How to Do Proverbs

 1. First read the entire chapter of Proverbs pertaining to that day, i.e. chapter 1 on the 1st, chapter 2 on the 2nd, etc. This is to give you an overall feel for the chapter and serves the additional purpose of keeping you in the word daily.

2. Then you review the chapter and select a verse that you feel is speaking to you concerning where you find yourself in your life situation or your walk with God.
 
2a. For instance, if the Lord has been convicting you that you have been having a problem accepting correction from those in authority, and it is the 17th of the month; you might select Proverbs 17:10 “A rebuke impresses a man of discernment more than a hundred lashes a fool.”
 
2b. If you are dealing with a pride issue, and it is the 16th; you might choose Proverbs 16:5 “The Lord detests all the proud of heart, be sure of this, they will not go unpunished.”
 
3. Next you write an application about how the verse is speaking to you and what it means to your life today.
 
3a. For instance, if your Proverb is Proverbs 12:11, “He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment.” You could write an application about how you are dealing with your problem with daydreaming, your fight with laziness, or your lack of focus.
 
3b. If your Proverb is the familiar Proverbs 3:5&6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” Your application could be about your increasing trust in God, how you are acknowledging Him, or your failures in leaning on your own understanding.
 
An example of a completed Proverb would be Proverbs 24:26 “An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.” My application for this was: By speaking the truth, I am being honest with and doing the best for everyone around me. Those who hear it are not always pleased by the truth. Neither am I always overjoyed when someone points out one of my character flaws that I had thought oh so cleverly had hidden. As often as not, God chooses the person I least desire to hear the truth from. If I can humbly take the advice of God’s chosen mouthpieces, then I am displaying true growth. I chose this Proverb because I have always had an issue with honesty and the Good Lord and I are dealing with this. It is also true that in my case, words of wisdom often come from the least expected, or the least desired source.