APPLY THINE HEART UNTO MY KNOWLEDGE Hear • Understand • Apply ANCHOR SCRIPTURE Proverbs 22:17 (KJV) “Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.” 1. LISTEN Wisdom begins with listening. A teachable heart grows; a stubborn heart stays stuck. Listen to God, wise counsel and correction. 2. UNDERSTAND Don't just hear—seek understanding. Proverbs 4:7 (KJV) “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” Ask: What does this mean? How can I use it? 3. APPLY Knowledge becomes useful when you put it into practice. Knowledge informs; application transforms. Don't just know how to forgive—forgive. Don't just know how to pray—pray. Don't just read God's Word—live it. 4. KEEP LEARNING Stay humble and teachable. Learn from: 1. God's Word 2. Wise people 3. Experience 4. Correction 5. Your mistakes KEY LESSON 1. Listen carefully. 2. Seek understanding. 3. Apply what you learn. 4. Accept correction. 5. Keep growing. FINAL CHARGE Don't become someone who knows much but practises little. HEAR IT. UNDERSTAND IT. APPLY IT. LIVE IT. Knowledge in the head is information. Knowledge in action becomes wisdom. SHORT PRAYER Father, give me a teachable heart. Help me to hear Your Word, understand Your wisdom and apply it in my daily life. Give me humility to receive correction and grace to keep growing. In Jesus' name, Amen. Prepared by Rev. Frank Fabian Aidoo +233544295158

PROVERB OF THE DAY (Proverbs 20) 1. Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise. 2. The wrath of a king is like the roaring of a lion; Whoever provokes him to anger sins against his own life. 3. It is honorable for a man to stop striving, Since any fool can start a quarrel. 4. The lazy man will not plow because of winter; He will beg during harvest and have nothing. 5. Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, But a man of understanding will draw it out. 6. Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, But who can find a faithful man? 7. The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him. 8. A king who sits on the throne of judgment Scatters all evil with his eyes. 9. Who can say, “I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin”? 10. Diverse weights and diverse measures, They are both alike, an abomination to the LORD. 11. Even a child is known by his deeds, Whether what he does is pure and right. 12. The hearing ear and the seeing eye, The LORD has made them both. 13. Do not love sleep, lest you come to poverty; Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with bread. 14. “It is good for nothing,” cries the buyer; But when he has gone his way, then he boasts. 15. There is gold and a multitude of rubies, But the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. 16. Take the garment of one who is surety for a stranger, And hold it as a pledge when it is for a seductress. 17. Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel. 18. Plans are established by counsel; By wise counsel wage war. 19. He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; Therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips. 20. Whoever curses his father or his mother, His lamp will be put out in deep darkness. 21. An inheritance gained hastily at the beginning Will not be blessed at the end. 22. Do not say, “I will recompense evil”; Wait for the LORD, and He will save you. 23. Diverse weights are an abomination to the LORD, And dishonest scales are not good. 24. A man’s steps are of the LORD; How then can a man understand his own way? 25. It is a snare for a man to devote rashly something as holy, And afterward to reconsider his vows. 26. A wise king sifts out the wicked, And brings the threshing wheel over them. 27. The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD, Searching all the inner depths of his heart. 28. Mercy and truth preserve the king, And by lovingkindness he upholds his throne. 29. The glory of young men is their strength, And the splendor of old men is their gray head. 30. Blows that hurt cleanse away evil, As do stripes the inner depths of the heart.

“For if, having escaped the world’s impurity through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in these things and defeated, the last state is worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy command delivered to them.” — 2 Peter 2:20–21 (CSB) Peter gives a serious warning about people who encounter the truth of Christ but later turn away and become entangled again in the corruption of the world. In the larger context, he is especially addressing false teachers whose lives and teachings reveal that they have rejected the truth they once knew. Greater knowledge brings greater responsibility, making deliberate rejection of God’s truth especially dangerous. This passage calls us to remain firmly rooted in Christ, allowing the truth we know to continually shape the way we believe and live.

Let's talk about it. SINCERITY IS NOT ENOUGH Sincerity is important, but sincerity alone is not enough. A person can be completely sincere and still be sincerely wrong. What matters is not merely how strongly we believe something, but whether what we believe agrees with the Word and Law of God. Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” — John 14:15. God does not measure obedience by our intentions alone. He calls us to bring our lives into harmony with His truth. Paul said, “For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.” — Romans 2:13. Consider Saul before his conversion. He was sincere. He believed he was serving God, yet he was persecuting the followers of Christ. His sincerity did not make his actions right. He needed the truth, repentance, and a changed life. The same danger exists today. Many people say, “I love Jesus,” “God knows my heart,” or “I am sincere in my faith.” But Jesus asked: “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” — Luke 6:46. Grace does not give us permission to live in disobedience. Faith does not cancel God's Law. True faith produces obedience. “By the law is the knowledge of sin.” — Romans 3:20. And Scripture declares: “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” — Revelation 14:12. The question is therefore not simply, “Am I sincere?” The deeper question is: “Am I sincerely following the truth God has revealed?” Let us not use sincerity as a substitute for obedience. Let us study God's Word, accept His truth, repent where we have been wrong, and by His grace walk in obedience to His commandments. Sincerity may explain your intention, but obedience demonstrates your submission to God. Choose truth. Choose obedience. Choose Christ. Amazing Love

Daily Devotional Have an understanding heart. I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart. 1 Kings 3:12 Solomon in his youth made David’s choice his own. Above every earthly good he asked of God a wise and understanding heart.... The power of his understanding, the extent of his knowledge, the glory of his reign, became the wonder of the world. The name of Jehovah was greatly honored during the first part of Solomon’s reign. The wisdom and righteousness revealed by the king bore witness to all nations of the excellency of the attributes of the God whom he served. For a time Israel was as the light of the world, showing forth the greatness of Jehovah. Not in the surpassing wisdom, the fabulous riches, the far-reaching power and fame that were his, lay the real glory of Solomon’s early reign; but in the honor that he brought to the name of the God of Israel through a wise use of the gifts of Heaven. As the years went by and Solomon’s fame increased, he sought to honor God by adding to his mental and spiritual strength and by continuing to impart to others the blessings he received. None understood better than he that it was through the favor of Jehovah that he had come into possession of power and wisdom and understanding, and that these gifts were bestowed that he might give to the world a knowledge of the King of kings. As the man is converted by the truth, the work of transformation of character goes on. He has an increased measure of understanding, in becoming a man of obedience to God. The mind and will of God become His will, and by constantly looking to God for counsel, he becomes a man of increased understanding. There is a general development of the mind that is unreservedly placed under the guidance of the Spirit of God. [237]

Devotion: Luke 10:19 Luke 10:19: “Listen! I have given you authority, so that you can walk on snakes and scorpions and overcome all the power of the Enemy, and nothing will hurt you.” Thoughts: Accepting Jesus Christ as your Saviour and thus inviting the Holy Spirit into your life, you also gain power through God; power to face even the most daunting enemies and challenges. If you live your life in honor of God, if you understand that His presence in your life is a constant, you never need to be afraid again. Fear makes us weak, it makes us doubt that God can intervene in time to save us. If we stand firm in the knowledge that we have power through our belief in the Lord, if we face the future with courageous hearts, we can (and will) overcome any obstacle in our way. Fear gives the devil a foothold, he thrives on us being afraid and uses it against us. When we take our stand against evil, against the world, knowing that we are children of the Almighty; children with God-given power, even the devil and his minions will fall. Luke 10:17: “....Even the demons obeyed us when we gave them a command in your name." A word of warning, though, remember that with this power comes a warning: Luke 10:17: “But don’t be glad because the evil spirits obey you; rather be glad because your names are written in heaven.” Therefore you should accept our God-given power and use it to quench the human fear still lurking in our lives. In our commitment to God we can use this power to overcome even the darkest of enemies and do so to glorify His name. For it is only through Him that we can claim this power and only with His blessing that we can use it in our daily battle. Ask yourself: Are you ready to accept God's challenge and take up the powerful sword God gave you? Are you ready to trust in Him so that you can live a life to His glory, victorious agaist the treachery of the world? #Luke10 #Devotion #PowerofGod

What Should a Believer Truly Dread? Bible Text: Matthew 10:28 (KJV) “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” There is a reality that every believer must eventually come to understand concerning the journey of faith here on earth and at the end of the journey appointed by God. It is not death alone that we should dread, but spiritual death, physical death, and eternal damnation in hell. This is most crucial. Human beings naturally fear physical death because it means leaving this present life—our families, possessions, plans, relationships, ambitions, and everything familiar. But according to the teaching of Scripture, physical death is not the ultimate tragedy. Jesus Himself redirected the attention of His disciples from those who can kill the body to the greater reality of what can happen to the soul. A person can be physically alive and yet spiritually dead. Ephesians 2:1 speaks of those who were “dead in trespasses and sins.” Spiritual death is separation from the life of God because of sin. Isaiah 59:2 says: “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God.” This is why the condition of the soul must never be treated lightly. A person may be successful, respected, wealthy, educated, and apparently doing well in life, yet still be spiritually dead. The most important question is not simply, “How am I doing in this world?” It is, “What is the condition of my soul before God?” Physical death is certain. Hebrews 9:27 says: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” There is something after this. This present world is not our final destination. We are pilgrims here. Peter calls us “strangers and pilgrims” (1 Peter 2:11). Therefore, how we live here matters. Our possessions, success, suffering, temptations, relationships, decisions, and use of time must all be viewed in the light of eternity. The Scriptures do not present hell as something to be ignored because it is uncomfortable. Jesus spoke about it seriously. Matthew 25:46 speaks of “everlasting punishment” and “life eternal.” This is why eternal damnation is far more dreadful than physical death. Physical death ends earthly existence, but eternal judgment concerns what follows beyond this life. There is no earthly opportunity after death to reverse one's eternal condition. As saints of God, we should therefore not live in terror of death, but there must be a holy seriousness concerning separation from God, disobedience to His truth, spiritual deception, unrepentant sin, and ultimately eternal judgment. Jesus said: “Abide in me, and I in you.” — John 15:4 We must not allow our faith to be merely something we profess with our mouths. We are called to remain in Christ, to walk in holiness, obedience, watchfulness, and faithfulness. Hebrews 12:14 says: “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” Ultimately, the deepest need of humanity is not merely to know about God, but to truly know Him. Jesus said: “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” — John 17:3 We must come to understand who God is, what sin is, what Christ has accomplished, what salvation means, what holiness requires, and what eternity holds. The truth must become more than information. It must become our reality. The awareness of eternity should not make us careless about this life. It should make us more serious about how we live it. Paul said: “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” — Philippians 1:21 Therefore, the question is not merely whether we will die. The question is: How are we living before God while we are alive? Every believer must come to the true reality of what should be most dreaded on this earthly pilgrimage. Physical death is real, but it is not the final reality for those who are in Christ. The greater realities are spiritual death, separation from God, and eternal damnation. Earthly life is temporary. Eternity is permanent. The grave is not the conclusion of the human story, because Scripture declares that after death comes judgment. May the good Lord bring every person to the true understanding of who He is, the seriousness of eternity, the reality of salvation, and the knowledge of His truth in Jesus Christ. Amen. God's Loving Heart.

SEED OF LIFE Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are false, who leave the straight path to walk in dark ways, who find joy in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil. • Proverbs 2:12-14 Since the fall of Adam, there is a love for sin in the unconverted heart and a tendency to cherish and excuse it. The inclination toward sin and the desire for it indicate a deception of the soul. Every nurturing of that sinful desire strengthens the soul's averse hostility toward our Father... A continuous battle must be waged against our earthly disposition; we must be assisted by the ennobling influence of our Father's grace, which will elevate the mind and lead it to contemplate pure and holy things. • Radiant Religion, p. 239 •A Point to Ponder• Divine wisdom is not merely knowledge of what is right. It is allowing our Father to direct our thoughts so that we will increasingly love what is right and hate what is wrong.(FrontierOfHopeMinistry)

TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS: MONITORING OUR CHILDREN IN THIS PERIOD OF AI Main Text: Proverbs 22:6; Proverbs 4:23; 1 Corinthians 15:33; Ephesians 5:15–16 Supporting Scriptures: Deuteronomy 6:6–7; Psalm 101:3; Philippians 4:8; Church, we are raising children in a generation where the greatest influence in a child's life may no longer be the person sitting beside them—it may be the device in their hand! A child can sit quietly in the living room while, through a smartphone, they are exposed to conversations, images, ideas, strangers, misinformation, pornography, violence, manipulation, and values that may be completely contrary to what their parents are teaching them. And now we have Artificial Intelligence—AI. AI can answer questions, write stories, create pictures, tutor students, translate languages, generate videos and help children learn. It can be an incredible tool. But every powerful tool must be accompanied by powerful wisdom. The question is not simply: «"Does my child use AI?"» The deeper question is: «"Who is shaping my child's mind, values, identity and worldview while they use AI?"» We cannot afford to be parents who know where our children sleep but do not know what is shaping their minds. 1. OUR CHILDREN ARE GOD'S RESPONSIBILITY ENTRUSTED TO US Proverbs 22: «"Train up a child in the way he should go..."» Notice that Scripture does not say, "Buy the child a phone and let the internet train them." It says, "Train up a child." Parenting is not merely providing food, clothing, education and accommodation. Parenting is spiritual stewardship. God has entrusted children to parents and guardians for a season. That means we must ask: - What are they watching? - What are they listening to? - Who are they talking to? - What questions are they asking AI? - What answers are they receiving? - What ideas are they beginning to believe? - What kind of people are influencing them online? Short Story Imagine a parent who carefully locks the physical doors of the house every night. The windows are secured. The gate is locked. The children are safe inside. But the same parent gives a child an unrestricted smartphone and never checks what is entering through that digital door. The physical door is locked, but the digital door is wide open. Church, monitoring our children is not necessarily an expression of distrust. It is an expression of responsibility. 2. MONITORING IS NOT THE SAME AS SPYING Some parents say: "I trust my child." That is good. But trust must grow alongside maturity. A five-year-old cannot be given the same level of independence as a seventeen-year-old. The Bible says: Proverbs 4:23 «"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."» If we are commanded to guard our hearts, we should also teach our children how to guard theirs. Monitoring should include: - knowing which apps they use; - understanding the AI tools they access; - discussing what they ask AI; - setting age-appropriate boundaries; - checking privacy settings; - teaching them not to share personal information; - teaching them that AI can be wrong; - teaching them to report disturbing content; - creating an environment where they can tell you what they encounter without fear. The goal is not merely control. The goal is protection, discipleship and preparation. 3. AI CAN BE A TOOL, BUT IT MUST NEVER BECOME A PARENT This is one of the deepest dangers of this generation. A child may begin asking AI questions they are afraid to ask their parents. "Why am I different?" "Why don't people like me?" "What should I do about this relationship?" "Am I ugly?" "What should I believe?" "Why does God allow suffering?" "Should I tell my parents this?" AI may produce an answer instantly. But instant answers are not the same thing as godly wisdom. A machine can generate information. A parent provides relationship. AI can imitate conversation. It cannot replace covenantal love, godly correction, spiritual discernment and the presence of a parent. Our children need to know: «"Before you ask the internet everything, you can come and talk to me."» If our children are afraid to talk to us, they will find somebody—or something—to talk to. 4. TEACH YOUR CHILDREN THAT AI IS NOT GOD This generation needs digital discernment. AI can sound confident and still be wrong. It can generate convincing information without possessing biblical wisdom. Therefore, our children must learn: AI is a tool, not an authority. The Bible says: 1 Thessalonians 5:21 «"Prove all things; hold fast that which is good."» And: Philippians 4:8 «"Whatsoever things are true... honest... just... pure... lovely... of good report... think on these things."» Teach your children to ask: Is it true? Is it biblical? Is it wise? Is it appropriate? What fruit will this produce in my life? This is the difference between merely raising technology users and raising discerning Christians. 5. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THERE IS A CRISIS Many parents only begin monitoring when something has already gone wrong. When grades collapse. When behavior changes. When secrecy increases. When the child becomes addicted to a device. When inappropriate content is discovered. When a relationship becomes dangerous. When the child begins withdrawing from family. Prevention is better than emergency intervention. Deuteronomy 6:6–7 teaches parents to speak God's Word to their children continually—in everyday life. That means discipleship should happen before the crisis. Talk about technology at the dinner table. Talk about online friendships. Talk about pornography. Talk about manipulation. Talk about AI. Talk about identity. Talk about truth. Talk about faith. Talk about temptation. If we make every difficult subject taboo, the internet will become their teacher. 6. MONITOR THEIR SCREEN, BUT ALSO MONITOR THEIR HEART This is where many parents miss the deeper issue. You can monitor screen time and still miss what is happening inside the child. A child may spend only one hour online but be deeply influenced by what they consumed. Therefore, don't only ask: "How long were you online?" Also ask: "What did you learn today?" "What did you see that confused you?" "Did anything online make you afraid?" "Did anyone say something to you that made you uncomfortable?" "What do you think about what you saw?" "What would Jesus say about that?" These questions open the heart. 7. PARENTS MUST BECOME DIGITALLY LITERATE Parents, we cannot say: "I don't understand technology." Our children are growing up in a technological environment. We don't need to know everything. But we must know enough to guide them. Learn the basics of: - AI chatbots; - social media platforms; - privacy settings; - parental controls; - deepfakes and manipulated media; - online scams; - inappropriate content; - AI-generated images and videos; - cyberbullying; - digital footprints. Don't surrender the digital world simply because it is unfamiliar. If our children are learning the technology, parents must learn enough to disciple them within it. 8. THE GREATEST FILTER IS NOT A PARENTAL CONTROL APP—IT IS CHARACTER. Technology can be restricted. But eventually, children grow up. They will have their own devices. They will leave home. They will make their own decisions. So our ultimate goal cannot be: "My child behaves well because I am watching." Our goal must be: "My child chooses what is right even when nobody is watching." That is discipleship. Psalm 101:3 says: «"I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes..."» Teach your children that holiness is not merely about avoiding punishment. Holiness is choosing what honors God. DEEP INSIGHT: THE BATTLE IS FOR THE MIND Church, understand this: The battle of this generation is not merely over devices. It is over attention. Whoever controls a person's attention repeatedly has tremendous influence over that person's thinking. Repeated thoughts shape beliefs. Beliefs influence choices. Choices establish habits. Habits shape character. And character influences destiny. Therefore, when we monitor what our children consume, we are not being unnecessarily strict. We are participating in the protection of their minds. Romans 12:2 says: «"Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind."» AI is not automatically evil. Technology is not automatically evil. But anything powerful without discernment can become destructive. The Christian response is not fear. The Christian response is wisdom. A POWERFUL ILLUSTRATION Imagine giving a child a car. The car is not evil. It can take them to school. It can take them to church. It can take them to the hospital. It can help them serve others. But would a responsible parent hand a young child the keys and say: "Go anywhere you want. I trust you." No. Why? Because power requires maturity. The same principle applies to technology. Access should increase as maturity increases. Freedom should be accompanied by responsibility. REFLECTION Parents, guardians, and the Church, let us examine ourselves. Ask yourself: 1. Do I know what my child does online? 2. Do I know which AI tools my child uses? 3. Have I taught my child how to distinguish truth from misinformation? 4. Can my child talk to me about uncomfortable online experiences? 5. Have I created reasonable digital boundaries in my home? 6. Am I monitoring my child's heart, not just their device? 7. Am I modelling responsible technology use myself? 8. Am I teaching my child God's Word strongly enough that they can stand when I am not there? And perhaps the most important question: «If the world is discipling my child every day through technology, what am I doing every day to disciple my child through God's Word?» THE MESSAGE TO PARENTS Don't be afraid of AI. Understand it. Don't worship technology. Use it wisely. Don't abandon your children to the internet. Walk with them. Don't merely restrict them. Teach them. Don't only monitor their screens. Disciple their hearts. Don't wait for tomorrow. Start today. Because the goal is not to raise children who are technologically backward. The goal is to raise children who are technologically capable, spiritually grounded, morally discerning and deeply rooted in Christ. CLOSING CHARGE Proverbs 22:6 reminds us: «"Train up a child in the way he should go..."» Parents, the world is already training our children. Social media is training them. Entertainment is training them. Algorithms are training them. Friends are training them. And AI can influence them. But God has given parents the assignment of training them too. So let us rise to the responsibility. Let us monitor with wisdom. Let us communicate with love. Let us establish boundaries. Let us learn technology. Let us teach discernment. Let us pray. And above everything else— let us point our children to Jesus Christ. Because technology may shape their environment, but Christ must shape their identity. PRAYER POINTS 1. Prayer for Wisdom Father, give us wisdom to raise our children in this rapidly changing technological generation. Help us know when to permit, when to restrict, when to correct and when to guide, in Jesus' name. Amen. 2. Prayer for Protection Lord, protect our children from harmful content, dangerous relationships, manipulation, exploitation, pornography, cyberbullying and every destructive influence that may come through technology. Amen. 3. Prayer for Discernment Father, give our children the spirit of discernment. Let them recognize deception and distinguish truth from error. Let them not believe everything they see, hear or receive from AI and the internet. Amen. 4. Prayer for Strong Christian Identity Lord Jesus, establish our children in You. Let their identity not be determined by social media, artificial intelligence, peer pressure or worldly standards. Let them know that they are fearfully and wonderfully made by You. Amen. 5. Prayer for Parents Father, strengthen parents and guardians. Give us patience, understanding, courage and wisdom. Help us not to be careless with the souls You have entrusted to us. Amen. 6. Prayer for Communication Lord, make our homes places where children can speak openly without fear. Remove unhealthy secrecy and build trust between parents and children. Amen. 7. Prayer for Digital Wisdom Father, teach our children to use technology for learning, creativity, service and the advancement of Your Kingdom rather than for destruction. Amen. 8. Prayer Against Negative Influence Every influence seeking to pull our children away from Christ, lose your hold, in the name of Jesus. Every voice contrary to God's purpose for their lives, be silenced, in Jesus' name. Amen. 9. Prayer for the Church Lord, help the Church understand this generation and respond with wisdom. Raise Christian parents, teachers, mentors and leaders who will guide young people according to Your Word. Amen. 10. Prayer of Dedication Father, we dedicate our children afresh to You. May they grow in wisdom, stature, favor and the knowledge of Jesus Christ. May technology serve them rather than enslave them. May their minds be guarded, their hearts be pure, their purpose be preserved and their lives bring glory to Your name. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen. FINAL DECLARATION I declare over every child: You will not be a victim of this generation. You will not be controlled by technology. You will not be deceived by falsehood. You will not lose your identity. You will not be destroyed by the influences of this age. Your mind belongs to Christ. Your purpose belongs to God. Your future is in His hands. You will grow in wisdom. You will walk in truth. You will discern good from evil. You will use technology wisely. And in this generation of AI, you will still know, love and serve Jesus Christ! In Jesus' mighty name. Amen! "As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." — Joshua 24:15 If you have not given your life to Jesus kindly do so by joining a Bible believing Church. You can get inspirational ebooks from my sela shops below https://selar.com/m/umoh-edem1 https://selar.com/m/umoedem https://www.amazon.com/author/umohedembooks

PROVERB OF THE DAY (Proverbs 20) 1. Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise. 2. The wrath of a king is like the roaring of a lion; Whoever provokes him to anger sins against his own life. 3. It is honorable for a man to stop striving, Since any fool can start a quarrel. 4. The lazy man will not plow because of winter; He will beg during harvest and have nothing. 5. Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, But a man of understanding will draw it out. 6. Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, But who can find a faithful man? 7. The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him. 8. A king who sits on the throne of judgment Scatters all evil with his eyes. 9. Who can say, “I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin”? 10. Diverse weights and diverse measures, They are both alike, an abomination to the LORD. 11. Even a child is known by his deeds, Whether what he does is pure and right. 12. The hearing ear and the seeing eye, The LORD has made them both. 13. Do not love sleep, lest you come to poverty; Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with bread. 14. “It is good for nothing,” cries the buyer; But when he has gone his way, then he boasts. 15. There is gold and a multitude of rubies, But the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. 16. Take the garment of one who is surety for a stranger, And hold it as a pledge when it is for a seductress. 17. Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel. 18. Plans are established by counsel; By wise counsel wage war. 19. He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; Therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips. 20. Whoever curses his father or his mother, His lamp will be put out in deep darkness. 21. An inheritance gained hastily at the beginning Will not be blessed at the end. 22. Do not say, “I will recompense evil”; Wait for the LORD, and He will save you. 23. Diverse weights are an abomination to the LORD, And dishonest scales are not good. 24. A man’s steps are of the LORD; How then can a man understand his own way? 25. It is a snare for a man to devote rashly something as holy, And afterward to reconsider his vows. 26. A wise king sifts out the wicked, And brings the threshing wheel over them. 27. The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD, Searching all the inner depths of his heart. 28. Mercy and truth preserve the king, And by lovingkindness he upholds his throne. 29. The glory of young men is their strength, And the splendor of old men is their gray head. 30. Blows that hurt cleanse away evil, As do stripes the inner depths of the heart.