“A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences” (Proverbs 22:3). A trip in a heavily-loaded flatbed truck taught this lesson the hard way.

“Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold” (Proverbs 22:1). A good reputation isn’t about what you have, but what you give.

“No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the Lord” (Proverbs 21:30). No thing and no one will thwart the Lord’s plan. This week, plan to trust in Him.

“Despite their desires, the lazy will come to ruin, for their hands refuse to work” (Proverbs 21:25). If you’ve been putting something off, maybe it’s time to say: I will, now.

“Those who love pleasure become poor; those who love wine and luxury will never be rich” (Proverbs 21:17). Our desire for pleasure isn’t too strong; it’s too weak, settling for lesser things.

“The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices” (Proverbs 21:3). Don’t look at your sacrifice; look to the Lord.

“People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart” (Proverbs 21:2). Change doesn’t come from forcing a behavior; it comes from a change of heart.

“The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; he guides it wherever he pleases” (Proverbs 21:1). God is still in control, even over the hearts of kings.

“Physical punishment cleanses away evil; such discipline purifies the heart” (Proverbs 20:30). Things don’t grow on the mountaintop; they grow in the valley.

“The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old” (Proverbs 20:29). Celebrate, engage, and embrace the season of life you’re in today.

“The Lord’s light penetrates the human spirit, exposing every hidden motive” (Proverbs 20:27). Running and hiding never removes the guilt; it just stays with you.

“Don’t trap yourself by making a rash promise to God and only later counting the cost” (Proverbs 20:25). Stop bargaining with the Lord; just say yes or no.

“The Lord detests double standards; he is not pleased by dishonest scales” (Proverbs 20:23). The end never justifies dishonest means.

“Don’t say, ‘I will get even for this wrong.’ Wait for the Lord to handle the matter” (Proverbs 20:22). It’s better to respond than to react.

“An inheritance obtained too early in life is not a blessing in the end” (Proverbs 20:21). Trust the Lord’s timing; in the meantime, wait, worship, and watch.

“Stolen bread tastes sweet, but it turns to gravel in the mouth” (Proverbs 20:17). Generous intentions result in satisfying rewards; stolen gratification is fleeting.

“Wise words are more valuable than much gold and many rubies” (Proverbs 20:15). A few well-timed words can outlast any physical gift.

“If you love sleep, you will end in poverty. Keep your eyes open, and there will be plenty to eat” (Proverbs 20:13). We are a sleep-deprived society; a healthy relationship with rest matters.

“Ears to hear and eyes to see—both are gifts from the Lord” (Proverbs 20:12). Pause and thank God for the gifts of hearing and seeing.

“The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them” (Proverbs 20:7). Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.