Monthly Archives: April 2018

Insights from Proverbs 28


Insights from Proverbs 28 for the 28th:

Chapter 28 starts off with a bang: the righteous are bold as a lion!

Then there are a bunch of verses letting us know that it’s ok if we are not earthly wealthy for we are heavenly wealthy (this, of course, due to the work of Jesus Christ).

Solomon offers a red flag for us to watch out for: anyone who is a glutton; disregards rules, laws, or personal boundaries – such a person shames his father. Don’t go down with their ship! (V. 7)

I’d like to point out just one other verse:

“Happy is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardness his heart will fall into calamity.” (v. 14)

This verse can be applied in so many ways; the work place, the homestead, and one’s spiritual body. You’ll be much more happy if you are respectful of others and to your Lord.

I hope you are enjoying studying a Proverb a day.

Insights from Proverbs 27

iron sharpens iron

Insights from Proverbs 27 for the 27th:

Verse 17 is one of my Life verses: “As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”

This verse has served me well. When I have a dilemma or strife, I seek wise counsel. I hope you have someone you can go to for direction. If not, pray that God would put someone like that to pour into your life.

Iron sharpening iron is such a vivid and accurate metaphor. I envision a blacksmith hammering away on his anvil; FORGING. Or a butcher sharpening his blades; HONING.

The purpose of course is to be sharper, more efficient, and of better use for the Maker.

The literal translation says a man sharpens “the face of his friend.” Words can do that; change a person’s actual countenance. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide your mouth.

LISTEN WELL.

We influence each other; for good or for bad. Therefore, be careful who you listen to & who’s advice you let into your heart.

Insights from Proverbs 26


Insights from Proverbs 26 for the 26th:

There are lots of verses here that deal with the fool (4-12).

For instance: “do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him.” Sounds like an internet argument, doesn’t it? Who hasn’t gotten into one and how did it work out?

11 has a vivid (and let’s just say disgusting) image of what it’s like to keep on repeating folly.

16 reminds me of the armchair quarterback who thinks they can do better than the actual athletes in the game.

17: don’t meddle; it’s like yanking a dog’s ears… which will result in being bit!

Lots of good stuff here, but my favorite (and the one I have highlighted, underlined, and starred in my Bible – is 20: “Where there is no wood, the fire goes out.”

Man, this proverb could have saved me plenty of unnecessary strife.

Insights from Proverbs 25

mister_rogers

Insights from Proverbs 25 for the 25th:

Chapter 25 is a smorgasbord of behavioral and relational standards.

Five of the verses address being neighborly. Man, having a good neighbor is so important! A bad neighbor can make your life so much harder than it has to be!

Are you a good neighbor or a difficult one?

We have GREAT neighbors. They are like family… and some literally are family! It is an incredible blessing. We look out for each other and do life together well. Not everyone is so fortunate. Imagine not trusting your neighbor. Imagine a neighbor that went out of their way to be difficult. Hey, life’s challenging enough without adding to it’s troubles.

As believers, we are ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor. 5:20). We represent Christians in general and Jesus in particular. Even if your neighbor isn’t so neighborly; bless them & pray for them (Matt. 5:44). Show them the wonderful love of Jesus. That is how our community should know us (John 13:35). Remember: Our lives may be the only Bible some people may ever read. Be intentional!

Are you being a good steward of the street on which God placed you?

(Eight out of ten of you are now singing, “Won’t you be my neighbor?”)

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Insights from Proverbs 24

Silhouette of helping hand between two climber

Insights from Proverbs 24 for the 24th:

One of the most convicting sentiments in all of Proverbs is found in 24:11-12.

“Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, ‘But we knew nothing about this,’ does not He who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not He who guards your life know it? Will He not repay each person according to what he has done?”

God guards all life.

He hears the millions of tiny voices that are prematurely aborted. He knows the hopelessness of those enslaved in sex-trafficking. He sees the tragedies resulting from racism. He laments all the lost marching straight into Hell via atheism or false religions.

God guards all life and He has entrusted us to act as His agents!

Rescue is the word that’s used; deliver, defend, pluck, snatch them away! They are heading toward slaughter! RESCUE THEM!

We cannot see social injustice and do nothing (or worse: claim ignorance). We cannot see the lost and not share the Gospel with them. We are compelled! (1 Cor. 9:16)

We may fool each other (or even ourselves), but we cannot fool He who weighs the heart.

Like I said; very convicting couple of verses.

Please read them for yourself. And also – Take your time. Wrestle with them. Savor them. They are so great. I hope that you do.

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Ref: http://biblehub.com/hebrew/5337.htm

Insights from Proverbs 22 & 23

flying_money3

Insights from Proverbs 22 & 23 for the 22nd and 23rd:

Kids have got to be trained. You don’t have to teach a kid to be bad; No, you have to teach them to be good. I’ve heard if you toss 1 ball in with 3 kids, you’ll immediately see 4 of the 7 deadly sins: greed, envy, wrath, and pride. Sharing is like the toughest thing to get your child (and some adults) to do, right?

The rod of discipline is necessary. Whatever that “rod” is: time-outs, taking away things for a disclosed time, and yes: spankings. Whatever it is, pick something and be consistent with it. Trust me: Your future self thanks you! (22:6 & 15, 23:13-14)

 

Time flies and so does money. All you have to do is look at $ and it’s gone. Solomon says your money will grow wings & fly away! (23:4-5) What’s more important is your relationship with the Lord, who will NEVER forsake you.

23:17-18 is a tender moment between a father and son. He brings his son in tight & encourages him. “It’s ok, son. God has a bright future planned for you. Chin up. Remain zealous for the Lord. He will be your hope.”

Wow. Fathers, take note.

Last thing – Solomon offers a scary image for those who like to party too much. It seems like fun, but in the end, it will bite you. It’s like sleeping on a raft in a raging sea. What a rough way to go through life! (23:29-35)

22:12 is interesting. Read it for yourself. Comment on what you think it means.

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Insights from Proverbs 21


Insights from Proverbs 21 for the 21st:

Of all the tasty treats that Solomon prepares for us in Proverbs 21 (and there are plenty!), it might surprise you that I’ve picked only one to discuss and which one. Verse 30:

“There is no wisdom or understanding or counsel against the Lord.”

This is a vital truth to pass on to the youth. They are bombarded by counter-Biblical sentiments on a daily basis through entertainment and the media. This systematic dismantling is even more aggressive in college.

The Holy Spirit guided the wisest man ever to say that no matter how intelligent a person or establishment, if it’s against the Lord – it will not stand.

Now more than ever, we need to communicate the truth to our youth!

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Insights from Proverbs 20

knocked off your high horse

Insights from Proverbs 20 for the 20th:

This is probably not going to be very popular, but it ain’t wrong either…

Verse 1 is a warning about strong drink. Solomon calls it a mocker and a brawler. Being led by the bottle is not wise. We’ve all seen (or done) things under the influence that would not have been seen (or done) had it not been for that drink! Think of all the mistakes, accidents, & fights that could be erased if alcohol were not involved.

Solomon then drops a barrage of truth-bombs:

  • Don’t provoke,
  • Don’t fight,
  • Don’t be lazy,
  • and Don’t cheat (mentioned twice!).

But also – don’t worry, Verse 9 says nobody’s perfect. Can I get an Amen?

How about this one: don’t gossip or go around blabbing! If someone begins a conversation by looking around, lowering their voice, and then saying “Well, they told me not to tell, but…” – Look out, man.

20’s modern translation = Treat yo mama with respect.

29a. If you’re young, your glory is in your strength (ambition & endurance).

29b. If you’re old, your splendor is in your gray hair (experience & wisdom).

29c. Hey, what if you are in the middle: Still strong, but also getting gray? 🙂

The last verse says every once in awhile life is going to give you a pretty solid beat down. But that’s OK; it builds character. Sure, it hurts – but it also removes evil. It knocks us off our high horse when we get too big for our britches. Haven’t you ever watched a kid who was misbehaving & thought, “You know what that kid needs? That kid needs a good… some discipline.” Come on now. Be honest. Its like that.

Like I said: not popular, but not wrong either.

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Insights from Proverbs 19

bowing

Insights from Proverbs 19 for the 19th:

I love verse 22: “What is desired in a man is kindness,” isn’t that about the truth? If kindness is present, so many other things will be too; compassion, mercy, and empathy. Its hard to be kind and a jerk at the same time.

The overwhelming theme of Proverbs 19 is retribution; evil will not go unpunished. Although it may appear that the wicked succeed, it only appears that way. God will repay all and justice will come. If not in this world, then in the one to come (Heb. 9:27).

This is a comforting promise. A common question/objection I get is why do bad things happen to good people and good things happen to the bad? The rich get richer & the poor get poorer.

Well, first of all; nobody is “good.” We are all bad (Rom. 3:23). Yes, even you. EVERYONE is in need of a Savior. If not, God made a colossal blunder in offering His Son to die on Calvary and God is not in the blunder-making business (Gal. 2:21).

Second of all, things aren’t always what they seem. No one knows what goes on behind closed doors except those who live there. Success is measured in way more than dollars.

Lastly, God has the final say. He is just and His ruling will be nothing but (Psa. 25:8). We will be totally satisfied in His perfect verdict.

“The fear of the Lord leads to life, And he who has it will abide in satisfaction,” (v.23).

Fearing the Lord is the beginning of understanding (Psa. 9:10). Without that fear, one cannot even BEGIN TO UNDERSTAND! It leads to life. That fear is reverential.

We bow in awe for God is awesome.

The closer you get to God, the more aware you are of His much-ness and your little-ness. That is not a crippling awareness; it is a comforting one. Abide in it and you will be fully satisfied. Reject it and you will be forever starving.

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Insights from Proverbs 18

strong tower

Insights from Proverbs 18 for the 18th:

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it & are safe (v.10).”

I have become increasingly sensitive to taking the Lord’s name in vain. Our culture is so flippant with OMG. Its like nails on a chalkboard to me. The name of the Lord is important. It’s a strong tower. We run to it. It protects it. Let us not become callous to it’s misuse.

“Death & life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit (v.21).”

We can speak life or speak death. That is tremendous power. More than we know. Be extremely cautious with that responsibility.

“He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from the Lord (v.22).”

A good thing is a God thing. Robert Morris tells the story of a man who called his wife, “Good thing.” She was his good thing from the Lord. If you have found your good thing, thank the Lord & do your best to let her know how much you appreciate her. If you’ve yet to find your good thing, serve the Lord until you do. Then serve the Lord together.

My Good thing is the best thing that ever happened to me.

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