Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.

I remember telling one of my 1st grade students, “Don’t be ugly.” Well, in the VERY literal mind of a precious 6-year-old, I called that child ugly. OOPS! I had not considered anyone (not even a 6-year-old) not understanding that phrase because it had been part of the language used by my grandparents and parents (and every other adult I have ever known in the South) as a reminder to be kind. After explaining that I only meant choosing not to be kind was an ugly behavior, the child understood and quickly corrected their behavior. Whew! I did not want that phone call!  

A proverb is a short and to-the-point saying that offers wisdom and moral guidance. In Proverbs 15, several themes are emphasized, including wise speech, humility, godliness, and a peaceful heart. All these together, not only please the Lord, but are the works towards the JOY that He has intended for all of us. 

Just as my little “firsties” needed to be reminded how to behave, we all need to be reminded sometimes, and I don’t know about you, but I LOVE a list of expectations! Just tell me what to do, how to do it, and I am going to do my best to do that! If I get off track, just give me a little nudge back on track! 

God's Word was given to us to stay on track, not just live a "good" life, but live a life that brings God glory. Throughout the Bible, God consistently shows us how to live for Him. In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught about God’s measure of righteousness, and the traits and characteristics described are consistent with what is found in the Old Testament, including KINDNESS!    

Proverbs 15:4 "Kind words are a life-giving tree." 

Philippians 4:5 "Be kind and patient in a way that everyone can see. Remember that the Lord is near." 

Choose your words carefully when speaking to or about others. Words are so powerful. They STING and they STICK, and that, friends, can do so much damage. Use your words to share love, to uplift others, and to encourage.  

Proverbs 15:13 "When someone is happy, their face smiles. But when someone is sad, their spirit hurts."

Proverbs 15:30 "When someone smiles at you, it makes you happy. Good news makes you feel strong."

These rules/guardrails aren’t meant to limit or burden us from being who we were created to be, but to guide us to grow into EXACTLY who we were created to be and to exemplify what a child of God and disciple of Christ is and should be. We aren’t perfect, nor are we expected to be, but we should always strive to glorify the Kingdom.   

Philippians 2:13 "Yes, it is God who is working in you. He helps you want to do what pleases Him, and He gives you the power to do it.” 

My prayer is that each of us strives to be more Christlike every day. As we make disciples, the unconditional love that we have been given by our Heavenly Father and His infinite grace exudes from our hearts, leading others to know, love, and follow Jesus Christ. 

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God’s Word.

• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises? 
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you? 
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.