Renee🌻

Bold As Lions: Proverbs 28

“The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.”
‭‭V-1

For as long as I can recall, I have prayed for boldness. Being shy is not all it’s cracked up to be! No matter what the experts may say. 🙊

I don’t know about you, but that first verse just speaks volumes to me! Those that insist on living their lives their own way, will always be looking back over their shoulders for the bad things overshadowing all their days.

Goodness and mercy will follow those who are obedient to His Word. They won’t have to worry about what is chasing on their heels, especially their past, which is forgiven. The wise will stand strong and be courageous!

“Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.”
‭‭V-7‬

Now don’t this verse speak plainly without even having to explain? My Moma always told me, ‘if you lie down with dogs, you’re going to get fleas.’ Meaning, who you hang out with is important. If you follow the crowd who do bad, you will eventually fall into doing what they’re doing. Some don’t need anyone, they can do “bad” all by themselves! I had to throw that one in for free 🤓

If you keep the law, God’s law and the law of the land, (no speeding! 👀😬) you are sensible. Hanging with the wrong crowd will get you into trouble in more ways than one, not to mention cause your parents untold grief and embarrassment.

But if you do find yourselves in this situation, there is still hope! 🙌🏼 God’s Grace allows room for repentance and restoration. Remember the example of the Prodigal Son. There is always hope in your end.

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. V-13

There again, if you hide your sins, thinking no one will ever see, you will never win. It’s best to tell Jesus everything and watch Him change your heart! The key word here is “forsake.” It’s easier confessing, but harder turning from the sin altogether.

I am reminded of another phrase Moma always said, “If you ‘fess up’ you won’t get punished nearly as bad.” She would show us mercy when we were truly sorry.

Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief. V-14

It’s so important to have a healthy reverence for God. To seek His face is to pray till your heart is softened towards living a life of grace. Those that turn their back on Him will harden their heart and fall into trouble.

As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people. V-15

The thought of angry leadership came to mind here. Angry for all the wrong reasons. The words, roaring and raging seem to paint the picture pretty well. We all know what happens when you get too close to a bear or lion in nature.

A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent. V-20

Living life being faithful to God’s Ways brings His favor and protection, but those that live always striving to be rich, will find that the road paved there will be filled with much heartache. It’s best to, again, trust God and seek His plan for our lives. He wants His children to live in abundant blessings. He knows the way we should take.

To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress. V-21

I have personally discovered that a person who snubs others because of their social status, looks or their possessions will fall all over themselves and sin at the drop of a hat to associate themselves with those of higher social standing. Those things were never important with Jesus. He was accused of sitting at the table with sinners and spending way too much time with them. May we see through His eyes!

He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made fat. V-25

It all starts with pride, my friend. And we know that pride comes before a fall. Those who are all about ‘“me,” are always busy stirring the pot, as my Moma (again) so wisely spoke it. But when you firmly rely on Jesus, that pot has other uses other than cooking up trouble—like feeding those around you with happiness and encouragement.

He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered. V-26

The heart is deceitful! If we put our faith in our own understanding, our intellect will steer us wrong. Jeremiah 17:9 states, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”

Wisdom will keep our souls from speaking hasty words that will come back to bite us in the end. And besides that advantage, we have the promise that God will keep us in all our ways.

He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.” V-27

The Good News Translation says it like this, “When you give to the poor, it is like lending to the LORD, and the LORD will pay you back.”

He will come through for you in your time of need. If you don’t help others when you are able, the blessings will not flow and your own needs will not be met. We should all strive to give a cheery hand to our neighbor, exercising the law, “Loving others as self.”

This concludes another chapter in the Proverbs. I hope you have gleaned some nuggets of truth with us in this journey. I know studying these ‘wise sayings’ has opened my eyes tremendously. When we study God’s Word, we are studying to show ourselves approved. Spend some time today praying for wisdom. He will always give His children good gifts when they ask with humbleness. 🙂

Dear Jesus, we come before you today, knowing that none of us have it all together! We are in dire need of Your boldness. Boldness is what the apostles prayed for that brought about a mighty revival. So today, we pray for boldness, wisdom and to keep our feet from mischief! Help us to always cook up good spiritual things and serve them up on heaping platters of heavenly blessings to others!

Thanks for joining me on another adventure with Blogging Through the Bible, where like-minded sisters share their thoughts on each chapter of the Bible. 😊 It’s a blessing to have you here! Feel free to join in the discussion in the comments below.

More chapters in this series can be found at Blogging Through the Bible Archives and here:

Published by Renee🌻

Life is a series of lessons we learn by way of the school of hard knocks. I feel I have a degree in this one. It has made me who I am today--I am Renee--My name is French, meaning Reborn. I believe there is a lot in a name, because that's just who I am. Spirit-filled. Encourager. Reader. Author. Blogger. Lover of love, God, His Word, hearts, dragonflies, nature and coffee!~❤️Aka Nonna. 3 grand-boys, 3 grand-daughters-- 2 girls. 💌 Married 28 years. “May God grant you always...A sunbeam to warm you, a moonbeam to charm you, a sheltering angel so nothing can harm you. Laughter to cheer you. Faithful friends near you. And whenever you pray, Heaven to hear you.”~~Irish Blessings~~

51 comments

  1. Your moma was right on! 😊
    This is so good Renee …I’m going to think on the meaning some more. A razors edge “so as a man thinks in his heart so shall he be…” 🤔💓

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  2. I love Proverbs 28:13. It fits with what I am learning today. Thank you for sharing.
    “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”

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    • You just made my night, Betty! I love that thought! A great scripture! And I feel the same of you! Thanks so much for visiting me my sis, you made my night extra special! God’s Blessings be on you and yours!

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  10. lovely post! thank you for taking the time to study the word of God and shared your detailed information with us. much love💞

    Follow @everythingtips for tips and recommendations if interested! It would mean a lot to me!🥺🤍

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  12. Your mom is so right. It’s important who we hang out with. The wrong people will lead you astray. Congratulations on your published work in Chicken Soup for the Soul. ☀️💕☀️💕

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  13. Proverbs is one of my favorite books in the Bible – and your study of it has helped me appreciate it even more. Thank you, Renee. Every day I ask God to help me gain the wisdom He has for me… and I strive to walk in His will. I love your comment that “Wisdom will keep our souls from speaking hasty words that will come back to bite us in the end.” So true. Have a blessed Friday and a wonderful weekend, Renee. ❤

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    • It’s really been interesting to study Proverbs more. I have read the Bible all the way through before, and have done in-depth studies of different scriptures, but never Proverbs. It’s always a blessing to go deeper into the Bible! I love God’s Word so much! It’s like taking on a little piece of God’s heart at a time!

      I pray the same kind of prayer, especially for His Will to be done.

      I think wisdom also comes from our failures, as well. A person who seeks wisdom, will learn from their mistakes and the mistakes others make.

      Oh how hasty words can get us in trouble!

      Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me!

      You are so welcome, Jan! I really believe God has granted you wisdom! And the gift of encouragement! You and your blog have blessed me many days and other people, as well! I love the humor you share! It’s like a breath of fresh air to me! I’m so happy we share a love of angels!
      Hope you have a blessed weekend, too! 💜😇🎶🙌🏼

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  14. Amen! “May we see through His eyes, indeed!” Once shy, but bold enough to share His love. Once shy, but now wants to boldly share her heart. You don’t always have to brave, just faithfully willing to share… the love! God bless!

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