Proverbs Chapter 21!

Read Proverbs, Chapter 21:  http://www.biblegateway.com/

A person may think their own ways are right, but the LORD weighs the heart.
To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. Haughty eyes and a proud heart— the unplowed field of the wicked—produce sin. -Proverbs 21:2-4

These first few verses say it all.  How many times have we charged into something -- without consulting God?  Everything may seem OK...right....But, in the end, God was not in it.

How many times have we tried to "fake God out" ?  So....you helped this person...but you muttered the whole time.  God can weigh your heart. 

Pride....that was the basis for original sin (Eve was trying to be like God).  Verse 4 tells it all.  Our eyes see what we want.  Our pride pulls us in.  Before we know it, we're dancing around in a field of the wicked and moving further from God than we ever intended!

9 Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife. - Proverbs 21:9

Here we go again.  If you haven't noticed, there is a second verse on this later in Proverbs 21!  So....God is telling us a lot about our mouths in Proverbs.  All of these verses can be applied to wives AND husbands!

Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered. - Proverbs 21:13

Here is a good verse to focus on with your children.  Do a mission project with them.  Collect food for a food pantry.  Take old clothing or toys to Good Will or Salvation Army . 

There are also many options for giving to the East St. Louis Christian Activity Center, which is located in the oldest housing project in East St. Louis, IL.  Check out their website: http://www.cacesl.org/.


 Whoever strays from the path of prudence comes to rest in the company of the dead.
- Proverbs 21:16
 
This is a great verse for teens. Prudence has gotten a bad rap.  The dictionery defines it as exercising sound judgement -- cautious in conduct.  
 

A false witness will perish, but a careful listener will testify successfully - Proverbs 21:28

It's not good to tell a lie -- It is good to LISTEN carefully -- That's why God gave us two ears and one mouth!

There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD. -Proverbs 21:30

I like this one -- It's powerful.  In the end of all things -- the Lord will win out!