Proverbs

Proverbs 14: The LORD gives refuge and life

Begin in prayer

Before we trust the way that seems right to us, let us ask the LORD to examine our steps. Pray that our family will find refuge in fearing Him.

“‘You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people; but you shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am Yahweh.

Leviticus 19:18

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word. Show us the danger of trusting our own judgment. Teach us to fear You and see the sure refuge found in Jesus. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

A wise woman builds her house, while a foolish one tears it down. Many appearances mislead, because laughter can hide sorrow and a way that seems right can end in death. Wisdom considers the path, refuses rash anger and deals truthfully with others. “In the fear of Yahweh is a secure fortress,” and the fear of the LORD is “a fountain of life.” Kindness to the needy honors their Maker, while oppression insults Him and sin disgraces a nation.

As you read Proverbs 14, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

The LORD gives refuge and life to those who fear Him.

Verse 12 warns that a way can seem right to a man and still end in death. The simple believe everything, but the prudent consider where their steps lead (verse 15). Verse 9 says, “Fools mock at making atonement for sins,” so they treat their guilt as a small thing. Against that false confidence stands verse 26, “In the fear of Yahweh is a secure fortress.” The person who fears the LORD stops trusting his own opinion and takes shelter in God. That fear is “a fountain of life,” turning people from the snares of death (verse 27). It also changes how the poor are treated, because verse 31 says oppression shows contempt for their Maker.

How does Proverbs 14 show us that the LORD gives refuge and life to those who fear Him?

Our judgment needs the LORD’s wisdom.

A simple person believes everything, while the prudent considers his ways. A quick temper exposes folly before the facts have been weighed. What feels right must still be tested by the path’s end.

Fearing the LORD brings refuge and mercy.

The LORD gives a secure fortress to those who fear Him. The same chapter calls oppression contempt for the poor person’s Maker. Seeking refuge in God belongs with honoring Him through kindness to those in need.

Memorise

The fear of Yahweh is a fountain of life, turning people from the snares of death.

Proverbs 14:27

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, what path seems right to me that I need Jesus to change?

“There is a way which seems right to a man.” Its end can still be death. Our own approval cannot rescue us from the guilt that God sees.

The Lord Jesus walked the righteous path and gave His life for His people. On the cross He endured judgment for their sin. He rose in triumph, and the rescue He completed cannot be undone. Everything needed for a guilty person’s forgiveness rests in Him.

Turn from your sin and put your trust in Jesus. Find refuge in His mercy instead of your own good opinion of yourself. Forgiveness awaits all who repent and believe. The living Savior leads His people out of the paths that end in death.

Parent's note

Tell your children that feeling sure about a choice does not make it right before God. Please do not presume a child is saved through life in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God for the refuge and life found in fearing Him. Bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.

Romans 12:2

LORD, thank You for the refuge Your wisdom gives. Please show us where our judgment has become proud and careless. Bring us to trust Jesus and turn from our sin. Make us patient in anger, truthful in speech and kind to people who are in need. Amen.