Today Solomon tells us that the one who seeks godly wisdom will have a continual feast of the heart. The Lord will satisfy the one who hungers to know Him.
"Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path; the one who hates correction will die." (Proverbs 15:10) When I was a kid I'd usually get two or three warnings to stop my bad behavior before my parents resorted to a time out or a spanking or the removal of a privilege. Solomon is saying something like, "When you do wrong, the Lord will correct you. If you don't respond to His correction, He will correct you again. Eventually, if you refuse to listen, it will lead to your own doom."
"Death and destruction lie open before the Lord---how much more do human hearts!" (Proverbs 15:11) There is nothing that God cannot see. David understood this and said,"You have searched me, Lord, and You know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, You, Lord, know it completely." (Psalm 139:1-4) For the godly it's a comforting thing to know that God is watching, but for the ungodly it should be a terrifying idea. God knows all things and therefore is righteous when He passes judgment. He is not like a human judge or jury who has to consider the evidence, incomplete and unclear though it may be, and come to a conclusion. God knows the facts.
"Mockers resent correction, so they avoid the wise." (Proverbs 15:12) There are people who will avoid us simply because they know we are Christians, even if we never say anything to them about the way they live their lives. Our mere presence makes them uncomfortable because they know they're living contrary to God's laws.
"A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit." (Proverbs 15:13) When we're happy it shows on our faces. We can't help but smile. But when our hearts are broken we feel crushed inside, even though we might try to put on a pleasant face.
"The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly." (Proverbs 15:14) The godly person derives strength and sustenance from continually learning more about the Lord. The ungodly lives on carnal pleasures and wonders why he feels so empty inside. Sin is not fulfilling.
"All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast. Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil. Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred." (Proverbs 15:14-16) If you've ever lived in an unhappy home, you can understand what Solomon is saying. What use is wealth or fine possessions if there is no peace? We didn't have much money when I was growing up, but we had love and peace in our home. We ate many a meatless meal, but as Solomon says, better to eat a vegetable plate in a house where love is than to feast on rich food where there's nothing but strife.
I don't know of anything that gives more comfort than having peace of mind. When we're all wound up inside and anxious and depressed, nothing satisfies us. When we're living in sin, far from God, nothing makes us happy. We were designed for fellowship with our Maker. If we do not live in friendship with Him we are missing our destinies. For a while we might be able to numb our discontent with the pleasures of this world or with substances, but deep in our hearts we're going to be empty. In contrast, the one who lives close to God has an unshakable peace that no circumstance can take away. We know who our Redeemer is. We know He has His eyes on us in this life and that we will spend eternity with Him. Our future is certain and settled. I don't know of anything more secure than that.
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
Tuesday, July 4, 2017
Counseled By The King: The Proverbs Of Solomon. Day 41, Wisdom Makes The Lord Pleased With Our Prayers
Solomon first provides us with several short proverbs, then he explains to us who the Lord is pleased with and who He is not pleased with, and why.
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." (Proverbs 15:1) It doesn't help to answer anger with anger. That just keeps the argument going.
"The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly." (Proverbs 15:2) We've noticed before that it's Solomon's opinion that the foolish person never shuts up.
"The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good." (Proverbs 15:3) Sometimes we feel like God isn't doing anything about the cruelty of the wicked, or that He isn't rewarding our faithfulness. Solomon promises us that God sees everything. In due time He will give each person what he or she deserves. As the Apostle Paul said to the Christians of Israel, "God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them." (Hebrews 6:10)
"The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit." (Proverbs 15:4) It doesn't take us long to recognize who to go to for encouragement and who to avoid. Have you ever known anyone who never seems to say anything positive? Isn't that the last person you would go to for help? But the person who always makes you feel better and reminds you of the promises of the Lord....that's the person you seek out when you feel down.
"A fool spurns a parent's discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence." (Proverbs 14:5) If we don't have a spirit that respects and responds to correction, we're going to just keep on going down the wrong path.
"The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings ruin." (Proverbs 15:6) The treasure in the house of the righteous is likely not material goods in this verse, although the righteous may have those as well. But it's the treasure of knowing the Lord, of rejoicing in His fellowship, of having Him as the firm foundation of the home. The homes of the wicked are filled with strife and even abuse. If the wicked become wealthy, the money tends to make them even more wicked.
"The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the hearts of fools are not upright." (Proverbs 15:7) A person lacking in godly wisdom won't be able to lead anyone else into godly wisdom. But the wise person tells the gospel. The wise person gives his or her testimony.
"The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases Him. The Lord detests the way of the wicked, but He loves those who pursue righteousness." (Proverbs 15:8-9) In Luke 18 the Lord told the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. The Pharisee came to the temple to brag on himself. He stood there and stared up to heaven, loudly telling the Lord of his good deeds so that all could hear him. He never confessed any sin or asked for forgiveness. In contrast, the tax collector came to the temple and dared not even look up from the floor. He beat his breast and whispered, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner." He didn't brag about any good deeds or fail to repent of his sins, therefore Jesus said, "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God." Solomon says that the Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked because it isn't brought in a sincere spirit. It's brought for the wrong reasons, the same way the Pharisee went to the temple for the wrong reasons. Maybe it's because a man's neighbors will talk about him if he doesn't observe the law. Maybe it's so he can make a big deal about himself at the temple. Maybe it's so he can rub elbows with other influential men in the community. But the Lord detests his sacrifice; it means nothing to the one who brought it, so it means nothing to the Lord.
But the Lord is pleased with the prayer of the upright. David said, "The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are attentive to their cry." (Psalm 34:15) The Apostle Peter thought this statement was worth repeating, so he quoted the words of David in 1 Peter 3, reminding the faithful that the eyes of the Lord are upon them and that His ears are open to their cries. James, the Lord's brother, had this to say about the prayers of the righteous, "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." (James 5:16b)
Sometimes we make the mistake of believing the Lord hasn't heard our prayer when He doesn't answer as quickly as we want or in the way we want. But God never shuts His ears to the cries of those who trust in Him. We can be certain He hears us, just as certain as Jesus was when He said, "Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. I knew that You always hear Me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that You sent Me." (John 11:41b-42) God the Father has to hear us for the sake of Christ our Savior. He hears us because we are clothed in the righteousness of His Son. If He heard David who was saved by the faith of Old Testament times, how much more must He hear us who are saved by faith in Christ? David lived long before Christ, but because of his faith he was able to say, "Know that the Lord has set apart His faithful servant for Himself; the Lord hears when I call to Him." (Psalm 4:3) Sometimes God answers our prayers while we are still praying. He even answers our prayers exactly the way we want. Other times God may not turn our circumstances around as quickly as we'd like. He may not handle our problems in the specific way we ask Him to. But this is never an indication He hasn't heard the prayers of the righteous. This never means His eyes aren't on us and that He isn't with us in our struggles, giving us comfort and hope.
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." (Proverbs 15:1) It doesn't help to answer anger with anger. That just keeps the argument going.
"The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly." (Proverbs 15:2) We've noticed before that it's Solomon's opinion that the foolish person never shuts up.
"The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good." (Proverbs 15:3) Sometimes we feel like God isn't doing anything about the cruelty of the wicked, or that He isn't rewarding our faithfulness. Solomon promises us that God sees everything. In due time He will give each person what he or she deserves. As the Apostle Paul said to the Christians of Israel, "God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them." (Hebrews 6:10)
"The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit." (Proverbs 15:4) It doesn't take us long to recognize who to go to for encouragement and who to avoid. Have you ever known anyone who never seems to say anything positive? Isn't that the last person you would go to for help? But the person who always makes you feel better and reminds you of the promises of the Lord....that's the person you seek out when you feel down.
"A fool spurns a parent's discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence." (Proverbs 14:5) If we don't have a spirit that respects and responds to correction, we're going to just keep on going down the wrong path.
"The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings ruin." (Proverbs 15:6) The treasure in the house of the righteous is likely not material goods in this verse, although the righteous may have those as well. But it's the treasure of knowing the Lord, of rejoicing in His fellowship, of having Him as the firm foundation of the home. The homes of the wicked are filled with strife and even abuse. If the wicked become wealthy, the money tends to make them even more wicked.
"The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the hearts of fools are not upright." (Proverbs 15:7) A person lacking in godly wisdom won't be able to lead anyone else into godly wisdom. But the wise person tells the gospel. The wise person gives his or her testimony.
"The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases Him. The Lord detests the way of the wicked, but He loves those who pursue righteousness." (Proverbs 15:8-9) In Luke 18 the Lord told the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. The Pharisee came to the temple to brag on himself. He stood there and stared up to heaven, loudly telling the Lord of his good deeds so that all could hear him. He never confessed any sin or asked for forgiveness. In contrast, the tax collector came to the temple and dared not even look up from the floor. He beat his breast and whispered, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner." He didn't brag about any good deeds or fail to repent of his sins, therefore Jesus said, "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God." Solomon says that the Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked because it isn't brought in a sincere spirit. It's brought for the wrong reasons, the same way the Pharisee went to the temple for the wrong reasons. Maybe it's because a man's neighbors will talk about him if he doesn't observe the law. Maybe it's so he can make a big deal about himself at the temple. Maybe it's so he can rub elbows with other influential men in the community. But the Lord detests his sacrifice; it means nothing to the one who brought it, so it means nothing to the Lord.
But the Lord is pleased with the prayer of the upright. David said, "The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are attentive to their cry." (Psalm 34:15) The Apostle Peter thought this statement was worth repeating, so he quoted the words of David in 1 Peter 3, reminding the faithful that the eyes of the Lord are upon them and that His ears are open to their cries. James, the Lord's brother, had this to say about the prayers of the righteous, "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." (James 5:16b)
Sometimes we make the mistake of believing the Lord hasn't heard our prayer when He doesn't answer as quickly as we want or in the way we want. But God never shuts His ears to the cries of those who trust in Him. We can be certain He hears us, just as certain as Jesus was when He said, "Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. I knew that You always hear Me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that You sent Me." (John 11:41b-42) God the Father has to hear us for the sake of Christ our Savior. He hears us because we are clothed in the righteousness of His Son. If He heard David who was saved by the faith of Old Testament times, how much more must He hear us who are saved by faith in Christ? David lived long before Christ, but because of his faith he was able to say, "Know that the Lord has set apart His faithful servant for Himself; the Lord hears when I call to Him." (Psalm 4:3) Sometimes God answers our prayers while we are still praying. He even answers our prayers exactly the way we want. Other times God may not turn our circumstances around as quickly as we'd like. He may not handle our problems in the specific way we ask Him to. But this is never an indication He hasn't heard the prayers of the righteous. This never means His eyes aren't on us and that He isn't with us in our struggles, giving us comfort and hope.
Monday, July 3, 2017
Counseled By The King: The Proverbs Of Solomon. Day 40, Wisdom Causes God To Delight In Us
The king begins today by saying, "A large population is a king's glory, but without subjects a prince is ruined." (Proverbs 14:28) A high position and much wealth is useless if the population is rebellious. A ruler without wisdom won't be respected.
"Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly." (Proverbs 14:29) Our true character comes out when we are aggravated. The way we handle difficult situations says a lot about us.
"A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones." (Proverbs 14:30) There have been people I've envied at times because it seemed like their lives were easy and they had everything they wanted, but in every case I ended up finding out they had problems as bad as mine or even worse. We can't go by the outward appearance. It's easy for someone to put on a front and give the impression of having the perfect life or the perfect family or the perfect job. But no one is perfect and no one's life is perfect. Envy is bad for our health and we might as well let it go. If given the choice of keeping our own lives or trading them for someone else's, we're better off with our own.
"Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God." (Proverbs 14:31) We can't say we love our Maker if we don't love everyone He has made. It's wrong to honor the wealthy more than the poor. Our God "does not show favoritism" and we shouldn't either. (Acts 10:34)
"When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God." (Proverbs 14:32) The troubles of this life will overwhelm the wicked because they don't have a firm foundation. Their security is not in the Lord. But the righteous are able to face even death with an unshakable hope. We who are in Christ know that "to live is Christ and to die is gain". (Philippians 1:21)
"Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning and even among fools she lets herself be known." (Proverbs 14:33) To repose is to be at ease, to be at peace, to be quiet or relaxed. Solomon says, "The godly wisdom in a person's heart keeps him centered and at peace, but the foolishness of the ungodly cannot be hidden, for it leads to conflict and discord." The prophet Isaiah agrees, saying to the Lord, "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You." (Isaiah 26:3)
"Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people." (Proverbs 14:34) I like the way the KJV puts it, "Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people." God honors the nation that serves Him, but sin brings only reproach. I sometimes think the only reason God still has His protective hand on America is because there are so many Christians here. There is much sin in our land and all we have to do to prove it is snap on the TV, turn on the computer, or open up a newspaper or magazine.
Solomon, as king, has both wise subjects and foolish subjects. He can relate to God in this way, for God has to deal with both the wise and the foolish, so he says, "A king delights in a wise servant, but a shameful servant arouses his fury." (Proverbs 14:35) In the same way our Lord takes delight in those who honor and love Him and obey His word. A king with wise subjects is a happy king, and Solomon says, "Make our King happy. He will be pleased with the one who fears Him. He will take delight in that person."
"Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly." (Proverbs 14:29) Our true character comes out when we are aggravated. The way we handle difficult situations says a lot about us.
"A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones." (Proverbs 14:30) There have been people I've envied at times because it seemed like their lives were easy and they had everything they wanted, but in every case I ended up finding out they had problems as bad as mine or even worse. We can't go by the outward appearance. It's easy for someone to put on a front and give the impression of having the perfect life or the perfect family or the perfect job. But no one is perfect and no one's life is perfect. Envy is bad for our health and we might as well let it go. If given the choice of keeping our own lives or trading them for someone else's, we're better off with our own.
"Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God." (Proverbs 14:31) We can't say we love our Maker if we don't love everyone He has made. It's wrong to honor the wealthy more than the poor. Our God "does not show favoritism" and we shouldn't either. (Acts 10:34)
"When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God." (Proverbs 14:32) The troubles of this life will overwhelm the wicked because they don't have a firm foundation. Their security is not in the Lord. But the righteous are able to face even death with an unshakable hope. We who are in Christ know that "to live is Christ and to die is gain". (Philippians 1:21)
"Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning and even among fools she lets herself be known." (Proverbs 14:33) To repose is to be at ease, to be at peace, to be quiet or relaxed. Solomon says, "The godly wisdom in a person's heart keeps him centered and at peace, but the foolishness of the ungodly cannot be hidden, for it leads to conflict and discord." The prophet Isaiah agrees, saying to the Lord, "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You." (Isaiah 26:3)
"Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people." (Proverbs 14:34) I like the way the KJV puts it, "Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people." God honors the nation that serves Him, but sin brings only reproach. I sometimes think the only reason God still has His protective hand on America is because there are so many Christians here. There is much sin in our land and all we have to do to prove it is snap on the TV, turn on the computer, or open up a newspaper or magazine.
Solomon, as king, has both wise subjects and foolish subjects. He can relate to God in this way, for God has to deal with both the wise and the foolish, so he says, "A king delights in a wise servant, but a shameful servant arouses his fury." (Proverbs 14:35) In the same way our Lord takes delight in those who honor and love Him and obey His word. A king with wise subjects is a happy king, and Solomon says, "Make our King happy. He will be pleased with the one who fears Him. He will take delight in that person."
Sunday, July 2, 2017
Counseled By The King: The Proverbs Of Solomon. Day 39, Wisdom Is A Secure Fortress
Solomon tells us that the fear of the Lord is a secure fortress. In a scary world, what can we count on for security? The Lord alone is our refuge and strength. He will never change.
He begins with this proverb, "Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness." (Proverbs 14:22) You've probably heard the saying, "What comes around goes around". Our behavior has a way of boomeranging back on us. The one who is always up to no good can't expect to enjoy peace and harmony, but the one who does good will enjoy love and friendship.
"All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty." (Proverbs 14:23) Solomon doesn't promise our hard work will make us rich, but it will pay the bills and put food on the table and clothes on our backs. It will be healthy for our bodies and minds as well. But it's useless to talk about all the big things we're going to do if we never even get started. That's when the bill collectors will start calling and the refrigerator will be empty.
"The wealth of the wise is their crown, but the folly of fools yields folly." (Proverbs 14:24) The wise have something to show for their hard work, but the foolishness of the unwise yields nothing but more foolishness.
"A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful." (Proverbs 14:25) I like to watch the true crime shows on TV and it's amazing to me how many times people have gone to prison on the false word of others. I've seen some shows where a witness admits many years later that he or she lied in court. It's bad enough to be a liar in our everyday lives, but sometimes our false word is enough to ruin the lives of others.
Now we get into the main portion of Solomon's message today. "Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge." (Proverbs 14:26) Solomon's father David once said, "I love You, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." (Psalm 18:1-2) David was a man who understood the need for a secure fortress. He spent fifteen years in constant danger of death at the hands of King Saul. From time to time David made fortresses in mountain caves, but he always knew the Lord was his true fortress. He depended on the Lord more than he depended on places of refuge, more than he depended on the band of men who had joined up with him, and more than he depended on his weapons.
Solomon knows his father's faith was real and that it got him through some very dark times. Because of this, as he got older, Solomon returned to the Lord. I think maybe that's why he says, "for their children it will be a refuge". Growing up with a parent who has faith has an impact on us. I grew up with a very godly mother who taught me about Jesus at such a young age I can't remember not knowing about him. Her faith, which was a secure fortress for her, became a refuge for me. I wandered in worldly ways for a time but eventually I came to know the Savior my mother worshiped.
"The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death." (Proverbs 14:27) Nothing but the blood of Christ spares us from the wages of our sins and from the snares of death. No amount of good deeds makes us righteous before a holy God. No sacrifice we could make on our own would be perfect enough to wash us clean. We will stand before God someday, and if He should ask us what qualifies us to enter into the joys of the Lord, this will be our only answer, "Nothing but the blood."
I've shared this song link in at least one previous Bible study, but I want to share it again today. It got me through a dark time. I played it over and over and it never failed to fill my spirit with joy even in the midst of sorrow. We have a Savior who loved us more than anything, more than His own life. Our Savior bled for us. Our Savior died for us. It's His blood and nothing else that gets us into heaven. We owe everything to Him.
This Blood
He begins with this proverb, "Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness." (Proverbs 14:22) You've probably heard the saying, "What comes around goes around". Our behavior has a way of boomeranging back on us. The one who is always up to no good can't expect to enjoy peace and harmony, but the one who does good will enjoy love and friendship.
"All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty." (Proverbs 14:23) Solomon doesn't promise our hard work will make us rich, but it will pay the bills and put food on the table and clothes on our backs. It will be healthy for our bodies and minds as well. But it's useless to talk about all the big things we're going to do if we never even get started. That's when the bill collectors will start calling and the refrigerator will be empty.
"The wealth of the wise is their crown, but the folly of fools yields folly." (Proverbs 14:24) The wise have something to show for their hard work, but the foolishness of the unwise yields nothing but more foolishness.
"A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful." (Proverbs 14:25) I like to watch the true crime shows on TV and it's amazing to me how many times people have gone to prison on the false word of others. I've seen some shows where a witness admits many years later that he or she lied in court. It's bad enough to be a liar in our everyday lives, but sometimes our false word is enough to ruin the lives of others.
Now we get into the main portion of Solomon's message today. "Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge." (Proverbs 14:26) Solomon's father David once said, "I love You, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." (Psalm 18:1-2) David was a man who understood the need for a secure fortress. He spent fifteen years in constant danger of death at the hands of King Saul. From time to time David made fortresses in mountain caves, but he always knew the Lord was his true fortress. He depended on the Lord more than he depended on places of refuge, more than he depended on the band of men who had joined up with him, and more than he depended on his weapons.
Solomon knows his father's faith was real and that it got him through some very dark times. Because of this, as he got older, Solomon returned to the Lord. I think maybe that's why he says, "for their children it will be a refuge". Growing up with a parent who has faith has an impact on us. I grew up with a very godly mother who taught me about Jesus at such a young age I can't remember not knowing about him. Her faith, which was a secure fortress for her, became a refuge for me. I wandered in worldly ways for a time but eventually I came to know the Savior my mother worshiped.
"The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death." (Proverbs 14:27) Nothing but the blood of Christ spares us from the wages of our sins and from the snares of death. No amount of good deeds makes us righteous before a holy God. No sacrifice we could make on our own would be perfect enough to wash us clean. We will stand before God someday, and if He should ask us what qualifies us to enter into the joys of the Lord, this will be our only answer, "Nothing but the blood."
I've shared this song link in at least one previous Bible study, but I want to share it again today. It got me through a dark time. I played it over and over and it never failed to fill my spirit with joy even in the midst of sorrow. We have a Savior who loved us more than anything, more than His own life. Our Savior bled for us. Our Savior died for us. It's His blood and nothing else that gets us into heaven. We owe everything to Him.
This Blood
Saturday, July 1, 2017
Counseled By The King: The Proverbs Of Solomon. Day 38, Wisdom Helps Us To Keep Our Cool
Solomon says that the one who lacks wisdom is prone to making hasty decisions because he has no self-control.
"The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps." (Proverbs 14:15) It pays to check things out. Before making a big decision we ought to study it from every angle. We need to ask ourselves whether it violates the word of God and whether it will have a positive or negative impact on our own lives or on those around us.
"The wise fear the Lord and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure." (Proverbs 14:16) As Christians we should respond to the aggravations of life with as good an attitude as possible. I've told you before that I get angrier on the road than anywhere else. Well, and in long lines too. I'm an impatient person, so anything that makes me feel like time is being wasted is going to get me worked up. We all have things that push our buttons, but it's important to try and remember to behave as Jesus would. There's nothing that makes me mess up quicker than feeling impatient about something and I'm trying to think of ways to use my waiting time more wisely. For example, I could use my time in the checkout line to pray for my friends and family members instead of standing there tapping one foot impatiently. Solomon says, "Only a fool is a hothead. It will only get you in trouble if you fly off the handle easily. Fear the Lord and behave in a way that honors Him."
"A quick-tempered person does foolish things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated." (Proverbs 14:17) Have you ever said or done something while you were angry that you later wished you hadn't? Solomon says being quick-tempered will lead us to say and do foolish things. But he says it's even worse to plot out evil. Plotting takes some time. It's cold-blooded. So he says, "People hate those who sit around thinking about how to get revenge or how to get ahead at work by plotting against their co-workers."
"The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge." (Proverbs 14:18) Being simple (lacking in godly wisdom) will earn us nothing but dishonor. But being prudent (wise in the Lord and careful about making decisions) will earn us a crown. I'd far rather have a crown bestowed on me than a badge of shame.
"Evildoers will bow down in the presence of the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous." (Proverbs 14:19) Evildoers scoff at those of us who are religious. They think we are ignorant and outdated. But the Bible says they will have to bow before us. They will also have to bow before our Savior and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. (Philippians 2:10-11) They will have to acknowledge that Christ loves those who are His. (Revelation 3:9)
"The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends. It is a sin to despise one's neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy. " (Proverbs 14:20-21) It's wrong to treat people differently because of their financial or social status. Solomon, as an extremely wealthy man, knows that some of his friends are false. They want to hang around with him so they can enjoy his palace, his food, his wine, and his parties. If he lost all his money they would be out of his life so fast it would make his head spin. We are to treat the wealthy and the poor with the same respect. Jesus says to be kind to those who can't do anything for us in return. The poor may never be in a position to benefit us, but He tells us, "Although they cannot repay you, you will be blessed at the resurrection of the righteous." (Luke 14:14)
This day is still young and there may be things in it that will aggravate us. Let's pray that we will be able to meet any challenge in the power of our Savior. If we keep Him at the forefront of our minds we will be able to respond to stresses and problems with a wise spirit. Lord, please help us to behave in a way that honors You so that believers will be encouraged and so that unbelievers will see there is power in the name of Jesus. Amen!
"The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps." (Proverbs 14:15) It pays to check things out. Before making a big decision we ought to study it from every angle. We need to ask ourselves whether it violates the word of God and whether it will have a positive or negative impact on our own lives or on those around us.
"The wise fear the Lord and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure." (Proverbs 14:16) As Christians we should respond to the aggravations of life with as good an attitude as possible. I've told you before that I get angrier on the road than anywhere else. Well, and in long lines too. I'm an impatient person, so anything that makes me feel like time is being wasted is going to get me worked up. We all have things that push our buttons, but it's important to try and remember to behave as Jesus would. There's nothing that makes me mess up quicker than feeling impatient about something and I'm trying to think of ways to use my waiting time more wisely. For example, I could use my time in the checkout line to pray for my friends and family members instead of standing there tapping one foot impatiently. Solomon says, "Only a fool is a hothead. It will only get you in trouble if you fly off the handle easily. Fear the Lord and behave in a way that honors Him."
"A quick-tempered person does foolish things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated." (Proverbs 14:17) Have you ever said or done something while you were angry that you later wished you hadn't? Solomon says being quick-tempered will lead us to say and do foolish things. But he says it's even worse to plot out evil. Plotting takes some time. It's cold-blooded. So he says, "People hate those who sit around thinking about how to get revenge or how to get ahead at work by plotting against their co-workers."
"The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge." (Proverbs 14:18) Being simple (lacking in godly wisdom) will earn us nothing but dishonor. But being prudent (wise in the Lord and careful about making decisions) will earn us a crown. I'd far rather have a crown bestowed on me than a badge of shame.
"Evildoers will bow down in the presence of the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous." (Proverbs 14:19) Evildoers scoff at those of us who are religious. They think we are ignorant and outdated. But the Bible says they will have to bow before us. They will also have to bow before our Savior and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. (Philippians 2:10-11) They will have to acknowledge that Christ loves those who are His. (Revelation 3:9)
"The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends. It is a sin to despise one's neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy. " (Proverbs 14:20-21) It's wrong to treat people differently because of their financial or social status. Solomon, as an extremely wealthy man, knows that some of his friends are false. They want to hang around with him so they can enjoy his palace, his food, his wine, and his parties. If he lost all his money they would be out of his life so fast it would make his head spin. We are to treat the wealthy and the poor with the same respect. Jesus says to be kind to those who can't do anything for us in return. The poor may never be in a position to benefit us, but He tells us, "Although they cannot repay you, you will be blessed at the resurrection of the righteous." (Luke 14:14)
This day is still young and there may be things in it that will aggravate us. Let's pray that we will be able to meet any challenge in the power of our Savior. If we keep Him at the forefront of our minds we will be able to respond to stresses and problems with a wise spirit. Lord, please help us to behave in a way that honors You so that believers will be encouraged and so that unbelievers will see there is power in the name of Jesus. Amen!
Friday, June 30, 2017
Counseled By The King: The Proverbs Of Solomon. Day 37, Righteousness Will Prevail
Chapter 14 contains a series of proverbs, most of which have to do with the righteous prevailing over the wicked. Godly wisdom beats worldly wisdom any day. We are not going to lead others to Christ with worldly wisdom but with the simple truth of the gospel, the same way the Apostle Paul did. He said to the people of Corinth, "When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God's power." (1 Corinthians 2:2b-5)
It might be hard for us to imagine the Apostle Paul trembling with fear as he preached the gospel, but he knew he was not capable in his human weakness of leading others to the Lord. He knew the power had to come from God alone, so he allowed God to take the lead. He was an exceptionally gifted man, highly intelligent and educated, but he knew none of that was going to persuade people to come to Christ. This is why he had a humble spirit when he told people about Jesus. He knew that if God wasn't in the work, the work wasn't going to accomplish much. You and I can have that same humble spirit. In order to lead people to Christ, we don't have to have college degrees or religious training or be gifted speakers. All we have to do is tell about Christ who was crucified for us. All we have to do is share our personal testimonies about how Jesus changed our lives. Our transformed lives are a demonstration of the Holy Spirit. Others around us can't help but believe there must be power in the Lord if He was able to make us into new creatures.
Solomon begins today with a statement that is dear to my heart, "Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy." (Proverbs 14:10) Have you ever been so brokenhearted that you wished someone else could get inside your grief with you so you wouldn't feel alone? Have you ever experienced so much joy that you wished you could make those around you feel the same way? It's impossible for anyone but the Lord to get inside either our grief or our joy with us. Humans aren't able, but He is. In a time of grief three years ago, the Lord showed me how He could be with me in my sorrow. No one could feel what I was feeling....no one but Him. In the same way He shares in our happiness, especially when we are happy in the Holy Spirit. No human being can share the things with us that Christ can.
Solomon reminds us that righteousness will prevail over wickedness. "The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish." (Proverbs 14:11) The Lord can't bless sin because that would be rewarding wickedness. For a time it may seem like evil people prosper on the earth, but a day is coming when the Lord will sort everything out. "The Lord knows those who are His," and He will reward the righteous for their faithfulness. (1 Timothy 2:19)
"There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death." (Proverbs 14:12) Worldly wisdom will tell us we aren't sinners and we don't need a savior. Worldly wisdom will tell us that, if we want to find God, there are many paths to God. Man's ways aren't God's ways, for God says there is one way to Him and that is through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. (John 14:6)
"Even in laughter the heart may ache, and rejoicing may end in grief." (Proverbs 14:13) Many times I've pasted a smile to my face while my heart was breaking inside or while I was consumed with anxiety. I bet you can say the same. In times like that, what a blessing it is to know the One who can share our sorrows with us. The public may not see what's in our hearts, but Jesus does, and He cares for us.
Again Solomon points out that there is a day of reckoning for the wicked and a day of blessing for the righteous, "The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, and the good rewarded for theirs." (Proverbs 14:14)
I don't watch or read the news nearly as much as I used to. It brings me down. It makes the world seem like it's gone mad, because there's rarely anything in the news except bad news. It would be easy for us to feel discouraged and hopeless if all we did was view the world through human eyes, but the Lord asks us to look at it from His viewpoint. He says, "I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) He says, "I created the world and it has no power over Me. It has no power over those who belong to Me. I am the One who prevailed over death and the grave. I am the One who gives victory to those who are Mine. I will bring you all the way through this life and you will enjoy eternity in My presence. Do not fear." Jesus has promised to be with us always. (Matthew 28:20) Life may not be without its struggles, but because of Him it's not without its joys.
We will close today with some good news, with a beautiful promise from Isaiah 41:10, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)
It might be hard for us to imagine the Apostle Paul trembling with fear as he preached the gospel, but he knew he was not capable in his human weakness of leading others to the Lord. He knew the power had to come from God alone, so he allowed God to take the lead. He was an exceptionally gifted man, highly intelligent and educated, but he knew none of that was going to persuade people to come to Christ. This is why he had a humble spirit when he told people about Jesus. He knew that if God wasn't in the work, the work wasn't going to accomplish much. You and I can have that same humble spirit. In order to lead people to Christ, we don't have to have college degrees or religious training or be gifted speakers. All we have to do is tell about Christ who was crucified for us. All we have to do is share our personal testimonies about how Jesus changed our lives. Our transformed lives are a demonstration of the Holy Spirit. Others around us can't help but believe there must be power in the Lord if He was able to make us into new creatures.
Solomon begins today with a statement that is dear to my heart, "Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy." (Proverbs 14:10) Have you ever been so brokenhearted that you wished someone else could get inside your grief with you so you wouldn't feel alone? Have you ever experienced so much joy that you wished you could make those around you feel the same way? It's impossible for anyone but the Lord to get inside either our grief or our joy with us. Humans aren't able, but He is. In a time of grief three years ago, the Lord showed me how He could be with me in my sorrow. No one could feel what I was feeling....no one but Him. In the same way He shares in our happiness, especially when we are happy in the Holy Spirit. No human being can share the things with us that Christ can.
Solomon reminds us that righteousness will prevail over wickedness. "The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish." (Proverbs 14:11) The Lord can't bless sin because that would be rewarding wickedness. For a time it may seem like evil people prosper on the earth, but a day is coming when the Lord will sort everything out. "The Lord knows those who are His," and He will reward the righteous for their faithfulness. (1 Timothy 2:19)
"There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death." (Proverbs 14:12) Worldly wisdom will tell us we aren't sinners and we don't need a savior. Worldly wisdom will tell us that, if we want to find God, there are many paths to God. Man's ways aren't God's ways, for God says there is one way to Him and that is through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. (John 14:6)
"Even in laughter the heart may ache, and rejoicing may end in grief." (Proverbs 14:13) Many times I've pasted a smile to my face while my heart was breaking inside or while I was consumed with anxiety. I bet you can say the same. In times like that, what a blessing it is to know the One who can share our sorrows with us. The public may not see what's in our hearts, but Jesus does, and He cares for us.
Again Solomon points out that there is a day of reckoning for the wicked and a day of blessing for the righteous, "The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, and the good rewarded for theirs." (Proverbs 14:14)
I don't watch or read the news nearly as much as I used to. It brings me down. It makes the world seem like it's gone mad, because there's rarely anything in the news except bad news. It would be easy for us to feel discouraged and hopeless if all we did was view the world through human eyes, but the Lord asks us to look at it from His viewpoint. He says, "I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) He says, "I created the world and it has no power over Me. It has no power over those who belong to Me. I am the One who prevailed over death and the grave. I am the One who gives victory to those who are Mine. I will bring you all the way through this life and you will enjoy eternity in My presence. Do not fear." Jesus has promised to be with us always. (Matthew 28:20) Life may not be without its struggles, but because of Him it's not without its joys.
We will close today with some good news, with a beautiful promise from Isaiah 41:10, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)
Thursday, June 29, 2017
Counseled By The King: The Proverbs Of Solomon. Day 36, Wisdom Prevents Foolishness
The king has some things today about foolishness and how to avoid it by having godly wisdom.
"A fool's mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them." (Proverbs 14:3) The foolish person blurts out whatever is on his mind. He gets angry easily and he doesn't care who knows it. But the wise person is able to control himself, and this will help keep him out of conflicts.
"Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests." (Proverbs 14:4) Owning an ox creates work. The ox must be cared for. But in return the ox helps to provide food for the family. The foolish person will be too lazy to have an ox to pull the blow, so the manger will be empty.
"An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies." (Proverbs 14:5) This statement really needs no comment. A person of integrity can be believed, while a liar can't be trusted no matter what he's saying.
"The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning." (Proverbs 14:6) The one who scorns godly wisdom is foolish. He may think he is wise by the world's standards, but Solomon already tried this and it left him empty inside.
"Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips." (Proverbs 14:7) We can't learn anything from a person lacking in godly wisdom. This is the last person we should go to for advice.
"The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception." (Proverbs 14:8) If we are wise in the Lord we will think carefully before we act. We will live honest lives and won't have to fear being caught in lies. But the person who lacks godly wisdom will have a tendency to deceive.
"Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright." (Proverbs 14:9) Good works don't save us, but the person who comes to Christ will naturally want to do better things with his future than he did with his past. Solomon says that the fool doesn't care how much damage he's left behind him. He's not interested in making things right with God or with his fellow man. But the person who has godly wisdom will want to live a life that's pleasing to the Lord.
"A fool's mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them." (Proverbs 14:3) The foolish person blurts out whatever is on his mind. He gets angry easily and he doesn't care who knows it. But the wise person is able to control himself, and this will help keep him out of conflicts.
"Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests." (Proverbs 14:4) Owning an ox creates work. The ox must be cared for. But in return the ox helps to provide food for the family. The foolish person will be too lazy to have an ox to pull the blow, so the manger will be empty.
"An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies." (Proverbs 14:5) This statement really needs no comment. A person of integrity can be believed, while a liar can't be trusted no matter what he's saying.
"The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning." (Proverbs 14:6) The one who scorns godly wisdom is foolish. He may think he is wise by the world's standards, but Solomon already tried this and it left him empty inside.
"Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips." (Proverbs 14:7) We can't learn anything from a person lacking in godly wisdom. This is the last person we should go to for advice.
"The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception." (Proverbs 14:8) If we are wise in the Lord we will think carefully before we act. We will live honest lives and won't have to fear being caught in lies. But the person who lacks godly wisdom will have a tendency to deceive.
"Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright." (Proverbs 14:9) Good works don't save us, but the person who comes to Christ will naturally want to do better things with his future than he did with his past. Solomon says that the fool doesn't care how much damage he's left behind him. He's not interested in making things right with God or with his fellow man. But the person who has godly wisdom will want to live a life that's pleasing to the Lord.
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