Proverbs 15:1 - Your Gracious Answer

Proverbs 15:1

A gentle answer turns away wrath

But a harsh word stirs up anger. 

Message: Your Gracious Answer

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: We often have an inner voice in our discussions with people that defends ourselves, making sure we are right and that the other person must be wrong. Sometimes we too quickly do not listen to the words spoken. We are tempted to be "harsh" and in the process we "stir up anger." 

And so in these instances, when I am being confronted or corrected or given an assessment on who I am, I must think about how I respond in that situation. The way I am supposed to answer is with gentleness. The person is often not looking for a fight in saying those words. Can I take a moment to consider their words? 

Prior to my wife and I getting married, the person that was our matchmaker was with her husband in another city, 17 hours from where we were getting married, and so taking a flight there was probably the one way to get to our wedding. But they quickly said "no" and so after reading a book and this issue continuing to not go away, I got on the phone and in the best way I knew confronted the issue. I was not met with any sort of kindness, but instead must defense. And for whatever reason, it simply seems that our relationship never recovered. These people were so important in us being together. We were in their wedding but now they would not be present for ours. That was hard. It was their choice, but it still stung. I wish in that situation they would have been kind. 

It reminds me that in our life we don't have too many instances of being confronted. Most people are fairly nice in their approach. We are often trained in not having conflict. In retail establishments there is the notion often, "the customer is always right" which means if there is ever a grievance raised of a transaction, the customer gets their way. This verse is not saying this. We don't simply take words confronting us in order to keep the relationship strong. 

I find in my marriage that this is the relationship that we tend to communicate these sort of problems the most. And it seems that I am often the one sharing a hurt. But I often do it in a way where I paint a picture of assuming what the other person is thinking. Sometimes, but not all of the times. "A gentle answer" is what I am hoping for. An understanding answer. Simply hearing me, but often I get defense. And often I am on the defense. 

Prayer: Lord, help me to not get defensive when I am being confronted. Help me to hear what is said. Help me to listen. I want to listen. And help me when I have the opportunity, especially with my wife to think before I speak and say things in a gracious manner. Lord, when things are hurtful I want to share my opinion and how I am feeling. Help that conversation to occur but in a way that does not stir up anger. 

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

John 2:1-12 - Stewarding our Schedules

John 2:1-12

And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does that have to do with us? My hour has not yet come.” (verse 12)

Message: Stewarding our Schedules

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)." 

What the Lord is Saying: In life these days, it seems we are worn out from our leisure. I notice this in my life that rest sometimes, not always is more busy-ness, but simply in a different capacity - visiting family, helping out with grandkids. Often taking actual moments of nothing-ness or simple leisure is not done much. I notice people going to the beach to me seems like actual leisure because there is just sitting and watching. 

This passage in John 2 showcases a miracle Jesus performed. And yet this doesn't seem to be a miracle that Jesus intended to do. Often this seems to be the case with Jesus. He has these purposes, but along the way people have needs and so he sidesteps momentarily His purposes to meet people's needs. People are running to him for healing of themselves while the biggest need is for them to be forgiven. And in this situation people have a need - needing wine because it has run out - and they immediately look to the great provider - Jesus. And Jesus responds, "Woman, what does that have to do with us? My hour has not yet come." Jesus includes the disciples in this response possibly. And yet this version, NASB 1995, is the only one that sort of infers Jesus including the disciples. 

In Jesus saying - My hour has not yet come - he is pausing to have his audience consider and remember that his porpoise on earth is one of larger purpose. And one that is divine. The needs that this woman has is monetary and important to her but he has bigger things that need to be done. Yet he takes care of the need. He doesn’t dismiss it and yet he still reminds people of what is most important. But even more clearly he is saying the time for him to work miracles has not yet come. There is order for all things. There is perfect timing.

It seems I need to be more careful of the distractions that come into my life. My days belong to Him. 

Prayer: Lord - help me to remember each day is a gift from you and belongs to you. 

I Kings 4 - The Glory of Solomon

I Kings 4

Now Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the River to the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt; they brought tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life. (Verse 21)

Message: The Glory of Solomon

Time: The author of 1&2 Kings (originally 1 book) is not known. First Kings follows the history of this divided kingdom from the death of David around 971 BC through the year 853 BC. First Kings reveals Solomon’s relationship with Yahweh and introduces the prophet Elijah who pronounces judgment on the evil northern king Ahab. Like other books, it helps us to understand the history of Israel and Judah. 

What the Lord is Saying: Solomon is now king. The temple is in process of being built and he has begun to marry, but not correctly, instead choosing women from Egypt, intermarrying. He prays and asks God for justice, that he would have discernment of what is right and wrong. This is what he wants and God is pleased that he isn't asking for riches or defeats of enemies, though that will be provided. Thus, his reign will be focused on peace and justice. 

Chapter 4 begins with a list of those that were his officials. 

• Azariah, identified as the son of Zadok, serves as a priest during Solomon's reign. The priesthood was a vital institution in Israel, responsible for religious duties and maintaining the covenant relationship between God and His people.
• Elihoreph and Ahijah are mentioned as secretaries, responsible for recording royal decrees, managing correspondence, written communication, and maintaining official records. 
• Jehoshaphat, son of Ahilud, served as the recorder responsible for chronicling events, maintaining historical records, and possibly advising the king on matters of state.
• Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, commander of the army, known for his loyalty and bravery, having previously served under King David.
• Zadok and Abiathar served as priests during the early part of Solomon's reign. Zadok present during the early struggle with Adonijah while Abiathar would be removed from the priesthood. 
• Azariah in charge of governors. A high level of authority, overseeing regional officials who managed various districts of Israel.
• Zabud, also a son of Nathan, held dual roles as both a priest and an adviser to King Solomon.
• Ahishar in charge of the palace, maintaining order and efficiency in the king's household and administrative affairs.
• Adoniram, also known as Adoram, was responsible for overseeing the forced labor, such as building projetcts, including the construction of the Temple and his own palace.
• 12 governors each assuming his duties for one month. Provides food for family, servants and officials. 
• Ben-hur
• Ben-deker
• Ben-hesed
• Ben-abinadab and Taphath, being a daughter of Solomon
• Baana son of Ahilud
• Ben-geber
• Ahinadab son of Iddo
• Ahimaaz in Naphtali, married Basemath, a daughter of Solomon
• Baana son of Hushai
• Jehoshaphat son of Paruah
• Shimei son of Ela
• Geber son of Uri

The people were numerous "as the sand that is on the seashore." There was an abundance of prosperity during Solomon's reign with verse 22-28 listing all that his kingdom provided regularly. However, one item that mentioned he had an abundance of was horses (verse 26 - "Solomon had 40,000 stalls of horses for his chariots, and 12,000 horsemen") and yet there was a provision in the law from Deuteronomy 17:16 that forbade this ("Only he must not acquire many horses for himself or cause the people to return to Egypt in order to acquire many horses, since the Lord has said to you, ‘You shall never return that way again.’") Thus, not everything Solomon did in acquiring everything was good and correct. 

But more than this he was respected for his wisdom and people came from all over to experience it. 

Summary: Solomon establishes his leaders and all of his provisions. 

Promise: All of our lives -- all parts -- are meant to glorify God. 

Prayer: Father, you are holy and good. And you want all of my life to be surrendered to you in all of its parts. Lord, I submit my life and surrender to You. Thank you for the life of Solomon and using him to give us so much wisdom. He wasn't perfect but you still used him. Remind me that no one is perfect but there is still value in people. 

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

I Kings 3 - Solomon's Great Wisdom

I Kings 3

When all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had handed down, they feared the king; for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice. (verse 28)

Message: Solomon's Great Wisdom

Time: The author of 1&2 Kings (originally 1 book) is not known. First Kings follows the history of this divided kingdom from the death of David around 971 BC through the year 853 BC. First Kings reveals Solomon’s relationship with Yahweh and introduces the prophet Elijah who pronounces judgment on the evil northern king Ahab. Like other books, it helps us to understand the history of Israel and Judah. 

What the Lord is Saying: Solomon's marriage to Pharaoh's daughter signifies a political alliance to secure peace and strengthen ties between Israel and Egypt. However, Deuteronomy 7:3-4 states to not intermarry for the Lord's anger will burn against you. Solomon would eventually have 700 wives and those wives would turn his heart to other gods, not making wholeheartedly devoted to the Lord. What started with one wife multiplied into many wives and many problems. 

He brings this wife to the city of David (Jerusalem), The Israelites adopted from the Canaanites high places for sacrifice. David loved the Lord and walked in the way of his father David, but he also used the high places (not optimal). Solomon offered burnt offerings at Gibeon. Burnt offerings were a form of sacrifice that symbolized atonement and dedication to God, as the entire animal was consumed by fire. God wants to bless Solomon and in his dream he hears God say, "Ask and it will be given to you." Solomon responses by speaking to God, acknowledging God's steadfast love and kindness towards David, his father. David's life, though marked by sin, was characterized by a sincere commitment to God. God's faithfulness to His promises is evident in Solomon's ascension to the throne. Solomon recognizes that his kingship is not by his own doing but by divine appointment. God assures David that his lineage will continue to rule. But Solomon sees himself as inadequate. Abraham's descendants were promised to be too numerous to count (Genesis 22:17). Solomon wraps up his prayer by asking God to "judge Your people to discern good and evil." In essence Solomon's request to God is that he would be led to differentiation right and wrong. Solomon has a great responsibility and He asks God for help in this. Should all kings and people offer this same prayer it would be great for all. 

God is pleased with Solomon for Solomon doesn't ask for riches or long life or that his enemies would be conquered, but instead he asks something sort of unselfish, discernment for the decisions he is to make as king. God grants this request and "I have given you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has been no one like you before you, nor shall one like you arise after you." But then he also gives him more. We are to seek God and His ways and let God bestow on us riches and honor in His timing. 

In addition to burnt offerings, he also offerings peace offerings which symbolize gratitude and fellowship. 

This he has an opportunity to display this discernment when two women come to him, two harlots with each having a child, but one child dies while the other lives but the women do not know which child belong to whom and asks Solomon for their help. Solomon says he will split the child in two but the woman who knows it is his child comes forward to say “Oh, my lord, give her the living child, and by no means kill him.” When Solomon sees the one that isn't willing for harm to come to the child then he knows the real mother. Thus Solomon has God-given wisdom. 

Summary: Solomon begins to intermarry from other nations, then prays to God that He would give him discernment in making decisions and is given practice in this between two harlots and their babies. 

Promise: God desires to give wisdom to not only Kings but to all. 

Prayer: O God, thank you for giving people discernment, giving me discernment between right and wrong. We so badly still need this today. Even as we read headlines in society it seems there is difficulty in life in understanding what is right and what is wrong. There is confusion in people. I pray that we would look to you for discernment. I look to you. Most of the time I feel like I know what is the right thing to do and often I choose selfishness or personal entertainment rather than working hard. I too often want breaks and want ease. Rather than following through and finding ways to meet with others I keep choosing the easy way out. Lord, help me to not be this way. I can meet with my son and other men to help them. Lord, every day I have opportunities and I pray that I would go toward these opportunities to help others and hopefully give them the wisdom that only comes from you. 

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

Proverbs 11:22 - Inner Value

Proverbs 11:22

As a ring of gold in a swine's snout,

so is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion. 

Message: Inner Value

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: Interesting verse comparing something that is beautiful with something that is bad and then something that is not beautiful with something that is elegant. The basic idea is these two items combined are two characteristics that don't belong together. Gold in a pig. Beauty lacking discretion. And the two comparisons are two things people all enjoy - riches and beauty. Yet it seems wasteful to add riches to a pig and it should seem wasteful to have beauty added to someone that lacks discretion. 

A pig is an unclean animal. It is an animal by Jewish dietary laws that is not eaten. Gold as a precious metal metaphor represents wealth or something of value or something that is desirable. Thus, that which we desire is placed in something we don't. I Corinthians 15:33 says, "Bad company corrupts good character." Also 2 Corinthians 6:14, "Do not be unequally yoked." Both of these have similar ideas of not mixing value or what we want with what is not valuable. But also here is adding value to something that won't be appreciated. On the flip side we like taking things that appear to be worthless and converting them to value, such as repairing something used rather than replacing it, such as a car or anything. It is great to take something that is used up and giving it more life, but the problem here is being corrupted. 

To lack discretion is to not think before one speaks. This is a person that needs to be careful with their speech. It is a person that needs to be cautious about what they say, especially as it relates to others. We are to value inner beauty. In Proverbs, "Charm is deceitful." Words are more important than looks. What we hear, more important than what we see as far as looks. As I have been reading through the books of Joshua and the Judges, people like Saul and Adonijah were described first about their looks. Their character was not of the importance that stood out but rather their looks and those individuals did not end up leading well. 

Prayer: O God, you are rich in mercy. Your ways are the best ways and here is the reminder that there is more than meets the eye and we should be more focused on inner beauty and inner value and how we speak and conduct ourselves instead of focusing on what simply is pleasing to our eye or even our pocketbook. Redefine this in our lives. Thank you for helping me see the importance of this in my life. Keep showing me. I thank you for the beauty of my wife but it only means something because of how wonderful she is as a person. This is when the beauty really stands out in her because of how caring and loving she is to me and others. Her playful ways. Her discretion to be careful about what she wears and how she presents herself. I am so thankful for her and how you have trained her to be Godly. Help me always to value this and not get so caught up in looks and beauty. 

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

I Kings 2:28-46 - Joab and Shimei Eliminated

I Kings 2:28-46

So shall their blood return on the head of Joab and on the head of his descendants forever; but to David and his descendants and his house and his throne, may there be peace from the Lord forever. (verse 33)

Message: Joab and Shimei Eliminated

Time: The author of 1&2 Kings (originally 1 book) is not known. First Kings follows the history of this divided kingdom from the death of David around 971 BC through the year 853 BC. First Kings reveals Solomon’s relationship with Yahweh and introduces the prophet Elijah who pronounces judgment on the evil northern king Ahab. Like other books, it helps us to understand the history of Israel and Judah. 

What the Lord is Saying: Previously in Chapter 2 of I Kings, Adonijah wants to sort of usurp Solomon's authority and make a claim once again for the throne this time by cleverly asserting himself to have David's former concubine as his wife, Solomon has him killed but spares Abiathar the priest who was associated and had supported Adonijah. 

Joab is mentioned in verse 28 and this news of Adonijah and Abiathar coming to him. Joab is an interesting fellow. He has been mentioned often in the life of David. Joab had served David for 4 decades as the commander of his army. He had some sort of respect for God throughout this time but at other times he was ruthless and carried out things in a harsh manner. He murdered people like Abner and Amasa right after David had put Amasa in charge and earlier made a covenant with Abner, but Joab wasn't about to share anything with another. David wanted Absalom spared even though Absalom wanted the throne. Joab stepped in and killed Absalom. But Joab disagreed in the census that David carried out which is a good thing to disagree on. Joab has been hard to figure out. 

And now in verse 28 it says that "Joab had followed Adonijah" and so this is odd. Solomon sent Benaiah to kill Joab for Joab was to removed "from my father's house [for] the blood which Joab shed without cause. Joab had many times taken matters into his own hands against the wishes of David. Verse 32 mentions Abner and Amasa. 

After this Solomon makes Benaiah the commander of his army and places Zadok as priest in place of Abiathar. 

Shimei is mentioned next in verse 36. Shimei cursed and threw stones at King David while David was fleeing from his son Absalom. David gave him a momentary reprieve but eventually told Solomon he would need to be punished. Solomon tells Shimei to go and live in Jerusalem and build a house there but at some point he will die. He had done evil and it is promised that "the Lord shall return your evil on your own head." Benaiah was eventually ordered to kill Shimei. 

It seems David didn't want to deal with things at times. Joab was effective even though he did things that were wrong, but David didn't deal with them. David had a way of struggling with open acts of rebellion. David and Solomon were great leaders, but they were not perfect. A perfect king was still needed one day and would come in the name of Jesus. 

Summary: Solomon followed through on David's request to have Joab and Shimei killed. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, "We remain utterly dependent on the grace of God for the growth of the kingdom."

Prayer: God your kingdom is always to be respected. I understand Lord you are to be praised and I praise You. And I also know that Jesus is the perfect king. You do great things through all sorts of people. Your kingdom will be established forever. Your will be done and you often work things out, not in the perfect way, but still in the best way only because your people on this earth are imperfect. Jesus is always perfect though and so we submit and surrender to Him always. 

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

I Kings 2:10-27 - Adonijah's Treachery

I Kings 2:10-27

And King Solomon answered and said to his mother, "And why are you asking Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Ask for him also the kingdom -- for he is my elder brother -- even for him, for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah!" (verse 22)

Message: Adonijah's Treachery

Time: The author of 1&2 Kings (originally 1 book) is not known. First Kings follows the history of this divided kingdom from the death of David around 971 BC through the year 853 BC. First Kings reveals Solomon’s relationship with Yahweh and introduces the prophet Elijah who pronounces judgment on the evil northern king Ahab. Like other books, it helps us to understand the history of Israel and Judah. 

What the Lord is Saying: I have seen in this past lessons David giving a charge to Solomon to lead the nation Israel and he has been anointed king. David has provided Solomon all he needs to build the temple and gave a great prayer to God - praising God's name and speaking that all we have is actually from God. 

In verse 13 Adonijah, the fourth son of David, who's mother is Haggith. Adonijah was mentioned in I Kings 1:5 when he believed he should be the king. But Bathsheba disagreed and rallied with Nathan to come against this. Now Adonijah shows up again and Bathsheba wonders if he comes peacefully. He remarks that he was supposed to be king but instead Solomon became king because "it was his from the Lord." So he remarks that while the people he said wanted him to be king, Solomon was chosen because he is from the Lord and the decision is God's. Now Adonijah asks Bathsheba to request from Solomon that his wife be Abishag. Abishag was said to be a beautiful young woman and was the caretaker of David in the last moments of his life. 

Bathsheba then goes to speak to Solomon about this and Solomon wonders why and says, "Ask for him also the kingdom." This seems to be somewhat or a sarcastic response like he is saying, you might as well be asking him to have the kingdom in his charge as well. Solomon is seeing more from this than a simple request of Adonijah and instead sees it as he is doing something to usurp his throne. From this Solomon sentences Adonijah to death and he dies. 

In this outcry Solomon also mentions Abiathar the priest for he also supported Adonijah to be king. But because he carried the ark of the Lord Solomon will spare his life. But he did dismiss him from being priest. 

The request to take Abishag was a serious one. She was basically another concubine of David's though it was said he did not fulfill any sexual action toward her. But still, for a son to take his father's concubine was a serious offense. Absalom had done this previously when he wanted to be king to show everyone in the kingdom that him doing this would be making a claim on the throne. Also removing Abiathar, a descendant of Eli, was also fulfilling a prophecy to remove the descendants of Eli from the priesthood (I Samuel 2:27-36). 

Solomon recognized the significance of anyone challenging his throne. We need to be a people that respect the leaders of thrones and not do things to remove them from their post or assert an idea that they do not belong there. We are to respect the post and the position. There may be things we disagree about and that is all well and good but we need to respect the position and that he is only to removed by means of the government. 

Summary: Adonijah once again comes before Solomon to usurp his authority in hopes of laying claim to the throne. Solomon has him killed but spares the life of Abiathar the priest. 

Promise: Those who sin against God will not escape. 

Prayer: O God, my father. You are king. Your throne is forever and ever. You love righteousness and hate wickedness. Lord, the kingdoms of this earth have been set up by You and we are to respect those kingdom leaders. Help me to do that. Help me to not question leaders but to pray for Your wisdom to be done. Thank you for our country, the United States and setting us up as a kingdom under God. Redirect our leaders to surrender to You always, in everything as they lead us. 

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