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Summer is coming to an end. The kids are headed back to school, vacations are a fading memory, and it's time to get back to the daily grind. But as we return to our routines, we’re not the same people we were a few months ago. We’ve been spending our summer soaking up wisdom from King Solomon in the book of Proverbs, and that changes things.

We now see the world with a little more clarity. We understand the allure of temptation, the deceptive comfort of laziness, and, most importantly, we know our God a little better.

This past Sunday, we wrapped up our series with Proverbs 10, a chapter that kicks off a new section of the book. While the first nine chapters taught us how to read the rest of Proverbs, chapter 10 and beyond give us the nitty-gritty, one-liner wisdom for everyday life. These are the practical truths we can carry with us: how to raise our children, manage our money, love our spouse, and work our jobs.

But here’s the most important part: This isn't a rulebook for earning God's love.

The Pharisees in Jesus's time saw these words as tasks to check off, believing that if they were "good enough," God would accept them. That's a trap. We can't be good enough on our own. We can’t earn salvation or God's grace. Our relationship with God isn't based on our performance; it's based on the finished work of Jesus on the cross.

As Romans 8:1 says, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

We read Proverbs not as people trying to become God's children, but as people who already are his children. We read it as a loving Father's instructions on how to live well—how to live a life that is full and honors Him. This is what theologians call sanctification: the lifelong process of being conformed to the image of Christ.

Proverbs 10 reveals three areas where Jesus wants to produce wisdom in our lives.

1. Wisdom for Your Work and Finances

We often think of laziness as sitting on the couch eating bonbons and binge-watching Netflix. But Solomon's definition is much broader. Laziness is inaction. It's failing to finish a job. It's letting distractions pull you away from what's important. It’s the son who "sleeps during harvest" instead of gathering the crops.

Proverbs 10:4 says, "Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring riches."

God promises to take care of us, not because we’ve earned it, but because He loves us. He won't let the righteous go hungry (v. 3). Our job is to be diligent and faithful with the work He's given us, trusting that He will provide, perhaps not in the way we expect, but always in a way that is good for us.

2. Wisdom for Your Mouth

In a world of hot takes and endless opinions, it’s easy to get caught up in talking. But a wise person knows when to be quiet. Proverbs 10:8 says, "A wise heart accepts commands, but foolish lips will be destroyed."

The fool refuses to listen, always convinced they know best. But you can't learn if you're the only one talking. As Proverbs 13:3 warns, "The one who guards his mouth protects his life; the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin."

The more we talk, the more likely we are to say something foolish or hurtful. Jesus wants to produce wisdom in our mouths, so that our words are a fountain of life, not a source of destruction.

3. Wisdom for Your Relationships

How we treat others is a direct reflection of our heart. Do you love your neighbor or do you make fun of them? Can you keep a secret? Or do you get that burning feeling in your chest, convinced you just have to tell "one person," who you know won't tell anyone else (until they do)?

Proverbs 10 reminds us that a wise person guards their words, especially in relationships. The one who spreads slander is a fool (v. 18). Jesus wants to produce wisdom in our relationships so that we can be people who build others up, honor our parents, and love our spouses well.

This is what it means to be sanctified. It’s not just one area of your life; it’s all of them. It's becoming more like Jesus in how you work, how you speak, and how you love.

So, here’s a challenge for you: Since today is August 10th (or whatever date it is), why not read Proverbs 10 today? Then, for the rest of the month, read one chapter of Proverbs each day, letting the date guide you.

Let's finish this summer strong, soaking up God’s wisdom and allowing it to transform every area of our lives.