Proverbs 13:2 - Violent Words

Proverbs 13:2

From the fruit of a man's mouth he enjoys good,

But the desire of the treacherous is violence.

Message: Violent Words

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: Reading Tabletalk and the article "Violent Words" and the author translates this verse, "From the fruit of their lips people eat what is good, but the unfaithful desire violence." There is a contrast here between wise, helpful, kind, thoughtful words and words that destroy or tear down. 

In the heat of anger, how are we sometimes responding? In this moment, the person we are fighting with becomes a sort of enemy with our biting, sarcastic and vengeful words. It could be a friend, co-worker, or even spouse or parent. Often, through our words we want to inflict pain. It happens. Our sense of entitlement takes over. Our expectations are unmet. We feel wronged. 

As quickly as I run to anger, I need to quickly run to repenting, confessing to God first, and then to the other party, asking forgiveness and truly forgiving others. I admit I sort it out first in my mind and try to get past it. 

In these tense moments, I don't have to respond with sin. That sometimes is the hard part for me: how do I act differently? What should I have done instead? How do I take these wronged feelings and not respond with anger and being threatened. How do I pursue the offense without hurtful words? Not sure I know any other way to get it resolved. Sometimes at work I see often that what stirs me up and angers me rarely works out for me, reminding me that my many words of emotion didn't get me anywhere but disappointment and anger and mess up other relationships or other times of enjoyment. 

Prayer: Lord, I need help. I think of my son who struggles with this as well. As he approaches these scenario's which make him made how do we respond differently. How can we still get our concern out and yet not sin? Teach me to do it in love. Teach me to not be swept away by those feelings and still deal with the situation, but with love and hope, seeking you Lord with direction and guidance. 

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

Proverbs 11:9 - Wash your mouth

Proverbs 11:9

With [his] mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor,

but through knowledge the righteous will be delivered. 

Message: Wash your mouth

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 the relational piece of our lives in Christ. God makes a covenant with us, with His people. He chooses us like He chose Abraham, Moses, David - the Jewish people and then later makes sure the Gentiles are grafted in through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, but he makes this covenant with people. It is a sort of one-time commitment that probably took much time leading up to this. 

And then life is lived. There is the quest for obedience. But it is not robotic. It is relational. It is teased out. It is a struggle. And this verses in Proverbs present this - the contrast between being righteous and wicked. 

Today, the focus as it is many times is on how we speak - our words. "With [his] mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor." "The tongue is a fire" (James 3:6). I need to remember the power in my mouth, in my words. I can easily destroy my neighbor with my wife - destroy my kids, wife, boss. I get so angry at times, that I start lashing out. 

This is contrasted with knowledge. My guess is this knowledge comes about through listening. Listen first, talk later. James 1:19, "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak." 

The knowledge is also the word of God. It is listening to it, reading it and through this knowledge we are drawn into the behavior we need to practice to glorify God - Yes! - but also to make our lives better. The world is caught up only in making their lives better but we must give God the glory for he enables us to do good and live goodly lives. It is only through the Holy Spirit's influence we can be obedient and glorify God. For the non-Christian, good only proceeds from God - no matter if they acknowledge it or not. That's my belief. 

Prayer: God, you are holy and good. Your ways are right and are always what I need - the best for me always - what I need. Train me to live in a Godly manner, to glorify You throughout my days - living a life of obedience - choosing the right way - choosing life. Help me always in this Lord. Give me the right way and help me to choose it. Forgive me for the past, the failures I have committed to everyone - chiefly my family. 

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 10:11 - A fountain of life

Proverbs 10:11
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.

Message: A fountain of life

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: Contrasts. Vice and virtue. The contrast here is specifically the two kinds of people in our world - righteous and wicked. We live in a world of differences. I am God’s righteous. At least I think I am. My life should look like a righteous person as I read these Proverbs.

Previously in verse 3, verse 6 and verse 7 the righteous and the wicked is contrasted. I recognize once again that there are righteous and wicked people in our world today and this is a contrast that appears and is also a way of life. I think there are clearly instances in our Bible that God calls people wicked. Prior to the Flood God mentioned that everyone was wicked on the earth. Wickedness has corrupted everyone. Thus, each person has the potential to be wicked. This is clear. 

But what I've been noticing lately is the wicked person is the one that is far from God. There are non-chosen people in the Bible. There are people that are not part of God's people. And thus I wonder if this is a person Solomon in these verses is highlighting. If God chose Israel, then that would seem to be mean other people groups are not chosen. 

Now in addition, the mouth of a person is highlighted in verse 6 ("the mouth"), verse 8 and verse 10 (both state "babbling fool").  This verse 11 is the first time the positive outcome is presented of the mouth of the righteous. With that in mind, it seems that our mouth has quite the potential of getting us into trouble or representing wickedness. And yet I don't know if I would say it is bad to talk. In the previous verse I spoke of the effect even non-verbal words have on us, both good and bad. But here the write does want to mention the importance of speaking well. 

I know I tend to at times speak less than more in surroundings. That my word are more thoughtful. And yet when I am angry or disappointed, I notice my words are not thoughtful and can be rash as I speak out words of anger. I have people in my life that speak a lot. They are simply that way. Sometimes my patience for this is not great, but more often when I am working. But it is often present when I want to hear other people speak rather than only one person. Again, these are simply things I notice in my life about words. 

But just as words can hurt, words can also help and this is mentioned now here - words can be a fountain of life to those that hear them. A fountain is water that is bubbling over. It is springing up and then falling over on its side. I've noticed many times the marvel of water. Psalm 23 speaks of being led beside still waters. Water is often mentioned it would seem in the Bible as something that is pleasing and this is no exception. In John 4:10 Jesus is mentioned as living water.  Right at this moment, I am out of town, in the mountains, staying at a townhome in which a stream or river is running outside my window. Water runs. It is relaxing. The sound of nature is present. It is a comfort. It is a sound produced by nature, much like wind or rain produces that sound. It is life. And our words can at times speak of this comfort and refreshment it provides to our life. It is a mouth speaking words that are good and beneficial, refreshing and useful. 

One of the people in my life is my friend's wife and she often is speaking words of affirmation of people. If something good happens, they are the reason for the good. She highlights their good. She does not focus on her own doing, but rather always has a good word to say about others. I notice in me I like this at times, but at other times I struggle with placing the focus on me and I desire it to be on her. She is also a happy and joyful person. I have known her for 40+ years and she has always been this sort of delightful person. In her speaking of these words, I do see it helping others but it also produces in herself positive energy. Thus, the positive words we express help others but also bring a comfort and expression of life to ourselves. So the benefits are far reaching. 

My mom was this sort of person. My wife is this sort of person. Maybe the words are not as plentiful, but they are positive to me and others and they were encouraging. And people want this and come back to this. 

But the wicked man once again is the opposite of all of this. I have mentioned this already in other verses. And for now I will simply end with that. 

Prayer: Thank you God for the great people in my life that you have in my life to show my the positive words and the positive well-being of words. It is a great reminder to me of the importance of my words and what comes out of my mouth. May you guide me to be positive to others and speak well of others always. Help me to be this type of person. 

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

Proverbs 10:10 - Non-verbal and verbal wounds

Proverbs 10:10

He who winks the eye causes trouble, and a babbling fool will be ruined.

Message: Non-verbal and verbal wounds

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 think my brain is overloaded. I am not getting to these lessons like I have in the past. I am over 3 months into one issue of Tabletalk. I simply have too many logs in the fire, but I still believe I am doing a lot of good things. I had this ambition to study through Proverbs. That was back on April 2. At this rate, it will take me the rest of my life to get through all of these Proverbs, but I suppose that is okay. I am learning, meditating and discovering God's word and truth. 

Once again in these texts is a virtue and a vice. A desire and a danger. And yet in this verse there seems to be two notes of caution spoken possibly. Two vices are presented with no countering virtue. This is a first in my readings. 

One who winks does not speak and this is compared to one that babbles. The one not speaking does cause trouble. The one who babbles causes ruin. 

Joseph Benson (1748-1821) said winks "secretly and cunningly designs mischiefs against others." The non-verbal is saying one thing, but doing another. The work that is contrary to the speech causes trouble. People are always watching the Christian, hoping to catch the person in a lie. The wink draws a person in, in a subtle manner albeit, but still draws that person to go along. It is a wink or a head nod. The issue is a desire to deceive, to lead astray, to engage in mischief. I notice a book in the Apocrypha, Sirach 27:22 says, "He that winketh with the eyes worketh evil." The trouble that comes involves both the speaker and the hearer. 

But what is more severe is the babbling fool. Rather than only a wink, this one utters extreme words of confusion. There is an extreme in speech. The wink is often singular in its role to deceive, focusing on one individual, but the babbling fool impacts many. Often when speaking of ruin it is more far reaching that trouble. Ruin covers a city or the fall of many people. 

There is such a danger in opening one's mouth. 

I look at some of the parallel passages or different translations and actually saw in some of them a virtue. 

New Living Translation -- "People who wink at wrong cause trouble, but a bold reproof promotes peace." 

I notice the proverb says babbling does not necessarily result in ruin to many, though I know it has a potential to do that, but the ruin is earmarked to the fool. The "fool will be ruined." The wink produces trouble, but the one with many words will be ruined. 

The Christian Bible says, "foolish lips will be destroyed." 

I still think the intent is to show the mouth has a much clearer outcome. Words are so quickly spread today - through social media we are in greater communication than ever before. Words are plastered on screens and at times permanently etched for all to see. 

Prayer: O how I must be careful in my words. Yes, careful in my head nods and winks and eye movements, but my words hold the real power and I pray they are conforming to God's will. 

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

Proverbs 10:8 - Don't make excuses, receive your orders

Proverbs 10:8

The wise of heart will receive commands, but a babbling fool will be thrown down. 

Message: Don't make excuses, receive your orders

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: In this verse is a new idea. Thus far in these verses of chapter 10, the primary focus has been on righteousness alone. All proverbs I think will in some way though deal with that subject because overall that is the point of a proverb - to compare righteous behavior with unrighteous. But the proverbs have thus far have been more about how we earn our possessions and how wisdom is to be our focus. This verse presents the idea of the heart. In addition, it speaks to the idea of receiving. Everything else that has been thus far is generally an action that the wise person has done (e.g. "a wise son makes" in verse 1, "the hand" in verse 4, "he who gathers" in verse 5) or what that wise person's life now looks like after all of those actions (e.g. "memory" in verse 7 and "blessings" in verse 6). 

For the wise person, it is not only what they do, but also how they receive. To me, this verse is saying that the wise person will accept commands. The wise person can be told what to do. The wise person accepts direction, instruction, correction. 

I had a situation at work happen last week in which I told an employee something about their work life and what they need to do differently. It was in regards to their work hours and reminding them they are on salary and with being on salary they can be at times asked to do things on their day off. They were thinking that if asked to do something on their day off, then they should be able to make up that time with personal time off. They offered a solution and I told them that solution was not acceptable and they would need to work without getting anything in return. I was instructing them about something that was different from what they were expecting. And I was asking for their obedience. She received it, but she was not happy. And so things were initially stressful with her, but fortunately things have improved and she is going to adapt. 

Very often in our world, we often do not see things the way we should or need correction. We need commands to show us the right way and therefore to avoid the wrong way. But I notice more and more that we are driven by emotions and what we want and what we are comfortable with and many are not willing to accept those commands. Instead they babble. They give all the reasons why the command won't, how it is out of line. There needs to be trust. 

Trust I think is often just this. Trust is not knowing the entire story but going forward with it anyway. It is going beyond understanding. It is taking a leap. 

In my conversations with people online, I have a man I have been speaking with that wants everything in life to check his box. He wants it all to line up perfectly. He says he believes Jesus lived, died, rose again and he believes he is a sinner, but he is not willing to accept that his sin resulted in Jesus dying. He does not believe the reason for Jesus' death was necessary. 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints says that Jesus' death and resurrection begins their new life but man is still accountable for carrying out his sanctification. In essence, Jesus only covers a persons sins if the person lives their life in an acceptable manner. But that doesn't actually require any real trust. Jesus is not a stepping stone. Jesus is everything that we need to get us to God. The good life that we live following His death and payment for our sins is a response to what He did. It is not being lived to pay off what he did or ensure that we get it. We live holy lives because God is holy and we should be a people that are like Him. But Jesus' death on the cross needs to mean something. And this is where I think the CJCLDS gets it wrong. They are not really trusting in what Jesus has done. They are trusting that they are carrying it out well. There is a distinction. There is a difference. 

Romans 8:13 - "For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." It is the Spirit in person who has trusted in Christ that will provide the means for them to be a new creature. A falling away can occur in a person's life, and this can be short period of time or long periods of time, but the goal in those times is to bring that person back to the live they lived before. It is to correct and teach them. But the Spirit continues to live in that person. And that is evident throughout our history. 

I titled this lesson - "Don't make excuses, receive your orders." We need to receive the orders that God gives us and follow those commands. We are not to start babbling that we do not need them. We trust in God. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your direction. Thank you for showing me that in my life I need to trust You. I need to learn things that are true outside of what I think I know. I am to be obedient to Your commands, your orders on my life. Forgive me for making excuses, for thinking of ways to avoid that command. Forgive me for finding ways to justify my own behavior rather than simply believing You. Forgive me for thinking that I know the right way to live. I do this Lord. I do not accept willingly the message that even my boss wants to convey to people. Right now that message is to be positive where I think one needs to be pragmatic and real. Correct me Lord. 

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

TABLETALK - November 2017

I follow the readings from the Tabletalk Magazine devotional, though I am now working through 2017 devotionals. Each month of 2017 is a study of key biblical doctrines celebrating the 500th year of the Reformation. 

• November - Vocations (March 8, 2023 - June 11, 2023)
• October - Sacraments (December 16, 2022 - March 7, 2023)
• September - The Reformation of Worship (July 20, 2022 - December 15, 2022)
• August - The Body of the Lord - the Church recovered in the Reformation (April 14, 2022 - July 19, 2022)
• July - The right use of God's Law (May 23, 2021 - April 13, 2022)
• June was justification by faith alone (February 14, 2021 - May 22, 2021)
• May, Christ Alone (September 3, 2020 - February 13, 2021)
• April, salvation by grace alone (March 6, 2019 - September 2, 2020)
• March, the sovereign providence of God (January 28, 2019 - March 5, 2019)  
• February, the doctrine of revelation, Scripture (January 8, 2019 - January 27, 2019)
• January, the doctrine of God (December 16, 2018 - January 7, 2019). 

The Doctrine of Vocation - As we see, the reformation is a return to scripture, and one area to recover was the idea of the priesthood of all believers and that we can offer spiritual service in every vocation. This is an idea that had been lost or obscured in the medieval church given the idea that spiritual service was restricted. Thus, this months lesson is focused on vocation and this priesthood of all believers. There is still a distinction between the clergy and laity. 

The Priesthood of All Believers

The Old Covenant Priesthood - God has always provided a substitute and a mediator between God and man to reconcile us (Priests, Jesus). Man sins. God provides the way for righteousness. Christ our Mediator - The priests of the old covenant provided a temporary atonement for sin. Christ, one time is the ransom for all. And now man is a mediator for people through prayer.  God's Royal Priesthood - There is no distinction among believers. We are all a chosen race and all set apart as priests to proclaim the excellence of Him. New Covenant Ordained Ministry - Elders and deacons are set apart for specific roles. But those who are not set apart for these roles still are essential members of the church. All are vital, equally. 

The Distinctive roles of Cleary and Laity

The Vocation of Elder - Elders/Bishops/Overseers has specific qualifications or requirements - they are men set apart from society for a specific role of shepherding the flock which may include preaching and teaching. The Vocation of Deacon - Deacons play a vital role in making sure people's basic needs are met. Lay Duties: Obedience - Submit to God-honoring leaders in a way that makes them glad to their jobs. Lay Duties: Teaching, Admonishment, and Thanks - Each person in the church puts on the new person in Christ to learn God's word, teaching, admonishing and giving thanks.  The Vocation of Husbands - Husbands have a nonordained vocation to love their wives, humbling themselves as Christ did towards His church, and serving their wives. The Vocation of Wives - Wives submit to their husbands, as they would submit to the Lord, and conversely the husband is to be the Godly leader. The Vocation of Parents and Children - Children are to obey parents and in the process their life will be better off. Parents are to not provoke their children to anger, setting reasonable expectations for them. Called From Every Vocation - Be it freeman or slave, it does not matter. I am called to do the will of the Father. Loving Neighbor Through Vocation - I am to labor diligently in my vocation as to have resources to share with those who cannot meet their own needs. The Mandate to Work - We have a mandate to work, if we are able, and not only work, but to do it to the best of our ability, not lazy, but striving to be the best worker possible. Equipped for Vocation - All good gifts are from God and our aptitudes and abilities to work are a gift from God as well.

Finding God's Will

Searching the Will of God - One thing is clear as we discern the will of God in our lives, we are to be about sanctification, always on the quest to grow in Christ and minister to others. Defining the Will of God - God has two wills in a way - a revealed will or what we can know for the path we walk on and his secret will, what He knows and we can trust Him.  God's Will and Internal Call - God's call on a person's life does not have to only be a call to full-time ministry, but it is also a call for their vocation and to be a full-time lay person. God's Will and the External Call - In determining God's will, in addition to a person identifying for themselves where to serve, leaders and others around them, such as the congregation, also are involved in confirming this call. Finding Your Vocation - God gifts us to work in a certain way, for our good and for the good of others in loving them. - God's Will and Your Spouse - We are to be guided by wisdom and the principles of Scripture in both choosing a vocation and a spouse.

This months articles of faith living

Faithful Servants - Buck Parsons (editor of Tabletalk magazine, copastor of Saint Andrew's chapel in Sanford, FL) -Good leaders no longer applauded, but instead self-appointed leaders with lack of integrity; those with courage and convictions despised and it has spread to the church. The role of leaders appointed by God. Leaders need to lead and those under need to submit and imitate them. As Christians we are not to question all authority as all leaders under authority of God and accountable to Him. Leaders are servants first and foremost. One is to be humble manifested by courage, compassion and conviction. Lead by love, not fear. Doesn't have to be liked by everyone. Knows how to delegate, trusts those he delegates, isn't concerned about who gets credit. Knows his shortcomings and sins. Is repentant and forgiving. Ultimately, a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. Jesus leads us with humility, sacrifice, and joy. 

The Eternal Love of God - RC Sproul (founder of Ligonier Ministries, founding pastor of Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Fla., and first president of Reformation Bible College) - God's love is holy. It is eternal. He has no beginning and He is self-existent. He is not dependent on anything else. He didn't become loving, but has always been loving. God created the world. He created it good. Then the world was plunged into ruin through the fall of the human race. Then God redeems His people for the rest of history. None of this was a surprise. God knew this would happen. He always had a plan of redemption. God made a covenant of redemption by all 3 members of Godhead - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Thus, the work of redemption is the work of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. The Father covenanted to send the Son and the Son descended to earth to take on a human nature - subject to humiliation, and obedient unto death to redeem His people. The Holy Spirit covenants from Father and Son to apply the work of Christ to God's people. In creation, the Father creates the heaven and the earth through the eternal Son in the power of the Spirit. Thus, creation and redemption are accomplished by the Trinity. What motivates God? His love for the world. He loves His Son and sends His Son to be a propitiation for our sin. We are included because we belong to the Son. He chose us in the Son to be adopted as sons of the Father. Thus, eternal love is rooted and grounded in the Father's love for the Son. We are not by nature children of God, but become children through adoption. Romans is a good explanation of this. In first 7 chapters Paul lets us know we are in the flesh, hostile to God and under his wrath. To be redeemed the Spirit of God must be indwelt in us to become a child of God. "The Spirit bears witness with our spirit." So the Father has a love for Christ and then adopts us into the royal family, being joint heirs with Christ. We are beloved of the Father because Christ is beloved of the Father. We are adopted because of Love. 

Leading with Conviction - R. Albert Mohler Jr. (President of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky) - Leaders need to be passionate people who seek truth and have convictions, versus leaders that stand for little and ebb and flow with whatever society deems important at any one time. For Christian’s, our convictions are our beliefs in the truth of the gospel, in Christ, that salvation changes us and everything about who we are. We do not waiver in our convictions based upon the mood or way of people around us. He mentions historical figures that led with a conviction resulting in their death - Justin Martyr and Sir Thomas More. Leadership today is often seen as merely managing. For us our convictions start with the power of God in us and being in Christ with the Holy Spirit guiding our way. I Thessalonians 1:5. for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.

Leaders in the Church - Dr. Derek W. H. Thomas (Senior minister of First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, SC) Those with spiritual gifts, deacons, deaconess, and elders are discussed. Cessationists believe certain gifts are for only true apostles and once deceased, a more normative situation resulted in deacons, elders and pastors. Later books of Timothy and Titus don’t mention these gifts. Deacons, first recognized as their ministry to widows are to be men of integrity. Deacon is not mentioned but the Greek word for serve is diakonesi similar to deacon. Thus their role involves money, food and basic care. Similar in qualification to elder. Deaconess: Phoebe is mentioned as a servant in leadership. Reformed recognize female deacons but not female elders. A difference for elders over deacons is the ability to teach. But that doesn’t mean all teach but it seems to mean that a pastor is one of the elders. Elders can also transcend the local church.

Leaders in the Home - Dr. Tim Witmer (Pastor of St. Stephen Reformed Church in New Holland, PA) - The Bible identifies leaders in the church, government and family. Misunderstandings exist regarding the woman and man’s role in marriage. For wives - primus inter pares means first among equals. Thus not an expression of inferiority. Just as Jesus submitted to the Father in the world. It is God’s plan of order. We are all one in Christ Jesus. Wife’s submission is voluntary. Needs to be the right man. Expression of submission to Christ. 40 words to wives. 115 words to husbands by Paul. Love as Christ loved - that’s our standard. Unconditional- does not change based upon circumstances or looks tomorrow - same each day. Sacrificial so it is selfless serving. And to sanctify his wife and children so they grow in Jesus. This is not natural because we are sinners.

Leading for the Glory of God - Chris Larson (President and CEO of Ligonier Ministries) - Leaders have followers which include future leaders. Our work is done in dependence on the Lord, building up of His church. Consider others more important. Don’t look over shoulders. Think true north. The Lord is our leader.

Following Leaders - Dr. Harry L. Reeder (Senior Pastor of Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, AL) - Good leaders need good followers. Leaders are under assault by Satan. Hebrews 13:7, “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the Word of God…imitate their faith.” To remember is to hold in esteem and appropriate honor. We will not always be in full agreement but we can be in full support.

Hope-Shaped Living - Rev. Jason Helopoulos (senior pastor of Reformed Church in East Lansing, Michigan) - Much of the apathy and immaturity of Christians is from lack of hope. Do we really believe in our heavenly hope? Paul to Colossians stands secure in the Christians hope saying hope is "laid up for you in heaven" (Colossians 1:5). Christians struggle believing this applies to them. Paul does not say that faith and love cause hope, but rather hope causes faith and love. This hope has impact. Jesus said, "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" (Luke 12:32). We need to contemplate this hope of heaven and the more we believe it the more the things of this world will not occupy our thoughts. Our hope is there. Don't go along with being caught up in today, focus on the hope of heaven. 

Hope-Filled Evangelism - Melissa Kruger (Women's ministry coordinator at Uptown Church in Charlotte, NC) - Encouraging devotion mentioning how her husband likes to fish and how she likes to garden and how Jesus used these images to talk about evangelism. And for us these are pastimes, First, evangelism is a hopeful endeavor. Placing a hook in the water or a seed in the soil is done with the hope that something will be caught or grow. If anyone has fished they know there is patience that is needed. But we do it with excitement as there is no greater privilege and joy to have people catch on. Second, evangelism is joy. My wife loves gardening and loves to show off what has grown. Even though she does it every year, it remains exciting every time something is produced. In fishing we take pictures often of a catch. Sharing our faith and seeing a soul come alive is no higher joy. The best harvest and Jesus allows us and wants us to be involved. Third, it is necessary. Fishing and gardening often for us in this country is optional or recreation. But in Jesus' day, these were activities that sustained our lives. Without them people did not survive. And so in that vein, it makes sense that Jesus would use these to describe how we interact with people in sharing our faith. How will people believe if no one sows seed or throws a net? How will they find life if no one shares the gospel? 

Spectacular Conversions - Robert Rothwell (Associate editor of Tabletalk magazine) - All conversions are spectacular works of God. We love to hear about radical stories because the exemplify the power of God but God's power is equally at work in ordinary circumstances. "Every conversion is a powerful work of the Spirit to give a heart of flesh to someone who had a heart of stone (Ezek. 36:26). 

The Need for Prayer - Dr. Jonathan Leeman (Editorial director of 9Marks and elder at Capital Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC) - Prayer, the encouragement to do it is what this article is about. I need that encouragement. I love to Study God's word but often always recognize regular praying is often missing from my life. What we pray or don't pray reveals what our hearts want. I like to think that as I mediate on God's word and study it that I am praying and asking God to mold me through the reading and study of His word. I interact with others and think about their situations, but I need to petition more for them. The Book of Acts mentions how the early church prayed together: "devoting themselves to prayer" (1:14, 24, 2:42), "earnest prayer by the church" (12:5), "gathering together" (12:12), commission people for service (13:3). Group prayer was important for this church but also individual prayer is mention by the Apostles (6:4-6), Peter (9:40, 10:9, 11:5), Cornelius (10:2,4), Paul and Silas (16:25, 28:8). And I need to remember that prayers do not need to be long. I can pray for people regularly and those prayers can be brief ("let your words be few" - Eccl. 5:1-2). How often do a go through the day without specifically praying. What foolish self-sufficiency. Yet, I do not depend on myself, but only always depend on Him. 

Becoming a Titus 2 Woman - Susan Hunt (mother and grandmother, author, speak and pastor's wife) - Remembering Titus 2:3-5 - Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored. This ministry is to occur in the context of church life and oversight of church leadership. 1 - Submit to the Lord and ecclesiastical authority; 2 - have teachable spirit, feasting on Solid food of God's word to grow in salvation; 3 - Love the covenant family where God has called a woman; 4 - Have a gentle and quiet spirit, eager to share the gospel and our lives with one another; 5 - Invest in others; 6 - Be motivated by gratitude for salvation; 7 - Rest in the gospel to redeem and purify God's people. 

The Danger of Gossip - Rev. Jared C. Wilson (Director of content strategy for Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) - "Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you" (Proverbs 4:24; ESV). Crooked speech is gossip. Gossip is saying anything about someone that you wouldn't say to them. Even as we pray or talk of prayer requests, our words of concern can border on insinuation or improper speculation. Malice is the desire to do evil. We must be careful in voicing criticism or accusation of another person; it is best to lovingly, gently confront the subject of our concern. Gossip works its way into a church to undermine the unity of the Spirit and Christ's call to love one another. In sharing sins, it often serves as entertainment and stirs up other critical spirits. Paul confronts this with I Timothy 5:13, to beware of "idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not." No self-oriented curiosity. Pride or envy is making oneself look better by comparison. We do this when we hear good things about people we are often in competition with. Peppered often with, "Yeah, but they are...." In conclusion, 1. Don't say anything negative about someone that you wouldn't say to them. 2. Redirect others' gossip with a gentle query about the intent (i.e. "Have you spoken to them about this concern you have?"). 3. Rebuke repeated gossip and discipline unrepentant gossips. - Don't give crooked speech an inch; it will take a mile. Shoot straight with all. 

Globalization and the Christian Mission - Albert Mohler (President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) - Missions may be erupting. It needs to be adapted to our world. Throughout history, most live in cultural and social isolation. Global reality became more prominent in the 19th century. World War I was a turning point as multiple Americans of Irish, Italian and German backgrounds were together fighting together for America. With technology, we can now communicate easily with one another from one side of the world to another. Globalization means we can travel anywhere on the globe within 24 hours. In the year of 1800, only 3 percent lived in cities. Now 75-80% live in cities. Cities is where you meet people different from you. 1.6 billion live in shantytowns or slums; Christians must go to them. America is looking more like a majority-minority nation. From Genesis 1:28 to multiple and fill the earth and subdue it, to Matt. 28:18-20 to go into all the world and make disciples, God commissioned us to have a global perspective long before technology and globalization was a matter of secular awareness. We are to proclaim the name of Jesus in all of the world and to see people of all tribes, tongues, and nations bow the knee to the King. 

William Chalmers Burns -  Dr. Sinclair Ferguson (teaching fellow for Ligonier and chancellor professor of Systematic Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary) - William lived from 1815 to 1868, dying at the age of 53, for 2 decades serving as missionary to the Chinese people. He grew up wanting to be a farmer, though later train to be a layer in Edinburgh, growing up in Scotland, first in Dun near Montrose, then Kilsyth, outside Glasgow. Then a calling to ministry and had a special aptitude for language, mastering Hebrew and Greek and becoming fluent in French, Chinese, and Scottish Gaelic. He had a burden for the lost, prayer, and world missions. In 1839 (age 24), he started preaching in Dundee at St. Peter's Church, while the local minister, Robert M'Cheyne, was traveling throughout Europe. However, in between preaching, he spent long time in prayer. He then was present at a person's conversion and this ignited in him further a desire for the lost condition of people. And before you knew it, he was preaching more regularly and many were coming to hear him and come to faith. And this still at age 24. Yet, his ministry had much opposition. He was preacher from 1839 to 1844 before setting sail to Canada for a period of time and then to China for 2 decades. 

Mark 5:40b-43 - Jesus Raises Jairus' Daughter

Mark 5:40b-43
40 He took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. 41 He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). 42 Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. 43 He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this,and told them to give her something to eat.

Message: Jesus Raises Jairus' Daughter

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying: 

Jesus performs a healing, not before a large crowd, but just for a select few. He has pulled in 3 of his disciples for this moment, not the entire crowd and he ends this healing by saying to not tell anyone. Perhaps he knew that this was a miracle that if many got wind of it, he would be possibly arrested for this fanatical healing. He was in Capernaum where he would reside for most of his time, but his time was still just starting.

Many had been laughing at him that he had even got to the house, wondering why a man would even enter a place when the daughter had died and wailers had begun. But, Jesus remarked to them to not fear, only believe. He pulls the father and mother and his disciples into his inner circle. His purpose seems to be to minister to three people - father, mother, daughter - and then also his disciples will witness this event. Mark recounts the exact words Jesus spoke, in Aramaic - “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). Aramaic was the common language spoken in that area by the Jews. Mark writes this in Greek, which means he is speaking predominantly to a Gentile population. Thus, the reason he provides the translation of these Aramaic words he has spoken. 

When Jesus speaks, action or response happens immediately. There is no delay. There is no waiting. We witness the power of the spoken word. Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). Jesus is one of action. There was no touching, just words spoken and the girl rose. It mirrors the words spoken of God at creation. He speaks and it happens; creation occurs. There is something clearly very different about Jesus. He has a unique authority that the scribes even see. He has forgiven sin. And so far, like this, he does things that only God can do. He has a power like no one else.

At this they were completely astonished.  People are often surprised by his works. It is said that Jesus is either a Liar, Lunatic, or Lord. It seems like in our day Jesus is often thought to be a Liar or Lunatic by the way people respond to not just him, but his followers. People have bee trained in our day and age in the ways of Peter who wanted to see the nail-scarred hands: if I can't see it, I won't believe it. Despite the fact that the Gospels themselves provide us eyewitness accounts, people still do not believe. Even for this healing, Jesus could have included the crowd, but he didn't. He brought witnesses. That's all that was needed. It's almost like, if people can't believe by a witness, then they won't ever believe.

He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this. As Benson remarked in his commentary - "That he might avoid every appearance of vain-glory, might prevent too great a concourse of people, and might not further enrage the scribes and Pharisees against him; the time for his death, and for the full manifestation of his glory, not being yet come."

Promise: From Tabletalk: There is no “secret method” for growing the church and seeing people believe in Christ; rather, the faithful preaching and teaching of the Word of God is what the Lord uses to build His church.

Prayer: Lord, you know my desire in reading and studying through this Gospel of Mark is to put myself in the shoes of those that were witnessing you for the first time and honestly see what sort of reaction they were having. I am often trained by other people and I want to be trained by Your Spirit and what you have spoken to me. People often dismiss you and it saddens me because your Word is clear of who you are. I continue to ask that you would draw people to yourself and people would see you for who you really are and believe. Thank you for this message. Thank you for working the way You do. Thank you for healing and providing us witnesses to your message. I believe in the words of those witnesses. I can have confidence in this. Thank You Jesus.

Ecclesiastes 10:20 - Avoiding Bitterness of Mind and Speech

Ecclesiastes 10:20
²⁰ Furthermore, in your bedchamber do not curse a king, and in your sleeping rooms do not curse a rich man, for a bird of the heavens will carry the sound and the winged creature will make the matter known.

Message: Avoiding Bitterness of Mind and Speech

Time: Solomon's authorship is not stated. Solomon's reign as king of Israel lasted from around 970 B.C. to around 930 B.C. The Book of Ecclesiastes was likely written towards the end of his reign, approximately 935 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying: This is a verse that confronts me, especially in the workplace. There is a spirit often of discontent that wells up in me and it carries forward to cursing those over me. There are always going to be things that frustrate us about those in leadership for we think that we can do things better. It is one thing to make suggestions, but when you sense your voice is not going to be heard then often people resort to grumbling with others. This sort of speech is foolish. For one, we do not know which people have eyes and ears where we do not expect them and anything we say just might end up making its way to them.

What remains at odds with bitterness is love for one's neighbor. It is hard. Bitterness is anger and disappointment at being treated unfairly. How often do I walk around with a bitter heart over very minor things?

The reverse of this is that idea that we are to respect those over us. True, they have vices and they have irritants, but we are still to give respect.

I found this attitude is not encouraged in our world where are communication zones have increased. All of our social media sites, blogs (like this one), media influences, internet news pages, are constantly reporting a commentary on society, on whatever we are experiencing -- and communicating over and over how each person's values and desires should be respected. As I look upon the canvas of social media right now and media in general, there is a constant spirit of attacking going on toward our President. The bottom line is people have not gotten what they wanted. They don't respect the leader. Therefore, they believe they don't have to respect his ways so they take it to the street to convey their displeasure towards him.

I think what is interesting about this all is people are often not taking care of what is most important and instead engaging in activities that have no good outcomes. People have stopped reading their Bible because they are listening to commentaries that the Bible is irrelevant.

The bottom line is I need help with this. I need help not falling into the rhetoric of fear and disrespect towards my elders. What is clear in the Bible.

Promise: God is over all, even kings and rulers. They don't have to adhere to my ways. I can trust God for outcomes.

Prayer: Lord, help me to be careful with my words and my thoughts.

Proverbs 12:13-14 - The Good Fruit of Righteous Speech

Proverbs 12:13-14

¹³ An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips,
But the righteous will escape from trouble.
¹⁴ A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his words,
And the deeds of a man’s hands will return to him.

Message: The Good Fruit of Righteous Speech

Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

What an interesting passage as I am dealing with personnel issues at work that stem in large part to the words that are being said.

It is interesting that verse 13 doesn't say a man is ensnared, but says an evil man. It is contrasting the evil and the righteous. A man that sins with his lips is an evil man and will be caught or brought into trouble by the wickedness of his words. But the righteous will escape from trouble. Thus the righteous man who is wise, inoffensive, and holy with his words, whereby he pacifies man and pleases God, will be favored and protected because of his words.

Verse 14 looks at a mans words bearing fruit contrasting it with his deeds. Thus a man's words when they are pious and profitable discourses will bear fruit. And the work of his hands will naturally follow. This man will make good friends.

Promise: We cannot underestimate the value of a good word.

I Corinthians 3:1-4 - No Such Thing

I Corinthians 3:1-4
¹ And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ. ² I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able, ³ for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men? ⁴ For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not mere men?

Message: No Such Thing

Time: This epistle was written to the church that resided in Corinth of Achaia. First Corinthians is a response to a letter that Paul received from the Corinthian church, and that letter was probably a response to another of Paul's letters. This letter was composed in Ephesus around AD 54-55, and such topics as division, sexual immorality, lawsuits, marriage, Christian liberty, order of worship, and the resurrection are covered in this epistle.

What the Lord is Saying: 

My first glance at this passage has Paul writing that his words had to be written in a way that they could understand. He used words that were like milk and thus, easy to digest. It reminds of the people that I often speak with, at the mall or online with the online ministry I am involved in. I am reminded that my words should be simple and easy to digest, not speaking over people, with a lot of Christian language, until I understand that they can handle those words. The reason those in Corinth couldn't understand was Paul recognized that the were "still fleshly" and "walking like mere men." They had jealousy and strife among them.

This passage in a way parallels with a passage I studied two days ago: I John 2:19 -- They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that it would be shown that they all are not of us. I say this because as I speak to people it is a challenge to discern where people are at spiritually. Some might have Christian language, but it is really hard to know if they are of faith. My conversations with people are rarely sitting down for long conversations, but rather are snippets of time. So, when I do speak, my word usage I think needs to sound "milk" like until I know my audience can sustain more solid food. 

The Tabletalk reading today gave the concern that many think a Christian can be carnal meaning saying a sinners prayer, but not making God Lord till much later. But, Lordship is a package deal. We are often shedding sin from our lives in varying degrees,, throughout our life, but fruit should be manifest at all times. A Christian is one that bears fruit. The passage doesn't say they are not spiritual men, but that they still act at times like they are fleshly. 

Promise: I need to be sensitive to people, realizing that all are at different stages of spirituality. The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth.

Jesus Calling: December 11

I am working on your behalf. Bring Me all your concerns, including your dreams. Talk with Me about everything, letting the Light of My Presence shine on your hopes and plans. Spend time allowing My Light to infuse your dreams with life, gradually transforming them into reality. This is a very practical way of collaborating with Me. I, the Creator of the universe, have designed to co-create with you. Do not try to hurry this process. If you want to work with Me, you have to accept My time frame. Hurry is not in My nature. Abraham and Sarah had to wait many years for the fulfillment of My promise, a son. How their long wait intensified their enjoyment of this child! Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses. 

Psalm 36:9
English Standard Version
For with you is the fountain of life;
    in your light do we see light.
 
Genesis 21:1-7
English Standard Version
¹ The Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did to Sarah as he had promised. ² And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age at the time of which God had spoken to him. ³ Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore him, Isaac. ⁴ And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him. ⁵ Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. ⁶ And Sarah said, “God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh over me.” ⁷ And she said, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.”
 
Hebrews 11:1
Amplified Version
Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses].

My Prayer
Lord, I give you my life - all of it. I want my dreams and hopes to be yours and not something I hide from you. You know the needs I have. I continue to pray that my son would know you and pray that you would give him a tender and responsive heart. Take away any stubbornness and give him a new heart. Lord, you know I am a planner, but I also want to adjust to what you may provide.

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Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author.

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Jesus Calling: December 4

My thoughts are not your thoughts; neither are your ways My ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways and thoughts higher than yours. Remember who I AM when you spent time with Me. Marvel at the wonder of being able to commune with the King of the universe -- any time, any place. Never take this amazing privilege for granted!
     Though I am vastly higher and greater than you, I am training you to think My thoughts. As you spend time in My Presence, My thoughts gradually form in your mind. My Spirit is the Director of this process. Sometimes He brings Bible verses to mind. Sometimes He enables you to hear Me "speak" directly to you. These communications strengthen you and prepare you for whatever is before you on your life-path. Take time to listen to My voice. Through your sacrifice of precious time, I bless you for more than you dare to ask. 

Isaiah 55:8-9
English Standard Version

⁸ For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
    neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
⁹ For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Colossians 4:2
English Standard Version
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
 
Psalm 116:17
English Standard Version
I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving
    and call on the name of the Lord.

My Prayer
Lord, you are higher than the highest, thus higher than my ways and higher than my thoughts. I thank you for your continual hand of providence. I remain your vessel, wanting to listen to You and Your spirit as you speak to me, through your word, through people, through prayer. Help me Jesus. Help me to be ever mindful of you.  

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Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author.

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Ecclesiastes 7:21-22 - The Things People Say

Ecclesiastes 7:21-22
²¹ Also, do not take seriously all words which are spoken, so that you will not hear your servant cursing you. ²² For you also have realized that you likewise have many times cursed others.

Message: The things people say

Time: Ecclesiastes: Solomon's authorship is not stated. Solomon's reign as king of Israel lasted from around 970 B.C. to around 930 B.C. The Book of Ecclesiastes was likely written towards the end of his reign, approximately 935 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying: 

The point I see from these verses is
1. Do not take too seriously every word spoken and
2. My words are sometimes not said correctly.

I am dealing with a problem right now at work. The problem resides in the fact that one person thinks another person said something, committing themselves to a process that is contrary to the current process and one person is holding that other person to it. We have tried to say it was said in error, but someone refuses to answer. This started happening this week and in the last 24 hours it has taken over my thinking. I just want it resolved but the other person is not budging.

I am not to hold on to such grudges and the silliness of taking words spoken in a fit of anger too seriously. It will unnecessarily disturb my emotional life. People cannot really hurt me with their words. If I allow it to happen, I will get distracted from the work God has commanded me to do.

Proverbs 26:4, "Answer not a fool according to his folly."

Lord, help me with this because I get too much in the mode of taking words personally.

Promise: We have to develop discernment regarding when to take words seriously and when to ignore them. Keep in mind my own tendency to speak ill words against others. Extend grace to those who apologize for what they have said about us so that they may extend to us when our speech is hurtful.

Ecclesiastes 5:4-7 - Timely Payment of Vows

Ecclesiastes 5:4-7
When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it; for He takes no delight in fools. Pay what you vow! It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay. Do not let your speech cause you to sin and do not say in the presence of the messenger of God that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry on account of your voice and destroy the work of your hands? For in many dreams and in many words there is emptiness. Rather, fear God.

Message: Timely payment of vows

Time: Solomon's authorship is not stated. Solomon's reign as king of Israel lasted from around 970 B.C. to around 930 B.C. The Book of Ecclesiastes was likely written towards the end of his reign, approximately 935 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

The first 3 verses of this chapter were very good as they spoke of being careful with our words and it reminded me of the song, "let the words of my mouth" and the line, "be pleasing to you." I am not to be hasty with my words and it is better that my words are few rather than plentiful.

These next 4 verses continue to expand on that thought and idea. More specifically, this passage is focused on vows or oaths that we make before God. I am reminded of the foxhole confessions that have been made, "God, get me out of this moment and I will serve you all the days of my life" or "I will become a priest." Those confessions I always found interesting because when you are at the end of your rope you then realize that it is only God that can save and the thought that God wants everyone to be a priest or always faithful before he will intervene and rescue a person.

I think the vow word means different words today: promise, contract, legal tender. We must be careful in what we say we are going to provide. This chapter started off by saying I need to be careful with the words I say; I need to also be careful about the promises I make for I am to be faithful in carrying out those promises. And do i ever try to deviate from a promise? 

[I have been working on this lesson for 2 days now. I guess I am struggling with the word vow and what that means to me. It just seems like a word that we do not use much and yet it is a word I hear from religious people when I watch historical religious movies.]

It seems like verses 1-3 of this chapter were about keeping your words few and not saying more than you should. It was about being careful with your speech. And this one is still speaking of being careful, but it is also about being a man of your word. It reminds me of the DeGarmo and Key song called just that:

He that obeys will be holy
He that believes will obey
Say what you mean but remember
To do what you say
So be a man of your word

I just remember that simple song and that simple reminder.

This passage ends with the phrase that in many words there is emptiness. Rather, fear God.


Promise: Lean on God rather than leaning on our words.

Ecclesiastes 5:1-3 - Measured Speech

Ecclesiastes 5:1-3

Guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know they are doing evil. Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few. For the dream comes through much effort and the voice of a fool through many words.

Message: Measured speech

Time: Solomon's authorship is not stated. Solomon's reign as king of Israel lasted from around 970 B.C. to around 930 B.C. The Book of Ecclesiastes was likely written towards the end of his reign, approximately 935 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

I have always enjoyed the Phillips Craig and Dean song, "Let My words be few." Fernando Ortega also has a song, "Let the Words of My Mouth" based upon Psalm 19:14 and Philippians 4:8. 

Let the words of my mouth

Be pleasing to You, pleasing to You

The meditation of my heart 

Be pleasing to you, pleasing to You 

Oh Lord, my strength and my Redeemer 

Whatever is true 

Whatever is pure 

Whatever is lovely 

Whatever is worthy 

Think on these things 

Think on these things 

Let the words of my mouth 

Be pleasing to You Pleasing to You

That is what I think of as I open up and read these words and think about my speech. With my staff last week, in our weekly meeting, we talked about kindness. It reminded me how ill my words are often. I even found myself speaking ill of my wife and had to apologize to her as my response was not at all kind. 

Entering His Courts

As we enter the House of God, may our words be few and our ears be wide open. Our focus needs to be more on listening than on speaking. I appreciate this so much about our church for the focus is supremely on worship and knowing God through Song and His message. But, it's not simply that, it's confessing sin and rejoicing in God's grace. Guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know they are doing evil.

Isn't that interesting that fools do not know they are doing evil. They may even offer gifts 

Think before Speaking

Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few. Do not hasten with your mouth, weigh your words, think much, speak little. 

For the dream comes through much effort and the voice of a fool through many words. Dreams are generally about the business of the day, multiple words evidence a foolish heart. 

Promise: Be purposeful about what I say. 

Proverbs 17:9-10 - Discerning Rebuke

Proverbs 17:9-10
He who conceals a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates intimate friends.  A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding than a hundred blows into a fool.

Message: Being wise with our words

Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

He who conceals a transgression seeks love
He who conceals a sin or hides a sin or covers a sin or does not bring that sin to light -- in his brother or sister takes the course which leads to gain. We live in a world that loves to find wrong in others. It is presidential election time and the goal often is to find something in the life of a candidate to discredit him. It is to find something that will make him look bad. Right now, we have a candidate that is speaking matter of fact, but I find that what people love the most is he assaults people and he brings to light the things that they have done wrong. It is kindness and forbearance that we forgive one another and not just forgive one another, but ignore sins. Verse 9 speaks of friends and so this phrase is even more talking about our attitude towards each other. 

He who repeats a matter separate intimate friends
How often have I in my life brought up a sin from my own kids that they have done in the past and held it against them once again? Too many times. I am embarrassed at how often I have done this. I am not to catalog sins so as to add more fuel to the fire and make people feel worse. My goal should be to encourage and mention things that can build others up. I am to be kind in my speech. I am to be encouraging. O God, how poor I have been at this. How wretched I am. Help me to learn to praise more and thank people more and forgive more. Forgiveness needs to be the mark of my life. But, I should not think this covers all sins. The point here is the minor sins and minor infractions that really do not need to be brought up again and again.

A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding
If a rebuke is needed, then it goes deeper, or will have more of an affect on one who has understanding.  A word is enough for the wise. If I am a person that has understanding, then rebukes or a harsh word will be more palpable. This seems like a personal characteristic at times. As I consider my children and how they respond to criticism; some seem to handle it better than others. And I think of employees that I have as well. Some accept the criticism better than others.

than a hundred blows into a fool
But a fool can't take even a hundred blows and come out unchanged. Lord, there are others that do not accept any sort of criticism. For the cypress tree, the more it is watered, the more it is withered. And even more of an issue is the person that has become so callous to correction. The horse has to have a bit and bridle in its mouth in order to be moved to change. Great lengths are necessary for some people to even hope that you can get a change out of them. 


Promise: The Bible over and over talks about our speech and its importance. I am to speak the truth in love, not seeking to crush sensitive souls but to build them up in Christ.