Proverbs 13 - 15

The benefits of wisdom continue to be delineated.  The wise person enjoys the fruit of their labor and is not afraid to do hard work to obtain it.  Wisdom allows patience for tasks that require time before they are fully realized.  The wise surround themselves with good counsel and companions to ensure that they are preserved in times of trouble and disappointment.  The wise person is continually building (relationships, friendships, etc.) so that a structure is in place for needed provision; yet does not take themselves too seriously - they know they do not have all the answers.  The wise person uses appropriate tactics and techniques to accomplish their objectives, never assuming or taking advantage of others.

Proverbs 10 - 12

Solomon speaks much of the connection between wisdom and integrity.  Wisdom allows one to lead a life that is unbroken at its core - a life of integrity.  The character of a wise man is well known - as are the character deficiencies of a foolish person.  While the fool suffers trouble and disaster, a wise man is able to weather those storms and emerge victorious, regardless of what may have been lost or destroyed in the process.  The wise seek out counsel and assistance from others, the fool consults himself and is proven to be in folly.  The life-paths of these individuals are clearly seen and greatly different from one another.

Proverbs 7 - 9

The wise person will not give in to the temptation of seduction.  The price is too high and the joy is too short-lived.  In contrast to the siren song of seduction, wisdom invites those who will respond to partake of her excellencies.  Wisdom is then personified and shown to be present at creation and other important stages of God's purposes for mankind.  Truly wisdom is the principal thing!

Proverbs 4 - 6

NOTE:  After a two-week hiatus (church camp with limited internet connection), Know~Be~Do resumes posting!


Solomon gives an inside look at life in the palace with King David as a father.  The instruction Solomon remembers most is David's recurring urging to 'get wisdom at all costs.'  The security and stability to be found in wisdom would far surpass other attractive options.  Small wonder that when given the opportunity to choose what God would give him, Solomon immediately asked for wisdom.  The wise heart will see through the beguiling qualities of those who only desire to destroy an individual.  A wise heart will refrain from immoral activity and unethical behavior.  The wise will be industrious in his work and a person of integrity in their conduct.

Psalm 74 - 77

The psalmist asks God for help against those who terrorize him.  God is asked to provide comfort and relief merely by demonstrating His presence.  God's past actions give the psalmist confidence that He is more than sufficient to the task.  God is praised for His actions proving His nearness and ability to deliver.  His fame is rightly spread throughout the nation.  He is the One who sustains and provides for His people.

Psalm 70 - 73

The Psalmist asks God to fill his thoughts and words with only praise of His glory.  What a theme upon which to focus one's day!  When personal strength fails, when reasonable expectations can no longer be met, when trouble surrounds and all others abandon - God is still glorious.  No wonder the psalmist asks "O God, who is like You?" because the answer is certainly 'No one.'  He is the King with the everlasting reign, the Judge with the always equitable verdict, the Sovereign deserving of all tribute, and the Beautiful One worthy of all adoration.  Indeed, God is good to His people.  It may not always appear to be so, when those who mock God seemingly prosper; but eternity will validate that temporal money is just that - temporal.  What really lasts is God's blessing.

Psalm 66 - 69

David instructs his readers to "bless our God, you peoples!  And make the voice of His praise to be heard." (66:8)  He lists the many mighty actions that God has undertaken to prove His power and position.  He allows life, discipline, preservation, and safety to be enjoyed.  In His mercy He judges the nations correctly.  In His power, He drives His enemies far away and brings their plans to failure.  He stoops to care for the orphaned and abandoned, yet shakes the earth with His footsteps toward the wicked.  He is the source of help in times of trouble, delivering those who call to Him from the depths of their despair.  His loving, mighty, merciful, gracious, just actions are cause for worship and celebration.

Psalm 58 - 65

David pleads with God for deliverance from his enemies.  He is quick to point out that his enemies are not pursuing him because of sin which should be punished, but because he is following God.  In this way, David is asking God to protect His own name and reputation.  The confidence displayed is not in personal strength but in the power of the Almighty who is his merciful defense.  When he does sin, David asks for God's forgiveness and restored favor so that he may once again rejoice in God who delivers and rescues.  David will not turn to other sources for protection; he will patiently wait on God to keep His promises in His timing.  It is God's presence that brings true joy and rejoicing - even when others are making life miserable, David knows surpassing calm and praises the One Who provides it.

Psalm 51 - 57

David pleads for God's forgiveness and the restoration of favor after committing sin.  Though others were involved, his main concern is the affront to God's holy character.  When others make their boast in their evil deeds, David looks at the goodness of God and wonders how anyone could doubt God's great and merciful goodness.  It is foolish indeed to deny God's presence and existence, for it is He Who delivers those in troublesome times.  Those who pray to Him find comfort, a listening ear and a powerful arm of provision.  Even when friends turn against David, he runs to the solace found in his God.  He does ask for relief from his situation and begs for safety from his foes, but his confidence in God is unshaken.

Psalm 46 - 50

The psalmist takes extreme delight in knowing God as his refuge and strength and comfort.  With His divine presence, fear is removed, nations are put into perspective, songs of joy are inspired and confidence is instilled.  Those who believe they can place their trust in other methods of provision or survival will be greatly disappointed.  God, the righteous Judge, is above His creation and does not need any provision from it for His own existence.  He is self-sufficient, lacking nothing.  This fact alone makes Him worthy of praise and worship.

Psalm 40 - 45

The psalmist simply and boldly declares that it is the LORD who has delivered him and given a standing upon solid ground.  Because of God's goodness in deliverance and preservation, the righteous can rest fully in God's ability to provide and sustain.  Because God's mercy is proven, the heart of the righteous longs after God and seeks His encouragement and comfort.  Since God fights the battles of the righteous, He can be trusted to protect and give shelter.

Psalm 36 - 39

According to these psalms, "the steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD."  The man whose trust is in God is able to be unafraid in the face of danger and turmoil, since God is capable of delivering him.  God would repay evil men for their misdeeds and would not forsake those who obeyed Him.

Psalm 32 - 35

The psalmist continues to rejoice in the safety and security found in his trust in the Lord Jehovah.  God's mighty power creates an environment where the righteous are protected and the wicked are brought to divine justice.  Strength does not come from the size of a standing army or the cunning of the commander; it is the nation whose God is the LORD that is blessed.

Psalm 26 - 31

The psalmist invites God's close examination, to prove his integrity.  What a request!  While one may acknowledge that God is all-knowing, it seems to increase the level of intensity by saying "God, since You know all about me, go ahead and poke around my life to prove what is true about me."  Perhaps it is this confidence in his trust in God that allows the psalmist to declare "With God as my Light and Salvation, what do I really need to fear?" as it is God's light that directs his path.  There is a confidence in God's ability to hear and answer prayer, a dependence on God's provision and healing capacity, a joy in God's attitude-lifting character that never disappoints those who place their confidence in Him.  He does what He does to build His own reputation, never to show how great, deserving or precious the object of His affection is.  He alone is great and worthy to be praised, loved, worshiped and adored.