Proverbs 11 - Aggregarian Life

Life has many examples that give us opportunity to reflect on God's teaching. I was cleaning out my flower beds, trimming hedges, etc. in preparation for winter. Truth is, it was long overdue and I had put it off most of the summer. The weather has been so nice lately, I decided to get it done. As I was cleaning, I was reflecting on the how are lives need to be cleaned out every once in a while. We need our branches trimmed, our weeds pulled, our soil turned over so we can grow and prosper. Without this periodic purging we would become overgrown and gnarly. I think that many times in life I have allowed this to happen. A small weed springs up and instead of pulling it, it grows into a monster that dominates the bed and becomes extremely difficult to pull. We need to weed our garden daily and keep our branches trimmed in God's word in order to flourish. I am very thankful for the everyday lessons we can find in life

11:4 - Riches do not profit in the day of wrath.
When the Lord comes again, it will not matter what you have accumulated. Only a heart right with God will be saved from destruction. This is so contrary to worldly life where wealth can seem to insulate you from the problems of the world. You don't have to worry about rent, your next meal, the stock market, your house, etc. With wealth you can overcome these ups and downs and just throw money at the problem. It is easy to see why so many people worship wealth.

Wealth will not insure you against the wrath of God. We are all measured on a level playing field when the end times come. Your soul must be right with God. We will all be wealthy beyond measure and in a manner not understood by worldy standards

11:22 As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout, So is a lovely woman who lacks discretion
I could not resist this one. How true is this? Look at Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, Pamela Anderson, etc. There are numerous examples that would support this statement.

24 There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, But it leads to poverty. 25 The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself.
We are called to give generously, even when we feel like we don't have anything to give. I have seen this work in my own life. We need to give everything we have to God and He in turn will increase our time, talent, and treasure. It is a God factor. We cannot make sense of it but it works!