The Proverb For The Day

 

 

2:19, “None who go to her [an immoral woman] return, nor do they regain the paths of life.”  Those who join her are described as not able to return. The Targum reads, “They shall not return in peace.” There is much difficulty for those who give themselves up to indulgences of lust (adultery, fornication, homosexuality, etc.). These are easier moved into, than they are moved away from. St. Chrysostom said, “It is as difficult to bring back a libidinous (strong sexual desires) person to chastity as a dead man to life.” And Deiphobe said, “O Trojan, son of Anchyses, easy is the path that leads to hell. But to retrace one's steps, and escape to the upper regions, this is a work, this is a task.” The Supreme Court, Biden and others who support gays have made it even more difficult for them to ever turn from sin to Christ. I believe the Bible, not Biden or his followers! Pastor Gary <>< 

1:8-9, “My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother; for they will be a graceful ornament on your head, and chains about your neck.”  I realize that not all parents are wise, and a few are not even good parents, but Solomon was both, therefore anyone can learn from him. Wise teachings are to be obeyed and parents are to be respected because their instructions will benefit us throughout life. Solomon and his wife were his parents and have made the largest investment, more than anyone else, in their son. They loved him and with their best in mind for him, they helped him mature hopefully into a godly man. It would be important for him to hear with the intent to obey and to not forsake their teaching even when temptations would be strongly pulling against him. When teaching and obedience come together life can be transformed! Pastor Gary ><> 

30:5 “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.” Every word of God is pure, that is it is free of error and corruption. To trust God and His Word is to have confidence and hope in Him. Not everyone trusts God’s Word as pure, but for those who do, He is their shield. As a soldier trusts his shield to provide protection, deflecting the enemies’ sword and arrows, God becomes such a shield to those who trust Him. As the soldier holds up and stands behind his shield in faith, so do those who put their trust in God. Therefore, those who trust God, He protects. God is a shield from all the fiery darts of Satan and gives strength to withstand all the temptations of the world. We do not have to move under the safety of a shield, God is our shield. Keep trusting God, He shields all those that do! Pastor Gary <>< 

29:9, “If a wise man contends with a foolish man, whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace.” The fool may get angry or even laugh when confronted but there will be no resolve for peace. The fool and the wise man have different perspectives about life therefore they live under different rules. The fool has no regard for reverence or fear of the Lord, the wise man does! The wise man’s rule book is the Bible, but the foolish not. The wise man speaks and hears the language of God, but not true of the fool! The wise man always lands in the same place opposing same sex partners, adultery, abortion, etc., because the Bible is his guide. The fool and the wise man will always contend, and the world will always side with the foolish, but God will always be pleased with the wise man. The foolish man will remain foolish, but you continue to seek wisdom! Pastor Gary <>< 

28:13, “He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.” Covering is often used to hide sin, but it will not cure. Covering is only dressing up. It’s like putting a band-aid on skin cancer or clothing over a disease. In fact, we cannot prosper from under the covering. But mercy will come as we admit, confess, and forsake our sin. This allows God to get to the sin and do His work through the blood of Christ. He forgives and has mercy on those who confess and forsake their sin. Confession is only complete by forsaking the sin, if not it is mockery. Someone said, “We’re sorry and repent, and then go on from day to day, just as we always went.” Just remember God will not be mocked. The sin that you try to cover God uncovers, but the sin you confess God covers with His mercy! Pastor Gary <>< 

27:17 (MSG), “You use steel to sharpen steel, and one friend sharpens another.” Friendships needed but rare. This is a picture of sharpening a sword as it collides with another source of steel or stone. The collision of mind with mind draws out the truth and gives opportunity to change perspective. A man may grow wiser by an hour’s discourse with a friend than by a day’s meditation. What we fail to see, is a friend can see what we cannot, so through such discourse changes can be made. Someone said, “In the collision of minds the man brings his own thoughts to light and whets his wits against a stone that cuts not.” A true friend will not agree with you if you are wrong, but he will listen and offer advice. One of the most dangerous things you can do is become disconnected or isolated. Friends help make us, make good friends! Pastor Gary <>< 

26:17, “He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a dog by the ears.” Have you ever grabbed a dog by the ears, not recommended? He will bite you! To meddle in someone else’s business could be just as painful. To meddle is to cross over into a situation you know nothing about and judge without the details. This is a quarrel that does not include you, and is not asking for your advice, opinion, or interference. If you dare to step in, you will step in on the wrong side almost every time. In fact, they will most likely, put aside their fight to fight with you and there will be two of them. I know the tendency of many of us, but remember the proverbs are wise instructions therefore, you might want to pass on by. Stay away, move to the other side of the street, or call the law, but don’t step in. That dog will bite! Pastor Gary <>< 

25:25, “As cold water to a weary soul, so is good news from a far country.”  Good news has traveled to and from distant lands for generations. This “good news” promises peace on earth and good will toward men. It causes the blind to see, the deaf to hear, and transforms a sinner into a saint. This “good news” has been proclaimed by prophets, priests, kings, angels, and believers alike. It has captured the attention of powerful men and common men, but many continue to reject the promise of the only “good news” that can save their lives! The promise is fulfilled in the little town of Bethlehem “I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2). This is the cool water every soul must drink; the Savior is born, and we should celebrate His birth every day!  Pastor Gary ><> 

24:30-34, “I went by the field of the lazy man, and by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding; And there it was, all overgrown with thorns; Its surface was covered with nettles; Its stone wall was broken down. When I saw it, I considered it well; I looked on it and received instruction: A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest; So shall your poverty come like a prowler, And your need like an armed man.” What a picture of a man’s neglected life. Where there should be fruit, we find weeds, where there should be beauty, we find unattractiveness, and where we find broken walls, we should find strong walls. Such is the life of any person that neglects work and worship, prayer, and Bible study. The picture of neglect reveals the ruined life whether spiritual or material. Never neglect the principles of God, they guide our lives for productive living. Pastor Gary ><> 

23:4-5, “Do not overwork to be rich; Because of your own understanding, cease! Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away like an eagle toward heaven.” Many have overworked without getting rich. In-fact it cost them their health, family, and that which made so much sense at the time, now seems like madness. And then there are those who succeed with riches only to see them fly away. Why set yourself up for loss and disappointment seeking to be rich. But cease such pursuits and set your eyes on God. Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and all these other things will be added unto you.” Our priority should not be riches but God, for when we seek Him, we find His favor. He gives peace, contentment, and riches beyond our imagination. To seek God is addition, and all other pursuits’ subtraction. Pastor Gary <><

22:20-21, “Have I not written to you excellent things of counsel and knowledge, That I may make you know the certainty of the words of truth, that you may answer words of truth to those who send to you?”  God’s written word is truth. It is the record of God’s revelation. God has spoken through His prophets, but most powerfully in His Son (Heb.1:1-2). The Bible is to be lifted above every other book and its message is to be impressed on the hearts of people as from God. With “certainty” God’s Word must be believed and practiced for it is truth and contains, “excellent things of counsel and knowledge.” It should also be taught “that you may answer words of truth…” If the “believer” cannot live in the certainty of truth, should he expect anyone else too? When people fail in truth, they confuse those who seek truth. If you’re a person of the Word live like it! Pastor Gary <>< 

21:23, “Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles.” Silence is golden! Less talk, less trouble. But how many guard the mouth? James 3:2-12 teaches about the power of the tongue and the challenge to control it. The tongue controls more of us than we realize. It is so small, but when out of control it can do un-repairable damage. Marriages, friendships, and business partnerships have been destroyed because people refused to guard their mouths. When the guard is off duty, anything can come out of our mouths. Just because we think it, we don’t have to say it! Remember the tongue reveals what’s in the heart. If you find yourself always apologizing for what you say, your mouth is out of control. Keep the guard on duty and save yourself a lot of trouble. Pastor Gary <>< 

20:1, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.” Drinking mocks by professing to benefit, and then proceeds to injure and even to destroy the drinker! Note that wine or strong drink makes men unwise. Drinking controls, the man, it makes him a mocker, a brawler, and it leads him astray. No man is ever in control of his drinking; he is described as unwise, and therefore cannot even see the harm that he is doing to others or to his own life. Drinking makes you feel bigger than you really are, and bolder than your able to defend. Drinking can destroy your Christian testimony also. It’s easier getting into the bottle than it is getting out of it! Anyone who tells you there is nothing wrong with drinking will lie to you about other things too. Stay wise, don’t drink. Pastor Gary <>< 

19:21, “There are many plans in a man's heart, nevertheless the Lord's counsel--that will stand.” This is a contrast worth noting, man’s plans – God’s plans! Man’s thoughts are many and always changing, God’s counsel stands and holds from one generation to another forever. Without God’s counsel men’s plans are changing, feeble, false, sinful, and selfish! God rules in righteousness, His principles are unchanging; He hates what is unholy, impure, and unkind. God will not change His course because of His unchanging character. God is redeeming a lost world to Himself, establishing His kingdom in the hearts of believing people. God has no need to resort to devices because power and time are at His command! Clarkson wrote, “Let us work on for our Lord and with Him, in the calmness that becomes those who are confident of ultimate success.” Pastor Gary <>< 

18:15, “The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.”  Knowledge is the theme, and acquiring it is the goal. In fact, the heart and the eyes are used for reaching the goal. Knowledge provides a clear perception of facts, truth, and duty. Knowledge is not what we talk about, but it is what we are to talk with as we preach or teach God’s word, or any other subject. Knowledge is what we need to bring about change, make an investment, or even enter a healthy relationship. I needed to change the battery in my phone the other day and the first thing I did was get knowledge (YouTube) because without it I would have destroyed that which I set out to fix. Ignorance is the opposite of knowledge and when we refuse to get knowledge, we make life harder and more difficult. We do not have to live without knowledge but so many choose to. Why? Pastor Gary ><> 

17:4 “An evildoer gives heed to false lips; a liar listens eagerly to a spiteful tongue.” A bad man delights in and hearkens to evil words; he takes pleasure in those who are like himself, because they are after his own heart. This is the negative side of, “Birds of a feather flock together.” This is a picture of someone who is himself untruthful and listens with greed to any tale that may help him injure or deceive his neighbor, however monstrous and unlikely it may be. In contrast to this, the spirit of the candid and sincerely good man is expressed by Bishop Hall, “If I cannot stop other men's mouths from speaking ill, I will either open my mouth to reprove it, or else I will stop my ears from hearing it and let him see in my face that he hath no room in my heart.” It is dangerous to live naïve today even though we would like to believe that such evil does not exist! Pastor Gary ><> 

16:1, 9, 33, “We humans make plans, but the Lord has the final word.”  God has the final word, He decides where I go, and determines what happens. Therefore, every day I choose to be in a right relationship with God. I am not going to wait until tomorrow or until some crisis comes for me to be where I need to be with God. I am going to choose to be right intentionally every day with Him. I have determined each day to be in God’s plan and that may mean changing my plans to go where He wants me to go. And that means accepting what happens around me and to me as something He has determined or allowed to happen to me! And it’s not that I understand the things that God does, but I trust what He is doing (Prov. 3:5-6). “One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life…” (Psalm 27:4). Pastor Gary <>< 

15:26-28, “The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD, but the words of the pure are pleasant. He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live. The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil.” Solomon warns about a man’s thoughts, greed, and his speech. First our thoughts are the driving force of our actions, our actions can be pure or shameful, helpful, or harmful. Greed, another driving force of our actions. It is a selfish desire for something, especially wealth, and power. Greed is an unquenchable longing for unneeded excess, and it will destroy the home. Last is our speech, it is a revelation of the heart. The righteous consider whether this will help or hurt before they answer. But the wicked speaks only to hurt. Pastor Gary ><> 

14:20, “The poor man is hated even by his own neighbor, but the rich has many friends.” I can’t help but think of an old song, “Money can’t buy me love”, neither can it buy true friends. Not saying money can’t buy people, pleasure, power, or possessions. John Phillips wrote, “Few things speak as loudly in this world as wealth. It casts an aura of glamour over those who possess it in abundance. Even if a man is a scoundrel who made his money by deception and fraud, his riches cast a spell.” This is one spell that everyone should avoid. The motive for this relationship is based on selfishness, greed, and deception. You may be asking on which side, I say both. Both are looking for what they can get from each other, neither is looking to give! Wealth is not to be the basis for friends. Friendships are to be special! Pastor Gary ><> 

13:1, “A wise son heeds his father's instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.” There is a contrast here between teachable and unteachable sons. First the wise son listens and follows his father’s instructions. He is ready to learn, and he will gain knowledge, desirable qualities, and godliness. He will also save himself from many snares, enrich his life, and honor his parents. But the un-teachable son shows himself to be foolish. He sets out on his own, disregards the experiences of others, and trusts his own shrewdness. He exaggerates his ability and underestimates the value of wisdom in others. He is headed for loss, shame, and destruction. He is on a fast track to ruin. “It’s never pleasant to be the parent of a fool and have nothing but pain.” (Prov.17:21). Hey scoffer turn to wisdom and heed instruction before it is too late! Pastor Gary <>< 

12:22, “Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who deal truthfully are His delight.”  The reader should take note that the Lord is always aware of their behavior. He knows the heart of all men and distinguishes the liar from the truth. And the Lord reacts to each man’s behavior in different ways. And there are many that don’t believe this truth and it is noticeable by the way they live their lives. The truthful are a delight to the Lord, but the liar is an abomination to Him. Abomination is a thing that causes disgust and “lying lips” is that cause here. The liar might get away with his schemes here but in the end, they will become his ruin. The Lord delights in the truth, He is pleased and has blessed and will continue to bless for such living. Now who came up with the idea that it matters not how we live? Next time you think about lying, think about this truth! Pastor Gary ><> 

11:4, “Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.” Money may buy your way out of many things but not on the day of wrath! The writer teaches the only currency that will profit on that day will be righteousness. Paul in Romans wrote, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness” (1:18). But for all who trust in Christ are therefore clothed in righteousness are delivered from God’s wrath. The writer wants each person to understand that on that day his only hope of escape will be righteousness. But those who hold onto their riches will find no escape. I know that day by appearance may seem to have passed us by or is not coming at all, but don’t be fooled that day is yet to come, and the wrath of God will follow. Christ’ righteousness, man’s only hope. 

10:27, “The fear of the LORD prolongs days, but the years of the wicked will be shortened.” John Phillips wrote, “This proverb states a general rule that is not without exceptions. In this sinful world godly people may die young. Certainly, though, those who fear the Lord have a better quality of life and often a longer span of life than those who are wicked.” The writer wants to encourage “The fear of the Lord”, as a way of life. It is a life not without promise, but also not without responsibility. “Fear” is reverence for the Lord and is displayed through the believer’s worship, ministry, and obedience to His word. Many say they believe but their behavior reveals the truth. I am not sure how long I will live here but I will choose to fear the Lord as long as I do, and one day I will live with the Lord forever! Not true for the wicked! Pastor Gary ><> 

9:6, “If you want to live, give up your foolishness and let understanding guide your steps.” The reader will find in the first 5 verses another divine invitation. Verse 6 is the climax, “if you want to live give up your foolishness.” Life is not foolishness and Christ. It’s foolishness or Christ! The world would have you believe you can have both. People want eternal life without following Christ. The message is clear turn from folly, sin, and the fellowship of the unholy. And let understanding guide your steps into the way of eternal life. If I give up everything to follow Christ what have I really given up for all that Christ offers me! That’s like not giving up “everything” to be adopted into “Bill Gates” family ($101 billion) and his stuff becomes mine. Do you want to live? The only thing you really give up is “foolishness” in exchange for Christ, if you want to live! Pastor Gary <>< 

8:13, “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate.” Evil opposes the Lord. Evil can hide the true motivation of a man’s real intentions. It can even be covered by religion. How many so-called religious people have been found guilty of evil deeds? We know their evil because they hate the fact that they got caught, and that their evil was exposed (Matthew 23). True religion does not start with hatred, but rather with “the fear of the Lord.” But hatred has its place; we are to hate evil principles and practices, not people. One of the ways by which we are helped to avoid sin is to hate it. The Lord hates pride, arrogance, evil and the perverse mouth. It is not enough that we disapprove of sin we must hate it too. But remember hate the sin not the sinner and pray for them to fear the Lord! Pastor Gary <>< 

7:22-23, “Immediately he went after her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks, till an arrow struck his liver. As a bird hastens to the snare, He did not know it would cost his life.” The writer gives an example of a man overcome by temptation, but had he listened, he could have turned away! Temptation is intense feelings, a determined purpose, and exhaustive images desirable to all of us. The text is for all, in every generation for young and old alike, but we act like it’s for everyone else. Every person is invited and encouraged to live by wisdom. And every person who refuses to live by wisdom will find themselves in the same “trap” (V.12). I want to encourage you to read the chapter yourself, personally apply its truths, and avoid such a trap. She doesn’t care about you, but the writer does, listen and follow him! Pastor Gary ><>

6:24-26, (Wisdom) “To keep you from the evil woman, from the flattering tongue of a seductress. Do not lust after her beauty in your heart, nor let her allure you with her eyelids. For by means of a harlot a man is reduced to a crust of bread; and an adulteress will prey upon his precious life.”  The reference of the text is the sin of lust; the wise man is warning against the flattering words of a woman. The sin of lust may consist in things forbidden, or in gross and shameful violations of law and decency. It may be secret and hidden from everyone, or it may be without shame and flaunt itself before the heavens. Whenever a man casts off wisdom, he lays himself open to the temptation of lust overcoming him. Sin is not without consequences, such as the loss of temporal possessions, and far beyond this the loss of life both temporal and eternal. Get wisdom! Pastor Gary ><> 

5:5-6, “If you follow her [immoral woman], she will lead you down to the world of the dead. She has missed the path that leads to life and doesn’t even know it.” Whenever the teacher speaks of the immoral woman, he gives the same description of her (Proverbs 2:18; 7:27; 9:18). Her path leads down with persistent, willful, headstrong, foolishness, wickedness and is far removed from the path of life. Her ways willfully go here and there like the steps of a drunk; they are slippery without any definite aim, and always staggering in the direction of sin. She is so blinded by her own pursuit that she now cannot regard or perceive the way to life. She leads her victims to ruin. She runs toward death and takes all those who follow with her. It is shame to a man to permit a mere harlot to entice him and prevent him from the path of life for the way of death! She’s not worth it! Pastor Gary ><> 

4:26, “Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established.” Make straight, or level the path before taking a step. The sense is to remove any obstacle that would keep you from making a right moral decision. Weigh the consequences of a step, what will it cost, and who will it hurt before taking it! If you ponder, really look, consider the obstacles, determine the cost, change course, if necessary, then step, the result “all your ways will be established.” The Word of God pondered in the heart of man leads his feet to right paths and his ways to godly living. We don’t have to make bad decisions; we choose to when we disregard God’s Word. Think before you step and then choose to step correctly. (Proverbs 3:5-6). Pastor Gary <>< 

3:11-12, “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor detest His correction; For whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights.” The chastening of the Lord is something to delight in, He loves us! Just think the God of all creation keeps His eye on us. He protects, comforts, teaches, blesses, and disciplines us as we need it. Of all the things He could spend His time on He chooses to spend it with us. If we do not despise His blessings, we surely should not despise His chastening. The Lord’s chastening is for reproof, warning, instruction, and even restraint, all of which are His loving correction for our good. And when we despise His chastening, we question His wisdom, love, and care. Whenever the Lord chastens, we should question our behavior not His love! Thank you, “Father”, for loving me! Pastor Gary <>< 

 

 

 

31:27-29, “She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.’” Blessed is the home, the family, and the husband that can say this about their mom or their wife! Every home needs such a mom and wife in it, to bring such care, and compassion. She “watches” and is aware of the activity of those in her house offering help, encouragement, and rebuke when necessary. She is of the opinion of the apostle who said, "that if any would not work, neither should he eat" (2 Thess. 3:10). A mom that watches, teaches responsibility while her children are young knowing that it will make a difference when they are old. In the long run if she has lived such a life she will be praised. We need moms that step up not out! Pastor Gary ><>