Proverbs: Timeless Truth for the Modern Woman

By Rene Tyson

High Praise for Proverbs: Timeless Truth for the Modern Woman

At one point in this devotional, Rene Tyson writes, "In Western culture, the word wisdom conjures up images of old men with long beards." This collaborative devotional, written by nine women, rightly challenges that stereotype. Rene Tyson, and eight other women, in short, clear segments, make the sometimes complex book of Proverbs accessible as they offer their wisdom and honest personal experiences in meaningful discussions. They include practical advice for the modern woman, addressing topics such as codependency, tensions over a woman's role in the church, and temptations women face. They take an honest look at the overused Proverbs 31, reading it in a fresh way. This guide will be helpful for individual study as well as for small groups.

Dr. Colette Tennant, Professor of English and Humanities, Corban University. Author of Religion in The Handmaid's Tale: a Brief Guide, and two poetry collections: Commotion of Wings and Eden and After.

Many a proverbial pit of misery and hardship could be avoided should a young woman take to heart the advice that Rene Tyson offers in her fresh application of the ancient book of Proverbs. The book of Proverbs offers advice on how to be successful in business, romance, with friends, and anywhere else that a person might find themselves. Much like King Solomon to his beloved son, Ms. Tyson guides the reader through this book into its practical application in the modern world.

Alicia Marks, Speaker and Founder of Come Thirsty Ministry. Author of The Matriarchs: Four Women Who Birthed a Nation and Changed History and Elijah: Bold Obedience and a Still, Small voice.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Oct 12, 2022
• ISBN: 9781685701307

Book preview

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Proverbs

Timeless Truth for the Modern Woman

Rene Tyson

ISBN 978-1-68570-129-1 (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-68570-130-7 (digital)

Copyright © 2022 by Rene Tyson

All rights reserved. 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 publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Introduction

Proverbs 1

The Example Chapter

Key Takeaways from Today's Proverb

I Would Never Do That!

Rene Tyson

Notes

Proverbs 2

Key Takeaways from Today's Proverb

Jesus in My Heart

Rene Tyson

Notes

Proverbs 3

Key Takeaways from Today's Proverb

Trust in the Lord

Angela Ball

Notes

Proverbs 4

Key Takeaways from Today's Proverb

It's Your Choice

Rene Tyson

Notes

Proverbs 5

Key Takeaways from Today's Proverb

The Year of the Divorces

Rene Tyson

Notes

Proverbs 6

Key Takeaways from Today's Proverb

Actions Speak Louder

Rene Tyson

Notes

Proverbs 7

Key Takeaways from Today's Proverb

What if I'm a Proverbs 7 Woman?

Jackie Roché

Notes

Proverbs 8

Key Takeaways from Today's Proverb

Dumbledore vs. Princess Buttercup

Rene Tyson

Notes

Proverbs 9

Key Takeaways from Today's Proverb

A Tale of Two Ladies

Angela Randall

Notes

Proverbs 10

Key Takeaways from Today's Proverb

This vs. That

Rene Tyson

Notes

Proverbs 11

Key Takeaways from Today's Proverb

At the Heart of Generosity

Sarah Jackson

Notes

Proverbs 12

Key Takeaways from Today's Proverb

Wisdom's Reaction to Anger and Anxiety

Angela Randall

Notes

Proverbs 13

Key Takeaways from Today's Proverb

Why Pain?

Rene Tyson

Notes

Proverbs 14

Key Takeaways from Today's Proverb

A Wild-Haired Woman

Rene Tyson

Notes

Proverbs 15

Key Takeaways from Today's Proverb

Joyful Heart, Cheerful Words

Kate Andres

Notes

Proverbs 16

Key Takeaways from Today's Proverb

Making Plans

Sarah Jackson

Notes

Proverbs 17

Key Takeaways from Today's Proverb

Falling in Love with Wisdom

Michele Painter

Notes

Proverbs 18

Key Takeaways from Today's Proverb

How to Win

Rene Tyson

Proverbs 19

Key Takeaways from Today's Proverb

Superpower Tongue

Kristina Brown

Notes

Proverbs 20

Key Takeaways from Today's Proverb

Being at Peace

Sarah Jackson

Notes

Proverbs 21

Key Takeaways from Today's Proverb

My Heart in God's Hands

Rene Tyson

Notes

Proverbs 22

Key Takeaways from Today's Proverb

Practical Guide for a Peace-Filled Home

Rene Tyson

Notes

Proverbs 23

Key Takeaways from Today's Proverb

What Rules You?

Rene Tyson

Notes

Proverbs 24

Key Takeaways from Today's Proverb

Honesty in Friendship

Rene Tyson

Notes

Proverbs 25

Key Takeaways from Today's Proverb

Humility Fleshed Out

Angela Randall

Notes

Proverbs 26

Key Takeaways from Today's Proverb

God Speaks through Scripture

Rene Tyson

Notes

Proverbs 27

Key Takeaways from Today's Proverb

Washed Over or Washed Out

Kristina Brown

Notes

Proverbs 28

Key Takeaways from Today's Proverb

Take in the Whole Picture

Kristina Brown

Notes

Proverbs 29

Key Takeaways from Today's Proverb

Plan Your Parenting

Rene Tyson

Notes

Proverbs 30

Key Takeaways from Today's Proverb

Weary!

Ruth Laughlin

Notes

Proverbs 31

Key Takeaways from Today's Proverb

One Passage, So Many Lessons!

Individual Study and Small Group Guide

Format

Authors' Bios

Favorite Books and Authors

About the Author

Introduction

My name is Rene. I've lived most of my life in Oregon, except for the time I spent in Japan as an exchange student. When I was younger, I envisioned myself living overseas; but after my second trip to Japan, I had to face reality: I am a homebody. I am not the shut-in hermit type but the grow-a-garden-have-friends-over type. I love to travel, I love business, I love my husband, and I love my babies! A lady at church once remarked, Every time I see you, you're pregnant! (Is five a lot?)

I hope this devotional creates a space where readers can hear God's voice through Scripture and learn how to apply what they read to modern life. The Lord promises that when you seek Him with all your heart, you will find Him (Jer. 29:13 ESV). But where to begin? We pray, we go to a small group, and we sometimes feel led. But how do we know that it is the Lord leading us and not just our own wishful thinking?

When I was fifteen, I had a very low self-image. One night I sat in my room crying (I did that a lot) because I felt so unloved. I had a few wishy-washy friendships. I was extremely critical of my figure, my nose, and my hair. I was miserable. That night I opened my Bible and read these words: For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well (Ps. 139:13–14 ESV). Relief flooded my heart! Suddenly I realized that I had great value because the Lord made me exactly as I am. He loves me! From that day forward, Scripture has been my lifeline. The God of the Bible saw me, miserable, and spoke tenderly to me. His love jumped off the page and into my heart.

You, sweet friend, are noticed by God. You are fully and deeply loved.

We can rely on the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts as we read Scripture. God wrote this amazing love letter, the Bible, so that we could know Him in a personal way. The Bible is more than just another great book. It is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of the soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Heb. 4:12 ESV).

Proverbs can have a tremendous impact on every area of your life. No matter the season or circumstance, Proverbs offers instruction, encouragement, and perspective. The following devotionals barely scratch the surface of all that is contained in this small, powerful book.

You are in for a wonderful adventure!

Proverbs 1

The Example Chapter

Step 1: Prayerfully read this chapter. Ask God to show you what He wants you to hear today. In the text that follows, italicized words are my thoughts while underlined words are my personal pop-outs. Look up words you don't know and watch for repeated ideas, comparisons, and contrasts.

Lord, please show me the things You want me to know about You, about me, or about life. Thank You for giving me the Bible so that I can get to know You. Amen.

Proverbs 1

(1) These are the proverbs of Solomon, David's son, king of Israel.

(2) Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. (3) Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives to help them do what is right, just, and fair. (4) These proverbs will give insight into the simple knowledge and discernment to the young.

(5) Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance (6) by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise, and their riddles.

(7) Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Ugh. What if Mom and Dad are wrong?

(8) My child, listen when your father corrects you. Don't neglect your mother's instruction. (9) What you learn from them will crown you with grace and be a chain of honor around your neck.

(10) My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them! (11) They may say, Come and join us. Let's hide and kill someone! Just for fun, let's ambush the innocent! (12) Let's swallow them alive, like the grave; let's swallow them whole, like those who go down to the pit of death. (13) Think of the great things we'll get! We'll fill our houses with all the stuff we take. (14) Come throw in your lot with us; we'll all share the loot.

(15) My child, don't go along with them! Stay far away from their paths. (16) They rush to commit evil deeds. They hurry to commit murder. (17) If a bird sees a trap being set, it knows to stay away. (18) But these people set an ambush for themselves; they are trying to get themselves killed. (19) Such is the fate of all who are greedy for money; it robs them of life.

(20) Wisdom shouts in the streets. She cries out in the public square. (21) She calls to the crowds along the main street, to those gathered in front of the city gate: (22) How long, you simpletons, will you insist on being simpleminded? How long will you mockers relish your mocking? How long will you fools hate knowledge? (23) Come and listen to my counsel. I'll share my heart with you and make you wise.