Good afternoon everyone and thanks for joining me in today’s Sunday Message. Let’s say a silent prayer for all those lost or missing in the Texas Floods.

Today’s message comes from Proverbs 22: 17-29 and is broken up into 30 sayings. We are going to cover five of them today, the first one being this:

Saying 1. Proverbs 17-21

If we learn what is taught by studying the Scriptures in our heart as well as on paper or by rote, we will enjoy a deeper walk with God. You need to know the Scriptures well enough to defend the word. Speak the truth and be honest. Listen and apply what you’ve learned.

20 Have I not written thirty sayings for you, sayings of counsel and knowledge,

21 teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth, so that you bring back truthful reports to those you serve?

1. If we listen and apply wisdom, we will gain benefits.

Saying 2. Proverbs 22, 23

Don’t kick a mn when he’s down. Do not exploit the oppressed. We don’t even know what that word means here in America. Third world countries sure do though. If you do exploit the poor, the Lord will exact for life. Be merciful and help when you can.

Saying 3. Proverbs 24, 25

Dont make friends or associate with a hot-tempered person or one who is easily angered lest you be ensnared yourself. Don’t seek to follow people like that just because they are successful.

Saying 4. Proverbs 26, 27

26 Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts;

27 if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you.

Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Never co-sign for a high-risk loan.

Saying 5. Proverbs 28

Don’t remove the stone boundary set up by your ancient ancestors. Back in Biblical times, stones were all they had to mark a boundary line. It would be disgraceful to move the boundary to try to claim it as your own.

Saying 6 Proverbs 29

Skillful people will serve under Kings, they wont serve under low-ranking officials. Do your job to the best of your ability.

2. If we avoid certain patterns, we will avoid negative outcomes.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for human masters. Colossians 3:23.