Iron

Proverbs 27:17 says that iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. I feel encouraged and relieved that iron sharpens another piece of iron by two things: simply being iron and simply being close enough. We don’t have to know all the things to say, contain all the wisdom, or even have the answers… we

24:27

Prepare your work outside and make it ready for yourself in the field; afterwards, then, build your house. Also translated as: First plant your fields; then build your barn. Sounds intuitive but I think switching up the order of these two things can create some issues. Sometimes we build our house and then try to

23

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. I mean what an audacious move: in the confrontation of an enemy… not to pull out a sword, not to assemble the armies, not to barter with a stack of cash. Nope. The enemy assembled and ready for attack… and the Leader gives

21

For the king trusts in the Lord, and through the lovingkindness of the Most High he will not be shaken. I find it incredible and relieving to know that a king can be kept from being shaken through God’s lovingkindness. Not God’s power, strength, dominion, or even God-likeness. Nope. God’s lovingkindness, also translated as faithfulness

20

Some boast in chariots and some in horses, but we will boast in the name of the Lord, our God. Boast can also mean to praise, to trust, or are strong through. It sounds so clear and simple. Just trust God and it’ll all work out. Except for the fact that sometimes those who trust

19

That the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart would be pleasing to you, God. Proverbs communicates the significance of our words. That life and death are in the power of the tongue. That by the fruit of man’s mouth, he is satisfied and filled. Words matter – even the mutterings under

18

But the Lord was my stay. Stay: to stop from motion or falling; to prop; to fix firmly; to hold up; to support. To support from sinking; to sustain with strength; to satisfy in part for the time. The nautical definition might be my favorite: to tack, as a vessel, so that the other side

17

I will be satisfied with Your likeness when I awake. (17:15) Two important things here: We can actually be satisfied. Not just temporarily appeased or feeling good momentarily. But we can be fully satisfied without needing anything else. We can be satisfied with God alone. Not in addition to something or as long as something