Proverbs 11:23 - My desire

Proverbs 11:23 

The desire of the righteous is only good.

But the expectation of the wicked is wrath. 

Message: My desire

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 between the righteous and the wicked continue. As I am reading and thinking about the righteous person I see a person that is God-fearing and seeks to do good throughout life. This is a person that wants to live in accordance to God's will. It is a life that is lived reflecting God's character and reflecting His commandments. It is knowing what to do and then also doing it. As I read and study the Bible and read of the different individuals lives, the common thread are those that trust God, believe God is real, understand that God must be in our lives and that now for us living on this earth, we are to walk in the way of God and the way His Son Jesus prescribed. At this time of Proverbs, the name of Jesus was not clear, but His mission and the providence of covering sin was known. Sin was a reality and in the life of those with God sin can only be cleansed by way of blood. And yet our lives must be lived in the best way possible. A Christian wants therefore to align their life with God's purposes which will then result in outcomes that are beneficial and constructive. 

Thus, at this time, the mission is the same in the life of the righteous person during Old Testament times or the time of Solomon (930 BC) as it is in the time of Christ (1,000 years later) with the mission about living in a righteous way, trusting God, walking in His ways, looking to him for guidance and direction, trusting in Him. The transaction of covering sin was found in the temple, annually, through an offering offered by the priest. This was needed annually. But later when Jesus came sin would be covered once for all.

For this lesson and this Proverb today the focus seems to be on desire. The righteous are those that do good. The God-fearing person is good as God's commandments and ways are being followed. But the focus here for me is primarily on desire. The righteous person following God has a desire to pursue righteous living and in return good. Desire is my inner longing. It is my aspiration. 

The Hebrew word here is transliterated from the Hebrew into the English letters as ta'avah. This Hebrew words derived from the word avah which means to incline toward. Desire is appetite. It is longing, craving. Thus, desire can be that which we seek. As such, to bridge these ideas is to say that in life I am to crave or desire or incline myself towards and seek after righteous ways. I have a choice each day in my activities.  

The contrasting word here is the expectation of the wicked. It might seems harsh but the wicked are those that are not of God. It seems like today in our world, we typecast most people as being good and among all of those good people, some are really spiritual, some have a belief in God, but some are not believing in God but still wanting to live good lives. It is only a small minority in life that we would call wicked and yet it seems possible in life or in the eyes of God that the number of people that belong in the wicked realm is perhaps much more. The people that really are defining each day and decision about God and choosing things that please him in their actions at all times seems to be less and less. I mean, I suppose it is hard to say but just listening to all of these people in the court room and hearing their excuses and desire to get out of service, just seems like many of those are not going to church. In other words, the wicked here are probably made up of a lot of people we would not necessarily brand as wicked. But in God's eyes they are wicked. 

Do the wicked expect wrath? Is that what this verse is saying? Other translations have the word as hope instead of expectation. Maybe this is a simple contrast in those following God have good and those not following God will receive wrath. This is the outcome we believe are for those that do not follow God. I have read in other places that the only way a person comes to the knowledge of God is by God's mercy. So there are many that do not receive that mercy and clearly are in the way of the wicked. 

This week I have been serving on a jury and it has been unsettling at times to see people shuffle in out a court and see the outcomes that are resulting in their decisions. It is hard to see that way of life in many ways. I am wondering if they have these desires for good or for wrath. There is always hope people can turn and be reformed. But for many simply being caught in that situation is not a good sign. In life, we are not simply to seek after that which is good. The writer here never seems to be saying only this, rather the writer is extolling the person that is righteous or seeking after the ways of God. This is the person we are to emulate. We first must be this person and then seek after good and not evil. Don't return to the old man that is spoken of in 2 Corinthians 5:17. 

Prayer: God, you are to be praised. And you are to be feared. Your ways are not man's ways. I pray and hope that man would embrace You as God and Lord. It is hard to see and watch other outcomes in life. Of those that are choosing not You. Many are trying to live their life without you at the forefront. You are not simply a force, but life in abundance. You are the fullness of all. Help me to help others know you and see you as Lord. Show me how I can move myself towards those that do not know You or need to know You. And as I live, let my desire then always be towards that which is good. 

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 11:7 - Mortal Power Leads to Nothing

Proverbs 11:7 

When a wicked man dies, [his] expectation with perish, 

And the hope of strong men perishes. 

Message: Mortal power leads to nothing

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: 

NIV - Hopes placed in mortals die with them; all the promise of their power comes to nothing.

NLT - When the wicked die, their hopes die with them, for they rely on their own feeble strength.

The wicked man is not producing anything of lasting value. All they have done dies with them. All that they believed in, their promise of power and their own strength comes to nothing. Reminds me of I Timothy 4:7-8, "But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for 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"

Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in the Lord with all of your heart. Do not lean on your own understanding. Our problem comes when we trust only in ourselves and our own strength.  

Prayer: O Lord, help me always to seek you and you alone and not rely on my own strength nor pursue those things that do not have any lasting value. Help me to always focus on those things that have eternal value, eternal life for God's chosen people. 

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 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 10:30 - 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 10:6 - Out of God, out of man

Proverbs 10:6

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

Message: Out of God, out of man

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Psalm 1 - My Prayer

Psalm 1

Psalm 1:1-6 Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers.  But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. But not the wicked! They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind. They will be condemned at the time of judgment. Sinners will have no place among the godly. For the Lord watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.

My Prayer

Lord, when I do not not follow the advice of the wicked it is joy to my soul; when i do not follow the ungodly, the non-Christian, the enemy of You, friends that do not honor you with their lives, friends that serve a different master, and those that make fun out of loving and honoring You. I pray that I will not go along with people that oppose you. 

Conversely, I pray that my delight is in the Law of the Lord, your Scriptures, your revelation to me; that my days are marked by beginning and ending time with You, in Your Word, and having the peace of Christ as I lay my head down at night; May I love Your Scriptures and seek to follow it all the days of my life. Make me like a tree planted along the riverbank, so that the nourishment I need to Grow each day is found in Your Word and my life then bears fruit. May I be one that stands out and looks to the outside world as one that is healthy and aligned with You. As I align myself daily with You and Your word you watch over me; turning my back on You and seeking after human wisdom and worldly ideals will lead me to destruction.  

Lord, there is a stark difference between the wicked life and the Godly life. The wicked grab onto whatever is in front of them and just as they find their security in it, it is gone. There are no good final outcomes for the wicked. The godly and ungodly will be at opposite corners of the ring of life. If I follow You completely, I must realize that the way of the wicked will not be something I ever want to walk. 

Lord, you watch over me as I walk along the edge of a mountain, keeping me close, but the wicked will fall off their paths and are destroyed by a non-holy path. 

--------------------------------

There is joy in not following. Lord, I need to remember this. I need this to shape my life. A happy man is marked by the places he does not go,, the movies and TV shows he does not watch, books he does not read, company he does not keep. Lord, my world is filled with so many choices and options for my time. As I sit down at the TV, the number of different views for my eyes is staggering. There is joy in not choosing to watch voices that do not honor You with their words. They are poisonous and destructive and counter-productive. What they do is bring rest from following You.

Mark 7:20-23 - Evil in Heart

Mark 7:20-23

20 And He was saying, “That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man. 21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, 22 deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. 23 All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man.”

Message: Evil in Heart

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:

Preface: Jesus speaks to all the people, going beyond just the scribes, and declares clearly that when speaking of being clean, the key is what comes out of a person, not what is taken in. What is unneeded to the human body are thrown off and eliminated through waste. If the people want to know what defiles, it is what comes out of a person that matters most. Jesus is declaring this radical message over and over - the heart. We need to focus on the heart. 

Jesus is emphasizing that what comes into a man - be it drink or food, even eating with unclean hands is not what defiles a person, but rather that which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man. There is a clear contrast here that he is emphasizing.The Pharisees and scribes questioned why the disciples were not maintaining the tradition of hand washing that was thought to render people clean. Ultimately, Christ explains that cleanliness is an interior matter. It is the state of one's heart that determines cleanliness for the heart is the origin of all uncleanness. Before any sinful deed can be committed, it is conceived in the heart. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts...All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man. 

God and man see people differently. This, to me, further emphasizes the radical nature in which Jesus came. I Samuel 16:7 says, But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” This verse reminds me of the way God has always been and therefore God sees in a way that man does not see. Naturally, we look at the outward and our prisons are set up because people have committed outward violations. The civil law is set up like this. But, God and Jesus go beyond the outward to the inner. This must be a difficult thing for society to comprehend for everywhere we are trained in the idea of the outward, but everyone God trains us on what is on the inside that matters most. 

Here sins are listed to clearly show their inner origins: fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. The first six in this list are acts that are seen outside of the flesh while the second six are attitudes behind the acts. 

First on the list is fornications. It is interesting for there is such a great power of sexual sin and sexual temptation that has been present in every culture of man. It was a problem 2,000 years ago and it is a problem today. The internet in the last 25 years has seen the proliferation of this sin. This is a sin that seeks to become more and more private.

Second is thefts. To be a thief is obviously abhorrent in society. But, for me, the acts of being a thief are changing. We most definitely grade this sin, in that taking a dollar versus $100 is seen a way different. With the advent of movies in the home came forth the issue of piracy. Even the internet and youtube made piracy of music more prevalent to the point that they had to figure out a way to make money on listening to music and now it has become the norm to listen in this manner. 

Third is murders. For me, personally, Roe v Wade in 1973 was the biggest change that occurred over the issue of murder for society accepted that murder of the fetus was warranted based upon a woman's choice. In the nineties, doctor assisted suicide started to appear as we looked at the other end of the spectrum, the elderly. Again, sin began to be disguised as warranted behavior. Society still today does not view either of these as murder. 

Fourth is adulteries. Adultery is not a new thing. It is a sexual sin practice that has been present for thousands of years. As a person that loves to watch old movies, adultery in the movies has always been present. There was a notion that if one was wealthy then they more easily could afford a mistress. The woman as an object of the man's desires crept more and more into people's thoughts and was then culminated with pornography being viewed as entertainment. 

Fifth is coveting. Coveting is a internal desire seen outwardly. Consumerism has made coveting a normal practice. The desire to have what your neighbor possesses is viewed as competition and moves us to be a strong business person. 

Sixth is wickedness. This is all kinds of wicked behavior. Thus, anything not covered previously is covered here. 

This is what we see and now Jesus focuses on what is on the inside. Deceit means lying, not telling the truth, deceptiveness, false witness. Lying can be pretending to be something we are not. Lying shows up in church all the time as people want to pretend to others that they are religious in order to get acceptance from society. 

Sensuality shows up in our behavior and speech. It is a dirty mind. Once again, society has made having a dirty mind being completely acceptable. Its amazing to think of the TV sitcoms and their attitudes and behaviors that made having a dirty mind comedic.  

Envy is to look with hate or to look with anger. 

Slander is to have abusive speech such as blasphemy. I went and saw a movie yesterday, one I should have avoided for the slander or abusive language that occurred in the movie, all under the disguise of laughter and entertainment was incredible and the most haunting thing was to witness children in the movie laughing at themes most likely they did not understand at all, but only laughed because their parents also laughed beside them. 

Pride is the feeling of being superior to others. And then foolishness, to be unthinking or senseless.

The issue that I'm seeing more and more is the normalizing of these sins in society. We don't think of these in a serious light because we have such a thirst for entertainment that we excuse these behaviors because they have made us laugh or enjoy life. 

Summary - Jesus, in a way, concludes the utter defilement of the heart by naming a list of these sins and repeats the idea that evil comes from within. While we stare at the outward, it is what is on the inside that matters most.  

Promise: Sin and holiness are fundamentally issues of the heart. Although holiness can be faked before men, God is never fooled. 

Prayer: Lord, I want to walk in holiness. I thank you for forgiving me of my sins and I'm embarrassed of how prevalent these sins continue to be in my life. I should know better. Thank you for the reminder and continue to clean me up, not only so that my witness is better but so that I can have peace with myself in life. 

Proverbs 24:16 - The Fall and Rise of the Righteous

Proverbs 24:16
For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again, but the wicked stumble in time of calamity.
Message: The Fall and Rise of the Righteous

Time: King Solomon is the principal writer of Proverbs. Solomon's proverbs were penned around 900 B.C. In the Book of Proverbs, Solomon reveals the mind of God in matters high and lofty and in common, ordinary, everyday situations, too. It appears that no topic escaped King Solomon's attention. Matters pertaining to personal conduct, sexual relations, business, wealth, charity, ambition, discipline, debt, child-rearing, character, alcohol, politics, revenge, and godliness are among the many topics covered in this rich collection of wise sayings.

What the Lord is Saying: 

The righteous people in Proverbs are those that will enjoy great success. Righteous are contrasted with the wicked. So, now that I think about it, I'm not sure if the word usage is the same as I think about in the New Testament. Meaning, is it an absolute statement signifying someone that is without sin in the way that the righteousness of Christ, his perfect life, is placed on the believer in Christ upon his surrender and we are then forever seen from God as without sin, upon judgment.

In this verse, is the reality that the righteous someones fall. The righteous, as depicted by Solomon, are not those free of trouble. They do experience letdowns. For the scripture to say that a righteous man falls seven times does not necessarily mean only the number seven. Seven is a number of completeness and so it would mean that man may experience a complete falling or complete suffering in his life. But, as the verse states, even big setbacks in life or not permanent and the righteous rises again. 

Ultimately, in Christ this signifies the reward we will receive beyond the grave, resurrecting and living for eternity with God in heaven. Like Christ, it may appear that all has been lost in the death and we are gone in oblivion but we will rise again.

In contrast, the wicked stumble. And they do not rise again. As they stumble, they are weak. The wicked have no final victory to look forward to. I often see this reply from the wicked. They will often even mock the righteous and holding onto a brighter day because the wicked have no future victory to look forward to. They never recover.

Promise: The righteous do not simply suffer through pain, but they look forward to victory from pain. As James states, there is joy even in trials.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the promise of rescuing us and delivering us, no matter what occurs. Thank you that this present life isn't all there is and that you have a future glory waiting for those who are in Christ. Draw more to yourself. And help those in you to not get too focused on the hurts and pains that they forget that you will rescue them. Help us to not listen to the words of the wicked.

Proverbs 11:23 - The Fulfillment of Righteous Desire

Proverbs 11:23
The desire of the righteous is only good, but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.

Message: The Fulfillment of Righteous Desire

Time:  King Solomon is the principal writer of Proverbs. Solomon's proverbs were penned around 900 B.C. In the Book of Proverbs, Solomon reveals the mind of God in matters high and lofty and in common, ordinary, everyday situations, too. It appears that no topic escaped King Solomon's attention. Matters pertaining to personal conduct, sexual relations, business, wealth, charity, ambition, discipline, debt, child-rearing, character, alcohol, politics, revenge, and godliness are among the many topics covered in this rich collection of wise sayings.

What the Lord is Saying: 

It's interesting to read Solomon's words and wonder overall what his worldview was regarding orthodoxy, sovereignty, divine election, and/or Calvinistic type principles. This verse is interesting as it showcases absolute language.

The desire of the righteous is only good. That is an absolute statement. Naturally, the righteous only desire good. That makes sense. If we choose righteousness then our desire is to do good. I struggle sometimes with the absolute statements in the Bible because they speak of a behavior that we don't have obviously all the time, but yet represent an ideal. I guess, in that vain, I am a realist. I suppose what I see is most people sit in between the two. They present to the world through their visible actions often righteousness and yet inside I think we all struggle with being wicked. But, maybe that is just something I see in myself, as a man. I don't know if I see this in my wife or think she struggles with this.

Often, its not that we are wicked, but that we are not as righteous as we could be. But, the aim in this verse is to do good and desire to do good towards people. Perhaps the proverb is saying more that the result of being righteous is having done good and having that peace while the result of being wicked is wrath and disfavor with self, ending their own wrath and ruin.

Conversely, the expectation of the wicked is wrath. 

Promise: Guard my heart. God will reward good deeds not wickedness. Wickedness instead receives wrath.

Prayer: Lord, help me to be a righteous person and to desire righteousness at all times in my life and the lives of others. Train me in this.

Proverbs 16:4 - The Lord's Purpose for the Wicked

Proverbs 16:4
The Lord has made everything for its own purpose, even the wicked for the day of evil.


Message: The Lord's Purpose for the Wicked

Time: King Solomon is the principal writer of Proverbs. Solomon's proverbs were penned around 900 B.C. In the Book of Proverbs, Solomon reveals the mind of God in matters high and lofty and in common, ordinary, everyday situations, too. It appears that no topic escaped King Solomon's attention. Matters pertaining to personal conduct, sexual relations, business, wealth, charity, ambition, discipline, debt, child-rearing, character, alcohol, politics, revenge, and godliness are among the many topics covered in this rich collection of wise sayings.

What the Lord is Saying: 

Immediately, this verse makes me think of Ecclesiastes 3:11, "He has made everything appropriate in its own time."

I have looked at verses like this and I do think they are difficult to understand. Many speak of divine election or not. Election refers to the fact that God chooses (or elects) to do everything that He does in whatever way He sees fit. When He acts, He does so only because He willfully and independently chooses to act. According to His own nature, predetermined plan, and good pleasure, He decides to do whatever He desires, without pressure or constraint from any outside influence.

This verse from Proverbs 16 reminds us that in addition to God's chosen people, if he has not chosen someone then their result will be separation from God. But, this is a difficult concept for many to accept for people like to feel like they are in control.

Yet, many don't teach this about this verse. Several commentaries that I have, like Elliot says, "The assertion that “He has made the wicked for the day of evil,” does not mean that He created any one for punishment—i.e., predestined him for destruction."

Personally, I think these issues are hard to determine the meaning of. I'm not sure if God works everything for his own purpose or if he predetermined all to be either good or wrong. It's a difficult subject. I understand both sides and of their defenses and in the end, I'm not sure which direction ultimately to choose.

Promise: The Lord has made everything for its purpose.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your truth and I depend on You and trust in You for your providence and trust in you for whatever you decree. Thank you for your love. Give me insight into understand your truths and what they mean for the rest of my life.