Proverbs 10:18 - Hatred begins in the Heart

Proverbs 10:18 

He who conceals hatred has lying lips, and he who spreads slander is a fool.

Message: Hatred begins in the heart

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

What the Lord is Saying: This is the first proverb in chapter 10 that is not a contrast between a virtue and a vice but instead is very specific about a person that has hatred towards others. Verse 15 was also a verse that wasn't so much a contrast but a commentary, but this one clear condones hatred. The contrast is one who conceals hatred and one who professes it. The former being a liar, the latter being a fool. In both instances, we need to consider how we view others. We know we need to love others as Christ loves us (John 13:34-35).

Judas is one of the clearest examples in scripture of one who betrays another person, and in this instance betrays the Christ, the Savior. It’s not clear to me in scripture if Judas consistently throughout his life expressed hatred, but most likely he did not express complete love and trust.

One who openly slanders is one who openly defames or openly brings negativity on his neighbor. One of the instances of this that stands out to me is election season. I think of opponents in election who go out of their way to defame or speak negativity of an opponent. I suppose in some ways they are showing a clear contrast but it’s done in a very disheartening manner.

As we rally around those individuals that we prefer, supporting them or voting them, are we also agreeing with this slander.

Of the two offenses here that one seems to stand out more. Hiding hatred is more of a personal problem that we as people try to do our best to continue to conceal, hoping that it doesn’t come out into the light. "In our modern day, few people admit to the sin of hatred" (Enduring Word). This person is engaging lies toward oneself. They know the truth of how they feel but try to make it out that all is fine. 

Prayer: Oh, father, you are rich in mercy. You take away my offenses, my sin, and you nail it to the across and forgive it in order to restore me to a relationship with you. You cover up completely my sin. I need to guard against any type of slander, either directly by myself, or indirectly, when I support others that slander people. I know this in work life it’s easy to defame my neighbor, agreeing with others as they bring it up. It is too easy to find error and fault in others, and then to speak of it almost like it’s a virtue by calling out their errors. Give me the courage to address it correctly. Give me the courage so that if I noticed some thing I address it with the person.  I know I’m a person that can be quite critical. I can be a person that is bitter when I feel offended. I pray for the foundation of my soul would be blameless, accepting of others. You are the great God. If I find fault, help me to address it with the person and not to simply bad mouth the person behind their back. Thank you for caring for me and loving me no matter what. I praise you. In Jesus' name I offer this prayer. Amen. 

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Ruth 1:15-22 - Ruth and Naomi

Ruth 1:15-22

But Ruth said, "Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people [shall] be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. Thus may the Lord do to me, and worse, if [anything] but death parts you and me" (v. 16 and 17).

Message: Ruth and Naomi

Time: According to Jewish tradition, Samuel wrote the book of Ruth. The events of Ruth occurred sometime between 1160 BC and 1100 BC. This book stands as a ray of light, showing the power of the love between God and His faithful people, even during difficult times that were present. It is written from Naomi's point of view. Ruth is the gift God placed in Naomi's life. 

What the Lord is Saying: Naomi, after husband dies and her two sons as well die, after taken Moabite women as wives, decides to return to Judah. Where they have been is a famine. But she tells her two daughter-in-law that they should both return to their homeland rather than go with her. Orpah left, but Ruth clung to her mother-in-law. Ruth was determined and makes a statement that is now famous, "where you go, I will go." She commits to Naomi.

Naomi and Ruth come to Bethlehem. The city was stirred because of them (v. 19). Naomi says she should be called Mara (bitter) for the Lord has dealt with her (v. 20). 

Possibly, Naomi was a little bitter towards the Lord in disciplining her or afflicting her by taking the men in her life away. When she arrives in the city of Bethlehem, her home, the people are moved by her arrival. She is a prominent person it would seem and perhaps left the City with some level of anticipation and now she returns. The people are surprised probably, but whatever it is, they are moved by her return. Naomi though is feeling downcast. She is not returning in the way she would like and she takes on this complete picture of disappointment, all way to saying she should be called a different name. She is discouraged. And Ruth perhaps adds a little to the discouragement, for she returns not with a man, but another woman by her side. 

Summary: Naomi returns to Bethlehem, her home and Ruth clings to her stating where she goes, Ruth will go as well. Coming back home without men feels like being afflicted by God. 

Promise: Even in difficulty, we can recognize that God is doing something in our lives.

Prayer: Lord God, help to recognize everything in my life is you working. Give me strength today and help me to be focused on my day and what needs to be done. 

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

Proverbs 10:17 - Prone to wander

Proverbs 10:17

He is on the path of life who heeds instruction,

But he who forsakes rebuke goes astray.

Message: Prone to wander

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: Verse 16 mentioned life in regards to righteous living. Today's verse states that "the path of life follows instruction." Thus, there is a characteristic people have that are walking well on the path of life, abundant life and that is there are amiable to instruction. Been talking to a guy online and for the most part he just wants to argue. Anything that comes up in the Bible he doesn't like he then calls God perfect. He is in defensive mode. I find a lot of people like this that simply want to a forum to communicate their convictions but don't have a need to learn or this goes beyond just learning to following instruction.

On Sunday, the message was from Psalm 119:33-35 and I noticed something interesting in those verses:

33 Teach me, the way of Your statutes, Lord,

And I shall comply with it to the end.

34 Give me understanding, so that I may comply with Your Law

And keep it with all my heart.

35 Make me walk in the path of Your commandments,

For I delight in it.

The idea in the 3 verses is "teach - understand - walk." Now, in this verse today are the words "follows instruction" or "heeds instruction" which really encompasses the same idea. All 3 are important. We spend much of our time in school with teaching and understanding and then life is walking. There is something fulfilling in life from those that follows instruction - they not only listen to teaching, but they follow it. This seems to be the attitude of a Christian continually. People who go to church often recognize that they have not arrived and to listen to a sermon is to acknowledge that you have something to learn, to follow, to change in your life. 

The contrast is "he who forsakes rebuke goes astray." Those that do not follow instruction but are taught and refuse the learning or correction - go astray. To go astray is to error. And this is the way that leads to sin, destruction, and death versus life and blessedness. 

In the words of the hymn "Come Thou Fount of Blessing" are the words: "Prone to wander, Lord I feel it." At a an early age, in school, we are trained in the idea of learning and understanding. At home, we are often corrected growing up. Those formative years are years of training that hopefully follow us through life - learn, understand, walk, but also there is correction. The child without the correction goes astray. Sometimes the child needs something stern or clear to see that message that they are going astray. 

But there is clearly a danger in parenting that correction doesn't look like correction, but more exasperation which is mentioned in Scripture in Ephesians, "Fathers do not exasperate your child." That exasperation is the danger in life. Correction is meant to be clear, but not abusive. 

Prayer: O God, thank you for these lessons and the good training that I even received in life. Thank you for school and though it was hard to learn at times, I appreciate the years of that training in reading, being taught, learning, and then the joy of applying it in life and working. I realize I was impatient God at times and wanted to hurry to the application. Thank you for continuing to bring me back to the importance of teaching and understanding. Help me to not be proud. There is tendency in that. There is tendency in thinking I have arrived even when I conduct myself in a way that has little sin. But I pray I would stay on the path of following the instruction I receive and heeding it. Help me to be sensitive to that and how I need to adapt and change. 

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Ruth 1:1-14 - Naomi and Her Daughters-In-Law

Ruth 1:1-14

But Naomi said, “Return, my daughters. Why should you go with me? Do I still have sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands? (v.11)"

Message: Naomi and Her Daughters-In-Law

Time: According to Jewish tradition, Samuel wrote the book of Ruth. The events of Ruth occurred sometime between 1160 BC and 1100 BC. This book stands as a ray of light, showing the power of the love between God and His faithful people, even during difficult times that were present. It is written from Naomi's point of view. Ruth is the gift God placed in Naomi's life. 

What the Lord is Saying: In verse 1 it says "in the days when the judges governed" so this book seems to be at the tail end of the time of the book of Judges. And perhaps a little beyond that time. There is a famine going on and the book mentions a family in verse 2 -- the man Elimelech, his wife, Naomi; and his two sons Mahlon and Chilion; Ephrathites of Bethlehem in Judah. "They entered the land of Moab and remained there." Then in verse 3, Elimelech dies. Her sons took wives - Orpah and Ruth. But then the sons died. So the 3 women remained (v.3-5). 

The 3 of them return to Judah because they heard of food being present. But Naomi tells Orpah and Ruth to return to their homes. She says there is no reason for them to continue with her. But they do not want to go. Naomi says they shouldn't wait for more husbands from her. Orpah leaves but Ruth will not leave and clings to her. 

I don't see many lessons or any lessons really in these verses. The commentary devotional I use, Tabletalk, makes mention that Elimelech took his wife to Moab. The Moabites were enemies of Israel and worshipped Balaam, so surprising Elimelech would take his wife and family there. Yet, Ruth was a Moabite. 

Summary: Naomi and her family go to Moab and get two wives, though all of the men then die and Naomi returns to Judah only with one wife--Ruth. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, "Let us strive to obey the Lord, and if we find ourselves in a bad situation due to our sin, let us pray that the Lord would bring redemption out of it."

Prayer: Lord, this is an interesting start to the story of Naomi and Ruth. I am reminded of your sovereignty here. And the importance of family and friendships. Continue to teach me through your Word.

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

Proverbs 10:16 - To Life

Proverbs 10:16

The wages of the righteous is life,

The income of the wicked, punishment.

Message: To 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: Verse 16 continues the theme of finances from verse 15. Although verse 15 wasn't really a pronouncement on wealth being preferred over poverty, there were some common sense observations given about each, namely that wealth makes life a little easier and poverty has potential to provide more problems. Yet, in many ways, I see often a little difference here. Granted, America is a place that many describe as a land to fulfill dreams. One thing is clear and that is the infrastructure of the United States and the foresight in developing technology (highways, paved roads, rail) has clearly made a difference in this land in encouraging developing and progress.

But verse 15 also did not really deal with a contrast in anything spiritual. Granted, many of the proverbs could be applied in any walk of life, though it seems clear that Solomon or the write is contrasting righteousness rather than wickedness and those themes are more in line with traditional Christian thought and ideals. And yet, these days, even calling anything righteous or wicked seems more old school or traditional as there is little that is decreed as wicked now and most is based upon personal choice or preference. 

The contrast here is between the righteous and the wicked. "The wages of the righteous is life, the income of the wicked, punishment." Both the wicked and righteous in these verses is earning money. There is labor worked, income made, wages earned for each. But the outcome of what they are earning or how money is spent is the difference. But this is not a verse encouraging wealth or poverty, though it does assume labor is being worked. I appreciate that assumption, for I think each of us is meant to work. 

Even in the garden of Eden people had responsibilities to care for the land and animals (Genesis 1:26-31). What occurred after the fall was their work became toil (Genesis 3:17-18). Work went from a joy to a burden. Both it seems are present today. Most people in life are dreaming of a day of not working. It seems we place too much of an emphasis at times on not working. This might be a result more of urban sprawl as farming seems to assume life long work. Granted, I have been healthy and so therefore, work has been easy and fairly easy to obtain. I remained concern over many people that do not work and choose instead to have the government support them. Granted, there are complicated reasons for each. But, to me, the idea of supporting one another and their needs is more of a responsibility of the church. And most people should find an opportunity to work or even serve. 

In the NASB version, the earning of the righteous brings life. NLT adds "enhance their lives." But most versions simply state life. The contrast idea is wickedness in the NASB is punishment. Many other versions state sin as the unwelcome outcome. The NIV adds death. 

I think here the righteous person is a Godly person and so the life that comes from wages supports a person that is concerned about living a righteous life. In scripture, life, in my observation, is the goal. God's love has an intended outcome of everlasting life (John 3:16). And the biggest obstacle in life - sin - is dealt with through death, the opposite of life (Romans 6:23). For the most part, this is the greatest goal of people throughout the ages. One thing remains, no matter the time period or point in history, we want an abundant life. We want to be able to possess it in its full potential. The righteous ends up with something with his/her earning, while the wicked ends up with nothing. 

I think there could even be an application of savings in this verse because life encompasses doing things that immediate funds cannot do, such as a vacation, or large investment. 

Last night my wife and I watched the biopic movie "I Am: Celine Dion" about her current state of life in having stiff body syndrome. She is 57 and has stopped performing because of it. One of the first questions posed in the movie to her is where you would like to go (or travel). She remarked that while she has performed all over the world, in many different places, she did not really go to any of the places or rather experience those places. In essence she was working and though her work produced much joy in her life she still did not get to experience really traveling to new places.  It was an interesting observation, that though she was very wealthy and had a huge house and land, there was something missing for her outside of her home even if she can never perform again. There was a fullness of life she might never experience. Not to say this is what every person wants. Some people experience a full life never leaving the city they were born and live. Their ideals are different. So to each person, a definition of what is life might be different, but for each person life is something we dream of possession. However it is defined, it has a goal. 

The labor or wages of the wicked is punishment or death or sin. The contrasting outcome is everything we don't want. But again, the contrast here is not being rich or poor, but it is how one conducts their life. I have always remembered a custodian who worked at the airport around 2002 that I would often see and speak with. He fulfilled a dream in having a home - a manufactured home and he took great pride in his lawn and taking care of his yard. For him, this was his full life and possessing it for him was life. But for the wicked earnings produces nothing of lasting value. 

The wicked life is ruined. It leads from sin to sin. In this sin outcome, one commentator mentioned luxury in the description. A premium price is needed for luxury and it is a high degree of comfort, pleasure and enjoyment. I have wondered at times if this luxury life is what we need this side of heaven. It seems that we do not want anyone to live in extreme poverty or in a realm in which they have no provisions. And so it also seems that the reverse or extreme luxury is likewise something that is unnecessary. This is a hard one to me. I suppose if people are employed to support those in luxury in a fair manner - equitable wages and normal working hours then it might be fine, but I am concerned of the life that is only lived in luxury. 

In some ways, I struggle to really see the outcome of the wicked. The wicked person today can achieve so much. One of my friends mentioned a lady that prostitutes herself in life to men who are older and have wives that are now unfulfilling. He mentioned how men pay big dollars to simply receive words of affirmation, encouragement and to be listened and wanted. And this woman makes over $100,000 per month. Sexual activity may also be involved. Her life seems to be wicked, and yet she is gaining a lot of riches through the process. But perhaps that is because we once again value opulent living. And the sin and death and punishment here just that. 

Prayer: God, I enjoy these Proverbs. It is interesting to examine the thoughts around each and what they really mean. Thank you for the mind you have given me and the joy of pondering these ideas. I pray that I would be a person of righteousness and seeking to live my life in a righteous way. I think this is all that we want in life. We want to be free of sordid gain for in that type of wicked producing life even if the outcome seems beneficial it lacks integrity and honesty. Help me better understand that meaning. Help me be a person that encourages righteousness. Be glorified always God. In Christ's name and because of Him I pray. Amen. 

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Judges 21 - Wives for Benjamin

Judges 21

In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes (verse 25).

Message: Wives for Benjamin

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

What the Lord is Saying: Verse 1 begins with a proclamation by the tribe of Israel that no one will marry a Benjamin. Words are said wondering why Benjamin has gone astray. But they wonder what they will do for wives for those that do not have a wife. It was determined the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead had not gone to the assembly and so they put to death all except for 400 young virgins. Peace was given to Benjamin and the 400 young virgins provided to Benjamin. They then make mention of a feast in Shiloh. Any daughters of Shiloh that come out to dance can be taken by the sons of Benjamin. 

The book ends where it somewhat began, without a king, everyone did right in their own eyes (Judges 21:25).

The sons of Israel make some ill-advised pledges but they do find a way to provide wives to 600 Benjaminites. 

Sort of strange ending to this book. If one thing it shows is that people without a king do odd things. 

Summary: Wives are provided for Benjamin in an unorthodox way. Without a leader, people kind of do run astray.  

Promise: As we fall short in serving Him and we will, renew a commitment to commit ourselves to His lordship in our lives. 

Prayer: Father, direct me to those areas of my life that need to be cleaned up. I pray that my speech continually honors You. I am learning the importance of spending time in Your Word. When I go astray or begin to not have peace, it is because I am not spending time in God's word. As I recommit time to You and Your word, life results in peace and direction. 

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

Proverbs 10:15 - Wealth and its security

Proverbs 10:15

The rich person’s wealth is his fortress,

The ruin of the poor is their poverty.

Message: Wealth and its security 

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: Finally, in this proverb, I see a different theme: wealth. I guess there was sort of a though of riches and being poor in verse 4 but it speaks more of working discipline. But the rest of the verses so far in chapter 10 just seem to be more common in their themes of righteous living in general. This one feels different. 

The contrast clearly is wealth and what it brings rather than being poor. And yet this verse is more of a proclamation it would seem or an observation than something to emulate. It is almost a matter of fact statement. "The rich person’s wealth is his fortress." The rich person's wealth is important to them, his fortress: A fortress is a fortified building or complex designed for military defense. So the rich person counts on their wealth to protect them, per se. 

In contrast, the poor person, with their poverty is their ruin: "The ruin of the poor is their poverty." In looking at other translations, I don't see much of a difference in words. Instead of ruin there is destruction. Instead of fortress it is the fortified or strong city. 

Cambridge commentary says it well I think: 

We have here an instance of the candour and sobriety of the moral teaching of this Book. Wealth has its advantages and poverty its drawbacks, and the fact is honestly stated. There is nothing of the unreality which represents poverty as in itself desirable, or wealth as in itself to be avoided.

Yes, that's it. And yet, ruin/destruction versus strong/fortified/fortress - seems to give rise to the idea that wealth is better. I see both with problems, but it does seem, based upon my observation that those with wealth have more of a peace about them. And perhaps they can engage in more activities, ministry activities one would hope, though it seems at times it gives opportunity for more relaxation and entertainment. 

At 57 years old, the idea of retirement is coming up more. I spoke of this with a friend yesterday at lunch as we wondered how many more years. I felt like I had at least 10 good more years of working left in me and probably more. I can stay at my current job probably another 5 years and that would be somewhat normal and okay. And yet, I could leave right now and just adjust my lifestyle a little and probably be fine financially. But, in a way I am enjoying things the way they are and so maybe I should stay put. I don't feel a big draw to do anything else. But it isn't that I have more wealth to store up but I just have more of a desire to stay working or staying busy. Sort of an interesting idea right now for me. 

And yet I don't want to be absorbed in work, but rather having a need to minister. At some point, my dad will pass and he has done a very good job with his job and managing it and either I will end up with that or it will end up more in the hands of my kids for their kids. That could end up making life even easier. I have the will to complete still and that is mostly dividing my wealth to good causes once I pass. I need to get that done. But, I still feel that great desire to help those in need. I like it and see that they have the need. I am concerned about those that are working hard and yet having trouble making it. Like Francis in Uganda, James and Joyce, Tonny and Alice. Even Daniel to a point and there are many more that I am not helping regularly. There is Geoffrey in Canada who now hasn't seen his wife Esther in 4 years. There is Benjamin, the pastor in Nigeria. I know he is need of funds for his ministry and orphanage. Jean Claude is doing well. I don't see a big need for him. He doesn't seem to be focused on wealth and it might sort of upset his world if there was an influx. Even Harris in India. Obviously, he needs a job and I am hopeful for that job. After that occurs, he seems eager to do what with it - maybe just support his mom. Kiran is another person in Pakistan. She is taking all she has to help orphans. Again, with so little, is there much of a focus on those that have so little or are the needs greater there. I mean, recently we had things to give away. I took them to Joy Junction with the thought they would help homeless. They were taken to a thrift store to be sold. I could end up buying back my things. Hmm. 

I look at all of these people, in their developing countries and see there standard of living is so different. And yet as I interact with them and they request funds from me at times, though some don't, I can't help but compare my surrounding with theirs. For some, it seems extra money is needed, and yet there almost feels a danger to having more money. Without, they seem to have this great dependency on God. The pastors- James and Tonny are so focused on ministry in their lives. Maybe I am concerned about the depth of their faith, and maybe it seems that some have a tendency to not have depth because of their poor condition. And so while many seem to need a little bit more to help them out. Again, maybe having too much is a problem. 

It is similar to what I see often with people that I hear win a large amount of money, like a lottery and how that impacts their lives. As a kid, I remember a show in 1983-1984 that had a short run. It was called Lottery! - "A lottery representative and his IRS partner meet various winners across the country to present the prizes and change their lives." Money impacts people and changes things. Even as I converse with Harris and see how his life can be lived in such a high moral manner. Why? Well, one he is single, but also he has little money. So again, does wealth or adding riches really help these people. At times, I even feel like God with them because I do have somewhat the means to help them and yet I wonder if it would be helpful. What would that wealth bring to them: I feel problems and a change of priorities. 

For me, with more wealth, what would I do with it. Right, do a lot of home improvement. Probably could easily spend about $50,000 on this house and doing all sorts of improvements inside and out. I suppose that's what I stare at, my fortress and improving it. Which brings me back to the verse -- The rich person’s wealth is his fortress. So is that it? My home. That's my wealth. I mean, it is the first thing I think about to spend money on. Things for the home. 

Perhaps this destruction is what is going on in Nigeria and the scamming of people international. With those folks, part of the blame seems to be their leaders and government that provide so little with the money that is given them. They have little so they invest in themselves. As Daniel mentions in Abuja. The workers get so little. Even at my job - the workers get little. The management gets a lot. There is so much inequity. Can it even be fixed and to what degree?

To have wealth is to have security. There is great tendency to many more problems with out wealth. 

Prayer: O God, this idea of wealth is a tough one. All these people you have placed in my life is an honor for me to know. I have helped some, based upon your leading and so many have needs. I struggle with this and whether to keep helping and wonder if how I am helping is most appropriate and correct. It makes me wonder about me and my work and what I am working for to accumulate. What is the reason and what does it achieve? O God, I need your help. I thank you for these verses and the opportunity to study them and meditate on them. There is richness in their meanings and lots to consider. 

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