Proverbs 18:2 - Listening with a Discerning Ear

Proverbs 18:2

A fool does not delight in understanding; but only in revealing his mind. 

Message: Listening with a Discerning Ear

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: Am I a good or bad listener? The biblical position of a bad listener is a fool. 

Proverbs 18:2 

A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. (ESV)

Proverbs 18:13

If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.

Proverbs 29:20

Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

I notice in some people this is hard, but in others it is easy. I must admit, I sometimes have a hard time with people that take every conversation and spin it on themselves. I try to listen more than speak but in certain situations it is hard not to give my opinion. I try to make an effort to do this in conversations. In sharing the gospel it is a challenge I think at times to listen and not speak. I notice myself at times just preparing to speak rather than listening to the other person. 

James 1:19 says, "Let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger." Perhaps anger takes place with fast talking. Perhaps it is necessary to understand the person and their perspective before speaking. 

Again, as I think about myself, I know there are times when I am quite impatient. I am not sure if it is that I want to speak, but maybe I just don't want to listen. It feels like it is worse when I’m tired. Like today in Sunday School and fellowship afterwards I had no problem listening to people. Glad to have them speak and learn. Granted one person was talking long and I was nervous because of the other people present and wondering if they too were getting impatient. 

I would say I am a pretty good listener. 

Prayer: God - I Pray that I am a good listener. For me I think this also means being patient with people and agreeing to listen and not letting my mind wander. Lord, you know where I struggle. My impatience affects my listening at times. Help me with my pride. 

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

2 Samuel 14 - An Imperfect Reconciliation

2 Samuel 14

Now Absalom lived two full years in Jerusalem, and did not see the king's face. (verse 28)

Message: An Imperfect Reconciliation

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

What the Lord is Saying: Verse 1 of Chapter 14 is unclear. It is not clear from the text if David is yearning favorably or unfavorably for his son Absalom. Joab, leader of David's army, who always seems to be trying to manage King David, sends for a woman to excite David interest in mourning and it seems to be giving David a reason to forgive a murderer. Absalom is currently in exile after killing his half-brother Amnon. David failed to confront sin. I suppose it is hard sometimes to see sin in your children, for you are always championing their best. David gets a woman from Tekoa, a town about 10 miles south of Jerusalem to come and display herself as a mourner. Joab is trying to get a certain response out of David and is setting things up. The woman will basically be Joab's puppet, communicating to David what he wants him to hear. 

The woman starts with the words, "Help me, O King." This is appealing to David's compassion. She mentions that her husband is dead. A woman's place in society at this time was closely tied to her husband and without a husband she then had a great need for compassion. The woman presents a story that is akin to Cain and Abel. Two boys in a field and they get into an argument and their is no one to separate them. One brother kills the other. Capital punishment is expected, taking the live of the one who took a life. And the name of the family or the husband's name on the earth would be extinguished. David feels compelled to act on behalf of the woman, telling her to go home. The woman responds with basically, "Oh no, I can't let you do that for me." But David once again takes charge on behalf of this helpless widow and assures her that he will take over the situation and allow nothing to happen to the woman. So the woman pleads for her son to be absolved from the crime and nothing happen to him. David agrees and promises nothing will happen to him. 

The woman asks David if she can speak again. The woman turns the table on David and now speaks of Absalom wondering why David has not welcomed him home. The woman appeals to preserving the life of his son despite his wrongdoing. She appeals to God's compassion and patience, asking David to restore things with his son Absalom. The woman pronounces a blessing on David, acknowledging that he can discern good and evil. 

David then asks the woman if Joab is behind all of this and the woman answers affirmatively. But the woman appeals again to David to have the wisdom of God in this situation. David grants the requests and asks that Absalom return. Joab falls facedown that he has found favor in King David. Joab then goes to Geshur to bring Absalom back. While Absalom is allowed to come back home to Jerusalem he is not allowed to see King David's face. 

Absalom's appearance is described and it is reminiscent of Saul's great appearance. He had long hair and it would be cut annually. A man's hair reflects the importance of personal appearance and Absalom is in great appearance. Absalom has 3 sons and 1 daughter naming the daughter Tamar in honor of the sister he loved. But the tension remained between him and King David for 2 years he did not see the face of the king. Absalom asks Joab come to act as an intermediary, but Joab doesn't respond. Joab manages things and doesn't seem to want to be a pawn in this situation. To force Joab, Absalom has his field set on fire. Joab asks Absalom why and is told that he wants him to go to King David so that the two of them can reconcile and Absalom be seen again. Joab tells the king, David request Absalom and King David kisses him, symbolizing forgiveness and acceptance. 

Summary: With Absalom away, Joab brings a woman to David to petition through a parable him to bring back Absalom. He does, but takes 2 years before David is appeased to allow Absalom in his presence. 

Promise: When reconciliation is partial or incomplete, other problems often arise.

Prayer: O God, sin has a way of getting in the way of people's lives. It creates a problem always and in this situation with Absalom killing his brother though David did not deal with it he dealt with it by not facing Absalom for quite some time. We can appeal to people's good graces, but we must be careful that we are not manipulating the situation. Lord, you are the King of reconciliation and have brought me into your fold despite my wandering and sinful ways. Thank you for that restoration. Be glorified. You are to be praised and adored. 

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

2 Samuel 13:23-39 - Absalom Takes Justice Into His Own Hands

2 Samuel 13:23-39

And Absalom commanded his servants, saying, "See now, when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I sat to you, 'Strike Amnon,' then put him to death. Do not fear; have not I myself commanded you? Be courageous and be valiant." (verse 28)

Message: Absalom Takes Justice Into His Own Hands

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

What the Lord is Saying: It is 2 years later from the days of Amnon's selfish ways in raping his half-sister and then discarding her like a plaything or trash. Obviously, in that time frame David has done nothing. The picture of David here is not good. Once again, he mostly just stands by and doesn't do anything. 

This passage is rather simple. Absalom, his sister's brother, has a plan to have people go to sheep shearing in Baalhazor -- Absalom's property is probably not far (less than 10 miles) from Jerusalem. Sheep shearing was a usual occasion for feasting and holiday keeping. He invites David, the king, but he knows he will not go. With the king not going, he asks that Amnon, the oldest son and heir apparent represent David at the feast. David asks why but Absalom presses him further and he agrees. 

Though Absalom plans it out, he doesn't carry it out but instead gets his servants involved. By doing this, he always sets himself up to be the heir to the throne. He has the servants approach Amnon when he is "merry with wine" or least suspecting anything. He is killed and afterwards the servants flee and their communication to David about the event is an exaggeration as it includes a reference that it is all of David's sons. Thinking it is all his sons, David tore his clothes, but Jonadab gives David accurate information that it is only Amnon that has died. 

Absalom fled. The other sons showed up and David saw that they were still alive. David mourned for his son Amnon's death. Absalom fled and left the country for 3 years. David longed to see him.

Summary: 2 years after Amnon rapes Tamar, Absalom avenges her death by killing Amnon, first getting him drunk but then he flees for 3 years. 

Promise: When leaders do not deal with injustice quickly and rightly, all sorts of problems ensue.

Prayer: God, David does some great things, but then our text here also mentions several not so great things. I suppose I am amazed at the bloodshed in this book. I am amazed of the people you guide and those that you don't. Right now, in our world there are wars going on. There is one going on right now that involves the US with Iran. I think of my friend Shiva that I have not spoken to a while and knowing someone, I hope she is safe. Protect her. Protect people and may this country surrender and keep peace in the middle east.  

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

Proverbs 11:17 - Be Kind

Proverbs 11:17

A merciful person does himself good,

But the cruel person does himself harm.

Message: Be Kind

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 contrasts here are between a merciful and cruel person with one who acts in a way that is is good for the individual while the other acts in a way that is harmful. Some of these proverbs are rather simple, straightforward and perhaps a little obvious. Have mercy, this is good. Being cruel does you harm. My actions and your actions make a difference. Yet, maybe the difference that writer is making here is doing these things for others makes an impact for sure on them, but what is noted here is that it makes an impact on me. The one who gives mercy reaps the benefit. The one who is cruel is impacted by this. Wow. I just saw this. I started this yesterday and initial didn't see the connecting in this verse and the significance, but it has personal significance on me. The person who acts reaps. 

We have been studying kindness in our Sunday School class and one thing that I notice, even though it seems a little overwhelming at times in the lesson in all its variance is that the kind person has an impact in a variety of ways and this kindness has far reaching impacts. There are numerous ways that we can be kind. It is not only through words, but actions such as listening or opening a door. 

On the flip side, cruelty doesn't simply happen when we are assaulting with words or actions, but it can happen in subtle manners. All forms of sin are cruel. 

On Bible Hub there are 5 questions related to this verse:

1. How does the principle of "reaping what you sow" apply to the concepts of kindness and cruelty in Proverbs 11:17? 

Being kind or merciful benefits others as well as your self. Being cruel toward others hurts others and hurts yourself. 

2. In what ways can you intentionally cultivate kindness in your daily interactions, and what impact might this have on your relationships?

I sense often I am prompted by the Spirit. When seeing a need, I can take it on myself. Like grabbing someone's cup after Sunday School or taking a shopping cart so someone does not have to take it to their spot. It is taking a moment to see people. 

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced the benefits of kindness or the consequences of cruelty. How did this experience shape your understanding of Proverbs 11:17?

For kindness I often think of my mother who was so kind to me always in providing for me and giving me gifts, thoughtful gifts. My father provided so much for me growing up, wanting me to experience different adventures. I remember a friend across the street deciding he didn't want to be my friend any longer. That was hard in the way he did it. 

4. How can the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5) enhance our understanding of the importance of kindness?

In general, one of the things the teachings of Jesus does is take our focus off of ourselves and this seems to be the focus of kindness, thinking of others first. And then as we do this, we receive a blessing. We all want things good for ourselves and we can achieve it through kindness. 

5. What practical steps can you take to address any tendencies toward cruelty in your life, and how can you seek God's help in this process?

Lord, help me to understand how I am cruel. I think often I am cruel with my thoughts toward others and then over time those thoughts start making their way into my dreams at night and finally into my emotions during the day. It is subtle but it happens. Help me to be focused on being kind to others even in my thoughts. 

In the King James, the word here described as merciful is "kind" in the King James. It is the Hebrew word "chesed," which encompasses mercy, loving-kindness, and loyalty.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for this lesson today and for taking the time to think about these contrasts, merciful or kindness and then also cruelty and helping me see that I have issues with doing the good less and the bad more. Reverse the trend in my life. Help me to be the one you have called me to be. 

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

2 Samuel 13:1-22 - Like Father, Like Son

2 Samuel 13:1-22

But Absalom did not speak to Ammon either good or bad, for Absalom hated Ammon because he had violated his sister Tamar. (verse 22)

Message: Like Father, Like Son

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

What the Lord is Saying: Chapter 11 was David's sin chapter. Chapter 12 talks of David repenting and some of consequences of that sin. But also some good things that occurred. And now Chapter 13 turns to another unfortunate situation. 

In addition to 4 sons that David had in Solomon, Amnon, Adonijah, and Absalom there were daughters as well and verse 1 mentions one of the daughters - Tamar but then also how one of the brothers loved her. It seems to be about 15 years into David's reign. My commentary says that Amnon did not know where Tamar lived and this frustrated him. Verse 3 mentions a shrewd friend Amnon had named Jonadah. He approaches Amnon and mentions being in love with Absalom's sister. These family members are most likely half-siblings because of the fact David had multiple wives, thus the scripture refers to Tamar as the brother of Absalom. 

Jonadab sets up a caper where Amnon will be ill and ask for David to send Tamar to care for him. Tamar most likely has a skill for cookery even though this was not necessary as the King's daughter and so the caper includes her coming with her cakes to feed them to Amnon so as to make him well. She didn't take the cakes in that room but instead Amnon wanted her to go to the bedroom. When she did, he wanted her to lie with him. Tamar knew this was disgraceful and said she would not. But Amnon was stronger than her and although he asked the question, his intent was still clear to lie with her and he did. 

Then he hated her. After you take hold of your sin, regret stirs up in you. Now Amnon fears the consequences. Sin seems so good at first but then something happens afterwards and it no longer feels good to do it. Regret hits us after we have achieved what we want. The act was horrible toward Tamar but now Amnon wants nothing to do with her. Amnon is treating her like trash. 

Tamar has ashes and tears her long robe to signify the shame she is experiencing. This reminds me of that phrase "Wear your heart on your sleeve" that means to openly and transparently display your emotions, feelings, and affections rather than hiding them. Our emotions often are hidden but Tamar and others openly show their emotions by tearing their clothing. 

Because of the sin Absalom hated his brother Amnon. 

The man is supposed to be head of his household. With many wives and children, David was in a position to not really know what is going on in his household. It seems that possibly the wives and their respective children lived different places. David could have intervened and halted some of this, but instead he did not, possibly having other things going on. This is one of the dangers of polygamy and multiple families. David was chosen as a man after God's own heart, but clearly he has leadership of his family problems while being a good king and warrior. 

Amnon's sin seems even greater than David because of the way he disposes of Tamar after lying with her. The other lesson here is that sin and the temptation of it needs to have some sort of check and balance and not just a free for all. We have thoughts, but they need to be corrected because not all of our thoughts are good. David needed to take responsibility of this with Amnon. 

Summary: David's son Amnon desires his half-brother's sister and with the help of his cousin deceives his father to allowing Tamar to come to him and then he lies with her and discards her. 

Promise: We must fight against sin so that we discern right from wrong better over time.

Prayer: Lord, you are holy and your ways are just. We are people that need correction and accountability. I need it. Thank you again for the men and people in my life that have corrected my behavior and been that check for me against my thoughts. Keep being a tutor for me. And mend those that have gotten off track. Help me to recognize the evil in my children's ways and to say something when I sense your leading. 

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

2 Samuel 12:15-31 - The Consequences of Sin

2 Samuel 12:15b-31

Then the Lord struck the child that Uriah's widow bore to David, so that he was very sick. (15b) 

Message: The Consequences of Sin

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

What the Lord is Saying: Chapter 11 records David's sin with Bathsheba. Chapter 12 begins with Nathan and the Lord confronting David with the sin when he had tried hard to escape from it without notice, but there are consequences and this section begins with that consequence - the death of the baby conceived during the act of indiscretion. The child starts out by being very sick. In response, "David fasted." And then the child died and this is confirmed to David. In response David worshipped the Lord. He then began to eat which surprised his servants as they wondered why David responded and he said he fasted while the child was still alive but now that God made his decision he returns to eating. 

David comforts Bathsheba. He lays with her and she has another son - Solomon. 

"Joab fought against Rabbah of the sons of Ammon." David responds by assembling the rest of the soldiers and then capturing the city for Joab. The crown of the king of Rabbah placed on David's head. Then David returned to Jerusalem. 

David petitioned God through fasting and yet the child did not recover and died. We got to God and petition to him but when things don't work out the way we would like our response to God continues. We accept his decision and move on. We trust Him. 

Summary: The child born to Bathsheba dies and David accepts this and God in his mercy grants the couple a new child in Solomon. 

Promise: God will forgive anyone who repents, but some sins have lasting consequences. 

Prayer: Lord, you are righteous and fair. Sin has consequences that we see often. You forgive, but still we can't expect that everything will always be normal afterwards. There will be hurts at times. Lord, let me continue to seek You. I pray many will turn to You, understand their sin and trust in You. 

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

2 Samuel 12:1-15a - David Repents

2 Samuel 12:1-15a

Then David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the Lord." And Nathan said to David, "The Lord also has taken away your sin; you shall not die." (verse 13)

Message: David Repents

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

What the Lord is Saying: Nathan comes to David and shares a story or parable with David. It is about 2 men, one rich and one poor. The poor man only has a ewe lamb. "Now a traveler came to the rich man, and he was unwilling to take from his own flock or his own herd." This is a striking verse comparing David's sin in taking Bathsheba to the inability of the man recognizing what he already have. That is the sin we often commit. Not everyone time, but often this is how it is seen - God gives us a gift and we tell God it is not good enough and we need something else. Why? - wanting something different? It feels like to me I would say what I have is not as great as it has been and I need a temporary replacement. Or I see something in the public similar to what I had and want to seize it, but frankly it is taking what God has provided and saying to God, "Not good enough." 

David was caught up in the parable and felt the man who came to the traveler must die. At this moment, he has contempt and repulsion but doesn't see himself in the parable. It takes a moment, but David realizes that he has not simply gotten away with his sin and he repents. He has been exposed and he takes responsibility, but it still seems that he was forced to do this rather than voluntarily taking the consequences. I've watched someone close to me in my life voluntarily take the consequences for his indiscretion. He has suffered over the last year and it has been hard for him. He wasn't forced into it or exposed. And yet, not sure if it has made anything easier or different. To me, it means something but I am simply an innocent bystander. 

The Lord pronounces a consequence in verse 11, "I will raise up evil against you from your own household." Not sure what this means. David's sons die: Ammon is killed by Absalom and then Absalom is then murdered himself by Joab and Adonijah is executed by Solomon. Two sons killer two other sons. Their is division and discord within his family. Absalom also lay with his father's concubines. I think wealth and privilege can at times make one think that they can get away with things. The Lord once again shows David that though what he tried to do secretly instead his consequence will known throughout the kingdom and to this day through the reading of this Word. And so Bathsheba's child is killed. 

What matters in this is repentance and a resolve to Love the Lord. I see this as well in the life of the person I have seen confronted with sin, that they too are focused on loving the Lord now. Nathan tells David his sin was taken away and he will not have pay for it through his life. 

Summary: Nathan reveals to David his sin through a publicly and the Lord exposes David publicly. David repents. 

Promise: God declared David chosen and David's sin does not change this. 

Prayer: To think God that You have chosen me. Thank you for helping me to see my sin as well and to see that You have granted me much and I need to only embrace your gifts and nothing else. Keep me front and center. Thank you for the lesson of this passage and what it teaches people to this day. You are to be praised. Your ways are perfect. 

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