Jonathan Sweat

Tag: Proverbs

  • Choosing the Voice of Truth

    Choosing the Voice of Truth

    A Reflection on Proverbs 9

    Proverbs 9 brings the opening section of Proverbs to a clear conclusion. After warnings, instruction, and invitation, this chapter presents a choice. Two voices call out. Two paths are offered. Truth makes it clear that wisdom is not accidental…it is chosen.

    Truth always invites a decision.

    Truth Prepares and Invites

    Proverbs 9 opens with wisdom building a house and preparing a feast. Truth is intentional and generous. It invites people toward understanding, nourishment, and life—not manipulation or haste.

    Truth does not pressure. It prepares and invites.

    Truth Requires Humility

    Correction reveals the heart. The wise welcome instruction because they value truth more than pride. Stragglers resist truth because exposure threatens ego. Truth is received only by the humble.

    Truth Begins With Fear (Respect)

    “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom…” (Proverbs 9:10)

    Truth starts with reverence. Without the fear of the Lord, truth becomes opinion. Reverence anchors wisdom in something greater than self.

    Truth Carries Personal Responsibility

    Proverbs 9 reminds us that no one can choose wisdom on our behalf. If we embrace truth, we benefit. If we reject it, we bear the cost. Truth cannot be outsourced.

    Another Voice Calls Out

    Deception also calls out…but her invitation is empty and destructive. Deception imitates truth’s language while hiding its outcome. Not every invitation leads to life. Truth reveals where each path ends.

    Living This Truth

    Proverbs 9 reminds us that truth:

    – Invites intentionally

    – Requires humility

    = Begins with reverence

    = Demands a decision

    Truth always leads to life, but only when it is chosen.

    Truth to Carry Forward

    Truth invites life, wisdom is choosing which voice to follow.

  • Truth is Calling

    Truth is Calling

    A Reflection on Proverbs 8

    After chapters warning about deception and temptation, Proverbs 8 shifts a bit. Truth is no longer whispering…it is calling out loudly and publicly. Wisdom is personified and speaks with clarity, authority, and invitation. This chapter seems to read almost like an autobiography of wisdom and truth. Truth does not hide. It calls.

    Truth Speaks Openly

    Proverbs 8 begins with wisdom crying out in the streets and public places. Unlike deception, which works quietly and privately, truth invites examination. It is accessible, visible, and unafraid of scrutiny. Truth is not difficult to find… but, it is often ignored.

    Truth is Available to Those Willing to Listen

    Truth calls to everyone, not just the experienced or educated. God does not reserve truth for a select few. What separates the wise from the foolish is not access, but attention. Listening is the doorway to wisdom.

    Truth is Not Difficult to Understand

    Truth speaks what is right, just, and straightforward. It does not require manipulation or distortion. What must be twisted to be accepted is not truth. Truth brings clarity, not confusion.

    Truth is Worth More Than Money

    Proverbs 8 places truth above riches, power, and success. What we value most reveals what we trust most. Truth offers something money cannot…life, stability, and peace.

    Truth Confronts Pride and Evil

    Truth does not coexist with arrogance or deceit. It humbles the heart and exposes what God opposes. Pride resists truth; humility welcomes it.

    Truth Was Present In the Beginning

    Wisdom speaks of being present at creation, revealing that truth is not arbitrary. It is built into the fabric of reality. To live against truth is to live against how the world was designed.

    Truth Always Leads to Life

    Proverbs 8 ends with a clear promise: those who listen to truth find life and favor. Rejecting truth brings harm, not because God withholds blessing, but because truth is the source of life itself.

    Living Truth

    Proverbs 8 reminds us that truth:

    – Calls openly

    -Is accessible to all

    – Speaks clearly

    – Is more valuable than wealth

    – Leads to life

    Truth is calling. The question is whether we are listening.

    Truth to Carry Forward

    Truth calls openly. Are we listening?

  • Truth in the Details

    Truth in the Details

    A Reflection on Proverbs 6

    Proverbs 6 shows that truth is not only tested in moments of temptation, but in the everyday details of life. This chapter reveals how ignoring truth often looks ordinary – careless words, procrastination, laziness, or unchecked pride. Truth shapes how we live when no crisis is present.

    Truth Requires Responsibility

    Proverbs 6 begins with a warning about careless commitments. Truth takes words seriously. It values discernment before agreement and humility enough to correct mistakes quickly. Truth does not delay repentance or responsibility.

    Truth Values Diligence

    Using the ant as an example, Proverbs 6 exposes the danger of neglect. Laziness is not harmless…it produces loss over time. Truth honors discipline and steady effort, knowing that small choices shape future results.

    Truth Exposes the Heart

    The chapter describes deceitful speech and divisive behavior as signs of inner corruption. Truth does not focus only on actions; it confronts the heart that produces them. What is hidden internally will eventually surface externally.

    Truth Must be Remembered and Stored

    Truth is described as a guide, a guard, and a light. When wisdom is internalized, it protects in moments of decision and temptation. Truth remembered becomes wisdom lived.

    Truth Confronts Pride and Dishonesty

    Proverbs 6 lists attitudes God opposes – pride, lying, injustice, and division. Truth humbles the heart and aligns it with what God loves. Truth does not excuse what God resists.

    Living This Truth

    Proverbs 6 reminds us that truth must be:

    – Taken seriously

    – Practiced daily

    – Stored internally

    – Lived humbly

    Truth protects life not only from dramatic failure, but from quiet destruction.

    Truth to Carry Forward

    Truth lived daily protects life from quiet destruction.

  • Truth That Protects the Heart

    Truth That Protects the Heart

    A Reflection on Proverbs 5

    Proverbs 5 reveals that moral decay is not merely a behavior issue…it is a truth issue. This chapter shows how truth protects the heart by exposing deception, establishing boundaries, and aligning desire with God’s design. Truth is not restrictive. It is protective.

    Truth Must Be Heard Early

    “Pay attention to my wisdom…” (Proverbs 5:1)

    Truth must be received before temptation appears. Wisdom prepares the heart and mind in advance, because desire rarely waits for reflection. A life grounded in truth is not reactive…it is formed ahead of time.

    Truth Exposes Deception

    Sin often appears harmless, but truth reveals where the path actually leads. Proverbs 5 pulls back the illusion and shows the cost hidden beneath desire. Truth tells the whole story, not just the beginning.

    Truth Creates Boundaries Against Temptation

    “Keep your way far from her…” (Proverbs 5:8)

    Truth does not negotiate with temptation. It creates distance. Boundaries are not signs of weakness; they are evidence of wisdom that values what is at stake. This may be the most convicting part of this chapter…recognizing the acceptance of what we allow to creep into our minds through entertainment, social media, and online.

    Truth Guards Honor and Future

    Proverbs 5 warns that unchecked desire costs far more than a moment…it costs peace, reputation, and years of life. Truth keeps long-term consequences in view when short-term desire feels urgent.

    Truth Affirms God’s Design

    Rather than rejecting desire, truth redirects it. Proverbs 5 affirms that God’s design for love and faithfulness is good, satisfying, and life-giving when honored.

    Truth is not anti-pleasure, it is anti-deception

    Living This Truth

    Truth must be:

    – Heard before temptation

    – Trusted over desire

    – Guarded through boundaries

    – Lived with integrity

    Truth embraced early protects the heart and preserves what matters most.

    Truth embraced early protects life, love, and legacy.

  • Guarding the Path of Truth

    Guarding the Path of Truth

    A Reflection on Proverbs 4

    Proverbs 4 presents truth as something that must be valued, guarded, and walked out intentionally. This chapter makes it clear that truth is not passive. If it is not protected, it will be replaced. If it is not practiced, it will be lost. Truth shapes the direction of a life.

    Truth is Received and Passed On

    Proverbs 4 begins with a call to listen. Truth is something learned, received, and held onto. It is not self-created, and it does not improve with neglect. Truth has a legacy. It is meant to be preserved and passed on because it leads to life.

    Truth Must Be Valued Above All Else

    Wisdom is presented as the highest pursuit. Truth requires priority. If it is not valued above comfort, success, or approval, it will eventually be exchanged for something easier.

    Truth is not one value among many…it is the foundation that gives meaning to everything else.

    Truth Directs the Path

    Proverbs 4 repeatedly returns to the image of a path. Truth does not merely inform; it directs. Holding tightly to truth produces stability, clarity, and forward movement. Letting go of truth leads to stumbling and confusion. Truth shows us not just what to avoid, but where to walk.

    Truth Reveals Light and Darkness

    The chapter draws a sharp contrast between light and darkness. Truth aligns with light…it brings clarity and understanding. The absence of truth leads to confusion, blindness, and misdirection.

    There is no neutral path. Every step is shaped by either light or darkness.

    Truth Must Be Guarded in the Heart

    “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” (Proverbs 4:23)

    Truth shapes life from the inside out. What fills the heart directs words, choices, and steps. Guarding truth internally is essential, because life follows what the heart holds.

    Truth is Lived Daily

    Proverbs 4 ends with practical instruction on speech, focus, and steps. Truth is not abstract. It governs what we say, what we look at, and how we walk. Truth becomes real when it shapes everyday decisions.

    Living This Truth

    Truth must be:

    – Valued intentionally

    – Guarded internally

    – Practiced daily

    When truth is protected and lived, it becomes the path that leads to life.

  • Daily Walking in Truth

    Daily Walking in Truth

    A Reflection of Proverbs 3

    As a Christian, it is wrong for me to believe there is “my truth” and/or “your truth.” There are not 50 shades of gray to truth. Truth is black and white. There is just simply truth. How do we know what truth is? It can only come from the One who authored life. Therefore, to know real truth, we must be aligned with His Word.

    Spiritual Amnesia

    Right out of the gate, verse 1 hits me as the #1 issue we have when we begin to stray from what is true.“My son, don’t forget my teaching, keep my commands in your heart; for they will add to you many days, years of life and peace.”
    ‭‭(Pro)‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭CJB‬‬
    https://bible.com/bible/1275/pro.3.1-2.CJB

    When we stray from God…when we stray from communicating with God in prayer…when we stray from studying and understanding Scripture, we drift. We forget. Often times we replace these items with going to church. This can be problematic if the church or the pastor is not aligned with truth. Scripture clearly teaches there are wolves dressed in sheep’s clothing. Our world has forgotten real truth. It doesn’t take long to drift far away from God if we don’t have a daily practice of going to Him directly. I can’t simply point my finger at others I see who call themselves Christians, yet have bent the truth to match “their truth;” I must examine my own heart and behavior.

    Bound Up in Truth

    “Do not let grace and truth leave you — bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.” (Pro)‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬ ‭CJB‬‬
    https://bible.com/bible/1275/pro.3.3.CJB

    Truth is meant to shape both character and conduct. When truth lives in the heart, it naturally becomes visible in how we live and how we are trusted. It is easy to miss this. It is easy to believe or say to someone “I am an honest person and would never lie.” The problem isn’t necessarily telling a lie, the root problem is living a lie. That is what Satan wants for us.

    I am Not Reliable

    “Trust in Adonai with all your heart; do not rely on your own understanding.” (Pro)‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬ ‭CJB‬‬
    https://bible.com/bible/1275/pro.3.5.CJB

    “Don’t be conceited about your own wisdom; but fear Adonai, and turn from evil.”
    ‭‭(Pro)‬ ‭3‬:‭7‬ ‭CJB‬‬
    https://bible.com/bible/1275/pro.3.7.CJB

    All truth starts and ends with Adonai! We are told to not rely on our own understanding…to not be conceited with our own wisdom. This is the definition of “my truth.” “My truth” will settle around my desires and my place of comfort; which is often far from the truth of Scripture. There could be times His way doesn’t match my desires…so, trust Him anyways. A quick reminder to myself – He is the author of life. I am a byproduct. I should probably listen to the Creator and trust He knows better than me.

    Sleep Peacefully

    “My son, don’t let these slip from your sight; preserve common sense and discretion; they will be life for your being and grace for your neck. Then you will walk your way securely, without hurting your foot. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.”
    ‭‭(Pro)‬ ‭3‬:‭21‬-‭24‬ ‭CJB‬‬
    https://bible.com/bible/1275/pro.3.21-24.CJB

    Walking in truth brings life…brings safety…brings peace…which all bring sweet sleep. It is hard to experience sweet sleep when living in chaos, stressed, anxious, or knowing you are living a lie.

    Living This Truth

    Lessons from Proverbs 3

    • Stay in communication with God DAILY & OFTEN.
    • Let Scripture take up roots in my heart and mind.
    • Trust His Truth & Way is better than anything I could come up with.
    • Live humbly to His truth and bury mine.
  • The Path of Truth

    The Path of Truth

    A Reflection on Proverbs 2

    Proverbs 2 presents truth not as an idea to admire, but as a path to walk. Truth is something pursued, received, and lived. It shapes my heart, guards my life, and determines the direction I should go.

    Truth Must Be Desired

    “My son, if you receive my words and treasure my commands within you…” (Proverbs 2:1)

    God doesn’t force us to search for or accept truth. He gives us a free will. Only with a free will can we truly show our love for Him. Scripture connects wisdom with desire, effort, and intentional pursuit. Truth is not found accidentally; it is sought deliberately.

    Truth Begins With Reverence

    “Then you will understand the fear of the LORD…” (Proverbs 2:5)

    The fear of the Lord places God as the final authority. Without reverence, truth becomes information instead of transformation. Truth cannot shape a heart that insists on remaining in control.

    Truth Comes From God

    “For the LORD gives wisdom…” (Proverbs 2:6)

    Truth is revealed, not invented. Proverbs rejects the idea that truth originates within us. Wisdom flows from God, carrying clarity and authority.

    Truth Protects the Life

    “He stores up sound wisdom for the upright…” (Proverbs 2:7)

    Truth is not only enlightening, it is protective. It guards our decisions and paths, not by removing hardship, but by preventing spiritual and moral ruin.

    Truth Must Enter the Heart

    “For wisdom will enter your heart…” (Proverbs 2:10)

    Truth transforms when it moves beyond the mind into the heart. When truth is internalized, obedience becomes something we desire, not merely something we endure.

    Truth Leads to Life

    “For the upright will live in the land…” (Proverbs 2:21)

    Truth produces stability and endurance. Those who walk in truth remain rooted, while those who reject it separate themselves from the source of life.

    Truth pursued humbly becomes wisdom that guards faithfully.

    Truth pursued humbly becomes a guardrail for life.

  • Truth That Leads to Life

    Truth That Leads to Life

    A Reflection on Proverbs 1:32–33

    “For the aimless wandering of the thoughtless will kill them, and the smug overconfidence of fools will destroy them; but those who pay attention to me will live securely, untroubled by fear of misfortune.”Proverbs 1:32–33 (CJB)

    A Sobering Contrast

    This passage from Proverbs presents a sharp and sobering contrast – two ways of living, two outcomes. On one side is aimless wandering and smug overconfidence. On the other is a life marked by attention and listening to God. Scripture doesn’t soften the reality here. It tells us plainly that certain ways of thinking and living carry destruction within them. Not because God is harsh, but because truth ignored always produces consequences.

    The Danger of Inattention

    What stands out is that the warning isn’t aimed only at the openly rebellious. It’s directed at the thoughtless and the overconfident. Aimless wandering speaks to a life without intentional submission to God’s wisdom. Smug overconfidence reveals a heart that believes it already knows enough and no longer needs correction. This is a subtle danger. You don’t have to reject God outright to drift away from truth, you simply have to stop paying attention.

    God’s Invitation to Security

    Then comes the promise:

    “But those who pay attention to me will live securely, untroubled by fear of misfortune.”

    This is not a promise of a trouble-free life. Scripture never claims that obedience removes hardship…look at Job! Instead, it promises something deeper: freedom from fear’s control. Biblical security is not found in circumstances, success, or certainty. It is found in listening, humbleness, responsiveness, and trust. God is not silent. He is speaking. The question is whether we are attentive.

    What This Reveals About God

    This passage reveals a God who:

    – Warns because He loves

    – Invites rather than coerces

    – Defines life and security differently than the world does

    His warnings are not meant to shame, but to protect.

    Personal Reflection

    This verse invites honest self-examination:

    – Where am I drifting instead of choosing intentionally?

    – Where might I be confident in myself but inattentive to God?

    – What voices am I listening to more consistently than His?

    – Is there something God has already spoken that I’ve been postponing?

    A hard truth emerges here:

    I don’t have to be rebellious to be foolish, just inattentive.

    Living This Truth

    Paying attention to God is not passive. It requires:

    – Slowing down enough to hear conviction

    – Welcoming correction rather than defending comfort

    – Obeying even when it disrupts routine or preference

    – Measuring security by faithfulness, not outcomes

    Real wisdom shows up not in how much we know, but in how closely we listen.

  • Wisdom and Discipline: The Daily Advantage Most Sales Professionals Overlook

    Wisdom and Discipline: The Daily Advantage Most Sales Professionals Overlook

    “The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Isra’el, are for learning about wisdom and discipline; for understanding words expressing deep insight; for gaining an intelligently disciplined life, doing what is right, just and fair…”
    — Proverbs 1:1–3

    Who doesn’t desire wisdom and discipline?

    Even those who openly admit they lack both would say they wish they had more. Wisdom helps us choose the right direction. Discipline helps us stay on that path when motivation fades.

    Interestingly, the entire book of Proverbs was written for this exact purpose – to guide us toward wisdom and disciplined living in our daily journey.

    And yet, many of us take Scripture for granted.

    Not because we don’t value it—but because:

    • We don’t read consistently
    • We read occasionally
    • We don’t enjoy reading
    • Or we’re always searching for the next book, podcast, or strategy that promises clarity in business, relationships, or faith

    What If You Could Learn Directly From the Wisest King in History?

    Here’s a thought worth sitting with:

    What if you could have a daily conversation with the wealthiest and wisest man who ever lived – and learn how he thought, decided, and lived with discipline?

    You can.

    That man is King Solomon, and his wisdom is recorded for us in the book of Proverbs.

    There are 31 chapters in Proverbs. One simple habit changes everything:

    👉 Read one chapter per day.
    👉 Start at the beginning of each month.
    👉 If the month has fewer than 31 days, double up at the end.

    That’s it.

    Why Solomon’s Wisdom Still Matters—Even in Business

    By modern estimates, King Solomon’s wealth would be staggering in today’s terms—often estimated between $2–3 trillion when accounting for gold, trade, and assets.

    To put that into perspective:

    • Today’s wealthiest individuals are valued in the hundreds of billions
    • Solomon’s resources would dwarf them several times over

    But Solomon’s greatest contribution wasn’t his wealth.

    It was his wisdom, discernment, and discipline—the very traits that:

    • Build sustainable businesses
    • Strengthen relationships
    • Improve decision-making under pressure
    • Prevent costly mistakes

    For loan officers and realtors, this matters deeply.

    Every day you:

    • Manage time
    • Navigate relationships
    • Make financial and ethical decisions
    • Respond to pressure, rejection, and opportunity

    Proverbs speaks directly into all of it.

    Discipline Is Rare – And That’s Why It’s Powerful

    Most sales professionals don’t fail because they lack opportunity.

    They fail because they lack:

    • Consistency
    • Patience
    • Self-control
    • Long-term thinking

    Proverbs trains your mind daily to think differently—to live with intentional discipline rather than emotional reaction.

    A few minutes each morning in Proverbs can:

    • Reframe how you approach your business
    • Sharpen how you lead conversations
    • Strengthen how you steward your time and influence

    Final Thought

    You don’t need another book promising a breakthrough.

    You need a daily habit that builds wisdom over time.

    Start with one chapter.
    Start tomorrow morning.
    And let discipline do what motivation never can.

    Ready to build discipline into your sales process—not just your faith life?
    👉 Schedule a coaching call with Compass Sales Coaching and start leading your business with clarity and consistency.

    Jonathan Sweat, Coach

    Compass Sales Coaching / 540-588-6104 / jsweat@compasssalescoaching.com