Sayings of the Wise #15 - Value Moderation; Shun Drunkenness (Prov. 23:19–21)

Saying 15 | Value Moderation; Shun Drunkenness

Proverbs 23:19–21 (NASB 1995)

“Listen, my son, and be wise,

And direct your heart in the way.

Do not be with heavy drinkers of wine,

Or with gluttonous eaters of meat;

For the heavy drinker and the glutton will come to poverty,

And drowsiness will clothe one with rags.”

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✨ Lady Wisdom Speaks

“Daughters, come and listen.
Wisdom invites you to a table—not a table of food only,
but a table of understanding.

The proverb says, ‘Listen, be wise, and direct your heart in the way.’
That means: learn to guide your heart before your heart guides you.

Some people fill their lives with too much—too much food, too much talk, too much work, too much worry.
They think more will satisfy them, but it only makes them weary.

The Bible warns us not only about drunkenness with wine,
but also about a drunk heart—a heart filled with things that make it lose control.
When your heart is drunk on comfort, success, or comparison,
you cannot walk straight in the way of the Lord.

Self-control is not about saying no to joy; it’s about saying yes to wisdom.
Moderation protects your peace.
It helps you enjoy life without being mastered by it.

The glutton and the drunkard come to poverty because they forget direction.
They follow their appetite instead of following God.
Soon their spirit grows sleepy—what Scripture calls ‘drowsiness.’
It means they stop feeling, stop praying, stop seeing clearly.

So, I say again, ‘Direct your heart in the way.’
Let the Holy Spirit guide when to rest and when to rise,
when to speak and when to stay silent,
when to take more and when to stop.

Remember, wisdom doesn’t take away the feast—it teaches you how to eat with grace.
She doesn’t silence your laughter—she helps it last longer.
She doesn’t remove desire—she directs it toward what is good.

Live with balance, daughters,
and your joy will stay full without spilling over into regret.”

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🌸 A Few Moments Later …

The women sat quietly for a moment.
Then one said, “The part that stayed with me was, ‘A drunk heart cannot walk straight.’”

Another nodded. “I liked, ‘Wisdom teaches you how to eat with grace.’ It reminded me to be careful with blessings.”

A third added, “I’ll remember, ‘Moderation protects your peace.’ That’s something I need right now.”

Lady Wisdom smiled,
“Then the lesson has been received—not just heard, but understood.

Sayings of the Wise - #14 Invest Hope—Do Not Envy Sinners (Prov. 23:17–18)

Saying 14 
Invest Hope—Do Not Envy Sinners

Proverbs 23:17–18 (NASB 1995)

“Do not let your heart envy sinners,

But live in the fear of the Lord always.

Surely there is a future,

And your hope will not be cut off.”

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🌸 Intro to Lady Wisdom Round Table

(A quiet afternoon. Four women gather around a table. Journals open, tea cups warm their hands. Lady Wisdom enters, calm yet radiant.)

Lady Wisdom:
Welcome, my friends.
Today, we’ll explore a saying that reaches the hidden corners of our hearts.
It warns us about envy—not just the envy that wants what others have,
but the envy that questions whether God remembers us.
Let’s talk about that honestly.
Has envy ever whispered to your heart—not loud, but lingering?

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💬 The Discussion

1️⃣ Maren Speaks

There was a time I didn’t even know I was envious.
It wasn’t over possessions or people—it was peace.
Others seemed so sure of themselves, and I quietly wished I could be that certain.
But through this verse, I realized envy doesn’t always shout—it sighs.
When God said, “Your hope will not be cut off,” I knew He saw me too.
Even slow progress is still holy progress.
My heart rests better now, trusting His pace instead of resenting theirs.

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2️⃣ Lila Shares

I remember feeling left behind when friends were being noticed, invited, celebrated.
I told myself I was happy for them—and I was—but part of me felt invisible.
Then I read, “Live in the fear of the Lord always,” and it clicked:
when my focus is upward, not outward, I don’t crave what others get.
God reminded me that joy isn’t about being seen—it’s about seeing Him clearly.
Now I celebrate more freely, because I know His eyes never miss me.

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3️⃣ Raina Speaks

For me, envy sounded like frustration.
I worked hard, gave my best, but doors opened for others first.
I told myself I was just being responsible—but I was comparing pace and outcome.
Then this verse challenged me: “Do not let your heart envy sinners.”
It reminded me that shortcuts don’t last and that striving without surrender leads nowhere.
Now I measure progress by obedience, not applause.
Peace is winning God’s way, not the fast way.

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4️⃣ Selah Reflects

I’ve always searched for meaning and fairness.
It troubled me when careless people seemed to prosper while others who did right suffered.
But one day the Spirit highlighted: “Surely there is a future.”
It changed how I see everything.
God’s justice may feel delayed, but it’s never denied.
I’ve stopped comparing stories and started trusting the Author.
Hope steadies me when my questions run deep.

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🕊 Lady Wisdom Expounds

Lady Wisdom:
You’ve each touched a piece of a greater truth.
Envy wears many disguises—comparison, frustration, even silent longing.
But the remedy is not effort—it’s awe.
The fear of the Lord is not terror but wonder.
When your eyes stay fixed on His faithfulness, you stop fearing being forgotten.

Remember these three truths, daughters of understanding:
1️⃣ Fear the Lord — Reverence re-centers your gaze.
2️⃣ Practice gratitude — It guards your heart from comparison.
3️⃣ Anchor hope — It secures your soul in every season.

When you envy another’s harvest, you neglect your own garden.
Water the soil of your life with trust.
In due time, your hope will bloom—and no one can cut it off.

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🌿 Closing Exhortation

Lady Wisdom:
My daughters, envy says, “Look at her.”
Wisdom says, “Look at Him (God)”
When your eyes stay on God, your joy no longer depends on others’ outcomes.
Let your hearts be wise, your hopes steady, and your lips speak what is right.
You are not behind—you are becoming.

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💭 Reflection Question

Share in the comments which woman’s sharing in the class resonated with your primary temperament.

Type, or copy and paste, one of the following answers in the comments.

If you wish to Go Deep, add a short note about why it spoke to you.

 1️⃣ Maren’s Reflection

I related deeply to Maren’s words.
I don’t always voice envy—I just feel it quietly when others move faster or shine brighter.
This verse helped me realize that even my slower pace is part of God’s plan.
“Your hope will not be cut off” reminds me that my story is unfolding right on time.
I’m learning to rest instead of rush, to trust rather than compare.

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2️⃣ Lila’s Reflection

Lila’s sharing spoke straight to my heart.
I’ve often felt happy for others but quietly wondered, “When will it be my turn?”
Envy sometimes sneaks in as loneliness, not greed.
But when I focus on God’s gaze instead of people’s applause, I feel seen and secure.
I’m learning that joy grows deeper when it’s rooted in gratitude, not recognition.

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3️⃣ Raina’s Reflection

Raina’s honesty hit home for me.
I know what it’s like to work hard and wonder why others reap sooner.
This verse challenges me to measure success differently—to ask, “Was I faithful?” not “Was I first?”
Envy can wear the mask of drive, but real peace comes when I surrender results to God.
I’m learning that obedience is my victory, even when outcomes take time.

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4️⃣ Selah’s Reflection

Selah’s reflection mirrored my quiet struggles.
I’ve wrestled with the fairness of life, especially when the undeserving seem to prosper.
But this verse reminded me that God’s justice isn’t absent—it’s simply patient.
“Surely there is a future” helps me rest in the unseen promises of God.
I’m learning that trust outlasts comparison and peace grows when I let God’s timing be enough.

Sayings of the Wise # 13 - Let Parents Delight in Wisdom (Prov. 23:15–16)

Saying 13: Let Parents Delight in Wisdom

Proverbs 23:15–16

“My son, if your heart is wise,

My own heart also will be glad;

And my inmost being will rejoice

When your lips speak what is right.”

 

Sayings of the Wise #12 — Obey & Nurture Life Through Discipline (Prov. 23:13–14)

Saying #12 — Obey & Nurture Life Through Discipline

📖 Proverbs 23:13–14 (NASB 1995)

“Do not hold back discipline from the child;

Although you strike him with the rod, he will not die.

You shall strike him with the rod

And rescue his soul from Sheol.”

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🕊 The Heart of the Saying

This proverb sits within the “Thirty Sayings of the Wise” (Proverbs 22–24), a section filled with practical wisdom for shaping character and community. Saying 12 calls us to see discipline not as punishment, but as love that protects life. It’s one of the clearest reminders that correction is part of God’s design for growth.

The ancient world saw the “rod” not as a weapon of cruelty, but as a shepherd’s staff — a symbol of authority and guidance. Just as a shepherd uses the staff to steer wandering sheep away from danger, loving discipline guides a child (or an adult) away from destruction.

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💡 What the Words Mean

The word discipline in Hebrew, musar, means instruction, correction, and training. It speaks of the steady shaping of a life through truth and accountability. The word rod, shebet, can also refer to a ruler’s scepter — authority exercised with care, not anger. Sheol represents the place of death or ruin, both physical and moral.

Put together, the proverb teaches this: When we refuse correction, we drift toward destruction. When we receive correction, we are rescued from it.

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🌿 The Message

God’s wisdom says, “Don’t withhold discipline.”
To withhold correction is not kindness; it’s neglect. Love that never says “no” may feel gentle, but it silently leads others toward harm. Godly discipline, on the other hand, may sting for a moment, but it saves a soul from ruin.

For parents, this means caring enough to guide and correct firmly yet gently.
For mentors and leaders, it means giving honest feedback instead of comfortable silence.
For every believer, it means welcoming God’s correction in our own lives — because He disciplines those He loves.

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✝️ Spiritual Application

God’s discipline is never to destroy us; it is to direct us. Hebrews 12:5–11 echoes this truth:

“The Lord disciplines the one He loves… for our good, that we may share His holiness.”

When the Holy Spirit convicts us, He’s not condemning us — He’s calling us back to life.
Every time we yield to His correction, we step out of a path leading to Sheol and into a life marked by holiness, peace, and growth.

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❤️ Life Lesson

Discipline is love in motion.
It is love that speaks truth even when silence would be easier.
It is love that trains rather than tolerates.
It is love that rescues rather than releases to ruin.

When we learn to obey and nurture life through discipline — in our homes, our habits, and our hearts — we partner with God in shaping a future full of wisdom and life.

✨ Sayings of the Wise - #11 — Take Heed, Apply Yourself to Instruction (Prov. 23:12)

Saying #11 — Take Heed, Apply Yourself to Instruction

📖 “Apply your heart to discipline and your ears to words of knowledge.” 
— Proverbs 23:12 (NASB 1995)

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🌿 Scene: “In Conversation with Lady Wisdom”

(A golden lamp glows over a round table. Scrolls of Proverbs lie open. Lady Wisdom smiles gently as four women take their seats — Wren, Isla, Suri, and Eden.)

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🕊️ Lady Wisdom (Interviewer):

Welcome, Women of Wisdom. 

Today we reflect on a saying many hear but few truly obey:

“Apply your heart to discipline and your ears to words of knowledge.”

Before we begin — tell me, what does this verse mean to you?

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📖 Meaning of the Text

Lady Wisdom:
The Hebrew word for apply (שִׁית — shith) means to set firmly or fix with intention.
To “apply your heart” is to aim your inner life toward learning — not passively, but purposefully.

Discipline (musar) means training that strengthens, not punishment.
Knowledge (da‘ath) is truth gained through relationship, not theory.

Wisdom says: Don’t just hear correction — be shaped by it.
For instruction without application is like rain on stone — it wets, but never roots.

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🎙️ The Interview

🌸 Wren Speaks — “The Doer Who Rushed Ahead”

“When I first heard this proverb, I thought, ‘I already know enough.’
I didn’t want to slow down — I wanted to lead, not learn.

When mentors corrected me, I smiled — then did it my way.

It looked like confidence, but it was pride in disguise.

Eventually, I faced burnout — decisions made in haste, relationships bruised by my stubbornness.

That’s when discipline became my teacher.
I learned that wisdom doesn’t slow you down — it steadies your steps.
Now I pause to listen, and what I build lasts.”

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🌿 Isla Speaks — “The Feeler Who Avoided Correction”

“I loved encouragement, not correction.
When someone tried to teach me, I’d smile, change the subject, and move on.

I didn’t realize that gentle words can still wound if they never pierce.

My heart became soft in all the wrong places — kind to others, but careless with truth.

Then God used a friend to lovingly confront me.
It hurt — but it healed.

Now I treasure correction.
Every word of truth feels like a gardener pruning my soul so I can flourish again.”

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🌺 Suri Speaks — “The Thinker Who Overanalyzed”

“I loved studying truth — not being shaped by it.

I would underline, highlight, compare translations —
but never act on what I read.

I thought reflection was obedience.

Then one day, I realized I had a head full of wisdom but a heart half-trained.
Knowledge without action had become my comfort zone.

Now, I listen and obey.
I still think deeply — but I move when God says move.

I’ve learned: wisdom doesn’t wait for perfect understanding to take faithful steps.”

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🌼 Eden Speaks — “The Peacemaker Who Avoided Growth”

“For me, instruction felt like disruption.
I liked harmony — no tension, no confrontation.

When people corrected me, I’d nod politely, then quietly return to my comfort.
I mistook peace for maturity.

But avoiding growth kept me shallow — repeating the same mistakes, never stretching deeper.

Then I realized: peace isn’t the absence of correction — it’s the fruit of it.

Now I invite guidance.
I listen, I adjust, I grow — and the peace that follows is real, not rehearsed.”

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💬 Lady Wisdom:

You’ve each learned what it means to apply the heart — not just to hear, but to heed.
Tell me now, what happens when you obey this proverb?

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🌟 Their Responses

Wren: “When I obey, my strength becomes steady, not sharp.”
Isla: “When I obey, my emotions serve truth, not silence it.”
Suri: “When I obey, my thoughts become footsteps, not walls.”
Eden: “When I obey, peace deepens — not disappears.”

WISE Women, eh!

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✨ Their Affirmation

(All four women rise and speak together, voices united like a harmony.)

“We will apply our hearts to discipline,
and our ears to words of knowledge.
We will stay teachable, tender, and true —
so that wisdom may take root in everything we do.”

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🌿 Lady Wisdom’s Closing Word

“Well done, daughters.
The wise are not those who never fall —
but those who never stop learning.

Keep your hearts soft and your ears open,
for correction is not rejection —
it’s God’s construction.”

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💭 Reflection Question

Which of these four voices — Wren, Isla, Suri, or Eden — sounded most like your primary temperament?
👉 Share your answer in the comments below.  Thank you.

Sayings of the Wise - #10 — “Maintain Justice for the Fatherless” (Prov.23:10–11)

✨ Saying #10

— Maintain Justice for the Fatherless

📖 Proverbs 23:10–11 (NASB 1995)

“Do not move the ancient boundary,

Or go into the fields of the fatherless;

For their Redeemer is strong;

He will plead their case against you.”

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🌾 Meaning of the Text

This proverb blends two images — land boundaries and legal justice — to teach one truth:
God defends those who cannot defend themselves.

1️⃣ “Do not move the ancient boundary”
In ancient Israel, every family’s land was a sacred inheritance — a gift from God (see Deuteronomy 19:14). To “move” the stone markers was not just theft; it was a violation of divine order, an attempt to rewrite God’s distribution of blessing and justice.

➡️ Meaning: Don’t shift moral, spiritual, or ethical boundaries to gain advantage. What God established as right remains right.

2️⃣ “Or go into the fields of the fatherless”
The “fatherless” represent the vulnerable — those without protection, power, or voice. Exploiting their weakness was not just cruel; it was a crime against heaven.

➡️ Meaning: Don’t take advantage of those who cannot defend themselves — in business, relationships, or community life.

3️⃣ “For their Redeemer is strong”
The Hebrew word for “Redeemer” is (go’ el) — the kinsman-redeemer, one who defends a relative’s rights (as Boaz did for Ruth).

Here, God Himself steps in as the Redeemer of the oppressed.

➡️ Meaning: You may have power on earth, but God is their defender in heaven. He takes up their case personally.

🕊️ Spiritual Principle
Justice delayed or denied to the weak will still reach God’s court — and He will overturn every injustice in His time.

This proverb warns the powerful and comforts the powerless.
It reminds the wise woman that maturity means integrity —
to stand for what is right, even when it costs her.

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⚖️ Scene: The Court of Wisdom

(A quiet courtroom bathed in light. The Judge’s gavel rests beside an open scroll. Four women step forward — each one shaped by a different journey, each bearing the marks of lessons learned.)

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1️⃣ RAE — “The Voice That Once Spoke Too Soon”

“I once thought justice meant strength — being the loudest voice in the room,
setting everyone straight, demanding fairness on my terms.
But I learned that justice without mercy becomes judgment.
I moved boundaries with my words —
pushing people rather than protecting them.

Now I fight differently.
I speak slower, but stronger.
I don’t shout truth — I serve it.

Justice isn’t about proving I’m right.
It’s about ensuring others aren’t wronged.”

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2️⃣ MIA — “The Heart That Once Looked Away”

“I saw the fatherless — the lonely, the overlooked —
but sometimes I smiled and passed by.
Not because I didn’t care,
but because I feared their pain might drain my joy.

But God showed me: love isn’t always laughter —
sometimes it’s sitting in silence beside someone’s ache.

Now I move toward the broken, not away.
I bring joy that heals, not humor that hides.

I’ve learned — compassion is the courage to stay when others walk away.”

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3️⃣ ELI — “The Mind That Once Stood Still”

“I studied justice, wrote about it, prayed for it —
but rarely stood up for it.
I saw injustice and analyzed it from afar.

Then one day, the Spirit whispered,
‘Justice doesn’t live in journals; it lives in actions.’

I realized my silence was agreement.
My caution had become complicity.

So now I speak — not loudly, but firmly.
I defend what’s right, even if my voice trembles.

I’ve learned that wisdom without courage is incomplete.”

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4️⃣ FAY — “The Soul That Once Chose Comfort”

“I thought peace meant avoiding conflict,
staying quiet, staying safe.

But when others were mistreated and I said nothing,
I moved the boundary of justice by standing still.

Then I saw — silence can be as sharp as injustice itself.

Now I stand, even if my stance is small.
I offer calm that comforts, but courage that counts.

True peace doesn’t ignore pain —
it faces it with faith.”

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🌿 The Judge’s Word

(A voice from the bench — gentle yet powerful.)

“Well done, daughters of wisdom.
You have learned that justice is not born in noise or neglect —
but in the steady hands that protect the weak.

Go now, and keep the boundaries of compassion intact.
Defend what cannot defend itself.
And remember —
when you guard the fatherless,
you guard My heart.”

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💬 Reflection Question

When you see someone being overlooked, mistreated, or left behind —
do you speak, step in, or stay silent?
Which of the four voices echoed your response according to your primary temperament
— Rae, Mia, Eli, or Fay?

💭 Kindly share your answer in the comments below. 💬✨. Thank you

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🌾 Closing Thought

Justice isn’t a courtroom word — it’s a covenant of the heart.
And when the world forgets the fatherless,
the wise woman remembers:

Their Redeemer is strong.

Sayings of the Wise - #9 — “Open Not Your Mouth to Mockers” (Prov. 23:9)

 Saying #9 — “Open Not Your Mouth to Mockers”

📖 Proverbs 23:9 (NASB 1995)

“Do not speak in the hearing of a fool,

for he will despise the wisdom of your words.”

✨ Sayings of the Wise #8 — Discern Stingy Hospitality (Prov. 23:6-8)

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✨ Saying #8 — Discern Stingy Hospitality

📖 Proverbs 23:6–8 (NIV)

“Do not eat the food of a begrudging host,
do not crave his delicacies;
for he is the kind of person who is always thinking about the cost.
‘Eat and drink,’ he says to you, but his heart is not with you.
You will vomit up the little you have eaten and will have wasted your compliments.”

🌿 The Hebrew word for “begrudging” (רע עין — ra‘ ayin) literally means “evil of eye” — a person whose glance reveals stinginess, envy, or a calculating heart. This saying reminds us that generosity without sincerity is hollow. True hospitality flows from peace, not pretense. The following diary pages invite us into the hearts of four women who each experienced this truth through different lenses — their temperaments.

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Rochelle’s Journal 

Dear Journal,

Last night’s dinner was beautiful — candlelight, matching napkins, perfect music. But beneath the elegance, something felt wrong. The host kept insisting, “Eat! Don’t be shy!” while her tone whispered, “I’m watching every bite.”

As I drove home, Proverbs 23:6–7 echoed in my heart:
“Do not eat the bread of a begrudging host, nor desire his delicacies; for he is the kind who is always calculating.”

I looked it up later. The Hebrew describes someone with an “evil eye” — a person who gives while secretly counting the cost.
It made me pause.
How many times have I done the same? Offering help but secretly feeling resentful afterward?

Wisdom doesn’t just teach me to spot false hospitality in others — it calls me to purify my own motives.

Lord, help me to give without measurement.
Let my kindness be free, not filtered through fear or perfection.

— Rochelle

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Grace’s Journal 

Dear Journal,

Today, I stopped by a neighbor’s house unexpectedly. She welcomed me in with the warmest smile, saying, “I don’t have much, but come sit with me.”
We shared tea and biscuits — nothing fancy, but the peace in that room felt like a feast.

Later, as I read Proverbs 23:6–8, I realized this verse isn’t just a warning about others — it’s also an invitation to recognize the value of simple, sincere hospitality.
The text says: “Do not crave his delicacies.”
It reminds me that sometimes, what looks lavish can leave the soul empty, while what’s small and honest can nourish deeply.

Hospitality isn’t about food; it’s about fellowship.
Generosity without peace feels forced, but peace shared freely feels divine.

I think that’s why Jesus broke bread with such calm joy — every meal was holy because every heart was open.

I want that kind of table.

— Grace

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Lydia’s Journal

Dear Journal,

Hosting last night’s dinner revealed something uncomfortable.
Everything went smoothly — the dishes, the serving order, the timing. But when I replayed it later, I realized my thoughts had been more on “how much it cost” than “how much it meant.”

Proverbs 23:7 came alive for me: “He says, ‘Eat and drink,’ but his heart is not with you.”
The stingy host Solomon described isn’t always someone else — sometimes she’s me.

I looked up the phrase “his heart is not with you” — it means his will, intention, and affection are disconnected from his words. That’s powerful.
God cares about unity between our actions and our attitudes.

It’s possible to do the right thing with the wrong heart — and wisdom exposes that disconnect so grace can heal it.

So tonight I prayed:
Lord, teach me to serve without calculating, to give without guarding, and to love without ledger-keeping.
That’s the kind of leader I want to be.

— Lydia

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Kendra’s Journal 

Dear Journal,

What a dinner! Fancy dishes, glowing candles, and the kind of dessert that should be in a magazine. At first, I thought, “Wow, this is heaven!” But as the evening went on, I noticed something — our host seemed tense, almost as if every compliment was costing her something.

When I came home, I reread Proverbs 23:6–8.
It finally made sense — “Do not crave his delicacies… for he is always thinking about the cost.”

I love beautiful things and joyful moments, but I’m realizing not every table is filled with peace.
Sometimes what sparkles is showy, not sincere.
And when you sense that, it drains the joy out of the moment.

So here’s my takeaway:
Don’t chase every invitation that glitters.
Go where the hearts are kind, not where the plates are full.
And when I host, I’ll make sure my laughter costs nothing.

— Kendra

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🌸 Reflection Thought

“True hospitality begins in the heart, not the kitchen.”
“Generosity without sincerity feeds the body but starves the soul.”

Wisdom helps us discern not just what’s being offered — but the spirit behind the offer.
It also checks our own hearts: Am I giving freely, or calculating quietly?

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💭 Reflection Question

After reading these four diary pages, whose journal entry sounds most like you, primary temperament–wise?

• Rochelle 
• Grace 
• Lydia 
• Kendra 

✨ Share in the comments below, which one reflects your primary temperament — the way you discern, give, and respond to hospitality?

Sayings of the Wise #7 - Set Your Eyes Beyond Riches. (Prov. 23:4-5)

✨ Saying #7 — Set Your Eyes Beyond Riches

📖 Proverbs 23:4–5 (NIV)

“Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint.
Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone,
for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.”

🌿 In today’s scene, the women unpack the meaning of this proverb together. The text, Hebrew insights, and life application are all reflected in their conversation below.

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💬 A Conversation Among Four Women — “The Wisdom Bank”

It was a bright Friday morning at Kingdom Trust Bank.
The line moved slowly, but the four women waiting didn’t seem to mind. Each had a different reason for being there — and, as always, a different way of seeing things.

Kendra was first in line, tapping her card against her phone.
“I was reading Proverbs 23:4 this morning — ‘Do not wear yourself out to get rich.’ It really hit me. I mean, here I am trying to set up yet another account, another plan, another hustle. I love opportunities, but sometimes I think I chase them too much.”

She laughed softly. “It’s like God’s telling me — stop wearing yourself out to get, and start learning to rest.”

Lydia, standing behind her, nodded thoughtfully. “That part about ‘have the wisdom to show restraint’ stood out to me. I like structure and progress — I’m a planner by nature. But lately, I’ve realized that knowing when to stop is just as wise as knowing how to start.”

She smiled. “It’s not about quitting — it’s about trusting that God’s timing doesn’t always need my management.”

Rochelle looked up from her notebook. “And then verse five,” she said. “‘Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone.’ That’s so true. Money really does sprout wings — one unexpected bill, and off it flies.”
She closed her book slowly. “I like saving, I like being careful. But sometimes I’m more watchful over my accounts than my attitude. Wisdom isn’t against saving — it’s against serving your savings.”

Grace, who had been quietly scrolling through her banking app, chuckled softly. “That’s a good one, Rochelle. I used to stress every time I saw that little red minus sign. Now, I just whisper, ‘Lord, You’re still my Provider.’ My grandmother used to say, ‘Money is a good helper but a poor master.’ I think Solomon would’ve agreed.”

They all smiled knowingly.

Kendra leaned against the counter. “You know, if life were a bank, I’d say peace is the best kind of profit. The interest on anxiety is just too high.”

Lydia nodded. “Amen to that. And you know what? The market of heaven never crashes.”

Rochelle laughed. “No inflation, no hidden fees.”

Grace added with a grin, “And the return on joy is eternal.”

The four women exchanged glances — and for a moment, the line at the bank became a classroom of wisdom.

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🌸 Reflection Thought

“Riches rise and fall — but peace compounds quietly.”
“True wealth is measured not by how much you earn, but by how deeply you rest.”

Don’t measure prosperity by what you can count.
Measure it by what remains when the counting stops.

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💭 Reflection Question

As you think about this “visit to the Wisdom Bank,” which woman sounds most like you, primary temperament–wise?

Kendra — always enthusiastic and full of ideas, excited by new ventures and opportunities. She’s learning that peace is a better profit than constant motion.

Lydia — structured and strategic, loves goals and progress. She’s learning that sometimes wisdom means resting, not racing.

Rochelle — careful and conscientious, loves to plan and protect what matters. She’s learning to trust God more and calculate less.

Grace — calm, steady, and grounded. She’s learning that contentment is its own kind of wealth.

✨ Which woman’s words or actions sound most like your primary temperament — the way you relate to work, wealth, and peace?  Kindly share your response in the comments below.

📝 Keep tracking your points:

• On the chat, record your score for Saying #6.  The answer key will be posted in the chat.

Sayings of the Wise #6 - Invite Self-Control at the Table (Prov. 23:1-3)

Happy Thanksgiving Toronto!

Sayings of the Wise #5 - Work with Excellence (Prov. 22:29)

✨ Saying 5 — Work with Excellence

📖 “Do you see a person skilled in their work? They will serve kings rather than working for obscure people.” — Proverbs 22:29

Sayings of the Wise #4 - Keep to Ancient Landmarks (Pro. 22:28)

Happy Wednesday, Women of Wisdom!

🌿 Introduction

In every generation, people are tempted to erase boundaries, shift standards, and move the markers that once kept life steady. But wisdom calls us to honour what God has established.

In ancient Israel, boundary stones were more than property markers — they represented heritage, fairness, and God-given order. To move them was to steal from others and despise what was entrusted by God. Today, the “ancient landmarks” are not just physical stones — they are spiritual truths, godly values, and timeless instructions meant to guide our steps.

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📖 The Verse (NLT)

• “Don’t cheat your neighbour by moving the ancient boundary markers set up by previous generations.” — Proverbs 22:28

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✨ Explanation

God values boundaries — whether physical, moral, or spiritual. Boundaries protect relationships, create fairness, and remind us that some things are sacred. Wisdom says: respect what God has put in place, don’t shift it for selfish gain.

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🌍 Real-Life Example

Think of someone who twists God’s Word to justify their choices or who ignores long-held truths because they feel inconvenient. That’s like moving a landmark — it creates confusion and damages trust. On the other hand, honoring God’s boundaries gives stability to our families, churches, and communities.

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When it comes to respecting boundaries,
how do I usually respond?

👉 Read all 12 carefully.  Choose the ONE (1) that fits your temperament blend best
(copy and paste your response # and sentence in the comments):

1. I carefully protect what’s entrusted to me.
   (I value faithfulness and responsibility, guarding what God has given me with precision and care so that nothing is lost or wasted.)

2. I speak boldly when someone crosses a line.
   (I cannot stay silent when God’s boundaries are ignored — I step up with courage, voicing truth clearly and directly.)

3. I encourage others to honor what is right.
   (I uplift people with words of kindness and inspiration, urging them to respect the standards that keep us safe and strong.)

4. I stay steady and consistent with boundaries.
   (I hold firm to what is right without wavering, showing by my calm and dependable example that God’s order still matters.)

5. I enjoy reminding people of truths that matter.
   (I speak with energy and enthusiasm, keeping old truths fresh in people’s minds so that they don’t forget what God has established.)

6. I look for practical ways to keep boundaries in place.
   (I find down-to-earth, workable solutions to protect what’s valuable, making sure boundaries are not just spoken but lived out.)

7. I bring creativity to highlight why boundaries are valuable.
   (I use expressive ideas, stories, or examples that help others see the beauty and wisdom in the limits God has set.)

8. I think deeply about why boundaries were set before acting.
   (I reflect on the purpose and history of God’s instructions, analyzing carefully so that I act with wisdom and conviction.)

9. I quietly step in to guard what’s at risk.
   (I prefer to work behind the scenes, but when something sacred is threatened, I move gently and firmly to protect it.)

10. I’m quick to act when something seems threatened.
    (I respond decisively and with urgency to preserve what matters, refusing to let danger or compromise take root.)

11. I reassure others of the safety boundaries provide.
    (I comfort people by showing them that God’s order isn’t meant to harm but to protect, reminding them of the peace that comes from obedience.)

12. I make careful plans to preserve what is important.
    (I map out thoughtful steps that secure God’s values for the long term, organizing in a way that ensures nothing of worth is lost.)

💬 Call to Action
Post your chosen response number and sentence in the comments below!

👉 Example: “#1 – I carefully protect what’s entrusted to me.”🌟

Sayings of the Wise #3 - Establish Wise Boundaries with Debt (Pro. 22:26–27)

Greetings, Women of Wisdom!

🌿 Introduction

Money can either free us or enslave us. The way we manage it determines whether it becomes a blessing or a burden. The third saying of the wise gives us a practical caution: be careful what you commit yourself to.

The danger here is not generosity itself, but unwise commitments — especially when we guarantee someone else’s debt. What feels like kindness can quickly become a trap. God’s wisdom reminds us: true generosity blesses, but foolish entanglements bind.

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📖 The Verse (NLT)

• “Don’t agree to guarantee another person’s debt or put up security for someone else.
  If you can’t pay it, even your bed will be snatched from under you.”
  — Proverbs 22:26–27

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✨ Explanation
To guarantee someone’s debt is to tie your financial future to their choices. If they fail, you pay the price. This proverb is not condemning generosity — it is warning against careless commitments that threaten your stability, your peace, and even your home.

Wise people learn the difference between:

• Generosity that blesses → helping without enslaving yourself.

• Foolishness that burdens → saying “yes” without considering the cost.

God wants His people free — not chained by debt.

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🌍 Real-Life Example
Picture this: you co-sign a loan for a friend who has a history of poor money management. At first, you feel proud of your kindness. But months later, the payments stop. The calls come to you. What began as an act of friendship turns into financial stress, emotional strain, and even resentment.

That’s the wisdom of Proverbs: don’t let generosity become a burden you were never meant to carry.

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When it comes to money and commitments,
how do I usually respond?

👉 Choose the one that best describes you (copy and paste your response # and sentence in the comments):

1. I handle money quietly and carefully.
   (I prefer to stay in the background with finances, avoiding risks and paying attention to details. My goal is to protect stability, build slowly, and stay out of unnecessary entanglements.)

2. I prefer kindness over strict budgeting.
   (I lean toward generosity and helping others, even if it stretches me financially. I value relationships more than rigid numbers, though at times this can place me in a bind.)

3. I move cautiously and slowly.
   (I don’t rush into financial commitments. I take my time, weighing options carefully, sometimes delaying action to ensure my decisions keep me safe and secure.)

4. I talk openly about money with others.
   (I’m comfortable discussing finances, whether sharing ideas, asking questions, or giving advice. I see openness as a way to learn, grow, and avoid hidden traps.)

5. I take charge of financial decisions.
   (I like being in control, leading with confidence, and setting the direction for how money is managed. I prefer to make bold moves rather than sit back and wait.)

6. I look for safe and secure options.
   (I gravitate toward choices that protect my future — savings, careful investments, and stability. I’d rather grow slowly and securely than risk losing what I have.)

7. I act boldly and take risks at times.
   (I don’t shy away from opportunities that promise growth. I’m willing to step out in faith and courage, though sometimes I need to guard against being reckless.)

8. I stay calm and steady with finances.
   (I don’t let money pressures overwhelm me. I maintain peace and patience, handling responsibilities in a steady way without panicking or rushing.)

9. I encourage and trust others with money.
   (I see finances as a way to build trust and relationships. I’m generous and supportive, often believing the best in people — though I must be careful not to be taken advantage of.)

10. I jump quickly into opportunities.
    (I get excited about financial openings and move fast to grab them. My energy helps me act decisively, but at times I need wisdom to pause and count the cost.)

11. I analyze details before deciding.
    (I’m thorough with money, carefully examining the fine print and calculating outcomes. I want to ensure every choice is wise, even if it takes more time and thought.)

12. I spend creatively or spontaneously.
    (I see money as a tool for expression and enjoyment. I use it in ways that bring color and joy to life, though I must guard against impulsive choices that could lead to regret.)