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  • Truth That Guards the Heart

    Truth That Guards the Heart

    A Reflection on Proverbs 23

    Proverbs 23 focuses on desire, discipline, and direction of the heart. This chapter reveals that truth is not only about what we believe, but about what we crave, pursue, and allow to shape us. Truth here is protective…it guards the heart from deception that feels good in the moment but leads to loss.

    Truth trains desire.

    Truth Discerns Appearances

    Proverbs 23 warns against being impressed by wealth, status, or generosity that is not sincere. Truth looks past what is offered and examines motive. Not everything that appears good is meant for us.

    Truth sees beyond the surface.

    Truth Governs Appetite and Self-Control

    This chapter repeatedly warns about excess—whether food, drink, or pleasure. Truth recognizes that unchecked appetite clouds judgment and slowly enslaves the heart.

    Truth protects freedom by practicing restraint.

    Truth Values Instruction and Discipline

    “Apply your heart to instruction…” (Proverbs 23:12)

    Truth welcomes discipline because it shapes life. Correction is not rejection…it is direction. Truth understands that growth requires guidance.

    Truth Guards the Heart’s Direction

    “Above all, keep your heart…” (idea echoed strongly throughout the chapter)

    Proverbs 23 emphasizes that what captures the heart ultimately directs the life. Truth does not allow envy, comparison, or craving to take root.

    Truth trains the heart to desire what leads to life.

    Truth Brings Hope for the Future

    “There is surely a future hope for you…” (Proverbs 23:18)

    Truth reminds us that obedience is not wasted. Discipline and restraint lead somewhere good. Truth sustains hope beyond the moment.

    Living This Truth

    Proverbs 23 reminds us that truth must be:

    • Applied to desire
    • Practiced through self-control
    • Guarded in the heart
    • Trusted for future hope

    Truth does not deny joy…it protects it.

    Truth to Carry Forward

    Truth trains desire so the heart is guarded and the future is secure.

  • Truth That Withstands Examination

    Truth That Withstands Examination

    A Reflection on Proverbs 20

    This chapter shows how truth expresses itself through self-control, integrity, diligence, and a willingness to live honestly before God’s searching light. Truth stands when examined.

    Truth Governs Self-Control

    “Wine is a mocker…” (Proverbs 20:1)

    Truth refuses to be ruled by anything that clouds judgment. Wisdom guards clarity and self-mastery.

    Truth Chooses Restraint Over Conflict

    Honor is found in stepping away from arguments. Truth does not prove itself through dominance or reaction, but through restraint and peace.

    Truth Values Diligence

    Proverbs 20 connects effort with outcome. Neglect produces lack; truth acknowledges responsibility without excuse.

    Truth Looks Beneath the Surface

    The heart’s motives are deep waters. Truth seeks understanding rather than settling for appearances. Wisdom draws out what is hidden.

    Truth Walks in Integrity

    “The righteous walk in integrity…” (Proverbs 20:7)

    Truth leaves a legacy. Integrity blesses not only the present life, but those who follow.

    Truth Rejects Double Standards

    God detests dishonest measures. Truth is consistent, fair, and accurate—whether observed or unseen.

    Truth Submits to God’s Examination

    “The spirit of a person is the lamp of the LORD…” (Proverbs 20:27)

    Truth lives openly before God, allowing Him to search the heart and direct the path.

    Living This Truth

    Proverbs 20 reminds us that truth must be:

    – Governed by self-control

    – Lived with integrity

    – Practiced diligently

    – Examined honestly

    Truth does not fear the light…it stands in it.

    Truth to Carry Forward

    Truth that withstands examination produces a life of integrity.

  • The Fed Changed Rates – So Why Didn’t Mortgage Rates Drop?

    The Fed Changed Rates – So Why Didn’t Mortgage Rates Drop?

    If you’ve seen headlines about the Federal Reserve changing interest rates, you’re not alone in wondering:

    “Does this mean mortgage rates are going down?”

    The short answer: not necessarily.
    The longer (and more helpful) answer is below.

    What Rate Did the Fed Actually Change?

    When the Federal Reserve “changes rates,” they are adjusting the Federal Funds Rate. This is the overnight interest rate that banks charge each other for short-term lending.

    👉 This rate does NOT directly control mortgage rates.

    It mainly affects:

    • Credit cards
    • Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs)
    • Auto loans
    • Short-term business lending

    So while it’s an important economic tool, it’s only one piece of a much bigger puzzle.

    What Actually Determines Mortgage Rates?

    Mortgage rates are primarily driven by the bond market, especially the 10-year Treasury and mortgage-backed securities (MBS).

    Mortgage rates react to:

    • Inflation expectations
    • Jobs and wage reports
    • Consumer confidence
    • Global economic events
    • Investor demand for bonds

    In other words, mortgage rates are forward-looking, while the Fed is often reacting to data that already happened.

    Why Mortgage Rates Sometimes Rise When the Fed Cuts

    This is the part that surprises people.

    If the Fed cuts rates but signals concerns about inflation, economic instability, or future risk, investors may:

    • Sell bonds
    • Demand higher returns
    • Push mortgage rates up, not down

    Markets move on expectations, not headlines.

    Why the Media Headlines Can Be Misleading

    Headlines often simplify things to grab attention:

    “Fed Cuts Rates — Borrowing Gets Cheaper!”

    That might be true for some loans, but mortgage rates don’t follow the Fed step-for-step.

    Sometimes mortgage rates:

    • Drop before a Fed announcement
    • Stay flat after a change
    • Move in the opposite direction entirely

    That’s why waiting for the “next Fed move” can cost buyers and refinancers real money.

    The Smarter Question to Ask

    Instead of asking:
    “What did the Fed do?”

    A better question is:
    “What is the bond market doing right now?”

    And even better:
    “Does this rate make sense for my personal situation?”

    Bottom Line

    • The Fed does not set mortgage rates
    • Mortgage rates are driven by the bond market and investor expectations
    • Headlines can be misleading
    • Timing the market is risky
    • Strategy matters more than predictions

    If you’re thinking about buying, refinancing, or just want clarity in a noisy market, a conversation beats speculation every time.