Proverbs 11:21 - Descendants of the Righteous

Proverbs 11:21

Assuredly, the evil man will not go unpunished,

But the descendants of the righteous will be delivered. 

Message: Descendants 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: At first glance this verse looks familiar. Verse 4, "Righteousness delivers from death." Verse 5, "The wicked will fall." Verse 6, "The righteousness of the upright will deliver them." Verse 8, "The righteous is delivered from trouble" and "through knowledge the righteous will be delivered." These verses continue to contrast the upright and the wicked with slight alterations in describing the outcomes of the evil man versus the righteous. 

Assuredly, the evil man will not go unpunished

Justice is a very important theme in the Bible. The word is more common in the Old Testament with few references in the New Testament. As I've studied the time of David and Saul and others in 1 and 2 Samuel I have noticed that the line between God rewarding people with safety in this present life is fairly close meaning there often isn't much different between those that receive life versus death. In other words, there is a clear contrast in the Bible between those that are favored versus those that are punished. And so Solomon here gives a clear contrast here with the evil man and righteous. 

The King James Version says, "Though hand join in hand" meaning that their is a collective effort by the wicked. NASB says "Assuredly." 

But the descendants of the righteous will be delivered. 

Beyond the righteous only, this verse now highlights the descendants. Thus, the actions of one generation impact the next. Most of what I am gleaning from these verses is found here. Like the statement, righteousness is often associated with faithfulness to God's commandments and a life lived in accordance with His will. 

This makes me think how I am actively living a life of righteousness. I hope our children are seeing us choose righteousness, not simply going along with the activities of our world but choosing activities that please God. Hopefully they see me investing in people's lives, both online and in real life. But righteous living is also seeking to glorify God in my activities, trusting God. And speaking of this in my life. I would like them to see someone that not only reads God words, but practices it. I hope they see my deep care for people and their well being. I hope they see that we need to be a people that gives to those in need. 

Ultimately, I want to see my descendants choosing God in their lives and making their relationship with God important in all the days of their lives, also having a devotion to God. I hope we are people in which our activities are spent doing things that glorify God. 

This morning I was listening to this song -- "It's the Truth" by Dogwood from 1975. It had this chorus:

It's the truth

My sin has made me just as good as dead

But Jesus said, "I took your place

On the cross I bore your shame and disgrace

So, child, with your face, it's all right

I heard you prayin' early in the night

I made it right, it's the truth

You don't have to suffer when you're dead"

He made it right. I don't have to suffer. Jesus has suffered for me. He took my place. He bore my shame and disgrace. Today is Easter / Resurrection Day. 

Prayer: Thank you God for giving this one person not what he deserves but giving me grace. Thank you for taking my place. O God, pass on any righteousness you have given me to my children. Remove evil from me, including any selfishness. 

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

Proverbs 11:20 - Train the heart

Proverbs 11:20 

The perverse in heart are an abomination to the Lord,

But the blameless in [their] walk are His delight. 

Message: Train the heart

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: These contrasts are always interesting to me. The contrast here is the perverse and the blameless; the result is an abomination or a delight and how it relates to the Lord. Matthew Henry comments here, "Nothing is more hateful to God, than hypocrisy and double dealing, which are here signified. God delights in such as aim and act with uprightness." It is interesting and amazing to me that this book is written, that we have this collection in Proverbs. It reminds me of Rob's lessons and the numerous ways to say the same thing. Like there is this constant need for more information, in the hopes that people will live their lives in the correct manner. Like, how many different ways can it be said. 

The Lord wants our upright behavior. The Lord wants us to walk in ways of blameless. At my PT appointment there seems to be a recognition by the people of the hospital to be attentive to people's needs. We get these feedback ratings and the good feedback is wanted, the good ratings of customer service. The cable guy knows he needs the good rating even though his demeanor wasn't necessarily great, but he asked for all 10's and I guess you want to give that to him, even though there was something about him that wasn't helpful. But it is wanted is the point. People see that what people want is good customer service. We see this in life. To be respectful. And in many ways that is what these passages are saying over and over. 

It amazes me and makes me wonder how did we get all of these sayings and why did Solomon write them all. I think of Grandmother Payton and Wiley and even my mom and the various sayings around the house, the phrases and the notebooks Wiley had of all the sayings and the clippings my Grandmother had - little motivating words, little reminders. All of these little reminders. 

Maybe this is what we need continually, to be reminded more and more of these truths. 

Source of following statements: 

• In biblical context, the heart is often seen as the center of one's being, encompassing thoughts, intentions, and will.
• The emphasis on the heart suggests that God is concerned not just with outward actions but with the inner motivations and attitudes of individuals.
• The term "blameless" does not imply sinlessness but rather integrity and uprightness in one's conduct.
• The "walk" refers to one's way of life or conduct, suggesting a consistent pattern of living that aligns with God's commandments.

It isn't only the outward God is focused on, but what is on the inside. And living that sort of life that encompasses thoughts, intentions and will. But it isn't about being perfect. And yet in Scripture whatever the failure rate there is - 10% or 15% or more that Jesus covers it. And yet that 10% makes us completely unworthy. LDS thought is do your best and Jesus covers the rest, but this misses the boat. We are stamped not acceptable the moment we sin. Yes, we want to live good lives, but for our own well being, not for God's acceptance. 

Prayer: God, these verses and the meaning of these verses is what I need though at times I don't understand the repetition but I suppose we need these reminders continually. We need the constant reinforcement of the behavior we are all trying to live by. I need these good sources of information and need to be trained in this manner that reminds me that life is about glorifying you. That it is about pleasing you and making you number one. But God I thank you for covering my sin. That you cover it all. That you make it so I can know you. You have given me the right understanding of who you are and who I am in Christ. Keep working on my heart and not only mine but all those I am in contact with, in my life. I thank you for the friends you have given me and the course of life we are all on. Thank you for my grandmothers and the reminders in life that we need to live rightly. I need that reinforcement. Lord, you want my good behavior. Help me to make the right choices in life, to honor you. And I need this good behavior in my life. I live by peace when I live in this manner. 

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

2 Samuel 22:21-31 - The Righteousness of David

2 Samuel 22:21-31

The Lord has treated me in accordance with my righteousness;

In accordance with the cleanliness of my hands He has repaid me.

For I have kept the ways of the Lord,

And have not acted wickedly against my God.

(verse 21-22)

Message: The Righteousness of David

Time: Second Samuel is set in the land of Israel during the reign of David and follows the course of his forty years as king of Israel (1011–971 BC). It chronicles the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the expansion of Israel under God’s chosen leader. 

What the Lord is Saying: I continue to study this song of deliverance as the author of 2 Samuel describes it in verse 1 - “David spoke the words of this song to the Lord on the day that the Lord had saved him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul." Yesterday the words were directed to God on what he had done in delivering Saul from his enemies. It is all about what God has done for those he has called. The Lord is my refuge. I call upon him. The Lord of great power works and comes to me and rescued me. 

I studied this yesterday in great detail, looking up each line on this site: https://biblehub.com/study/2_samuel/22-2.htm and seeing what it said about the verse. I did this and yet at the same time there was a little disconnect because I have not experienced being victorious in a battle of flesh and blood and then coming out the victor. I appreciate the psalm or song. I resonate with the words. But their is a lofty-ness to them that is sort of unrelatable to me. 

David spends much time speaking of how great God is in rescuing David from his enemies. 

As I now turn to this section - verse 21 to 31 - I see how David responds to the Lord. It reminds me of Ephesians 2:8-10: “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”

God gives us a great gift of being on our side. He extends to us grace. And then in response to saving us - extending the righteousness of His son to us so that we can be declared righteous by God - we then respond to God with works of righteousness. And with deeds of righteousness we see good outcomes and not so good outcomes. 

David here in these verses is responding to the Lord with works of righteousness. David has not been perfect by any means. He has had selfish moments - taking peoples lives and committing adultery — and yet this doesn’t disqualify him of any form of living righteous and seeing the fruit of that good behavior. 

When I live righteous and live a clean life (verse 21) keeping God’s ways (verse 22), not deviating from His commands (verse 23) keeping myself from wrongdoing (verse 24), God repays me according to my righteous living (verse 25). 

I have been studying Proverbs and Solomon contrasts living in a righteous way to living wicked and with each kind of living there are results and consequences or repayments. 

In Verses 26 - 27 David summarizes this about God - live in a way that honors God and be honored. 

Verse 28 reminds us that God saves His people. But for those that are not His will receive His wrath. 

Verse 29 — “For You are my lamp, Lord;
And the Lord illuminates my darkness” 

God has a covenant relationship between God and His people. He lights my way. God transforms me from darkness to light. Hope, deliverance, and God’s presence in times of trouble.  

Because of God my foes are defeated and weakened (verse 30). 

God is perfect.  He is blameless (verse 31). praise God for the refuge we have in Him. He protects those who trust in Him. 

Summary: David continues his song to God showing how his righteous living results in good outcomes. 

Promise. God promises to be faithful to faithful people. 

Prayer: Lord you have saved me. I see this Lord though at times I really don’t understand it that in your divine grace you choose me to be your representative on this earth. I think you for this life that you have given me. I am grateful for the riches of blessings that you provide, the entertainment choices, the beautiful scenery in nature that is pleasing to her eye, the joy of being with others, but also the joy of working in ways that you have gifted me, and seeing the good results of that labor. Keep teaching me how to honor you with good works and walk in those good works. You deliver me from sin. you are a great guide, and your power is known throughout this land, and I recognize it and see it. Help me to see it more. And help me to know how to extend it to others and extend your message of hope to others. Help me to be more vocal.

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

Proverbs 11:19 - A Godly Lifestyle

Proverbs 11:19

He who is steadfast in righteousness [will attain] to life,

And he who pursues evil [will bring about] his own death. 

Message: A Godly lifestyle

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: The previous verse looked similar contrasting the wicked with the one pursuing righteousness and this verse takes on a similar idea. However, the person described here is not momentary in their pursuit of righteousness but steadfast or loyal or unwavering. This is a person with a track record of righteousness. The contrast is one that pursues evil. These two descriptions are contrasting not momentary decisions but multiple decisions over a period of time - with one person consistently righteous and the other pursuing evil. 

The righteous person attains life and life is what everyone is seeking - peace, prosperity, and spiritual fulfillment. It is doing things well. One of my favorite verses is I Timothy 4:8 which says, "bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." Living for godliness, for righteousness is not only producing present day quality of life but a future life as well. That I might do things always that point in this direction. I want every moment of the day to go in this direction. 

It seems life is a matter of choosing righteousness and deciding what is really righteousness. It is about being unself and looking out for other's interests. Philippians 2:4, "do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others." Pleasing myself is the easy part of life and what I gravitate towards always. I need to be focused on others and meeting their needs. 

In contrast, pursuing evil leads to death. And specifically my own death. Romans 6:23 states, "For the wages of sin is death." Working sin results in death. Am I pursuing Godly ways in my life - reading His word, fellowshipping with others, praying, sharing the message of the Gospel. Death is separation from God. Life is being with God for all eternity, death is being away from God for all eternity. 

I notice a clear effort in business these days to be more in pursuit of serving others and being pleasant and attending to their needs and this is what the Christian is to be about, but not simply to make a business strong or to please a boss, but it is to glorify God. 

Several years ago, I read and did a study of Respectable Sins from Jerry Bridges. These are the sins of life that are sometimes socially acceptable, but often what we focus on is life is big sins like are mentioned in the Ten Commandments which we all know to avoid. And yet these sins are impacting our lives and how we associate with others.  

Ungodliness

Anxiety and Frustration

Discontentment

Unthankfulness

Pride

Selfishness

Lack of self-control

Impatience 

Irritability

Anger

Judgmentalism

Envy, Jealousy

Sins of the Tongue

Worldliness

I think the danger in life always is living lives that are the best they can be and not simply good lives. Being the best is difficult and challenging and selfless. It is staying focused always on others. It is making decisions that go beyond the basics of life. 

Prayer: God, I ask that I am someone in life that pursues righteousness, pursues good behavior, but not simply doing what everyone seeks, but am truly unselfish for the glory of You and seeing truth and seeking life always. Help me to not get comfortable and revert to pleasing myself. But to pursue righteousness always and consistently. Remind me of the principles I really want in my life - focusing on the big rocks of life and pursuing those big rocks. Lord, keep me uncomfortable and keep me focus on pursuing things that are good always, in all situations and let me do it always to glorify You. 

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

Proverbs 11:18 - Patient Goodness

Proverbs 11:18

The wicked earns deceptive wages, But he who sows righteousness gets a true reward. 

Message: Patient Goodness

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: "For all have sinned." - Romans 3:23. No one is perfect. I asked AI what percentage of the population is wicked and one of the responses was that 10% of the population is wicked. It seems we all want to be good people. I don’t think many want to be wicked. 

And as Solomon does often he contrasts the wicked and the righteous. The bad and the good. As a reminder to me I think we volley at times between being good and bad. And so this text is a reminder of the results of our actions. Another one of the responses from AI was that 10% of people are inherently good and 10% are inherently bad and 80% can be swayed in either direction. My feeling is all are sinners and all can be swayed. 

“The wicked earns deceptive wages.” The gain of wealth by a wicked person means something has been earned improperly. Obviously someone that steals may see a reward but that person being found out for their law braking always looms and makes it hard at times to thoroughly enjoy the earning.

I think of my own life and maybe cheating on tests and not getting found out. I think I did get found out 1 or 2 times, but it seems rare. Speeding and not getting caught. Getting caught happened a couple of times and got in the accident in the summer of 1990 on Candelaria. But overall for most people it is rare. Lying too many times and not getting found out. Looking at pictures that I should not look at and not getting found out. 

In all of those situations of doing wrong, something was gained but it wasn’t honest so it didn’t feel good. It didn’t feel right. I was deceiving myself but not getting caught reinforces a little that it’s okay. So in all of those situations I earn deceptive wages. I could even say working my job and at times not working but doing other things is deceptive earning. If I think about it the standard is high for perfection. And my failure is frequent. 

And so the opposite is true. “Sow righteousness and get a true reward.” I like to think that I do good things. Could I say for the most part in life I am trying to sow goodness and do things right? I hope that this is so. Perhaps the failures are the exception and so it is what I remember lately. Yesterday I felt like I did some good things in making food for our Coral Group and then taking care of my dad. And worked on the Pergola and filling in the cracks. Sure I thought I did something wrong with it, but that's my own insecurity. And for the most part, my work in the office has been pretty good most of the time, feeling like I am trying my best. And I do the ministry online and reach out to people. I think I get payback and appreciation from others. I appreciate Tyson's hugs he initiates always and Megan. Derek does say thanks but it has diminished quite a bit. He used to do it much more often when he was dating Nichole. 

The word here for doing something is sowing for righteousness. Sowing is a metaphor and metaphor's I am learning are very common in the Bible. This is one for agriculture. Sowing was a critical activity that required patience and faith, as the results were not immediate. That is an interesting twist on this verse. Patience and Faith and not getting immediate results. Sin often gets immediate results. Acting in an unrighteous manner often gets immediate results. Doing things right means doing them over longer periods of time and in the long run the results will be good. 

Prayer: God, what an illuminating verse and idea this is for me. When I understand the word and the power of the word sowing this verse comes more alive. Sowing requires patience and faith. This is hard Lord, but true. Doing things right and well doesn't have the immediate impact that sin has in life. I can sin and immediately get a result that often will feel good in the moment but deliberately doing good may take a long time for a good result. And it needs patience and faith. Lord, I need help with this. I feel like I am struggling more and more with patience in different activities. help me to stand firm in my activities and do the right thing. I need your strength God. 

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

Proverbs 11:10 - Well Deserved Justice

Proverbs 11:10

When it goes well with the righteous, 

     the city rejoices,

And when the wicked perish,

     there is glad shouting. 

Message: Well deserved justice

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: Two positive responses in this verse - anything that goes well for the righteous and the wicked perishing - is a cause for celebration. 

New Living Translation - The whole city celebrates when the godly succeed; they shout for joy when the wicked die. -- wow, that's even more specific. 

Benson Commentary says, "A common rejoicing, partly for the just vengeance of God upon them, who had been the instruments of so much mischief." Yes indeed. This is what we are thinking all along. If anything this is one of the easiest to understand proverbs. For in this proverb, it speaks of outcomes and almost has no responsibility on a person. It simply speaks of what is to come. 

We can read this proverb and not feel like there is any action that it requires. It simply states the story of life - when good things happen to the righteous, we heartily agree and we are happy and we rejoice. It is the idea of "Yes." Maybe it is even, "Yes, finally." It is sort of, "That's the way it is supposed to be every time." We expect justice and justice has occurred. 

And yet the Proverb says, "When it goes well" meaning this is not an everyday, all the time, occurrence. Yes, it happens and yes, there is rejoicing, but it is not always the occurrence. The wicked bring others down. Seeing a wicked person receive good things is hard and it brings stress on us as well, but this is good, the wicked have received what we believe they deserve and we have shouts of joy. 

Vengeance has occurred. 

In this, we can look at good and the set up of morality and death and sin and heaven and hell and think, yes, His way is great. Why? Because the outcome has gone the way we want it to go. It is in these moments that we rejoice and shout with gladness. We are thankful. There is no more shaking our fingers at God, but instead we are rejoicing and praising God. 

I spoke with a person yesterday that said, "Why doesn't God just do _____." There is that feeling of God stepping in and making bad situations vanish or better. We want God to do those things because we think we know best and we think we know what God wants every time. But we must let God be God. And take responsibility. In this verse is responsibility. The choice has been made to be righteous or act wicked and because of that, the outcome should be certain, every time and for this we praise God. 

Yet, we need to always praise God and be thankful. 

This week a friend from Church died. I should be rejoicing. Yes, death is hard, but the outcome for my friend is heaven and thus, the City rejoices. The people left can move on and make it. The future is certain. 

Prayer: O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all of the earth. You are the Lord. You are the great one. Your ways have been established on this earth. You created the heavens and the earth and you always have had the best in mind for Your people. But Lord we make our decisions to follow You or not and while it is all under your sovereign control and ways, the outcomes we see are sometimes not we want. I am thankful though when the outcomes are what we want. Like in this verse, the righteous rejoice, the wicked perish and each has shouts of joy. Thank you Lord for Your ways that are greater than our ways and thank You that we can trust You every time. This is the Father's World. 

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

Proverbs 11:8 - Trouble Finds a Home

Proverbs 11:8

The righteous is delivered from trouble, 

but the wicked takes his place. 

Message: Trouble finds a home

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: Solomon continues his rant on comparing the righteous and the wicked. Another simple message. The righteous are delivered from trouble while the wicked take the trouble the righteous don't have. 

Matthew Henry states, "The righteous are often wonderfully kept from going into dangerous situations, and the ungodly go in their stead."

This verse seems to make the most sense when applied to death. As Daniel was delivered from the lion's den, and his enemies thrown into it (Daniel 6:24). As Haman did in the room of Mordecai, and was hanged upon the gallows the other was delivered from, and he had prepared for him (Esther 7:10). 

God removes the wicked outcome from the righteous and instead, it falls on the wicked. 

I suppose the issue I continue to have is why do people like my friend in India continue to have trouble earning a basic living. That is hard to watch. His prayer requests for this year seem like the same as they were from last year:

1. Meet basic monthly needs.

2. No unusual expenses. 

Over and over. Month after month. It is the same issue. It is hard to send encouragement when people are struggling as much as they are while all my basic needs are not an issue. 

But we press on and present the gospel. And place our trust in Him. 

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your word. It is true and real and thank you for Solomon and what you did in his life, despite his many wives and his abundance of money. You had him write these words to us, these proverbs to remind us at the end of the day I think the heart of things. I am thankful for this and pray that this message is still impacting people. I pray for my family and others that we are having in depth conversations. Help me to get to that point with people. Help people. Lord, they need it. I am on this accumulation focus it seems as I see stocks rising while many are hurting, but their needs are not one-time, like I wish they could be. Lord, heal us. Help us. Be number one in our lives. 

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

Proverbs 11:6 - In Everything, Go Straight

Proverbs 11:6

The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, but the treacherous will be caught by [their own] greed. 

Message: In everything, go straight

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: I heard the other day that Solomon wrote 3000 proverbs. I have been on a march to study Proverbs 10-24 as every verse is a different Proverb. It is amazing to think about the fact that he wrote all of these and God in his purpose believes each is important. The last lesson I did had a big impact on me in regards to the idea of living in a righteous manner. It helped me see that each of these statements are goals. They can not be accomplished all of the time and I suppose that is a little freeing. I am not expected to be perfect. I follow these proverbs because it makes life better and it also makes the trials of life easier to go through. Going through them trusting God has to be good for me. 

I think about the people I like to read, the ones that have commentaries on these verses, written in the 1800s often, prior to computers. Those individuals must have soaked themselves in the reading of these verses. And the reading of God's word. For they all pull up references in their comments. They knew God's word. It was supremely valuable to them. 

This verse and the previous have the same idea as Matthew Henry (1662-1714) states of verses 5 and 6, "The ways of wickedness are dangerous. And sin will be its own punishment." The idea is so simple. Wickedness is dangerous and sinning has a punishment. Conversely, righteousness is good and rewarding as it is practiced. 

I also look today at "Keil and Delitzsch OT Commentary" by Carl Friedrich Keil (1807-1888) – German Lutheran scholar, strong in Hebrew grammar and exegesis and Franz Delitzsch (1813-1890) – German Lutheran theologian, famous for Hebrew scholarship and interest in Jewish-Christian dialogue. For this verse they state:

6 The rectitude of the upright saveth them,

   And in their own covetousness are the faithless taken.

The integrity of those who go straight forward and straight through, without permitting themselves to turn aside on crooked ways, delivers them from the snares which are laid for them, the dangers they encounter; while, on the contrary, the faithless, though they mask their intentions ever so cunningly, are ensnared in their passionate covetousness: the mask is removed, they are convicted, and are caught and lost.

As in the last verse, the righteousness of a person will smooth his way and not permit them to walk crooked and be delivered from snares (trap that catches an animal) that are laid before them. This righteousness needs to transcend all of life, encompassing all of my choices and all that I do. I think of verses like, "A little leaven leavens the whole lump" (Galatians 5:9). Minor corruption or minor detours can have detrimental effects. And I Peter 5:8, "Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." There is a constant desire for Satan to lure God's people off their path. It is almost like we need to prepare ourselves always to be tempted to fall off course. 

I feel it is often sad how much we can criticize and critique and judge those that have gotten off track, that have fallen into sin. I have a family member that came forward to confess his sin and his going off track. It has been deemed an act of betrayal. To me at the heart of the sin was covetousness - wanting something others have and perhaps being scared that you would not get what you were hoping for. And now that one act has resulted in a spiral downward - impacting a wedding, ongoing relationship, and losing his job. It breaks my heart to watch the unraveling. And it is hard because the sin he committed he has not committed again. He has stopped. And yet, that sin has now resulted in a violent outburst that occurs at times. I just feel like his flesh is screaming out at times through those outbursts simply with a desire to be loved and accepted and wanted. 

So one hand we need to be careful, on the alert, on our guard at all times. But I really believe we need to always be forgiving and with a desire to heal and work past and improve. Yes, we can get off course and over time can even train ourselves in poor behavior. But we need to forgive. 

Prayer: Lord, I think you for these truths, to live righteously, and to realize that it is so easy to get off track. I see this in my life. Sometimes there is one need I don't get and because of that I start to veer off course - and fall into some of the sins that darken me because of anger and unmet expectations. Lord, continue to train me to choose wisely and to focus on righteousness throughout my life, in all my ways - reading, watching TV, what I view online, listen to and think about. Lord, I am susceptible to sin. I see it every day. And there are some things that cause more havoc in my life than other things. Help me. And help those around me. Help my family member that is spiraling down. Help him to rise up again and manage his life and find hope in his days. Give us hope Lord, not simply that things we don't want to happen won't happen, but center us on the hope of the riches you have in store for us. Let me hope that tomorrow is smooth and my roads are not crooked and the paths I walk on are straight. Center me on those things that honor and glorify You. Help me God and help those around me. 

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

Proverbs 11:5 - Staying on the Path

Proverbs 11:5

The righteousness of the blameless will smooth his way, but the wicked will fall by his own wickedness. 

Message: Staying on the Path

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: 

NLT - The godly are directed by honesty; the wicked fall beneath their load of sin. 

KJV - The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.

I love BibleHub and reading the commentaries by individuals from the 19th century. One of which is Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers by Charles John Elicott (1819-1905). He was not a minister, but instead a leader of churches in England. He edited this commentary, it written by various writers. Proverbs written by Rev. J. W. Nutt, M.A. (Late Fellow of All Souls’ College, Oxford; I can't find anything on Rev. Nutt). He writes, 

"Shall direct his way.—Or, make smooth, as Proverbs 3:6. The just man by his exact performance of all duty both towards God and man receives more and more light, and therefore continually sees more clearly how to avoid the difficulties that beset his path. The wicked darkens his conscience more and more by the commission of evil, till he stumbles as in the night (John 11:9), and at last falls, and rises not again."

I was speaking to someone recently about our quest for good works and she commented that she was on a quest to be perfect. I remarked that perfection is not possible because we have already erred and so any sin makes us not perfect, but I still, by my God-given conscience, when I error, recognize it and don't want to do it again. 

When I read this verse and all of the verses in this book that state something similar to today, namely "The righteousness of the blameless" I realize that no one is righteous (Psalm 14:1; Romans 3:10).  There is a standard and I have not met it. That is understood, but I can still read texts and Solomon can still write these texts in a utopian manner. It can still present the goal even if it is not attainable. What I see from it is glimpses of attainment in my life. 

Rev J.W. Nutt shows that this righteous behavior directs my way. Thus, living in a righteous manner shall direct my way and this same idea is seen in Proverbs 3:6 which says, "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Thus, our life is to be lived righteously I think in a 'more often than not' manner. We pursue a goal while understanding that our nature prevents us from achieving total attainment. God made us. In us he called us (as well as all that He had created) good (Genesis 1:31) prior to sin. It is only in God we are good and only ever because of Him that we attain good in our life. We are enticed always away from this good by Satan and then we start to view our desire to not be good and we choose to repeat it - to not seek righteousness because we want to instead trust in our way. But God is directing us back and His word serves as a reminder and also our conscience which He gave us. 

Satan again does not make us sin, but directs us away from God. In my conversations with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints I sense in their thinking that Jesus merely fills in the gap. That man through his effort and good works in persevering till the end does his part to merit God's acceptance which results in Heaven and then Jesus fills in the gap between our best and God's perfection. But Jesus is not simply a filler-in of the gap. The sin makes us imperfect completely and so with any sin we are no longer blameless. Jesus covers the sin so that God only sees Jesus perfection. God is not looking for a handshake with man doing his part and Jesus doing His part. No. "Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow." And Jesus said "it is finished" (John 19:30). 

The words from Rev. JW Nutt above are compelling. He says, "The just man by his exact performance of all duty both towards God and man receives more and more light, and therefore continually sees more clearly how to avoid the difficulties that beset his path." God makes us just through the work of Jesus. We are made righteous. The path we are walking on has difficulties, drawing us away. Satan draws us away. But the just man has an opportunity to listen to God, be directed by His Spirit and respond by continuing to choose God and in so doing love man and along the way this is reinforced and reinforced so that we avoid the difficulties of life. Life is difficult. Life is a trial. We are beset by trials and difficulties, but we can seek God and serve others and in that process we avoid the difficulties which come our way. 

Maybe the first part could read, "The right living toward God and man by the person made just by God will make that person avoid the difficulties on their walking path." 

I have never noticed that each of these verses is a promise. It spells out a condition and a result. 

In contrast, the 2nd part of this verse states, "But the wicked will fall by his own wickedness." And JW Nutt states, "The wicked darkens his conscience more and more by the commission of evil, till he stumbles as in the night (John 11:10), and at last falls, and rises not again." The wicked or the non-just people darken their conscience. Romans 2:15 states that God has written the law in our hearts and the conscience bears witness. The conscience directs us to right living, away from wrong living. Here, the wicked have a darkened conscience. The light to direct them to righteous living has been darkened. And it is darkened as we commit more and more evil. This is the problem of evil. Over time, it darkens our conscience. I Timothy 4:2 instructs us that there are those that have a seared conscience. Their continual choosing of evil sears their ability to choose between two differences. And by searing it can happen quickly. 

John 11:9-10 states, "Jesus answered, 'Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of the world. But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles because the light is not in him." Jesus seems to be saying that once we move to the night, darkness descends and it is harder to see what you are doing and therefore you can't see that you are working incorrectly. One becomes blinded in a way. In darkness, one might stumble and get off course. Jesus in these words seems to be going beyond the sun, but to a light from Him that is not present. Without God leading the way and directing our path, smoothing our way, keeping us on the right path by us following His standards of good living - we will drift. We will drift off the path. 

Prayer: Lord God, you are Holy. You are perfect, blameless, righteous. I have this as my goal but I am a sinner and cannot obtain this. Thank you for continuing to teach me and helping me understand how I live. I do pray that in the moments of life, as I am training myself and seeing myself live, that I would respond in a way that honors You. That anger would be far from me. I continue to converse and talk to people and pray that through my words that you give me that people can be helped. I pray for my kids - thanking You for them and the privilege I have to be their father. I pray that they would learn these lessons as well and work to avoid pitfalls and stay on the path. That they would recognize how they can train themselves properly. Lord, again, thank you for this lesson on sin. Help me to reinforce righteousness throughout my life. I can never be blameless for sin is present. Thank you for saving me out of the consequence of sin, out of death and being separated from you. Jesus, you are Lord at your birth and God you have always wanted me to be with you forever in paradise. Keep drawing many more to You God. And then now and tomorrow show me your light and let me walk moment by moment in that light. Amen. 

 

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

Proverbs 11:4 - It's All Going to Burn

Proverbs 11:4

Riches do not profit in the day of wrath,

But righteousness delivers from death. 

Message: It's All Going to Burn

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: Our pastor on Sunday did a lesson from Proverbs on gratitude. Along the way, he explained Proverbs and the different ways the verses in this book are mentioned. Well, I am still focused on these contrasting phrases and continuing to read and walk through them.

Today, it is riches and the reminder that riches do not profit at the end or in the day of wrath. This seems to be the day of judgement. Friends and I will often say, "It is all going to burn" meaning that we really should not put our focus on wealth. The pastor's lesson on Sunday was basically the idea of giving and you will receive with verses like 11:24, "the one who scatters increases all the more" and 11:25, "the generous man will be prosperous." I studied Philippians 4 where Paul says in verse 17, "giving....increases to your account." This idea of giving will make us rich. I am not sure if that means monetary payback always, but maybe just the feeling that a person hast not been focused on wealth and accumulation, but rather in helping others and helping others is a good thing. 

In my life, I have gone from a 600 square foot one bedroom apartment to a 1300 square foot house to start a family and then to a 2050 square foot house the last 21 years now. I can't imagine going up any more. There is no need. At times, I think this house is too large. I try to not focus on accumulation. Plenty of people have needs and it makes no sense for me to have a lot and them to have a little. 

But, today the lesson is really more on the end and the day of judgment and the simple message that at the end, it really will not matter how much money you have. God will not be judging you on money accumulation, but rather on our heart and our lives and how they were lived. Ultimately, I am a sinner, saved by grace. Christ saves me because of what Christ did, not me. I understand this and believe this. I believe in God and that He is creator and this world is His and I surrender to Him. He provides me peace then to live life in a way in which life is full. Life isn't only about one thing when it comes to me and living. And from Solomon's perspective, it is righteous living. It is righteousness. 

But wealth matters. It seems that I will be judged on what I have done with my money. More and more I am having a hard time with wealth accumulation. I am struggling with this idea of having new things at times and the need for nice and pristine. We are flawed people and yet we don't want our cars to be flawed with dents. We want it all to be good, looking nice, and never a problem. And so from a money situation, I am struggling with riches, especially when there is such an imbalance in life. It is a struggle to me that people have this need to have no wants and everything is taking care of in this life. 

Everything in our life is wearing down. The car needs to be fixed. Yet, sometimes people get lucky and have a car that lasts. They don't get in accidents. We have a fridge that we bought 5 1/2 years ago. It has been great. But now, it is not working and has errors. Our bill to repair it is now approaching half of what we paid. And the concern I think is whether it will be fixed ever again. Or will we have to start over. These things happen. We don't like them. We like life to be running well, with pristine looking appliances versus accepting everything that is broken. And yet in all of that we have comfort. We have clothes to wear, food to eat, good jobs and a lot of joy with family and friends and people. 

So focus on right-living. Focus on righteousness. I review these words again. 

10:3 - The Lord will not allow the righteous to hunger. 

10:6 - Blessings are on the head of the righteous. 

10:7 - The memory of the righteous is blessed.

10:11 - The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life.

10:16 - The wages of the righteous is life.

10:20 - The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver.

10:21 - The lips of the righteous feed many. 

10:24 - The desire of the righteous will be granted. 

10:25 - The righteous has an everlasting foundation. 

10:28 - The hope of the righteous is gladness.

10:30 - The righteous will never be shaken.

10:31 - The mouth of the righteous flows with wisdom. 

10:32 - The lips of the righteous bring forth what is acceptable. 

And now 11:4 - Righteousness delivers from death. 

Rather than being rich, what matters is righteousness for that delivers from death. 

And this is my quest still, righteousness.

Summary: O God, I want to be this type of person. A righteous person. That's what I want. I want to do my work right and do things well and make good decisions and make things better. I think I have. I have tried, but still I make mistakes. Like the fridge, sometimes I have to start over. But you love me and know me and I am so thankful for that. I struggle God at work with those people that don't meet my expectations. I struggle with it at home, with it everywhere. I said it in front of people that I am trying to meet people's expectations and anticipate them. Help me God. Help me to give myself grace when I need it. Help me to rest in who you have made me to be. Help me to have moments of celebration where I feel like what I have done is good. It is hard to be on this quest of constant improvement. I get tired with it God. Make me God the person you want me to be. And let that be enough. And then take me home to You. Whatever you want me to go through, I will do it. Selfishly, I want to live this life now and figure out what I can do for me and how to help others. I want to do this Lord. I want to be righteous and want this in others. 

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

Proverbs 10:32 - Knowing what is right and wrong speech

Proverbs 10:32

The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable,

But the mouth of the wicked, what is perverted.

Message: Knowing what is right and wrong speech

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: Well, it has taken me some time but I am finishing up this first chapter of Proverbs of Solomon for me, in chapter 10. It has been a good time so far and continue to see a contrast primarily between the righteous and the wicked. The writer, Solomon, clearly admonishing the righteous and showing the great results of this type of person and the unfortunate negative outcomes of the wicked. The wicked are those that are not following the precepts and ways of God. The contrast is simple. And yet it seems the world we live in is lived in the gray where the wicked are viewed often as another kind of righteous. Perhaps it is hard to view people as wicked who seem to be living good lives. 

In this verse, it is the mouth, the lips. This contrast occurred in verse 31, highlighting the mouth and tongue. Verses, 13, 20, and 21 mentions the righteous mouth, but not a contrast to the mouth of the wicked necessarily. Verse 6 highlights the mouth of the wicked whereas verse 11 focuses on the mouth of each. Clearly the mouth or our tongues is a big point of emphasis here. 

Here the words are almost a conclusion as the verse mentions "know." The righteous know what they are doing in their speaking. The wicked know what they are doing in their speaking. The righteous speaks what he knows is pleasing to God. His actions are consistent with his conscience. While the wicked has a mouth that is perverted or contrary to good and pleasing ways. 

The righteous speaks in a way that is pleasing to others. People want to be around this person. The wicked however speaks in a way that doesn't encourage a large audience. Granted, there will be people that like the wicked speech, but it won't be everyone. The wicked have a stubbornness about them. But it is almost instinctive. I have been learning how the Spirit of God takes over a person. Well, the wicked person does what is natural and that is most often protecting self. 

Prayer: O God, help me to be a person that is filled by Your Spirit and therefore my speech honors You. Direct me. Catch me in those moments when I am quick to react rather than respond. I get angry and disappointed. Lord, help my speech to honor You always. 

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

Proverbs 10:31 - Speak Well Inside and Out

Proverbs 10:31

The mouth of the righteous flows with wisdom,

But the perverted tongue will be cut out.

Message: Speak Well Inside and 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: Once again, this verse starts out in familiar territory with "the righteous." The overall goal in this chapter and in this book and in probably the entire Bible is to be righteous. It is the subject that I keep coming back to, especially in this book. The person who is righteous is walking and living their lives in a manner directed by God. This is living in right relationship with God, other people, and all creation. It seems reasonable to say that everyone on this earth agrees with two of these three parts - living with other people well and creation, but not everyone subscribes to the God part. But I do. 

And so this book and these verses continue to give us quick reminders of what the righteous person is all about and also helping us see what that person is not about. Yet, these are not commands, but rather descriptions of a person. It is written as outcomes or results. Thus, you be a righteous person and this will happen. I keep seeing this. I keep seeing who I am to be and who I am not to be. 

Here in this verse, I am to be a person that has a good mouth. I struggle with my mouth, not on good days or good situations or fun times, but I struggle when I just want a laugh and so may be sarcastic and/or hurt someone in the process — or I am in a selfish moment of wanting myself to be pleased. When my focus is on me, my mouth is a problem. 

The perverted tongue can reveal what is in someone’s heart. A tongue that speaks in an unwelcome manner will be cut off or cut down. 

Prayer: Lord, teach me to have a God honoring tongue and mouth. Cultivate in me a mouth that speaks well. My mom always said, "Speak less." But I notice it isn't only what comes out of me, but also what is inside of me, my self talk. Lord, I pray that this talk honors you as well. Lord, it is hard to speak words of honesty and critique. Sometimes I wonder how I am to be a person of correction. I suppose these verses are not saying that my words have to only be uplifting all of the time. And yet I know from my son that I don't need to be passive aggressive as that is a tendency with me as well, to hint at guilt when I speak. Show me the right way Spirit of God. Birth in me good words. 

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

Proverbs 10:30 - Never uprooted

Proverbs 10:30

The righteous will never be shaken, but the wicked will not live in the land. 

Message: Never uprooted

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: 'Shaken' or other translations say 'uprooted,' 'disturbed,' 'removed,' or 'will stand firm.' The word 'never' is a powerful word as well. It is permanent. Our eternity is permanent. It doesn't change. The righteous are on firm footing or a firm foundation. The righteous are not going anywhere. But the wicked will not dwell in this land. They will not inhabit the earth. They are the opposite. One is firmly in place, the other is not even present. 

I like that word uprooted. The roots of the righteous are secure. They will not be removed. When I think of our position or my position in Christ, it is one where ultimately we are secure with him. And yet, I still recognize that though our permanent home is in place these temporary times often don’t look or appear to be any different from anyone else. I have trials and missteps. I have challenges. I have hardships. I experience aches and pains. There is loss at times in business. There are failed relationships.

But ultimately, forever, I am secure in Christ. As a note though, I’m not saying that the Christian life is only focused on the future because there’s definitely peace in the present as well. The Spirit is present in my life today. 

I listen to a sermon this week about not getting drunk with wine, but being filled with the spirit from Ephesians 5:18. Paul, comparing spirit filled to being filled with a strong drink and becoming drunk. And so the spirit should be filled up and working through our lives in such a way the people don’t recognize us, and instead recognize God working in us. So the Christian life is much more than just a future state. It’s a present change.

And so the wicked are uprooted. The wicked will be shaken. The wicked will be moved. The wicked have no hope in the near future. The wicked have no ultimate security. They only have the day to day. Sometimes I wonder if our lives look like that wicked-life-reality too much. Myself, I’m headed to the gym to take care of my body, to be healthy, but probably ultimately with the idea that it will help me live a more full life and possibly a longer life. 

We share constant prayer request for healing, for decreased suffering. I just wonder why we are so focused on this life and making sure is not disturbed. Are we really eternally focused? Do we just have this mindset one day of week? Am I sandwiched in the best of both worlds? 

Prayer: I don't know God. I am very thankful that you have saved me and declare me as righteous. I am blessed to be able to say that my future is settled. I only wonder if my life is too much like everyone's life and yet I am called to be different. I know I do different things but day in and day out, I wonder if I desire and want what other's want. 

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

Proverbs 10:28 - Only Today

Proverbs 10:28

The hope of the righteous is gladness,

But the expectation of the wicked perishes.

Message: Only Today

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: Hope - righteous - glad vs expectation - wicked - perish. First thoughts -- hope is more of a sure thing than simply an expectation. Hope has more of a certainty about it while an expectation is less certain. Yet, overall I see again the natural comparison of the righteous and wicked person in this chapter that has been so prevalent throughout the chapter. The writer is extolling and raising up over and over the outcome of being a righteous person. It is a favorable position. Over and over the idea is to not only do the right thing, but be the right sort of person. To be righteous is not only to have high morals, but it is to live according to standards and the Christian is to live their life under the guidance of the Holy Spirit as He directs us daily to live in a way that honors God. 

The Contemporary English Version says there is no future for the wicked. I think that is the overriding point. The wicked person only has today. The righteous person has tomorrow and the day after. The atheist only has today while those that are walking with God have hope for tomorrow. 

One thing to think about here is the wicked person's future is futile because we live under the paradigm of righteousness and Godliness. Under that worldview, there is no hope for the wicked for they only have wrath to look forward to in the future. There is no happy after life. There is only separation from God in hell. To say that it perishes means it amounts to nothing. 

God also is preparing a place for us in the future (John 14:2-3) and so this is why our future has hope.

Prayer: O God, thank you for the future and for having my future in mind. I realize in this day and age, all the messages are only about today and making today priority one. Keep me attuned to Your message and Your word Lord in focusing on tomorrow and my future. Thank you for that peace and I pray more would understand and accept the peace that You have for them.  

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

Proverbs 10:25 - When the Going Gets Tough

Proverbs 10:25

When the whirlwind passes, the wicked is no more,
But the righteous has an everlasting foundation.

Message: When the Going Gets Tough

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: NASB - When the whirlwind passes; NLT - when the storms of life come.  

This is the idea that when the going gets tough, hopefully the tough get going, meaning they step up to work through the challenge. Or they have enough of a solid foundation to handle the difficult situation. As has been done through many verses of this chapter, the comparison is between the wicked and the righteous. 

This reminds me that the comparisons that occur here are based upon how a person is wired - are they wicked or righteous. Thus, the proverb shares often the result and so is encouraging a framework. To which we look at again at what makes a person wicked versus what makes a person righteous. 

And here the righteous person is one with a sure foundation. Their foundation is living their life according to standards. 

I spend time daily in the Word, reading the Bible, gleaning from it, learning from it. I memorize scripture. I am encouraged by those of similar faith I am with. I listen to positive music. All of these inputs into my life are hopefully helping my outputs. Right now, for instance, I feel like I am going through a tough period of my life. My mood is different. It is a little down. I am staring at life and maybe feel a detour taking place or not handling things like I have in the past. And so right now, "the going gets tough." And how I am responding? At times, it feels like I am kicking and screaming. But I need to rest more on my foundation. 

And that foundation is good counsel. And might result in having difficult conversations with people in my life. That's what I am thinking about right, making sure I am having conversations with the people that matter most in my life. 

I don't need to look like I respond like a wicked person. I need to show that I am responding based upon my good training. 

Prayer: O God, life is hard. It continues this way. I know it is harder it feels like for so many others, and yet I have my mood challenges. Help me rest in the foundations I have - in Christ, with a great wife, great friends and good inputs into my life You make happen. And yet those foundations don't always mean all works out smoothly. Things may still be hard and tough. God I can trust you through those moments. Help me to persevere and endure. I give you praise. In Jesus name I can pray. Amen. 

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

Proverbs 10:24 - Fear of Being Found Out

Proverbs 10:24

What the wicked fears will come upon him,

and the desire of the righteous will be granted. 

Message: Fear of Being Found 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: As I read through and study these Proverbs one by one, it is amazing the writer had the need to repeat some of these ideas over and over and yet in only slightly different ways. Each one with a slight variation. The contrast here once again is the wicked and the righteous and the differing outcomes of the two. I suppose in life or at least theater it seems there is this big contrast of good and evil, bad guys and good guys. We went to see Superman recently and his big nemesis is Lex Luthor. Lex wants to be in power and what is interesting is the way he appears to be a good guy by many, but eventually people discover the real truth of him. There was this slight deception and once it comes out everyone sees him for the rotten person he is really. And so this contrast continues - wicked and righteous. 

The wicked person here has fears. The wicked person does have a conscience and so even though they are acting wickedly there is a concern possibly of being found out or exposed for what really lies at the heart of the person. The wicked person hopes that no one will notice. The wicked hope that they can get away with it, that they won't be found out. And often the wicked will also seeks to find as many people that will corroborate what they are doing, to help justify their deceit. We do this with sin. We run to it and yet we are nervous of being exposed. I see this on a small scale at work. At times, I will go to the internet to search for something personal during work ours. I will think it is harmless, and yet it amazes me how when someone comes in the office to ask me a question, I will try to cover up that I am doing something personal. I will feel bad at that which I am doing. I will have been found it. 

The righteous person here seeks the will of God. The verse in Matthew 7:7-8 that many people like to claim is "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." It is the righteous though that can claim this verse. And this verse is speaking more of the bare necessities of life rather than simply desiring things that may be against the will of God. 

Prayer: O God, guard me from my sin and how I often escape in that direction, pleasing my eye or my momentary need and yet knowing that I could be exposed. Keep me far from the evil. Help me instead to submit and surrender to You and accept what You provide. 

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

Proverbs 10:20 - Everyday Use

Proverbs 10:20

The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver. 

The heart of the wicked is worth little. 

Message: Everyday Use

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: The contrast in this verse once again involves the tongue, but at least today it reflects on something good about the tongue, but only for the person that is righteous. In looking at the various translations, there are not many variations to this verse or different words. 

Righteous is an interesting word in our Bible. Here it is the Hebrew word saddiq. There are 206 occurrences of this word in the Old Testament. 133 of those are in Job, Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes with 66 of those in Proverbs. It and Psalms comprise most of the occurrences. It is translated as 'righteous' (162x), 'just' (42x), 'righteous man' (1x), 'lawful' (1x). 

The usage in the Bible is defined as:

• just, lawful, righteous
• just, righteous (in government)
• just, right (in one's cause)
• just, righteous (in conduct and character)
• righteous (as justified and vindicated by God)
• right, correct, lawful

I suppose I find this interesting. It describes man and God, at various times, as being righteous. 

I grabbed my Oxford Companion to the Bible and it says its basic meaning is of someone or something proven true, especially in a legal context. Not simply true, but proven true. Perhaps someone that has been tested and through that process has shown to be true. There are different meanings based upon the context. It says that for ordinary people, it means treating one's neighbor as a covenant partner, neither oppressing nor being oppressed. For everyone it means keeping God's will as conveyed in the Torah (Deut. 6:25). 

Those are only a few thoughts on this word and its meaning. Here in this verse of proverbs, the tongue of the righteous is extolled or lifted up as being of choice silver. The tongue shines. Our tongue is meant to shine. Our words are meant to be pleasing to the eye. Gold and silver are the most commodity uses in the Bible for currency. Gold for larger purchases and silver for everyday, common purchases. Thus, the tongue here of the righteous is the everyday use or the common use. It is how we use our mouth each and every day, our customary and everyday life.

In contrast, the heart of the wicked is worth little. The comparison here is between the heart and the tongue. Heart is used 593 times in the Old Testament.  It is used (figuratively, like the tongue) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything. The feelings of the wicked, the will of the wicked and even the intellect of the wicked - these are all worthless. 

Words like tongue and heart, and even wicked and righteous or succinct words that have a wide range of meanings. Thus, this proverb, like many other proverbs cover a wide range of applications. 

People don’t aspire for things of little worth or value. So we need to be about things that are valuable. We need to work towards proving ourselves as people of truth.

Prayer: Oh, God, help me to be an every day person of truth. I want my life to be proven true. Clean me from the inside/out each and every day. I ask that in my every day living I would honor you with my words, thoughts, care, concern, and even feelings. I want to be worthy of my calling as a Christ-follower.  

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.

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.