Proverbs 11: 17, 20 & 25

I know these 3 verses don’t actually compliment each other, but they were such good nuggets of wisdom, I had to get us to write all 3.

Verse 17 is simple. Kindness will reward you. Cruelty will destroy you. The world needs kind people. Kindness is defined as “the state or quality of being kind.” I liked the 3rd definition of kindness, “indulegent, considerate, or helpful.” We don’t have to always approve of what someone else is doing, but we should ALWAYS show kindness. The Bible even says, sometimes we have entertained angels without realizing it. (Hebrews 13:1-2)

My NLT version of verse 20 says God delights in those with integrity. Integrity is what you do when no one else is watching. It's about being honest and knowing that even if a person can’t see what you are doing, God can. Doing the right thing can never be wrong.

Being generous to others helps both them & us. Normally, after being generous, we are blessed. I have a small group leader this summer named Mrs. Joy. Her name fits her! She was a care giver for her husband who suffered from dementia. Because of her experience, she created a non-profit based on Scripture that talks about refreshing by water. She pays for care givers to go to the beach or a lake for a weekend off. I just think that’s awesome!! God has blessed her life because she’s being generous & refreshing others.

Following God’s wise ways makes our lives & the lives of others better. Do you have any stories to tell about any of these things & what God as done for you?