Monday's Moment

Proverbs 24:3-4

3 Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:

4 And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

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

A great Sunday is behind us, and as we look forward to a blessed week, we'll continue Perusing the Proverbs together! Along the lines I've followed most days, here are my thoughts on a verse-by-verse basis:

1-2 - Don't envy evil men nor desire to be with them because their heart studies destruction; their lips talk of mischief. They plan violence.

3-4 - For some time now, I've thought about my soul as a house. These two verses follow that thinking. Through wisdom a house is built, and it is established by understanding. Because of knowledge, the chambers of my heart-house will be filled with all kinds of precious and pleasant riches. This is the house that the Lord builds!!!

5- A wise man is strong; yea, the strength of a man of knowledge only increases.

6- Wise counsel is a must if you want to wage war. Where there are many counsellors, there is safety (or victory).

7- Wisdom is too high for a fool; he does not open his mouth in the gate.

8- Those who scheme up evil shall be called mischievous.

9- The thought of foolishness is sin: and one who scorns is detested of men.

10- If one faints in the day of trouble or hardship, his strength is small.

11-12 - If you withhold deliverance from those who are about to die or be slain; if you say "I knew nothing about it"; remember the One who ponders the heart, and consider Him that keeps the soul - He knows!! Will He not render to every man according to his works?

13-14 - My son, eat honey because it is good. Eat the honeycomb because it is sweet to the taste. Knowledge of wisdom will be sweet to your soul. There will be a reward when you find it. Your expectation will not be cut off.

15- O wicked man, don't lay wait against the dwelling of the righteous. Don't mess up his resting place.

16- A just man may fall seven times but he will get up each time. But, the wicked will fall into mischief.

17-18 -  Don't rejoice when your enemy falls. Do not let your heart rejoice when he stumbles. In I Corinthians 13, we read that charity "Rejoiceth not in iniquity..." The Lord will see how we react when our enemy falls. He just might stop being angry with him if we rejoice in their trouble.

19-20 -  Don't worry about the evil that wicked men are doing. Don't be envious of them. There will be no reward for them in the end. The candle of the wicked will be put out.

21-22 - Fear the Lord and the king. Don't get caught up with those who don't fear the Lord. Their calamity will rise suddenly. Who knows how bad the ruin will be for them?

23-25 - These things belong to the wise: it is not good to show respect of persons in judgment. The man who says to the wicked, "You are righteous," will be cursed by the people and abhorred by the nation. But, to the man that rebukes the wicked, he'll be a delight and a good blessing will come on him.

26 - Every man will "kiss his lips" when he gives a right answer.

27- Prepare your field first, then build your house.

28- Don't be a witness against your neighbor without a cause; don't speak deceit. Don't say, "I will do to him what he did to me, and I will repay him for his work." In other words, remember the Golden Rule - "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

29-34 - Solomon took a walk and on his walk he noticed the field of the slothful (or lazy); the vineyard of the man without understanding. He found it overgrown with thorns. Nettles covered it; and the stone wall (the protection) was broken down. Then he thought about what he had seen and considered it well. He found instruction by looking at the field of the lazy one - a little sleep; just a little folding of the hands to sleep - then poverty will come like a thief and your shortage will come as an armed man. 

Thanks for stopping by and allowing me to write a little each day about the chapters of Proverbs. Lord willing, stop by tomorrow, and we'll peruse another chapter!!!

Sunday's Specialty

Proverbs 23:12

Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.

Good morning, one and all - It's Sunday!!!

We've reached Day 24, Chapter 24 in our Perusing the Proverbs during August. As before, here are my thoughts on this chapter, verse by verse:

1-3 - When you sit down to eat with a ruler, notice what is before you. Hold a knife to your throat rather than give in to gluttony. Don't desire his delicacies because they are deceitful.

4-5 - Don't work to be rich; stop leaning on your own wisdom. Don't set your eyes on riches because they can fly away much like an eagle. 

6-8 Don't eat the meat of an evil person nor desire his dainty meats. For as that man thinks, so is he. He may say, "Eat and drink," but his heart is not with you.

9- Don't speak wisdom to a fool as he will ignore your words.

10-11 - Don't remove the ancient landmarks. Don't bother the fields of the fatherless. Their Redeemer is mighty and He will plead their cause with thee.

12- Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to knowledge.

13-14 - Withhold not correction from a child. Strong discipline will help him and deliver his soul from hell.

15-16 - If the son's heart is wise, it makes the father's heart glad. The deepest part of a father rejoices when the son speaks right words.

17-18 - Don't envy sinners but fear the Lord all day long. There will be a reckoning day, and your expectations will not be cut off.

19 - Hear and be wise, guide your heart in the right way.

20-21 -  Don't company with those who love wine nor those who love to devour people. The drunkard and the glutton will end up in poverty; drowsiness will clothe you with rags.

22- Pay attention to your father, and don't forget your mother when she is old.

23- Buy the truth and sell it not; also get wisdom, instruction, and understanding.

24 - The father of a righteous child will greatly rejoice. The wise child will make his father glad.

25-  Thy father and mother shall be glad, especially the mother who bore you.

26-  My son, give me your heart and let your eyes observe my ways. (Can't you hear the Lord saying this to us?)

27-28 -  Immoral women are a deep ditch and/or a narrow pit. They lie in wait to catch more people, causing them to sin.

29-35 - Who has woe, sorrow, contention, babbling, wounds, and redness of eyes? Those who drink much wine. Don't look on wine while it is in the cup. After drinking, it will bite like a serpent and sting like an adder. It will make you desire evil, and cause you to say crazy things. You'll feel like you're riding on a rough sea. You'll say that someone hit you but you didn't get hurt, or you were beaten and you didn't feel anything. But, when you awaken, you will seek more to drink.  


Have a blessedly special Sunday. Enjoy the presence of the Lord in His sanctuary today. Lord willing, I'll see you again tomorrow!!

Saturday's Snippet

Proverbs 22:4

By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life.

Good morning, everybody!

I appreciate your company as we continue Perusing the Proverbs, on this Day 22, Chapter 22 of this book of the Bible. As before, here are my thoughts for each verse:

1- Choose rather to have a good name than great riches. Choose loving favor rather than silver and gold.

2- The Lord is the maker of both the rich and the poor.

3- A discerning man looks ahead and, when he sees evil, he hides. The simple, or foolish one, goes right on into the evil and receives punishment.

4- Be humble and fear the Lord, and receive the blessings of riches, honor, and life.

5- Thorns and snares are the reward of the froward but the one who keeps his soul shall be far from them.

6- A very familiar verse - "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." 

7- The rich rule the poor. The borrower is servant to the lender.

8- If the seeds sown are iniquity, the harvest will be vanity. The rod of the wicked man's anger shall fail.

9- If we have a bountiful eye, or we are givers, we will be blessed. We are givers to the poor.

10- Put the scorner away, and out goes contention with him. Strife and reproach will cease, too.

11- To those who love pureness of heart, the king will be their friend. (The King of kings will be our friend!!)

12- The eyes of the Lord preserve, or keep, knowledge. He overthrows the words of the transgressor.

13- The lazy man is always making excuses. This time he sees a lion in the streets and is afraid of being killed.

14- Strange women have a deep pit for a mouth. One who the Lord despises falls in it.

15- Children can be foolish; that's why they need correction.

16- Those who do wrong to the poor to get more for themselves, and those who give to the rich, will both find themselves in need.

17 & 18- Bow down thine ear and hear the words of the wise; then apply thine heart to the Lord's knowledge. It is a pleasant thing to keep these virtues within you; they are very fitting to thy lips.

19 - 21- He continues by saying that if we hear the words of the wise and then apply them to our hearts, then we will trust in the Lord. This is why these words were written; excellent things in counsels and knowledge. The purpose for these words that were written - so we would know truth, and have answers of truth to those who ask of us.

22 & 23- Don't rob the poor just because he's poor. Don't oppress those who are already afflicted in the gate, because the Lord is going to plead their cause. The Lord will spoil the soul of those who hurt them.

24 & 25- Don't be friends with an angry man, and don't go around the furious man, because you might learn their ways and set a trap for your soul.

26 & 27- Don't strike hands or put up security for debts. If you have nothing to pay, why should they take away the very bed you're sleeping on?

28 - Don't remove the ancient landmarks which your fathers have set. Spiritually speaking, don't remove the boundaries set out by our elders.

29- If you see a hard-working man, remember that he's going to stand before kings and not mean men.

May your Saturday be sweet. God bless you today and, Lord willing, I'll see you tomorrow.....

Friday's Footnote

Proverbs 21:21

He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.

Good morning! Fabulous Friday is here, family and friends!!

We are here for Day 21, Chapter 21 of Perusing the Proverbs, thankful for God's Word and the instruction contained therein. Here are my thoughts about each verse in this chapter:

1- The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord like rivers of water, God turns it the way He wants it to go.

2- Proverbs 16:2 is similar to this verse. Every way of man is right in his own eyes but God looks at the heart.

3- It is better to be just and execute righteous judgment than to sacrifice to the Lord.

4- An arrogant look, a proud heart, and the word of the wicked -  they're all sin.

5- A diligent man (hard-working) leans toward having plenty, but the hasty one accomplishes more want. Reminds me of the old saying - "Haste makes waste."

6- To get treasures by falsehood leads to death.

7- The evil ways of the wicked will destroy them because they refuse to do justly.

8- The way of the carnal man is unyielding and weird, but the work of the pure is right.

9- It is better to live up on the housetop in a corner than to be in a large house with a quarrelsome woman.

10- The soul of the wicked desires evil. His neighbor finds no favor in him.

11- If a scorner is punished, the simple will be made wise. When the wise are given instruction, they receive knowledge.

12- The righteous man looks with wisdom on the house of the wicked but God overthrows them because of their wickedness.

13- If we cover our ears so we cannot hear the cry of the poor, one day when we cry, no one will hear us.

14- A gift in secret will appease the angry one; a bribe given in secret will appease strong wrath.

15- The just enjoy righteous judgment, but destruction is coming to the workers of iniquity.

16- If a man wanders away from the way of understanding, he'll wind up in the congregation of the dead.

17- The ones who love pleasure will be made poor. The lovers of wine and oil will never become rich.

18- The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous; the transgressor will be a ransom for the upright.

19- It is better to live in the wilderness among wild animals than with a contentious and angry woman. (Solomon had a lot of experience with the moods of women!!)

20- I like this verse because it can be natural or spiritual in meaning. The wise will have treasure and oil in their house, but the foolish waste their treasures. Spiritually speaking, the wise have the oil (the Holy Ghost) as a treasure in their earthen vessels.

21- The one who follows after righteousness and mercy will not only get those two virtues but will also find life, righteousness and honor.

22- A wise man will scale the city of the mighty, and bring down the confidence of the mighty.

23- Those who keep a guard on their tongues and mouths will spare themselves a lot of trouble.

24- The one who deals in proud wrath will be called Proud and Haughty Scorner.

25- The desire of the lazy one kills him because his hands refuse to work.

26- The lazy one covets all day long; the righteous give and give and give some more.

27- A wicked sacrifice makes God sick; how much more when it is presented with an evil mind?

28- A false witness will die but the one who hears continually speaks.

29- A wicked man's face is hard, but the upright will direct his way.

30- There is no wisdom, understanding, nor counsel that can come against the Lord.

31- Horses are prepared for battle, but the Lord brings safety.

Thanks for stopping by. Hope you're enjoying our theme during August. Have a Fabulous Friday with the Faithful Father!

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

Thursday's Thought

Proverbs 20:27

The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, searching all the inward parts of the belly.

Good morning, one and all!

Thanks again for stopping by and Perusing the Proverbs with me on this Day 20, Chapter 20. As usual, here's my thoughts on a verse-by-verse format:

1- Wine mocks, and strong drink is raging. To be deceived by these is not wise.

2- The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion, those who provoke him to anger sin against their own souls.

3- It is an honor to a man to stop strife. Every fool will keep on stirring it up.

4- The lazy man won't plow when it's cold, but when the harvest comes, he'll be begging because he has nothing.

5- A man contains counsel deep within his heart, but a man of understanding will draw out that counsel.

6- Many talk of their own goodness, but where can we find a faithful man?

7- The just, or righteous, man walks in his integrity, and his children are blessed after him.

8- A king that sits on the throne of judgment will scatter evil with his eyes.

9- Questions to ponder - "Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?" We cannot make ourselves clean nor be pure from sin without the blood of Jesus! His blood washes away all sin.

10- Different weights and different measures - God looks at them both the same way - He despises them.

11- Another verse I learned as a child - "Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right."

12- The Lord has made both the hearing ear and the seeing eye. Thank Him for these two blessings every day!

13- Don't love sleep because it will bring you to poverty. Open your eyes, get to work, and you'll be satisfied with bread.

14- The buyer acts as if the purchase is nothing, then boasts about it as he walks off.

15- There is gold and many rubies but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.

16- Take a man's garment when he is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge when he is surety for a foreigner.

17- Bread of deceit might first be sweet but later the mouth will be filled with gravel.

18- Establish every purpose by counsel, especially before making war.

19- The talebearer, or gossiper, reveals secrets. Don't meddle with such a person.

20- The child who curses his father and mother will find himself without a light and in obscure darkness.

21- One might obtain his inheritance quickly but the end might not be so good.

22- Don't seek revenge; leave that to the Lord, and He will save us.

23- This verse goes along with verse 10 - Different weights and a false balance are two things God detests.

24- The Lord directs are steps, but how can we understand it?

25- It is a trap when a man devours the holy, then thinks about the vows he's made after the fact.

26- A wise king scatters the wicked ones, then brings a wheel over them. 

27- The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord. God searches all our deepest thoughts.

28- Mercy and truth preserve the king; his throne rests upon mercy.

29- Young men glory in their strength. Old men glory in their grey heads.

30- A wound turns blue as a cleansing act. Stripes, or chastisement, may hurt but will later bring healing.

I hope you've found a hidden treasure in today's reading. May your Thursday be a day of truth and trust in the Lord!

Until we meet again tomorrow, Lord willing, go with God and He will surely go with you!

Wednesday's Whisper

Proverbs 19:23

The fear of the Lord tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.

Good morning, 'tis Wonderful Wednesday once again!

Thank you for Perusing the Proverbs with me, and today finds us on Day 19 with Chapter 19 as our reading. Here's my verse-by-verse thoughts for today:

1- It's better to be poor and upright rather than to be a fool who has perverse lips.

2- It is not good for the soul to be without knowledge, nor is it a good thing to rush into matters.

3- Foolishness will cause a man to pervert (distort or corrupt) his way, which will cause him to be against the Lord.

4- People who have money tend to have many friends but the poor has few.

5- A false witness will be punished, and a liar will not escape. (verse 9 reads the same as verse 5).

6- Many will desire the favor of the prince, and every man loves the one who gives gifts.

7- The poor man's family despises him, and how much more do his friends distance themselves from him? He tries to reason with them to no avail.

8- This verse is self-explanatory. If we get wisdom, we love our soul. If we keep understanding, we will find good.

9- See verse 5

10- It is not fitting for a fool to have good things nor for a servant to rule over princes.

11- Discretion (or carefulness) will cause a man to withhold his anger. It is a glory to a man to look over a transgression (love covers sin).

12- This verse contains two word pictures - If a king is angry, it is like a roaring lion. If he favors you, it is as dew upon grass.

13- A foolish son is a disaster to his father. A contentious wife is like the dripping of a leaking roof.

14- House and riches are inherited from fathers, but a prudent or discerning wife is from the Lord.

15- Laziness causes one to sleep, and someone who is idle will go hungry.

16- Keep the commandments and keep our souls. Despise the right, and we will die.

17- Those who have pity on the poor lend to the Lord. Whatever we give, the Lord will repay.

18- Discipline thy son while there is hope; don't hold back because he cries.

19- A very angry man will suffer punishment. If you rescue him, he'll do it again.

20- Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

21- Many devices are in a man's heart; the Lord's counsel will stand.

22- The desire of a man is his kindness, or love. Better to be poor than a liar.

23- The fear of the Lord tendeth to life. If we fear the Lord, we will abide satisfied; these people will not be visited with evil.

24- A lazy person will hide his hand, and won't even bring it to his mouth again.

25- Smite a scorner, and the simple will take note. Reprove a person with understanding and he will understand knowledge.

26- Don't abuse your father or chase away your mother - it causes shame and reproach.

27- Don't listen to instruction that leads away from the words of knowledge.

28- The ungodly witness hates judgment. The wicked devour iniquity.

29- Judgment is prepared for a scorner; and beatings for the backs of fools.

The book of Proverbs has a wealth of instruction for all, if we will only apply it to our lives. May THE WONDERFUL fill your Wednesday with wonder!!!

Until tomorrow, Lord willing.............