Quiet time files - hodgepodge edition

Much of the last two weeks has been spent in the book of Proverbs, if you are following along on the reading plan. A sermon could be preached from almost any verse in the book; now that we're mostly done reading it, I'd like to share just a few favorites:

Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.
Prov 3:3-4 (ESV)

These two verses precede two that you may already know -

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Prov 3:5-6 (ESV)

Note that both sets of verses are if-then statements, a covenant relationship. God always fulfills His side of the bargain - would that we could do so for ours.

Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death.
Prov 10:2 (ESV)

That's a succinct way of remembering something Jesus said:

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matt 6:19-21 (ESV)

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.

Prov 12:1 (ESV)

Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.

Prov 14:34 (ESV)

The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.
Prov 16:1, 3, 9 (ESV)

These are just three of many admonitions to commit your ways to the Lord. True success only comes when you follow His plan rather than your own.

Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
Prov 19:20-21 (ESV)

These certainly provide enough to think on for now.