Pretty much each verse we read in this book of wisdom really deserves to be meditated on. Proverbs really isn’t a book that is meant to be just read through. It’s better when taken a bit at a time and then revisited again and again.

Just a few comments today. Most of the verses, or proverbs, speak for themselves. They just need to be rolled over in our minds and made a part of who we are.

My wife, the lovely lady LeeAnn, has been selling cars for just over a year now. God has blessed her, and she is now the director for the internet sales department at her dealership. Verse 14 of today’s chapter made me think of the sales process that so many seem to want to go through. “Bad, bad,” says the buyer, But when he goes his way, then he boasts.” It’s the give and take of, not just the car business, but any financial transaction with negotiating involved. The buyer points out the problems with the merchandise, the seller extolls the virtues. If the process is done properly, both parties are winners. The buyer comes away feeling like he’s gotten a good deal, and the seller makes a decent profit.

One more comment before I say goodbye for the weekend. Verse 24 says, “Man’s steps are ordained by the Lord, How then can man understand his way?” That last part is better translated, “How can a man understand his *own* way?” It’s true. Our lives are in God’s hand. He knows where He wants us and what He wants us to do and be. We sometimes think we are planning and running our lives. And to a certain extent we are, since we do have the freedom to choose. But God’s ultimate, overarching plan for creation will be accomplished. Doesn’t it seem foolish to think that we can challenge God? Doesn’t it seem wiser to acknowledge His lordship and follow Him one step at a time, and allow ourselves to be in harmony with His plan? If our plan is in conflict with His, all our planning will be for nothing. I would much rather give myself to Him and have the assurance that my life will have meant something when I stand before Him at the judgement. My ultimate goal is to hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”