Victory Christian Center

July 31, 2009: Proverbs 31

2009-07-31T06:43:00.003-05:00

This is it. The last chapter of Proverbs. Thanks again for all the great comments. Many people in the church have expressed how much they have been blessed by this Bible study and the insight from different people. Let's remember the key verse from Proverbs 4:23, "above all else, guard your heart. Out of it spring the issues of life". Our hearts will be stronger as a result of this time in God's Word. Keep your heart, don't allow it to be stolen!

Proverbs 31 (New International Version)

Sayings of King Lemuel

¹ The sayings of King Lemuel—an oracle his mother taught him:

² "O my son, O son of my womb,
O son of my vows,

³ do not spend your strength on women,
your vigor on those who ruin kings.

⁴ "It is not for kings, O Lemuel—
not for kings to drink wine,
not for rulers to crave beer,

⁵ lest they drink and forget what the law decrees,
and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.

⁶ Give beer to those who are perishing,
wine to those who are in anguish;

⁷ let them drink and forget their poverty
and remember their misery no more.

⁸ "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.

⁹ Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy."
Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character

¹⁰ A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.

¹¹ Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.

¹² She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.

¹³ She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.

¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.

¹⁵ She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls.

¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

¹⁷ She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.

¹⁸ She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.

¹⁹ In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

²⁰ She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.

²¹ When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

²² She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

²³ Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.

²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.

²⁶ She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.

²⁸ Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:

²⁹ "Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."

³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

³¹ Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

July 30, 2009: Proverbs 30

2009-07-30T15:53:00.001-05:00

Proverbs 30 (New International Version)

¹ The sayings of Agur son of Jakeh—an oracle :
This man declared to Ithiel,
to Ithiel and to Ucal:

² "I am the most ignorant of men;
I do not have a man's understanding.

³ I have not learned wisdom,
nor have I knowledge of the Holy One.

⁴ Who has gone up to heaven and come down?
Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of his hands?
Who has wrapped up the waters in his cloak?
Who has established all the ends of the earth?
What is his name, and the name of his son?
Tell me if you know!

⁵ "Every word of God is flawless;
he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

There is so much in this chapter to discuss. I just got stuck on this verse, thinking about everything the Lord has done for me. So I read this to the staff this morning. Where would we be without the Lord? He is a shield and His Word is flawless in my life!

⁶ Do not add to his words,
or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.

⁷ "Two things I ask of you, O LORD;
do not refuse me before I die:

⁸ Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
give me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread.

⁹ Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
and say, 'Who is the LORD ?'
Or I may become poor and steal,
and so dishonor the name of my God.

¹⁰ "Do not slander a servant to his master,
or he will curse you, and you will pay for it.

¹¹ "There are those who curse their fathers
and do not bless their mothers;

¹² those who are pure in their own eyes
and yet are not cleansed of their filth;

¹³ those whose eyes are ever so haughty,
whose glances are so disdainful;

¹⁴ those whose teeth are swords
and whose jaws are set with knives
to devour the poor from the earth,
the needy from among mankind.

¹⁵ "The leech has two daughters.
'Give! Give!' they cry.
"There are three things that are never satisfied,
four that never say, 'Enough!':

¹⁶ the grave, the barren womb,
land, which is never satisfied with water,
and fire, which never says, 'Enough!'

¹⁷ "The eye that mocks a father,
that scorns obedience to a mother,
will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley,
will be eaten by the vultures.

¹⁸ "There are three things that are too amazing for me,
four that I do not understand:

¹⁹ the way of an eagle in the sky,
the way of a snake on a rock,
the way of a ship on the high seas,
and the way of a man with a maiden.

²⁰ "This is the way of an adulteress:
She eats and wipes her mouth
and says, 'I've done nothing wrong.'

²¹ "Under three things the earth trembles,
under four it cannot bear up:

²² a servant who becomes king,
a fool who is full of food,

²³ an unloved woman who is married,
and a maidservant who displaces her mistress.

²⁴ "Four things on earth are small,
yet they are extremely wise:

²⁵ Ants are creatures of little strength,
yet they store up their food in the summer;

²⁶ coneys are creatures of little power,
yet they make their home in the crags;

²⁷ locusts have no king,
yet they advance together in ranks;

²⁸ a lizard can be caught with the hand,
yet it is found in kings' palaces.

²⁹ "There are three things that are stately in their stride,
four that move with stately bearing:

³⁰ a lion, mighty among beasts,
who retreats before nothing;

³¹ a strutting rooster, a he-goat,
and a king with his army around him.

³² "If you have played the fool and exalted yourself,
or if you have planned evil,
clap your hand over your mouth!

³³ For as churning the milk produces butter,
and as twisting the nose produces blood,
so stirring up anger produces strife."

July 29, 2009: Proverbs 29

2009-07-29T07:48:00.002-05:00

Proverbs 29 (New International Version)
1 A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.
2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3 A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
4 By justice a king gives a country stability, but one who is greedy for bribes tears it down.
5 Whoever flatters his neighbor is spreading a net for his feet.
6 An evil man is snared by his own sin, but a righteous one can sing and be glad.
7 The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.
8 Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger.
9 If a wise man goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.
10 Bloodthirsty men hate a man of integrity and seek to kill the upright.
11 A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.
12 If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked.
13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives sight to the eyes of both.
14 If a king judges the poor with fairness, his throne will always be secure.
15 The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.
16 When the wicked thrive, so does sin, but the righteous will see their downfall.
17 Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul.
18 Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law.

Proverbs 29:18 (New Living Translation)
18 When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful.
Proverbs 29:18 (King James Version)
18Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

I have been studying about vision lately. Without fresh vision, there is nothing to work for, no God given purpose to build for. People who have no purpose "cast off restraint", or as the NLT says, "they run wild". I don't ever want to be stuck in the past or satisfied with what God has done. The Holy Spirit is not stuck in the past. He wants to move forward and do a new thing in our lives.

19 A servant cannot be corrected by mere words; though he understands, he will not respond.
20 Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21 If a man pampers his servant from youth, he will bring grief in the end.
22 An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins.
23 A man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor.
24 The accomplice of a thief is his own enemy; he is put under oath and dare not testify.
25 Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.
26 Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the LORD that man gets justice.
27 The righteous detest the dishonest; the wicked detest the upright.

July 28, 2009 Proverbs 28

2009-07-28T09:22:00.003-05:00

Proverbs 28 (New International Version)
1 The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
2 When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.
3 A ruler who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.
4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them.
5 Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand it fully.
6 Better a poor man whose walk is blameless than a rich man whose ways are perverse.
7 He who keeps the law is a discerning son, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.
8 He who increases his wealth by exorbitant interest amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.
9 If anyone turns a deaf ear to the law, even his prayers are detestable.
10 He who leads the upright along an evil path will fall into his own trap, but the blameless will receive a good inheritance.
11 A rich man may be wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has discernment sees through him.
12 When the righteous triumph, there is great elation; but when the wicked rise to power, men go into hiding.
13 He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
14 Blessed is the man who always fears the LORD, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.

I am sure these two verses go together. Nothing hardens the heart like concealed sins. The trouble will come because living a lie is like building on sand that will wash away. That's why the idea of giving God unhindered access to our hearts is so important. The fallen human heart is deceitful. We cannot understand or control our own hearts without the help of the Holy Spirit.

Jeremiah 17:9 (New International Version)
9 The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

If we detect bitterness, unforgiveness, jealousy, insecurity, victim mentality, or any other serious heart issue we must act. Get Godly counsel. Be determined to dig up the bitter roots!

Hebrews 12:14-16 (New King James Version)
14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: 15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; 16 lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright.

15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked man ruling over a helpless people.
16 A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment, but he who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long life.
17 A man tormented by the guilt of murder will be a fugitive till death; let no one support him.
18 He whose walk is blameless is kept safe, but he whose ways are perverse will suddenly fall.
19 He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
20 A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.
21 To show partiality is not good—yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.
22 A stingy man is eager to get rich and is unaware that poverty awaits him.
23 He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor than he who has a flattering tongue.
24 He who robs his father or mother and says, "It's not wrong"—he is partner to him who destroys.
25 A greedy man stirs up dissension, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.
26 He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe.
27 He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.
28 When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.

July 27, 2009: Proverbs 27

2009-07-26T22:23:00.002-05:00

Proverbs 27 (New King James Version)
1 Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth.
2 Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips.
3 A stone is heavy and sand is weighty, But a fool’s wrath is heavier than both of them.
4 Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent, But who is able to stand before jealousy?
5 Open rebuke is better Than love carefully concealed.
6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
7 A satisfied soul loathes the honeycomb, But to a hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.

Great verse for fasting. When we satisfy the flesh, we are not hungry for the things of the Lord.

8 Like a bird that wanders from its nest Is a man who wanders from his place.
9 Ointment and perfume delight the heart, And the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel.
10 Do not forsake your own friend or your father’s friend, Nor go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity; Better is a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.
11 My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, That I may answer him who reproaches me.
12 A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself; The simple pass on and are punished.

Another verse on how wisdom protects us!

13 Take the garment of him who is surety for a stranger, And hold it in pledge when he is surety for a seductress.
14 He who blesses his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, It will be counted a curse to him.
15 A continual dripping on a very rainy day And a contentious woman are alike;
16 Whoever restrains her restrains the wind, And grasps oil with his right hand.
17 As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
18 Whoever keeps the fig tree will eat its fruit; So he who waits on his master will be honored.
19 As in water face reflects face, So a man’s heart reveals the man.
20 Hell and Destruction are never full; So the eyes of man are never satisfied.
21 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, And a man is valued by what others say of him.
22 Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain, Yet his foolishness will not depart from him.
23 Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, And attend to your herds;
24 For riches are not forever, Nor does a crown endure to all generations.
25 When the hay is removed, and the tender grass shows itself, And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in,
26 The lambs will provide your clothing, And the goats the price of a field;
27 You shall have enough goats’ milk for your food, For the food of your household, And the nourishment of your maidservants.

July 26, 2009: Proverbs 26

2009-07-26T22:19:00.002-05:00

Proverbs 26 (New International Version)
1 Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, honor is not fitting for a fool.
2 Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest.
3 A whip for the horse, a halter for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools!
4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself.
5 Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.
6 Like cutting off one's feet or drinking violence is the sending of a message by the hand of a fool.
7 Like a lame man's legs that hang limp is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
8 Like tying a stone in a sling is the giving of honor to a fool.
9 Like a thornbush in a drunkard's hand is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
10 Like an archer who wounds at random is he who hires a fool or any passer-by.
11 As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.
12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
13 The sluggard says, "There is a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets!"
14 As a door turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turns on his bed.
15 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.
16 The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer discreetly.
17 Like one who seizes a dog by the ears is a passer-by who meddles in a quarrel not his own.
18 Like a madman shooting firebrands or deadly arrows
19 is a man who deceives his neighbor and says, "I was only joking!"
20 Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.
21 As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.
22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts.
23 Like a coating of glaze over earthenware are fervent lips with an evil heart.
24 A malicious man disguises himself with his lips, but in his heart he harbors deceit.
25 Though his speech is charming, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart.
26 His malice may be concealed by deception, but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.
27 If a man digs a pit, he will fall into it; if a man rolls a stone, it will roll back on him.
28 A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin

July 25, 2009: Proverbs 25

2009-07-25T09:43:00.003-05:00

More great proverbs today. It is important to increase in wisdom and walk with wise people. Looking forward to reading your comments!

Proverbs 25 (New International Version)
1 These are more proverbs of Solomon, copied by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah:
2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.
3 As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.
4 Remove the dross from the silver, and out comes material for the silversmith;
5 remove the wicked from the king's presence, and his throne will be established through righteousness.
6 Do not exalt yourself in the king's presence, and do not claim a place among great men;
7 it is better for him to say to you, "Come up here," than for him to humiliate you before a nobleman. What you have seen with your eyes
8 do not bring hastily to court, for what will you do in the end if your neighbor puts you to shame?
9 If you argue your case with a neighbor, do not betray another man's confidence,
10 or he who hears it may shame you and you will never lose your bad reputation.
11 A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
12 Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man's rebuke to a listening ear.
13 Like the coolness of snow at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the spirit of his masters.
14 Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of gifts he does not give.
15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
16 If you find honey, eat just enough— too much of it, and you will vomit.
17 Seldom set foot in your neighbor's house—too much of you, and he will hate you.
18 Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is the man who gives false testimony against his neighbor.
19 Like a bad tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble.
20 Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
22 In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.
23 As a north wind brings rain, so a sly tongue brings angry looks.
24 Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
25 Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.
26 Like a muddied spring or a polluted well is a righteous man who gives way to the wicked.
27 It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to seek one's own honor.
28 Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.

July 24, 2009: Proverbs 24

2009-07-24T07:52:00.001-05:00

Proverbs 24 (New International Version)
Proverbs 24
1 Do not envy wicked men, do not desire their company;
2 for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about making trouble.
3 By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established;
4 through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.
5 A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength;
6 for waging war you need guidance, and for victory many advisers.
7 Wisdom is too high for a fool; in the assembly at the gate he has nothing to say.
8 He who plots evil will be known as a schemer.
9 The schemes of folly are sin, and men detest a mocker.
10 If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength!
11 Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.
12 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?
13 Eat honey, my son, for it is good; honey from the comb is sweet to your taste.
14 Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.
15 Do not lie in wait like an outlaw against a righteous man's house, do not raid his dwelling place;
16 for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity.
17 Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice,
18 or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from him.
19 Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of the wicked,
20 for the evil man has no future hope, and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.
21 Fear the LORD and the king, my son, and do not join with the rebellious,
22 for those two will send sudden destruction upon them, and who knows what calamities they can bring? Further Sayings of the Wise
23 These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judging is not good:
24 Whoever says to the guilty, "You are innocent"— peoples will curse him and nations denounce him.
25 But it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and rich blessing will come upon them.
26 An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.
27 Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house.
28 Do not testify against your neighbor without cause, or use your lips to deceive.
29 Do not say, "I'll do to him as he has done to me; I'll pay that man back for what he did."
30 I went past the field of the sluggard, past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment;
31 thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins.
32 I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw:
33 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest-
34 and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man. [a

July 23, 2009: Proverbs Chapter 23

2009-07-22T23:31:00.003-05:00

Look at all the verses on the heart in this Chapter! As I read I realized the urgency that God is trying to convey to us about our lives.

"My son, Give Me your heart"!

We have 8 chapters left to get all we can from this Bible Study, and allow the light of God's Word to reveal shadows and secrets that we hold back from the Lord. The Word says He looks at our hearts. We are discovering the value of giving Him unhindered access!

Proverbs 23 (New King James Version)

1When you sit down to eat with a ruler, Consider carefully what is before you;

2 And put a knife to your throat If you are a man given to appetite.

3 Do not desire his delicacies, For they are deceptive food.

4 Do not overwork to be rich; Because of your own understanding, cease!

5 Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; They fly away like an eagle toward heaven.

6 Do not eat the bread of a miser, Nor desire his delicacies;

7 For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. “ Eat and drink!” he says to you, But his heart is not with you.

8 The morsel you have eaten, you will vomit up, And waste your pleasant words.

9 Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, For he will despise the wisdom of your words.

10 Do not remove the ancient landmark, Nor enter the fields of the fatherless;

11 For their Redeemer is mighty; He will plead their cause against you.

12 Apply your heart to instruction, And your ears to words of knowledge.

13 Do not withhold correction from a child, For if you beat him with a rod, he will not die.

14 You shall beat him with a rod, And deliver his soul from hell.

15 My son, if your heart is wise, My heart will rejoice—indeed, I myself;

16 Yes, my inmost being will rejoice When your lips speak right things. Do not let your heart envy sinners, But be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day;

18 For surely there is a hereafter, And your hope will not be cut off.

19 Hear, my son, and be wise; And guide your heart in the way.

20 Do not mix with winebibbers, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat;

21 For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, And drowsiness will clothe a man with rags.

22 Listen to your father who begot you, And do not despise your mother when she is old.

23 Buy the truth, and do not sell it, Also wisdom and instruction and understanding.

24 The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, And he who begets a wise child will delight in him.

25 Let your father and your mother be glad, And let her who bore you rejoice.

26 My son, give me your heart, And let your eyes observe my ways.

27 For a harlot is a deep pit, And a seductress is a narrow well.

28 She also lies in wait as for a victim, And increases the unfaithful among men.

29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes?

30 Those who linger long at the wine, Those who go in search of mixed wine.

31 Do not look on the wine when it is red, When it sparkles in the cup, When it swirls around smoothly;

32 At the last it bites like a serpent, And stings like a viper.

33 Your eyes will see strange things, And your heart will utter perverse things.

34 Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, Or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying: "They have struck me, but I was not hurt; They have beaten me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?"

July 22, 2009: Proverbs 22

2009-07-22T23:24:00.002-05:00

Proverbs 22 (New King James Version)

1 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold.
2 The rich and the poor have this in common, The LORD is the maker of them all.
3 A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, But the simple pass on and are punished.
4 By humility and the fear of the LORD Are riches and honor and life.
5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse; He who guards his soul will be far from them.
6 Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.
7 The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower is servant to the lender.
8 He who sows iniquity will reap sorrow, And the rod of his anger will fail.
9 He who has a generous eye will be blessed, For he gives of his bread to the poor.
10 Cast out the scoffer, and contention will leave; Yes, strife and reproach will cease.
11 He who loves purity of heart And has grace on his lips, The king will be his friend.
12 The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, But He overthrows the words of the faithless.
13 The lazy man says, “There is a lion outside! I shall be slain in the streets!”
14 The mouth of an immoral woman is a deep pit; He who is abhorred by the LORD will fall there.
15 Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of correction will drive it far from him.
16 He who oppresses the poor to increase his riches, And he who gives to the rich, will surely come to poverty.
17 Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, And apply your heart to my knowledge;
18 For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you; Let them all be fixed upon your lips,
19 So that your trust may be in the LORD; I have instructed you today, even you.
20 Have I not written to you excellent things Of counsels and knowledge,
21 That I may make you know the certainty of the words of truth, That you may answer words of truth To those who send to you?
22 Do not rob the poor because he is poor, Nor oppress the afflicted at the gate;
23 For the LORD will plead their cause, And plunder the soul of those who plunder them.
24 Make no friendship with an angry man, And with a furious man do not go,
25 Lest you learn his ways And set a snare for your soul.
26 Do not be one of those who shakes hands in a pledge, One of those who is surety for debts;
27 If you have nothing with which to pay, Why should he take away your bed from under you?
28 Do not remove the ancient landmark Which your fathers have set.
29 Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men.

July 21, 2009: Proverbs Chapter 21

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I'm looking for more comments today. Where are you all? Let's finish strong on this Bible Study!

Proverbs 21 (New King James Version)

1 The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD,
Like the rivers of water;
He turns it wherever He wishes.
2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,
But the LORD weighs the hearts.

This is the verse of the day for me. The Lord looks at our hearts. People can't see what is in there, they miss the good sometimes, and they miss the bad. But God looks at the heart and can speak to us about the issues that originate there. That's my prayer today, Lord weigh my heart today and show me what you see there!

3 To do righteousness and justice
Is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
4 A haughty look, a proud heart,
And the plowing of the wicked are sin.
5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty,
But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.
6 Getting treasures by a lying tongue
Isthe fleeting fantasy of those who seek death.
7 The violence of the wicked will destroy them,
Because they refuse to do justice.
8 The way of a guilty man is perverse;
But as for the pure, his work is right.
9 Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop,
Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.
10 The soul of the wicked desires evil;
His neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.
11 When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise;
But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.
12 The righteous God wisely considers the house of the wicked,
Overthrowing the wicked for their wickedness.
13 Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor
Will also cry himself and not be heard.
14 A gift in secret pacifies anger,
And a bribe behind the back, strong wrath.
15 It is a joy for the just to do justice,
But destruction will come to the workers of iniquity.
16 A man who wanders from the way of understanding
Will rest in the assembly of the dead.
17 He who loves pleasure will be a poor man;
He who loves wine and oil will not be rich.
18 The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous,
And the unfaithful for the upright.
19 Better to dwell in the wilderness,
Than with a contentious and angry woman.
20 There is desirable treasure,
And oil in the dwelling of the wise,
But a foolish man squanders it.
21 He who follows righteousness and mercy
Finds life, righteousness, and honor.
22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty,
And brings down the trusted stronghold.
23 Whoever guards his mouth and tongue
Keeps his soul from troubles.
24 A proud and haughty man—“Scoffer” is his name;
He acts with arrogant pride.
25 The desire of the lazy man kills him,
For his hands refuse to labor.
26 He covets greedily all day long,
But the righteous gives and does not spare.
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination;
How much more when he brings it with wicked intent!
28 A false witness shall perish,
But the man who hears him will speak endlessly.
29 A wicked man hardens his face,
But as for the upright, he establishes[f] his way.
30 There is no wisdom or understanding
Or counsel against the LORD.
31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle,
But deliverance is of the LORD.

2009-07-20T14:31:00.002-05:00

Proverbs 20 (New King James Version)
1 Wine is a mocker,
Strong drink is a brawler,
And whoever is led astray by it is not wise.
2 The wrath of a king is like the roaring of a lion;
Whoever provokes him to anger sins against his own life.
3 It is honorable for a man to stop striving,
Since any fool can start a quarrel.
4 The lazy man will not plow because of winter;
He will beg during harvest and have nothing.
5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water,
But a man of understanding will draw it out.
6 Most men will proclaim each his own goodness,
But who can find a faithful man?
7 The righteous man walks in his integrity;
His children are blessed after him.
8 A king who sits on the throne of judgment
Scatters all evil with his eyes.
9 Who can say, “I have made my heart clean,
I am pure from my sin”?
10 Diverse weights and diverse measures,
They are both alike, an abomination to the LORD.
11 Even a child is known by his deeds,
Whether what he does is pure and right.
12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye,
The LORD has made them both.
13 Do not love sleep, lest you come to poverty;
Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with bread.
14 “ It is good for nothing,” cries the buyer;
But when he has gone his way, then he boasts.
15 There is gold and a multitude of rubies,
But the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
16 Take the garment of one who is surety for a stranger,
And hold it as a pledge when it is for a seductress.
17 Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man,
But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.
18 Plans are established by counsel;
By wise counsel wage war.
19 He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets;
Therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips.

This is a great verse. Pride is the heart issue when it comes to listening to criticism of other people and indulging the flattery of others. We all need encouragement and we all need to be appreciated, but verse 19 is describing issues that come from a wounded heart. Our Heavenly Father wants to heal the wounds that cause us trouble. Realizing that there is a heart issue and we need healing is the first step to living free of the misery of insecurity.

Verse 22 is wise advice. God is more than able to handle our enemies.

20 Whoever curses his father or his mother,
His lamp will be put out in deep darkness.
21 An inheritance gained hastily at the beginning
Will not be blessed at the end.
22 Do not say, “I will recompense evil”;
Wait for the LORD, and He will save you.
23 Diverse weights are an abomination to the LORD,
And dishonest scales are not good.
24 A man’s steps are of the LORD;
How then can a man understand his own way?
25 It is a snare for a man to devote rashly something as holy,
And afterward to reconsider his vows.
26 A wise king sifts out the wicked,
And brings the threshing wheel over them.
27 The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD,
Searching all the inner depths of his heart.
28 Mercy and truth preserve the king,
And by lovingkindness he upholds his throne.
29 The glory of young men is their strength,
And the splendor of old men is their gray head.
30 Blows that hurt cleanse away evil,
As do stripes the inner depths of the heart.

July 19, 2009: Proverbs Chapter 19

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Proverbs 19 (New Living Translation)
1 Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and a fool.
2 Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes.
3 People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord.
4 Wealth makes many “friends”; poverty drives them all away.
5 A false witness will not go unpunished, nor will a liar escape.
6 Many seek favors from a ruler; everyone is the friend of a person who gives gifts!
7 The relatives of the poor despise them; how much more will their friends avoid them! Though the poor plead with them, their friends are gone.
8 To acquire wisdom is to love oneself; people who cherish understanding will prosper.

I like the NLT version of this verse. Wisdom and understanding will make the difference in our lives. God wants us to prosper and be in health. He has done everything to make our lives successful except choose for us the kind of life we want to live. So many verses in the Bible show us His heart for us to be blessed. I am convinced that this study of Proverbs is going to result in manifest blessing in every area of our lives (finances, relationships, success at work, success as parents etc.).

9 A false witness will not go unpunished, and a liar will be destroyed.
10 It isn’t right for a fool to live in luxury or for a slave to rule over princes!
11 Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.
12 The king’s anger is like a lion’s roar, but his favor is like dew on the grass.
13 A foolish child is a calamity to a father; a quarrelsome wife is as annoying as constant dripping.
14 Fathers can give their sons an inheritance of houses and wealth, but only the Lord can give an understanding wife.
15 Lazy people sleep soundly, but idleness leaves them hungry.
16 Keep the commandments and keep your life; despising them leads to death.
17 If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord—and he will repay you!
18 Discipline your children while there is hope. Otherwise you will ruin their lives.
19 Hot-tempered people must pay the penalty. If you rescue them once, you will have to do it again.
20 Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.
21 You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.
22 Loyalty makes a person attractive. It is better to be poor than dishonest.
23 Fear of the Lord leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm.
24 Lazy people take food in their hand but don’t even lift it to their mouth.
25 If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded will learn a lesson; if you correct the wise, they will be all the wiser.
26 Children who mistreat their father or chase away their mother are an embarrassment and a public disgrace.
27 If you stop listening to instruction, my child, you will turn your back on knowledge.
28 A corrupt witness makes a mockery of justice; the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil.
29 Punishment is made for mockers, and the backs of fools are made to be beaten.

July 18, 2009: Proverbs Chapter 18

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Lots of great verses on words in this chapter. I like verse 13 because jumping to conclusions is a dangerous habit. It goes well with verse 17 which says that the first one to speak always sounds right. The point to these verses is that wisdom and understanding helps us keep quiet and listen before we get involved in someone's dispute. It's easy to become offended before we know the facts.

Verses 1, 2, and 6 describe people we need to keep out of our inner circle. A real change in heart not only transforms us, it transforms our relationships. The wise walk with the wise, but a companion of fools will be destroyed. Pulling away from unhealthy influences is necessary to keep our hearts with diligence.

Proverbs 18 (New Living Translation)
1 Unfriendly people care only about themselves; they lash out at common sense.
2 Fools have no interest in understanding; only want to air their own opinions.
3 Doing wrong leads to disgrace, and scandalous behavior brings contempt.
4 Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.
5 It is not right to acquit the guilty or deny justice to the innocent.
6 Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating.
7 The mouths of fools are their ruin; they trap themselves with their lips.
8 Rumors are dainty morsel that sink deep into one’s heart.
9 A lazy person is as bad a someone who destroys things.
10 The name of the Lord is a strong fortress;the godly run to him and are safe.
11 The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense; they imagine it to be a high wall of safety.
12 Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor.
13 Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.
14 The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear a crushed spirit?
15 Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge.
16 Giving a gift can open doors; it gives access to important people!
17 The first to speak in court sounds right— until the cross-examination begins.
18 Flipping a coin can end arguments; it settles disputes between powerful opponents.
19 An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars.
20 Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction.
21 The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.
22 The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord.
23 The poor plead for mercy; the rich answer with insults.
24 There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother

July 17, 2009: Proverbs 17

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I put in bold some verses that speak about strife. Strife is a heart issue. It originates with the bitter roots of pride, jealousy, hatred, unforgiveness etc. Strife causes us so much trouble, but often we don't see it coming in time to stop the destruction to relationships and the resulting pain in the soul. As we grow as a church (in people and in ministry) we have to be able to identify the bad fruit of bitter roots in our own hearts. We want to be a safe spiritual family. We also have to confront strife and practice the Biblical principles of correction and submission to each other. I really believe that the churches that will see the biggest harvest in these uncertain days are the ones that value unity enough to protect it (see early church in Acts). My heart needs these verses. I want my family (Emily, Benjamin, Susanna) and my spiritual family to enjoy great success and peace. Not one without the other (see verse 1).

Proverbs 17 (New King James Version)
1 Better is a dry morsel with quietness, Than a house full of feasting with strife.

2 A wise servant will rule over a son who causes shame, And will share an inheritance among the brothers.

3 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the LORD tests the hearts.

4 An evildoer gives heed to false lips; A liar listens eagerly to a spiteful tongue.

5 He who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker; He who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.

6 Children’s children are the crown of old men, And the glory of children is their father.

7 Excellent speech is not becoming to a fool, Much less lying lips to a prince.

8 A present is a precious stone in the eyes of its possessor; Wherever he turns, he prospers.

9 He who covers a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates friends.

10 Rebuke is more effective for a wise man Than a hundred blows on a fool.

11 An evil man seeks only rebellion; Therefore a cruel messenger will be sent against him.

12 Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs, Rather than a fool in his folly.

13 Whoever rewards evil for good, Evil will not depart from his house.

14 The beginning of strife is like releasing water; Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.

15 He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, Both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD.

16 Why is there in the hand of a fool the purchase price of wisdom, Since he has no heart for it?

17 A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.

18 A man devoid of understanding shakes hands in a pledge, And becomes surety for his friend.

19 He who loves transgression loves strife, And he who exalts his gate seeks destruction.

20 He who has a deceitful heart finds no good, And he who has a perverse tongue falls into evil.

21 He who begets a scoffer does so to his sorrow, And the father of a fool has no joy.

22 A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.

23 A wicked man accepts a bribe behind the back To pervert the ways of justice.

24 Wisdom is in the sight of him who has understanding, But the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.

25 A foolish son is a grief to his father, And bitterness to her who bore him.

26 Also, to punish the righteous is not good, Nor to strike princes for their uprightness.

27 He who has knowledge spares his words, And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.

28 Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.

2009-07-15T22:29:00.003-05:00

Proverbs 16 (New King James Version)

1 The preparations of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.

2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the spirits.

3 Commit your works to the LORD, And your thoughts will be established.

4 The LORD has made all for Himself, Yes, even the wicked for the day of doom.

5 Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; Though they join forces, none will go unpunished.

6 In mercy and truth Atonement is provided for iniquity; And by the fear of the LORD one departs from evil.

7 When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

It is hard not to focus on the enemies we can see and hear. God wants us to trust Him and have His vision for our lives. He is more than able to take care of our enemies! This is a heart issue of course. The fear of man is believing that a person has the power to stop God's will for my life. The only person who can halt God's purpose for me is me. I see our hearts getting healthier every day through these amazing chapters. I am going to keep examining as I read the rest of these verses.

Keep the comments coming. I love reading about what God is saying to us through His Word!

8 Better is a little with righteousness, Than vast revenues without justice.

9 A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.

10 Divination is on the lips of the king; His mouth must not transgress in judgment.

11 Honest weights and scales are the LORD’s; All the weights in the bag are His work.

12 It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, For a throne is established by righteousness.

13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings, And they love him who speaks what is right.

14 As messengers of death is the king’s wrath, But a wise man will appease it.

15 In the light of the king’s face is life, And his favor is like a cloud of the latter rain.

16 How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.

17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; He who keeps his way preserves his soul.

18 Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.

19 Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud.

20 He who heeds the word wisely will find good, And whoever trusts in the LORD, happy is he.

21 The wise in heart will be called prudent, And sweetness of the lips increases learning.

22 Understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it. But the correction of fools is folly.

23 The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, And adds learning to his lips.

24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.

25 There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.

26 The person who labors, labors for himself, For his hungry mouth drives him on.

27 An ungodly man digs up evil, And it is on his lips like a burning fire.

28 A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friends.

29 A violent man entices his neighbor, And leads him in a way that is not good.

30 He winks his eye to devise perverse things; He purses his lips and brings about evil.

31 The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, If it is found in the way of righteousness.

32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

33 The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the LORD.

July 15, 2009: Proverbs 15

2009-07-15T07:56:00.002-05:00

Proverbs 15 (New King James Version)

1 A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.
3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good.
4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, But perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
5 A fool despises his father’s instruction, But he who receives correction is prudent.

I am thankful for my Dad. His corrections gave me wisdom and understanding. If I could be a part of a movement in America that I know would change our nation, it would be to help all the people who have never had a godly Dad!

6 In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, But in the revenue of the wicked is trouble.
7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge, But the heart of the fool does not do so.
8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But the prayer of the upright is His delight.
9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But He loves him who follows righteousness.
10 Harsh discipline is for him who forsakes the way, And he who hates correction will die.
11 Hell and Destruction are before the LORD; So how much more the hearts of the sons of men.
12 A scoffer does not love one who corrects him, Nor will he go to the wise.
13 A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
14 The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.
15 All the days of the afflicted are evil, But he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast.
16 Better is a little with the fear of the LORD, Than great treasure with trouble.
17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, Than a fatted calf with hatred.
18 A wrathful man stirs up strife, But he who is slow to anger allays contention.
19 The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, But the way of the upright is a highway.
20 A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish man despises his mother.
21 Folly is joy to him who is destitute of discernment, But a man of understanding walks uprightly.
22 Without counsel, plans go awry, But in the multitude of counselors they are established.
23 A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, And a word spoken in due season, how good it is!
24 The way of life winds upward for the wise, That he may turn away from hell below.
25 The LORD will destroy the house of the proud, But He will establish the boundary of the widow.
26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD, But the words of the pure are pleasant.
27 He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, But he who hates bribes will live.
28 The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil.
29 The LORD is far from the wicked, But He hears the prayer of the righteous.
30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, And a good report makes the bones healthy.
31 The ear that hears the rebukes of life Will abide among the wise.
32 He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, But he who heeds rebuke gets understanding.
33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, And before honor is humility.

2009-07-13T15:26:00.004-05:00

Proverbs 14 (New King James Version)
1 The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish pulls it down with her hands.
2 He who walks in his uprightness fears the LORD, But he who is perverse in his ways despises Him.
3 In the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride, But the lips of the wise will preserve them.
4 Where no oxen are, the trough is clean; But much increase comes by the strength of an ox.
5 A faithful witness does not lie, But a false witness will utter lies.
6 A scoffer seeks wisdom and does not find it, But knowledge is easy to him who understands.
7 Go from the presence of a foolish man, When you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge.
8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, But the folly of fools is deceit.
9 Fools mock at sin, But among the upright there is favor.
10 The heart knows its own bitterness, And a stranger does not share its joy.
11 The house of the wicked will be overthrown, But the tent of the upright will flourish.
12 There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.
13 Even in laughter the heart may sorrow, And the end of mirth may be grief.
14 The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, But a good man will be satisfied from above.
15 The simple believes every word, But the prudent considers well his steps.
16 A wise man fears and departs from evil, But a fool rages and is self-confident.
17 A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, And a man of wicked intentions is hated.
18 The simple inherit folly, But the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19 The evil will bow before the good, And the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
20 The poor man is hated even by his own neighbor, But the rich has many friends.
21 He who despises his neighbor sins; But he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he.
22 Do they not go astray who devise evil? But mercy and truth belong to those who devise good.
23 In all labor there is profit, But idle chatter leads only to poverty.
24 The crown of the wise is their riches, But the foolishness of fools is folly.
25 A true witness delivers souls, But a deceitful witness speaks lies.
26 In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, And His children will have a place of refuge.
27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death.
28 In a multitude of people is a king’s honor, But in the lack of people is the downfall of a prince.
29 He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, But he who is impulsive exalts folly.

30 A sound heart is life to the body, But envy is rottenness to the bones.

Here is more Biblical proof of the need for our commiment to give God unhindered access to our hearts. I don't believe what we have started this month is just a 31 day study. Keeping our hearts open will result in all kinds of healing and prosperity. Verse 33 speaks of the relationship between wisdom and understanding. I want to understand my heart and deal with issues. There is nothing more destructive than a deceitful heart. Thank you for all the posts, I have been so blessed reading these amazing responses to the Word!

31 He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, But he who honors Him has mercy on the needy.
32 The wicked is banished in his wickedness, But the righteous has a refuge in his death.

33 Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding, But what is in the heart of fools is made known.
34 Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people.
35 The king’s favor is toward a wise servant, But his wrath is against him who causes shame.

July 13, 2009: Proverbs Chapter 13

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Proverbs 13 (New King James Version)
1 A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.
2 A man shall eat well by the fruit of his mouth, But the soul of the unfaithful feeds on violence.
3 He who guards his mouth preserves his life, But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.
4 The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; But the soul of the diligent shall be made rich.

God has designed us to dream big. You can see it in children, pretending to be superheroes or famous performers. Verses 2-4 are keys to seeing our dreams come true. Verse 2 is talking about our mouths. What we say becomes part of who we are. We have to speak well of ourselves and of others in order to be who God has called us to be. Words affect the spirit, soul, and body and words reflect the heart. I know what is in my heart about a person or a situation by my words. This is a good thing! When I see my words exposing a heart issue, I can go to God and ask for help. I can repent of any bitterness, negativity, judgmental criticism, or cynicism that focuses my thoughts on man and keeps me from thinking God's thoughts for my life. Verse 4 tells us success comes with diligence. I know it takes work and constant, honest surveillance to keep my heart!

5 A righteous man hates lying, But a wicked man is loathsome and comes to shame.
6 Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless, But wickedness overthrows the sinner.
7 There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches.
8 The ransom of a man’s life is his riches, But the poor does not hear rebuke.
9 The light of the righteous rejoices, But the lamp of the wicked will be put out.
10 By pride comes nothing but strife, But with the well-advised is wisdom.
11 Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, But he who gathers by labor will increase.
12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.
13 He who despises the word will be destroyed, But he who fears the commandment will be rewarded.
14 The law of the wise is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death.
15 Good understanding gains favor, But the way of the unfaithful is hard.
16 Every prudent man acts with knowledge, But a fool lays open his folly.
17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble, But a faithful ambassador brings health.
18 Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction, But he who regards a rebuke will be honored.
19 A desire accomplished is sweet to the soul, But it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil.
20 He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed.
21 Evil pursues sinners, But to the righteous, good shall be repaid.
22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, But the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.
23 Much food is in the fallow ground of the poor, And for lack of justice there is waste.
24 He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly.
25 The righteous eats to the satisfying of his soul, But the stomach of the wicked shall be in want.

2009-07-11T20:34:00.004-05:00

Proverbs 12 (New King James Version)

1 Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, But he who hates correction is stupid.

2 A good man obtains favor from the LORD, But a man of wicked intentions He will condemn.

3 A man is not established by wickedness, But the root of the righteous cannot be moved.

4 An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, But she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones.

5 The thoughts of the righteous are right, But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.

6 The words of the wicked are, “Lie in wait for blood,” But the mouth of the upright will deliver them.

7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more, But the house of the righteous will stand.

8 A man will be commended according to his wisdom, But he who is of a perverse heart will be despised.

9 Better is the one who is slighted but has a servant, Than he who honors himself but lacks bread.

10 A righteous man regards the life of his animal, But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

11 He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread, But he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding.

12 The wicked covet the catch of evil men, But the root of the righteous yields fruit.

13 The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, But the righteous will come through trouble.

14 A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth, And the recompense of a man’s hands will be rendered to him.

15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel is wise.

16 A fool’s wrath is known at once, But a prudent man covers shame.

17 He who speaks truth declares righteousness, But a false witness, deceit.

18 There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health.

19 The truthful lip shall be established forever, But a lying tongue is but for a moment.

20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But counselors of peace have joy.

21 No grave trouble will overtake the righteous, But the wicked shall be filled with evil.

22 Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, But those who deal truthfully are His delight.

23 A prudent man conceals knowledge, But the heart of fools proclaims foolishness.

24 The hand of the diligent will rule, But the lazy man will be put to forced labor.

25 Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.

26 The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray.

27 The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting, But diligence is man’s precious possession.

28 In the way of righteousness is life, And in its pathway there is no death.

I love Chapter 12. Verse 4, I know I am a blessed man! Verse 15 is important for me. I seek out wise counsel. The Lord brings wise men and women into my life all the time. All I have to do is recognize them and ask for counsel. He has just recently opened up new sources of wise friendships on a national level that I am very thankful for. Verse 16 is important for the same reasons. It's not just in reference to friends who have outwardly sinful lifetsyles. This verse could be warning us about negativity, gossip, or people that have a controlling spirits (spiritual manipulation). Great chapter! Time to pray for my heart to be wise and understanding.

July 11, 2009: Proverbs 11

2009-07-10T21:11:00.003-05:00

Proverbs 11 (New King James Version)
1 Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, But a just weight is His delight.

2 When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom.

3 The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.

4 Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, But righteousness delivers from death.

5 The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way aright, But the wicked will fall by his own wickedness.

6 The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, But the unfaithful will be caught by their lust.

7 When a wicked man dies, his expectation will perish, And the hope of the unjust perishes.

8 The righteous is delivered from trouble, And it comes to the wicked instead.

9 The hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor, But through knowledge the righteous will be delivered.

10 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices; And when the wicked perish, there is jubilation.

11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, But it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

12 He who is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor, But a man of understanding holds his peace.

13 A talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.

14 Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.

15 He who is surety for a stranger will suffer, But one who hates being surety is secure.

16 A gracious woman retains honor, But ruthless men retain riches.

17 The merciful man does good for his own soul, But he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.

18 The wicked man does deceptive work, But he who sows righteousness will have a sure reward.

19 As righteousness leads to life, So he who pursues evil pursues it to his own death.

20 Those who are of a perverse heart are an abomination to the LORD, But the blameless in their ways are His delight.

21 Though they join forces, the wicked will not go unpunished; But the posterity of the righteous will be delivered.

22 As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout, So is a lovely woman who lacks discretion.

23 The desire of the righteous is only good, But the expectation of the wicked is wrath.

24 There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, But it leads to poverty.

25 The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself.

26 The people will curse him who withholds grain, But blessing will be on the head of him who sells it.

27 He who earnestly seeks good finds favor, But trouble will come to him who seeks evil.

28 He who trusts in his riches will fall, But the righteous will flourish like foliage.

29 He who troubles his own house will inherit the wind, And the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.

30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, And he who wins souls is wise.

31 If the righteous will be recompensed on the earth, How much more the ungodly and the sinner.

Too many amazing verses to do this chapter justice! My theme is Proverbs 4:23 so I am looking for a heart response that deals with actual or potential issues of life. I love verse 28 because it reflects the verses in Jeremiah 17 about trusting in God not in man. We are the righteous and we will flourish like foliage. Though the world (that is trusting in their riches) falls, we will always flourish when we follow after righteousness! I refuse to allow my heart to fear man or trust in man. I will trust in the Lord and prosper even in the drought! Read this amazing promise in Psalm 94 (paraphrased in the Message)...

Psalm 94:15 (The Message)
12-15 How blessed the man you train, God, the woman you instruct in your Word, Providing a circle of quiet within the clamor of evil, while a jail is being built for the wicked. God will never walk away from his people, never desert his precious people. Rest assured that justice is on its way and every good heart put right.

July 10, 2009: Proverbs Chapter 10

2009-07-10T07:12:00.002-05:00

Proverbs 10 (New King James Version)

1 The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son makes a glad father, But a foolish son is the grief of his mother.
2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, But righteousness delivers from death.
3 The LORD will not allow the righteous soul to famish, But He casts away the desire of the wicked.
4 He who has a slack hand becomes poor, But the hand of the diligent makes rich.
5 He who gathers in summer is a wise son; He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame.
6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous, But violence covers the mouth of the wicked.
7 The memory of the righteous is blessed, But the name of the wicked will rot.
8 The wise in heart will receive commands, But a prating fool will fall.
9 He who walks with integrity walks securely, But he who perverts his ways will become known.
10 He who winks with the eye causes trouble, But a prating fool will fall.
11 The mouth of the righteous is a well of life, But violence covers the mouth of the wicked.
12 Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all sins.
13 Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding, But a rod is for the back of him who is devoid of understanding.
14 Wise people store up knowledge, But the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.
15 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city; The destruction of the poor is their poverty. 16 The labor of the righteous leads to life, The wages of the wicked to sin.
17 He who keeps instruction is in the way of life, But he who refuses correction goes astray.
18 Whoever hides hatred has lying lips, And whoever spreads slander is a fool.
19 In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise.
20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; The heart of the wicked is worth little.
21 The lips of the righteous feed many, But fools die for lack of wisdom.
22 The blessing of the LORD makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it.

This is a great chapter to encourage believers. Life is not easy for anyone, but we are promised a long successful life for righteous living. Emily was a telling me about Steven K. Scott, the owner of Total Gym. He speaks at Christian conferences about studying Proverbs and becoming successful. Here is a short bio on Steven:

Steven K. Scott is the best-selling author of The Richest Man Who Ever Lived, The Greatest Words Ever Spoken, and Mentored by a Millionaire. After failing in nine jobs, he started reading a chapter of Proverbs every day–and the wisdom of Scripture changed his life. Scott and his business partners have built more than a dozen multimillion-dollar companies from scratch, achieving billions of dollars in sales. He is the co-founder of Max International, Total Gym Fitness, and The American Telecast Corporation. He is a popular international speaker on the subjects of personal and professional achievement and the application of biblical wisdom to every area of life.

23 To do evil is like sport to a fool, But a man of understanding has wisdom.
24 The fear of the wicked will come upon him, And the desire of the righteous will be granted.
25 When the whirlwind passes by, the wicked is no more, But the righteous has an everlasting foundation.
26 As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, So is the lazy man to those who send him.
27 The fear of the LORD prolongs days, But the years of the wicked will be shortened. 28 The hope of the righteous will be gladness, But the expectation of the wicked will perish.
29 The way of the LORD is strength for the upright, But destruction will come to the workers of iniquity.
30 The righteous will never be removed, But the wicked will not inhabit the earth.
31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, But the perverse tongue will be cut out.
32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, But the mouth of the wicked what is perverse.

July 9, 2009: Proverbs Chapter 9

2009-07-08T23:47:00.009-05:00

Proverbs 9 (New King James Version)
1 Wisdom has built her house, She has hewn out her seven pillars;

2 She has slaughtered her meat, She has mixed her wine, She has also furnished her table.

3 She has sent out her maidens, She cries out from the highest places of the city,

4 “ Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” As for him who lacks understanding, she says to him,

5 “ Come, eat of my bread And drink of the wine I have mixed.

6 Forsake foolishness and live, And go in the way of understanding.

7 “ He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, And he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself.

8 Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.

9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

10 “ The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

11 For by me your days will be multiplied, And years of life will be added to you.

12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, And if you scoff, you will bear it alone.”

13 A foolish woman is clamorous; She is simple, and knows nothing.

14 For she sits at the door of her house, On a seat by the highest places of the city,

15 To call to those who pass by, Who go straight on their way:

16 “ Whoever is simple, let him turn in here”; And as for him who lacks understanding, she says to him,

17 “ Stolen water is sweet, And bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”

18 But he does not know that the dead are there, That her guests are in the depths of hell.

I relate verse 10 to a story I heard John Bevere tell in one of his messages. This may not be an exact retelling, but I hope it is close enough to convey the point:

John Bevere was visiting a man who had lost his position in an influential ministry. John asked him when he had stopped loving God. The man responded that he had never stopped loving God, but that he had stopped fearing God. I think this honest self-evaluation is important for us as 21st Century believers. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. If we lose that reverential fear, foolish thinking and behavior will follow. These are dangerous times we live in, days when we need God's help more than ever. Wisdom and understanding comes to those hearts that "fear" the Lord. That's our heart check for today's Proverb.

Proverbs 9:10 (New King James Version)
10 “ The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

July 8, 2009: Proverbs Chapter 8

2009-07-07T21:51:00.003-05:00

I was listening to someone talk today on Fox News and I thought about how unjust their words were. They were discussing Sarah Palin's resignation. I'm tired of hearing the cruel and spiteful things people say about the Palin family. This is not just about political differences, it is an example of wicked people speaking out unjust judgements. This is one of the reasons we need to go after wisdom. Wisdom preserves us. God wants us to understand right and wrong, and stand for truth and justice. There are alot of verses about God loving justice and expecting us to stand for what is right. Here is one I like:

Psalm 82:1-3 (New International Version)
1 God presides in the great assembly; he gives judgment among the "gods":
2 "How long will you defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked? Selah
3 Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.

The pursuit of wisdom is beneficial for us personally. Wisdom and understanding results in blessings of all kinds. God wants us to have wise and understanding hearts in order to be a blessing. Like verse 7 of Proverbs 8 says, He wants us to speak truth. The wickedness that we hear in the world should be an abomination to us and we should live out the righteousness Jesus paid for. I'm encouraged today by Proverbs 8. God needs our lives to show the world what a good God He is.

Proverbs 8 (New King James Version)

1 Does not wisdom cry out, And understanding lift up her voice?

2 She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, Beside the way, where the paths meet.

3 She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, At the entrance of the doors:

4 “ To you, O men, I call, And my voice is to the sons of men.

5 O you simple ones, understand prudence, And you fools, be of an understanding heart.

6 Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, And from the opening of my lips will come right things;

7 For my mouth will speak truth; Wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

8 All the words of my mouth are with righteousness; Nothing crooked or perverse is in them.

9 They are all plain to him who understands, And right to those who find knowledge.

10 Receive my instruction, and not silver, And knowledge rather than choice gold;

11 For wisdom is better than rubies, And all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.

12 “ I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, And find out knowledge and discretion.

13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate.

14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength.

15 By me kings reign, And rulers decree justice.

16 By me princes rule, and nobles, All the judges of the earth.

17 I love those who love me, And those who seek me diligently will find me.

18 Riches and honor are with me, Enduring riches and righteousness.

19 My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, And my revenue than choice silver.

20 I traverse the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of justice,

21 That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth, That I may fill their treasuries.

22 “ The LORD possessed me at the beginning of His way, Before His works of old.

23 I have been established from everlasting, From the beginning, before there was ever an earth.

24 When there were no depths I was brought forth, When there were no fountains abounding with water.

25 Before the mountains were settled, Before the hills, I was brought forth;

26 While as yet He had not made the earth or the fields, Or the primal dust of the world.

27 When He prepared the heavens, I was there, When He drew a circle on the face of the deep,

28 When He established the clouds above, When He strengthened the fountains of the deep,

29 When He assigned to the sea its limit, So that the waters would not transgress His command, When He marked out the foundations of the earth,

30 Then I was beside Him as a master craftsman; And I was daily His delight, Rejoicing always before Him,

31 Rejoicing in His inhabited world, And my delight was with the sons of men.

32 “ Now therefore, listen to me, my children, For blessed are those who keep my ways.

33 Hear instruction and be wise, And do not disdain it.

34 Blessed is the man who listens to me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at the posts of my doors.

35 For whoever finds me finds life, And obtains favor from the LORD;

36 But he who sins against me wrong his own soul; All those who hate me love death.”

July 7, 2009: Proverbs Chapter 7

2009-07-06T22:55:00.005-05:00

Chapter 7 contains more warnings about the crafty harlot (I'm starting to wonder about Solomon's son). I am thinking about the heart issues that lead to the paths of destruction described in this chapter. I want to know the heart issues that lead people down these dark alleys of destruction. So with that Bible study in mind, I'm looking at Solomon's heart again.

1 Kings 11:1-9 (New King James Version)
Solomon’s Heart Turns from the LORD

1 But King Solomon loved many foreign women,

Even though no symbolism is intended in this verse, I do believe it is a wider warning of how various "foreign" idols can captivate our hearts. The purpose for our Bible Study is to allow a deep searching of our hearts. What "foreign bodies" are toxic to my heart and could keep me from following God faithfully? Solomon exposed his heart to ungodly influences. How do we do the same?

as well as the daughter of Pharaoh: women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites— 2 from the nations of whom the LORD had said to the children of Israel, “You shall not intermarry with them, nor they with you. Surely they will turn away your hearts after their gods.” Solomon clung to these in love. 3 And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines; and his wives turned away his heart. 4 For it was so, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned his heart after other gods;

Let those influences stick around long enough, and then when you are weak......

and his heart was not loyal to the LORD his God, as was the heart of his father David. 5 For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. 6 Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and did not fully follow the LORD, as did his father David. 7 Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, on the hill that is east of Jerusalem, and for Molech the abomination of the people of Ammon. 8 And he did likewise for all his foreign wives, who burned incense and sacrificed to their gods.9 So the LORD became angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned from the LORD God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice,

We will not finish the race like this. We can pray for understanding today. What things are influencing me in the wrong way? Tell me Lord, what thoughts are not your thoughts. Give me understanding, and wisdom, and discretion! Write your Word on the tablet of my heart, and help me keep my heart. Here is Chapter 7 of Proverbs:

Proverbs 7 (New King James Version)
1 My son, keep my words, And treasure my commands within you.

2 Keep my commands and live, And my law as the apple of your eye.

3 Bind them on your fingers; Write them on the tablet of your heart.

4 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” And call understanding your nearest kin,

5 That they may keep you from the immoral woman, From the seductress who flatters with her words.

6 For at the window of my house I looked through my lattice,

7 And saw among the simple, I perceived among the youths, A young man devoid of understanding,

8 Passing along the street near her corner; And he took the path to her house

9 In the twilight, in the evening, In the black and dark night.

10 And there a woman met him, With the attire of a harlot, and a crafty heart.

11 She was loud and rebellious, Her feet would not stay at home.

12 At times she was outside, at times in the open square, Lurking at every corner.

13 So she caught him and kissed him; With an impudent face she said to him:

14 “ I have peace offerings with me; Today I have paid my vows.

15 So I came out to meet you, Diligently to seek your face, And I have found you.

16 I have spread my bed with tapestry, Colored coverings of Egyptian linen.

17 I have perfumed my bed With myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.

18 Come, let us take our fill of love until morning; Let us delight ourselves with love.

19 For my husband is not at home; He has gone on a long journey;

20 He has taken a bag of money with him, And will come home on the appointed day.”

21 With her enticing speech she caused him to yield, With her flattering lips she seduced him.

22 Immediately he went after her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, Or as a fool to the correction of the stocks,

23 Till an arrow struck his liver. As a bird hastens to the snare, He did not know it would cost his life.

24 Now therefore, listen to me, my children; Pay attention to the words of my mouth:

25 Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways, Do not stray into her paths;

26 For she has cast down many wounded, And all who were slain by her were strong men.

27 Her house is the way to hell, Descending to the chambers of death.