3 in 1: A Personal New Testament

By Norman B. Mitchell

The ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ were necessary for salvation and forgiveness of sin so that you could possess eternal life. And eternal life is to know God the Father and the One He sent, Jesus. Therefore, daily reading, meditation, and hearing, speaking, and obeying the Word of God will provide you with the knowledge of who you are in Christ.

With 3 in 1—A Personal New Testament, you will be able to become who you are in Christ by growing in knowledge, understanding, and wisdom through revelation, meaning, and application of God’s word of truth. It is designed to help believers make a personal confession and profession of the Word, and it combines personalized scriptures, a personal devotional, and a personal journal that will guide you through the Bible in one year.

Knowing who you are in Christ will transform you by renewing your mind. Then you will know God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will as you grow in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. So take your stand and find strength in the Lord as you wear the full armor of God, for you are being sanctified while becoming who you are in Christ.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Aug 18, 2017
• ISBN: 9781512798661

Norman B. Mitchell

Norman B. Mitchell began teaching at Kings County Christian School in 1989 after a dramatic born-again experience. He asked the Lord to tell him what to do, and the Holy Spirit led him to 2 Corinthians 5:16–17. As an ambassador of Christ, he was to be a messenger of reconciliation and declare the forgiveness of sin through Christ Jesus. He hopes 3 in 1—A Personal New Testament is an extension of his ministry to speak prophetically and nurture the vision of every Christian who reads it.

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Copyright © 2017 Norman B. Mitchell.

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This book is a work of non-fiction. Unless otherwise noted, the author and the publisher make no explicit guarantees as to the accuracy of the information contained in this book and in some cases, names of people and places have been altered to protect their privacy.

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Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

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Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked MSG are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible® (NASB), Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation

Used by permission. www.Lockman.org

DEDICATION

3 IN 1 A Personal New Testament is dedicated to the memory of Pastor Tim Bigelow, my greatest encourager.

Also, I want to thank another great encourager, Pastor Randy Aris.

CONTENTS

Acknowledgments

Preface

A Personal Book Of Proverbs

January 1 and July 1

January 2 and July 2

January 3 and July 3

January 4 and July 4

Matthew

1 John

2 John

3 John

Jude

January 5 and July 5

January 6 and July 6

January 7 and July 7

January 8 and July 8

January 9 and July 9

January 10 and July 10

January 11 and July 11

January 12 and July 12

January 13 and July 13

January 14 and July 14

January 15 and July 15

January 16 and July 16

January 17 and July 17

January 18 and July 18

January 19 and July 19

January 20 and July 20

January 21 and July 21

January 22 and July 22

January 23 and July 23

January 24 and July 24

January 25 and July 25

January 26 and July 26

January 27 and July 27

January 28 and July 28

January 29 and July 29

January 30 and July 30

January 31 and July 31

February 1 and August 1

February 2 and August 2

February 3 and August 3

February 4 and August 4

Mark

Galatians

1 Corinthians

Ephesians

Philippians

Colossians

1 Peter

Titus

Philemon

Jude

2 Peter

Five Fundamentals of Faith

23rd Psalm

February 5 and August 5

February 6 and August 6

February 7 and August 7

February 8 and August 8

February 9 and August 9

February 10 and August 10

February 11 and August 11

February 12 and August 12

February 13 and August 13

February 14 and August 14

February 15 and August 15

February 16 and August 16

February 17 and August 17

February 18 and August 18

February 19 and August 19

February 20 and August 20

February 21 and August 21

February 22 and August 22

February 23 and August 23

February 24 and August 24

February 25 and August 25

February 26 and August 26

February 27 and August 27

February 28 and August 28

February 29

August 29

August 30

August 31

March 1 and September 1

March 2 and September 2

March 3 and September 3

March 4 and September 4

March 5 and September 5

March 6 and September 6

March 7 and September 7

March 8 and September 8

March 9 and September 9

March 10 and September 10

March 11 and September 11

March 12 and September 12

March 13 and September 13

March 14 and September 14

March 15 and September 15

March 16 and September 16

March 17 and September 17

March 18 and September 18

March 19 and September 19

March 20 and September 20

March 21 and September 21

March 22 and September 22

March 23 and September 23

March 24 and September 24

March 25 and September 25

March 26 and September 26

March 27 and September 27

March 28 and September 28

March 29 and September 29

March 30 and September 30

March 31

April 1 and October 1

April 2 and October 2

April 3 and October 3

April 4 and October 4

John

Hebrews

1 Timothy

2 Timothy

1 Thessalonians

Guiding Principles

2 Thessalonians

Psalm 23

Psalm 100

Psalms 101 -103

April 5 and October 5

April 6 and October 6

April 7 and October 7

April 8 and October 8

April 9 and October 9

April 10 and October 10

April 11 and October 11

April 12 and October 12

April 13 and October 13

April 14 and October 14

April 15 and October 15

April 16 and October 16

April 17 and October 17

April 18 and October 18

April 19 and October 19

April 20 and October 20

April 21 and October 21

April 22 and October 22

April 23 and October 23

April 24 and October 24

April 25 and October 25

April 26 and October 26

April 27 and October 27

April 28 and October 28

April 29 and October 29

April 30 and October 30

October 31

May 1 and November 1

May 2 and November 2

May 3 and November 3

May 4 and November 4

Acts

1 John

2 John

3 John

Philemon

Proverbs 31

May 5 and November 5

May 6 and November 6

May 7 and November 7

May 8 and November 8

May 9 and November 9

May 10 and November 10

May 11 and November 11

May 12 and November 12

May 13 and November 13

May 14 and November 14

May 15 and November 15

May 16 and November 16

May 17 and November 17

May 18 and November 18

May 19 and November 19

May 20 and November 20

May 21 and November 21

May 22 and November 22

May 23 and November 23

May 24 and November 24

May 25 and November 25

May 26 and November 26

May 27 and November 27

May 28 and November 28

May 29 and November 29

May 30 and November 30

May 31

June 1 and December 1

June 2 and December 2

June 3 and December 3

June 4 and December 4

Romans

Revelation

June 5 and December 5

June 6 and December 6

June 7 and December 7

June 8 and December 8

June 9 and December 9

June 10 and December 10

June 11 and December 11

June 12 and December 12

June 13 and December 13

June 14 and December 14

June 15 and December 15

June 16 and December 16

June 17 and December 17

June 18 and December 18

June 19 and December 19

June 20 and December 20

June 21 and December 21

June 22 and December 22

June 23 and December 23

June 24 and December 24

June 25 and December 25

June 26 and December 26

June 27 and December 27

June 28 and December 28

June 29 and December 29

June 30 and December 30

December 31

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Although this is not a complete list, I would like to acknowledge the teaching I received from the following sources and resources over the last 28 years: The Holy Bible, 100 Huntley Street TV broadcast, It’s A New Day TV broadcast with Betty and Willard Thiessen, Day Star, TBN, The Miracle Channel, Dutch Sheets, Dr. Jim Richards, A.W. Tozer, Oswald Chambers, Kenneth Copeland, Dr. Baruch Korman, and the many text books I used as a Christian school teacher since 1989. I want to thank the following Pastors who helped me become rooted and grounded in the Gospel of love: Pastor Larrat, Pastor Wyles, Pastor Hogeboom, Pastor Bigelow, Pastor Ariss, Pastor Ivany, and Pastor Conway. I want to thank the two families who prayed for my salvation, and I want to thank my son, Myke Mitchell, for his help in reviewing, editing and formatting this book.

3 in 1 | A Personal New Testament

Copyright © July 1, 2017 by Norman B. Mitchell

Contact: [e-mail]

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

All repetition contained in this book is intentional.

PREFACE

The Purpose of 3 in 1 is for readers to become who they are in Christ as they grow in knowledge, understanding, and wisdom through revelation, meaning, and application of God’s word of truth.

How?

Knowledge & Revelation: First, seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Understanding and meaning: Be transformed by the renewing of the mind. Wisdom and Application: Take your stand, strong in the Lord and in His grace.

The Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

John 4:23 (NIV) Yet time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.

John 8:32 (NIV) Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

John 3:5 (NIV) Jesus answered, Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.

3 IN 1 has a three fold concept.

1. A Personal New Testament (Wisdom is a personal application God’s Word)

2. A Personal Devotional (A personal understanding of God’s Word)

3. A Personal Journal through the Bible in one year. (Knowledge through a personal revelation of God’s Word.

A Personal New Testament includes a paraphrase of the Proverbs and the New Testament with commentary. This book is not another translation of the New Testament and the Proverbs. The intent of this book is to create for the reader a personal New Testament called A Personal New Testament. (PNTV)

Again, this book is designed, where possible, to have the reader to make a personal confession and profession of the Word. In fact, it is probably better for the reader to read aloud the portion of this book which is intended to be a personal profession of faith. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word. The author believes that by hearing yourself confess and profess your faith aloud, faith will increase, and the reader will be edified.

My intent is to express the meaning of Scripture using different words; where possible, the first person singular has been used. Places where the passage refers to the reader as you, the author has rephrased the word to read I. Quotes from Scripture have also been used throughout this book.

The first person singular is used in many verses. In many verses, the author replaced the following words: you, they, them, my, myself, and theirs with the word I, me, my, or mine. The author’s intent is that you, the reader, will use these passages as a confession and a profession of faith believing the Words of Scripture apply to the reader.

For example, it is written in Matthew 5:3(NKJV), Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Instead, A Personal New Testament will be read as follows: I am blessed because I am humble, and the Kingdom of Heaven is mine. As a believer and follower of Jesus, this is a confession and a profession of faith.

A Personal Devotional becomes a daily Bible devotional.

A Personal Journey through the Bible gives the reader an opportunity to read the Old Testament once, the New Testament twice, and the Proverbs six times in one year.

All quotes are italicized, bold font and in some cases numbered. .

Words which are just bold font are for emphases; they are not quotes.

How to Use This as a Devotional

This book begins with a paraphrase of the 31 Proverbs.

For the months with 31 days, one proverb can be read each day.

For the months with fewer than 31 days, some days will include more than one proverb.

Each day has a heading.

For example, January 1 and July 1 Read Proverbs 1 is the first heading.

On January 1 begin by reading Proverb 1.

Then read 1 John chapter 1.

Then read Matthew chapter 1.

Then follow the directions for reading the Old Testament books as follows:

On January 1 Read Genesis Chapters 1 and 2.

On January 1 Read Psalm 1.

On January 1 Say the following prayer if you choose:

Lord, by the grace of your Holy Spirit, help me live my life knowing that You are the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. You are the Almighty, the One who is and who was and who is to come. Amen.

This line separates January 1 from July 1

+++++++++++++++++++++++

On July 1 begin by reading Proverb 1.

Then read 1 John chapter 1.

Then read Matthew chapter 1.

On July 1 Read Ezekiel Chapters 1 and 2.

On July 1 Say the following prayer if you choose.

Lord, by the grace of your Holy Spirit, help me live my life knowing that You are the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. You are the Almighty, the One who is and who was and who is to come. Amen

Note: This pattern is repeated each day throughout the year.

Remember: God Is Good

Praise is about our God. Worship is to our God. (Ezra 9 and Daniel 9)

First, seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. (See Matthew 6:33)

Be transformed by the renewing of the mind. (See Romans 12:1 and 2)

Take your stand, strong in the Lord. (Ephesians 6:10-20)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. (John 4:23, 8:32, 3:5)

Once again, note:

Although this book is called 3 IN 1 A Personal New Testament, the author would like the readers to think of this as their own personal New Testament.

Therefore, the headings for each day are named 3 IN 1\ My Personal New Testament.

God has set before me life and death, blessing and cursing.

I choose blessings.

I choose life.

I grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ my Messiah.

A PERSONAL BOOK OF PROVERBS

Proverbs 1 Wisdom and Direction

The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Knowledge

The proverbs were written by Solomon the son of David, king of Israel. The purpose of the proverbs is for me to know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding, and to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity. These proverbs provide prudence for the simple and knowledge and discretion for me and all the young people. Fools despise wisdom and instruction, but as I hear more and learn more, I continue to grow in wisdom. As I grow in understanding, I will attain wise counsel. As I increase my understanding of the enigma contained in the wise words and riddles of the proverbs, I learn to fear the LORD. As Proverbs 8:8 declares, the fear of the LORD is to hate evil. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.

I Will Avoid Evil Counsel

I hear the instruction of my father, and I pay attention to the law of my mother. They are like a graceful ornament on my head and a chain around my neck. If sinners try to entice me, I will not be influenced. If they want me to go with them to shed blood, to bully the innocent, or to do all kinds of evil so that I may share with them more possessions, I will not walk with them. I will keep my feet from their path because their feet run to evil, and they are in a hurry to shed blood. When greedy people set their traps, it is in vain because it is their own blood and their own lives that are lost.

Wisdom Speaks

Wisdom calls; the voice of wisdom can be heard in the open squares where people gather. Wise people wonder how long will the people scorn God, and how long will the fool hate knowledge? Sinners need to turn at God’s rebuke because He longs to pour out His Spirit on them. God will have His servants spread the word of salvation even though He has called and they refuse Him.

Our LORD stretched out His hand, and no one regarded because they disdained all His counsel, and they disregarded His rebuke. God will laugh at their calamity, and He will mock when their terror comes. When their terror comes like a storm and their destruction comes like a whirlwind and distress and anguish come upon them, then they will call on God, but He will not answer. They will seek Him diligently, but they will not find Him because they hated knowledge, and they did not choose the fear of the LORD. They would not listen to His counsel, and they despised His every rebuke.

Therefore, they will eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled to the full with their own follies. The simple ones who turn away and the complacent fools who ignore His word will bring upon themselves their own destruction, but all who listen to God will dwell safely and will be secure without fear of evil.

Proverbs 2 Wisdom and Direction

Wisdom Has Value

I receive God’s words, and I treasure His commands within me. I listen to wisdom, and I apply my heart to understanding. When I ask for discernment and understanding as if I was looking for silver or hidden treasures, then I will understand the fear of the LORD. Then I will find the knowledge of God. My LORD gives wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.

He is a shield, and He provides sound wisdom for the righteous. He guards the paths of justice and preserves the way of His saints. Then I will understand righteousness, justice, equity, and His way.

When wisdom enters my heart and knowledge is pleasant to my soul, discretion and understanding will preserve me. Wisdom, knowledge, and understanding deliver me from the ways of evil, from those who speak perverse things, and from those who leave the ways of righteousness to walk in the ways of darkness. I will be delivered from those who rejoice in doing evil and wicked things. I will be protected from those whose ways and paths are crooked.

I will be delivered from the immoral and the seducer; they forsake the companion of their youth and forget the covenant of their God. Their house leads down to death and their paths to the dead. If I was to go to them, I would not be able to return to nor regain the path of life.

Only the righteous and blameless dwell and remain in the land, but the wicked and the unfaithful will be cut off and uprooted from the earth. Wisdom, knowledge, and understanding will show me the way to walk in the way of goodness and the paths of righteousness.

Proverbs 3 Wisdom and Direction

This is Guidance for the Young

If I remember God’s law and let my heart keep His commands, length of days, long life, and peace will be added to me. I will write truthfulness and thankfulness on my heart, and I will find favor with God and man. I will trust in the LORD with all my heart, and I do not lean on my own understanding. In all my ways I acknowledge Him, and He will direct my paths. I am not wise in my own eyes; I fear the LORD and depart from evil. In doing so, God has promised health to my flesh and strength to my bones.

I honor the LORD with my possessions and with the tithe so I will have more than enough. I rejoice in the LORD when He chastens and corrects me. My LORD loves those He corrects as any good father does.

I am happy as I grow in wisdom and understanding which are better than silver, gold or rubies. Nothing compares to the value of wisdom and understanding because in them are long life, riches, honor, and peace. They are the tree of life.

Our LORD by wisdom founded the earth, and by understanding established the heavens. By His knowledge, the depths were broken up, and clouds produce the dew. I will fix my eyes on sound wisdom and discretion so they will be life to my soul and grace to my body. I will walk safely; my foot will not stumble. When I lie down, my sleep will be sweet, and I will not be afraid of sudden terror nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes. My LORD is my confidence, and He will keep my way straight and safe.

I will not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in the power of my hand to do so. I will share with my neighbors today and do no harm to them. My neighborhood is a safe place to live. I do not strive with anyone without cause if they have done me no harm.

I do not envy oppressors or walk in their ways because the perverse person is an abomination to the LORD, and the curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked. The LORD scorns the scornful, and the legacy of fools is shame.

Our loving LORD provides His secret counsel to the righteous, and He blesses the home of the just. He gives grace to the humble and glory as an inheritance to all who walk in wisdom.

Proverbs 4 Wisdom and Direction

Security in Wisdom

My Heavenly Father wants me to hear His instruction, pay attention to His word, and grow in understanding. He provides me good doctrine so I will not forsake His law. Even as a child with parents, the words and commands of my Heavenly father were available to me, and He wanted me to keep His word in my heart and live according to their instructions.

He desires for me to get wisdom and understanding found in His word, and they will preserve and promote me if I love and exalt them. Wisdom is the principle thing, and as I embrace understanding, I will receive honor. Wisdom and understanding are like a crown of glory and grace which will deliver me and add years to my life as long as I continue to listen to His word.

His word teaches me the way of wisdom and directs me to the right path. When I walk His way, I will not be hindered; when I run, I will not stumble. I will follow His instruction, and I will not let go of them for they are life.

I will not walk in the way of the wicked because they do not sleep unless they have done evil. Those who do evil take great pleasure when they make others fall. Their way is darkness, and their food and drink are wickedness and violence.

The way of the justified is like the bright and shinning sun. I pay attention to God’s words, and I listen to all He says. I fix my eyes on His words, for they are life and health to all who follow them and diligently keep them in their heart. For out of my heart spring the issues of life. I will not speak perversion or deception. I focus my eyes on the straight and narrow path. As I meditate on the path I am to walk, I will establish my way according to His way, for His way is straight and narrow, and I will not turn from the way of righteousness.

Proverbs 5 Wisdom and Direction

The Peril of Adultery

As a child of God, I need to pay attention to God’s wisdom and listen to Him to gain understanding. I need to be discrete and speak words of knowledge. The words of immoral people drip honey, and their mouths are as smooth as oil. In the end, they are as bitter as wormwood and as sharp as a two-edge sword. Their feet go down to death, and their steps lead to hell. I will not walk along their path because their ways are unstable, and I am aware of them. Therefore, as a child of God, I listen to His words and walk His way. I do not follow immoral people; nor do I go near their door. They are dishonorable and cruel; I will give them nothing. Their path leads to hell, but I listen to God’s instruction, and I seek His correction. I drink Living Water. I will be faithful to my spouse.

Proverbs 6 Wisdom and Direction

Dangerous Promises

Wicked people are unGodly people. Perversion is in their heart, and their language is perverse. Their ways are evil, and they sow discord, but calamity will come upon them suddenly. There are seven things the LORD hates, and they include pride, a lying tongue, murder, wicked hearts, evil deeds, false witness, and the sowing of discord.

I must not be lazy. I should use the ant as an example of how I need to conduct my life. Just as the ant gets what it needs for the summer and stores what it needs for the winter, I need to prepare for now and the future. I need to get enough sleep, but I must not sleep too much or I will not earn enough money to pay for my living expenses.

I am advised by God’s word not to co-sign a loan for a friend, but if I have done so, I need to quickly ask that friend to release me from that promise. If I give my word to a stranger, my word can be a snare so I need to be very careful in what I do and say.

Wherever I go and whatever I do, I need to remember to obey the Godly commands of my father and mother. No matter what an adulterous person does, the wounds and dishonor of such deeds will always be there. God’s ways will keep me from adultery but the person who would try tempting me to transgress God’s law will destroy my soul. Correction is a way of life. God’s commands are a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.

Proverbs 7 Wisdom and Direction

As a child of God, I am to treasure His commands and His law as the apple of my eye. Others have followed the path of the unrighteous and have been corrupted by crafty, deceptive words, and it will cost them their lives because their way of life is the path to hell and death. To keep me from falling prey to immoral company, I write knowledge, wisdom, and understanding on my heart.

Proverbs 8 Wisdom and Direction

The Excellence of Wisdom

The fear of the LORD is to hate evil. The LORD hates pride and arrogance and all forms of wickedness. Those who sin against the LORD wrong their own soul, and all who hate our God love death.

Wisdom speaks knowledge and understanding. From everywhere and every place in this world, wisdom proclaims life for the righteous, and the righteous are hearers and doers of the word of God. The thoughts, the words, and the ways of the wise are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, praiseworthy, and excellent. Wisdom is more valuable than gold, silver, or any form of wealth. In wisdom, I find strength, justice, and counsel.

The LORD knew me, loved me, owned me, and rejoiced over me long before the heavens and the earth were formed. I am blessed because I listen to His voice, and I keep His ways. The fear of the LORD is to hate evil. I am a child of God, and I have obtained favor from the LORD.

Proverbs 9 Wisdom and Direction

The Way of Folly

A foolish person speaks loudly without knowledge or understanding. Fools lead their friends along the paths of wickedness. Those who rebuke a wicked person harm themselves because the scoffer hates correction and those who love wisdom. The scoffer lives a lonely, Godless life.

The Way of Wisdom

Wise people build their house on a solid foundation. Their homes are righteous places of good food, honored guests, and peaceful hearts. The wise receive instruction and increase in learning. Knowledge of the LORD is understanding, and the LORD will add days and years to the life of those who are wise. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.

Proverbs 10 Wisdom and Direction

Fools die for lack of wisdom. The desires of their heart bring destruction. Their slanderous words and their perverted ways bring poverty. Their thoughts and deeds bring destruction and shame upon themselves. Foolish, lazy children refuse instruction and correction, and they grieve their parents. The ways of the wicked fool are opposed to the ways of the LORD.

The righteous grow in knowledge. They grow in knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. The desires of their heart bring favor and blessing. Their kind words and their Godly ways bring riches. Their joyful thoughts and loving deeds bring hope and faith to their soul. Obedient, faithful children listen to instruction and correction, and they please their parents. The ways of the righteous are pleasing to the LORD. The blessing of the LORD makes me rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.

Proverbs 11 Wisdom and Direction

The LORD detests the unrighteous heart of fools. Prideful fools bring disgrace. Their unfaithful ways result in trouble, destruction, and poverty. Their gossip and wicked words yield sorrow and pain. Ungodly sinners will be rewarded with death. They serve the wise, but their greed for riches and their evil desires lead to their own downfall. Nations have fallen for lack of guidance. The LORD is not with them.

The LORD favors the righteous, humble heart of the wise. They live in hope and peace. Their faithful ways reap eternal rewards of joy, prosperity, and Godly riches. Their kind and helpful words reflect an honest, blameless heart. The righteous will eat of the fruit of the Tree of Life now and forever. Wise leaders are trustworthy, and their generosity and Godly desires lead to blessing a nation. The LORD is with them.

Proverbs 12 Wisdom and Direction

The LORD condemns the unrighteous, wicked schemer. They build their house on sinking sand. Because of their despicable character, they speak lies, deceit, and dishonest words. They are even unkind to animals and are offended and annoyed by the opinions of others. A wife who has a despicable character is like rotting bones to her husband. The wicked have a warped mind; they are anxious and stressed and fall to ruin. The wicked person is lazy and is forced to work. The wicked person is foolish and is led away by evil desires. They hate correction, and the only advice they listen to is their own. The LORD judges the unrighteous, wicked schemer.

The LORD favors the righteous, obedient follower of Christ. They build their house on the firm foundation, on the Rock of Christ. Because of their honest, noble character, they speak truthful words. A trustworthy person is pleasing to the LORD. Their peaceful plans are just and upright. The righteous are diligent rulers, and their kind words bring joy to the heart. They are wise in their choice of friends and are slow to speak. They love discipline, knowledge, and good advice. A wife of noble character is a Godly testimony to her husband. The protected way of the righteous person leads to everlasting life.

Proverbs 13 Wisdom and Direction

The LORD condemns those who pretend to be rich because they have nothing. Mockers do not respond to rebukes, and unfaithful people enjoy violence. Poverty and shame come to those who disregard discipline. Those people who speak foolish words too quickly will bring ruin to their life. A sluggard’s appetite is never satisfied, and the wicked children are overcome by the sin which brings shame upon them. The wicked are without light and walk in darkness. The fool demonstrates pride and reaps strife. Though the rich are in danger of losing all their wealth, the poor have nothing to lose. Dishonest people eventually lose what they have. Fools demonstrate pride and reap strife because they are guided by folly instead of wise counsel. When hope is not satisfied, it makes the heart sick. Those who disobey instruction receive a debt of sorrow and because of their unfaithfulness, they reap destruction. A wicked messenger brings trouble.

Fools live an evil life that is rotten to the core; they suffer harm because they associate with foolish companions. A sinner’s wealth brings no true satisfaction because it is eventually lost; it is actually stored up for the righteous. The wicked are never satisfied. They are without the LORD.

The LORD blesses those who are poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of God. Wise children of God obey their father’s instruction. Faithful children of God speak and enjoy good things. They will use wisdom when they speak so they preserve their life. Those who are diligent satisfy their desires. The righteous child of God hates what is false. The person of integrity is guarded by righteousness. The righteous shine like a bright light in this world; they listen to good advice. Wise workers eventually satisfy their needs. Those who obey sound teaching are rewarded with life. The faithful display good judgment and are rewarded with favor. The wise are guided by knowledge. A trustworthy messenger brings blessing and healing. Honor comes to those who heed discipline and correction.

The wise live a righteous life that is sweet to the soul. The righteous have wise companions and become wiser. A good person leaves an inheritance for their heirs. A wise parent trains their children with righteous discipline. A foolish parent ignores righteous discipline and does not truly love their children. The righteous satisfy their hunger as the LORD supplies them with His daily bread.

Proverbs 14 Wisdom and Direction

The unrighteous feel secure even though their hatred of the LORD leads to death. Foolish people tear down their own house, and they are destroyed. Fools lash out with pride even though they do not prepare for success. A dishonest person lies and brings harm. Mockers and fools, being ignorant, fall prey to their own deception. Fools mock those who repent of sin, and although the way of the fool seems right to them, it leads to death. Laughter and rejoicing may only disguise the pain that leads to sorrow. The faithless simply believe anything and are condemned for their unGodly ways. Fools are quick tempered people who are often hated because of the foolish things they do. The wicked have few friends. Fools who oppose their neighbor sin against God, and their laziness leads to rebuke and poverty. The wicked are brought down when calamity comes. An indifferent person has a fool’s heart. Sinners weaken their country and are judged.

The righteous fear the LORD, and it is the fountain of life. Wise people build their house with their own hands, and they prosper. Wise people guard their words. Wise people acquire the tools they need to do their work. An honest person walks in truth and saves lives while the discerning person finds knowledge easily. The wise are prudent and think before they speak. The righteous are known for their goodwill and joy. The righteous give thought to their steps and are rewarded for their way of faith. Prudent people grow in wisdom and patience while doing good things. The righteous have many friends. The righteous are blessed as they are kind to the needy, and this honors God. The wise work hard and receive profit. The righteous always trust God in all circumstances. An understanding person is a wise person. God-fearing people make a country strong, and the wise are commended.

Proverbs 15 Wisdom and Direction

Our LORD hears and sees the good and the wicked.

Wicked thoughts are evil to God’s ear.

The pride of life and the finding of wealth bring turmoil to the house.

The ways and sacrifices of the wicked mean nothing to God.

Speaking harsh words will provoke anger and crush the spirit.

Anger produces conflict.

A crushed spirit brings long days of heartache.

Foolish words are spoken by unrepentant fools.

Mockers avoid and ignore wise discipline, but they will be corrected.

Foolish children hate their parents; they bring sorrow to their parents.

The wicked walk a crooked, thorny road leading to death.

A wicked person has a troubled home; they ignore advice and fail.

The greedy person has a home without joy; it is better to serve a small portion at a meal in love than a huge portion with hatred.

A bad report is evil to God’s ear while a good report brings joy and health.

Gracious words are good to His ear.

The fear of the LORD and a humble heart bring peace to the home.

The ways and prayers of the righteous please our LORD.

Gentle words are the Tree of Life bringing joy and preventing an angry response.

Patience calms a quarrel.

A happy heart is seen in the smile on the face.

Words of knowledge are spoken by the wise, discerning heart.

Prudent children heed correction.

Wise children are loving children; they bring joy to their parents.

The wise and prudent walk a straight and righteous path.

The wise seek good counsel and succeed.

The generous person prospers.

Righteous people have a blessed home.

It is better to serve a small portion at a meal with love than a large portion with hatred.

The fear of the LORD is wisdom at its best.

Humility comes before honor.

A good report brings joy and health.

Good Report from Isaiah 53

Who has believed our report?

And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?

² For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant,

And as a root out of dry ground.

He has no form or comeliness;

And when we see Him,

There is no beauty that we should desire Him.

³ He is despised and rejected by men,

A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.

And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him;

He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.

⁴ Surely He has borne our griefs

And carried our sorrows;

Yet we esteemed Him stricken,

Smitten by God, and afflicted.

⁵ But He was wounded for our transgressions,

He was bruised for our iniquities;

The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,

And by His stripes we are healed.

⁶ All we like sheep have gone astray;

We have turned, every one, to his own way;

And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

⁷ He was oppressed and He was afflicted,

Yet He opened not His mouth;

He was led as a lamb to the slaughter,

And as a sheep before its shearers is silent,

So He opened not His mouth.

⁸ He was taken from prison and from judgment,

And who will declare His generation?

For He was cut off from the land of the living;

For the transgressions of My people He was stricken.

⁹ And they made His grave with the wicked—

But with the rich at His death,

Because He had done no violence,

Nor was any deceit in His mouth.

¹⁰ Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him;

He has put Him to grief.

When You make His soul an offering for sin,

He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days,

And the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand.

¹¹ He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied.

By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many,

For He shall bear their iniquities.

¹² Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great,

And He shall divide the spoil with the strong,

Because He poured out His soul unto death,

And He was numbered with the transgressors,

And He bore the sin of many,

And made intercession for the transgressors.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 16 Wisdom and Direction

I may make plans in my mind, but only the LORD can make them come true.

I may believe I am doing right, but the LORD will judge my reasons.

I depend on the LORD in whatever I do, and my plans will succeed.

The LORD makes everything happen as He pleases.

Judgment is coming for the proud and the evil.

I love, I walk in truth, and I forgive sin. I fear my LORD, and I avoid evil.

Because I live to please my LORD, even my enemies make peace with me.

It is better for me to be poor and right than to be wealthy and dishonest.

Even when I make plans in my mind, my LORD decides what I will do.

It is not for me to judge the words of my prime minister or my president or my king.

God is the standard for honesty and integrity in the business world.

Good leaders desire truth, honesty, and integrity. They encourage joy.

Angry leaders can bring about turmoil so I will not antagonize them.

Wisdom is better than gold; understanding is better than silver.

Good people avoid evil by walking the path of righteousness.

Pride brings destruction and ruin.

Humility and poverty are better than pride and prosperity.

Listening and trusting the word of the LORD brings success and happiness.

The wise are known for their understanding and pleasant words. Understanding produces life; foolishness brings punishment.

Righteous people are better teachers because of their wise words.

Pleasant words are appreciated; they make the listener happy.

Some people think they are doing what is right, but eventually, it leads to death.

Hunger is a good motivator to work for a living.

Mean people make evil plans causing trouble and speaking harmful words.

Cruel people betray friends and neighbors and encourage evil behavior.

Sometimes a deceitful smile hides false intentions.

Gray hair is like a crown of wisdom gained from years of good experience. Patience and self-control are precious fruit of the Spirit.

Some cast the dice to make a decision, but the answer comes from our LORD.

Proverbs 17 Wisdom and Direction

It is better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool caught in foolishness.

There is no value in trying to educate a fool since he has no desire to learn or search for wisdom. The crooked heart and lying tongue will not prosper; the crooked heart and lying tongue invite trouble. The wicked, who are easily bribed, pervert justice. Fools seldom speak eloquent words, and when they do not speak what they think, they are thought to be intelligent. Wrongdoers and liars listen to gossip and slander. Harboring a grudge brings ruin. People who mock the poor and rejoice at the misfortune of others insult God, and they will be judged. Evil people enjoy rebellion, and they will be punished for their conduct; but there is no value in physically hitting a fool. Those who quarrel love sin; trusting in walls for security invites trouble. A foolish, rebellious child brings sorrow to the parents. God abhors acquitting the guilty. Those who repay good with evil will reap what they sow.

Silver and gold are tested by fire, but our LORD tests our heart. It is better to live in peace with little than to live in conflict and be rich. Do not start a quarrel; forgiveness expresses love. A cheerful heart is like good medicine. Sensible people look for and find wisdom. A friend and a brother are always loyal, and they will help when help is needed; but, according to Old Testament belief, Solomon advises not co-sign for a loan for a friend. A wise servant who disciplines an unruly child is like one of the family. Grandparents rejoice over their grandchildren; the grandchildren love them for it. It is wrong to punish good behavior and honest leaders. God abhors condemning the innocent. Wisdom speaks few words; understanding remains patient. The righteous person returns good for evil.

Proverbs 18 Wisdom and Direction

Life and death are in the power of the tongue; we reap what we sow. UnGodly fools are selfish and self-centered lacking wisdom and common sense. Fools do not seek to understand, and without knowing all the facts, they only want to speak their own opinions. They shamefully gossip and speak words which lead to quarrels, rebuke, and ruin. Sometimes flipping a coin can settle an argument.

An offense can destroy friendships. A person can recover from a sick body, but who can endure a crushed spirit? Doing wrong is disgraceful and contemptible. The innocent should not be unjustly judged, but the guilty will be punished. Even though a lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things, the rich often insult the poor who are simply asking for mercy. The rich rely on their wealth for strength and safety. Pride brings destruction.

Life and death are in the power of the tongue; we reap what we sow. Wise words are deep waters flowing like a bubbling brook bringing satisfaction. Wise people are ready to listen and learn. A wise person often gives a gift to open a door to a listening ear. The wise do not spread rumors. True friends stick closer than a brother.

Those who marry a good spouse find treasure and receive favor from the LORD. The righteous find safety and strength in the name of the LORD.

Humility brings honor.

Proverbs 19 Wisdom and Direction

Disobedience to the commandments of God leads to death. Deceivers and liars will be judged. Mockers deserve their punishment even though they do not learn from it. The wicked speak evil, and a false witness makes a mockery of the justice system. Fools are responsible for their own destruction; then they are angry at the LORD. A leader’s anger is like a lion’s roar, and angry people constantly repeat their mistakes. Fools should not live in luxury, and slaves will never rule over leaders. A quarrelsome wife brings much sorrow, and a foolish child is an embarrassment. An undisciplined child will end in ruin. Lazy people sleep too much and go with their needs being unmet. The poor have difficulty keeping friends, but it is better to be poor and honest than to be a dishonest fool. Many associate with leaders in order to receive gifts and favor in return. Enthusiasm without knowledge is not wise; count the cost before taking action.

Obeying the commandments of God leads to life. Fear of the LORD brings security and protection leading to everlasting life. The wise prosper because they love and cherish understanding. A child of God should always be learning. I will continue to grow in knowledge, wisdom, and understanding.

I will receive correction so that I will grow in wisdom. I will be loyal in all my associations. A leader’s favor is like rain in a drought. The wise control their temper and earn respect. Fathers can leave an inheritance, but only God can give an understanding wife. When I help the poor, I am giving to the LORD, and He will repay me. Fear of the LORD brings security and protection leading to everlasting life. I will enquire of the LORD so that I will follow His plans for my life.

Proverbs 20 Wisdom and Direction

The LORD sees the heart of the wicked, and He knows their motives. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Fools are mockers who drink too much wine and alcohol leading to fights. Fools like to quarrel, and they provoke others to anger. Fools are lazy; they will go hungry because they do not prepare for the future.

Loyal friends are hard to find. There is no excuse; God has given everyone eyes to see and ears to hear. Fools are double minded and live without God’s favor. Fools are blind; they sleep too much and do not receive God’s provision. The wicked speak deceitful words in order to get a bargain. Stealing food tastes good for a moment, but it leaves a bad taste in the mouth. Fools disobey and disrespect their parents; they walk in darkness. Physical punishment can discourage evil and change behavior. Fools want their inheritance before they are entitled, and they waste it. Fools gossip; they return evil for evil. Our actions reveal our heart.

The LORD sees the heart of the righteous, and He knows their motives. The wise walk with integrity and bless those who follow them. The wise do not get drunk with alcohol or wine. The wise are honorable when they avoid a fight. The wise understand; wise leaders follow and give good advice. God has given everyone ears to hear and eyes to see. Wise words are better than silver or gold.

It is wise to get collateral from a person who co-signs for another’s debt. The wise seek good advice and enquire of the LORD in all matters. The wise avoid those who gossip. The wise obey the LORD by blessing and praying for those who do them evil. I trust in the LORD to direct my steps. I won’t swear by heaven or earth. My yes means yes; my no means no. (James 5) Good leaders get rid of the wicked among them. The young are often admired for their enthusiasm, but the elders are wiser because of their experience. Faith, hope, and love remain; the greatest of these is love. The only work God wants from me is to believe in Jesus. (John 6:29)

Proverbs 21 Wisdom and Direction

Pride and foolishness are sin. Even though the proud think they are right in what they do, the LORD knows their hearts. The LORD rejects the gift of a sinner even if it placed on the altar. They feel so self-important that they laugh at the truth and act without respecting others. Though they are lazy, they hurry to get wealth and end up only wanting more. They demonstrate their foolishness by trying to get rich by lying, but it leads to death. A lying gossiper will be lost. Guilty sinners do not do what is right and fair; they become filled with fear, and their neighbors do not like them. It is not good to live with a woman who argues and causes trouble. Even a fool can learn when another person is punished for ignoring the truth. Because evil, greedy people do not help those in need, they too will go hungry one day. Their love of fun and wine leads to an impoverished life.

The wise and righteous, who are in right standing with God, do what is right and loving and kind; this is better than leaving gifts on the altar. It brings great joy. The wise are successful in business. They guard their tongue and avoid trouble. All who are right with God give all they can. Giving a gift in secret can calm an angry person, and a gift from the heart can bring peace to strong anger. The wise will enter God’s rest, and the one who listens to the truth will speak forever. Their confidence is in God; He is the highest form of wisdom and understanding. The wise allow God to fight their battles, and even wise kings are led by the LORD. The actions of the person with a pure heart are right. The wise enjoy learning, and their houses are filled with riches.

Proverbs 22 Wisdom and Direction

The LORD destroys the words of all who are not faithful. Thorns and traps are in the way of the sinful; they plant sin and reap punishment and trouble. Lazy fools borrow from others and are ruled by the owner because they do not want to work. The mouth of the wicked will get them in trouble, and the foolish child will not go unpunished. Fools make life difficult for others thus making it difficult for themselves. They rob the poor and receive the LORD’s judgment. Angry, bad tempered people will receive the rod of correction. The wicked make promises they cannot keep. They disregard the teachings of their parents and bring a curse upon themselves.

The LORD watches over the words of the faithful and the life of those who are ever learning. The righteous treasure the teaching of their wise parents and bring up their children in the way they should go because when they are old they will not turn away from it. They listen to sound teaching and keep it in their heart in order to be ready to speak words of wisdom. The wise trust in the LORD while living a pure life of honor because the LORD’s favor is better than silver or gold.

The LORD is the Maker of the rich and the poor, and the wise are rewarded when they give to the poor. They avoid people who make promises they cannot keep; they do not borrow from others, and therefore, they are not indebted to others. They work hard to pay for what they have.

The wise have a pure heart. They avoid people who laugh at the truth and therefore, stop arguments, fights, and shame. They have nothing to do with those who are angry or those who have bad temper because they also could fall into the same trap. Humility and fear of the LORD are riches, honor, and life.

Proverbs 23 Wisdom and Direction

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. When I dine with influential people, I should be polite and mannerly and not eat too much. I should not eat with people who are stingy, and I should not expect to be fed anything special because they are always worried about what it costs. The meal would not be any good anyway.

I must not become friends with lazy people, gluttons, or drunkards. They are on their way to poverty. They fight and complain. Their influence will bring sorrow and anguish. I will not associate with immoral people because their goal is to make me unfaithful. I do not envy sinners.

I should not burden myself trying to get rich; wealth soon disappears.

I will not cheat my neighbor or anyone else.

I should not give advice to fools because they will only ignore it.

Wise, Godly people discipline their children; sometimes it is necessary to use physical punishment so as to bring them to repentance and salvation. Wise children obey their parents, and their parents rejoice.

I will spend my life learning for a wise heart rejoices. Seeking truth, I will learn knowledge, understanding, discipline, and good judgment. I listen to what God is saying; I speak what is right and do what is right all the time even when no one is looking. I will be rewarded. I give my heart to the LORD, and I delight in His Way. The fear of the LORD is to hate sin; it is the beginning of wisdom.

Proverbs 24 Wisdom and Direction

Fools always have an excuse for the wrong they do, but the LORD sees their heart. An evil person plots violence and is known as a trouble maker; a mocker has a reputation like that of a sinful schemer. They fail and are easily discouraged. Punishment is their only future. They show favor and pass judgment. The lazy one is on the path to poverty. The wicked want revenge, but vengeance belongs to the LORD.

Wisdom is hope, and wisdom produces a bright future and builds a strong house. My plans are from the LORD. I grow stronger and richer as I grow in knowledge and wisdom. I seek wise counsel when I have important decisions to make. I desire honesty and justice for all, and it will go well for me. My LORD is pleased because I find no joy when my enemies are defeated, and I do not envy the way of the wicked. I do not fret because of the evil doers. Wisdom is my foundation.

Proverbs 25 Wisdom and Direction

The wicked have no self-control. They argue with their neighbors and betray their trust. They gossip and have a bad reputation. They are gluttons who break promises, lie, and do not have patience. The wicked never learn.

The righteous are self-controlled. Because they do not gossip or argue with their neighbors, the wise have a good reputation. They do not overeat, and they tell the truth. Wise people are patient with no unworthy ambition. Seeking wise counsel, they prosper. They do not overstay their welcome when they visit others. In times of trouble, the wise do not rely on the wicked. They love their enemies, pray for them, and treat them with kindness. The righteous do not follow the ways of the wicked, but because their enemies are thirsty, the righteous person gives them a glass of water and they are rewarded by the LORD.

Proverbs 26 Wisdom and Direction

A fool does not value the teachings of the proverbs; it is like eating soup with a fork. Fools keep repeating the same mistakes because they do not listen to nor do they follow good advice because they believe they are much more intelligent than the wise. Their laziness is crowned with excuses for why they lie or why do not work or why they do not even get out of bed. Fools like to quarrel and spread rumors and then they try to smooth talk their way out of trouble, but their deception must not be believed. Flattery will get them nowhere because their wicked hearts will be exposed, and they will be punished. Their lives are without honor or trust.

The wise value knowledge, understanding, and wisdom found in the proverbs. They learn from their mistakes and listen to wise counsel. Truth is foremost. Righteousness is their way. They do not honor fools by arguing with them or hiring them for a job.