Some more proverbs....

Proverbs from the Bible....

He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.

Prov 13:3

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.

Prov 14:12

Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.

Prov 14:10

When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.

Prov 16:7

Even in laughter the heart may ache.

Prov 14:13

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

Prov 3:5

And this one came out of the mouth of one of my 3rd Graders... his alias shall be Insightful.

The heart is deceitful above all things... 

Jeremiah 17:9

Let me give you the background.  Forgive me if my thoughts are scattered.  

3rd Grade have been memorizing Galatians 6:7  "Do not be deceived, God cannot be mocked.  A man reaps what he sows." We discussed how our actions have consequences, either good or bad, depending on what we sow into our lives. We talked about the importance of our choices and decisions. We reflected on the choices the Israelites made and their repetitive cycle of sin. God continued to be gracious to the Israelites; no matter how many times they strayed from him, His heart was always for them to return to Him.  He provided numerous Judges to lead them.

After Samuel served as their judge the Israelites wanted a king; God gave the Israelites what they desired even though it was not what He wanted for them (scary thought!  God will give us what we desire even if it is not part of His perfect plan for us). Ultimately, God wanted to be the Israelites leader; to be their King.  

Some things never change; mankind still wants to be the leader of his own life.  It's no different in 3rd Grade where one of my students said "since some leaders cannot be trusted, we should be the leader of our lives; we should decide what's right or wrong for ourselves." Then Insightful said, "God is the only one who can perfectly lead us; the Bible says that even our own hearts can deceive us."

It caused me to reflect on the times where my heart has deceived me... and the importance of keeping close to God's Word.  His Word needs to be a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path. He alone can be trusted to guide me; not my heart.