Life Truths
Ancient Wisdom for Today
Practical Truths To Help You Succeed In Life
Life is a journey. It has a starting point and an end. Life is all about how we choose to live in between these two points.
Life Truths: Ancient Wisdom for Today presents ‘nuggets’ of wisdom that are proven to help you successfully live your journey. These truths will help you filter, understand and correctly analyze daily input. Help you make the right choices and decisions. Encourage, inspire and direct you. Give you clarity and purpose. Help you overcome obstacles, avoid dangers and most importantly, succeed in life.
These truths are powerful and life changing
Let these truths soak into your mind and heart. Let them touch and transform you.
Read them, study them, meditate on them and apply them.
Rev. Jim Angelakos
Life Truths
It is possible to give freely and become wealthier, but those who are stingy will lose everything. (1)
Prov. 11:24 NLT
The generous prosper and are satisfied; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. (2)
Prov. 11:25 NLT
If you search for good, you will find favor; but if you search for evil, it will find you! (3)
Prov. 11:27 NLT
Hard work means prosperity; but those who chase fantasies have no sense. (4)
Prov. 12:11
Well-spoken words bring satisfaction; well-done work has its own reward. (5)
Prov. 12:14 MSG
Truth lasts; lies are here today, gone tomorrow. (6)
Prov 12:19 MSG
Wise people don’t make a show of their knowledge, but fools broadcast their folly. (7)
Prov. 12:23 NLT
Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave. (8)
Prov 12:24 NLT
Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. (9)
Prov 12:25 NLT
Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper and be satisfied. (10)
Prov. 13:4 NLT
Arrogant know-it-alls stir up discord, but wise men and women listen to each other’s counsel. (11)
Prov 13:10 MSG
Wealth gained by dishonesty will be lost, wealth from hard work grows. (12)
Prov 13:11
People who despise advice will find themselves in trouble; those who respect it will succeed. (13)
Prov 13:13 NLT
The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, so that one may avoid the snares of death. (14)
Prov. 13:14 NRSV
A person with good sense is respected; a treacherous person walks a rocky road. (15)
Prov 13:15 NLT
Wise people think before they act; fools don’t and even brag about it! (16)
Prov 13:16 NLT
He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed. (17)
Prov. 13:20 NKJV
Escape quickly from the company of fools; they’re a waste of your time, a waste of your words. (18) Prov 14:7 MSG
The simple believes every word, but the prudent considers well his steps. (19)
Prov 14:15 NKJ
A wise man fears and departs from evil, but a fool rages and is self-confident. (20)
Prov 14:16 NKJ
One who is quick-tempered acts foolishly and the schemer is hated. (21)
Prov 14:17 NRSV
Hard work always pays off; mere talk puts no bread on the table. (22)
Prov 14:23 MSG
A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is a traitor. (23)
Prov 14:25 NLT
Those who control their anger have great understanding; those with a hasty temper will make mistakes. (24)
Prov 14:29 NLT
A sound heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones. (25)
Prov 14:30 NKJ
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (26)
Prov 15:1 NKJ
Kind words heal and help; cutting words wound and maim. (27)
Prov 15:4 MSG
The lips of the wise disperse knowledge, but the heart of the fool does not do so. (28)
Prov 15:7
A cheerful heart brings a smile to your face; a sad heart makes it hard to get through the day. (29)
Prov 15:13 MSG
A wise person is hungry for truth, while the fool feeds on trash. (30)
Prov 15:14 NLT
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Better a bread crust shared in love than a slab of prime rib served in hate. (31)
Prov 15:17 MSG
Without counsel, plans go wrong, but with many advisers they succeed. (32)
Prov 15:22 NRSV
He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live. (33)
Prov 15:27 NKJ
A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health. (34)
Prov 15:30 NLT
Listen to good advice if you want to live well, an honored guest among wise men and women. (35)
Prov 15:31 MSG
First pride, then the crash— the bigger the ego, the harder the fall. (36)
Prov 16:18 MSG
Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. (37)
Prov 16:24 NKJ
Moderation is better than muscle, self-control better than political power. (38)
Prov 16:32 MSG
Whoever rewards evil for good, evil will not depart from his house. (39)
Prov 17:13 NKJ
Those who love to talk will experience the consequences, for the tongue can kill or nourish life. (40) Prov 18:21 NLT
Ignorant zeal is worthless; haste makes waste. (41)
Prov 19:2 MSG
People with good sense restrain their anger; they earn esteem by overlooking wrongs. (42)
Prov 19:11 NLT
Get all the advice and instruction you can, and be wise the rest of your life. (43)
Prov 19:20 NLT
Loyalty makes a person attractive. And it is better to be poor than dishonest. (44)
Prov 19:22 NLT
It’s a mark of good character to avert quarrels, but fools love to pick fights. (45)
Prov 20:3 MSG
Wise speech is rarer and more valuable than gold and rubies. (46)
Prov 20:15 NLT
A gossip tells secrets, so don’t hang around with someone who talks too much. (47)
Prov 20:19 NLT
Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty. (48)
Prov 21:5 NLT
Wealth created by lying is a vanishing mist and a deadly trap. (49)
Prov 21:6 NLT
The person who strays from common sense will end up in the company of the dead. (50)
Prov 21:16 NLT
He who follows righteousness and mercy; finds life, righteousness and honor. (51)
Prov 21:21 NKJ
Choose a good reputation over great riches, for being held in high esteem is better than having silver or gold. (52) Prov 22:1 NLT
Teach your children to choose the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it. (53)
Prov 22:6 NLT
The poor are always ruled over by the rich, so don’t borrow and put yourself under their power. (54)
Prov 22:7 MSG
A person who gets ahead by oppressing the poor or by showering gifts on the rich will end in poverty. (55)
Prov 22:16 NLT
Don’t hang out with angry people; don’t keep company with hotheads. Bad temper is contagious— don’t get infected. (56)
Prov 22:24-25 MSG
Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich; restrain yourself! For riches certainly make themselves wings; They fly away like an eagle toward heaven. (57)
Prov 23:4-5
Anyone who tells lies against the neighbors in court or on the street is a loose cannon. (58)
Prov 25:18 MSG
If you care for your orchard, you’ll enjoy its fruit; if you honor your boss, you’ll be honored. (59)
Prov 27:18 MSG
Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor. (60)
Prov 29:23 NLT
Wise planning will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. (61)
Prov 2:11 NLT
Wisdom will save you from evil people, from those whose speech is corrupt. (62)
Prov 2:12 NLT
Happy are those who find wisdom, and those who get understanding. (63)
Prov 3:13 NRSV
Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that’s where life starts. (64)
Prov 4:23 MSG
I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment. I know where to discover knowledge and discernment. (65) Prov 8:12 NLT
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Covering 33 topics relevant for today.
Good counsel and common sense are my characteristics; I, Wisdom, am both Insight and the Virtue to live it out. (66)
Prov 8:14 MSG
With my (Wisdom) help, leaders rule, and lawmakers legislate fairly; With my help, governors govern, along with all in legitimate authority. (67)
Prov 8:15-16 MSG
I (Wisdom) love those who love me, And those who seek me diligently will find me. Unending riches, honor, wealth, and justice are mine to distribute. (68)
Prov 8:17-18 NKJ
My (Wisdom) benefits are worth more than a big salary, even a very big salary; the returns on me exceed any imaginable bonus. (69)
Prov 8:19 MSG
I (Wisdom) walk in righteousness, in paths of justice. Those who love me inherit wealth, for I fill their treasuries. (70)
Prov 8:20-21 NLT
Ill-gotten gain has no lasting value, but right living can save your life. (71)
Prov 10:2 NLT
The wise in heart will receive commands, but a babbling fool will fall. (72)
Prov 10:8
People with integrity have firm footing, but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall. (73)
Prov 10:9 NLT
An evasive eye is a sign of trouble ahead, but an open, face-to-face meeting results in peace. (74)
Prov 10:10 MSG
Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses. (75)
Prov 10:12
Wise people store up knowledge, but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction. (76)
Prov 10:14 NKJ
To hide hatred is to be a liar; to slander is to be a fool. (77)
Prov 10:18 NLT
The more talk, the less truth; the wise measure their words. (78)
Prov 10:19 MSG
Doing wrong is fun for a fool, while wise conduct is a pleasure to the wise. (79)
Prov 10:23 NLT
When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom. (80)
Prov 11:2 Prov NKJ
Good people are guided by their honesty; treacherous people are destroyed by their dishonesty. (81) Prov 11:3 NLT
When right-living people bless the city, it flourishes; evil talk turns it into a ghost town in no time. (82) Prov 11:11 MSG
Mean-spirited slander is heartless; quiet discretion accompanies good sense. (83)
Prov 11:12 MSG
A gossip goes around revealing secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence. (84) Prov 11:13 NLT
Without wise leadership, a nation falls; with many counselors, there is safety. (85)
Prov 11:14 NLT
Exploit or abuse your family, and end up with a fistful of air; common sense tells you it’s a stupid way to live. (86)
Prov 11:29 MSG
If you love learning, you love the discipline that goes with it— how shortsighted to refuse correction! (87)
Prov 12:1 MSG
An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones. (88)
Prov 12:4 NKJ
Everyone admires a person with good sense, but a warped mind is despised. (89)
Prov 12:8 NLT
The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice. (90)
Prov 12:15 NIV
A fool’s anger is known at once, but a prudent man conceals dishonor. (91)
Prov 12:16 NASB
Truthful witness by a good person clears the air, but liars lay down a smoke screen of deceit. (92)
Prov 12:17 MSG
Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (93)
Prov 12:18 NIV
There is deceit in the hearts of those who plot evil, but joy for those who promote peace. (94)
Prov 12:20 NIV
Intelligent children listen to their parents; foolish children do their own thing. (95)
Prov 13:1 MSG
The good acquire a taste for helpful conversation; bullies push and shove their way through life. (96) Prov 13:2 MSG
He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction. (97) Prov 13:3 NKJ
Irresponsible talk makes a real mess of things, but a reliable reporter is a healing presence. (98)
Prov 13:17 MSG
Refuse discipline and end up homeless; embrace correction and live an honored life. (99)
Prov 13:18 MSG
It is pleasant to see dreams come true, but fools will not turn from evil to attain them. (100)
Prov 13:19 NLT
Frivolous talk provokes a derisive smile; wise speech evokes nothing but respect. (101)
Prov 14:3 MSG
A truthful witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies. (102)
Prov 14:5 NIV
Cynics look high and low for wisdom--and never find it; the open-minded find it right on their doorstep! (103)
Prov 14:6 MSG
The wise look ahead to see what is coming, but fools deceive themselves. (104)
Prov 14:8 NLT
Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no-one else can share its joy. (105)
Prov 14:10 NIV
The simple believes every word, but the prudent considers well his steps. (106)
Prov 14:15 NKJ
Foolish dreamers live in a world of illusion; wise realists plant their feet on the ground. (107)
Prov 14:18 MSG
If you plot evil, you will be lost; but if you plan good, you will be granted unfailing love and faithfulness. (108) Prov 14:22 NLT
The wise accumulate wisdom; fools get stupider by the day. (109)
Prov 14:24 MSG
The evil of bad people leaves them out in the cold; the integrity of good people creates a safe place for living. (110)
Prov 14:32 MSG
Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart; wisdom is not found among fools. (111)
Prov 14:33 NLT
The wise person makes learning a joy; fools spout only foolishness. (112)
Prov 15:2 NLT
Moral dropouts won't listen to their elders; welcoming correction is a mark of good sense. (113)
Prov 15:5 MSG
The hater of authority has no love for teaching: he will not go to the wise. (114)
Prov 15:12 BBE
A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel. (115)
Prov 15:18 NIV
The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, but the way of the upright is a highway. (116)
Prov 15:19 NKJ
Intelligent children make their parents proud; lazy students embarrass their parents. (117)
Prov 15:20 MSG
The empty-headed treat life as a plaything; the perceptive grasp its meaning and make a go of it. (118) Prov 15:21 MSG
The path of life leads upward for the wise to keep him from going down to the grave. (119)
Prov 15:24 NIV
The highway of the upright avoids evil; he who guards his way guards his life. (120)
Prov 16:17 NIV
They make a lot of sense, these wise folks; whenever they speak, their reputation increases. (121)
Prov 16:23 MSG
A scoundrel plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire. (122)
Prov 16:27 NIV
Violent people deceive their companions, leading them down a harmful path. (123)
Prov 16;29 NLT
Evil people relish malicious conversation; the ears of liars itch for dirty gossip. (124)
Prov 17:4 MSG
Evil people seek rebellion, but they will be severely punished. (125)
Prov 17:11 NLT
Whoever rewards evil for good, Evil will not depart from his house. (126)
Prov 17:13 NKJ
The start of a quarrel is like a leak in a dam, so stop it before it bursts. (127)
Prov 17:14 MSG
It is senseless to pay tuition to educate a fool who has no heart for wisdom. (128)
Prov 17:16 NLT
It's stupid to try to get something for nothing, or run up huge bills you can never pay. (129)
Prov 17:18 MSG
A bad motive can't achieve a good end; double-talk brings you double trouble. (130)
Prov 17:20 MSG
A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones. (131)
Prov 17:22 NKJ
A wicked man accepts a bribe behind the back to pervert the ways of justice. (132)
Prov 17:23 NKJ
A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered. (133) Prov 17:27 NIV
Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; when he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive. (134)
Prov 17:28 NKJ
Fools care nothing for thoughtful discourse; all they do is run off at the mouth. (135)
Prov 18:2 MSG
It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the innocent of justice. (136)
Prov 18:5 NIV
A lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things. (137)
Prov 18:9 NLT
He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him. (138)
Prov 18:13 NKJ
Any story sounds true until someone sets the record straight. (139)
Prov 18:17 NLT
Do a favor and win a friend forever; nothing can untie that bond. (140)
Prov 18:19 MSG
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (141)
Prov 18:24 NIV
It is better to be poor and honest than to be a fool and dishonest. (142)
Prov 19:1 NLT
A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who pours out lies will not go free. (143)
Prov 19:5 NIV
He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who cherishes understanding prospers. (144)
Prov 19:8 NIV
A foolish son is his father’s ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping. (145)
Prov 19:13 NIV
A hot-tempered man must pay the penalty; if you rescue him, you will have to do it again. (146)
Prov 19:19 NIV
Wine makes you mean, beer makes you quarrelsome--a staggering drunk is not much fun. (147)
Prov 20:1 MSG
Knowing what is right is like deep water in the heart; a wise person draws from the well within. (148) Prov 20:5 MSG
Food gained by fraud tastes sweet to a man, but he ends up with a mouth full of gravel. (149)
Prov 20:17 NIV
Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance. (150)
Prov 20:18 NIV
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An inheritance gained hastily at the beginning will not be blessed at the end. (151)
Prov 20:21 NKJ
The glory of young men is their strength, grey hair the splendor of the old. (152)
Prov 20:29 NIV
Because the wicked refuse to do what is just, their violence boomerangs and destroys them. (153)
Prov 21:7 NLT
The guilty walk a crooked path; the innocent travel a straight road. (154)
Prov 21:8 NLT
Evil people love to harm others; their neighbors get no mercy from them. (155)
Prov 21:10 NLT
If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered. (156)
Prov 21:13 NIV
Those who love pleasure become poor; wine and luxury are not the way to riches. (157)
Prov 21:17 NLT
Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles. (158)
Prov 21:23 NKJ
A lying witness is unconvincing; a person who speaks truth is respected. (159)
Prov 21:28 MSG
Unscrupulous people fake it a lot; honest people are sure of their steps. (160)
Prov 21:29 MSG
Those who plant seeds of injustice will harvest disaster, and their reign of terror will end. (161)
Prov 22:8 NLT
Throw out the mocker, and fighting, quarrels, and insults will disappear. (162)
Prov 22:10 NLT
Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding. (163)
Prov 23:23 NIV
A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense. Through knowledge its rooms are filled with all sorts of precious riches and valuables. (164)
Prov 24:3-4 NLT
Wise conversation is way over the head of fools; in a serious discussion they haven't a clue. (165)
Prov 24:7 MSG
He who plots evil will be known as a schemer. (166)
Prov 24:8 NIV
Whoever whitewashes the wicked gets a black mark in the history books, but whoever exposes the wicked will be thanked and rewarded. (167)
Prov 24:24-25 MSG
Reliable friends who do what they say are like cool drinks in sweltering heat--refreshing! (168)
Prov 25:13 MSG
Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of gifts he does not give. (169)
Prov 25:14 NIV
Patient persistence pierces through indifference; gentle speech breaks down rigid defenses. (170)
Prov 25:15 MSG
Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house, Lest he become weary of you and hate you. (171)
Prov 25:17 NKJ
Putting confidence in an unreliable person is like chewing with a toothache or walking on a broken foot. (172)
Prov 25:19 NLT
Just as it is not good to eat too much honey, it is not good for people to think about all the honors they deserve. (173)
Prov 25:27 NLT
A person without self-control is like a house with its doors and windows knocked out. (174)
Prov 25:28 MSG
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. (175)
James 3:13 NIV
Do not be deceived: "Bad company corrupts good morals.” (176)
1 Corinthians 15:33
"Honor your father and mother" is the first commandment that has a promise attached to it, namely, "so you will live well and have a long life." (177)
Ephesians 6:2-3 MSG
"You're familiar with the command to the ancients, 'Do not murder.' (178)
Matthew 5:21 MSG
I'm telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder. Carelessly call a brother 'idiot!' and you just might find yourself hauled into court. Thoughtlessly yell 'stupid!' at a sister and you are on the brink of hellfire. The simple moral fact is that words kill. (179)
Matthew 5:22 MSG
Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord. (180)
Colossians 3:20 NASB
How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word and following its rules. (181)
Psalm 119:9 NLT
Do not do as the wicked do or follow the path of evildoers. (182)
Prov 4:14-15 NLT
Evil people are restless unless they're making trouble; They can't get a good night's sleep unless they've made life miserable for somebody. (183)
Prov 4:16 MSG
Children who mistreat their father or chase away their mother are a public disgrace and an embarrassment. (184)
Prov 19:26 NLT
Flipping a coin can end arguments and settle disputes between powerful opponents. (185)
Prov 18:18 NET
Words satisfy the soul as food satisfies the stomach; the right words on a person’s lips bring satisfaction. (186)
Prov 18:20 NLT
Find a good spouse, you find a good life--and even more: the favor of GOD! (187)
Prov 18:22 MSG
Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare. (188)
Prov 20:13 NLT
Adultery is a brainless act, soul-destroying, self-destructive; expect a bloody nose, a black eye, and a reputation ruined for good. (189)
Prov 6:32-33 MSG
The mouths of fools are their ruin; their lips get them into trouble. (190)
Prov 18:7 NLT
If you start thinking to yourselves, "I did all this. And all by myself. I'm rich. It's all mine!"-- well, think again. Remember that GOD, your God, gave you the strength to produce all this wealth so as to confirm the covenant that he promised to your ancestors--as it is today. (191)
Deuteronomy 8:17-18 MSG
Don't drink too much wine and get drunk; don't eat too much food and get fat. Drunks and gluttons will end up on skid row, in a stupor and dressed in rags. (192)
Prov 23:20-21 MSG
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, your anger can never make things right in God’s sight. (193)
James 1:19-20
Don't be quick to fly off the handle. Anger boomerangs. You can spot a fool by the lumps on his head. (194)
Ecclesiastes 7:9 MSG
Don’t sin by letting anger gain control over you. Think about it overnight and remain silent. (195)
Psalm 4:4 NLT
An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins. (196)
Prov 29:22 NIV
Good people can't stand the sight of deliberate evil; the wicked can't stand the sight of well-chosen goodness. (197)
Prov 29:27 MSG
The fear of human opinion disables; trusting in GOD protects you from that. (198)
Prov 25:29 MSG
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. (199)
Philippians 4:6 NLT
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. (200)
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul. (201)
Psalm 94:19 NIV
Your eyes are windows into your body. If you open your eyes wide in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light. (202)
Matthew 6:22 MSG
Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. (203)
2 Timothy 2:23 NIV
The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. (204)
Psalm 34:10 NIV
For God is the one who gives seed to the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will give you many opportunities to do good, and he will produce a great harvest of generosity in you. (205)
2 Corinthians 9:10 NLT
The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. (206)
Psalm 145:18 NIV
You must never have sex with a close relative. (207)
Leviticus 18:6
When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is happy. (208) Proverbs 29:18 NLT
Be a good citizen. All governments are under God. Insofar as there is peace and order, it's God's order. So live responsibly as a citizen. (209)
Romans 13:1 MSG
If you're irresponsible to the state, then you're irresponsible with God, and God will hold you responsible. (210)
Romans 13:2 MSG
Duly constituted authorities are only a threat if you're trying to get by with something. Decent citizens should have nothing to fear. Do you want to be on good terms with the government? Be a responsible citizen and you'll get on just fine, (211)
Romans 13:3 MSG
The authorities are sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for you will be punished. The authorities are established by God for that very purpose, to punish those who do wrong. (212)
Romans 13:4 NLT
That's why you must live responsibly--not just to avoid punishment but also because it's the right way to live. (213)
Romans 13:5 MSG
That's also why you pay taxes--so that an orderly way of life can be maintained. (214)
Romans 13:6 MSG
Fulfill your obligations as a citizen. Pay your taxes, pay your bills, and respect your leaders. (215)
Romans 13:7 MSG
The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools. (216)
Ecclesiastes 9:17 NIV
Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one bungler destroys much good. (217)
Ecclesiastes 9:18 NRSV
God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please him. But if a sinner becomes wealthy, God takes the wealth away and gives it to those who please him. (218)
Ecclesiastes 2:26 NLT
People can tame all kinds of animals and birds and reptiles and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is an uncontrollable evil, full of deadly poison. (219)
James 3:7-8 NLT
Let me tell you something: Every one of these careless words is going to come back to haunt you. There will be a time of Reckoning. Words are powerful; take them seriously. Words can be your salvation. Words can also be your damnation. (220)
Matthew 12:36-37 MSG
If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. (221)
Galatians 6:3 NIV
In their blind conceit, they cannot see how wicked they really are. (222)
Psalm 36:2 NLT
When the godly succeed, everyone is glad. When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding. (223) Proverbs 28:12 NLT
You can't whitewash your sins and get by with it; you find mercy by admitting and leaving them. (224)
Proverbs 28:13 MSG
Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with. (225)
James 5:16 MSG
As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. (226)
Ecclesiastes 11:5 NIV
For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms. (227)
Ephesians 6:12 NLT
‘Do not steal. Do not lie. Do not deceive one another.’ (228)
Leviticus 19:11 NIV
"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” (229)
Luke 16:10 NIV
Extortion turns wise people into fools, and bribes corrupt the heart. (230)
Ecclesiastes 7:7 NIV
For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. (231)
2 Peter 2:19 NIV
Mean-spirited ambition isn't wisdom. Boasting that you are wise isn't wisdom. Twisting the truth to make yourselves sound wise isn't wisdom. It's the furthest thing from wisdom--it's animal cunning, devilish conniving. (232)
James 3:14-15 MSG
For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. (233) James 3:16 NIV
Do not be overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases; for he will take nothing with him when he dies, his splendor will not descend with him. (234)
Psalm 49:16-17 NIV
Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. (235)
1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 NIV
Friend, don't go along with evil. Model the good. The person who does good does God's work. The person who does evil falsifies God, doesn't know the first thing about God. (236)
3 John 1:11 MSG
Don’t let evil get the best of you, but conquer evil by doing good. (237)
Romans 12:21
"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. (238)
Luke 6:37 NIV
“If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving––large or small––it will be used to measure what is given back to you." (239)
Luke 6:38 NLT
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (240)
Colossians 3:13 NIV
Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand. (241)
Philippians 2:4 MSG
Recommended Resource
The Purpose Driven Life
A 42 - Day spiritual guide, answering the following questions:
What on Earth am I here for?
Why am I alive?
Does my life matter?
Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace; write them deep within your heart. (242)
Proverbs 3:3 NLT
Trust GOD from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. (243)
Proverbs 3:5 MSG
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. (244)
Proverbs 3:6 MSG
Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones (245)
Proverbs 3:7-8 NKJ
Honor GOD with everything you own; give him the first and the best. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with the finest wine. (246)
Proverbs 3:9-10
Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. (247)
Proverbs 3:15 NLT
Long life is in her (Wisdom) right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways and all her paths are peace. (248)
Proverbs 3:16-17 NASB
Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly. (249)
Proverbs 3:18 MSG
By wisdom the LORD laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place; By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth, and the clouds poured down rain. (250)
Proverbs 3:19-20
Dear friend, guard Clear Thinking and Common Sense with your life; don't for a minute lose sight of them, for they fill you with life and bring you honor and respect. (251)
Proverbs 3:21-22 MSG/NLT
Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble; when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. (252)
Proverbs 3:23-34
Do not be afraid of sudden terror, Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; Because GOD will be right there with you; he'll keep you safe and sound. (253)
Proverbs 3:25-26 NKJ/MSG
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. (254)
Proverbs 3:27 NIV
Don't figure ways of taking advantage of your neighbor when he's sitting there trusting and unsuspecting. (255)
Proverbs 3:29 MSG
Do not accuse a man for no reason—when he has done you no harm. (256)
Proverbs 3:30 NIV
Do not envy violent people; don’t copy their ways. Such wicked people are an abomination to the LORD, but he offers his friendship to the godly. (257)
Proverbs 3:31-32 NLT
The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the just. (258) Proverbs 3:33 NKJ
The wise inherit honor, but fools are put to shame. (259)
Proverbs 3:35 NIV
The ways of right-living people glow with light; the longer they live, the brighter they shine. But the way of the wicked is like complete darkness. Those who follow it have no idea what they are stumbling over. (260)
Proverbs 4:18-19 MSG/NLT
Don't talk out of both sides of your mouth; avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip. (261)
Proverbs 4:24 MSG
Here are six things GOD hates, and one more that he loathes with a passion: eyes that are arrogant, a tongue that lies, hands that murder the innocent, a heart that hatches evil plots, feet that race down a wicked track, a mouth that lies under oath, a troublemaker in the family. (262)
Proverbs 6:16-19 MSG
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked. (263)
Proverbs 10:11 NIV
The earnings of the godly enhance their lives, but evil people squander their money on sin. (264) Proverbs 10:16 NLT
The godly give good advice, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense. (265)
Proverbs 10:21 NLT
The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it. (266)
Proverbs 10:22 NIV
When the storm is over, there's nothing left of the wicked; good people, firm on their rock foundation, aren't even fazed. (267)
Proverbs 10:25 MSG
The hopes of good people end in celebration; the ambitions of bad people crash. (268)
Proverbs 10:28
Good people [last]--they can't be moved; the wicked are here today, gone tomorrow. (269)
Proverbs 10:30 MSG
A good person's mouth is a clear fountain of wisdom; a foul mouth is a stagnant swamp. (270)
Proverbs 10:21 MSG
The godly speak words that are helpful, but the wicked speak only what is corrupt. (271)
Proverbs 10:32 NLT
GOD hates cheating in the marketplace; he loves it when business is aboveboard. (272)
Proverbs 11:1 MSG
Good character is the best insurance; crooks get trapped in their sinful lust. (273)
Proverbs 11:6 MSG
God rescues the godly from danger, but he lets the wicked fall into trouble. (274)
Proverbs 11:8 NLT
The loose tongue of the godless spreads destruction; the common sense of the godly preserves them. (275)
Proverbs 11:9 MSG
A man cannot be established through wickedness, but the righteous cannot be uprooted. (276)
Proverbs 12:3 NIV
The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray. (277)
Proverbs 12:26 MSG
Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation. (278)
Proverbs 14:9 NLT
Special Section
Wisdom is a deep understanding of people, things, events or situations, empowering the ability to choose or act to consistently produce the optimum results with a minimum of time and energy.
Wisdom is comprehension of what is true or right coupled with optimum judgment as to action. Synonyms include: sagacity, discernment, or insight. – Wikipedia
Wisdom is necessary to succeed in life. Without it you will be battered, distracted and trapped by the deceptions of the world.
We must seek wisdom. We must surround ourselves with wisdom. We must ask for wisdom. We must receive wisdom. We must accept wisdom. We must apply wisdom.
There is only one true source of wisdom and it’s God. He is the creator of everything…
Christ is the one through whom God created everything in heaven and earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see––kings, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities. Everything has been created through him and for him. (279)
Colossians 1:16 NLT
God is loving, wise, gracious, merciful, compassionate and generous to all. He freely gives to those that seek Him and ask Him…
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. (280)
James 1:5 NIV
There is so much more that God wants to give you. All it takes is for you to ask Him as a child asks their father…
If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him. (281)
Matthew 7:11 NLT
To ask, there must first be a relationship. Do you have a personal relationship with God, our father?
How to have a personal relationship with God.
God loves you and has a purpose for your life:
This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, Jesus Christ, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. (281)
John 3:16 MSG
My purpose is to give life in all its fullness. (282)
John 10:10 MSG
But there is a problem….
All of us sin and our sin has separated us from God:
For all have sinned and fall short of God’s glorious standard. (283)
Romans 3:23 NLT
We were created to have a relationship with God; but, because of our independent ways that fellowship with God was broken. The bible calls this sin.
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. (284) Romans 6:23 NLT
Sin separates us from God. We try to reach God through our own efforts, like a good life, philosophy or religion, but we fail.
Jesus Christ is the only one that can bridge the gap to God.
But God showed his great love for us by sending Jesus Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. (285)
Romans 5:8 NLT
I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me––that Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, as the Scriptures said. He was seen by Peter and then by the twelve apostles. After that, he was seen by more than five hundred of his followers at one time (286)
1 Corinthians 15:3-6 NLT
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (287)
John 14:6 NKJ
But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God. (288)
John 1:12 NLT
What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun! (289)
2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT
God saved you by his special favor when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. (290)
Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT
Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me. (291)
Revelations 3:20
Starting our relationship with God involves believing in Jesus Christ, turning from sinful desires (this is called repentance) and trusting Jesus to come into our lives and forgive our sins.
Next comes speaking to God (this is called prayer). God knows our heart and is more concerned with our attitude, than with our words.
Here’s a sample prayer…
"Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be."
If this prayer expresses the desire of your heart, then you can pray this prayer right now and Christ will come into your life, as He promised.
If you would like someone to pray with you concerning your decision to follow Jesus Christ, please call: 1-800-4PRAYER
Next Steps...
Download a free copy of Foundations (Click Here)
Find a good Bible teaching, Grace based church (Click Here)
Start reading the Bible and Praying daily. Free Bibles available (Click Here)
