‘Marriage is honourable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.’ Hebrews 13:4 (NKJV)

‘Marriage must be honored in every respect, with no cheating on the relationship, because God will judge the sexually immoral person and the person who commits adultery’. Hebrews 13:4 (CEB)

From God’s point of view marriage is honourable. In this modern day some people view marriage to be an institution that does not work and is much troubled. However, that is not true. Therefore all who go into marriage should be honoured and supported. Our scripture today clearly state that only people that are married to each other are allowed to have sex together – apparently this is not the view of many people. A single person engaging in sex before marriage commits the sin of fornication, and a married person having sex with another person apart from his or her spouse commits the sin of adultery – this is described as ‘bed being defiled’. God says He will judge such people! Even though this is not the view of many people, God has made this clear in His word. May God give us understanding.

I admonish you to also make this your position. Live by the principle that honours marriage relationships, encourage your friends to do the same and teach it to your children. I pray that your marriage relationship experience refreshing from God, in Jesus’ name. Have a glorious day. Amen.

‘For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool’s voice is known by multitude of words.’ Ecclesiastes 5:3

A fool’s voice is known by how much words come out of his mouth. A wise man does not just talk, but his wisdom is measured by his action. Do you have a dream for your life, your business, your home? Talking about it everywhere alone is not going to get anything done. Your corresponding action is what will make a dream come true. Let’s review the plans you have made in recent times; how much action have you taken to make those plans a reality? The amount of actions we see you take in the direction of the dream you have declared, reveals how much faith you have in your dreams. James 2:18 says: ‘…I will show you my faith by my works’.

On the other hand, while your action is needed to back up your words, Ecclesiastes 5:3 in the NLT presents an interesting thought; ‘Too much activity gives you restless dreams; too many words make you a fool’.  Jumping here and there, attempting to do too many things at the same time will lure you to pursue unfounded dream that will give you restless life, resulting in all kinds of stress. May God give you wisdom as you review your life today and give you grace to talk much less and move on to take the next level of calculated actions. May the Lord grant you rest round about, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

‘Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.’ Proverbs 17:28

Proverbs 10:19 KJV says: ‘In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin…’ the likelihood of errors and mistaken statements is very easy when you talk a lot. A person who is given to talking a lot is likened to one that is foolish. Whereas, a fool can be counted as wise if he has learnt to close his mouth and only talk when it is extremely essential. In saying this the opposite is also true. A person with knowledge that speaks without a pause will be counted as a fool. Which will you be? A talkative fool or a prudent wise man?

I believe Proverbs 17:28 is also talking about impressions. The way you carry yourself and contribute during discussions affects the impression you create about you. NLT says ‘even fools, with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent’. While I agree that God’s impression about us is the most important, but as long as we are in this earth suite, your composure and carriage also determines people’s impression of you and to a large extent determine which doors open for you, or are shot against you in the marketplace!

Today carefully take time to think before you speak; you will be counted wise. May God give you wisdom and understanding today in Jesus’ name. Amen.

‘A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.’ Proverbs 15:5

A person that despises his father’s instruction is a fool. I like the NLT version of today’s scripture; ‘Only a fool despises a parent’s discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise’. The word Prudent is used here as wise; and it describes someone who learns from the correction given by his or her father. In order to be counted as prudent and not foolish you need to heed your parents’ instructions. It is commonly agreed that discipline is not usually pleasant. Yet, someone who is constantly ignoring parental advice and rather speak ill about their parents is a fool. If you believe the words your parents speak are inconsequential, or that the advice they give is not worth listening to, particularly for those parents who you know loves God, you are tending towards foolishness.

One fact to acknowledge is that your parents have lived through the phase of life you are currently passing through, they know what you don’t know. Plus, for the believing parents, they have the benefit of a combination of natural wisdom due to age and experience, and Holy Spirit guidance. Revisit the biblical instruction you have been given by your parents! Take heed to them, and your path in life will surely be lit with divine insight. May God give you wisdom, and bless your day in Jesus’ name. Amen.

‘Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour’ Proverbs 14:9

In life we must relate with different people. People that make brazen sin look commonplace is not wise. The closer you move to such people the more you will imbibe such an attitudes. The person may not necessarily be a bad person however because they make a mock at sin they are foolish. Be careful around such people for the temptation will be to brush off sin yourself.

Proverbs 14:10 KJV says: ‘The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.’ You know what is in your heart, no one can misinterpret it for you. ‘Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour’ walking in righteousness brings favour. Decide today that you will walk in righteousness, and the lord will bless you in Jesus’ name. Amen.

‘He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.’ Proverbs 13:3

‘Be careful what you say and protect your life. A careless talker destroys himself.’ Proverbs 13:3 (GNT)

‘Careful words make for a careful life; careless talk may ruin everything.’ Proverbs 13:3 (MSG)

So, be careful of what you say, do not let your emotions run your mouth. Let your discretion and sound judgement prevail. It is really not compulsory that you say something during a conversation all the time; keep quiet if you are not sure your words will make a concrete and positive contribution. Some people have ended their life in troubles of all kinds through careless unsolicited talks. Remember this analogy, spoken words are like eggs dropped on the floor; once they have been dropped it is difficult to put back together. If the egg is dropped on the floor carelessly, it shatters and goes to waste. However, an egg carefully cracked for food is usually delicious. Your words are precious, treat them as such.

Proverbs 15:1 says: ‘a soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.’ If you are going to respond to confrontation, respond with softness, it takes a lot of effort to do, but it is worth it in order to find a peaceful solution. May God give you discretion, go in peace and return in rejoicing in Jesus’ name. Amen.

‘A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him.’ Proverbs 12:14

‘Your reward depends on what you say and what you do; you will get what you deserve.’

Proverbs 12:14 (GNT)

‘Well-spoken words bring satisfaction; well-done work has its own reward.’

Proverbs 12:14 (MSG)

In the way you receive reward for your labour, so shall you also receive reward for what you say. Every statement you make is a seed and the fruit shall be your reward. What will your reward be? Will the seed of the word from your mouth be a good well-spoken seed?

The words you speak into your personal life or the life of your children are seeds. They germinate to bring result that you and everyone will see in the nearest future. Speak life, and that is what will manifest in time; if you always speak the words of death, do not be surprised with the result that show up. Let the words on your lips be seasoned with grace such that they will edify the hearers.

As you go through today sow only good seeds from your mouth, and you will reap only good rewards, always. May God keep you, and may you return home rejoicing today in Jesus’ name. Amen.

In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.’ Proverbs 10:19

The more you talk the more likely you are to enter into errors or commit sin. Determine to refrain from talking too much. The Good News translation says ‘the more you talk, the more likely you are to sin. If you are wise, you will keep quiet.’

As you go through your day you will have cause to talk; something may aggravate you and you want to express your feelings. Be sure not to speak too much or speak in anger because in doing so you might end up in sin. Discipline yourself, make the effort to refrain from speaking too much.

The Message expresses the verse as ‘the more talk, the less truth; the wise measure their words.’ Think before you speak; be careful with what you say. If you do this you will find that you are reckoned to be wise among your contemporaries. Do not allow your emotions to affect how you speak. May God give you discretion today in Jesus’ name. Amen.

¹³ In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding. ¹⁴ Wise men lay-up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.

Proverbs 10:13-14

The American Standard Version says: ‘In the lips of him that hath discernment wisdom is found…’ We may wish to speak wisdom, but we will only find wisdom from discernment. The Good News translation of verse 14 says: ‘The wise get all the knowledge they can, but when fools speak, trouble is not far off.’ This verse gives the reason the wise is able to speak wisdom; they take time to get discernment or understanding by first laying up knowledge. In your field of endeavour, if you want your contributions to be weighty, take time to acquire and store up relevant knowledge. So that when you speak, leaders will not have a choice but to give you audience.

On the other hand, not only will your shallow uncoordinated words make you irrelevant in the scheme of things, it can even land you into undesired troubles. So, work hard on building up relevant knowledge, then you will develop discernment and in turn be able to speak with wisdom and as a subject matter expert. Amplified version of verse 14 says: ‘...wise men store up knowledge in mind and heart’. May you be filled with knowledge so that discernment may be available to you, and you will speak with wisdom, both in church and in the marketplace. God bless your day in Jesus’ name. Amen.

‘The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.’ Proverbs 10:11

‘The mouth of a good person is a deep, life-giving well, but the mouth of the wicked is a dark cave of abuse.’ Proverbs 10:11 (MSG)

Which of these categories do you fall into? Is your mouth like that of a righteous person or is your mouth like that of the wicked? ‘The mouth of a good person is a deep, life-giving well, but the mouth of the wicked is a dark cave of abuse.’ Does your words give life to those that hear them or does your mouth rain abuse? As you go through today, will the people you meet receive the blessings of peace, hope, and joy or will they be met by abuse?

Also, when you give remarks or comments about the performance of your colleagues or even those under your supervision at work, would they be encouraged to do better, or are they likely to be so discouraged that they give up trying? It is virtue to be able to make comments that will edify the weak, while you challenge them to improve. When you comment about your kids or spouse at home, would they be encouraged or otherwise? The bible says about Jesus ‘a bruised reed shall he not break’ (Matthew 12:20). May God make your mouth that of the righteous; may God bless and keep you as you face your day in Jesus’ name. Amen.