by Live Original | Sep 24, 2020 | Featured, Life Advice |
Note from Team LO: Thank you so much for joining in our Proverbs study that we’ve been going through as a community! This post is packed with goodness and biblical truth. If you want more from this study, or want to start from the beginning, click HERE to get started. Enjoy today’s post!
Have you ever heard the phrase, “I don’t know what I don’t know”? This saying is often used for people who lack experience in a certain areas of expertise, or even sometimes used by the humble to say that they’re just doing their best with the tools they’ve been given. To be honest, it really is a valid excuse… but an excuse, nonetheless.
As we continue in our Proverbs study, one thing is certain: “I don’t know what I don’t know” isn’t going to be as believable as an excuse as it once was. Packed with detailed instruction, the breakdown of wisdom v. foolishness, and the un-deniability of what stirs up evil and what brings about good in friendship, Proverbs 17 will leave you with a mindset of “I DO know what I DO know.” We’re excited for this one, friends! Let’s dive in.
Verse 4: An evildoer listens to wicked lips, and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.
Have you ever had those friends that have “selective listening”? Sometimes it’s funny because those friends will ask the exact question or repeat the exact phrase that someone just said, and if you’re close enough, you get to call them out and have a good laugh (lovingly, of course). But in verse 4, this is referring to people who have selective listening only for the words that don’t lead to unity, but instead lead to strife. Here’s the truth: Your flesh is always going to pay attention to words of flesh, and the spirit is always going to pay attention to words of the spirit. So which ones are you drawn to? This will tell you which “self” you’re living out of.
For further study of the new self v. the flesh: Colossians 3
Verse 9: Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.
THIS ONE GETS REAL! Friend, are you quick to want people to know the mistakes of others? It’s like a game of telephone, gossip gets passed further and further down the pipeline, and by the end of it, everyone’s heard something, but it gets further and further away from what’s actually true.
There is SUCH a blessing for those who honor others by working to cover an offense of a friend. This doesn’t mean that you help a friend hide sin, it means that you don’t take it further outside of the circle of the ones who witnessed it. That way, your friend can focus of repenting to God and those who he/she hurt without having to further their shame. What a beautiful thing it is when you work to honor your friends by holding back your tongue.
Verse 14: The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out.
Do you ever just need someone to grab your face and say “quit!” Quit stirring things up, stop repeating what was told to you in privacy, stop sacrificing others on the altar of your own insecurities.
This verse references water seeping out of a dam in the beginning phases. The way it works is once a dam has been breached, there is no holding back the water – there’s no turning back once it’s cracked.
Same way with our words: once we’ve started down the path of stirring up conflict with our words, it’s like the dam that will eventually completely erupt.
This causes division, brokenness in relationships, and a lack of peace. Let’s be people who won’t even entertain the beginning stages of gossip. Let’s not fool ourselves to think we can start and then just stop whenever we’d like. Jesus commands holiness, and when we let divisiveness in, we aren’t strong enough to hold it back. Seek his ways, his words, and his walk.
On further study on the impact on our words: James 3
Verse 22: A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
The “good medicine” of our culture are things like Netflix, binging on ice-cream, online shopping, scrolling on Insta, and any other way of distraction. But this scripture says that the OG good medicine was and still is a “joyful heart”. And isn’t it true?! When you’re looking for what can sooth your soul, you’re never going to find it through someone’s IG story or in your favorite Home Edit episode (although all good things in their rightful place!), you’re going to find it in restoring your joy in the Lord. Don’t hand over your fragile, crushed spirit to what can’t actually mend your heart. Let the One who was crushed for you restore to you a joy in your salvation.
For further study on a joyful heart: Psalm 51:7-12
Verse 28: Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise, when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.
This verse sums up this chapter so well. To paraphrase: YOUR WORDS MATTER, FRIEND.
It’s so easy to live in our own world, thinking we know best, and that we’re always right, or that we can say things flippantly without consequence. But Jesus says that we will be held accountable one day for every word we say (Matthew 12:36). It would be a shame to interpret this verse as saying that we shouldn’t ever speak, but it a charge to make sure that the words we speak are ones filled with the power and truth of the Holy Spirit in us. We have a helper to give us words, and his words are perfect, why would we not choose words in the Spirit? And yes, we will mess up, but even our words of repentance are just as powerful as saying all the right things.
Above all, let’s be people who love, are quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry with one another. If this Proverb shows us anything, is that the abundant life is seen through a life of honoring one another, living in unity, and being quick to learn the ways of righteousness.
Let’s turn away from being people who don’t know what they don’t know to people who know that we know that we know how to love God and love people.
And that’s Proverbs 17! We hope you loved it and have loved this study! For more proverbs, click HERE and check out the study as a whole.
And follow us on Instagram @liveoriginal
by Christian Huff | Jul 30, 2020 | Life Advice
Note from Team LO: We are so excited about today’s Proverbs post from Christian Huff! This post is packed with goodness and biblical truth. If you want more from this study, or want to start from the beginning, click HERE to get started. Enjoy today’s post!
To me, the book of Proverbs is one of the most impactful and applicable books in the Bible. Why? Because it is filled with Godly wisdom and so much of what it says goes against the cultural norm that many of us see and even often feel like we have to go by today. I want to dive straight into these truths in scripture that Solomon, inspired by the holy spirit writes to us.
“How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver!” (16:1). Solomon knows how valuable wisdom is and we know that because he is comparing it to gold, which at time was the most treasured good. Let’s substitute the word gold for another word that applies to our culture today. What about the terms like status or followers? Does that relate to anybody? Now let’s rephrase what Solomon said… “How much better to get wisdom than to be liked by the world?” Solomon is saying that wisdom is WAY BETTER than whatever else you could need. You cannot compare these earthly “things” to wisdom which comes from heaven. We know that wisdom comes from above because James tells us. Now, James is the brother of Jesus so we know that he is legit. James 1:5 tells us “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him.” In our world today we hear people say all the time, that they hate being misunderstood or that they wish they had more understanding on certain topics. Here, Solomon is saying again that to get understanding is to be chosen over silver, which was another huge commodity in his time. I want to encourage y’all to ask our Father for these things. The word says that if we lack these things to ask God who gives generously. We serve a God who loves us and wants to give us the desires of our heart if they align with his will. So today, do not hesitate to ask God for wisdom and for understanding, truly desiring these traits over anything that the world can give you because if you chose the latter it will leave you empty and unsatisfied.
“Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord.” (16:5). This is a heavy verse and it can be a lot to digest. But, first let’s establish what these words mean. “Arrogant” means to be conceited or boastful. I think this verse is important because if we were to take a look at our world today then we would notice that there is arrogance all around us. The word “Abomination” means “a thing that causes disgust or hatred.” Now, I don’t know about you but I do not want to do anything that brings disgust to the lord. But let’s be honest with ourselves, we are humans in a lost world so we are going to mess up and miss the mark but we serve a gracious God who delights in us. Don’t get me wrong, yes, he does hate sin and what it does to us but he rejoices when we repent and turn to him, asking him for help and guidance in prayer. Let’s use the prayer of David for our example here in Psalm 139:24. “See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” This needs to be our prayer and heartbeat when addressing sin in our lives. Always going back to asking God to help us and guide us. It is easy to at times be arrogant for whatever reason but making a habit of it can become dangerous if we fail to acknowledge the contempt that it brings to our Father.
I have always loved the way this next verse is phrased… and yes it may because I love honey… “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” (16:24). Here, Solomon is telling us what our words are like when they are gracious. When they are gracious it brings health to the body. Proverbs 18:21 tells us that our tongues hold the power of life and death. So if they have the ability to bless someone and bring life they also have the power to bring destruction. May we speak graciously towards one another building each another up in love. I like honey and I want my words to be as sweet as it. I hope this message encouraged you today to ask God for wisdom and to search our hearts to see if there is any way in us that is offensive the Lord. Lastly, may our words be honoring and life giving. Thank you Jesus for your word that stands the test of time and that every word still rings true today!
Want more encouragement and wisdom from Christian? Follow him on Instagram @christian_huff
by Sadie Robertson Huff | Jun 18, 2020 | Life Advice |
Want to start from the beginning of the Proverbs Study? Find the full study HERE.
I don’t know if you have ever heard of the Instagram account called, “Whoa, wait. Walmart?” but it is dedicated to pulling out the gems that Walmart has to offer and gives you the pure shock of finding such quality items. Well, sometimes I feel like we treat the bible like ‘Whoa, wait. Walmart?’.
Some of us think, “Yes, it is God’s Word and yes, it is great, but is there anything in there that really applies to my life? How could something so old actually speak to where I am at right now?” If you have ever thought those things before, I would argue that it may just be a lack of reading the Bible to know the gems that are in it. Maybe it is kind of like your idea of Walmart that has stopped you from going and buying some solid clothing options, because you just didn’t think anything was current enough for you to thrive in. I have a feeling if you just read the Bible you will be saying, “Whoa, wait. THE BIBLE?”
Proverbs 15 speaks to us today better than any influencer could. Starting off in verse one it says, “Respond gently when you are confronted, and you will defuse the rage of another. Responding with sharp, cutting words will only make it worse.” (15:1)
We all know things in the world have been wild lately. It has been hard and sad and brought up the need for conversations that we need to have and have needed to have for a really long time. Many of us are seeking what and how to communicate.
In times like these it is so easy to want to get angry and snap back at people that have different opinions. It has left many of us questioning what to say and how to say things…but did we ever think that even in a time like this the Bible would have such great advice on how to handle conflict? That if we speak gently to one another we might could get somewhere instead of making it worse?
It goes on to say in verse four, “When you speak healing words, you offer others fruit from the tree of life. But unhealthy words do nothing but crush their hopes.” (15:4)
If we want to grow a harvest for the next generation, we have to speak healing words.
The next four verses I placed back to back because Solomon repeated himself several times, so this message must be really important for obtaining wisdom.
- You are stupid to mock the instruction of a father, but welcoming correction will make you brilliant. (15:5)
- Your plans will fall apart right in front of you if you fail to get good advice. But if you first seek out multiple counselors. You’ll watch your plans succeed. (15:22)
- Accepting constructive criticism opens your heart to the path of life, making you right at home among the wise. (15:31)
- Refusing constructive criticism shows you have no interest in improving your life, for revelation – insight only comes as you accept correction and the wisdom that it brings. Proverbs (15:32)
Do I hear anyone saying ‘WHOA, WAIT. THE BIBLE?’
Have you ever been told something you really didn’t want to hear, but you needed to hear? If you accepted that advice then you are WISE! That may seem crazy to you because that moment probably made you feel stupid, but it is in those moments in life where we take giant leaps towards wisdom. Having different generations in our life is such a huge blessing and value that we need to realize! “Why Sadie? They are old and don’t get it!” No, they are wise and have lived through it! Let people speak into your life who are older and wiser, because odds are, they fell learning and want to teach you how to avoid the fall.
I want to encourage you in this time to take from what we are learning and use your words to make the world a better place. Allow ones who know more to speak into your life. We have to be willing to be the change we desire to see. In verse 19 it says to bluntly, “Nothing seems to work right for the lazy man…” (15:19) Do not be lazy in the midst of a history making year. This life is the only one we’ve got so rather you are happy about being a part of 2020 or not. You are here so be a part of the hope that is coming!
“The senseless fool treats life like a joke, but the one with living- understanding makes good choices.” (15:21) Make good choices and the world will be blessed by it. Your life is not a joke – it is a miracle and full of purpose that the world needs.
I want to finish with verse 11, “Even hell itself holds no secrets from the Lord God, for all is exposed before his eyes, and so much more the heart of every human being.”(15:11)
Why do I put this in here, friends? Because I want you to know that there is grace for not being the perfect leader, the perfect friend, having the perfect words, or being the perfect person. Just because you mess up do not stop trying. God knows your heart, and nothing is a secret to Him. His mercy triumphs over judgment. Don’t just do this life for Him – Do this life with Him. Let Him teach you.
Want more from Sadie and Live Original? Follow us on Instagram @legitsadierob and @Liveoriginal
by Live Original | Mar 12, 2020 | Life Advice |
WISE WOMEN
After reading through Proverbs 14, we are inspired and encouraged to be the type of women that God calls us to be.
Proverbs 14 compares and contrasts the wise with the foolish. As women of God, we have influence on other people’s lives. Yes, every single one of us has influence on this world in some way or another. We want to steward our influence and energy in positive and wise ways, and Proverbs 14 is a great guide to help us do so!
Want to start from the beginning? Start with Proverbs 1 HERE.
Let’s get started!
Verse 1: Every wise woman encourages and builds up her family, but a foolish woman over time will tear it down by her own actions.
When reading this at first glance, some of us may think it doesn’t apply to us. We may be thinking this only applies to women who are married with children, and yes it does apply to them, but it applies to ALL women. Like we said before, you have influence in one way or another. Your “family” in this this verse could be your roommate, friends, teammates, it could really be anyone you have any sort of connection with. Your family is your people.
Let’s be real, no one wants to “tear down” their people or would ever intentionally do so. But if we are not careful with what we say or do, we can hurt people easier than we think. So how do we avoid this?
Solomon says the key is being wise. And how do we know we are being wise? By diving into the word and listening to what God says. Bringing every situation to Him first before seeking answers in other people or things. Proverbs 14 lays it out beautifully for us.
Verse 3: The words of a proud fool will all come back to haunt him. But the words of the wise will become a shield of protection around them.
Our words are so important. In verse 3 we see that our words can become a “shield of protection,” if we are wise with what we are saying. This can be a simple as thinking before we speak and being the security check point for what is coming out of our mouths.
On the other hand, we can tear people down so easily with our words if we choose to be foolish and careless with what we are saying. It is easy to get lost in a moment and say things that we may not even mean. We can get caught up in gossip or putting others down to make ourselves feel better, but we need to remind ourselves that our words have POWER and we have influence. So, let’s choose our words wisely and build each other up by speaking truth and life.
Verse 7-8: The words of the wise are like weapons of knowledge. If you need wise counsel, stay away from the fool. For the wisdom of the wise will keep life on the right track, while the fool only deceives himself and refuses to face reality.
In verse 7 and 8 we see Solomon talking about words and counsel. He calls wise words “weapons of knowledge.” Sometimes it is hard to discern what is wise and what is foolish, but the best way to test this when someone gives you advice is to check it with what the Bible says. If you have someone speaking into your life, the words should be rooted in Biblical truth, which will ultimately put you on the right path, rather than blindly following words that come from someone who may just be inserting their opinion rather than trying to lead in what God says about a situation.
Verse 12-13: You can rationalize it all you want, and justify the path of error you have chosen,
but you’ll find out in the end that you took the road to destruction. Superficial laughter can hide a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the pain resurfaces.
This part of the verse really made us reflect. How often do we rationalize sin? ALL THE TIME. It is second nature for some of us to tell ourselves that what we’re doing is not that bad, or we look to our neighbors and compare our sin to theirs to make us feel better about what we have done wrong. This leads to destruction. In reality, we’re all sinners and we are all undeserving of God’s grace, but we are given grace anyway!
Instead of justifying our sin, and brushing it off, we can actually bring those burdens to God and He says that He will make our burdens light! We can come to Him in surrender and experience freedom by admitting that we need a Savior.
Verse 13 talks about “superficial laughter” and how it can “hide a heavy heart.” We think this is very relatable to today. In order to make light of hard circumstances, some of us will just laugh and make jokes, when in reality, the pain of that hurt won’t go away. Addressing the problem and admitting the pain shows strength and is a sign of a wise woman. Bringing that heavy heart to God will allow for healing, rather than just laughing things off to hide the pain.
Verse 26-27: Confidence and strength flood the hearts of the lovers of God who live in awe of him, and their devotion provides their children with a place of shelter and security. To worship God in wonder and awe opens a fountain of life within you, empowering you to escape death’s domain.
Wow, so many good things to unpack in those verses. First off, we all crave inner confidence and strength, don’t we? This verse said that confidence and strength will “flood our hearts” when we love God and are in awe of Him. When we choose to seek God, we get to experience the confidence, strength, and LIFE. When we worship God, it opens “a fountain of life”. This is real joy and freedom! When we choose Him, we are no longer slaves to death, but we get to experience life and life in abundance while knowing that we get to spend an eternity with our Savior! How cool is that?!
Verse 29-30: When your heart overflows with understanding, you’ll be very slow to get angry. But if you have a quick temper, your impatience will be quickly seen by all. A tender, tranquil heart will make you healthy, but jealousy can make you sick.”
In verses 29 and 30, Solomon addresses anger, patience and jealousy. Three topics that a lot of us can relate to on a daily basis. Being understanding for others is the first step to not getting angry. It is so hard when we have blinders’ on and can’t see something from another person’s perspective, and it causes us to get angry. But if we try and put ourselves in their shoes, we will be slow to anger and learn to become more patient with those who may act or think differently than us.
Solomon talks about jealousy and how it can actually cause you to be “sick.” We think King Solomon is addressing anxiety here. One of the key factors of anxiety is comparing everyone else’s lives to our and then becoming jealous of what others have. This could not ring more true today. We are constantly looking at other’s highlight reels of their lives and wishing ours looked the same, and it causes us to be sick. But if we choose to look inward and focus on our own lives and our own personal walk with Jesus, it will slowly begin to heal our hearts and we can become healthy.
We want to end on this note. This chapter of Proverbs is packed with truth about positive ways to live our lives and to be “wise.” Some of us may read this chapter and think, “Wow I feel really like the foolish one.” But that is the beauty of the Gospel. No matter how foolish, messed up, or wrong we may be, we are given GRACE and can become wise by listening to what God has to say to us. He is not keeping a record of everything we have done wrong and thinking we are foolish. He sees us as His children and wants to give us the best fatherly advice that He can give. He wants to see us full of life and joy! We are given access to the BEST life advice from a Heavenly Father that loves us. We can have peace knowing that He always has our best interest at heart.
Want more from Sadie and Live Original? Follow us on Instagram @Liveoriginal
by Live Original | Jan 15, 2020 | Life Advice
Grace for the journey.
That is the saying that comes to mind when we think of Proverbs 13! This chapter is all about patience, faith, and belief in what we can’t always see. It’s about taking God at His promises, refusing to compromise when life offers us a temporary way out.
What a sweet time it’s been studying the Proverbs together month after month.
This book, filled with wisdom from God given to King Solomon, offers a way of life unlike the world’s way. It’s a way of prudence and patience for the journey.
If you have specific desires and hopes today for this new decade, bring them to the forefront as you work through this Proverb and know that those desires matter. God is unfolding a story, bit by bit, just for you!
Want to start from the beginning? Start with Proverbs 1 HERE.
Now let’s dive in!
Verse 3 (TPT): Guard your words and you’ll guard your life, but if you don’t control your tongue, it will ruin everything.
Our mouth is by far the most powerful tool we have. James speaks of the tongue by saying, “Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.” James 3:4 (ESV)
So many times, we want to say exactly what we are thinking in the moment, but it is a discipline to learn the rhythms of when, where, and how to use our tongue.
Remember friend, once you speak, you can’t ever get those words back. Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.
Verse 4: The slacker wants it all and ends up with nothing, but the hard worker ends up with all that he longed for.
Have you ever looked at someone’s life and thought “How did they get there?” Maybe they’re having great success or even great joy that you wish you had. Truth is, when you see a snapshot of someone’s life that is having success in any given area, they didn’t get there overnight! It most likely accompanied endless nights, even endless prayers of asking God to equip them every day with diligence in that area.
Pray for God to give you a steadfast heart of diligence today. Thank Him for what you have today and ask that he would continue to equip you on the journey.
Verse 7: One pretends to be rich but is poor. Another pretends to be poor but is quite rich.
What does this verse really point out there? The main root issue is humility! All throughout scripture we see people who wanted to be great/successful/powerful in the public eye. They were the ones who were actually spiritually poor. It was the meek/humble/servant hearted that were called up in God’s kingdom.
Want to be rich in God’s economy? Live by the be-attitudes shown in Matthew 5:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Verse 13: Despise the word, will you? Then you’ll pay the price and it won’t be pretty! But the one who honors the Father’s holy instructions will be rewarded.
We’ve covered the power of our tongue, the diligence of our hands, and now this verse covers our ability to use another vital part of our spiritual well-being: Our ears!
How is your ability to listen and take instruction? Even more, correction? Truth is, God disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6) and friend, He loves YOU! He wants the best for you and knows that sanctification comes with instruction.
Do you ask Him to instruct and guide you? If so, this verse says that you will be rewarded with discernment, wisdom, and the fruits of the spirit.
Verse 19-20: When God fulfills your longings, sweetness fills your soul. But the wicked refuse to turn from darkness to see their desires come to pass. If you want to grow in wisdom, spend time with the wise. Walk with the wicked and you’ll eventually become just like them.
Do you remember the last time you had a prayer answered? Do you remember the feeling? Didn’t it feel like God is nearer to you to you than ever? That is what Solomon is referring to when he says, “sweetness fills your soul”. He goes as far to connect this process with spending time with people who will celebrate with you and point you to the correct desires.
Takeaway here? Let God and your people into your desires and celebrate together when they are fulfilled!
Verse 25: The lovers of God will have more than enough, but the wicked will always lack what they crave.
God’s love is a full kind of life. It will fulfill your desires, it will show up for you in the night, it will comfort you in your tears, and it will follow through on its promises. God is love. And we get to be the recipients of this love, it will be more than enough to satisfy our souls today, tomorrow and forever.
Ready to put those cravings to rest today? Find that rest in Him.
We hope you enjoyed studying Chapter 13 with us today! If you’d like to share something that stuck out to you, feel free to comment below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!
XO
Want more from Sadie and Live Original? Follow us on Instagram @Liveoriginal
