Proverbs for Writers

by Henry McLaughlin @RiverBendSagas

Here are some proverbs I believe apply to all of us, but especially those of us who are pursuing the dream of being writers.

Proverbs 3:12 (NLT) For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.

We are writing for the Lord in response to the call he has placed on us. Some of us do it enthusiastically. Some of us not so much. Perhaps we’ve become discouraged by the struggles of getting published. 

Remember, the Lord loves us and he delights in us when we do our best to answer his call. And he corrects us. Maybe we’re trying to write devotionals or inspirational books when he wants us to write fiction. He has a plan to use our fiction to inspire and guide our readers into closer relationships with him. 

Maybe we believe we can’t write fiction. Then we trust in his correction and his guidance. He won’t call us to do something without equipping us to do it. It might be hard. You can almost count on it being hard. But he is doing it for our good and to build his kingdom. As Paul wrote, we are all part of the body of Christ and we each have our unique place. If we step out of that place, he will correct us because he loves us and he delights in us. After all, each of us is his favorite child. Proverbs 12:1 (NLT)

To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction.

It’s rare for the Bible to use the word “stupid.” Some translations use the word “foolish.” Is there really that much of a difference? 

Hebrews 12:11 (NLT) tells us, “No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.” Receiving and implementing discipline is hard. Often times, we have to give up behaviors and attitudes that are very dear to us. But they aren’t working. At least in our writing. So we need to learn new disciplines to become the writers God has called us to be. 

I’ll leave you with these final thoughts in the form of proverbs:

• He who learns the craft through correction and discipline shall produce stories worth reading.

• A writer seeks counsel (discipline and correction) and feedback, for in these are strength and wisdom.

• A writer who walks in humility is wise and will grow in skill, in talent, and in ministry.

Be blessed as you continue your writing adventures in God.

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Proverbs for Writers - encouragement from Henry McLaughlin, @RiverBendSagas on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Henry’s debut novel, Journey to Riverbend, won the 2009 Operation First Novel contest.

Henry edits novels, leads critique groups, and teaches at conferences and workshops. He enjoys mentoring and coaching individual writers. 

Connect with Henry on his blog, Twitter and Facebook.