God’s Word for Today 31 Oct, 2024 27 Whoever diligently seeks good seeks favor, but evil comes to him who searches for it. 28 Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf. 29 Whoever troubles his own household will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart. 30 The fruit of the r…

God’s Word for Today 30 Oct, 2024 23 The desire of the righteous ends only in good, the expectation of the wicked in wrath. 24 One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. 25 Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. 26 The people curse him who …

Text: Proverbs 11:22 (ESV) 22 Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman without discretion. BEAUTY AND DISCRETION What is discretion? This is a person's awareness of what is appropriate, respectable, well-mannered, or dignified. Thus, a woman with "discretion," in this case, is one who acts sensibly and with self-control, as opposed to…

Text: Proverbs 11:19-21 (ESV) 19 Whoever is steadfast in righteousness will live, but he who pursues evil will die. 20 Those of crooked heart are an abomination to the Lord, but those of blameless ways are his delight. 21 Be assured, an evil person will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will be delivered. THE BLAMELESS ARE HIS D…

Text: Prov 11:16-18 ESV 16 A gracious woman gets honor, and violent men get riches. 17 A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself. 18 The wicked earns deceptive wages, but one who sows righteousness gets a sure reward. - Prov 11:16-18 ESV THE BENEFIT OF BEING GRACIOUS In verse 16, Solomon is still making contrasts. Sadly, thi…

Text: Prov 11:14-15 ESV 14 Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. 15 Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer harm, but he who hates striking hands in pledge is secure. - Prov 11:14-15 ESV IN AN ABUNDANCE OF COUNSELORS THERE IS SAFETY Solomon continues in explaining the disti…

God’s Word for Today 24 Oct, 2024 12 Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent. 13 Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered. - Prov 11:12-13 ESV TALK LESS, LISTEN MORE The act of belittling others is a foolish idea. ‘Belittling’ implies conte…

God’s Word for Today 23 Oct, 2024 9 With his mouth the godless man would destroy his neighbor, but by knowledge the righteous are delivered. 10 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish there are shouts of gladness. 11 By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is ov…

Text: Proverbs 11:5-8 (ESV) 5 The righteousness of the blameless keeps his way straight, but the wicked falls by his own wickedness. 6 The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the treacherous are taken captive by their lust. 7 When the wicked dies, his hope will perish, and the expectation of wealth perishes too. 8 The righteous is deliv…

Text: Proverbs 11:1-4 (ESV) 1 A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight. 2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom. 3 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them. 4 Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness deliver…

Text: Prov 10:30-32 ESV 30 The righteous will never be removed, but the wicked will not dwell in the land. 31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off. 32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse. - Prov 10:30-32 ESV THE RIGHTEOUS WILL NEVER BE RE…

Text: Prov 10:26-29 ESV 26 Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him. 27 The fear of the Lord prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be short. 28 The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish. 29 The way of the Lord is a stronghold to the blameless, but d…

God’s Word for Today 17 Oct, 2024 22 The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. 23 Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool, but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding. 24 What the wicked dreads will come upon him, but the desire of the righteous will be granted. 25 When the tempest passes, the wicked is no more, but the …

God’s Word for Today 16 Oct, 2024 17 Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who rejects reproof leads others astray. 18 The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever utters slander is a fool. 19 When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent. 20 The tongue of the righteous is…

Text: Proverbs 10:15-16 (ESV) 15 A rich man's wealth is his strong city; the poverty of the poor is their ruin. 16 The wage of the righteous leads to life, the gain of the wicked to sin. THE VALUE OF HAVING WEALTH We recognize that a wealthy person has an advantage over a poor person. But, we have to remember that his advantage is temporary and unr…

Text: Proverbs 10:12-14 (ESV) 12 Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses. 13 On the lips of him who has understanding, wisdom is found, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks sense. 14 The wise lay up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near. LOVE COVERS ALL OFFENSES We live in a broken world. And, it’s a given fact that…

Text: Prov 10:8-11 ESV 8 The wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin. 9 Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out. 10 Whoever winks the eye causes trouble, and a babbling fool will come to ruin. 11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mo…

Text: Prov 10:6-7 ESV 6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. 7 The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot. - Prov 10:6-7 ESV THE GOOD LEGACY The memory of the righteous is a blessing. They exude a good legacy. The righteous out of his good heart brings forth g…

God’s Word for Today 10 Oct, 2024 4 A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. 5 He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame. - Prov 10:4-5 ESV BE DILIGENT The righteous has God the Father who will surely provide his needs. He is more precious than the birds that He fe…

God’s Word for Today 9 Oct, 2024 1 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother. 2 Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death. 3 The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked. - Prov 10:1-3 ESV A WISE SON MAKES …

Text: Proverbs 9:13-18 (ESV) 13 The woman Folly is loud; she is seductive and knows nothing. 14 She sits at the door of her house; she takes a seat on the highest places of the town, 15 calling to those who pass by, who are going straight on their way, 16 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” And to him who lacks sense she says, 17 “Stolen wat…

Text: Proverbs 9:7-12 (ESV) THE WISE ARE BECOMING WISER A wise person will grow wiser. The reason is in his teachable attitude which is opposite to the scoffer.[v.7-8] The "scoffer" depicted here is unteachable, defined by a Hebrew word meaning "mocker, inflated, scorner." They hate any attempt to change their mind, preferring to pursue along their…

Text: Prov 9:1-6 ESV 1 Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn her seven pillars. 2 She has slaughtered her beasts; she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table. 3 She has sent out her young women to call from the highest places in the town, 4 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” To him who lacks sense she says, 5 “Come, eat of my brea…

Text: Prov 8:32-36 ESV 32 “And now, O sons, listen to me: blessed are those who keep my ways. 33 Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it. 34 Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors. 35 For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord, 36 but he who fails to find me injures…

God’s Word for Today 3 Oct, 2024 - Prov 8:22-36 ESV WISDOM AND CREATION The eternal God is the source of wisdom. It existed before the universe. [v.22-23] 22 “The Lord possessed me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of old. 23 Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth. Wisdom emanates from eternity for …

God’s Word for Today 2 Oct, 2024 12 “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion. 13 The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate. 14 I have counsel and sound wisdom; I have insight; I have strength. 15 By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just; 16 by me …

Text: Proverbs 8:1-11 (ESV) DOES NOT WISDOM CALL? There are two rhetorical questions asked[v.1]. Thus, wisdom is not some far-off or unattainable thing. Rather, our daily life and experience should inspire us to seek wisdom, for we can find it and have some benefits. Wisdom is personified here as the woman who contrasts sharply with the prostitute …

Text: Proverbs 7:5-27 (ESV) 5 To keep you from the forbidden woman, from the adulteress with her smooth words. 6 For at the window of my house I have looked out through my lattice, 7 and I have seen among the simple, I have perceived among the youths, a young man lacking sense, 8 passing along the street near her corner, taking the road to her hous…

Text: Proverbs 7:1-5 (ESV) 1 My son, keep my words and treasure up my commandments with you; 2 keep my commandments and live; keep my teaching as the apple of your eye; 3 bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call insight your intimate friend, 5 to keep you from the forbidden wo…

Text: Proverbs 6:25-35 (ESV) BEWARE OF FATAL ATTRACTION The ravages of the sin of adultery are catastrophic results than we realize. It’s started with an attraction. The prostitute woman is a sweet talker, beautiful and tantalizing. But, the truly beautiful woman, is beautiful on the inside, is it not? Prov 31:30 says "beauty is vain." Physical bea…

God’s Word for Today 26 Sep, 2024 20 My son, keep your father's commandment, and forsake not your mother's teaching. 21 Bind them on your heart always; tie them around your neck. 22 When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you. 23 For the commandment is a lamp and the te…

God’s Word for Today 25 Sep, 2024 Prov 6:16-19 ESV SEVEN SINS THE LORD HATES In verse 16, it's important to note that the practice of referencing a number, followed by one more, is a common Hebrew literary pattern. It implies, sometimes, that the final item is the summary or culmination of the others. Sometimes, however, it's just a stylized way to…

Text: Proverbs 6:12-15 (ESV) 12 A worthless person, a wicked man, goes about with crooked speech, 13 winks with his eyes, signals with his feet, points with his finger, 14 with perverted heart devises evil, continually sowing discord; 15 therefore calamity will come upon him suddenly; in a moment he will be broken beyond healing. BEWARE OF SCAMMERS…

Text: Proverbs 6:6-11 (ESV) 6 Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. 7 Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, 8 she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest. 9 How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? 10 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands…

Text: Proverbs 5:15-23 (ESV) REJOICE IN THE WIFE OF YOUR YOUTH Solomon highlighted the importance of being a ‘one-woman-man’. Monogamy is much advantageous than polygamy. Even in Gen 2:24-25, the design of God is for a man to leave his parents during marriage and be ‘glued unto his wife’. Both, should endeavor to cultivate an intimate relationship,…

God’s Word for Today 19 Sep, 2024 7 And now, O sons, listen to me, and do not depart from the words of my mouth. 8 Keep your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house, 9 lest you give your honor to others and your years to the merciless, 10 lest strangers take their fill of your strength, and your labors go to the house of a foreig…

God’s Word for Today 18 Sep, 2024 1 My son, be attentive to my wisdom; incline your ear to my understanding, 2 that you may keep discretion, and your lips may guard knowledge. 3 For the lips of a forbidden woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil, 4 but in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. 5 Her feet go dow…

Text: Proverbs 4:20-27 (ESV) GUARD YOUR HEART There is an intense persuasion from a father to his son for him to hear listen carefully. Asking the son to "incline your ear" brings up the picture of someone leaning forward, tipping his head to hear more attentively. The point is that these words are not to be passively taken in, but actively and car…

Text: Proverbs 4:10-19 (ESV) 10 Hear, my son, and accept my words, that the years of your life may be many. 11 I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness. 12 When you walk, your step will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble. 13 Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your…

Text: Prov 4:1-9 ESV 1 Hear, O sons, a father's instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight, 2 for I give you good precepts; do not forsake my teaching. 3 When I was a son with my father, tender, the only one in the sight of my mother, 4 he taught me and said to me, “Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live. 5 …

Text: Prov 3:27-35 ESV 27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. 28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it”—when you have it with you. 29 Do not plan evil against your neighbor, who dwells trustingly beside you. 30 Do not contend with a man for no reason, when he has …

God’s Word for Today 12 Sep, 2024 21 My son, do not lose sight of these— keep sound wisdom and discretion, 22 and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck. 23 Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble. 24 If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. 25 Do not …

God’s Word for Today 11 Sep, 2024 21 My son, do not lose sight of these— keep sound wisdom and discretion, 22 and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck. 23 Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble. 24 If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. 25 Do not …

Text: Proverbs 3:9-12 (ESV) 9 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. 11 My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, 12 for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he de…

Text: Proverbs 3:5-8 (ESV) 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. 7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. 8 It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. HE WILL MAKE OUR PATHS STRA…

Text: Prov 3:1-4 ESV 1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, 2 for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. 3 Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 So you will find favor and good success in the sight of…

Text: Prov 2:6-22 ESV 6 For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; 7 he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, 8 guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints. 9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; 10 …

God’s Word for Today 5 Sep, 2024 My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, 2 making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; 3 yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, 4 if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, 5 then you will…

God’s Word for Today 4 Sep, 2024 Prov 1:20-33 ESV WISDOM CRIES ALOUD Wisdom is personified as crying out for people to listen to him. Far from being an abstract principle, wisdom is presented as a dignified and well-respected woman who stands in the streets and market-places of the town and speaks openly and plainly to those who pass by. In short, …

Text: Prov 1:8-19 (ESV) 8 Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching, 9 for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck. 10 My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. 11 If they say, “Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood; let us ambush the innocent without reason; 12 like Sheol…