Archive for the ‘Proverbs--BibleTrekToday’ Category
Scripture reading for July 13th: Proverbs 30-31
The last two chapters of Proverbs are written by obscure authors. Agur was believed to be a wise teacher who lived in the kingdom of Massa under King Lemuel. (from notes in Life Application Study Bible) King Lemuel wrote down sayings from his wise mother and wrote Proverbs 31 while Agur wrote Proverbs 30. Agur taught wisdom in sayings about “two’s”, “three’s”, and “four’s”.
“Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise: Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer; coneys are creatures of little power, yet the make their home in the crags; locusts have no king, yet they advance together in ranks; a lizard can be caught with the hand, yet it is found in kings’ palaces.” (Proverbs 30:24-28)
Ants are found almost everywhere. They are extremely small and are never still. You can find them moving some heavy loads when it is hot in the summer. They are busy preparing for the cold winter season. This is a lesson to us to be working while there is time and opportunity. The time is coming when no man can work. It is well to have preparations made for those times.
Coney’s are probably a type of rock badger. They are not very big and could be vulnerable to predators. They are considered wise by the author because of where they chose to live and hide. They make their homes in the crags–cracks in the rocks where other animals or humans have a hard time reaching them. Wise men learn to live in the refuge of God their Rock who shelters them from predators and evil. If only we could learn from these small creatures!
The locusts are insects that appear to have no leader, yet they work together for protection and advancement. These insects can systematically devour every green plant as they move through the land. Man, however, acts unwisely by doing things alone and refuses to cooperate with others to move forward. Even those who claim God as their King often refuse to be in the ranks of His army!
Lizards are fearless and go where they please without respect of persons. They are resourceful and can squeeze into tight places. They can be caught by men but do not fear them. Can you learn from the small and wise?
Scripture reading for July 12th: Proverbs 25-29
Solomon’s instructions to his sons included warnings about sexual temptation, alcohol addiction, and lots of sayings about laziness. God’s people are to be workers, using their talents and abilities diligently. When Jesus Christ picked his twelve disciples, they were all working a jobs and busy. Jesus, Himself, was always about His Father’s work and used time wisely for productive purposes.
“The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets!” As a door turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turns on his bed. The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.” (Proverbs 26:13-15)
A sluggard is a lazy person who is always making excuses. Some excuses may make sense, but many are irrational justifications for not doing anything productive. The sluggard in Solomon’s example is worried about a fierce lion that could possibly attack him. He uses this as an excuse to stay in bed. Sleep is a way to pass time without having to face life and use talents and abilities. Solomon pictures this sluggard as one who grabs food out of a dish, but then is too lazy to eat it for nourishment. All he does is take up space and waste resources that could help another be a blessing. The sluggard is also wise in his own eyes, making correction of his ways impossible. (Proverbs 26:16) The sluggard goes hungry and his family suffers, too.
On the other hand, the wise person keeps close watch over their herds and flocks. They diligently care for them by harvesting hay to feed them and shearing their sheep for wool. The wool provides clothing for the family and God replenishes the hay and the wool. The flocks can be sold for money to buy land and your flocks and family will have plenty of food. (Pr0verbs 26:23-27) God works with those who will themselves work. He blesses their efforts and multiplies seed sown and efforts invested in honest labor.
Many in our land have become passive and will not work. Welfare has given them this option and their time is wasted. God has strong warnings in His word about laziness and passivity. Those who will not work should not eat! (2nd Thessalonians 3:10) Life is miserable for them and their families. God is glorified when we work! Check out your life today!
Dear Friends,
Greetings in the wonderful name of the Lord! The earliest church members were accused of being drunk on wine on the day of Pentecost! Instead, they had the best “high” of all, they were filled with the Holy Spirit! I pray that you will find joy and fellowship in God’s house today with the people of God! Worship and God’s word have wonderful after-effects of hope, encouragement and peace in our souls.
As I reflect on the readings of the last week in Proverbs, I am struck by the great need for God’s wisdom in our lives today. We can so easily become drunk, not just with alcohol, but with the ways of this world and our flesh. Material things and indulgence also dull our souls and cause us to live without purpose. Living for self and things is empty and leaves no lasting satisfaction because stuff doesn’t last and we always want more and better. It becomes outdated, breaks down, or loses it’s ability to give us pleasure.
The fear and honor of God is the beginning of wisdom and source of all true purpose and satisfaction. When I live for God and seek to love and honor Him, I find myself thinking His thoughts and desiring His ways. He is loving and compassionate to all. As I love God, I find myself loving others and wanting the best for them. When I love God and love others, I am most like God and most satisfied with my life and purpose! This is the essence of wise living and a life that God can bless.
May the Lord give you wisdom today to live wisely in this life! “It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God–that is our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”" (1st Corinthians 1:30-31)
In His Love, Pastor John
Scripture reading for July 10th: Proverbs 22-24
“Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.” (Proverbs 23:29-30)
Alcohol has been around for a long time. Fermented drinks have an attraction because they can alter our moods and it is a socially acceptable thing to do. Alcohol is a depressant, but it has different effects on different people. Some people who are naturally shy might become boastful and belligerent. Some who are good-natured might become mean when too much alcohol is in their system. Inhibitions that one may have when sober may soon vanish when drunk and talk and actions can become offensive and cause trouble and fights.
The writer of Proverbs accurately described the effects of alcohol consumption and addiction 3000 years ago! As I read these words, I think of people whom I have tried to help out of addiction. Trying to reason with them is useless when they are drunk. Often, when sober, they are the nicest people and swear that they are going to change but they go back again and again in a spiral downward that causes personal injury, family breakups and trouble for their friends. They often lose their homes, jobs, and sometimes end up incarcerated. The addiction becomes a prison of their own making.
“In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper. Your eyes will see strange sights and your mind imagine confusing things. You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging. “They hit me,” you will say, “but I’m not hurt! They beat me, but I don’t feel it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?”" (Proverbs 23:32-35)
The Bible gives the answer to alcohol addiction! We are not to be drunk with wine or any other alcoholic or mind-altering substance, but rather be filled with God’s Holy Spirit! (Ephesians 5:18-20) The infilling of God’s Spirit brings righteousness, peace, and joy! (Romans 14:17-18) We become thankful to God and worship Him with songs and hymns because of His life in us. It is only by the Spirit that we can overcome the addictions of the flesh and serve God in a pleasing manner. Why not try God’s remedy today? It is the ultimate “high”!
Scripture reading for July 9th: Proverbs 18-21
“He who is kind to the poor, lends to the Lord, and he will reward him for what he has done.” (Proverbs 19:17) King Solomon was a very rich man as well as a wise one. The proverbs have lots to say about the poor and needy and God’s concern for them. God used a rich man, Solomon, to express to us His concern for those who had little. He used His own Son, owner of all creation, to come to earth and preach to the poor and needy! (Luke 4:18-19) He wants us today to be kind to the poor and to give them what they need to make them rich! This proverb of Solomon tells us that if we will be kind and give to the poor, we are really lending to the Lord that which really belongs to Him anyhow. God will reward us when we do that. God’s rewards are out of this world!
“Wealth brings many friends, but a poor man’s friend deserts him.” (Proverbs 19:4) “A poor man is shunned by all his relatives–how much more do his friends avoid him! Though he pursues them with pleading, they are nowhere to be found.” (Proverbs 19:7)
Friends are hard to come by. Wealth draws people who want to be your friend. Often their motives are just for your money. The poor do not attract people and often have few friends. Even relatives of the poor avoid them because they do not want to meet the needs that will be evident when they get close enough to talk! The poor are often lonely and find help hard to come by. This causes despair and sometimes death.
God cares about the poor. Some people become poor through no fault of their own. They may be born into poverty or because of sickness or accident, their ability to work is restricted. Some may have jobs that produce little income or lack ability to hold or keep a job. God wants His people to reach out to them and be their friends. The lazy are also poor, and God rebukes them! “Laziness brings on deep sleep, and the shiftless man goes hungry.” (Proverbs 19:15) God wants us to do what we can to help ourselves. He promises to take care of those who trust in Him and He uses those who will be generous with their money and hearts.
Scripture reading for July 8th: Proverbs 14-17
Divine guidance is something we all seek. I often think how nice it would be to have God audibly tell me what to do each day and how to fulfill His purpose for me. God has given us His word as divine guidance to shed light on His will and path. (Psalm 119:105) We also have the Holy Spirit living in us to lead and guide us into all the truth. (John 16:13-15) Jesus promised that His sheep would hear His voice and follow Him. (John 10:3-6) Divine guidance is available to God’s children from a variety of sources. God can speak in an audible voice, but often His guidance comes through His word and by the Holy Spirit speaking to our spirits in the inner man through words, visions, dreams, and desires of our hearts.
“To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the reply of the tongue. All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” (Proverbs 16:1-3)
Planning is a part of wise living. We must use our talents, intellect, and ability to live our life for the glory of God. However, God must and does have the final say about our plans. He gives directions and often our mouths and tongues are used in guiding us. Words are important and come from our hearts. Motives behind our plans and words are sometimes hidden from our understanding, but God is able to see to the heart of all our motives.
As we plan, we are to remember God in all our ways. (Proverbs 3:5-7) He promises direction and success as we honor Him by seeking His input. The Amplified Bible states that God causes our thoughts to line up to His will when we commit our plans to Him. The Apostle Paul states it another way; “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)
“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” “The lot is cast in the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” (Proverbs 16:9, 33) God is involved in our lives more than we like to think! God orders the steps of His own and even “luck” is directed by Him!
Scripture reading for July 7th: Proverbs 10-13
My father was a man of integrity. He believed that his word should be counted on, even if it hurt. One time he sold a large number of fat cattle to a buyer for delivery in several months. They had verbally agreed upon a price and when the appointed time came, the cattle prices were much higher. My dad delivered the cattle and took the agreed upon price! When we walk in integrity, our words can be trusted.
“The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.” (Proverbs 10:9) Solomon gave instruction to his sons about the value of integrity. Integrity is about living life with sound principles and boundaries. It is about being whole and complete in body, soul, and spirit because a life is committed to God and His word. When we operate in godly integrity, we will walk securely without fear. God watches over those who closely follow His ways and blesses them. God also reveals those with crooked paths. Those who cut corners and bend the rules to suit themselves will be exposed!
“The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity. Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. The righteousness of the blameless makes a straight way for them, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness.” (Proverbs 11:3-5)
Integrity comes from choosing to live according to God’s rules and decrees. Those who give lip service to loving God, but act contrary to His word are known as practicing duplicity. Duplicity is saying one thing and doing another. It is living a double life, each one for show or to impress others. This kind of living will lead to destruction. It is often tied to money. Rich people often think that their money is a sign of God’s blessing and that He will overlook their duplicity. A day of wrath will surely come and wealth will be of no value to deliver a person’s soul.
Our source of righteousness comes from faith in Jesus Christ alone. We cannot be good enough to earn God’s favor on the day of His wrath. (Ephesians 2:8-10) We must be found trusting in Christ as our righteousness. Because of the new birth, we can now live in integrity that is given by walking in faith!
Scripture reading for July 6th: Proverbs 5-9
Men have a propensity to be easily seduced by women. Beautiful women have been the downfall of many a man, even men of God. Solomon knew this well! He, himself, was the product of his father’s enticement and adulterous affair with his mother, Bathsheba. The child conceived during the actual adultery died, but King David married Bathsheba and they were blessed with a son,Solomon, who became heir to his father’s throne. Thankfully, God doesn’t hold grudges! (2nd Samuel 12:19-25)
Solomon, himself, married seven hundred wives and had another 300 concubines from many foreign nations. He violated the advice God had given him and these wives led him astray spiritually. (1st Kings 11:1-6) He got into idolatry and did evil in God’s sight because of being seduced by foreign women. Solomon had great wisdom from God, but failed to heed it and was led astray.
“My son, pay attention to wisdom, listen well to my words of insight, that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge. For the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil, but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps lead strait to the grave.” (Proverbs 5:3-5)
Solomon plainly warns us of the dangers of adultery and sexual sin. Adultery is always a form of idolatry. We are worshiping our own desires and lusts by satisfying them illicitly. We are taking what belongs to someone else and using it for our own pleasure. Our stream meant for life (semen) becomes like sewage in the streets! This a vivid description of adultery! This fountain should be blessed by sharing with your wife alone! This action of adultery leads to bitterness, pain, and death! There may be promises of honey and oil, but they are lies!
We often think that no one will find out about our lustful trysts. Solomon warns us that this will be exposed in the whole assembly. Sins will surely find us out because a man’s ways are in full view of the Lord! (Proverbs 5:21-23) The evil deeds of a wicked man hold him like a trap and death will come eventually because of his folly. We need to heed the loving words of advice from our Lord and escape the trap of the adulterous woman!
Scripture reading for July 5th: Proverbs 1-4
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.” (Proverbs 1:7-9)
Godly fathers and mothers are a key to raising godly children. Children are born the first time in rebellion to God and centered on themselves.The life of a father or mother that radiates respect for God and models godly knowledge and wisdom is one of the best teachers for children. Children quickly pick up the attitudes of their parents. Wise parents are constantly teaching their children the fear of the Lord and because they love their children, they discipline them to drive the foolishness out of their souls. Children who receive the godly wisdom and discipline of godly parents have beautiful adornments of grace and beauty that are attractive and helpful to the world they live in.
Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived, other than Jesus Christ. God had given him great wisdom because he had asked God for it when God had appeared to him and gave him an invitation to ask of Him whatever he desired. (1st Kings 3:4-9) Solomon wrote down these proverbs in order to pass on to his sons the skill of living wisely in the practical things of this world. God had them recorded for His children of all ages who would listen and learn from Him!
By listening with a humble and teachable heart, God’s children can learn what is just and right and fair. (Proverbs 1:2-5) The proverbs give prudence and discretion, the ability to know what to do in difficult situations and to make wise choices. Foolish people refuse to listen and learn and inevitably suffer loss, pain, and sometimes destruction.
This wise father warns his sons about the enticements of “sinners” who willfully break God’s laws because they do not listen and fear Him. (Proverbs 1:10-19) These men and women are to be avoided because they set a trap for themselves by their foolishness. All who follow them will suffer great loss. Good instruction not only teaches what is right but warns of the consequences of following the wrong path. God is a great parent and He calls all His children to listen and learn!
Scripture reading for July 13th: Proverbs 30-31
As Proverbs comes to it’s conclusion, it ends with emphasis on the godly wife and mother. Wisdom was a virtuous woman in several locations in Proverbs. (Proverbs 8 and 9:1-12) The opposite of this virtuous woman was another woman, “Folly”. (Proverbs 9:13-18) Folly was a prostitute and lacked sense. She wouldn’t stay at home and was often on the prowl. Her door led to death and the grave and many were the number she had slain! (Proverbs 7:26-27)
Proverbs 31:10-31 describes the wife of noble character. This description of the noble wife has stood as a pattern for women throughout the ages of godliness and righteous living. This godly wife is a worker and is trustworthy. (Proverbs 31:11-17) She is up and busy providing for the needs of her household. She cares for the poor and needy with her excess. She is thoughtful for the future and plans ahead. She clothes her children with scarlet and her husband is honored in the city gate. She speaks with wisdom and is clothed with dignity and strength. Her children and husband bless her and honor her! She fears the Lord and will be given her reward at the city gate!
This woman is also like the Bride of Christ! The “Bride” is a worker and is faithful and trusted by Jesus Christ. The Bride is busy and cares for the needs of the household of faith. She provides garments of scarlet–coverings of the Blood over all her true children! She reaches out to the poor and needy with gracious giving. She is mindful of the future return of the Bridegroom and makes preparations and is assured that She will be ready! She speaks with wisdom and is clothed by her Husband with dignity and strength! Her children and Husband honor her! She will receive her reward at the city gate and Her works will praise Her–The New Jerusalem!
What a great day we live in! To be a part of the Church of Jesus Christ, His holy Bride is the greatest privilege and blessing! Let’s stay busy and working for the day of His appearing is coming quickly! This is true and godly wisdom!