The Power of Permission...

The 20 Proverbs of Permission… 

Proverbs 8:30-31- I was constantly at God’s side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence, rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind. 

•          -        You have permission to wake up and love each day, love God’s presence, and love the whole world delighting in humanity.

Proverbs 11:12-13- Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue. A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret. 

•          -        You have permission to know juicy details about something and to honorably keep them to yourself thank-you-very-much.

Proverbs 12:11- Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense. 

•          -        You have permission to exercise caution with virtual reality (social media) while fighting for the value of actual reality. Don’t cheat; create.

Proverbs 12:26- The honest heart chooses their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. 

•          -        You have permission to pick good friends that share your values without feeling pressure to befriend everyone equally.

Proverbs 14:4- Where there are no oxen, the stall is clean, but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests. 

•          -        You have permission to embrace that life can be messy and good at the same time.

Proverbs 14:12- There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. 

•          -        You have permission to not participate in what seems popular to everyone in the short term but is deadly in the long game.

Proverbs 15:30- Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. 

•          -        You have permission to let your eyes and mouth promote positive vibes and values.

Proverbs 17:24- Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out. 

•          -        You have permission to have a legitimate issue with someone and to make the decision to just drop it for the greater good. 

Proverbs 19:3- A person’s own folly leads to their ruin, yet their heart rages against the LORD. 

•          -        You have permission to stop being mad at God for the consequences of decisions you’ve made.

Proverbs 19:19- A hot-tempered person must pay the penalty; rescue them, and you will have to do it again.

•          -        You have permission to stop shielding the people you love from the penalties of bad behavior. Pain was created by God to protect us.

Proverbs 20:22- Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you. 

•          -        You have permission to forgive people, letting God execute justice and judgement for the things they did to hurt you.

Proverbs 22:24-25- Do not make friends with a toxic person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.

•          -        You have permission to walk away from relationships in your life that are toxic; do it for your own soul’s sake and don’t buy the ensuing guilt trip.

Proverbs 23:13- Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish them, they will not die.

•          -        You have permission to discipline your kids for things that other parents seem to let go; it won’t kill them.

Proverbs 24:11- Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. 

•          -        You have permission to fight for the hearts of people who are on a path that’s leading toward destruction. We need more “first responders”. 

Proverbs 24:16- Though the upright fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.

•          -        You have permission to fail in attemping a life of meaning so long as you decide that you will rise again and never give in or give up.

Proverbs 26:18-19- Like a maniac shooting flaming arrows of death is one who deceives their neighbor and says, “I was only joking!” 

•          -        You have permission to stop using sarcasm as a way to make a point or share your opinion. It’s maniacal communication.

Proverbs 27:6- Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. 

•          -        You have permission to speak the truth in love to your friends instead of avoiding the obvious. Flattery is cruel; confrontation is caring.

Proverbs 28:1- The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. 

•          -        You have permission to believe that boldness accompanies those who choose to do what’s right and that compromise breeds paranoia and insecurity. 

Proverbs 28:13- Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

•          -        You have permission to come out of hiding, confess your secret sins, and finally find mercy and freedom. Concealing kills; revealing restores.

Proverbs 31:30- Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. 

•          -        You have permission to stop believing that your body image is more important than the beauty of a heart in love with God.