Proverbs 20:1
Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is unwise.
If liquid you put in your body is taking you off course, you’re simply not wise.
Proverbs 20:5
The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.
Everyone has purposes that motivate them, and intelligent, thinking people can and do draw those purposes out of them. This is more effective for inspiration than seeking first to put motivation into them, which is more agenda driven.
Being agenda free and patient, we can seek to find what is making a person get up in the morning, and then draw out of them what is necessary to live well.
Proverbs 20:9
Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am cleansed from my sin”?
More proof that it’s God, and then everybody else under Him. There is no heiarchy.
Proverbs 20:18
Finalize plans with counsel
Good plans are made with good advice. Nobody makes great decisions all on their own, from their own limited experience and one-dimensional perspective. There’s plenty of good advice to be had. Find it. Use it. Don’t be a dork and try to do everything by yourself, on your own. It’s weird math, but you’re like one-fifth as effective as you would be by seeking the wisdom of just one other person. Imagine seeking advice from two wise people!
Quit making so many decisions by yourself. Your IQ is literally dropping every time you do that. [*NOTE: This may not be true at all, but I really enjoyed writing that]
Proverbs 20:24
A man’s steps are determined by the Lord, so how can anyone know his way?
We simply don’t (can’t) know or understand everything with our finite minds. Only One knows, and He offers Himself to us. Only by truly seeking Him can we begin to understand the mysteries of life and people.
When confused about someone, ask God how He sees them. Ask Jesus to show you more of His perspective.
Proverbs 20:27
The Lord’s lamp sheds light on a person’s life, searching the innermost parts.
YHWH looks at us in our depths, at who we really are, not merely what everybody else can see.
He looks at why we do what we do, not only at what we do.
Does this frighten you?
Or comfort you?
Luke 7:9
Jesus heard this and was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following Him, He said, “I tell you, I have not found so great a faith even in Israel!”
Twice in the gospel accounts it is recorded that Jesus was amazed, or marveled-here at this dude’s faith, and another time at Israel’s unbelief.
Belief.
Actual belief is the key.
Do you really believe all of this stuff?
If we believe it, we act on it as if it is true.