PROVERBS 11

Proverbs 11:25 (NLT)
"The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed."

This verse always gives me pause: “The generous will prosper.” It’s not about giving to get something in return. It’s about living in a way that reflects God’s character—with open hands and an open heart.

Over the years, I’ve learned that generosity is just one piece of what God desires from us. He also calls us to live with integrity and humility—to do what’s right even when no one’s watching, to speak honestly even when it’s difficult, and to treat others with dignity even when it isn’t reciprocated.

When I try to align my words and actions with those values, I find I can walk through life with more peace. There’s a quiet blessing that comes when we live with consistency—when we give without expecting anything in return, and serve simply because it’s the right thing to do.

There was a time I didn’t think I had much to offer. But I started small—sharing my time, offering encouragement, showing up for people. And in that, I discovered something important: generosity isn’t about having extra. It’s about your attitude.

Living generously—with integrity and humility—refreshes me just as much, if not more, than those I’m trying to bless.

Proverbs 11 paints a picture of a life well-lived: one rooted in values that last. Choosing generosity over greed, humility over pride, and honesty over deceit leads to a life of deeper satisfaction and greater blessing. The world may reward shortcuts and self-interest—but God calls us to something better.

And when we live that way, we don’t just bless others—we experience His blessing too.

PRAYER

God, thank You for showing me that real blessing comes not from what I get, but from how I live. Help me to be generous, honest, and humble—not just when it’s easy, but every day. Shape my heart to reflect Yours. And may I find joy and refreshment as I live in step with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

PROVERBS 10

Proverbs 10:19-21
"Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. The words of the godly are like sterling silver; the heart of a fool is worthless. The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense."

Have you ever received a text and thought, “Maybe this person shouldn’t have sent this to me”? Maybe it was something that instantly made you angry, and your first instinct was to fire back. Or maybe—you’ve been the one who hit send on that kind of message.

Sometimes it’s not even a text. Maybe it was a post on social media.

When we read verses like the ones in Proverbs 10, we tend to think only about the words we speak out loud. And yes, we absolutely should be mindful of what comes out of our mouths. But in today’s world, we’ve started replacing actual conversations with messages and social posts—because it’s easier. It feels more efficient to just send the text and think to ourselves, “Well, I said what needed to be said.”

But something I learned not too long ago was this: think before you send. Give it 24 hours. Pray about it. Sit with it. And then—once you’ve found clarity—don’t send it.

Over and over in Scripture, we’re reminded to build others up with our words, to be careful with what we say. That truth doesn’t stop at spoken words. It applies to what we type, too.

Before sending that message, ask yourself:
Is this building someone up?
Is this going to stir up anger?

And if it’s really meant for a specific person—call them. Better yet, invite them to meet in person. Sit down over coffee or a meal. And when you’re face to face, keep Proverbs 10 in mind: don’t talk too much. Be sensible. Be quiet. Be encouraging. Let your words be like silver.

What does it mean for our words to be like silver? It means they should be pure. Refined. Worthy.

As I reflect on that, I ask myself:
Are my words pure?
Am I refining them before I speak?
And above all—are they worthy?

PRAYER

Jesus, we are sorry. We are sorry we haven’t prioritized building each other up. We are sorry that we haven’t been slow to speak. Our words haven’t been pure, refined, or worthy. Forgive us, Father. We pray that you give us wisdom in times where we need it most. Give us wisdom when we are ready to send a text message, a post on social media, or even when we are using spoken words. Let our words be encouraging, pure, refined, and worthy. Let us be slow to speak, slow to become angry, and quick to listen. We love you Jesus, in your name we pray, Amen!

PROVERBS 9

Proverbs 9:10-12
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.

What comes to mind when you hear the word fear?

As a child of the '80s, a lot of things pop into my head—some serious, some just plain silly. I remember the fear of being late and facing my parents’ disapproval. Then there were the classic movie villains: Freddy Krueger, Jason, Michael Myers… and—my wife likes to remind me—her childhood fear that Darth Vader might be hiding in the closet.

Fear came in all kinds of forms, often tied to the unknown or the consequences of our choices.

But the kind of fear described in Proverbs is something entirely different. It’s not fear of punishment or a lurking danger. It’s a holy fear—a deep awe and reverence for the living God.

It’s the kind of fear that doesn’t make us run away, but draws us closer in humility. It acknowledges God’s holiness, His power, His justice—and also His mercy.

This posture of reverent fear is what actually leads us into wisdom. Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” It’s not a fear that paralyzes—it’s a fear that brings clarity. It helps us see ourselves and the world rightly.

When we fear the Lord like this, we start to believe that His ways are truly good. That His commands aren’t burdens, but gifts meant to lead us to life.

Solomon goes on to say that through wisdom, “your days will be many, and years will be added to your life” (Proverbs 9:11). That doesn’t mean life will be free of hardship—but it does mean that the path of wisdom leads to flourishing. Spiritually. Relationally. Even physically.

Wisdom born from reverence shows us that God’s boundaries aren’t walls keeping us from joy—they’re guideposts pointing us toward it.

To fear the Lord is to take Him seriously. To believe what He says is true. To trust that the consequences He warns us about are real—and that the life He offers is better than anything we could create on our own.

That kind of fear—a holy fear—becomes the seed of true faith. And from that seed, knowledge and understanding begin to grow.

We believe first. And in time, we come to know.

PRAYER

Father, may we live a life of and reverence for who you are, so we may come to know you on a deeper level. Your Word says that fearing you leads to wisdom, so today God I ask for your wisdom with my family, my coworkers, my friends, and any other person you bring across my path. May I be a reflection of you and your wisdom to a watching world, so that they may also come to know you on a deeper level. Amen

PROVERBS 8

Proverbs 8:32-35 (NLT)
"And so, my children, listen to me, for all who follow my ways are joyful. Listen to my instruction and be wise. Don’t ignore it. Joyful are those who listen to me, watching for me daily at my gates, waiting for me outside my home! For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord."

Joy always seemed like something other people had—people with easier lives or fewer problems. For a long time, I believed joy was tied to circumstances, that it only showed up when everything was going smoothly. But this passage from Proverbs taught me something different: joy is tied to wisdom—and wisdom comes from God.

I’ve had seasons where I chased happiness in all the usual places—success, approval, comfort. But none of it ever lasted. Then I started to take God’s invitation seriously: to listen to Him and pay attention to what He says in His Word. It wasn’t always easy. I didn’t grow up reading the Bible, and I didn’t always understand what I was reading. But slowly, as I made time each day to sit quietly and listen, something began to shift.

I realized God wasn’t distant. He wasn’t waiting for me to have everything figured out before He showed up. He had been there the whole time—waiting for me to come close.

The passage I read today reminds me that when I waited and watched for Him, I found something far deeper than temporary happiness. I found joy.

It wasn’t because everything in my life got easier. That joy came from knowing I wasn’t alone. It reminded me that my life has meaning, and that God’s direction is trustworthy. The more I follow His ways—not because I have to, but because I want to—the more peace and purpose I find.

So watch for Him. Listen. You don’t need all the answers—He already has them. And when you begin seeking His wisdom, you’ll realize: joy has been waiting for you all along.

PRAYER

Lord, thank You for being near, even when I didn’t see You. Thank You for offering joy, not just when life is easy, but even when it’s not. Help me listen to Your voice, follow Your instruction, and find the life You’ve always had for me. I want to experience the joy that comes from knowing You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

PROVERBS 7

Proverbs 7:4-5; 24-27

4-5 Love wisdom like a sister; make insight a beloved member of your family. Let them protect you from an affair with an immoral woman, from listening to the flattery of a promiscuous woman.

24-27 So listen to me, my sons, and pay attention to my words.  Don’t let your hearts stray away toward her. Don’t wander down her wayward path. For she has been the ruin of many; many men have been her victims. Her house is the road to the grave. Her bedroom is the den of death.

Our culture has worked hard to normalize promiscuity. Movies, shows, and jokes often treat it as harmless fun—something to laugh at or brush off. Whether it’s casual mentions of “hall passes” or joking about celebrity crushes, what starts as lighthearted banter can plant subtle thoughts that grow over time.

It may seem small or harmless, but the impact is real. The number of people—yes, even within the Church and even among pastors—who have had affairs is heartbreaking. And if we can stop those thoughts when they’re still small, we may be able to stop the destruction that follows.

Jesus speaks directly to this in Matthew 5:28:
“But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

That’s a high standard—and Jesus calls us to it, no matter what the world says.

So, how do we begin to change?

It starts with our thoughts.
It continues with our actions.
And this isn’t just for married people. If you’re single now, these same thoughts and habits don’t magically disappear when you put on a wedding ring. This kind of integrity takes intentionality, strength, and surrender.

As someone who is married, I’ve found that when I choose to take every thought captive and ask Jesus to help me see my wife through His eyes—beautiful, worthy, enough—something shifts. My love grows deeper. My appreciation increases. And my heart becomes more aligned with His.

So if those thoughts ever start to creep in, whether you’re married or dating, stop and pray:
“God, help me to see them the way You do. Help me desire Your heart above my own.”

You’ll be amazed at how much clarity—and peace—comes when you let Jesus lead your thoughts.

PRAYER

Jesus thank you for showing us how we should be. Thank you for telling us not only how to speak but how to think. Today we want you to take captive our thoughts. That would help us to see how beautiful or handsome our person is. We pray we don’t get ensnared by another person. We pray you not only nudge us but push us away from adultery. We pray that we don’t look at someone with lust. We only see them as a child of You. Jesus we pray that we all find who You have for us. Work on our hearts and our minds Jesus. We love you, in Jesus name, Amen!

Proverbs 6

Proverbs 6:20-23

My son, keep your father’s command and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. Bind them always on your heart; fasten them around your neck. When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to life,

I once had a friend who would regularly ask his young daughters a simple question: “When do we obey?” Without missing a beat, they’d answer, “The first time.”

What struck me most was that this question usually came after they had disobeyed. It wasn’t harsh or condemning—it was a gentle reminder. A way to re-center them, and more often than not, it led to a quick change in direction.

We may not be kids anymore, but there’s wisdom in that interaction that still speaks to our hearts as adults.

In Proverbs 6, Solomon uses the image of a loving parent’s instruction—something deeply relational—to highlight the value of God’s guidance. The Hebrew word for “forsake” in verse 20 can also mean “to let go” or “to lose.” Solomon’s message is simple: don’t lose hold of the truth and wisdom you’ve been given. Don’t let it slip through your fingers.

Like a good parent who longs to see their child thrive, God gives us His commands not to limit us, but to lovingly lead us. His boundaries aren’t burdens—they’re invitations into a life that reflects His heart. His Word is described as a lamp and a light: it shows us the way forward, guards us as we sleep, and even speaks to us when we wake.

His instruction—even when it corrects us—isn’t meant to shame us, but to shape us. To lead us into a fuller life.

We live in a world that constantly pulls us toward our own desires and definitions of success, happiness, and truth. But if we listen closely, with soft and open hearts, we might hear our Heavenly Father gently asking us: “When do we obey?”

And may our answer be simple and sincere: “The first time”—not out of fear, but out of love and trust in the One who knows us best and wants only what’s good for us.

PRAYER

Father, today, may I respond to youR guidance and wisdom, “The First Time”, may I understand you want what is best for me in my life, and may I bind your commands to my heart just as you have instructed me to do in your word. Will you guide me when I wake and when I sleep, and may the lamp of your word order my every step. Amen

Proverbs 5

Proverbs 5:21 (NLT)
"For the Lord sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes."

I’ve always been someone who wants to make the right decision—but sometimes, I just don’t know what the right thing is. Life comes with so many options, and some of them look really good on the outside. But deep down, we’re still unsure.

That’s where this verse from Proverbs really speaks to me: “The Lord sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes.”

I don’t always see clearly. In fact, most of the time, I only see what’s right in front of me. I tend to make choices based on what feels right or seems like the best idea in the moment. But over time, I’ve learned to pause and ask God what He sees. That simple shift has changed everything.

I remember a specific time when I had a big decision to make. On the surface, everything about it looked right. People around me supported it, and it checked all the boxes. But I didn’t feel settled. So I finally stopped and prayed, “God, what do You see that I don’t?”

That question opened my heart to a new perspective. Over the next few weeks, little things started coming to light—details I hadn’t noticed before. It wasn’t some dramatic moment, but a quiet awareness. And with it came peace. I ended up walking away from something that looked good, but wasn’t right. Looking back, I know it was God’s wisdom, not mine.

If you’re someone who’s unfamiliar with the Bible or not sure how to talk to God, I want to encourage you—it doesn’t take fancy words or deep understanding. Just honesty. A simple prayer like, “God, help me see what You see,” is enough. That’s been my prayer again and again. And every time, He shows up—not always how I expect, but always in a way that leads to what’s best.

Knowing that God sees clearly and examines every path doesn’t make me feel afraid—it makes me feel safe. Because it means I’m not walking this life alone. And neither are you.

PRAYER

God, thank You for seeing clearly even when I don’t. Thank You for examining every path I take and caring enough to guide me. Help me slow down and ask for Your opinion, Your view, and Your wisdom. I want to walk the path You see as best, even if I don’t understand it at first. Lead me with Your peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Proverbs 4

Proverbs 4:10-15

“My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life. I will teach you wisdom’s ways and lead you in straight paths. When you walk, you won’t be held back; when you run, you won’t stumble. Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life. Don’t do as the wicked do, and don’t follow the path of evildoers. Don’t even think about it; don’t go that way. Turn away and keep moving.”

Have you ever looked back and thought, “I wish I’d chosen differently”? If you’re older than sixteen, chances are you’ve felt that tug of regret more than once. I know I have—countless times I’ve wished I’d taken the other path, listened a little more closely, or made the wiser choice.

We humans tend to learn the hard way, don’t we? We gravitate toward the tougher route, even when a straighter, safer path is right in front of us. Scripture reminds us that if we tune our ears to wisdom, life can unfold more smoothly. That doesn’t mean we’ll avoid every setback—storms still come—but we won’t sabotage ourselves with one bad decision after another. Wise choices create momentum for more wise choices.

So, where do we find this wisdom?

1. Stay in the Word. You’re already doing that by setting aside time for daily devotions—keep it up.

2. Surround yourself with life-giving people. Seek friends who speak truth and encouragement. Need help finding them? Join a small group at The Naz—others are waiting for the same kind of community.

3. Pray for guidance. Ask God to lead you to the right group, mentor, or friend. Pray for the discernment to recognize wisdom and the courage to follow it.

Let’s choose the path that leads to life—one wise decision at a time.

PRAYER

Jesus, thank you for your Word. Thank you for wisdom and just being able to get a little bit of your knowledge. Lord, we pray that you fill us with wisdom and start to surround us with people to help us make better decisions. We want to be on the straight path and not on the curvy one. Go before us Lord and make it known to the person or group that I need to be in. Thank you Father for all that you have for me. In Jesus name, Amen.

Proverbs 3

 Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

When I was little, I was afraid to learn how to swim. I’m not exactly sure why—but I was terrified. I remember clinging to the edge of the pool like my life depended on it, too scared to let go. But my dad was always right there behind me, ready to catch me if I slipped.

Funny enough, I had no problem jumping straight into the middle of the pool—as long as my dad was there to catch me. Why? Because I trusted him. I knew he wouldn’t let me fall.

As I got older and finally learned to swim, I didn’t need his help in the water anymore. But that same mindset started spilling over into the rest of my life too. I felt like I had things under control. I was doing fine on my own.

Still, anytime life got hard or I faced a tough decision, my dad was always the first person I called. Right up until the day he passed away.

I wonder how often we treat our relationship with God the same way. When we first come to know Jesus, we trust Him completely—sometimes even recklessly. But over time, as we fall into routine and grow more independent, we start to rely on ourselves more than Him.

Let me ask you: are there places in your life right now where God is asking you to trust Him—but you’re holding back? Why is it so hard to trust the One we know has only our good in mind?

What would it look like to trust Him again—like you did at first?

PRAYER

Father, teach me to trust You again, just like I did when I first believed. Help me to lean on You with both the small and big decisions in my life. Give me the courage to submit to Your will completely. Amen.

Proverbs 3

Devo

Devo

Devo

Proverbs 2

Proverbs 2:6 (NLT)

"For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth comes knowledge and understanding."

I’ve learned over the years that wisdom doesn’t always come in big, dramatic moments. More often, it shows up quietly—after I’ve taken time to pray, to ask God what He thinks, and to truly listen.

There have been so many times when I didn’t know what to do—whether it was a family situation, a decision at work, or even just how to respond to someone when I had no idea what to say. And in those moments, I’ve stopped and said, sometimes out loud, “God, what would You have me do?”

I don’t always hear an answer right away. But then later—maybe during a conversation, or while reading something—it clicks. I realize, “That wasn’t just good advice—that was God’s wisdom.” And every time, it humbles me. I’m reminded that God really does want to guide us. He doesn’t leave us on our own to figure everything out. He wants to speak into our lives—and not in some confusing or complicated way, but with wisdom that meets us right where we are.

We don’t need perfect words. We just need a willing heart that says, “God, I need Your wisdom.” He promises to answer—and from my experience, He always does.

PRAYER

God, thank You for giving wisdom when I ask. Sometimes I don’t know what to do, and it’s easy to feel lost. But You remind me that I’m not alone. Help me listen for Your voice and trust the wisdom You give. Thank You for always being ready to guide me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Proverbs 1

Proverbs 1:20-25

“Wisdom shouts in the streets. She cries out in the public square. She calls to the crowds along the main street, to those gathered in front of the city gate: “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? Come and listen to my counsel. I’ll share my heart with you and make you wise. “I called you so often, but you wouldn’t come. I reached out to you, but you paid no attention. You ignored my advice and rejected the correction I offered.”

If you turn on the news today, it’s easy to see how our world has flipped truth on its head—what was once right is now considered wrong, and what was once wrong is often praised. As followers of Christ, it can feel like we’re being pulled in a thousand directions, trying to discern what is truly right in a culture that has normalized sin.

The messages we see on TV and social media often reflect anything but wisdom or discipline. Sadly, even within the Church, some have been misled into believing that the voice they’re following is wisdom—when in reality, it’s the voice of the fool. It’s sin. And it’s leading down a dangerous path.

That voice may sound familiar:
“Just try it—just this once.”
“That person you’re not married to? Aren’t they attractive?”
“It doesn’t count because it’s online.”
“It won’t hurt anyone.”
“I know the Bible says no, but that was written for another time.”
“God made you to follow your own desires.”
“You need to put yourself first—even above God and your family.”

These thoughts, when left unchallenged, grow louder each day. And as that voice gains volume, the voice of wisdom—the voice of God—can become harder to hear. Wisdom is still calling. Still pleading. But are you listening?

Will you pause long enough to hear the still, small voice of the Lord? What voice has your attention right now? What is the fool whispering to you? What is wisdom trying to speak into your heart?

Are you ready to silence the fool and listen to wisdom? Are you ready for a more disciplined, Christ-centered life?

PRAYER

Father, I pray for my brother or sister. I pray that they stop listening to the voice of the fool. They stop listening to what the world thinks. They stop listening to what the news media, social media, politicians, celebrities say and listen to what you have to say. I pray that they step back and listen to that still, small voice. I pray that your voice gets louder in their life. That if there is something holding them back or something or someone that is standing in their way that you move the obstacle out of the way. I pray for obstacles to be gone, that they only see you standing there waiting for them. Waiting to talk to them, to help them, to walk them through this life. Lord, I pray for the next 4 weeks, that people become filled with wisdom. Filled with your Word, with you. Thank you Father for this journey we are on. May many lives be changed because of it. May you get all the glory. We love you. In Jesus name. Amen!