“Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7). Beyond financial debt, there’s a good debt worth being mindful of and acting on.

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). Thinking of this verse as a recipe: an instruction paired with an anticipated result.

“Humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life” (Proverbs 22:4). Humility isn’t thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.

“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.

“The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord” (Proverbs 21:31). Preparations apart from the Lord are always incomplete.

“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.

“The wicked bluff their way through, but the virtuous think before they act” (Proverbs 21:29). There’s only one you in the entire universe, so stay true to who God created you to be.

“Some people are always greedy for more, but the godly love to give” (Proverbs 21:26). The trap of taking is that it never satisfies; the blessing is in giving.

“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.

“Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble” (Proverbs 21:23). It takes effort, concentration, and sometimes the help of others.

“The person who strays from common sense will end up in the company of the dead” (Proverbs 21:16). There are some things that are just not good to do or attempt.

“Justice is a joy to the godly, but it terrifies evildoers” (Proverbs 21:15). Live in such a way that the presence of the Lord brings joy, not terror.

“Wealth created by a lying tongue is a vanishing mist and a deadly trap” (Proverbs 21:6). Those who trade in lies to build their own wealth will meet their day of reckoning.

“Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty” (Proverbs 21:5). Luck is when preparedness meets opportunity.

“Haughty eyes, a proud heart, and evil actions are all sin” (Proverbs 21:4). Pride is anchored in selfishness; the antidote is to think of others as better than ourselves.

“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.