Monday's Moment

Proverbs 31:30

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.

Good morning, and a Marvelous Monday to all of you!

What a great Sunday I had, and I hope you can say the same! Thankful for a new day to serve the Lord, and to finalize our Perusing the Proverbs for the month of August 2015. Today finds us on Day 31, Chapter 31 in our journey through this book filled with wise instruction. Once again, let's go verse by verse and find nuggets of truth to apply to our lives.

1- Two commentaries that I read indicate that some theologians believe that Lemuel is actually Solomon, and that these words might be from Solomon's mother, Bathsheba. No one is sure, but they are God-ordained and prophetic.

2- What is it, my son; the son of my womb and the son of my vows? She might have been asking - what's on your mind??

3- Do not, my son, give your strength to women nor to the ways that destroy kings.

4-5 -  It is not meant for kings and princes to drink wine nor strong drink. If these rulers drink strong drink, they will forget the law and pervert judgment with regard to the afflicted.

6-7 - This mother advises that strong drink should be given to those about to die or those with heavy hearts so they can drink and forget their poverty and misery. (Strange advice)

8-9 - Open your mouth and speak up for those who are about to be destroyed; speak up and judge righteously, as you plead the cause of the poor and needy.

10- A very important question is posed here - Who can find a virtuous (or excellent) woman? Her price is far above rubies.

Verses 11-31 give us a clear description of an excellent woman:

Her husband trusts in her, knowing she will do him no wrong.

She will do him good and not evil while she lives.

She works willingly with her hands.

She is careful to bring in good food.

While it is yet night (naturally and spiritually) she rises to make sure her family is fed; and she takes care of the household help.

She knows about fields and the planting of vineyards.

She is girdeth with strength; she strengthens her arms. She has on the whole armor of God!

She knows that what lies within her is good; her light in the Lord will never go out, no matter how dark the night.

She sews and weaves. She is industrious.

She stretches out her hand to the poor; she reaches out to the needy. She is a caring lady.

She is not afraid of the cold for she has made sure that her family is clothed with the best.

She weaves beautiful tapestries; her own clothing is silk and purple (once again, the best).

Her husband sits with the elders; he is well respected.

She makes things and sells them; she is a good business woman.

Her "real" clothes are strength and honor; she will have joy for a long, long time.

When she opens her mouth, out come wise words; she speaks kind words.

She takes care of her household; she is never idle.

Her children rise up and bless her; her husband does the same, while he praises her.

Many daughters have done excellently but this woman is above them all.

Favor is deceitful, outward beauty is vain. But, a woman who fears the Lord, SHE is the one who will be praised.

Let her enjoy the fruit of her hands; let her own words praise her in the gates.

What a beautiful description of a godly wife and mother. Many women have found this chapter of the Bible to be overwhelming, fearing that somehow they cannot measure up to all of these attributes. In summary, if a woman is born again of the water and of the Spirit, she prays and seeks after God daily, she will be blessed of the Lord. If she does her very best in caring for the things of her soul then her husband and children, the Lord smiles on her, as do all who know her. 

May your Monday be Marvelous with the Master. Thanks for traveling with me, as we walked through Proverbs. I pray you have gained a new appreciation for this book of the Bible. We have much to apply to our lives, don't we? Always growing in God.

God bless you today and, if He is willing, I'll see you tomorrow for a new month and new topics!!!!

Sunday's Specialty

Proverbs 30:5

 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

Good morning - it's Sunday!

The summer months are slipping away and fall is right around the corner. The coming of the Lord is closer today than it was yesterday. Perusing the Proverbs will also come to an end in a few days. Thank you for joining me today for Day 30, Chapter 30. Here are my thoughts for this chapter:

1- This chapter is not one that was gathered by Hezekiah's men, however, it is a prophecy and God-ordained. Written by Agur, the son of Jakeh, who spoke these words to Ithiel and Ucal (all of these are men who I know nothing about) - there is a purpose for these scriptures, nonetheless.

2-3 - He acknowledges that his wisdom and knowledge of the holy is limited. 

4- The questions Agur poses in this scripture are deep - Who has ascended up into heaven, or descended? Who has gathered the wind in his fist? What has bound all the waters in a garment? Who has established the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is his son's name, if you can tell?  I'd like to add one other question - Do you KNOW HIM????

5- The next verse acknowledges who the writer is asking about in verse 4. EVERY word of GOD is pure!! It's holy; unblemished! He is a shield to all who trust Him!

6- Don't add to His words, or He will reprove you and label you a liar. (see also Revelation 22:18-19). 

7-9 - Two things Agur desired before he died:  a) Remove far from me vanity and lies; b) give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me. Then, he states the reason for this last part. If he has too much, he might deny the Lord. If he has too little, he might steal and take God's name in vain.

10- Don't accuse a servant to his master, because he might curse you and you would be found guilty.

11-14 - In these verses, Agur talks about a generation who: a) curses father, and doesn't bless the mother; b) pure in their own eyes but not washed from their sins; c) their eyes are lofty; they are filled with pride: d) their teeth are like swords, their jaw teeth are like knives so they can devour and destroy the poor and needy. (Sounds very much like this generation!)

15-16 - The leech has two daughters who say "Give, give." Three things are never satisfied, and the fourth never says it has had enough: a) the grave; b) the barren womb; c) the earth that needs water; d) and fire.

17- The eye that mocks its father and hates to obey its mother - the ravens of the valley shall pick it out and the eagles will eat it!

18-19 -  Three things are too wonderful to think about, but the fourth is hard to explain: a) the way an eagle soars in the sky; b) the way a serpent slithers on the rock; c) the way a ship sails in the midst of the sea; d) the way a man woos a maiden.

20- The adulterous woman is so bold that she wipes her mouth after eating as if she has done no wrong.

21-23 - Three things cause the earth to tremble but the fourth one is hard for the earth to bear: a) a servant who is in leadership; b) a fool who is filled with meat; c) a hateful woman when she finds a husband; d) a maid who becomes an heiress to her mistress.

24-28 - Four things that are little upon earth, yet wise: a) the ants who are not strong yet they store up during the summer; b) the conies (rabbits) are feeble yet they make their houses in the rocks; c) the locusts have no king yet they go about in bands (organized); d) the spider, working with his hands, finds a place in kings' palaces.

29-31 -  Three things go well on the earth, with the fourth one being comely in its movement: a) a lion who is the strongest among beasts and doesn't turn away for anyone; b) the greyhound; c) a male goat; d) a king against who there is no rising up (the King of kings!!)

32 - We need to put a hand over our mouths if we have been foolish in lifting ourselves up, or if we have thought on evil things.

33- Just as the churning of milk produces butter, and the wringing of the nose produces blood, so does stirring up wrath produce strife.

A very interesting chapter, I must say! Have a blessedly special Sunday in the presence of Jesus Christ our Lord! If He is willing, I'll see you tomorrow......

Saturday's Snippet

Proverbs 29:18

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

Good morning - Sweet Saturday to you all!

Thanks for taking the time to join me for Day 29, Chapter 29, in our Perusing the Proverbs journey during the month of August. Walk with me, verse by verse, now:

1- Woe be to the man or woman who hardens his/her neck when reproved for they will suddenly be destroyed without hope.

2- When righteous men rule, people rejoice. The people mourn when a wicked man rules.

3- The child who loves wisdom makes his father glad, but the son who spends his time living immorally will spend all he has.

4- By judgment, a king establishes the land, but one who receives bribes overflows the kingdom.

5- A man who is always flattering his neighbor is really setting a trap.

6- There is a trap found in the transgression of the evil, but the righteous sing and rejoice.

7- The righteous think about the poor but the wicked do not want to think about them.

8- Scornful men bring trouble to a city but wise men know how to appease anger.

9- If a wise man argues with a fool, whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no rest.

10- Those who love to shed blood hate the righteous, but the upright man seeks after the wicked man's soul.

11- A fool says all that is on his mind, while the wise man is careful with his words.

12- If the ruler listens to lies, then all his servants will be wicked.

13- The poor and the deceitful meet together, but the Lord is the One who can bring them light (for He is THE LIGHT).

14- The king that treats the poor fairly will have a throne established forever.

15- Correction brings wisdom to a child; but, if a child is left without correction, he brings shame to his mother.

16- When the wicked multiply, sin increases; the righteous will see the wicked fall.

17- Correct your son and he will give you rest as well as bring delight to your soul.

18- Where there is no vision, people die. But those who keep the law, happy are they. Those who keep God's laws, will have clear vision, and they will live forever!!

19- The servant will not be disciplined with just words; even if he understands, he will say nothing.

20- The man who is hasty with his words, well, there's more hope of a fool than him.

21- If a person raises a servant from childhood, he will become like a son when he grows older.

22- An angry man is always stirring up strife, and a furious man is full of sin.

23- A man's pride brings him low; but honor is the blessing of the upright in spirit.

24- To be partners with a thief is to hate your own soul, for these individuals hear the curse but they keep silent.

25- Fear brings a snare, but those who trust in the Lord shall be safe.

26- Many seek the favor of earthly rulers, but the Lord is the righteous judge of man.

27- An unjust man is an abomination to the just; the man who walks uprightly is an abomination to the wicked.

One more chapter is concluded, and I really appreciate the time you took to read this blog post. God bless you, and may your Saturday be sweet with the Savior!

Lord willing, I'll see you tomorrow.......

Friday's Footnote

Proverbs 28:20

A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

Good morning, and I pray it's a Fabulous Friday for us all!

The month of August seems to be zooming by as well as the Book of Proverbs. We are in the final days of our Perusing the Proverbs, and it has been an interesting journey. Today finds us on Day 28, Chapter 28, with my thoughts per verse as follows:

1- The wicked run away even though no one is after them, but the righteous are bold as a lion - of course we are for our God is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah!!

2- When a land is filled with transgression, it has many rulers. When a man of understanding and knowledge is the leader, the land will continue longer.

3- For a poor man to oppress another poor man is compared to a sweeping rain that leaves behind no food.

4- Those who forsake the law (or God) praise the wicked. Those who keep the law are against the wicked.

5- Evil men cannot understand the ways of God but they that seek the Lord understand all things.

6- It is better to be poor and walk uprightly than to be a perverse man who is rich.

7- The son who keeps the law is wise; but the son who hangs around riotous men brings shame to his father.

8- The man who uses unjust means to increase his substance is only gathering it to be passed on to another who will have pity on the poor.

9- This is a sad verse - Those who turn away their ear from hearing the law will find that their prayers are an abomination to the Lord.

10- If someone causes a righteous person to go astray, that individual will fall into his own pit but the upright shall have good things in his possession.

11- The rich man is conceited; the poor that has understanding searches out things.

12- A righteous man rejoicing brings great glory; but when the wicked rise, people hide.

13- To cover our sins is not good; to confess our sins and turn away from them brings mercy.

14- The man who fears the Lord will be happy, but the one who hardens his heart shall fall into mischief.

15- A roaring lion and a ranging (or charging) bear are used to describe a wicked ruler over poor people.

16- The prince who does not have understanding is a terrible oppressor, but he that hates covetousness will have a longer life.

17- A man who does violence to anyone will flee but don't try to stop him.

18- The one who walks uprightly shall be saved; but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.

19- The man who works or plows his land will have plenty of bread; but the one who avoids work will have plenty of poverty.

20- A faithful man is going to abound with blessings; but he who tries to get rich in a hurry will not remain innocent.

21- To show favoritism is not good because one who practices this will sin over a piece of bread.

22- He that is in a hurry to get rich has an evil eye, and doesn't understand that poverty will come upon him.

23- To rebuke someone is to find more favor than flattering someone.

24- The one who robs his father or mother and then says, "It is not a sin," that person is a friend of one who destroys.

25- The proud in heart stir up strife, but the one who trusts in the Lord shall be made fat (or shall flourish).

26- It is foolish to trust in our own hearts. The one who walks in wisdom shall be delivered.

27- There will be no lack or want to the one who gives to the poor. The one who hides his eyes from giving to the poor shall have many a curse.

28- When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; but when the wicked perish, then the righteous increase.

That concludes today's thoughts, and I'm thankful you stopped by. Have a Fabulous Friday with the Faithful Father!!! Lord willing, I'll see you tomorrow!

Thursday's Thought

Proverbs 27:17

 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

Good morning, one and all!

So happy you stopped by as we continue Perusing the Proverbs, on this Day 27, Chapter 27. As usual, here on my thoughts for each verse:

1- Solomon gave wise counsel in saying that we should not boast of tomorrow. In Matthew 6:34, Jesus said, "Take no thought for the morrow." Live for today and, even though we do not know what tomorrow holds, we do know WHO holds tomorrow!

2- It is best to let someone else give us compliments rather than bragging on ourselves. Let praise about us come from another, and not from our own lips.

3- A stone is heavy and so is sand, but a fool's wrath outweighs them both.

4- Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but, have you ever dealt with a jealous person??? 

5- To be openly rebuked is better than secret love.

6- A wounds friends are faithful; they help. But, the kisses of an enemy are no help; they are deceitful.

7- If you're full, you do not even want honey, but when someone is hungry, everything (even the bitter) is sweet.

8- A bird straying from its nest and a man straying from home are alike.

9- Ointment and perfume make the heart glad; so does good counsel from a friend.

10- Don't forsake your friend nor your father's friend. Don't go to your brother's house in the day of calamity. It is better to have a neighbor who is near than a brother who is afar off.

11- Quite a few times we've read the words "my son" during our trek through Proverbs. In this verse, instruction is given to the son to make the father glad.

12- A wise or discerning man foresees trouble and hides from it, but the simple keep going and end up being punished. (see also Proverbs 22:3)

13- Take a man's garment if he is surety for a stranger; hold it if he has made a pledge with a strange woman. (see also Proverbs 20:16)

14- It would appear that one shouldn't greet his neighbor early in the morning with a loud voice if he doesn't want to be cursed.

15-16 - The drip-drop sound you hear on a rainy day is much like an argumentative woman. If you hide such a woman, it's like hiding the wind, or trying to hold oil in your hand (quite a word picture right there).

17- Iron sharpens iron, and one man can help sharpen another.

18- I feel that this verse is two-fold in meaning. In the natural, if you take care of your fig tree, you will enjoy its fruit. If you wait on your master, you'll be honored. Spiritually speaking, if we take care of our souls, we will enjoy the fruit of it; and to wait on the Lord, as in serving Him, will bring the greatest honor ever!

19- Water reflects a man's face; a man's heart reflects the true man.

20- Hell and destruction never get full; men (and women) are never satisfied; always wanting more.

21- The fining pot is for silver; the furnace for gold. A man is tested by his praise.

22- Here is another word picture - If you put a fool in a bowl of wheat and you pound on him with a pestle (a tool used for grinding spices), you will never get the foolishness out of him.

23- Another verse that is two-fold in meaning - In the natural, those who possess flocks and herds should take care of them. In the spiritual, a good pastor takes care of the flocks which God has placed under his care.

24- Riches don't last forever; does a crown continue on to every generation?

25-27 - These last three verses seem to speak to me of God's provision. The hay appears, the tender grass shows itself, and the herbs of the field are gathered. The lambs are there which provide wool for clothing; the goats are the price of a field. "And thou shalt have goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens." God will take care of us!!!

I hope you're enjoying our walk through Proverbs. May your day be greatly blessed and, Lord willing, I'll see you tomorrow!

Wednesday's Whisper

Proverbs 26:10

The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.

Good morning - and a Wonderful Wednesday to all of you!

We're together again, Perusing the Proverbs, on Day 26, Chapter 26! Thanks for stopping by. This is the first chapter where I had a hard time finding an encouraging focus verse. Almost the entire chapter is talking about the fools and the wicked. Join me now as we travel through this chapter, verse by verse:

1- Snow during summer, rain during harvest, and an honorable fool - they are all mismatched!

2- Much like a bird wandering or the swallow flying, so is a curse without a cause.

3- Horses are whipped; the donkey is controlled by the bridle; much like the fool is disciplined by a rod.

4-5 - These two verses seem to be opposite in instruction but we are not to answer a fool according to his lack of understanding or we will be like him; yet, if we answer him according to his folly, it will keep him from being wise in his own eyes.

6- If you send a message by a fool, it's like cutting your feet off and drinking a cup full of damage.

7- A crippled man has unequal legs; so is a parable in the mouth of a fool.

8- Putting a stone in a slingshot is much like giving honor to a fool.

9- A thorn in the hand of a drunk man is also like a parable in the mouth of a fool.

10- The great God formed all things, and He is the rewarder of the fool and transgressors. Pay day is coming!

11- This verse coincides with 2 Peter 2:22 - a dog returning to its vomit is compared to a fool returning to his folly.

12- A conceited man is worse than a fool.

13- The lazy man is making excuses again. This time, there's a lion in the way!

14- A door turns on its hinges much like a lazy man turns over in his bed.

15- The lazy man hides his hand in his bosom; it is too much effort to bring it up to his mouth again.

16- The inactive man is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly.

17- Here's a good word picture: If we meddle with something that is none of our business, it's like taking a dog by its ears!!

18-19 - A very angry man throwing deadly weapons is like the man who deceives his neighbor and says, "I'm teasing!"

20 - If you have no wood, you're fire will go out, just like if there is no gossiper, strife will stop.

21- Coals and wood keep the fire going much like a contentious man keeps strife going.

22- The words of a gossiper hurt - like deep wounds going all the way down into our beings.

23- Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a piece of pottery covered with silver.

24-26 -  One who hates also takes things apart with his lips, all the while hiding deceit within himself. When he speaks, don't believe him. There are seven horrible sins within his heart. The same man covers his hatred with deceit, but his wickedness will be revealed to all.

27 - Don't dig a pit for someone else, or we will fall into it ourselves, nor roll a stone on someone because it will roll back on us. In an Adventure in Odyssey story, Mr. Whitaker tells Richard Maxwell, "If you go out for revenge, you have to dig two graves. One for you and one for the person you're after." Vengeance belongs to the Lord.

28- A lying tongue hates those who are affected and afflicted by it; a mouth that flatters works only ruin.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you have a Wonderful Wednesday, filled with wisdom from THE Wonderful - Our God, who never fails. Lord willing, I'll see you tomorrow......

Tuesday's Tidbit

Proverbs 25:11

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

Good morning, family and friends!

The month of August is passing fast, as is our Perusing the Proverbs session. Today is Day 25, Chapter 25 of our discussion of this informative book of the Bible. Here are my thoughts for each verse:

1- It appears that the men of Hezekiah, who was the king of Judah, copied down these proverbs of Solomon.

2- It is the glory of God to conceal a matter but the honor of kings is to search out a matter. 

3- This verse reminds me of Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's ways are higher than ours and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. The King of kings is truly unsearchable.

4- I like this verse - "Take away the dross (or waste) from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer." The refining process for gold and silver is for the purpose of removing impurities (dross), so the finished product is purer. Trials do that for a person. They are not meant to hurt us but to help remove things from our lives and make us more like the Lord.

5- If the wicked are taken away, then the king's throne shall be established in righteousness.

6-7 - It's best to not exalt ourselves in front of great men because we might be embarrassed when we're asked to step down. It's better to let them ask us to "Come up hither." These verses coincide with Matthew 23:12 - "And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted."

8 - Don't be in a hurry to start an argument for when it's all said and done, our neighbor might put us to shame.

9-10 -  Debate with your neighbor alone. Don't reveal secrets to someone else because the person who hears it might put you to shame, and you will acquire a bad reputation.

11 - One of my Dad's favorite verses, and a beautiful word picture - A word that is said just right at just the right time is like golden apples with a silver background.

12 - When a wise person reproves someone who will listen and obey, that very act is an ornament to the obedient person's character.

13- Quoting from the Commentary of A. R. Fausset: "Snow from the mountains was used to cool drinks; so refreshing is a faithful messenger."

14- To boast of a false gift is to be like clouds and wind without rain.

15- Gentle persuasion can turn the prince, and to speak softly can break a bone. 

16- If you have found honey, eat only what you need, or else it'll make you sick.

17- Don't stay at your neighbor's house too long, or you'll wear out your welcome.

18- A very "sharp" word picture is found in this verse. If we lie against our neighbor, we are like a maul, a sword, and a sharp arrow. Lies hurt!

19- Another "painful" word picture here - If we put our confidence in an unfaithful man during trouble, it's like a broken tooth or a foot out of joint. OUCH!!

20- If we sing songs to someone with a heavy heart, it is similar to taking away a person's coat during the cold weather, or the sound of sizzling as when vinegar is poured onto baking soda. 

21-22 - These verses concur with Romans 12:20-21: "Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." The Lord will reward us if we do good to those who wrong us.

23- The north wind brings rain; the backbiting tongue brings angry looks.

24- Solomon, who knew a lot about women, said it was better to dwell in the corner of a housetop rather than to be in a big house with a quarrelsome woman.

25- Cold water refreshes just like good news from a far country.

26- If a righteous man falls down before the wicked, it's like a troubled fountain or a corrupt spring.

27- See also verse 16 - it's not good to eat too much honey; much like it is not good for men to seek their own glory.

28- If a person cannot keep his spirit under control, it is like a city all broken down and having no walls. Temperance (or self-control) is one of the fruits of the Spirit. 

Thanks again for stopping by. May God bless you richly today. Lord willing, I'll see you tomorrow......