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.

I Samuel 14:1-23 - Jonathan Defeats the Philistines

I Samuel 14:1-23

Then Jonathan said to the young man who was carrying his armor, "Come and let us cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; perhaps the Lord will work for us, for the Lord is not restrained to save by many or by few." (verse 6)

Message: Jonathan Defeats the Philistines

Time: This book is a biography of Samuel's life and career up to his death. It took place over a period of about 110 years, stretching from the closing days of the judges, when Samuel was born (ca. 1120 BC) through the death of Saul (1011 BC).

What the Lord is Saying: As I mentioned in the last lesson, in the choosing of God, he was to deliver the Israel people from the Philistines (I Samuel 9:16), though it was his son Jonathan that initiated this while Saul was staying back in Gibeah. In this chapter we pick up the battle. 

Jonathan left to "cross over to the Philistines' garrison...but he did not tell his father" (v. 1). He had to cross over these crags or steep rugged rock or cliff which had names Slippery (“Bozez”) and Thorny (“Seneh”) and in verse 6 he does something his father Saul had not done and mentions that the "Lord will work for us" (v. 6). In crossing over with his armor bearer he looks for a sign from the Lord that the Philistines have been given into their hands. In the process, about twenty men were put to death (v. 13-14). 

We are to be a people that speak of the Lord in our life and give honor and glory to Him for working out the details of our lives. It is God who is at work in our lives. 

Meanwhile back in Gibeah, Saul's watchmen and later Saul saw that Jonathan and his armor bearer were not present. Saul and his men proceeded to the battle. 

"The Lord delivered Israel that day (v. 23)." It was threw Jonathan's initiative that this conquering occurred. He looked to the Lord, but even in looking he did not assume God word work, but rather said words like "perhaps" and then looks for a sign, again showing a confidence in the Lord, but still making a request. 

Summary: The people had in Saul the king they wanted and yet despite being called by God, anointed and set apart as king, in this instance it was his son that initiated the defeat of the Philistines. 

Promise: Our confidence is to be in God and his power and we can forge ahead trusting in Him and waiting to to see how he might work in the process. 

Prayer: God, you are good and I need to be a person that speaks more of You and proclaims You as Lord but also actively working in my life and as things are happening in my life, realizing that You are walking with me every step of the way. Change my thinking. Thank you for the praying time with Pamela and continue to help me to voice my confidence in You, like Jonathan did in this day. 

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

Proverbs 11:9 - Wash your mouth

Proverbs 11:9

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

but through knowledge the righteous will be delivered. 

Message: Wash your mouth

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I Samuel 13 - God Rejects Saul's Kingdom

I Samuel 13

And Samuel said to Saul, "You have acted foolishly; you have not kept the commandment of the Lord your God, which He commanded you, for now the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not endure. The Lord has sought out for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has appointed him as ruler over His people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you." (verse 13-14)

Message: God Rejects Saul's Kingdom 

Time: This book is a biography of Samuel's life and career up to his death. It took place over a period of about 110 years, stretching from the closing days of the judges, when Samuel was born (ca. 1120 BC) through the death of Saul (1011 BC).

What the Lord is Saying: I thought I Samuel 12 was a great chapter. We are His people and we are to serve Him with all of our heart. That is, His people whom He has chosen. Now in this chapter, based upon the title, it seems Saul is going to not do this. 

Saul is 40 years old and will reign for 32 years (v.1 - though these #'s have been inferred for the original text does not say this exactly). When Saul went against the Ammonites and Nahash 300,000 mean had been present. In verse 2 it says he chose "3,000 men of Israel...and sent away the rest."

Back in I Samuel 9:16 when Saul was chosen by Samuel from God, it says "he shall deliver My people from the hand of the Philistines." But after taking 3,000 men, it is not he that goes against the Philistines, but his son Jonathan. But what the people heard throughout Israel was that Saul had done this (v.3-4). 

In response, "the Philistines assembled to fight with Israel (v. 5) in Michmash while Saul was in Gilgal." In response, "the people (of Israel) hid themselves. (v. 6)" Saul was to wait 7 days for Samuel (v.8). Saul though, it appears out of fear, did not want and did a burnt offering and peace offering and then Saul came to ask Samuel what he had done and Saul admitted not waiting and asking for the favor of the Lord and instead forced these offerings (v. 9-12). 

Samuel lets him know that he did not keep "the commandment of the Lord your God. (v.13)" Saul will not have a lasting dynasty. The number of men with Saul dwindled to 600 (v. 15). The Philistines came in 3 companies. No blacksmith was present so they went to the Philistines to sharpen their weapons and thus they had limited number of weapons (v.19-23). 

Note: This is quite harsh. Saul is given one opportunity and he fails and Samuel says the Lord will reject His kingdom. It almost seems like Saul gets nervous and takes matters into his own hands and tries to figure out himself what he is to do, making offerings. Saul most likely did not offer the sacrifices himself, but instead had a priest do this. Again, most likely he wanted to show himself ready and able, but he needed to listen to Samuel's direction. 

Summary: Saul is to wait 7 days for Samuel as the Philistines are approaching him in battle, but he does not and offers sacrifices himself, with the result that the Lord rejected Saul's kingdom. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, "If we are in Christ, we cannot lose our salvation, but our disobedience can cause us to lose earthly blessings."

Prayer: Lord, I am thankful for the grace that you extend so often. And  yet as we encounter bad things in our lives often I wonder if it is because of our distrust and the consequences we see could be the result. In these texts, I am reminded how you are present in all of life, in every circumstance, in all that we do. You are there and we do need to take your commands seriously. I fear sometimes I do not. Just as I know how I should eat and the last 2 days after poor eating I have been impacted by discomfort, I need to walk near your ways. I thank you that my salvation is secure and when bad things to happen, keep me close to You and help me to continue to trust You.  

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.

I Samuel 12 - Hope for Israel

I Samuel 12

And Samuel said to the people, "Do not fear. You have committed all this evil, yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart." (verse 20)

Message: Hope for Israel

Time: This book is a biography of Samuel's life and career up to his death. It took place over a period of about 110 years, stretching from the closing days of the judges, when Samuel was born (ca. 1120 BC) through the death of Saul (1011 BC).

What the Lord is Saying: Saul is now most assuredly the king over Israel. Samuel was the last judge, but now Saul is their first king. He is the king the people wanted. In the last chapter he conquered the Ammonites in the area of Gad under the leadership of Nahash and despite some thinking he was not capable, he showed that he was capable. 

In I Samuel 12, Samuel offers a speech now - a sort of farewell address to the people. To Israel he says in verse 1 "I have listened to your voice....and have appointed a king over you." Samuel has done all that he can do in his life for the people of Israel: "I have walked before you from my youth even to this day (verse 2)." Samuel says he has taken no bribes but has walked with integrity (v. 3, 5) and the people of Israel agree (v. 4).  The Lord appoints leaders, starting with Moses and Aaron "who brought your fathers up from the land of Egypt (v. 6)." The Lord has acted righteously before you (v.7):

1. The people of Israel (under the name Jacob) went into Egypt and Moses/Aaron brought them out (v.8). 

2. But the people forgot the Lord and they ended up in the hands of the Philistines (v.9). 

3. And the people cried out to the Lord: We have sinned...We have forsaken...We have served other gods...Deliver us....We will serve Thee (v. 10). 

4. The Lord sent men to deliver you and delivered you from the hand of your enemies (v.11)

5. Finally, you wanted a king and the Lord provided you the king you wanted (v. 12-13). 

In verse 14, Samuel provides the concluding thought or command or promise to the people that is the same promise given in all generations: 

If you will fear the Lord and serve Him, and listen to His voice, and not rebel against the command of the Lord, then both you and all the king who reigns over you will follow the Lord your God (v. 14). 

This is what we need to do in life: follow the Lord your God (v. 14). Jesus proclaimed this to the disciples: "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men (Matthew 4:19)." 

Conversely though, "If you will not listen to the voice of the Lord, but rebel...then the hand of the Lord will be against you (verse 15)." The pattern or idea is simple. Follow, listen, obey and all will go well with you. As I read Proverbs this is the simple message - do good, not evil. We go to church every week basically hearing this same message - do good, not evil. With it holds a promise that we all need. We resist it. People say, "I don't want God's authority over me." People instead expect the worse. People have failed them so they judge God by what people have done. But God is faithful and merciful, but he has set in plan a motion of good for all, if they will seek it. 

The Lord will do "this great thing...before your eyes (verse 16)." 

Samuel mentions to them the evil they have done in asking for their king (v.17). He sends rain and thunder and the people feared (v. 18). Ask for the mercy of God by you act of selfishness (v. 19). But the people still have a chance so "serve the Lord with all your heart (verse 20)." If you turn aside, you will seek after futility "which can not profit or deliver" you. The things that are not of the Lord are not of profit. They will not deliver. Thus our problem, we seek after other things all of the time -- again it is simple - serve the Lord with all your heart. 

Verse 22 - "The Lord will not abandon His people...the Lord has been pleased to make you a people for Himself." Samuel states his responsibility in all of this - "to pray for you...and instruct you in the good and right way (verse 23)."

"Fear the Lord and serve Him in truth with all your heart (verse 24)." Do not act wickedly (verse 25). 

The message remains this simple always. This chapter is a great summary of God and the Christian life. Do good and serve the Lord. This chapter does not promise a life free of problems. It does say that going after ungodly things is futile and those things will not deliver you, but the reason we do what we do is to serve the Lord - to Fear the Lord - with all your heart. What do we get out of it? That we are the people of God. 

Don't listen to the lie that life is meant to satisfy yourself. Follow God. Simply follow the Lord and serve Him with all of your heart. 

Summary: Samuel gives a beautiful summary of our life - we are to serve the Lord with all of our heart. We are the people of God. 

Promise: Matthew Henry - "If God shall not rule us, yet he will judge us." 

Prayer: Lord, your message and your way is simple. We make it complicated and we have made it always complicated. You set over us all this bounty and then give us a command. We focus on what we cannot do (in eating from the tree) rather than seeing that you have provided all that we need and we need to simply serve you with all of our heart. But even when we choose our own way, you give us another chance. We are your people God and You want us. What the world offers God is futile and will not deliver. You deliver. Seek after You. Life is not easy though. And you are not promising an easy life, but a life of peace and contentment. I need to follow You. Thank you for the promise of Your word God. Thank you for the peace that is found in your word and this chapter which is a great chapter to begin this year with and doing - "serve you God will all of my heart." Keep directing me daily in what this means God. Keep directing me in what it means to serve You God. There is freedom in trusting You and serving You. Thank you God for this. Help me this year to keep my focus on this - on what you have provided. Place my focus always on this. 

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.