Proverbs , Sarah Barry
MY LIFE IS DIRECTED BY THE LORD
Passage: Proverbs 20:18~30  
Key verse: 24
18 Plans are established by seeking advice;
so if you wage war, obtain guidance.(A)
19 A gossip betrays a confidence;(B)
so avoid anyone who talks too much.
20 If someone curses their father or mother,(C)
their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.(D)
21 An inheritance claimed too soon
will not be blessed at the end.
23 The Lord detests differing weights,
and dishonest scales do not please him.(G)
24 A person’s steps are directed(H) by the Lord.(I)
How then can anyone understand their own way?(J)
25 It is a trap to dedicate something rashly
and only later to consider one’s vows.(K)
26 A wise king winnows out the wicked;
he drives the threshing wheel over them.(L)
29 The glory of young men is their strength,
gray hair the splendor of the old.(Q)
Footnotes
- Proverbs 20:27 Or A person’s words are
Cross references
- Proverbs 20:18 : Pr 11:14; 24:6
- Proverbs 20:19 : Pr 11:13
- Proverbs 20:20 : Pr 30:11
- Proverbs 20:20 : Ex 21:17; S Job 18:5
- Proverbs 20:22 : Pr 24:29
- Proverbs 20:22 : Isa 37:20; Jer 1:19; 42:11; Ro 12:19
- Proverbs 20:23 : S ver 10; S Dt 25:13
- Proverbs 20:24 : S Ps 90:12
- Proverbs 20:24 : S Job 33:29
- Proverbs 20:24 : S Pr 19:21; Jer 10:23
- Proverbs 20:25 : S Pr 10:19; 18:13; Ecc 5:2, 4-5; Jer 44:25
- Proverbs 20:26 : S ver 8
- Proverbs 20:27 : S Ps 119:105
- Proverbs 20:27 : S Pr 16:2
- Proverbs 20:28 : Ps 40:11
- Proverbs 20:28 : S Pr 16:12; Isa 16:5
- Proverbs 20:29 : Pr 16:31
- Proverbs 20:30 : S Ps 51:2; Pr 22:15
- Proverbs 20:30 : Isa 1:5
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source:  BibleGateway
First, a wise ruler. A wise leader is key to a stable community. A ruler should have discernment and be firm (26, 28, 30). There can be no tolerance for wickedness, and there must be consequences for wrongdoing. When leadership is wise, clear, and accountable, those underneath can flourish. When a battle arises, a leader needs to seek out good advice to plan a strategy (18). Relying on power and numbers is not enough. A ruler needs allies and loyalists who provide love and support (28).
Second, responsible members. We must avoid gossip, rebellion, greed, revenge, dishonesty, and rash promises, which break down a community. We need to guard our inner spirit to be strong and full of God’s light (27) Then, together, all members build a community that is healthy and secure no matter what changes arise in the future.
Prayer: Father, thank you for giving us wise rulers and community members. Help me to be personally responsible to do what is right and support leaders. Help us all to trust in God, who directs the future.
One Word: Wisdom to live my life, while trusting in God, who holds the future