: Proverbs 22

Proverbs 22 New Living Translation (NLT)   Choose a good reputation over great riches;     being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold. 2 The rich and poor have this in common:     The Lord made them both. 3 A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions.     The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. 4 True humility and fear of the Lord     lead to riches, honor, and long life. 5 Corrupt people walk a thorny, treacherous road;     whoever values life will avoid it. 6 Direct your children onto the right path,     and when they are older, they will not leave it. 7 Just as the rich rule the poor,     so the borrower is servant to the lender. 8 Those who plant injustice will harvest disaster,     and their reign of terror will come to an end. 9 Blessed are those who are generous,     because they feed the poor. 10 Throw out the mocker, and fighting goes, too.     Quarrels and insults will disappear. 11 Whoever loves a pure heart and gracious speech     will have the king as a friend. 12 The Lord preserves those with knowledge,     but he ruins the plans of the treacherous. 13 The lazy person claims, “There’s a lion out there!     If I go outside, I might be killed!” 14 The mouth of an immoral woman is a dangerous trap;     those who make the Lord angry will fall into it. 15 A youngster’s heart is filled with foolishness,     but physical discipline will drive it far away. 16 A person who gets ahead by oppressing the poor     or by showering gifts on the rich will end in poverty. 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. 20 I have written thirty sayings for you,     filled with advice and knowledge. 21 In this way, you may know the truth     and take an accurate report to those who sent you. 22 Don’t rob the poor just because you can,     or exploit the needy in court. 23 For the Lord is their defender.     He will ruin anyone who ruins them. 24 Don’t befriend angry people     or associate with hot-tempered people, 25 or you will learn to be like them     and endanger your soul. 26 Don’t agree to guarantee another person’s debt     or put up security for someone else. 27 If you can’t pay it,     even your bed will be snatched from under you. 28 Don’t cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers     set up by previous generations. 29 Do you see any truly competent workers?     They will serve kings     rather than working for ordinary people.     REFLECTION Father, I am learning the joy of listening to You and applying Your wisdom to my life and the path You have put before me.  I want to open my ears to You today to hear Your words of Wisdom.  If there are opportunities to bless others, may I walk through them.  If I can be an encouragement to my children, may I show them grace and acceptance so they can be empowered to be what You want them to be.  I love growing in wisdom, and I pray today that my heart will be open to hear the wonderful truth You have for me throughout this entire day.     ----- Missed any days from the P31 Challenge?  All the P31 e-mails are archived here.