Here’s an example of one of those backward effect principles. If I lift myself up in pride thinking that’s how I’ll gain honor, the reverse happens. It’ll bring me down. And if I think of myself in a level-headed way I’ll gain honor.
“A man’s pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor.” Proverbs 29:23 NIV
It’s also level-headed thinking to realize God’s opinion of me is more important that man’s. I’ll be snared if I’m overly concerned about pleasing people. I’ll be kept in a safe place if I trust God.
“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” 29:25
by Kathy Sheldon Davis
kathysheldondavis.com 
Good words, Kathy! Here are my thoughts for the day:
Proverbs 29:20
“do you see a man who speaks in haste?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.”
How many times have I “stuck my foot in my mouth”? ‘spoken words without thinking, and then later (sometimes immediately) regretted them? And I certainly felt like a fool at those times! This verse says there is more hope for a fool than for the one who speaks in haste!
So much better to keep my mouth shut until I’ve thought through what I want to say.
God help me to be wise! Set a watch on my mouth so that when I do speak, it will be words that come from Your spirit – the spirit of love and grace.
by marie whittaker