Zephaniah 3:17 “The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”
This verse is packed with promises. Each line provides the child of God with another source of comfort and strength. These promises will prove to be an antidote to worry, fear, loneliness and despair.
“The Lord your God is in your midst”
Look around, wherever you might find yourself God promises to be with you. The psalmist declared that it is impossible to flee from the presence of God. We find both Jonah and the prodigal son testing this concept. No matter how far they ran or carefully they hid they found it impossible to shake the presence of the Lord. Although you might not see, hear or feel Him, God promises to be with you in the midst of whatever situation you find yourself.
“The Mighty One will save”
God promises not to be a passive observer but active participant in the challenging seasons of life. Zephaniah declares that it is the Lord Himself who will be mighty to save. The word save means to deliver. God has no rival or equal. He stands above all creation and wields His might over every situation. His children have seen seas part, walls fall and provision come miraculously from heaven’s throne. God stands in the midst of the circumstances His children face with the purpose of providing deliverance. His first objective is of course our salvation from sin but He also promises to deliver from the threats we are facing and the trials that seem to consume us.
“He will quiet you with His love”
Another translation reads, “With his love, he will calm all your fears.” Life is scary. When we are young it is the tree branch banging against the window or a shadow in the hallway that fills our hearts with dread. As we age the threats become much more ominous and real. Instead of crying out in the night for our parents we can take shelter under the protective wings of the Love of God. The zenith of His love was expressed on the cross but expressions of that love are available to us daily. When our circumstances lead us to cry out to God, His love beckons Him to our side to quiet or fears and fill us with His comforting peace.
“He will rejoice over you with gladness”
“He will rejoice over you with singing”
Thousands of songs have been written to express love and gratitude to God for who He is and what He has done. One of the great benefits of the weekly gathering of the church is to express corporately in song our love for God. We sing of His grace, mercy, kindness, provision and power but Zephaniah declares that we are not the only one singing. God is also a songwriter and the subject of His love song is His children. I can only imagine what a bellowing voice the God of heaven must have. When He opens His mouth and begins to rejoice over you with a song the heavens themselves must shake under the sway of His powerful voice.
Whatever today holds, don’t forget who it is that is holding you. You don’t have to climb a mountain or make a pilgrimage to find Him. He is in your midst and mighty to save.
Proverbs 21:9 “Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, than in a house shared with a contentious woman.”
Proverbs 21:19 “Better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and angry woman.”
Proverbs 19:13 “. . . the contentions of a wife are a continual dripping.”
Solomon seems to be an expert on dealing with a contentious wife. He speaks of living with her as being like a dripping faucet, or a leaky roof. He suggests that it is better to find a corner of the housetop to live on, rather than be in the house with her. He later states, you are better off homeless and living in the wilderness, than remaining in the home with her continual nagging. Solomon’s statements serve as a good illustration of what not to do in a marriage.
First, we find clear application for the wife. Simply put, do not be contentious. The word contentious means to be argumentative, quarrelsome or even combative. It speaks of someone who is always finding fault in what another is doing. Paul explained that the role of the wife is to honor and support her husband. A wife should be actively involved in building her husband up, so he can become the man God intended him to be. Constant nagging, belittling, and opposing, undermines the work God wants to do, rather than accomplishing it. Peter put it like this,
1 Peter 3:1 “Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives”
Second, we find application for the husband. It may be true that living on the roof or out in the wild is better than living with constant contention, but it is also true that it is much better to live in a house without it. If we examine the life of Solomon we find that perhaps he was the cause of the contention. Scripture instructed the king to have only one wife. That was always the plan of God for mankind. Solomon ignored the Word of God, as it related to marriage, and multiplied wives unto himself. In addition to his many wives he also had a long list of girlfriends. It is no wonder his wife was contentious. If a husband does not treat His wife the way the Bible describes, he has little to complain about when she does not treat him the way he desires. Instead of multiplying wives, Solomon should have been multiplying the expression of his love toward the wife he had. In the same way, a husband should not be looking at what is wrong with his wife as an excuse to mistreat her, but instead should be desiring that his wife be the most loved woman on the planet.
If husbands will seek new ways to express love to their wives, and wives will seek to build up their husbands, we will have a whole lot less contention in the home, or men living in the wilderness.
Pastor Jim
Questions for Proverbs 21 1. How does verse one give you comfort as you look at world leaders.
2. What are the characteristics listed in verse 21 that lead to life?
3. How can you apply verse 23 today?
4. Choose a favorite verse from this chapter and write out your thoughts on how to apply it to your life.
Proverbs 20:9 “Who can say, ‘I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?’”
Sin is a plague that has infected every man. As Paul explained to the Romans, it was by one man (Adam) that sin entered the world, but that sin spread to all men because all have sinned (Romans 5:12). David, looking out at the world, and looking in at his own heart, declared, there were none righteous, not even one (Psalm 53:3). Most of us are familiar with the story of the woman who was caught in an adulterous relationship and brought before Jesus. After hearing the charges brought against her by her accusers, Jesus responded by inviting those in the crowd who were without sin, to throw the first stone. One by one her accusers dropped the rocks and departed, for they were all sinners (John 8:3-4). The truth that we have all sinned, makes Solomon’s question all the more striking. Is it possible for anyone to proclaim that their heart is clean, and they are pure of all sin? Scripture boldly declares that it is.
When Jesus hung on that rugged cross, He bore the penalty for all sin, and shed His blood to provide atonement. It is at the cross where the sinner can be cleansed of all sin. No matter how deeply we may have been submerged under the weight of sin, it is at the cross where the weight is removed and we are washed and forgiven. David rejoiced over the blessedness that comes with the forgiveness of sin when he declared,
Psalms 32:1-2 “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit.”
Forgiveness and cleansing from all sin, can be found at the cross. No matter who we are, or what sin we are bound by, when we come to the cross, the blood of Jesus washes us white as snow, and we are forgiven. It is then, and only then, that we can proclaim, “I have made my heart clean, I am pure of all sin.” Sadly, many make the mistake of ignoring, justifying or explaining away sin, rather than coming to the source of cleansing. We are not made clean by our own declaration, but by receiving the One who washes sin away.
Will you come to the cross today? Will you confess your sin, and allow His blood to wash you clean? If so, then you can declare, “I am pure from my sin.”
Pastor Jim
Questions for Proverbs 20 1. What does Solomon say about alcohol in verse 1?
2. How can you apply verse 3 today?
3. Take a few moments to consider verse 24 and give an answer to the question it asks.
4. Choose a favorite verse from this chapter and write out your thoughts on how to apply it to your life. Old Testament: Habakkuk 1- Misguided Theology Habakkuk 2- Stand Watch Habakkuk 3- Prosperous
Proverbs 19:2 “Also it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge, and he sins who hastens with his feet.”
Marketers have realized that people are impulsive by nature. As a result, it is common to find a variety of “impulse items” located near the checkout stand in just about every store. These items are things we did not plan to purchase, but bought on a whim, and include items like gum, candy or DVD’s. For the most part, these are not high dollar purchases, and getting caught up in the moment, will not break most budgets. Buying an unplanned Snickers bar on the way out of the convenience store, will probably not have long lasting economic repercussions on your life. If however, you purchase big ticket items, without giving adequate time to consider all the ramifications, that can be very costly.
The same is true with all decisions in life. You do not need to call a church prayer meeting, or spend time fasting, when you are determining whether to order chicken or fish. The big decisions, like who you will spend the rest of your life with, should however, be considered slowly, carefully, and with wise counsel. Solomon is reminding us, when we rush into things that we should walk slowly towards, we will end up in sin.
“Also it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge, and he sins who hastens with his feet.”
Notice the contrast he makes between impulse and knowledge. Knowledge is something acquired over time, with careful study, examining correct resources. I remember a cartoon as a child where Bugs Bunny spent the day explaining the story of the founding of the United States to his nephew. He told wild stories of rabbits influencing the greatest moments in American history. His nephew was an avid student, hanging on every word Bugs shared. The next day he came home from school with a dunce cap on his head. It was not that he didn’t acquire knowledge; it was that he went to the wrong source. The same can happen to us. If we want to avoid making foolish, hasty and impulsive decisions, we need to look into the Word of God for guidance. It takes time to uncover the path God would have you walk, but it is worth the time it takes. Before making another big decision, and perhaps another big mistake, take time to consider the Word and to get some healthy Biblical counsel.
Pastor Jim
Questions for Proverbs 19 1. What do we learn about being a son or a wife from verse 13?
2. What are the benefits of wise counsel found in verse 20?
3. What are the dangers of ignoring godly counsel found in verse 27?
Proverbs 18:24 “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
Friendship is one of the most important parts of life. We were not designed to live in isolation or face all the struggles of life alone. We have some wonderful examples of friendship in Scripture. We are told that when Jonathan met David, he loved him as his own soul. He expressed this love by taking his armor and giving it to David (1 Samuel 18:4). As the son of the king, this action showed he believed David was chosen, by God, to reign in the land. From that time forward, Jonathan lived to encourage David to be the man God had called him to be. His actions illustrate Paul’s words to to the Philippians.
Philippians 2:3 “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.”
Barnabas, in the New Testament, is also a great example of friendship. When Saul of Tarsus first met Christ, no other Christian would have anything to do with him. The church basically thought his conversion was an elaborate ploy to get close to Christians, in order to imprison or kill them. It was Barnabas who risked it all and befriended Paul. After meeting with him and seeing he had, in fact, given his life to Christ, Barnabas stood up for Paul to the other church leaders (Acts 9:26-27). Later, Paul was given opportunity to serve the Lord alongside Barnabas.
Both of these examples reveal the benefit of godly friendships. All of us long to have someone in our lives who would act like a Barnabas or a Jonathan. Solomon gives a practical tip as to how to develop and keep godly friendships. He writes,
“A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
If we desire friendship, we must be friendly. Instead of looking for someone who will come alongside and support us, we should be looking for those whom we can come alongside and support. One of the simplest ways to do this is at church. It is not uncommon for people to enter a church, sit by themselves, and leave without ever making contact with any other believers. After weeks and weeks of this, they may start to think the church is an unfriendly place, because no one has reached out and befriended them. While that may be true, it is equally true, they have not reached out to anyone else. One of the best ways to establish friendship, is to look for someone who is sitting alone and join them. Ask them if they want to grab a coffee or get a meal after church. I am not suggesting you use the church as a place to get a date, but as a place where you can establish godly friendships, which will help you walk with the Lord. instead of looking for someone to be the friend you need, look to be the friend someone else needs.
Pastor Jim
Questions for Proverbs 18 1. In verses 6-8 we have speech that invites trouble and gossip. Here the fool is always the wellspring for trouble. He is the one who always stirs the pot of contention and mocking. When the tail bearer or whisperer consumes the choice morsels of gossip they become tasty bits and stimulate the desire for more. You can resist these tasty trifles by not opening the box. Do you find yourself listening to a gossip or gossiping yourself?
2. Verse 10 gives us the security in the Lord’s name. The Lord is fully able to protect those of us who trust Him. He is described as a tower of strength. When you feel afraid, uncertain, alone, and weary do you seek refuge in the fortress of His name?
3. Verse 11 deals with security in wealth. Wealthy people often assume that their wealth brings security. Psalm 49 teaches money cannot bring ultimate security. Where are you looking for ultimate security? Do you think it’s in uncertain riches or God who is always faithful?
4. Verse 24 gives us the value of loyal friendship. It is better to have one good faithful friend than a number of unreliable ones. The world is full of people looking for that friend who sticks closer that a brother. That is a rare treasure. Are you longing for a true friend? If so, seek to become one. Ask the Lord to bring people into your life. Be challenged to be a true friend.
Proverbs 17:22 “A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones”
Solomon is contrasting the physical effects of joy and sorrow. He explains that joy is like a medicine to the body, actually providing a healing element, while deep sorrow can negatively effect our health. Solomon is making this observation, not as a medical professional, but from watching others, as well as from his own personal experience. He came to realize that a joyful heart is much healthier and more productive than a broken one. I think we would all agree. If we had to choose, we would rather be merry than broken. The question is, “How do we avoid a broken spirit and gain a merry heart?”
Paul declared, the fruit of the Spirit is love and joy (Galatians 5:22). A merry heart is the bi-product of a life connected to Christ. Jesus said, when we abide in Him, we would bear fruit in our lives that remains (John 15:16). If we want a heart that is filled with joy and merriment, the first step is to receive Christ, and the next is to walk step by step with Him. The more we invest in our relationship with Christ, the more this joy will fill our lives, replacing sorrow and becoming in us, a well spring of life.
In one sense a broken spirit is important, even necessary for the believer.
Psalms 34:18 “The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.”
Here, the broken spirit refers to one who has realized his sins, and is coming to God for pardon. That is critical. Without being broken, we can never be saved. Solomon is speaking of another kind of brokenness, though. Not the brokenness caused by realizing we have sinned, but the brokenness caused by being in sin. Sin causes sorrow because it breaks fellowship with God. Jesus said He came to give us abundant life. The devil, on the other hand, came to rob us of that life. Whenever we choose to be involved in the things the Bible forbids, we are actually robbing ourselves of joy, and taking steps toward a broken spirit and dried up bones.
The closer we walk with Jesus, the more our hearts will be filled with the healing medicine of merriment.
Pastor Jim
Questions for Proverbs 17 1. In order to purify gold and silver you must use intense heat. In our lives, the heat of trials purifies us. Peter tells us that these trials are only to test our faith and to show that it is strong and pure. Verse 3 tells us that what fire does for the metal, God does for the heart. Have you come to the realization that when tough times come your way that God wants to use those times to refine your faith and clean your heart of the dross?
2. Verse 5 talks about speech that mocks the poor. Making fun of the less fortunate is one of the cruelest things we can do. Most people do it to make themselves feel good. There are those who mock others to give themselves a sense of superiority. Anyone who mocks the misfortunes of the poor is really mocking God because He made them. Have you in the past mocked the unfortunate? From this day forward stop and think before you put others down. Stop and think of who created them.
3. Verse 9 talks about disregarding the faults of others. Were you ever in an argument and were tempted to bring something up from that person’s past? Love for that person will keep our mouth shut. Let’s face it that can be difficult at times. If we don’t, the Bible says that it separates close friends. 1 Corinthians 13 tells us that love doesn’t keep records of wrong doing. If you are having difficulty covering over the offenses of others, pray for God’s ability to forgive and forget the sins that people tell you.
4. Verse 17 deals with loyalty in time of adversity. What kind of friend are you? The love of a true friend is strong and constant. In this verse the “friend and the brother” are equal. Have you experienced the fair weather friend? This is the one that sticks around when the relationship helps them but leaves when they’re not getting anything out of it? It’s one of the disappointments in life when someone professes to be your friend but when the chips are down you realize that their real name was Judas Iscariot or Absalom. Are you growing into the kind of friend the Bible encourages?
5. Verse 22 shows us that our emotions can affect our health and God want us to have a merry heart. When we’re at church our fellowship should be filled with joy and fun. Are you cheerful and ready to welcome others? Are you being encouraging to others regardless of how you feel? According to this verse a merry heart is like pain relieving medicine to the bones.
6. Verses 27-28 talk about keeping your mouth closed. If you have nothing worthwhile to say it’s always the best policy to keep quiet. The benefit of that is it allows you the blessing to learn to listen and then listen to learn. Are you in the habit of pausing and listening before you speak?
Proverbs 16:3 “Commit your works to the Lord, And your thoughts will be established.”
Paul referred to the believer as a soldier, and compared the Christian life to a battle ground. One of the reasons the Christian life is often difficult, is because we are fighting on two fronts. A large part of our battle is seeking to see others impacted for the Kingdom of God. We enter the arena to fight whenever we pray for the unsaved or the backslider. Scripture tells us our weapons are not carnal but they are mighty and able to pull down strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4). The weapons we have been given are prayer, the Word of God and our personal testimony. When those are used together, we will find that we become effective in impacting others for the kingdom of God.
The other front on which the Christian engages in battle is within. We are told the devil shoots fiery darts into the mind of the Christian (Ephesians 6:16). The darts often take the form of fear, doubt, lust, envy, covetousness, pride or even self-loathing. If we are going to succeed in our walk with the Lord, we must win in the battlefield of the mind. Solomon’s insights here give us a tactical advantage.
“Commit your works to the Lord, And your thoughts will be established.”
Jesus explained that our actions will be produced by what is in our hearts (Matthew 15:17-19). Solomon adds, our actions will produce what goes on in our minds. If everyday, you choose to drive by the new car lot and stare at the cars on the showroom floor, it is no wonder you will have a great longing for a new car. You will find yourself unsatisfied with your current mode of transportation and preoccupied with how to get that new car. Choosing a different route to work, where you do not see the new cars everyday, will lessen the temptation. Wanting a new car is not necessarily sinful, but it illustrates the principle Solomon is presenting. If we are going to win the battle against temptations of the flesh, we must win the battle in the mind. If we are going to win the battle of the mind, we must make some changes in our actions. If we are constantly filling the mind with images that produce the desires of the flesh, we will never win that battle.
Let’s make sure that today we,
“Commit your works to the Lord, And your thoughts will be established.”
Pastor Jim
Questions for Proverbs 16 1. Verse 2 is reminiscent of Proverbs 14:12. “There is a way which seems right to a man but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Have you ever heard somebody say, “I don’t need to be saved? I’m alright?” Perhaps that was you at a time in your life until you used God’s Word as a mirror. Then it revealed that things were not quite right. Are you filtering your plans and your ways through the Bible? Is your attitude pleasing to God?
2. In verse 3 the verb commit literally means “roll.” In other words, to roll all of your burdens on the Lord. This word portrays complete dependence on God. There are some who give God temporary control of their lives only to take control back the moment things stop going the way they expect. Are you worried about tomorrow, next week, or the future? Roll it over on Him!
3. Verse 9 tells us that God is the ultimate boss. He is sovereign and determines the outcome of our plans. This proverb is a contrast of what we plan and what actually happens. Guess what? God determines the latter. Remember that if your choice meets with approval, God will direct your steps to the desired goal.
4. Verse 18 shows the consequences of pride. Pride leads inevitably to a downfall and arrogance is the first step down. If we think that our success was attributed to our own energy and effort, we fool ourselves. Everything we have is from a benevolent God. To avoid a fall you may ask someone you trust whether self-satisfaction has blinded you to warning signs.
5. We all like to hear pleasant, comforting, and encouraging words. In verses 2-4, they are described as a “honey comb” which is sweet to the soul and health to the bones. The result of such speech is felt in the body and soul. Are you reading the bad news in the newspaper more than the good news of the Bible? Remember it’s better to say it with pleasant words instead of trying to say it with the help of FTD and Hallmark.
6. Verses 26-30 form a group of verses about different types of troublemakers who disrupt community life. We have the hungry man, (hunger is not the best incentive) the worthless man, the perverse man, the violent man, and the wicked man. These types of people destroy close relationships. Solomon warns us to keep away from such villains. Are you finding yourself enticed or influenced by such people?
7. The Hebrews believed that long life was a sign of God’s blessings. Therefore gray hair and old age were good. Proverbs 20:29 tells us that the young glory in their strength and gray hair the splendor of the old. Gray hair is not a sign of disgrace to be covered up by Grecian Formula. It is a crown of splendor. How are you dealing with older people? Are you treating them with respect?
8. Verse 32 describes a human being who has his emotions under control. Our home life can be ruined by a person who loses control of his or her temper. Are you struggling to control your temper? Pray to the Lord to give you victory
Proverbs 15:3 “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.”
I have always been fascinated by the comment Jesus made to Nathaniel when they first met; the Gospel of John records,
John 1:47-48 “Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, ‘Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!’ Nathanael said to Him, ‘How do You know me?’ Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.’”
The possibilities are endless as to what Nathaniel may have been doing under that tree, but we know for sure, whether it was good or bad, God was watching and loved him, regardless.
I wonder, “How are you spending your time when it seems that no one is watching?” How might those times change if we kept in mind, the eyes of the Lord are always upon us?
Pastor Jim
Questions for Proverbs 15 1. Verse 1 deal with the tongue. The way we answer another person will have an effect on the response. To turn away wrath and seek peace we should choose gentle words. Are you in the practice of maintaining the peace or do you find yourself raising your voice and using harsh words to trigger a response?
2. Verse 3 tells us about God’s omniscience. Our lives are open books to God. The Lord knows everyone completely and this verse is an incentive for our conduct. As a Christian do you find great comfort in this fact that God sees you clearly? If you have yet to become a Christian, has this verse pricked your heart with concern for your eternal destiny?
3. Verse 10 speaks of the necessity of discipline. Some people hate to be told they are wrong and there are others that will not accept any kind of advice. This proverb is clear that discipline must be used for those who go astray. Are you one who does not like to receive correction?
4. Verse 14 shows us that the wise person has a strong desire to discover knowledge. What we nourish our mind with is just as important as what we feed our bodies with. Are you choosing to feed on Godly books, music, and films? Do you find yourself compromising to the world?
5. Verse 16-17 stress that spiritual things are far better than material wealth. Loving relationships are more desirable than a great supper where there is hatred. All too often wealth replaces love in a family. How is your family life? Is it loving with a fear of the Lord? Do you find that your fridge is full of filet mignon and there is hatred? God says a humble meal with love is the best.
6. Verse 22 shows us the value of advice. This is a general observation on the personal and national level. Are you surrounding yourself with good Godly counselors? Are they directing you to God’s Word? He is the mighty counselor.
7. Verse 33 begins with “the fear of the Lord.” If we humbly submit in faith to the Lord it will bring wisdom and honor. The most important lesson here is for us to learn to come with humility to learn of God. We all need that lesson.
Proverbs 14:4 “Where no oxen are, the trough is clean; But much increase comes by the strength of an ox.”
A few years back, when we were looking to purchase a home, my wife and I spent our days off going to open houses and visiting model homes. It was easy to tell the difference between the two. The model homes were immaculate. The decor was thematic, the furniture and carpets unstained, and the walls were noticeably unmarked by crayon, ink pen or dirty hand prints. At first glance, I would feel envious. Our house looked nothing like that. Our carpets showed evidence of four boys who were incapable of wiping the mud off their feet before entering the house. The walls bore the evidence that they had not, in fact, washed their hands before or after dinner, and the couches proved that cups with lids are no guarantee against things being spilled. I would look at the model and think to myself, “Wow, wouldn’t it be nice if we could keep our house looking like this.” However, after a little consideration, I realized, there was an explanation as to why the model home was so clean and our house, well, not so much. No one lived in the model. It was a shell, four walls that contained furnishings, but no life.
Solomon is expressing that same thought in another way. Simply put, he is declaring that at times, life is messy. If we try to avoid the mess, we may, in turn, miss out on living. Many of us work very hard to be comfortable, and we avoid anything that disturbs that comfort. We neglect getting more involved in church, because it may mess up the kids schedule, or we fail to commit to serving the Lord, because it will conflict with our comforts. Our goal should not be living in comfort, but living to please the Lord. There are times when God will ask us to do things which will disturb our routine, or force us outside of our comfort zone. Part of His reasoning for doing this, is our personal growth. It is in those times when we are most uncomfortable, that we look to the Lord the most. When we feel like we can handle things, we press on in our own capacities. It is when we realize we have no experience to lean on, that we find ourselves crying out to the Lord.
Keep in mind, that while stepping out and serving Christ may make life a bit messy, there is great, even eternal value in everything that is done faithfully unto the Lord.
Pastor Jim
Questions for Proverbs 14 1. Verse 2 is a contrast between those who fear the Lord and those who despise him. The difference is in the conduct. Reverence for God motivates and characterizes a walk well pleasing to God. On the other hand, perverse ways are sinful ways. Those who neither fear nor love the Lord make no effort to exercise and demonstrate self-control. Is your walk characterized by love and reverence for the Father? Is there sin that has to be removed from your life?
2. In verse 6 we meet the mocker. This is someone who scoffs at every word of instruction or advice. These people will never find wisdom because they don’t seek it seriously. Wisdom is found in God’s Word. Biblical wisdom is how much you have come to agree with God and His Word. Are you looking at life from God’s perspective? Wisdom comes to us when we apply God’s Word to our lives and when we seek mature Godly Christians as counselors. Are you finding yourself at times scoffing at His Word?
3. In verse 12, we have the destructive nature of worldliness. The King James Version of the second half of this proverb says, “But the end thereof are the ways of death.” The plural “ways” indicate that there are many paths that lead to death as compared to one way that leads to life everlasting. The way that seems right to a man is his own way. We need to trust the Lord Jesus Christ. He has been down the path and knows where it leads. Read John 14:6. When you look at the path you are on, where is it leading you?
4. The backslider in verse 14 has one desire and that is to live life contrary to the Word of God. He is indifferent to questions of ethics or any thought of accountability to God. The Bible says that a man will reap what he sows. On the other hand, the good man is satisfied with his ways because they are the Lord’s ways. Are you struggling with the lust of the world and not considering the recklessness of the foolish?
5. Verse 20 deals with popularity and favoritism. James tells us to beware of personal favoritism because before God we all stand on one level. It is a reality of this world that possessions determine popularity. The poor are shunned and the rich have many lovers. Are you easily impressed by status wealth or fame? Are you partial to the “haves” while ignoring the “have nots?”
6. Verse 21 tells us that we shouldn’t assume some superior status and look down upon a neighbor regardless of his destitute condition. Remember God has chosen the poor (James 2:5) and it’s a sin to despise them. The man who has mercy on them is blessed in the act. We can’t sin against a neighbor and enjoy God’s blessings. Let us never forget that our Lord Jesus came into this world as a poor man. He was penniless! How do you feel toward those who can do nothing for you in return? Do you do something for them?
7. Verse 26 teaches that security is in the fear of the Lord. If we fear the Lord we will be obedient to His Word and in that brings strong confidence. The children mentioned here are the God-fearing children. Exodus 20 tells us that the children will reap the benefits of their righteous parents if they love the Lord. If fear gives the parents security in the Lord, it will be a place of safety for their children. For you who are parents: Do you have reverent fear for the Lord? Do your children know that you are under authority to the Lord Jesus Christ? Are your children learning to trust God by your example?
8. Verse 29: Have you ever seen an out of control fire? That’s what a nasty, quick temper looks like. It can singe us and burn everyone else in its path. The Lord Jesus said, “Be angry and don’t sin.” Anger that divides causes bitterness and guilt. Anger can also be a legitimate reaction to injustice and sin. When anger rises in us we need to look for the cause. Are you reacting to an evil situation that you are going to set right? Are you responding selfishly to a personal insult?
9. Verse 31 deals with the treatment of the poor. The Lord has a special concern in His heart for them. How people treat the poor displays their faith in the creator. God insists that those who have been blessed materially should be generous with those who are needy. The Bible is clear about providing for the poor. God doesn’t make suggestions concerning their treatment. He commands us to honor them. (Leviticus 23:22, Deuteronomy 15:7-8, Psalm 113:5-9, Isaiah 58:7, 2 Corinthians 9:9) If God has blessed you materially are you being obedient to His Word? Are you one who oppresses the poor? Do you honor the Lord by having mercy on the needy?
Proverbs 13:7 “There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches.”
Solomon is suggesting it is possible to have earthly possessions and yet to possess nothing of true value. At the same time, it is possible to have next to nothing, and have great wealth. He is not saying wealth is evil and poverty is good, but that within God’s economy, some things are of much greater value than others. The Bible teaches us there are three things that are eternal, and investments made in these areas will give a person lasting riches.
First off, God Himself is eternal. Before the universe existed, there was God. He is the un-caused cause that brought all other things into being. He is the source of all life, and the one who holds all things together. He is the one to whom we will give an account when our lives run their course. While it is not wrong to make capital investments and to store up for your family’s future, we must not do it at the expense of investing in a relationship with God. The most important investment we make is a decision to follow Jesus Christ.
Second, the Word of God is eternal. The writer of Hebrews explained that one day the heavens above us and the earth we stand upon, will be folded like a garment and replaced, but the Word of God will last forever (Hebrews 1:11-12). Every promise of God is eternal, and every investment of the Word of God in our lives, will bring eternal benefits. Often, the thing that keeps us from investing time in the Word, is the fact that we do not think it makes a difference. The reality is, when time has run its course, and the things of this life are a distant memory, we will still be reaping the benefits of our investments in the Word of God.
Finally, the Bible teaches us that the souls of men and women are eternal. God has done everything possible for each and every person to spend eternity with Him. He sent His Son to die for us, His Spirit to draw us, and His church to be an influence to win us. When we realize how much others matter to God, and we seek to influence them for eternity, we are making investments that will outlast time. The most important place where these investments are made is within the home.
There is nothing wrong with making earthly investments. There is nothing inherently wrong with riches, or with enjoying much of the pleasures that come with wealth. However, there are things of much greater value than stocks portfolios, profit margins and real estate holdings. The things that matter most, are the things that last forever. Don’t neglect to store up riches where they really matter.
Pastor Jim
Questions for Proverbs 13 1. We know that our words can cut and destroy. James 3:5 tells us, “even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things.” Another translation states, “So also the tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do.” The aim in verse 3 is to prevent rash talk and this reminder is appropriate for any age. Are you stopping and thinking before you speak? The old Arab proverb says, “Take heed that your tongue does not cut your throat.”
2. Verse 2 teaches us not to trust in appearances and honesty is better than pretension. There are some people who may not be what they seem to be. Some who are poor pretend to be rich for social reasons. (Luke 12:21, Revelation 3:17) Some that are rich pretend to be poor. The miser lives to protect himself from requests for assistance or from possibly being robbed. Perhaps it is to conceal his wealth and to avoid responsibilities. God is calling us to be who we are, to be honest people, and unpretentious. Are you putting up a front to be somebody you are not? An empty display or a concealing of means can come to no good.
3. Verse 10 tells us that those who are wise listen to advise rather than argue out of stubborn pride. Is it hard for you to say, “I was wrong,” or “I need advise? Every quarrel has pride as an ingredient. This type of pride has contempt for other’s opinions. Pride always means enmity. It is enmity to God. Are you open to the advice of others? Examine your life for pride. Ask for help when you need it and avoid strife.
4. In verse 12, hope postponed makes the heart sick and earthly hope can be a very disappointing season of life. (Hoping for something that doesn’t come to pass.) Are you in a season of “hope deferred?” Be encouraged. Biblical hope is a confident expectation that what you hope is going to happen. Pastor Titus tells us to be looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. We can live our life in anticipation of that promise of God. It gives us the proper perspective on material things and how we should be living our lives knowing that He could come at any time.
5. We were created by God for His good pleasure. He knows us and loves us beyond our comprehension of love. It only makes sense to listen to ABBA Father and do what He says. But in verse 13, we have a definite contrast between obedience to God’s unfailing Word and rejecting it. If you were a brand new vehicle you would come with an owner’s manual to help you “run right.” If we fail to maintain regular preventive maintenance we will fail. Are you hearing from God everyday by reading His instructions to us?
6. Verse 20 teaches us the result of associating with wise people or fools. Paul said, “Evil company corrupts good habits.” (1 Cor. 15:33) There is safety and growth in proper company. There is also a positive influence on those who spend time with wise men. On the other hand, the companion of the fool suffers harm and becomes like those whom he is hanging with. Take some time and pray to the Father and examine who is influencing you. Are you spending time with people you want to be like?
7. In verse 24, parental love is displayed in disciplining the children responsibly. There is a balance between too lenient and too harsh. The Bible teaches corporal punishment whether the modern experts agree or not. The parent who spares his rod might think he is showing love. God calls it hatred. The parent that loves their children doesn’t condone bad behavior but disciplines them promptly. The balance comes when the child has room to grow while learning the limits. Are you afraid to discipline your children even though God himself says it is an act of love?
Jim Gallagher 