Judges 3:12-30 - Ehud and Eglon

Judges 3:12-30

So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel. And the land was undisturbed for eighty years. 

Message: Ehud and Eglon

Time: Judges covers about 250 years from death of Joshua to birth of Samuel (1360-1110 BC). The people of Israel largely divided with different local triable judges. It was a period of stirring interventions by the Lord and also great disobedience on the part of the Israelites. Without a king, everyone did right in their own eyes (Judges 21:25). 

What the Lord is Saying: In the previous lesson, something I saw and began to understand was that God used the poor choices of the Israelites for an opportunity to determine if they will rely on Him. I saw in that lesson that my life is really meant to glorify God, not so that I would get a reward but so that God would simply be glorified and receive the praise. The primary focus of our lives is on Him, not ourselves. And in this situation with the Israelites in Canaan, they are going to be challenged and tested with the hope that their lives will be lived in praise and honor of God. 

The Tabletalk lesson for today states, "God still used them (the subsequent judges after Othniel), but the judges tend to receive a greater focus than the Lord Himself." See, too often, I am thinking life is about me and what I want and what I need and my happiness and my joy - but life is about God and His glory. I am living in His World. I am created because of Him and for Him. This book - the Bible - is meant to be a story about God and who He is and what He is doing. And people in this story serve His purposes. I serve His purposes. It is more important for God to get the glory than for man. 

After Othniel dies, following 40 years of the land resting (v. 11), "the sons of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord." In other words, the sons of Israel entered a time of apostasy. Apostasy is turning away from one's faith after declaring or making a profession of faith. In seeing this evil - "The Lord strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel." Eglon's purpose is to discipline them. This is what God can do during a time of apostasy - turn people back to Him. Here, he is doing that through discipline. After this "the sons of Israel served Eglon...18 years." -- Eglon is not a Godly representative; He is not a righteous judge. He is a worldly ruler. Joseph Benson states, "As God raised up deliverers to Israel, when they became penitent, so he spirited up enemies against them, and gave them power to oppress them, whenever they revolted from his service."

Then "the sons of Israel cried to the Lord" and "the Lord raised up a deliverer. (v. 15)" Ehud is the next judge and the next deliverer to the people of Israel. Ehud will kill Eglon in a rather gruesome way, surprising him with a sword and thrusting it into his belly and then scurrying away. This is a story of what God did, but that doesn't mean this is a story that is to be emulated or repeated, but is describing what God has done. God steps in when His people are falling away from him, exchanging other gods for the God of Abraham. God sees this and uses a non-Godly man to turn people back to Him, but He does it through discipline. Then, at a point, that God determines, after the people cry to Him, He raises up a deliverer. 

After the death of Eglon, 10,000 Moabites are struck down. Moab is subdued. "And the land was undisturbed for eighty years." There were 18 years that the people were disciplined, but then this is followed by 80 years of living undisturbed or had rest (not the entire land, but the eastern part which had shaken off Moab.

Summary: For 18 years, God disciplines Israel under the hand of Eglon. After crying to the Lord, the Lord delivers Israel through Ehud and they have peace for 80 years. 

Promise: "Through every storm, through every fight, Your hand has held me, guiding my life." - Belle BallesterosYe, "I am Chosen." 

Prayer: God, you are good. You are holy. You created me for your purpose. But even more than me, you have a purpose in people, to keep them with You. Yet, we as your people can get off track. We can turn from You and seek our own desires, our own ways. We erect gods that we seek and make a big part of our lives. We are impatient and in the process we start taking control of our own lives or we think we do. But you God still have your purpose, to be with You. O God - keep your people close to You. You will draw them back to You. I see this. Maybe I discover it greater than I have ever seen before. You are a God that brings your people home to You. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Proverbs 10:7 - Remember the Righteous

Proverbs 10:7

The memory of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot. 

Message: Remember the righteous

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God. 

What the Lord is Saying: Common words - righteousness (v. 2), righteous (v.3), righteous (v.6), and now righteous (v. 7). To be righteous continues to be encouraged or extolled.  

Matthew Henry said of this verse - "Both the just and the wicked must die; but between their souls there is a vast difference." The deeds of those that are righteous are remembered well. They have honor and are acceptable. John Gill says, "the memory of them is sweet and precious; their name is famous and valuable, and always spoken of with honour and commendation." 

But the wicked rot or they are useless, worm-eaten, stink above ground. They might be mentioned but there is a wish that they would not have been around at all. 

Once again, Solomon speaks to his son and tries I think to reiterate once again that to live in a righteous manner is of the higest goal and achievement of a person. There remains many benefits. 

I am nearing the end of my career with the City as I have been there 25 years. It seems everyone that works or invests in something wants to be remembered. I think the memory I want is that I tried to do a good job. And hopefully that is seen by others. But, I also want to be seen as a faithful person and one who followed God and was true to Him. 

We don't want to hear, "You stink." 

Prayer: O God, may I be this type of person - one that lives in a righteous way. Continue to shape this in my life. The other day someone with a contrary person told me I was being cordial in our differences. I appreciated those words. And I pray that this would be who I am. Others I know are different than this and that is fine for them and probably needed but this is who you have made me to be. And I pray that I am true to that. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Judges 3:1-11 - The Model Judge

Judges 3:1-11
And when the children of Israel cried unto the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother (v.9)."

Message: The Model Judge

Time: Judges covers about 250 years from death of Joshua to birth of Samuel (1360-1110 BC). The people of Israel largely divided with different local triable judges. It was a period of stirring interventions by the Lord and also great disobedience on the part of the Israelites. Without a king, everyone did right in their own eyes (Judges 21:25). 

What the Lord is Saying: Judges is an interesting title for this book because in a way what God seems to be doing here in this book is challenging the Israelites, but in a rather natural way based upon their choices to not completely trust God after allowing non-Israelites to continue to inhabit the lands that they were promised by God in Canaan. Rather than wiping those people out, they allow them to stay. We do the same thing in our lives. We dance with danger. We try to have our cake and eat it too. We say we are surrendering to God and yet we let in those things that potentially could bring our faith down and make us ineffective. And then as we do this, we still go to God and ask Him to bless us. People marry people of different faiths or of no faith. We saturate ourselves in so many different types of entertainment and music. We make alcohol too much a part of our life and we spend much of our time with people that do not share our beliefs. And yet there are challenges even in me saying this as we are called to be in the world, but not of it. It is the world where people that are not of our faith reside and we need to go to them to bring them into the fold. 

But the Lord God in His providence and sovereignty does something else - though the Canaanites remain because of the disobedience of the people in not conquering them when they had the chance, God also will now use this remnant to teach the Israelites that are now there about war - fighting and "God's extraordinary power and providence manifested therein (Joseph Benson)." A generation had fought previously under Joshua, but now a new generation is present and God needs to teach this new generation fighting and also dependence and reliance on Him. David Guzik writes, "These nations would remain because God wanted to prove the faithfulness of Israel to Himself, and to improve their reliance on Him." My obedience is for God's glory and something He wants not simply so my life will be better but because He wants my faithfulness. "For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. (Romans 11:36)"

This is powerful and maybe something I haven't really noticed or realized before. That these words in Scripture are describing God and His ways and purposes. God is wanting to do something in me - for Him -- for His Glory. That it isn't first and foremost about my spiritual growth. It is about me being in Christ, in God. Because He wants a people that is dependent on Him. This isn't all about me and making me better, but it is about Him and making Him great. 

In verse 1 of chapter 3, it says, "these are the nations which the Lord left, to test Israel by them." In verse 4, "to find out if they would obey the commandments of the Lord." In verse 5, "They took their daughters for themselves, and gave their own daughters for their sons." In verse 7, "The sons of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord." Evil must be defined by God, not man. All too often I think the danger we have as people is defining what is wrong by what we think is wrong. But, God wants us to uphold His word and look to it as our plumb line. The standard is His. Thus, the mark of a Christian or Jesus follower or one who really wants to obey the Lord is to constantly measure ourselves against what His word says is right and wrong. 

Verse 9, "When the sons of Israel cried to the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer for the sons of Israel to deliver them, Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother." Verse 10 - "And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him and He judged Israel." Verse 11, "then the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died." Not much is written here about Othniel. It says the Spirit of the Lord came upon him and that seems to be all that is needed to describe him. 

Thus, the first judge. The Lord provided. He judged them. He delivered them. 

Summary: God tests Israel to prove they are a people relying and depending on Him. They serve other Gods and Othniel delivers and judges them and the land has rest for 40 years. 

Promise: God delights to use people to accomplish His purposes, but we should take care to give Him the credit. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for teaching me these lessons and truths - that life is always and only about You and my obedience is what You are supposed to receive. I need to follow You all of my days. This life is Yours. Help me to keep that the focus and not on my own learning or focus. You are to be glorified. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Proverbs 10:6 - Out of God, out of man

Proverbs 10:6

Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. 

Message: Out of God, out of man

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God. 

What the Lord is Saying: At first glance, this proverb seems obvious — the righteous are blessed while the wicked has problems. Six verses into Chapter 10 and also into the 375 Proverbs (10:1 to 22:16) to study -- 'righteous' or 'righteousness' is mentioned three times. This is a very common word in scripture and denotes the person that not only lives above board or above reproach, but it also conveys the idea of the person that God accepts. I quickly think of the verse, "The righteous shall live by faith" (Habakkuk 2:4) and also "For the gospel reveals the righteousness of God" (Romans 1:17). 

Now in this verse the virtue highlights the "head" of the righteous. Head seems to denote the highest part of a person and so these blessings are coming from above or from God. John Gill (1697 – 1771), an English Baptist pastor, biblical scholar, and theologian stated that these blessings could be "pardon of sin, peace of soul, every sanctifying grace, the blessing of adoption, and a right to eternal life." As such these are blessings conferred by God by His mercy. In each of these we have received a blessing from God. It is nothing we earn. It is all His mercy. These blessings are a crown which sit on the head. They set us apart from others, but not because of something we have done, but because of what we have received. 

The vice in this verse is the mouth of the wicked. The mouth is where the wicked wages their war. The mouth or the words that are said are the issue here. The mouth is active and is an outpouring of the man. The head rests on man as grace or mercy rests on man, but the mouth is active, coming forth out of a person. Righteousness is conferred upon us. We commit acts of violence through our words. We are responsible for our words. 

James 3:16 says, "The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one's life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell." I always need to be careful about my choice of words and what I say. 

This verse will be somewhat repeated in verse 11 - "The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,

but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence." The same vice will be contrasted with a mouth that speaks forth righteousness, but the contrast in verse 6 seems to be more what man earns versus what God gifts. In this way, the actions of God versus man are opposites. One gives blessing, the other violence. 

Thus, my title for this verse, is "out of God, out of man." This seems to be the contrast here and what is to be emphasized. 

Prayer: O Lord, I thank you for the mercy you have shown me - continually. You granted me life, creating this world and all that is in it. You give me great gifts of creation - the food I eat, the surroundings I live in, the beauty of your creation. You give me great people to be with each day - people that encourage me and that I enjoy being with and living alongside. Family is a gift from you. There is joy in being with one another. And then you bestow abundant life to me, both now on this earth as I live and walk and breath and see each day this hand of providence in my life. You bestow on me pardon for my sin, peace of soul, grace, adoption into you - the trinity, and the blessing of eternal life. You take care of my hope for the future. My responsibility is through my words that need to honor you and yet I know left to myself, I am a person of wickedness and violence. All that comes from you is a gift of grace and riches of kindness. I praise you. I thank you. I trust in you. I pray always and forever. Help me to be a person of grace and being the person you have called me to be. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Judges 2 - A Tragic Cycle

Judges 2

18 When the Lord raised up judges for them, the Lord was with the judge and delivered them from the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge; for the Lord was moved to pity by their groaning because of those who oppressed and afflicted them. 19 But it came about when the judge died, that they would turn back and act more corruptly than their fathers, in following other gods to serve them and bow down to them; they did not abandon their practices or their stubborn ways.

Message: A Tragic Cycle

Time: Judges covers about 250 years from death of Joshua to birth of Samuel (1360-1110 BC). The people of Israel largely divided with different local triable judges. It was a period of stirring interventions by the Lord and also great disobedience on the part of the Israelites. Without a king, everyone did right in their own eyes (Judges 21:25). 

What the Lord is Saying: Verse 1 begins with a word from the angel of the Lord, "I will never break my covenant with you." Conversely in verse 2, "You shall make no covenant with the inhabitants of this land." God has chosen us. He has chosen me. And I am to be about Him and His purposes and not about those that take me off track of that; they will. 

Then an interesting word in verse 3, "I will not drive them out before you, but they shall become as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare to you." Evidently, they will remain among us - those that might bring us down. If that's what that means, then that is a very interesting statement. Verse 4 says, "the people wept" upon hearing this. 

Verse 7 and 8 repeat Joshua 24 but mention Joshua age at death being 110. It states that the generation after Joshua "did not know the Lord" and "did evil in the sight of the Lord and served the Baals. (v. 10-11)" and "forsook the Lord" and "followed other gods" (v. 12). "And the anger of the Lord... (v.14)." 

Their evil continued and God's anger toward them continued. And the Lord said that he would use these other people in the land "to test Israel" and "whether they will keep the way of the Lord to walk in it as their fathers did, or not" (v. 22). 

Deuteronomy 20:16-18 mention warnings to Israel as they enter the land. Verses 16 and 17 state that they are to "save nothing that breathes." As verse 18 states that letting them leave they will turn them away from the Lord. Strong words. And yet truth. God's people are to be about Him. But, after Joshua, the Judges record that the people allowed the inhabitants of the land to live. By letting them stay, though, God would leave them to be tested and then it will be seen who they will serve. 

There is mention of other gods they are worshipping. Verse 13 says they "served Baal and Ashtaroth." Tabletalk states, "Baal was the Canaanite storm god and Astarte was his female consort, and these pagan deities were thought to provide fertility to the land of the ancient Near East. Here the plural forms “Baals” and “Ashtaroth” are used because Baal and Astarte were worshiped under various names across Canaan and the surrounding lands. The worship of these deities frequently included child sacrifice and cult prostitution to get the gods to pour out rain and make the land fertile." 

People are desperate at times for divine intervention when things are hard and don't go as planned. I almost feel like in America, the pursuit of riches and then also the rescue from sickness results in serving alternate gods or finding any means necessary for achieving outcomes wanted. These temptations are real. We dance with danger rather than simply pushing it away. I do this. I keep giving air time to things that I need to rid in my life. 

Summary: The Lord's plan was the destruction of the Canaanites, but the people after Joshua let them remain and God agreed and kept them around, challenging the people to serve the Lord and not alternate gods or desires. 

Promise: Our land is filled with false gods and false worship practices, and if we are not careful, they can lead us astray. 

Prayer: God, I confess I often ignore your warnings like Israel did in times past. You have given me all I need and my hearts desire and yet I trade it often for something else. And in the process I suffer consequences and perhaps my children as well. I need to rather stay close to You and your ways. Get me right and give me the courage to stand firm in my faith, always. Get behind me Satan. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Proverbs 10:5 - Seize the day

Proverbs 10:5 - He who gathers in summer is a son who acts wisely, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who sets shamefully. 

Message: Seize the day

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God. 

What the Lord is Saying: At first glance, work vs not working or even sleeping is the virtue/vice comparison with this Proverb. I did a quick look at different translations and everyone seems to agree with the phrase of gathering; only the New Living Translation is "harvests." The Amplified is always interesting for it often expands on the verse. It states, "He who gathers during summer and takes advantage of his opportunities is a son who acts wisely, but he who sleeps during harvest and ignores the moment of opportunity is a son who acts shamefully." Here there is the result of each action - one who takes advantage of opportunities versus one who ignores the opportunity. This is the interesting thing about sleep. When one is asleep there are out of it. They are not coherent nor able to see what is going on. It is not that they are simply ignorant or avoiding the situation, but rather there is complete abandonment of the opportunity. 

Here are thoughts from various commentaries I enjoy: 

Joseph Benson (1748-1821) - a prominent Methodist preacher in England: a wise son acts wisely for his parents; he gains reputation to himself, his family, and education. But he that sleepeth in harvest causeth shame — Both to himself for his folly, and to his parents, and will bear the shame of it when he is old: will afterward lament his negligence and folly. -- Observations: There is an idea here of regret. The person will look back realizing he could have done better. Also, the impact of one's actions has an impact on not only the person's reputation, but a person's family. 

Matthew Henry (1662-1714) - nonconformist minister in England: Here is just blame of those who trifle away opportunities, both for here and for hereafter. Observations: As the amplified Bible mentions opportunities so here Henry does as well. There is something before a person to take. There is an opportunity and yet it is ignored. 

Albert Barnes (1798-1870) - American Presbyterian minister and abolitionist: The son is called upon to enter upon the labors of others, and reap where they have sown. To sleep when the plenteous harvest lies ready for the sickle is the most extreme laziness. Observations: As I think about opportunities, I realize the abundant of opportunities that are present in this country. In comparison, as I converse with those in India and Africa and those 3rd world or developmental countries, they lack opportunities. While there is plenty of good and solid education, there are few outcomes of actual good work. As such, one thing important about this verse is whether there are opportunities even to take advantage of with a person. 

John Gill (1697-1771) - English Baptist pastor, biblical scholar, and theologian: In the time of health and youth, persons should be active and industrious in their several callings and stations, and provide against a time of sickness and old age; and that they should lose no opportunities, neither in a natural nor spiritual way, of doing or receiving good. Observations: The proverbs extolls or calls attention to a son. Gill makes mention that the son is living at a time in their life when they can be active and industrious in comparison to older age which often is chronicled by sickness. Again, don't lose out on any opportunities. 

In the Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges published from 1878-1918 who had a primary editor in John Perowne (1823-1904), an Anglican bishop: we render literally, a son that doeth wisely … that doeth shamefully. Observations: The mention of the word shamefully is called to my attention. Shame is a painful emotion that infers that a person is bad, not that they have simply done bad things. In shame, we often hide rather than confront before us what is done. The sleeping son not only laments and has regret but in this regret is that feeling of shame, that he blew it and he only has himself to blame. 

In this verse is a stark contrast - one who gathers versus one who sleeps. This is a black and white comparison. One is either actively doing good and seizing the day or one is simply asleep. I remember in 1989, when I was 21, there was a film "Dead Poets Society," where the English teacher John Keating, played by Robin Williams, famously says: "Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary." Later, this line was voted as the 95th greatest movie quote by the American Film Institute. In that movie, I sensed this calling to go beyond the rote and normal education and expand on all that is before us and available to us. In the movie, one of the characters was pigeon-holed by his father or expected to achieve in a certain way - to be a doctor. While there was nothing wrong with that, the son had a desire for the arts and yet for the father, this type of career did not hold the same worth. I think often of a dental hygienist I had who was Muslim and for their 3 kids, they had 2 options - go into the medical field or be an engineer. One son started engaging in a sports activity and was getting into it and his family pulled him out of it for the concern that it was detract from one of those two primary goals. But I digress a little as this verse simply talks about making the most of the opportunities before us, generally speaking versus not, even though at times children are often limited by their parents to take advantage of only certain or specific opportunities.  

Prayer: God, you are good and holy and the wisdom that comes through these verses is wisdom I need and need to be reminded of in my life. Specifically here in these verses I contemplate the opportunities that are before me every day and seizing those opportunities and making the most of them - help me O God to put away my slumber, my life of ease that I gravitate towards so often, and instead embrace those opportunities. There are people in my path to be with, spend time with, conversations to be had. There is work to be done that has been assigned to me, that I have an opportunity each day to do to the fullest. There is so much. I know I have been given so much. And I still pray for those that are struggling with opportunities and don't have the same availability and those that find it hard to achieve even the basic necessities of life. Expand their understanding and their opportunities. Thank you for their hard work and that great example. Be our strength O God. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Judges 1 - Trouble In Canaan

Judges 1

And it came about when Israel became strong, that they put the Canaanites to forced labor, but they did not drive them out completely (verse 28). 

Message: Trouble in Canaan

Time: Judges covers about 250 years from death of Joshua to birth of Samuel (1360-1110 BC). The people of Israel largely divided with different local triable judges. It was a period of stirring interventions by the Lord and also great disobedience on the part of the Israelites. Without a king, everyone did right in their own eyes (Judges 21:25). 

What the Lord is Saying: After Joshua has died, the question comes up in verse 1 of Judges about who will now fight the Canaanites and in verse 2 it is mentioned Judah (a fulfillment of prophecy from Genesis 49:8-12; about 400 years prior). It seems they are still going to the areas that are allotted them.  Verse 4 - "The Lord gave the Canaanites and the Perizzites into their hands and they defeated ten thousand men at Bezek." 

Verse 8 mention how the sons of Judah then fought against Jerusalem, capturing it and then setting it on fire. And Judah continued to fight against other Canaanites in other cities. Caleb then offers up his daughter as wife to the one who attacks Kiriath-sepher (verse 12). Caleb's younger brother, Othniel, is that one. The daughter received a gift of the upper and lower springs of the Negev at her request. 

Other cities are captured, like those living in Zephath (v 17), Gaza, Ashkelon, Ekron (v. 18). The Jebusites did not leave Jerusalem and stayed with the sons of Benjamin (v.21). 

In Bethel, family requests to be treated kindly and they are allowed to go free. Manasseh lived alongside people in Beth-shean as those people did not leave (v. 27-28), nor Ephraim in Gezer (v. 29), Zebulun in Kitron and Nahaloi (v. 30) or Asher in Acco or Sidon (v. 31-32) or Naphtali in Beth-shemesh (v.33) and sons of Dan with Amorites in the hill country, though they became forced labor (v. 34-36). 

And that's the chapter. So a 2nd leader is provided in Judah. Jerusalem is seized. And many other lands as well, some with their captors remaining and some being killed. Perhaps it seems kind that people did not die, but another way to look at this is probably the antithesis of what we will continue to see in this chapter and that is the people in these lands were supposed to be driven out. And they were not. perhaps because the people became frightened and let the people remain. They did not trust the words and promises given in Joshua earlier that people would be driven out if there were obstacles. But instead, they gave into the obstacles. 

Summary: Judah takes over now after the death of Joshua and lands continue to be inhabited. The goal was taking over these lands but often people remained as Israel let obstacles stay rather than trusting in God for their conquest. 

Promise: Outward success occurs, but often at the expense of spiritual failure. Our success comes only from the Lord. 

Prayer: O God, let my world be defined by You and only You. You give me the power and strength, but I must trust in You. Show me each day the ways in which I need to trust in You and not give in to the things around me. I pray for your power in my life. 

 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Proverbs 10:4 - Working with a diligent hand

Proverbs 10:4 - Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.

Message: Working with a diligent hand

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God. 

What the Lord is Saying: As I study, I like to review and think about context and common themes. Solomon is going to be giving us 375 proverbs. Obviously there are going to be similar themes. 10:1 was a more general statement about gaining wisdom and the effect that then has on people such as a father, being glad. After this verse, things get more specific. Next is money and the choices we make for acquisition. After work is hunger or what we consume, but here once again, it is about choices and making the right choice. Then in 10:3, we have Jehovah caring about those choices. Yes, we want to be good people, but we also want to be good children of God. This proverb in 10:4 seems already akin to the second one about wealth - poor and rich - are present again. 

Verse 2 speaks of how a person acquires wealth and now in verse 4 it gets even more specific to work. Work is not bad. Work was present before the fall as man was told to subdue the land, rule over creatures, consume food (which meant it would need to be acquired). But after the fall, work did take on a sad appearance or toil or a sad or hard focus (Genesis 3:17). Work and having responsibilities is good, but in work, there are challenges. 

The comparison now in 10:4 is negligence (vice) and diligence (virtue). Looking briefly at other translations: 'lazy' vs 'diligent' (NIV), 'slack' vs 'diligent' (KJV). This negligence or laziness or slack I think can infer a lot of different behaviors. It is a person that wants to get out of working so they can do other things. I notice at work myself and even others that find other distractions rather than working. Distractions I think have increased with the phone, the internet, personal dealings, exercise, reading, walking around and looking busy. I struggle at times doing things that I like to do, that don't necessarily merit much, but keep me interested. These things aren't bad, per se, but I need to be careful. I am concerned about the idea of retirement and whether I will busy myself with things that don't matter as much, rather than being more productive. Thus, I think there is a way to be busy and still negligent. 

I think one of the things that I struggle with in this is how much entertainment or resting do I need each day. Most of my days are about 17 waking hours and 7 sleeping hours. My work day Monday-Friday constitutes about 11 of those 17 waking hours leaving 6 hours: one hour eating and so 4-5 hours of other activity. Hopefully I have some bible study in that time, perhaps ministry, but I also know at times there are other things. Should I be spending that time entertaining myself or resting. The other night I spent 3 of those hours visiting a couple that is homebound and is not able to get out to visit people. 

The diligent person is careful and industrious. They do their part. There is eagerness and diligence. Hard-working, thorough, intent, earnest, constant, persistent. This is someone who is focused and concentrates. It is a person that recognizes their gifts, how they work and think and then applies those to their life. I think diligent working includes working in those areas that one is gifted or that God has designed you to work.  

I have friends in India and Africa and they are hard-working individuals. But, not rich. It is hard for me to understand this. In America, I feel we have opportunities that they don't have. Their children get educated and money is spent on education. They work hard, taking exams and studying hard for those. But upon finishing school, it is often very difficult or challenging to find good work. 

One of my friends is in Coimbatore, India. I have been speaking to him for about 10 years now and saw him come out of school and start working for 2 months, working full time and yet only earning $65 a month. His living expenses are about $325 per month. He would like to get married but most marriages are arranged and the women want someone who will sustain their lives. As I speak to him, I notice how hard he works. He is working 12 hours a day, 6 days a week, only taking off Sunday. He has a 2 bedroom home he now lives in after renting an apartment. When he gets a place to live, to secure it he has to pay a 6 month deposit. Right now, he has been working as a medical coder after he lost his job in the summer of 2023. During the pandemic, he was sent home to work, and most of the time, what allowed him to sustain his life was working overtime. He follows the Lord, prays regularly and I share Bible studies with him. Yet, he is not making it right now. He had a client but that ended March 1 and now he is trying to gain clients but is not finding anyone. I look at his life and his diligence in working and wonder, where are his riches. 

Yet, I learn also that these proverbs that are given by Solomon are not a promise. The focus of this verse is not on being poor or rich, but rather how we work - diligently rather than negligently. The diligent person may get rich, but will also I think feel rich. Richness may simply mean they can sustain themselves. It may mean being actually rich, but not every time. God must still be providential in our lives and we must trust Him for His hand of providence. We still pray - Lord, I trust in You; help me to accept your hand of providence in my life. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your hand of providence, in all situations of my life. You have placed me at the level I am at for a reason. Others have more, others have less. Thank you for instilling in me that desire to work hard and yet I still know that I often train myself at times to be a person of ease. Give me wisdom in the margins and in knowing when I need to work harder and be more productive. I need to guard against laziness. Help those in life, like my friend Harris in India to gain more wealth, just enough to sustain his needs. Help him also to be start in His dealings. 

 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Joshua 24 - Joshua's Farewell

Joshua 24

If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. (verse 15)

Message: Joshua's Farewell

Time: Joshua "Yahweh saves" led Israel, under God's command, to victorious conquest of the Promised Land. The book spans about 25 years, beginning about 1406 BC. The conquest of Canaan, numerous military campaigns and regathering of the nation are major components. 

What the Lord is Saying: Well, it has taken me a while to get through this book. I was looking forward to reading an Old Testament book, but for whatever reason, took me a while after finishing reading John. And this last chapter has taken me quite some time. What has occurred is not necessarily a lot but in a way it is hard. Maybe hard is not the best word, but hard in parts. It is great to read and see all that God provided to Israel but hard to have others left out. And yet this is the story of life. While everyone has a story, everyone's story is not the same and many stories are not stories that glorify God or are intended to glorify God and so, maybe that is difficult. 

For the people that God calls, they are not only his called ones but they are a people that respond to that call. It is an idea that is somewhat consistent to what I read recently in Proverbs 10:3, "The Lord will not allow the righteous to hunger." The Lord loves righteous people because righteous people honor God and honor others. I have to remember this and keep this at the forefront of my thinking always. 

In Joshua 24 there begins in first 13 verses Joshua reviewing Israel's history. The people that would make up Israel started out by worshipping other gods. But then God chose Abraham and gave him Isaac and promised to multiply his descendants. God began to show these people that they were his. He provided for them. People pursued them but God provided them success and a way out. God gave them possession of the land and struck down those that opposed. God did not listen to people like Balaam but instead blessed and delivered His people. And this continued into the land of Canaan, a land they did not know and yet in war he provided for his people and left the people there to die. They live now in a land that they did not build or garden and yet they get the reward. 

Following this history, Joshua then encourages the people to serve the Lord. In verse 14 he says, "Fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and truth." Lord stands for JEHOVAH, the covenant God of Israel. And this is followed by putting away other gods in our lives. This is our biggest problem - our allegiance to other things that are not the one True God. We dance around the idols in our lives and basically try to serve things but then miss the true ness of the will of God. I struggle with this - music, movies, entertainment and the habit of it all and push out the things of God. Verse 15 is an interesting verse - we choose who we will serve. Serve someone, but "as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." 

The people then have a back and forth with Joshua and pledge their allegiance to serving the Lord and putting aside their foreign gods and to commemorate this event and this proclamation there is a decision to erect a statue, a stone to signify this event. In verse 27, "This stone shall be a witness against us, for it has heard all the words of the Lord which He spoke to us, that it shall be for a witness against you, lest you deny your God." 

Then Joshua died at 110 years old as mentioned in verse 29. Then there is mention of also burying the bones of Joseph when the sons of Israel had carried with them. 

Summary: We are not live for God half-hearted but completely. All other forms of faith are basically the same but we are to serve the Lord our God. 

Promise: God is the only true God, so He is the only source of mercy and forgiveness. If we abandon Him, we have no hope, but if we run to Him for mercy when we sin, He will pardon us. 

Prayer: O Lord, I thank you for taking me on this journey with Israel and seeing  your hand of providence in their life, but also the simple reminder of my need to follow You all of my days and make you number one. Help me with this. I don't want to get too proud or lead my life by emotion or feeling but stand on the word of God. Help me in my conversations with people to always and only follow You God. Keep me focused on You. Help me to always lead my family to serve You Lord. Thank you for the peace you bring. Make me someone like a Joshua. 

 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Proverbs 10:3 - The Lord takes care of the righteous

Proverbs 10:3

The Lord will not allow the righteous to hunger, but he will thrust aside the craving of the wicked. 

Message: The Lord takes care of the righteous

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God. 

What the Lord is Saying: On the heals of yesterday and words about the righteous response to money and having money, gaining it in a right manner and then also using it for God's glory in giving it to others -- now there is a mention not so much of a virtue and a vice but instead a warning and what God will do. This is different as it also begins with "The Lord will." The previous two verses speak of actions that man should do or not do and the natural results of these. But here what is mentioned is the work of God. 

"The Lord will not allow the righteous to hunger." Once again, as in Proverbs 10:2, there is the mention of a righteous person. In Matthew 6:33 Jesus says, "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." As people we are to seek Him and His righteous ways.  I know that within the gospel it reveals the righteousness of God (Romans 1:16-17) and so pursuing righteous helps me to be righteous. And Proverbs 10:2 begins to show me what a righteous person looks like in regards to the handling of money. 

In contrast to a righteous person is a wicked person. "he (the Lord) will thrust aside the craving of the wicked." A wicked person's actions for food will not be satisfied. James 4:3 states, "You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures."  A wicked persons requests do not yield a favorable response because the wicked person has the wrong motives and is only interested in their own pleasures. And the Lord does not reward this but rather thwarts this in people.  The wicked are selfish and self-seeking. The righteous are self-less and love others and serve others and glorify God in their actions. Psalm 52:7, “Behold, the man who would not make God his refuge, but trusted in the abundance of his riches and was strong in his evil desire." 

The righteous have a contentment that the wicked do not. The wicked are frustrated often. My wife told me today of a sad story of a couple driving through New Mexico and the older man getting stabbed at a rest stop by a young man who wanted their car. This young man created a scene so that he could get a way in a vehicle. This young man was already a wicked man and committed a wicked act. He was frustrated. [A young man of 21 entered a plea agreement of guilty to receive a lesser sentence - in this case 15 years for murder but other offenses have his sentence up to 36 years. The plea agreement where the defendant admits guilt saves time avoiding court cases and juries in exchange for a lesser sentence. The crime is the same.] I think of this young man and many like this and their frustration which often then result in others being affected -- innocent people. 

The warning is somewhat easier to see but the promise to not let the righteous hunger seems to be a harder one to reconcile and see today. I say this because hunger is rampant today. This verse infers a providence that God has over those that are living with the right motives. He will provide food for them, sometimes through the work of charity by way of other people. 

I notice in the King James Version the addition of a word, "the soul." "The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish." Although words for food are used - famine and later craving. Is there instead an idea of the soul rather than the palate?  The soul is not necessarily the physical body, but it can be. It encompasses the physical but can be more than that as well. 

Whether the word 'soul' is used or not, the idea seems to be that what the Lord focuses on is a person that desires righteousness and right-living and wanting to be a person that glorifies God in their life and gives to others; a person that does not worry, but instead trusts God for His hand of providence. This is the person that God is pleased with and will protect. He wants a person that finds their love and dependence on Him instead of the opposite. The wicked person is not the person we are meant to be and so that person will be dissatisfied. Remember this, righteousness is our goal. 

Prayer: God, you are good and I know you want me to be good and you reward those that trust in You and do things that honor You and so I need to be a good person and live my life in a righteous way. This honors You. But also, good things will come to me when I do this. I will not hunger. And I know that means more than just food for I see it in my life. You give me a peace that surpasses all understanding. You show me the great blessings you have for me. But I need Your help. I need to give you more of me and I need to let things go and give it into your hands. 

  

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Proverbs 10:2 - Shortcuts Don't Work Out

Proverbs 10:2 

Ill-gotten gains do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death. 

Message: Shortcuts Don't Work Out

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God. 

What the Lord is Saying: At first glance this is an interesting verse that starts with a vice and then a virtue. The vice is "ill-gotten gains" with the KJV translating this as, "Treasures of wickedness." NLT states, "Tainted wealth has no lasting value, but right living can save your life." Something I notice is after verse 1 speaks of a general statement about being wise, the next verse that begins starts the rest of the proverbs by immediately speaking of money. I have read that the subject of money is present very often in the Bible. A quick search yields this statement, "The Bible is packed with over 2,000 scriptures about money, tithing in the Bible, and possessions. That's twice as many Bible verses about money than faith and prayer combined." 

I think of my marriage and one of our chief issues of stress has been over the years the issue of money. Although we have tried to manage it, asking questions about how it was spent, creating budgets, even thinking about how we give and tithe has been a big issue (tension) of our marriage. It also seems like in this country, our appearance of advancement, is often about the money we have. Most of the world struggles with finances and earning and yet in America there seems to be an abundance of jobs because of the right infrastructures. 

I am involved in a ministry speaking to people throughout the world, although I only speak to English speaking people which appear often in Africa and India where the desire and priority to speak English is strong. As I speak to people I discover how hard it is for them accumulate wealth. They struggle with the ability to even meet basic needs. [I have been speaking to a young man of 29 who lives in Nigeria. After spending much time in Lagos and struggling to find work and then his mother dying, he found a way to get a job in Abuja, the capital. However, to do that, he had to bribe individuals to the tune of $600. And this was necessary to get a government job with consistent wages. He started the job in mid-January and currently he is still holding out hope to be paid with having to sustain himself with now the promise of pay starting at the end of April. And yet, not even sure I would call this ill-gotten gains on his part, but for sure on his employer's part.] People are working very hard only to get to what would be considered a very modest standard of living in the United States. 

This proverbs presents a temptation in accumulating wealth - a short cut to acquiring it - "ill-gotten gains." While gains doesn't always mean wealth, I think it infers wealth because of the word profit. For instance, the gain could be cheating in school in order to get a good grade in school or getting recognition at work by mistake resulting in a promotion without saying anything.  

I have an example of an ill-gotten gain in which I was on the losing end of it. It happened around 2004 when we were preparing to move into this house. Someone contacted the church we attended and as the treasurer I was contacted about this person who had a need. I met the person at one of our shopping centers and the person fooled me through his crafty words, appealing to my sense of wanting to be known as a person of faith and trust by getting my ATM card and then taking money out of account at the ATM. And then it ended with him having me give him a gift. But in the process it wasn't just a gift I gave him in withdrawing money for him, but he had used the ATM card to pull out money previously. All-in-all that day he took about $1400 from me. It was ill-gotten gain. It is something that bothered me for some time and haunted me for years that I would be duped in this way. He was a crafty man and knew how to run a scheme to get money from me. I remember calling my friend Bruce to tell him of the faith that I thought I had gained only to realize then the money that I had lost. And then the embarrassment I felt. 

Ill-gotten is contrasted with righteousness. Righteousness is another very interesting word as in the Bible it is a word that seems to have a much wider meaning than how we might use it in the English language. The Apostle Paul uses the word to express the character of God and the way of God that is His standard. As such it is all the good that we want and would hope to acquire. Romans 1:16-17 tells us that the gospel is the righteousness of God. It is our chief desire because it is all that God represents. In a way, to me, it is likened to the holiness of God. Romans 3:22 tells us that this righteousness only comes from faith in God. Romans 4:3 tells us that belief in God is what grants us or through that belief we are credited with righteousness. Romans 5:9 says we are declared righteous by His blood. Blood covers unrighteousness but it is accessed by faith or believing. 

Righteousness is an interesting word in regards to salvation, but in the context of this verse it is contrasted with that which is acquired incorrectly. We are extolled to live in a righteous manner or good manner. And this verse not only infers that righteous living will give us a profit or gain, but that profit or gain will deliver us from death. There is a freedom in living the right way. Righteous living results in a peace. 

Righteousness also includes charity. As such, having wealth or gaining wealth also includes helping those in need. This is so important. For me, this is hard. I know I have a giving heart. I trust people easily and maybe that is why I feel into that issue in 2004 partly. I want to give to those in need, but I also struggle giving too much. Charity is tough because when you give the recipient they expect that gift to be followed by another gift and so forth. But the point of this in general is righteousness or righteous living includes giving. 

In conclusion, I need to be careful how I practice this as well as encourage this and pray that our country and people around me would approach wealth in a way that honors God. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for writing this words and including them and showing me what is important. God, you know people because you created them and you know our ways. We are selfish and yet we need not be. Even with the funds that we have received, we have a responsibility to acquire them correctly and be good stewards as well. Help people everywhere to honor You with their decisions in acquiring wealth. I pray that ill-gotten ways would cease and we would be a people everywhere taking care of our family and basic needs, but also be a people that gives. Help me in this to understand how I am to give - when to help and when to support in other ways. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Proverbs 10:1 - The wise and foolish son

Proverbs 10:1 

The proverbs of Solomon, a wise son makes a father glad. But a foolish son is a grief to his mother. 

Message: The wise and foolish son

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God. 

What the Lord is Saying: This is a a book that I have wanted to study for a long time, but specifically this section which begins here in verse 1 of Chapter 10 - "The proverbs of Solomon." This section spans from 10:1 to 22:16 and is 375 separate verses on various subjects. Each verse can in a way stand alone. People have said that with 31 chapters in Proverbs, one can read a chapter a day. Maybe that is a good practice and yet within those 31 chapters are so many different messages to ponder and every time I set out on the goal to read a chapter a day I get hung up with all of the different ideas in each chapter. So I wonder instead of studying each one, could I with 375 verses do one a day, taking over a year to complete? In looking at these 375 verses, what will follow is observations of moral virtues and their contrary vices.  

The first verse of these proverbs begin with the son. As I read the previous 9 chapters of Proverbs, the son seems to be the focal subject. Chapters 2-7 begin with the phrase, "My son..." and much of the subject matter is a warning of the son to not go astray and often the warning is to stay far away from one's neighbors wife (yet this son does not seem to be married). 

This first proverb expresses the most fundamental relationship and one that is present throughout history - a child's relationship to their father and mother. Note: while this book focuses on the name 'son' in its writings, I don't think the application is only to a son. The male gender is often used as the default term, especially in these ancient times. 

The virtue here is "a wise son makes a father glad" and the vice is attributed to the mother, "a foolish son is a grief to his mother." And yet just as a son also means a daughter, a father can also mean the mother. It is significant though that a father and mother are assumed to both to be a part of a child's life. While this verse is one subject - the actions of a child, contrasting two actions, it seems this verse is a culmination as well of all that this book is speaking about. In order to understand wisdom as well as foolishness a person needs to read the previous chapters. As such, this book, the Bible and its collections of writings are a group of writings that are written for us to make them all a part of our lives. Yes, we highlight and call attention to certain verses over others. But all are meant to be a part of our lives. And I think this verse therefore is a summary verse and understanding its meanings requires us to read on and think about what has already been stated. 

The other thing I see in this verse is our actions are meant to not simply be individualistic, but impacting others. We are relational beings. Yes, there is value in the individual but life is not simply about one person but rather a people. This verse shows the impact a child's actions has on their parents, producing gladness while foolishness produces grief. It is clear that gladness is our goal. It is what we are after. 

This idea of relational creatures and that we are not meant to do things alone and be alone and only please ourselves is a big one. A friend was telling me that so much of today's life is individualistic. People are so concerned of individual's feelings and rights. In the media, we have more and more contests that are focused on individual success rather than a team (e.g. Survivor, American Idol, The Voice, The Floor). Our phones are focused on our own self interest and self enjoyment. So much of life is now focused on individual attainment. But what is significant about this verse is the individual effects others (parents). I think our lives are meant to be relational, affecting others. 

In thinking of this word, wisdom, I read from commentaries that it encompasses a prudent person or one that shows care for the future. There is also an element of virtue. Virtue displays a life of high morals or choosing right over wrong consistently. And then wisdom is defined as a godly person. To be godly I think is to exemplify and be like the One that created us and made us and purposed us to live. As such, we pursue to follow God's commands and conform our thoughts and actions to the standard that God sets for us. As such these attributes are interchangeable. The desire for high morals is spoken of in the Bible. God wants a people that will be faithful to Him and glorify Him. 

Thus, this idea of a wise son makes a father glad shows that a child of God is also meant to make their heavenly father proud. I will never forget when Tyson, my oldest, was playing basketball in a church league (Upwards) in mid-school I believe and he struggled making baskets, but there was one day he went down the court, made a basket and immediately looked back at me in the stands. He wants to make me glad. There was another time with Tyson back at our house on Moon Street in which I got really mad at the kids and he went and quickly drew a picture of us at the Lobos football game we had attended. I was mad and angry over something the kids had done and he wanted to bring to mind a game we had gone to and the good time we had there. He wanted me to be glad. It took a while in my life before I felt that my dad was glad with me and still I struggle at times with it. 

The idea that a foolish son is a grief to his mother is because I think in this instance, the emotion of grief is actually more common to women. My wife is definitely quicker to tears. Grief is anguish or distress and there are occurrences of this in our lives because of the actions of our children. 

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for this verse and all that an be gleaned from it. Thank you for making us relational beings, in need of each other and that our behavior affects others. I thank you for my children who have made me glad many times and in so many ways.  

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.