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