Basics

Proverbs 31:30 (KJV) Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

As the year comes to an end, it becomes time again to consider the old tradition of New Year’s resolutions.  It’s also a time to get ready to ignore those New Year’s resolutions.  At the same time, there are some considerations that it helps us to stop and think about as we turn the calendar over.  New Year’s should be a time for healthy reminders about where we want to go and who we want to be.

As we look at this verse relating to the virtuous woman, there’s a principle here that we need to look at.  The principle is that the outward appearance of a person is not the key, it is there attitude toward the things of God.

In the coming year, it would be good to put less emphasis on how we look and what people think of us and more emphasis on fearing the Lord.

So?  People may not notice immediately, but God will see it.  Not only will He see it, but He will honor it.  Make the fear of the Lord your main resolution for the new year. 

Something to Ponder

Proverbs 30:8 (KJV) Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:

As we come to the close of the year, it’s always a good idea to stop and think about our priorities for the next 12 months.  What would we like to see in our daily life?  Every time I read this chapter, this verse stands out to me.  It’s a good place to start.

Vanity and lies are things to be avoided.  I think it’s a good insight that Solomon has here in asking God to remove these things from us.  Up to a point we can practice personal discipline, but there comes something a little deeper that needs to be removed and only God can do that.

I’m not sure how many of us can sincerely pray the second request.  Who wants to be mediocre?  Who wants to have just enough?  If you keep reading, you’ll notice that the emphasis here is not on the actual amount put on the attitude that goes along with it.

So?  Every day is a day to think about our priorities and what we would like to see in our future.  Make this one of those days.  

A Call to Servanthood

Psalm 123:2 (KJV) Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us.

(Proverbs 29 also read)

After a time of praise and worship, I finally turned to the scripture.  I was having such a great time of reveling in the presence of God.  Then I came to Psalm 123.  It’s a short Psalm.  And right there in the middle is this verse

It is a reminder of the fact that we are called to be servants.  I’m not sure that we have a very good idea of what it means to be servants.  We are raised as Americans with a revulsion for class and the arrogance that goes along with thinking you’re better than other people.  Yet historically servants have had a major part in every culture.

Servants were treated differently in godly homes than they were in the pagan world.  Often times they became part of the family.  There is a place in Proverbs where it talks about servants becoming heirs.  While that is true, they were still expected to focus on meeting the needs of their betters.  They were expected to polish the brass and sweep the floors and scrub the toilets because their betters have better things to do.

Also, there is the attitude of servanthood.  There is the acceptance that there are those above us.  In this case, it is the acceptance that God is above us and that we are here to serve Him.  We forget that.  God is not here to make us happy.  We are here to worship Him.

So?  Rejoice in being a servant in the household of the immortal eternal King. 

Values

Proverbs 28:6 (KJV) Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

We have a unique definition of poverty in our day and age.  The recent social unrest over the cutting off of EBT has really demonstrated how out of balance we are.  Numerous videos would comment on how people with gold nose rings and thousand dollar phones were complaining because they didn’t have money for food.  I guess one of the lessons is that poverty is a relative thing not absolute.

What the Bible is telling us is that while poverty is relative, uprightness is absolute.  It’s telling us that the goal we should be setting for ourselves as we come into a new year is to live upright lives, not to get rich.  The biblical standard is moderation, balance, and adequate resources to meet our needs.  If we go beyond that at the cost of living moral lives, it will damage us as well as those around us.

So?  Set your goal on the eternal values of life not on the transient ones.  When April gets here you’ll be glad you did.  

Trust Resolution

Proverbs 27:27 (KJV) And thou shalt have goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens.

Does God make New Year’s resolutions?  Somehow, I don’t think He needs to do that.  Since He has no weaknesses or failures, what is there to resolve?  If there is any resolving to be done it’s on a constant basis and it’s part of His character.  So maybe we can assume that an attribute of God is continually providing for us.

Remember in the Lord‘s prayer we are to ask for our daily bread.  It’s not a matter of a long-term investments.  It’s a matter of being provided for now.  I think God lives in a constant state of resolution.  Probably a better word for that is commitment.  God is committed to see that we have enough goats milk.  You don’t like goats milk?  Talk to God about that; I can’t help you.

So?  As we moved towards throwing out our old calendar and digging out the new one it’s a time for us to be reminded not just that we need to continually improve, but there are certain things that we can continually count on.  

Target Resolutions

Proverbs 26:5 (KJV) Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

Now that we’re past Christmas and I’ve had to turn off my Christmas music, it’s time to start thinking about New Year’s.  I don’t spell New Year’s resolutions in capital letters.  I look at the new year as a spot to stop and think about what I want to do different this year.  I don’t seek any big commitments.  There’s nothing mystical or magical about the date.  At the same time it is a good time to stop and think .

As I looked over this chapter, much of it doesn’t directly apply to me because it deals with deceit and deliberate lying.  This verse however, points out something that I think we have been guilty of as we have this go-along, get-along philosophy in our day and age.  As Christians, we are so concerned about being courteous and kind and not offending people that we often tend to reinforce their foolishness.  I was listening to a podcast, where a man was explaining his conversion, and he said one of the things that helped him come to faith was running into a Christian, who would actually argue with him.  He said most Christians will back off and not get into things because they don’t want to offend.  He said this brother just met him head on.

So?  One of the things I would like to see change in my life is being more aggressive about truth.  That doesn’t mean getting hostile.  It doesn’t mean getting angry.  It means standing up and declaring what I know.  We keep forgetting that they need to know that we already are sure.  

The Context of the Cross

(Joh 19:25 KJV)  Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.

(Proverbs 25 also read)

When Christmas Day comes we tend to forget the rest of the story and focus on the birth of the Savior.  That is understandable.  We are marking the incarnation, God became flesh.  Celebrate.

But pause a moment and remember the purpose of the incarnation.  Why did Jesus come?  Was it so we would have a great  holiday?  Obviously not.  His coming was the first step of Emanuel toward the cross.  Here we see that His mother was at the crucifixion.  She has one more great event to witness in His resurrection but at this moment she is most likely filled with horror.

So?  Don’t ever get lost in the trappings.  God became man and we celebrate it but we celebrate the cross and the empty tomb even more.  Merry Christmas. 

Enjoy the Goodness

(Pro 24:13 KJV)  My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste:

Have you been getting your fill of Christmas goodies?  If you haven’t then you have a few more hours to hit the bakery or even make your own chocolate chip cookies.  While you are at it, have some honey.  We don’t usually associate it with Christmas but the idea is here that good things and sweet things have their place in life.

Do you have any “Bah! Humbug!” people in your life?  It happens.  Do you have anyone who likes to pontificate on December 25 not being the day of the incarnation?  Agree with them, find out when they want to celebrate and establish a second Christmas to celebrate.

So?  Enjoy the good things of life.  Blessings as you gather with family, think about family or just reminisce on those good times.  Merry Christmas.  

Cross Reference

Proverbs 23:35 (KJV) They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.

This verse is at the end of a long section dealing with the abuse of alcohol.  The advice of Proverbs is to use great moderation and caution, at least in this chapter.

What hit me today as I was looking at this in the KJV and comparing it to the NASB,  I noticed that the final phrase here is, “I will seek it yet again.”  What I find much more compelling to me is what the NASB says.  It says, “I will seek another drink.”  I like that.  It is well put.  The problem is it’s not a literal translation.  The King James here has the literal translation and the marginal reading in the NASB points that out.

I still prefer the reading of the NASB, but I find that it is really helpful to cross reference it with another translation, such as the KJV, to find out the truth.  No group of translators is 100% on board with being literal.  Everybody wants to paraphrase.  Everybody wants to put in their two cents worth.

So?  Keep seeking truth.  It is available.  In a case like this, it’s not the end of the world, but there’s a principle involved.  

Points of Peace

Psalm 122:6 (KJV) Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.

(Proverbs 22 also read)

People like to quote this as a paraphrase by saying, “Pray for Israel.”  It’s a wonderful thought.  We should pray for Israel.  We should also pray for the United States.  We should pray for Europe.  There are lots of places that we should pray for.  Here specifically we are told to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.  Wonderful.  Do it.

Notice also the second part of this.  There’s a promise of prosperity and God’s blessing but notice whom that promise is toward.  It is towards those that love Him.  Now when you pray for Israel, or Jerusalem, keep in mind that God is not in the business of blessing rebellious pagans.  I think it’s safe to say that the people controlling Israel are not people who love the Lord.  I’m sure there’s some there and those would be the targets of this prayer.  This is not a blanket endorsement of ever political activity that comes out of the Knesset.

So pray for Israel.  By all means call down God’s blessing.  And while you’re calling down God’s blessing, ask for His Holy Spirit to move in such a way that there is genuine revival within that nation because so much of the world focuses on Israel right now.  

Hidden Strength

Proverbs 21:22 (KJV) A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.

I was sitting thinking about the chaos that we see going on around the world.  In Nigeria and Sudan we have Christians being slaughtered.  In Europe, we have justice being perverted as Muslim rapist are treated softly and their victims are put in jail.  It seems like chaos rules everywhere .

I think this is the time where we need to focus on the wisdom that God has made available to us.  One of the first parts of that wisdom, remember, is the fear of God.  When we have that fear of God, it puts other things into perspective.  It helps us to filter out the noise and exaggerations of our media and seek for truth.

One of the elements of truth that we need to realize is that God constantly watches out for His faithful remnant.  Are there cases where believers are persecuted?  Obviously, yes.  Often, though you need to understand that there are special circumstances.  I remember reading Eusebius’s History of the church and much of the persecution that went on was because overly enthusiastic believers which march into the palace, announced they were believers and dare the governor to do anything about it.

So?  Live in wisdom . It is possible that God is going to allow you to go through some persecution.  Face it with joy and in faith.  It’s much more likely that He will cause the chaos of violence to flow around you like water will flow around a mound. 

Somethings Never Change

Proverbs 20:23 (KJV) Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good.

Recently in our Sunday school class, we were looking at Paul comparing faith and works.  Of course, being a traditional church, we spent most of our time badmouthing the law, and the conclusion to that often is that it really doesn’t matter whether we live moral lives as long as we have faith.  I know that’s a distortion, but that is the way I think people tend to look at it.  If we believe, then living according to the righteous commands of God is optional.

I think this verse is a reminder.  We are saved by grace.  The avenue that God uses to determine whom He extends that grace to is faith.  But don’t forget He is still a moral God.  He is still a holy God.  He is still a righteous God.  That has not gone away.  He saves us through His grace and because of His love.  At the same time, there are still things which are an abomination to Him.

So?  Rejoice in His grace and His willingness to forgive.  As you bask in that joy make a commitment to do everything you can so that there will be less that He will have to forgive in the future.  

Anger Management

Psalm 120:7 (KJV) I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war.

(Proverbs 19 also read)

In our current political situation with people attacking conservatives and Christians, we sometimes have a feeling that if we don’t stand up and start fighting back that we’re going be overrun.  There may come a time for that, but we need to be very, very careful.  This verse specifically tells us that we are to be for peace, not war.

Now, obviously, David was a man of war.  That was one of the reasons he wasn’t allowed to build the temple.  We have many cases in the Old Testament, where war was part of the program.  We look at Romans chapter 13 where it tells us that the government is supposed to bear the sword to punish evil.  There is a place for the use of force.

We are, on the other hand, supposed to be advocates of peace.  That does not mean that we do not expect justice.  It does not mean that we just allow anybody to trample on our culture, but it means that we go overboard in trying to act with grace and love.

So?  Things may change.  There may come a time when the government which is supposed to bear the sword against evil becomes evil itself.  But we are a long way from that.  Keep praying and trusting and hoping that there are enough believers in our society, enough salt, to bring God to our rescue.  

The Reminders Keep Coming

Proverbs 18:2 (KJV) A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.

I shouldn’t need to be reminded of this on such a regular basis, but it seems to be true.  The basic concept here is that a fool likes to talk, but doesn’t want to listen.

I find myself in this position on a regular basis.  When I’m not a teacher or the speaker and discussion is the mode of the day I am really good at nitpicking.  Many times my insights are accurate, but even when they’re accurate, they are probably not necessary for the discussion at hand.

So?  I need to learn to apply that old saying about why we have two ears in one mouth.  It would probably even be better if we had six or eight ears and one mouth.  We need to listen, not pontificate.  

I’ll Take It

Proverbs 17:22 (KJV) A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

This chapter is full of a lot of gloom and doom.  It has a lot of warnings and cautions.  But right here in the middle you find this reminder about how important it is to have a merry heart.

I think the reason it stood out to me was because when I read this, I had spent already an hour on the porch in the dark of the morning, and the Lord had been dealing with me.  Sometimes it was a gentle reminder.  Other times it was like being hit upside the head.  But He kept working on me until I started listening.

What a joy it is to know the living God.  What a joy it is to be reminded that although He is dealing with billions of people at the same time, I still consider it a one on one conversation.  And I’m not wrong. That’s part of the glory of who God is.

So? Focus on Him. Listen to what He has to say. And let your heart be made merry.  

Lifelong Learning

Proverbs 16:22 (KJV) Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.

The thought of going back to school terrifies me.  Going back as a teacher creates nightmares.  Most of the nightmares I have put me in a classroom with all of the fears that are involved and being in a situation like that.  The idea of having to go and sit as a student causes revulsion in my life.  I have listened to enough fools over the years to know that my patience does not extend anymore to them.

That being said, I think that one of the things that we need to accept as we get older is the importance of continuing to learn and to seek truth.  As we age, one of the things that we get concerned about is dementia and a decrease in our mental abilities.  I am coming to the conclusion that one of the things that can at least hold that at bay a little bit, or slow it down, is to keep our minds active.  Not sure that’s what Solomon was talking about here, but if you put together understanding and instruction and the fact that the two work together to form a wellspring of life, make your own conclusions.

So?  Keep reading for truth.  Keep seeking great thoughts.  Keep listening to what the Holy Spirit is whispering.   Let it be a wellspring within you.  

Polite Has Limits

Psalm 15:4 (KJV) In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.

(Proverbs 15 also read)

I think there’s a thought here that we find troubling.  We are commanded to hold evil people in contempt.  We are so immersed in the concepts of courtesy and politeness that we don’t like to show this kind of thing.  We confuse clear thinking and clear vision with being judgmental.  No.  Being judgmental is when you condemn someone else for doing what you do.  Being judgmental has an element of hypocrisy.

Here God is calling for discernment.  Evil is evil.  We need to be careful not to call it good or even to call it neutral.  Abortion clinics have no place in a culture that values life.  That is just an obvious example.  If you have loansharks that are taking advantage of poor people, that would fall in the same category.

So?  Read your Bible and find out what righteousness is.  Find out what integrity is.  Understand what it means to walk in an upright manner.  Apply that to your own lives and to the lives of others.  Be discerning.  

Clever Evil

Proverbs 14:22 (KJV) Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.

One of the ways in which evil presents itself is by putting on a disguise . I’ve heard the devil being described as an angel of light.  I know that the name “Lucifer” has the idea of light.  It’s quite easy to broadcast that you’re doing wonderful things while behind the scenes you’re doing everything you can to create evil.

Another way might be considered by perverting definitions.  This is big in our current culture.  You may have heard the term “deconstruction”.  It’s a school of philosophy, which says that there is no absolute meaning for words; that you can make them mean whatever you want at the current time.  We are seeing the results of that as people claim that socialism and communism are really wonderful things.

Another way is by misusing something which was intended to help and becomes really damaging.  I think of this in light of what we went through recently with the government shut down.  We saw millions of people complaining because they were not getting their EBT and SNAP benefits.  It doesn’t take a lot of attention to realize that government handouts have created a permanent under class that no longer are capable of taking care of themselves.  That’s something which was designed to help people in need but instead created needy people.

So?  It is possible to avoid evil. Your starting point is important.  What are your definitions?  What are your intentions?  These need to be based on a solid foundation in God’s word and in his person. 

A Lecture on Abundance

Proverbs 13:23 (KJV) Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.

There’s a theme going through this chapter in Proverbs.  It’s expressed many different ways.  It’s the idea that there is adequate resource in our world to take care of the needs of the people in it.  In response to that there are many reasons given for why people don’t have what they need.

This one is pretty indirect in one sense.  In another is very clear.  The NASB talks about oppression, which is another way of saying that there was no correct judgment.  The policies of government and the actions of the wealthy and powerful create conditions which really work against the benefit of common people.  Here the common people are identified as the poor.  In this case, it looks like they are the working, or deserving, poor.  They have the land.  They have the ability to produce food, but it is made impossible by social forces.

Another part of that is that sometimes people are too willing to take the handout of government and it siphons off any initiative and productivity they might have.  We’ve seen that in the recent restrictions on the welfare being given out by the government.  People have been conditioned to dependence.  They didn’t know how to function anymore when the government removed it’s helping hand.

So?  Be aware of the need for government responsibility but also the call for each and every one of us to do our part in providing for ourselves in our families.  

Lead On

Proverbs 12:26 (KJV) The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.

A surface reading of this verse tends to imply a kind of arrogant superiority that we have trouble with when we think of humility.  So I looked a little deeper.  The “excellent” of the KJV is “guide” in the NASB.  Neither one of those makes a lot of sense so I looked deeper into the meaning of the word and it seems to have the idea of searching.

So I’m guessing that the idea here is that the righteous, which should be us, are qualified to lead because they have looked into the basics of life, they have searched out and found truth.

So?  Is that a description of you and me?  Have we spent serious time looking to see what is really true and then based our life on it?  I would hope so.  If not, now is the time to start.  

The Big Picture

Proverbs 11:22 (KJV) As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.

The idea of putting gold in a pig’s nose seems really strange to us today.  Is it any different than the way in which people will put diamond studded collars on cats or dogs?  Is it any different than someone who is eaten up with disease caused by a dissipate lifestyle might be driving a very expensive sports car?

We are often distracted by characteristics that stand out in our mind as being desirable.  We might look at the famous celebrity.  We see the fawning response of their fans.  We see the cheers and the waves.  What we don’t see is the inner loneliness or the children that are consumed by drugs.  We don’t see the liver eaten up by alcohol or the lungs rotted by tobacco.  We see the make up.  We see the carefully tailored clothes.  We see the glitter.  We see the gold in the pigs nose.

So?  God looks at the complete person.  We can only be truly complete when we live in Him and in His way.  Try to back off and focus on the big picture not just the glowing jewel. 

Talking Points

(1Pe 3:15 KJV)  But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

(Proverbs 10 also read)

This is on my list of great Bible verses.  I have referred to it often in my walk.  I never considered that it would also apply in discussions with fellow believers.  Today I am looking at it in that light.

I have a fellow traveler who has some decidedly strong opinions that I disagree with.  He is so consumed with things that I consider “bottom of the bucket list” that he even got to the point of asking me if I believed in the trinity.  I am still not sure where that question came from but I think it was simply because I disagreed with him on his theological system.  I used to enjoy debating him because he came up with things I had never thought of and pressed me to think.  I am beginning to think that the debate is one way and his concern is to evangelize me to his point of view.

So?  I will continue to dialog but I am going to put more emphasis on the last two concepts of this verse.  And I need to leave my sense of humor in my pocket because he is dead serious.  

Some Things Are Worth Repeating

Proverbs 9:10 (KJV) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

Don’t tell me you’ve never heard this verse before.  The problem with verses we are familiar with, or truth that is often repeated, is that we get used to it and don’t stop to think about it.  It might be useful every month when I read through this chapter of Proverbs to stop and contemplate this as one of those great truths that needs to be reconsidered regularly.

I can’t guarantee I’ll still feel that way next month but right now I need to remind myself about the importance of the fear of the Lord.  This is a stew of ideas.  As in any good stew it has many ingredients and the more they influence each other, the longer they are cooked, the more they are reheated, they just get better.  So start with the craven fear that makes us tremble in the corner when we hear a noise in the dark.  We don’t like to think about that, but that might be a good place to start.  We live in a day where we get complacent and we have great security.  That makes us take things for granted.

So?  Let’s start there this week, this month, today.  God is so holy, so grand, so beyond our understanding that it behooves us to spend a moment trembling in the corner in fear.  Of course that is then mitigated by the fact that we know Jesus loves us, which means that God loves us.  We belong to Him.  That will help us come out of our corner. 

All Inclusive

Psalm 117:1 (KJV) O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.

(Proverbs 8 also read)

One of my favorite past times has been debating dispensationalism with a friend.  He’s not just a dispensationist but a mid-Acts dispensationist.  That’s even more exclusive than being a dispensationalist if you can picture such a thing.

One of the points that he constantly likes to make is that the Old Testament was written for the Jews and does not apply to the rest of us.  He would allow that occasionally there’s a principal that should be considered, but usually those are principles that support his theological system so he’s a bit selective there.  Occasionally I come across versus like this that take his system and ask the question, “Have you read your Bible lately?”

You see, as I look at this I see two words that seem to imply being outside Israel.  The first one is “nations”.  This is a term in Hebrew that you may be familiar with, goy.  This is a word that is used almost insulting by Jews to refer to gentiles.  When you look at the scholarly definitions, it says it’s usually used for people outside of Israel.  That would mean you and me.

So I thought maybe this word “peoples” refers to Israel.  Not so.  It’s only used four times in the Old Testament and if you look them up each time, it is very clear that it is talking to people who are not Jews.

So?  At least in this one spot, it is very clear that God had all of us in mind as He was preparing the world for the coming of the Messiah.  Even in the days of the Old Testament, He was calling upon the whole world to praise Him.  Join me. 

Spur of the Moment

Proverbs 7:22 (KJV) He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;

The KJV has here “straightway” for the NASB “suddenly”.  Since most of us don’t know what straightaway means it’s probably better to go with the more modern English.  Straight way would give us the idea of going directly.  It could have the concept of following your plan or looking at the goal post 100 yards away and running for all your worth for a touchdown.

That is not the concept.

The concept is that on the spur of the moment you decide you’re going to change direction or that you’re going to make a decision.  Sometimes these decisions are life-changing.  Sometimes they are eternity changing.  This is a sad story because the final verses talk about how this decision is sending him to Sheol or as we might say, hell.

Beware of hasty decisions.  I know when I’m around someone trying to sell me something and they tell me that they’re gonna give me this great deal, but I have to make my decision right now, I walk away.  If the great deal is legitimate it will be there later.

So?  Know the principles that you were living your life by.  You can only follow those if you have been reading them and understanding them.  And then stick to your guns. 

They Are Everywhere

Proverbs 6:22 (NASB95) When you walk about, they will guide you; When you sleep, they will watch over you; And when you awake, they will talk to you.

Who are the “they” in this verse?  If you look back a little bit, it’s the commandments of God.  Now you run into people everywhere who tell you that the law doesn’t apply to you.  That is sad.  The law was given by God for a good reason.  When used properly it can be a tremendous source of inspiration and guidance.  I assume you know enough about your Bible to realize that it is God’s choice, His grace, His love in action that saves you because of your trust in Jesus and the sacrifice He made on the cross.  That truth does not eliminate the message of this verse.

When you study the commandments of God, it seeps into your soul in such a way that you find guidance in making decisions.  It helps the Holy Spirit do what He is designed to do and tasked to do.

Look at the context in which knowing God’s eternal standards will improve your life:  When you walk, sleep, wake up.  Notice it doesn’t say anything about sitting in front of the TV.  I don’t know if that’s important but you might think about it.

So?  We get right with God by trusting in the sacrifice of Jesus then, if it’s genuinely taken hold of our soul, we start walking in obedience and joy.  Have a good journey today.  

Simply Glorious

Psalm 116:6 (KJV) The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.

(Proverbs 5 also read)

It is amazing to me how content I can be with my limitations when I am basking in the presence of Him who has no limitations.  What makes it such a joyful encounter is the awareness that He is real, that His loving kindness is extended toward me, that He sent Jesus to suffer on the cross for me, and He is so patient and aware of my limitations.

So? Glory!  

The Need for Braces

2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV) And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

(Proverbs 4 also read)

Every time I come across this word “perfect” I think about how modern Christians seem to get offended by it, or repelled might be a better word.  We shouldn’t be.  It’s a wonderful insight in how God works with his people.

Notice that the “weakness” is in us.  We can’t avoid it.  It is reality.  We are inadequate for what we face in life.  If you think you’re adequate then you’re probably missing what the real challenge is.  But the promise is that God will make us adequate, that His strength is made perfect as He acts as a brace for our withered limbs.  Or you might even think of it as a prosthetic device.

We have a lady at church who walks funny.  I thought she was having hip problems or something along those lines, but it turns out that she had a leg amputated and she’s walking on a prosthetic.  She’s able to get around quite well as long as she keeps in mind that she has this perfection making her weakness adequate.

So?  What are our weaknesses?  I tend to find that I forget I’m getting old.  Sometimes I move too fast.  So far the Lord has kept me from major catastrophe, but in life, we need to be aware of our limitations and learn how to lean so that God can compensate.  

Applied Wisdom

Psalm 111:10 (KJV) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

(Proverbs 3 also read)

We need to be mindful of a constant reminder by the word that it is not enough just to have head knowledge, or even just heart knowledge; we must apply the knowledge that we have.  Notice the simple little verb “do”.  There is some correlation between applying truth and just believing it.

We’re familiar with the concept of muscle memory.  By doing things repeatedly, we learned to do them by habit without thinking.  It speeds up the process quite a bit and allows us to focus on higher level thoughts and applications.  The same thing can be said about spiritual issues, about wisdom.  This might also in a bit of a stretch apply to why Jesus had to come and live as a human being.  There’s something about actually experiencing life that brings it a depth and richness that is not understood any other way.

So?  Believe it.  Apply it.  Get the full benefit of what God is offering. 

We Forget

Proverbs 2:22 (KJV) But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.

In reading these last two verses, it came to my mind again.  Eternity is going to have an element of the physical in it.  We have that popular conception of floating around on clouds.  Some people imagine the masses of elders and saints, bowing down before the throne on the sea of glass and chanting, “Holy holy holy”.  You need to read the rest of Revelation.  You need to read about the new Jerusalem descending to earth.  You need to read about the river of life running out of Jerusalem and the tree of life growing on both sides.  Remember the wolf lying down with a lamb?

We will not be cut off from the Earth.  We are to be established.  I like to think that we still have access to flowing through the cosmos and diving into the center of massive stars, but our focus and our home is always going to be on earth.

So?  Get used to it.  Enjoy it.  Imagine what it will be like when our sin caused limitations are removed totally.  

What Was That?

Proverbs 1:23 (KJV) Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.

Reproof without response is a waste of breath.  That doesn’t mean God won’t keep trying to reach us and get us to listen, but there comes a point where we are expected to respond.  Notice the first word “turn”.  God gives us insight in His word, through preaching, our reading, our meditation and expects us to take it and apply it to our lives.  The result is that we are supposed to do things differently.

When we practice obedience, the promise here is that God will “pour out His spirit” on us and then He will bring us a deeper understanding of what it is that He’s trying to say.

So?  It’s a new month.  It’s getting close to a new year.  Those are days we highlight but there are no days when it’s a bad idea to start changing our direction if God is speaking to us.  

Does Creation Continue?

Psalm 104:30 (KJV) Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth.

(Proverbs 30 also read)

I almost breezed over this because of all the figurative language and great word pictures in this chapter.  Then I noticed the word “created”.  Now keep in mind that this is written in David’s time or later, and the author is probably not thinking about the seven days of creation, yet he uses that same word that is used in the first verse of the Bible.  It is also used about halfway through the creation account with the large sea animals, and then about man being created.

One of the mysteries of the people pushing evolution is something called the Cambrian explosion where suddenly a vast number of new species appeared.  They seem to have come from nowhere.  There is no fossil record of them developing.  Add to that the fact that all the links are missing when someone talks about the “missing link”.  All the links are missing.

This verse may be the reason why the links are missing because God continues to send forth His Spirit and create.  I’m not looking for a doctrine here or an article of faith.  This is just an observation of the creativity and continued involvement of God in His world.

So?  Man is still the only one that was created in His image.  Don’t forget that.  Honor Him. Worship Him.  

Happy Law

Proverbs 29:18 (KJV) Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

As Christians, we tend to look at the law in a negative way.  The apostle Paul certainly goes out of his way to make sure that we’re not trusting the law for our salvation.  That’s fine.  One of the things, though, that I’ve noticed is that the Old Testament does not promised eternal salvation through the law.  The promises of the law in the Old Testament have to do with Israel being guaranteed the promised land, that their cows would have healthy calves and their harvest would be adequate.  All of those are every day realities.

So how do we respond to the law?  In a general sense we still follow it, but we don’t follow it for the same reasons.  We don’t refuse to steal or commit adultery because we think we’re earning our way into salvation, we do it because it makes for a better life here on earth.  Following God's principles goes a long way towards establishing happiness in your life.

So?  Get right with Jesus.  Trust Him and His death and resurrection and God's grace as it extends towards you.  Having established that foundation, live a righteous and moral life.  It will pay off.  

Grace Applied

Psalm 103:10 (KJV) He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

(Proverbs 28 also read)

Just in case you’re one of those people that gets hung up on the difference between the law and grace, you need to take another look at this verse.  I don’t think the law was mentioned at all in this chapter.  But I do see grace at work here.  I see God extending His patience, forgiveness, and yes, grace towards us as He watches us and follows our activities.

What better way to express the idea of salvation than to admit that God does not deal with us as we deserve.  He is ready, willing and able to forgive our sins.  He sent His son to die on the cross so that the justice that is in His heart could be fulfilled.  What a balance of love and justice.

So?  Don’t relax in your sin, relax in your forgiveness.  Enjoy the knowledge that God will not deal with us as we deserve.  

Details, Details

Proverbs 27:20 (KJV) Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.

I was listening to a podcast where a Bible teacher named Stephen Gregg was talking about the different historical views of hell.  Evidently before Augustine there were various views that are still around today, but are not quite as popular.  It was interesting.  Here though we get some insight into what hell would be like.

The keyword here that I’m looking at is the word “satisfied”.  What doesn’t come through in the KJV, but is there in the NASB, is that the word “full” is the same word in Hebrew as "satisfied".  This is giving me an insight into what hell will be like.  Excepting the lake of fire and the torment this would give an explanation of a part of the torment.

Just as we as human beings in this life seem to be never satisfied, we always want more, so it will be if we spend an eternity in hell.  In addition to the torment, there will be this unremitting sense of incompleteness.

So?  Anyway you look at it, eternity without Jesus is going to be utter misery.  This just makes it a little worse.  Of course the alternative is to trust in Him and have eternal life.  It seems an easy choice to me  

It Is Not Supposed to Be Easy

Romans 1:17 (KJV) For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

(Proverbs 26 also read)

How glibly we quote this verse and toss it off.  It is used so often in terms of evangelism or just in the matter of now you’re saved, don’t worry about things from here on out.  It is often used as an excuse to live in unrighteous ways.

Today is a reminder to me that I am to walk every day with the kind of trust that trump’s the vicissitudes of life.  Life keeps throwing us curve balls, then a change up, then that fast ball down the middle.  We need to remember that living by faith means that we understand that we are part of the team that is going to win the World Series.  We may not be the one who gets a home run.  We may go 0 for 4.  But we’re on the winning team

So?  God is with me even when the water gets deeper.  He’s with me as it comes up to my neck.  He’s with me even if I go under because He is a lifeguard who will pull me out when I need it.  I walked today in faith.  I walked today in trust.  

Refined, Not Carved

Proverbs 25:4 (KJV) Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.

The Bible has numerous spots where it talks about how we mature and grow spiritually.  One of the things that occurred to me about this recently was shown in this verse.  When God talks about molding our character or deepening our spiritual strength, He uses the illustration of smelting precious metals.  I don’t see any place where it talks about carving things or sanding things down.

In fact, when it talks about adjusting the outward looks, it usually is referring to man-made idols.  God works on the inside, which then is reflected on the outside.  The world tends to look at the outside and make it adjustments there and not worry about the core.

So?  This doesn’t mean that we don’t work on our discipline and our behavior but we need to be focused on allowing God to change our heart.  

Incongruence

Psalm 99:8 (KJV) Thou answeredst them, O LORD our God: thou wast a God that forgavest them, though thou tookest vengeance of their inventions.

(Proverbs 24 also read)

We see two sides of God in this verse.  On one side, we see forgiveness.  On the other, we see vengeance.  God is the same in both cases.  Israel also seems to be the same.  Are both necessary?  How serious is the vengeance in the company of forgiveness?

One of the clues I see for this is in how many of the Psalms I have read where the writer is calling upon God for His mercy, but is not expressing confession or repentance.  I think that’s really key.  God wants to forgive.  He does forgive.  The problem is if we don’t repent sincerely then what is in store for us is the vengeance God.

I would guess if the vengeance comes on different levels the first level of God’s wrath would be designed to bring us to repentance.  God’s patience is very real and He continues to try and turn us.  When we refuse repeatedly, it’s time for vengeance.

So?  Walk and live in repentance.  Be willing to listen to what God has to say.  He really wants to forgive.  Take advantage of that.  

Subtle Thoughts

Psalms 94:19 (KJV) In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.

(Proverbs 23 also read)

There is a nuance to this verse that does not come through in the KJV.  It centers around the word “thoughts”.  I thought this was a generic word and it seems that way, but when you look it up, it’s only used one place in the Bible.  The nuance is that these are “anxious thoughts”, as it says in the NASB.

Do you have knots developing in your soul?  Do you have times where you look out at the horizon and wonder if those dark clouds mean storms ahead?  This is a natural condition which God is acknowledging.  This is what the psalmist is talking about.  There are times when we are overcome with worry.  What is being said here is that God is capable of bringing His comfort in the midst of that trial.

What is necessary to access that comfort?  Trust.  Confidence in God.  A knowledge of God.

So?  Work on spending the time with God when the water is smooth so that when the waves rise up, you will already be repaired or what’s coming.  There is a promise here.  It’s up to us to access it.  

Keep Looking

Proverbs 22:21 (KJV) That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?

In this day and age of AI, we are constantly asking ourselves, “Can we believe our lying eyes?”  When I do a search, I tend to skip over the AI answer at the beginning, but I’m noticing that more and more of the individual sources listed below also seem to reference AI.  AI may have a grain of truth, but it is easy to use it for total deception.

In the mist of this we are reminded that we can know “words of truth”.  And see that word “certainty”.  We may not know if the celebrity in the video is real.  We may not know if the quote in the news article is accurate.  There are many things in this world that we cannot know.  Many times the only way we can tell what is real and what is artificial is by having our feet solidly on the ground and asking ourselves, “Does that make sense?”

So?  Often it won’t make sense because we know with certainty the words of truth.  Focus on those words.  Think about those words.  Apply those words.  It will help us discern the false from the real.  

Read On

Proverbs 21:21 (KJV) He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.

Once again this week, I heard people expanding on Paul’s statement in Romans 3:10 that there are none righteous.  Once again, I agree with that verse in the context in which it is written.  I could do no less, believing that the Bible is the word of God.  But my thinking and my understanding do not stop with that verse.  It expands into the entirety of scripture.

We are incapable in our own strength of dealing with our sin and becoming righteous.  Having said that, though, I have to deal with the continual statements through the entire scripture about how we are to live upright, holy, righteous lives.  For most of the people that I hear quoting Paul I’m not really worried.  I see them living in such a way as if they actually understood the entire scripture witness.  I see them not living like what they say implies.

My concern is with that person on the borderline who thinks that once he has prayed a set prayer, he’s good to go and nothing else will be required.  We are saved because God extends his grace toward us when we believe.  That is not a matter of putting a quarter in the machine and getting out of candy bar.  It’s a matter of going through a door and beginning a journey with the living God.

So?  Pursue righteousness.  Seek to be the same that God has declared you to be and has given you the power through the Holy Spirit to develop.  

The Key

(1Sa 7:6 KJV)  And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the LORD. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh.

(Proverbs 20 also read)

I have made a number of observations while reading through Psalms.  The writers are repeatedly pointing out how God has judged them and times are hard.  They are continually pleading for God to restore them and punish there enemies.  What is missing so often in Psalms is present in this verse:  Repentance.

Notice that they are confessing their sin.  They are pleading for God to have mercy on them.  Because they confess, God answers.  If you keep reading you will see that happening.

So?  Don’t fall into the trap of asking for blessing if you are not willing to confess and repent.  

The Pay-Off

Proverbs 19:20 (KJV) Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

What caught my attention today is this phrase “in my latter end”.  I guess that pretty much sums up where I’m at.  We are told that our number of years is 70 and if we’re really strong, it will be 80.  I’m approaching that.  I expect to make it beyond that but you never know when the Lord will call you home.  I’m good with that.

I hope that during my life I have listened to council and been willing to have people teach me.  It’s always hard to know this for ourselves.  We’re really good at seeing things in others but lack insight when it comes to who we are and what we are doing.  God is blessing me at this point in my life so I assume that I must’ve done something right.

God is gracious.  God is always looking to reach out in His loving kindness.  At the same time God is not arbitrary.  There are plenty of verses to talk about the blessings that come with obedience.  I have so many blessings that I know I didn’t earn or don’t deserve, but I have to believe that somehow God took my willingness to listen to Him and magnified it through His glory and passed some of the leftovers down to me.

So?  Listen.  Learn.  Let God work His miracles in your life.  Keep in mind that the end is coming.  That’s something to rejoice about.  

Looking Back

Psalms 90:17 (KJV) And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.

(Proverbs 18 also read)

I think most of us could repeat this prayer of Moses.  We all hope that when we come to the end of our time, we will be able to look back and see that all of the blood, sweat and tears that we put into life has been rewarded.

There are many areas of life that I have questions about.  I often wonder why my life didn’t follow one path and instead went another way.  I will have questions with God about that, if it’s still a concern in eternity.  I am content to know that God has taken the path that I followed and used it for His glory.  I can see ways in which it really was the best way.

I can look back on my children and remember all the times that I wondered how come I didn’t know what I was doing.  The glory is that God knew what I was doing and that He knew that I was doing my best.  As a result of that, I can look at the work of my hands in that area and be satisfied.

So?  Put your hands to the plow and your shoulder to the wheel, or is it the other way around?  Either way, I believe that God will take our limited abilities and confusing efforts and sanctify them for his glory.   

The Long-Term

Psalms 89:4 (KJV) Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. Selah.

(Proverbs 17 also read)

This is a prophecy.  It is a prophecy which was not understood by the people of that day although they thought they had the idea.  God is speaking to David, or about David.  He is promising something for all generations.  The problem is that history does not see this working out the way the Jews thought it would.

I’m not sure when this was written.  Obviously it was after David’s reign.  How far in the future, I don’t know.  What I do know is that David’s throne was destroyed after the fall of Jerusalem and the people of Israel being moved to captivity in Babylon.  Since we believe that God is sovereign, and we believe His word that means that the original understanding of this prophecy was incomplete.

When you stop to think about the fact that Jesus is considered to be the seed of David, it falls into perspective.  When Jesus returns, He will reign.  I would assume that means that His throne or throne of David would be established for all ages.

So?  Don’t be too quick to interpret.  Don’t be too quick to think you have the answers.  God may have some quirks that you don’t know about.  

I’m So Happy, Here’s the Reason Why

Proverbs 16:20 (KJV) He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.

There is a slight difference between the NASB and the KJV.  The difference is between the word “happy” and the word “blessed”.  Either one is a legitimate way to translate this Hebrew word.  As I glanced down through the different translations I have in my software, I saw that these were the two common translations.  And yet they are different.

Happy is an emotional state.  It comes and goes and is totally based on inward feelings.  Blessing is a different matter.  I can be blessed and not even be aware of it.  I think many people are in this category.  If you live in America, you’re probably more blessed than most people in the world in liberty, security, and prosperity.  You may not be aware of it.  You may gripe all the time, but you are blessed.

That’s why we need to bring in this concept of blessed.  We’re talking about an inner strength that comes from trusting in God.  When we trust in God, it does something to our attitude.  It changes our responses.  It molds our whole outlook on the day.

So?  Take your pick.  You can be happy.  You can be blessed.  Or even better you can be both.  It all goes back to genuinely trusting the Lord.  

Modeling Behavior

1 Corinthians 13:4 (KJV) Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

(Proverbs 15 also read)

It’s strange being caught between the witness of the love chapter and the retribution of Jeremiah chapter 9.  Both speak of the nature of our God.  We often hear about how violent the Old Testament is and how God is so full of wrath while Jesus is love.  It’s a phony contrast.  Keep in mind that the Old Testament covers over 1000 years and you are witnessing centuries of God’s patience before He finally acts.  In the New Testament you’re talking about decades.  Patience requires time to be demonstrated.

I actually like the KJV here in the sense that it says that patience means “long suffering”.  God has definitely suffered long.  He endured the disobedience and rebellion of Israel year after year after year.  He sent prophet after prophet.  He pleaded with them.  They went merrily on their way and eventually they paid the price.

God is also patient with us.

So?  Again, I say don’t push your luck.  God is patient.  He has long suffering.  He will give us every benefit of the doubt.  Eventually, we will force him to move.  I pray that He would move in the direction of salvation.  

A Forgotten Verse

Philippians 1:6 (KJV) Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

(Proverbs 14 also read)

I was sitting this morning thinking about the difference between the direction I thought my life was going to go 20 years ago and where it actually is.  We could go back much further than 20 years.  I always wanted to be used by God.  I thought I knew what that meant, but God seemed to have other ideas.

I remember a long time of wondering why things were going the way they did.  There were times of despairing, especially when I thought of my first born and how he had such a strong personality.  I joked about taking him back to the hospital and getting a refund.  It was only partially a joke.

Looking back now, I can see how the glory of God has worked in my life.  My children have turned out well.  My mind is still clear.  I can still afford my coffee in the morning and have a great view from my front porch.  God meets with me like clockwork and relates to me like the Great I Am.

In the midst of that, I am reminded by this promise that He will continue to work in me until the day of Christ Jesus.

So?  As they say, “What’s not to like?”  The journey continues and I imagine that when we get to stand in the presence of God, there will be another verse that takes this promise further down the road.  

After the Curtain Comes Down

Psalms 88:10 (KJV) Wilt thou shew wonders to the dead? shall the dead arise and praise thee? Selah.

(Proverbs 13 also read)

One of the things that scholars can’t seem to agree on is the teaching of the Old Testament in regard to what happens after we die.  My understanding is that even in the days of Jesus the Sadducees and the Pharisees disagreed on whether there would be a resurrection.

This is the kind of thing we run into time and time again.  The assumption here is that these questions are answered with a “no”.  There are other verses, which seemed to cry out for an answer of “yes”.

Which is it?  I need to do some research but I’m wondering if this is another area where greater detail of God’s plan is revealed in the New Testament.  Jesus talks about the resurrection.  In Matthew 24 He talks about coming in the clouds and gathering His people together.  Paul of course makes it a major issue.

So?  You can rest assured that the issue was clarified.  There are going to be a number of mysteries or shadow areas that may seem to appear in the Old Testament but are clarified in the new.  Keep reading. 

Keep Your Lips Tight

Proverbs 12:23 (KJV) A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.

This verse spoke to me this morning because of recent conversations.  I had a long “conversation” with someone and I found that my opinions were not really desired, nor were they listen to.  I was there to be an ear, not a mouth.  You may have been in a situation like that.

There are times when you don’t need to share your knowledge or your wisdom.  A large part of that is based upon the fact that other people are not usually willing to listen.  Keep in mind that’s not on you, it’s on them.

So?  I guess a blunt way to say it is to keep your mouth shut.  Keep it shut more often.  It won’t hurt you.  He won’t explode.  And there may come a time to share.  

Self-Selecting

Proverbs 11:20 (KJV) They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.

There are two words in this verse which we don’t use much today.  One would be totally misunderstood and the other is just avoided.

We avoid the word “abomination”.  I doubt if it comes into our conversations very regular, but we probably have other synonyms we use for it.  Nowadays, with the way our culture is going, we just call somebody a Nazi or a fascist.  Maybe abomination would be better.  It would certainly be more honest because an abomination to one person might be the delight of the other.  But what causes something to be an abomination in God‘s eyes?

That’s where we get to the first word, “froward”.  No, that is not a misspelling.  I’ve actually seen it used in a book in the last 10 years.  I don’t know how old the book was, but I did see it used.  It means twisted, warped, perverted.  It’s talking about the condition of your heart.  What is not made clear here, but I think is clear other places is that this twisting is a deliberate choice that you make.  There are consequences for our choices.

So?  Are you seeking a straight heart or a twisted heart?  Both of them have long-term effects.  Make sure you consider that before you get too excited about getting away with something.  God knows your heart and He knows what happens in your secret rooms. 

Heart Unity

Psalms 86:11 (KJV) Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.

(Proverbs 10 also read)

That phrase “unite my heart” resounds within me.  My first thought was that it had the idea of gathering all the parts and assembling them into a unit.  When I looked at the usage of the word, I found a bit different idea.  It’s only occurring three times in the OT.

It has more of the idea of uniting us with God or having us join a group than doing something within us.  So when David calls to have his heart united, he is calling to become closer and more obedient to the God of his fathers.  That involves fear.  That involves walking.  That involves truth which must be taught.

So?  This could almost be a daily prayer.  It could also be a prayer of times of great turmoil.  Either way it still resounds.  

Still Missing the Point

Psalms 80:3 (KJV) Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.

(Proverbs 9 also read)

This is a wonderful prayer.  On the surface, it reflects an awareness that salvation only comes from God.  If all you read was this, you might wonder why God is not responding.  If you have your Bible, try reading the entire Psalm and asking yourself, “What is missing?”  Again, or is it still?

What’s missing, as I pointed out before, is an admission of their own sin and rebellion.  At this point in time, Israel has centuries of spitting in God‘s face, ignoring His law and following other gods.  Now, for some reason, they are finally running out of other avenues to follow and they are calling on God again.

How did we get here?  I don’t know.  I don’t know exactly where this fits in and I don’t know what God did after this.  I do know that God honors the faithful remnant so even at this point there are probably some who have been faithful.  They would have the right to pray this prayer.

So?  Are you one of those who thinks you’re going to wait until you’re on your deathbed and then pray the sinner’s prayer?  My analysis is that it probably won’t work at that point because God knows your heart and He knows your sincerity.  We both hope I’m wrong.  

Today’s Investment

Proverbs 8:20-21 (KJV) 20 I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: 21 That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.

If you are old enough to have anyone who could or should look up to you then this is a direction for your life.  You are to lead.  You may not think you lead but somewhere there is someone who is watching you, someone who is wondering why you do what you do and thinking of imitating you.  For those with children that is pretty clear.  For those who either never had children or whose children are out of the home, there are other people looking at you.  It may be children at church.  It may be young married couples.  There are people watching.

And the direction you lead is in righteousness.  Just ignore those foolish people that say that we cannot live upright lives.  Read your Bible.  Make up your own mind.  If we can’t live righteous lives then what’s the point of all this instruction.?

So?  You are building an inheritance with those that love you.  Give them a strong foundation. 

The Best Defense

Proverbs 7:21 (KJV) With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.

When I first read this today, I thought that the King James was once again throwing in a word that had changed its meaning.  I refer here to the word “forced”.  The NASB talks about this young man being seduced.  That misses the point.  The word means exactly what the King James says.

There are forces out there that will try to compel us into sin.  They are clever.  They have many tools.  They have great resources.  Don’t think you’re going be able to walk close to the fire and not get burnt.

So?  What do I take from this?  Do everything you can to avoid situations of compromise.  Here it’s the compromise of fornication and sexual attraction.  You might be more susceptible to financial compromise or to the seduction of materialism.  There are many possible ways in which evil can try to penetrate your soul and force you to sin.  Do your best to avoid it.  Check your path carefully.  Look under your bed before you go to sleep.  And trust that God will give you the grace you need.  

Beware the Low Road

Proverbs 6:21 (KJV) Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.

One of the disagreements between different people is how literal to take the Bible.  Evidently there are some in the dispensational camp who claimed that they take everything literally. Others back off a bit and are selective, which puts us immediately into the problem of who gets to do the selecting.

Is this to be taken literally or figuratively?  My understanding is that the Jews have taken it literally and they actually wear little bits of scripture bound to parts of their body.  They put scripture by the door nailed in little capsules.  I’m sure that the ones who originally did this would stop and read those scriptures every once in a while and call them to mind but what tends to happen when we get this literal is we are satisfied with following the law and we ignore the spirit behind it.

When you take this figuratively from the start, you may still find something around your neck, but you understand that the point is you need to be meditating on these things and focusing on these things.

Often times following the letter of the law is the low road instead of the high road.  It means that as long as you dot your I’s and cross your T’s then you can spell everything else however you want.

So?  Let your spirit be that which seeks to be most obedient to the holy God.  We are not under the law, true.  But God looks at our heart and sees if our desire is to bring Him joy and to be obedient.  

Were They Answered?

Psalms 79:1 (KJV) [[A Psalm of Asaph.]] O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps.

(Proverbs 5 also read)

When was this Psalm written?  Notice that it has the temple being defiled and Jerusalem being destroyed.  The only time that I can think of before this Psalm has to be written would be when the Babylonians deported the southern Kingdom.  Whoever is writing seems to looking back instead of forward.  I guess it’s possible this could be a prophecy, but I don’t see it.

Did God answer this prayer?  We would automatically want to say yes, but that’s if we don’t stop to think about the historical context.  For a brief time the exiles were allowed to return and rebuild the temple, but the nation of Israel was not really reestablished until 1948.  We still have no temple.

As I have noted before the piece that is missing in this Psalm is confession and repentance.  They’re willing to admit that their ancestors were not obedient, but I don’t see them confessing their own sins.

So?  God listens.  God responds.  But keep in mind He has His standards also and one of them is that we must bend our knee before Him and not just pass the buck for failure to other people.  

Even Kings

Psalms 76:12 (KJV) He shall cut off the spirit of princes: he is terrible to the kings of the earth.

(Proverbs 4 also read)

Most political leaders would reject the idea that they are submissive to the God of Israel.  When you figure in the atheists, animists, pagans and psuedo-Christians there are not many left who actually think about God.  That does not mean they are not aware on some level.

Think of what it means to be terrible.  The word can mean awe or fear.  Every leader on earth has something to be afraid of even if it is nothing less than being betrayed by their servants.  God has the ability to channel and manipulate that fear.

So?  Sometimes it is good to be one of the little people.  We also have our fears but it seems easier for us to turn to God in His majesty.  

Curses and Blessings

Proverbs 3:33 (KJV) The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.

This morning, I struggle with this concept.  I don’t struggle because I’m not blessed.  I am.  I’m so blessed that I have quit asking, “why?”  I’ve stopped trying to figure out why God has been so good to me.  I accept that I haven’t earned it.  That’s not the issue.

The problem I’m having is when I look at other families and other individuals who to my eyes seem to be living righteous lives, and following Jesus, and yet there are major “curses” that have caught up upon their houses.  In my present mood, I’m not satisfied with just looking at the eternal blessings.  I don’t think that’s what this Proverb was talking about.

A curse can take many forms.  It can take the form of disease.  It can be financial crisis.  How many Christians through the ages had their children sold into slavery?  It can be your children going off and following pagan lives.  I see that every day in people that I know well enough to know that they have tried to live the way Jesus wants them to.

So?  I’m glad that God does not slap me down for my inquisitive mind.  Perhaps someday I will understand this.  Until then, I am filled with thanksgiving for the blessings that God has directed toward me.  Wouldn’t it be great if I actually deserved it?  

There, if You Want It

Proverbs 2:9 (KJV) Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.

There is a promise here that goes beyond just knowing what decision to make at work or with your family.  It’s more than just understanding right and wrong.  There’s a promise here that we can understand righteousness.  That’s kind of one of those gestalt words.  It’s a word that goes beyond just the ordinary and the every day.  It embraces a world view.

It doesn’t just happen.  This knowledge is available, but if you read the whole Proverb it’s clear that it comes from listening to the wisdom to us in God’s word.  We don’t have the privilege of sitting around at dinner with Solomon and listening to him expound on things deep and meaningful.  We have to listen to what the Bible tells us.  We have to listen to what the pastor tells us.  We have to listen to others who are wiser and older than us and using discernment, come to a place of understanding.

So?  Now is a good time to begin.  Get your Bible read the rest of the chapter.  Listen to what God is saying to you not just some guy who writes a blog.  

In Plain Sight

Proverbs 1:20 (KJV) Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:

One of the things that Christians tend to forget because we are so aware of His existence is the presence of wisdom and truth that is readily available.  God does not hide in a corner and cover up what is right and ignore what is wrong.  He has been, and still is, very vocal.  You can’t even go to a cheap hotel without finding His word in the drawer. Thank you, Gideons.  Every radio in every car across the nation as they scan the dial will come across at least one station with someone preaching.

God is crying out.  The pagan world has plenty of opportunity to hear.  If you look through the rest of this chapter you’ll find that there is a deliberate rejection of the things of God.  God notices.  God is not amused.  There will be a literal hell to pay.

What we need to do is keep paying attention, listening, thinking and pray.  We need to be able to stand up and declare wisdom.  Part of the way in which God cries out is through us.

So?  What a time for hope.  You have Bible software free over the Internet that you can put on your phone and your computer.  It is available to anyone and can be accessed almost anywhere.  We have the written word.  We have the Holy Spirit.  Rejoice.  

That Is Us

Psalm 102:18 (KJV) This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the LORD.

I have a friend who claims that Jesus only came for the Jews, and only died for the Jews.  He would probably say that the church was never found in the Old Testament.  I’m willing to guess that he either never read this verse, or he read it with blinders on.

This is a promise found back in the days of ancient Israel.  God is saying that He is going to create a new people.  That would be the church, the body of Christ, the believers of today.

So?  Are you part of that new nation?  Are you a part of those which are going to be made and which have already been made?  If not, you are welcome to become apart.

Being a Know It All

Proverbs 30:18 (KJV) There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not:

If you look at the things listed in the next verse, we in modern times can explain at least the first two.  We know about Bernoulli’s principal and how an airplane flies, let alone a bird.  If you’ve seen scientific videos, you’ve watched the underside of a snake as it slither across the surface.  Knowledge is a wonderful thing to have.  We can assume that as time goes on that more knowledge will be available.  Will all the knowledge be worth investing the time in to learn?  I doubt it.  I really don’t need a catalog of all the different shapes of snowflakes that have fallen in the history of the world.

The point here. though. is that it is better to have wisdom than just knowledge.  Another point that you could infer from this is that it is better to be an ancient without certain knowledge and know the principles of God then to be a modern scientist living in arrogance, or for that matter a theologian.

So?  Research the things of God.  Know His principles.  Know Him.  You will be better off than Solomon, even though Solomon did not write this Proverb. 

Dating Scripture

Psalms 74:7 (KJV) They have cast fire into thy sanctuary, they have defiled by casting down the dwelling place of thy name to the ground.

(Proverbs 29 also read)

Today you get to play scholar.  As you read this verse, what period in the history of Israel fits what you are reading?  Put aside your pre-conceived ideas.  Suspend your assumption that all Psalms are written by David.  When was God’s sanctuary burned to the ground?

It would seem to be speaking of the destruction of the temple by the Babylonians.  That would mean that the book of Psalms had additions at least that late in Israel’s history.

So?  Take the Bible as it presents itself, not as others interpret it for you.  Be your own scholar. 

Traditional Mistakes

(Pro 28:24 KJV)  Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.

One of my theories is that the Jewish teachers of Jesus’ day had largely abandoned the written law of Moses and were running on full tanks of tradition and man-made wisdom.  This would tell me that it was also that way in the days of Solomon.  Remember one of the discussions Jesus had with the scribes and Pharisees. 

(Mat 15:3 KJV)  But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
(Mat 15:4 KJV)  For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.

Be careful that what you believe is actually in the Bible.  We have a lot of traditions that are harmless.  We have some that are silly.  Some might have taken the place of doctrine.

So?  It cannot be said too much.  Keep seeking the truth the Bible offers.  Keep your eyes open and your mind in gear.  

Stop Braying

Proverbs 27:22 (KJV) Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.

First a word for you King James enthusiasts.  Do you know what it means to bray?  I have to guess that most people under age would have no idea.  Those who are a little bit older might think of the noise a donkey makes.  Neither one of those is satisfactory here.  You need to find a modern translation and do a little research.  Modern translations come up with “pound”.

What caught my attention this morning was this idea of trying to convince a fool of truth.  Since I’m reluctant to call people fools in the biblical sense, in my mind I insert something less damning.  I just think of someone who’s naïve or possibly uninformed.  It does apply though to a certain mentality that refuses to listen or to seek deeper truth.

This seems to imply that there are some people who are just not open to the truth.  Not only do they not listen but even if you get them to repeat your words, one at a time they don’t get beyond the wax in their ears.  I think the idea here is to stop beating the dead horse.

So?  I hope this type of fool never applies to me.  What it does tell me is that I need to find more positive and different ways to try and get around the obstruction in other people’s minds and hearts.  May God guide me and make me sensitive to where other people are.  

Don’t Play Their Game

Proverbs 26:4 (KJV) Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.

As I read this morning, a dialogue came to mind that I am having with a friend.  Since I would not call him a fool I had to change that word to perhaps “naïve”.  The message that came through to me was that I need to be careful in responding to people in the same spirit that they are addressing me.  My attitude should be one of seeking truth, not winning an argument.

I think that’s a worthwhile thought.

So often we get into these arguments and try to win.  What I decided to do with the scripture that he was pounding me over the head with was not to pound back, but to simply focus on the written word of God and allow it to speak to my heart.  I find that leaves my heart in much better condition than absorbing someone’s anger.

As a result, I’ve had a great morning of worship as I meditated on keywords in the versus he he thrown at me.  I’m not sure he will be happy because it wasn’t the intention he had, but we will both be better off.

So?  Focus on the word.  Go into the presence of God with Thanksgiving.  Do things His way instead of in the way of a fool.  

The Perspective of Eternity

Psalms 73:13 (KJV) Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.

(Proverbs 25 also read)

One of the things I appreciate about the teachings in the Bible is the balance that makes pie in the sky a false accusation.  We have multiplied promises that God gives us.  We know them to be true.  At the same time we have clear statements about how things will look on the surface.

If you look through this chapter in Psalms, there is a long list of what are considered benefits of the selfish, powerful, and greedy.  The Bible does not deny that there are people like this, and that they are often successful.  But that success is in the terms of the world and of what we can see.  This verse even acknowledges the feeling that his righteousness and faithfulness has been in “vain”.

But keep reading.  You always need to get to the end of the story to find out how the plot works out.  The author is vindicated.  God is trustworthy.

So?  Hang in there.  God will balance the scale.  In fact, He won’t just balance it, He will put His finger on the side of righteousness.  Make sure you are on that side.  

Without Number

Psalms 71:15 (KJV) My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof.

(Proverbs 24 also read)

I think I can identify with this statement.  When I sit and worship and think about the attributes of God, my mind gets expanded to the point where I can almost not think anymore.  How do you contemplate infinity?  How do you wrap your arms around everlasting?  It can’t be done.

God is beyond our comprehension when you come down to it.  That doesn’t mean we don’t try.  It doesn’t mean we don’t look at the parts that we can come close to understanding.  It does mean that the parts we know and interact with point beyond the limits of our imagination.

So?  Worship with enthusiasm.  Worship with devotion.  Just don’t expect to get any of the final answers about who God is or what He’s got planned.   

Heads Up

Proverbs 23:18 (KJV) For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.

I first read this today in the NASB.  It said that there would surely be a “future".  When I looked at it a little deeper, it seemed that the word used meant latter days.  OK.  You can go with that.  And it’s still a two edge sword.

The literal concept is that eternity is taken care of.  As a follower of Jesus Christ, I know Whom I have believed in.  I know He is able.  I’m also aware that Proverbs was not specifically talking about Jesus, so relax.

Also involved in that is the fact that I can expect tomorrow to be immersed in the broth of hope.  There is a future.  I don’t know what that future is.  As I look at what’s happening politically I wonder how it will work out.  I wonder if I will be one of those who will go through persecution or will I be spared?  But either way I know that there is a future.

So?  Lift up your head look to the future know that it is in God’s hands.  Live in hope.  

Basics

John 3:16 (KJV) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

(Proverbs 22 also read)

It has struck me lately how often I hear preachers and Bible teachers mentioning the word “gospel”.  They go on talking and don’t explain what they mean.  They just assume everybody knows.

Sunday I heard repeated references to the gospel and how important the gospel was, and how we need to keep presenting the gospel.  Not once was there an explanation of what he meant by that and the sermon itself didn’t explain it.

So what is the gospel?  That’s been going through my head this morning.  In trying to break it down and summarize it John 3:16 finally came to mind.  Here in a nutshell, summarized by Jesus Himself, are the basics of the gospel.  It’s all you really need to get started following Jesus.

Now I would be the first to concede that there is much more involved and that this is the beginning of a life of study and growing and grace.  You can get into the Greek, you can get into the theology, you can get into the history, you can get into the application, but the basics are there.

So?  The gospel is the good news that God loved us enough to send Jesus who died for us and gives us hope of eternal life.  

Use Your Canines

Proverbs 21:21 (KJV) He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.

As I was looking at the definitions of these words and focusing on “follow” I came across an interesting definition.  It doesn’t appear anywhere in the Bible itself, but the idea of following has a determination and a focus that we don’t often see in our own lives.  The definition was “dog".  Now this is not the noun; it is a verb.

To dog something means to follow with total attention.  It means to be so committed to following that you never give up.  The dog will drop in its tracks before it quits.  It is basically very determined.

So?  Dog it.  Go after righteousness and mercy with everything you have.  The payoff will be awesome.  

Aware of Influence

Psalms 69:6 (KJV) Let not them that wait on thee, O Lord GOD of hosts, be ashamed for my sake: let not those that seek thee be confounded for my sake, O God of Israel.

(Proverbs 20 also read)

If I was writing a sermon or a Bible commentary I would need to bring the entire Psalm into consideration because it involves messianic prophecy.  Since I am doing a devotional reading I will take the verse out of context.  What did it say to me today?

I see here a plea that my actions have the potential to turn others away from seeking God’s face.  It is a concern in my daily life.  It was a fear I had when I was raising my children.  What kind of example am I giving to people about what it means to serve God?

So?  This is always a good prayer to have.  Make it a prayer.  

Diet Plans

Psalms 67:6 (KJV) Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.

(Proverbs 19 also read)

There are a lot of different diet plans out there.  At one end we have the vegans.  At the other end we have the carnivore diet.  I’m here to say that both of them are unbiblical.  By that I don’t mean to say that they are necessarily sinful, just don’t look to the Bible for vindication of your position.  So a believer can do either one as long as they don’t claim it as a spiritual position.

Being vegan may have been the original plan in the garden of Eden.  I will concede that, but as I’ve said before, after the flood Noah was told to eat meat.  It wasn’t quite that blunt, but that was the point.  The carnivore diet is refuted as beneficial for all humanity by verses like the one we’re looking at.  The increase of the Earth is plants not beef in a previous chapter.  There was reference to the harvest of barley and wheat.  Bread is recognized as a main foundation of a diet.

So?  Have fun with your dieting.  You may have one of those unique metabolisms that requires certain concessions.  I accept that, but don’t try to lay that on everyone else.  God is a little bit bigger than that. 

Another Chance to Listen

Proverbs 18:17 (KJV) He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.

I know this verse is meant in a way to caution us.  The idea is that we can be really cocky until someone confronts with our errors.  That doesn’t have to be negative.

As I’m looking at this this morning and thinking about some of the good discussions I’ve had with people, I find that one of the helpful aspects of these discussions is the way in which I run into different opinions.  Even better than different opinions I may find someone who has been reading a different portion of scripture and bring something to the light that I had not considered before.

There are so many things that I either have not considered at all or have forgotten about.  There are so many verses that I’ve read, but the spirit was directing me in another direction and so they just slipped past my radar.  We are constantly in need of input from other sources.  Sometimes we can get that from reading.  Sometimes we can get that from listening to recordings.  Sometimes it takes a “neighbor”.

So?  Listen when people talk.  There’s a chance they might actually have something to say. 

The Silence of Love

Proverbs 17:9 (KJV) He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

My first reading of this verse would seem to indicate that we seek love by not speaking, by being deceptive.  We don’t tell people about our weak spots.  We don’t criticize their failures.  We set all of our standards in order to be accepted and loved.

That is not what this is saying.

What this is saying is going along with the definition of love that Paul gives us and he starts off with the fact that love is patient, or long suffering.  Or if you take the end of that passage where it says that it does not keep an account of wrong suffered.  The idea is that love does not throw things in people’s face.

So?  Bite the bullet.  Stifle yourself.  Turn the other cheek.  Seek loving relationships.