Author: © Christian National Church of Christ

First spiritual conviction. God does convict our hearts. Whether through sickness, accidents, hardening your heart or wishing something bad to your enemy and you getting exactly what you thought for them, happens to you in stead. After realizing you should of forgiven and let go. Conviction by His Holy Spirit. Like when you see someone on the corner and they are in need and you pray for them. That God will lead someone to help them. If you are close to a person in needs and you have plenty the Holy Spirit prompts you to share. The Holy Spirit will guide you as you take his lead. If you do something wrong the Holy Spirit will convict you into feeling guilty till you ask for forgiveness and repent. When you ask God to give you the right words to speak. The Holy Spirit will whisper in your ear what to speak. God speaks through sickness, sorrow, tears and even compassion, kindness. If God tells you to move do not procrastinate. Don’t be rebellious or use unrighteous stupidity cause you will have yourself only to blame. Nobody can blame others for your actions. You only have yourself to blame.
Do not put off today that can be done tomorrow is a lie! Do today for today and don’t boast about yesterday never comes again or tomorrow cause it never comes. “Boast not yourself of tomorrow, for no one knows not what a day may bring us.” You have the idea right? God has spoken over and over again and one of these days I’m going to give my heart to the Lord, tomorrow.” But in God’s Word it reads: “Don’t boast about tomorrow. “Tomorrow’s a time only found on the fool’s lazy excuse.” It never gets done.
You know, there’s an interesting story in the bible that a video has already been done about Moses leading the children of Israel out of Egypt. Now, Egypt had a king, the Pharaoh, and he was a vile, wicked, lascivious, an arrogant man. And so God, in order to touch Pharaoh and allow God’s people to go, God began to send plagues into the land of Egypt. The Bible says that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart. Earlier, we read in the Bible that Pharaoh hardened his heart against God and would not listen to Him, but now we read that God hardened his heart. This teaches us a VERY important lesson – we must ALWAYS be ready to listen to God! The hardening of a heart is a process – a repeated event. If a person hardens their heart too many times, he may come to a place where they cannot listen anymore. God told Moses to lead the people toward the Red Sea. God told Moses that He was going to make Pharaoh’s heart stubborn so Pharaoh would chase after the Israelites. God would then do something amazing so all the Egyptians would know that He was the one true God (Exodus 14:1-4 ~~~Then the Lord said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites to turn back and encamp near Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea. They are to encamp by the sea, directly opposite Baal Zephon. Pharaoh will think, ‘The Israelites are wandering around the land in confusion, hemmed in by the desert.’ And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will pursue them. But I will gain glory for myself through Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord.” So the Israelites did this.)The Lord told Moses to stop praying and get moving! Prayer must have a vital place in our lives, but there is also a place for action. Sometimes we know what to do, but we pray for more guidance as an excuse to postpone doing it. If we know what we should do, then it is time to get moving. The Bible also teaches that you can so insult God, you can say, “No,” to the Holy Spirit of God so many times, that God’s Holy Spirit of God will cease to work in your heart. Three times in the first chapter of Romans in verses 24 through 28, God speaks of giving up on people; “And God gave them up, and God gave them up, and God gave them over.” The old-time preachers used to call that, “When the lights go out on the road to hell.” The Holy Spirit of God no longer speaks to a man. Genesis chapter 6:3; God said before the flood, “My Spirit will not always strive with man.” Don’t get the idea that Holy Spirit conviction is going to stay in your heart and in your life. You may come to a place of sudden destruction in your spirit as well as in your mind, where the Holy Spirit of God no longer speaks to you and, and, and God no longer draws you. {Exodus 14:21-30Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left. The Egyptians pursued them, and all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots and horsemen followed them into the sea. During the last watch of the night the Lord looked down from the pillar of fire and cloud at the Egyptian army and threw it into confusion. He jammed the wheels of their chariots so that they had difficulty driving. And the Egyptians said, “Let’s get away from the Israelites! The Lord is fighting for them against Egypt.” Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may flow back over the Egyptians and their chariots and horsemen.” Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at daybreak the sea went back to its place. The Egyptians were fleeing toward it, and the Lord swept them into the sea. The water flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen—the entire army of Pharaoh that had followed the Israelites into the sea. Not one of them survived. But the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left. That day the Lord saved Israel from the hands of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians lying dead on the shore.} Food for thought!

Proverbs Chapter 29:1-27
He, that being often reproved hardened his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked bears rule, the people mourn. Whoso loveth wisdom rejoices his father: but he that keeps company with harlots spends his substance. The king by judgment establishes the land: but he that receives gifts overthroweth it. A man that flattered his neighbor spreads a net for his feet. In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice. The righteous considers the cause of the poor: but the wicked regards not to know it. Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath. If a wise man contended with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest. The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul. A fool utters all his mind: but a wise man keeps’ it in till afterwards. If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked. The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lightens both their eyes. The king that faithfully judges the poor, his throne shall be established for ever. The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself brings his mother to shame. When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases: but the righteous shall see their fall. Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul. Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keeps the law, happy is he. A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer. Sees thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him. He that delicately brings up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length. An angry man stirred up strife, and a furious man abounds in transgression. A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honor shall uphold the humble in spirit. Whoso is partner with a thief hates his own soul: he hears cursing, and bewrayeth it not. The fear of man brings a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. Many seek the ruler’s favor; but every man’s judgment cometh from the LORD. An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.

{Lets Pray}
Father God, I thank You and praise You for Your many awesome promises of ‘contrast’. I begin to understand more and more that there is nothing in this life that should cause me to fear. I thank You and praise You that You have promised to be with me in every circumstance of life and have given me an assurance that Your grace is sufficient to counter every fear in my heart and soul. I believe I will be looking to Jesus and trusting in His precious promises. On those occasions when doubts and fear arise within me, that Your Holy Spirit will prompt me to turn my thoughts away from the fear of man and onto trusting in You. For the righteous to be saved and the enemy to turn back and get thou behind thee. I thank You, praise You and give You all the glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.

{Power Verse}
A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honor shall uphold the humble in spirit.

Proverbs 29:23

If a man or woman seeks the Lord, it is a good sign that he/she understands much, and it is a good means of understanding more. Commentary on Proverbs 28:6 (Read Proverbs 28:6) An honest, godly, poor man, is better than a wicked, ungodly, rich man; has more comfort in himself, and is a greater blessing to the world. Righteousness is a powerful concept that is made up of sub-concepts. We are called to seek “his righteousness” (Mt 6:33 ~“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” ) (Gal 5:22-23 ~ But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. ) You could call this courage or bravery, but righteousness breeds boldness. The Bible teaches that all of us were born in a state of sinfulness because of the sin of Adam (Ephesians 2:1 ~ grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.). Until Christ saves us, we are wicked. Our motives are wicked. Our actions are wicked. If we have godly parents, they will train us in the ways of goodness, and they will introduce us to Christ with the great hope that he will become our Savior when we believe in him. It is not that nonbelievers can do nothing good, but even the good they do is sinfully motivated ( Isaiah 64:6 (KJV) ~ But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness’s are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.).
Proverbs Chapter 28:1-28
The wicked flee when no man pursued: but the righteous are bold as a lion. For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged. A poor man that oppresses the poor is like a sweeping rain which leave no food. They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them. Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things. Better is the poor that walks in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich. Whoso keeps the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shames his father. He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor. He that turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination. Whoso causes’ the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession. The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searches him out. When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden. He that covered his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy. Happy is the man that fears always: but he that hardened his heart shall fall into mischief. As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people. The prince that wanted understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hates covetousness shall prolong his days. A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him. Whoso walks uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once. He that tills his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that follows after vain persons shall have poverty enough. A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that makes haste to be rich shall not be innocent. To have respect of persons is not good: for a piece of bread that man will transgress. He that hastes to be rich hath an evil eye, and considered not that poverty shall come upon him. He that rebukes a man afterwards shall find more favor than he that flatters with the tongue. Whoso robbed his father or his mother, and says, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer. He that is of a proud heart stirred up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat. He that trusted in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walks wisely, he shall be delivered. He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hides his eyes shall have many a curse. When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase. The righteous are those who are saved by grace and filled with the Holy Spirit, learning to integrate into every fiber the truth and confidence of living by the ways of God, abiding in Jesus Christ and trusting him in all circumstances.
{Lets Pray}
Father God, I thank You and praise You for Your words of wisdom, warnings, encouragement, and admonition in the Scriptures. I believe that I may take to heart all that You would teach me and have me learn. Thank You and praise You for the University. Keep me from prideful ways, evil people who pursue me and I believe that in Jesus Christ, I may grow in grace, patience, compassion and humility of heart. That my life becomes a reflection of the character of Jesus Christ and I believe I can walk in Your light as I follow You. I believe for those who don’t know You will come to know You if not on their own then through other believers who love and cherish You in Jesus Precious Name Amen.

(Power Verse)
The wicked flee when no man pursued: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

Proverbs 28:1-28

Proverbs Chapter 27 summary: “Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knows not what a day may bring forth.” Fools think they know the future or can affect its outcome, but the future rests with sovereign God. The best Scripture in the entire Bible to cover this (is found in James 4:13-15~Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money. “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the LORD’s will, we will live and do this or that.”). Who wrote Proverbs 27? That Solomon was the author of Proverbs 27 appears clear. Books Written by Solomon. According to Jewish tradition, Solomon wrote the Song in his early years, expressing a young man’s love. He wrote the Proverbs in his mature years, manifesting a middle-aged man s wisdom. A full soul, A man whose appetite, or desire, is fully satisfied; loatheth a honey-comb. The most delicious meats; but to the hungry every bitter thing is sweet. Hunger makes a man relish the most distasteful food, while full stomachs loathe the most delightful. Solomon, who wrote most of the proverbs (though not all) tells us why these were collected and written down. He states the purpose in the first six verses (quoting from The Message version): “These are the wise sayings of Solomon, David’s son, Israel’s king – written down so we’ll know how to live well and right, to understand what life means and where it’s going; a manual for living, for learning what’s right and just and fair; to teach the inexperienced the ropes and give our young people a grasp on reality. There’s something here also for seasoned men and women, still a thing or two for the experienced to learn – fresh wisdom to probe and penetrate, the rhymes and reasons of wise men and women.” Reading through Psalms and Proverbs has been a eye opener. This book consists of a whole series of wisdom sayings. The book of Psalms focused on worship, drawing us closer to the heart of God. We could say the Psalms shows the Christian on his/her knees. Through reading Proverbs, refers this the Christian walking, the Christian on their feet. A practical application of some wise principles that can be used in knowing how to live wisely. To walk God’s path. Like as in the book of James in the NT terms of its practicality. We have made it to Chapter 27 and it is like this: Since there are 31 chapters in Proverbs many people have taken up the habit of reading one chapter each day. If you do this for a few months, you’ll begin to realize how valuable and deep and complex these practical principles are towards everyday living. You will begin to recognize in Your walk where changes need to be made. The key verse is 1:7 because it gives us the source of wisdom – “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge or wisdom (meaning righteousness and holiness). Only fools despise wisdom and discipline.” Being wise begins with fearing the Lord. Knowing and learning this means God wants us to walk in righteousness with Him. Then and only then we have no fear, just love that covers us each day to eternity.
Proverbs Chapter 27:1-27
Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips. A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool’s wrath is heavier than them both. Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy? Open rebuke is better than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet. As a bird that wandered from her nest, so is a man that wandered from his place. Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel. Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother’s house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbor that is near than a brother far off. My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproaches me. A prudent man foresees the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished. Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman. He that blesses his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him. A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike. Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself. Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. Whoso keeps the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waits on his master shall be honored. As in water face answered to face, so the heart of man to man. Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied. As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise. Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him. Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds. For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation? The hay appeared, and the tender grass showed itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered. The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field. And thou shalt have goats’ milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens.
{Let’s Pray}
Father God I thank You and praise You that in Jesus Christ I have a friend that sticks closer than a brother. Let me confide in You in all I say and do, so that I show forth the grace, mercy, forgiveness and love of Jesus Christ to all I come in contact with. Let my life be that sweet-smelling aroma to others and to You, as I abide and walk Your walk in Jesus Christ in His Precious Name Amen.

{Power Verse}
Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. Proverbs 27:17

Proverbs 26:2 “As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.” We see here, that a curse that is spoken without any foundation for the curse will not be harmful upon the one it is spoken. If any harm at all comes, it will be on the person who spoke it. Verses 26:1-12: The fool is described in every verse. Most verses compare aspects of natural order that are violated with the behavior of a fool. The deteriorating nature of foolishness is seen. Here mentioned, is not a good one. The transgressor, unrepentant, is headed for an eternity in hell, and the fool who has turned down salvation is headed there also. The reward of the righteous is eternal life. Hebrew language is obscure on this so they can be many interpretations of what this verse is saying. Since it is impossible to know exactly what it said in the original, it is impossible to know exactly what it means. The translation might be: “Much brings forth from itself all; but the reward and the wages of the fool pass away.”This could mean, reasonably, that although he who possesses much and has great ability may be able to accomplish all he wants, that is not the case when he makes use of the work of fools, who not only do not accomplish anything, but destroy everything.The description progresses from drink to vomit. Proverbs 26:24-26. He that hateth dissembleth with his lips – Hebrew, ינכר, carries himself like another man, that is, pretends love and kindness; and layeth up deceit within him – Means, by counterfeiting kindness, only the more easily and securely to deceive thee. If you pull a dog’s ear, he will bark and maybe bite you. The same thing will happen if you interfere in someone else’s problems. They will turn on you and injure you. Hurt a neighbor is a really not right! After the damage is done, this inexcusable. Gossip is like the wood. It causes widespread damage like infestation of termites. Stop the gossip damage, by stopping gossip period! Evil man wants to keep the quarrel going so he stirs it up. Quarreling goes full blast again. The tongue is the evilest part of the body. It cuts at the spirit of man and destroys his inner most being! Worse than a bleeding wound. This lying tongue filled with deceit. Here we see this going even further to destroy someone. Undeserved flattery causes great problems for the person receiving the flattery. This kind of flattery is ordinarily used to try to con someone. This is just one more way of saying, what you sow you will reap.

Proverbs Chapter 26:1-28
As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honor is not seemly for a fool. As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come. A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool’s back. Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit. He that sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off the feet, and drinks damage. The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools. As he that binds a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honor to a fool. As a thorn goes up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools. The great God that formed all things both rewards the fool, and rewards transgressors. As a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool returns to his folly. See thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him. The slothful man says, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets. As the door turns upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed. The slothful hides his hand in his bosom; it grieves him to bring it again to his mouth. The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason. He that pass’s by, and meddles with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears. As a mad man who casts firebrands, arrows, and death, So is the man that deceives his neighbor, and says, Am not I in sport? Where no wood is, there the fire goes out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceases. As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife. The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross. He that hate dissemble with his lips, and lay up deceit within him; When he speak fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart. Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation. Whoso dig a pit shall fall therein: and he that roll a stone, it will return upon him. A lying tongue hate those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
{Let’s Pray}
Father God, I thank You and praise You for the wisdom, knowledge and guidance that the book of Proverbs teaches. Guide me to take to heart the damage and shattering words that can be caused by careless speech and foolishness. Keep me from participating in any form of maliciously gossips. Assist me to take to heart this simple truth, that without wood, a fire will go out, and without a gossip, conflict will halt. Purify my mind, heart and my speech, and may the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to You in Jesus Precious Name Amen.
{Power Verse}
The great God that formed all things both reward the fool, and reward transgressors. Proverbs 26:10

The idea is that the Philippians “partnered” with Paul in his spreading of the gospel through their friendship and financial support, and they did so from the first day until now. They didn’t wait to see if Paul was a “winner” before they supported him. Paul focuses on the expansion of the gospel. The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family.
Philippians Chapter 1:12-20
But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
{Let’s Pray}
Heavenly Father God, I thank You and praise You for the work that You have called me to do in this corner of Your vineyard and to teach as I go to those who have no knowledge of You. Others may learn of You and preach Your way to flourish the beauty of Your Word. May I rejoice to see the message of Salvation being spread to lost souls and not be downcast by those whose motive may be rooted in envy or bitterness. I believe that I may be flooded with Your joy that the gospel is being proclaimed and encouraged to others to rejoice in the Lord Jesus always.. at the wonderful way that so many are hearing the good news of the gospel of Salvation. I thank You, praise You and give You all the glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.

“What then? Notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretense, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.”
Philippians 1:18

Proverbs 25 is a collection of assorted sayings, and it is introduced as “the proverbs of Solomon, which the men of King Hezekiah of Judah copied.” Many of the chapter’s sayings use striking metaphors and similes, v. 14: “Like clouds, wind — but no rain — Is one who boasts of gifts not given.” The glory of God rest within the fact that man cannot know those things that God does not care for them to know.

( Deuteronomy 29:29~The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law. ). What did Jesus write in the dirt at John 8:6? “This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not . {Those without sin cast the first stone!” What did the seven thunders utter that John was commanded not to write at Revelation 10:4? And when the seven thunders spoke, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from heaven say, “Seal up what the seven thunders have said and do not write it down.” I don’t know why it is that so many times, though we know the right thing to say, it’s hard to say it. What kind of a perversity is that when I know to say the right thing and yet I have difficulty saying it? Now even with my own husband, I oftentimes have difficulty in saying to him what I know I should say. And I don’t know why I have this difficulty. It’s some kind of a block of the inability to say the right thing at the right time. There are so many times when we could change the whole atmosphere if we would just say the right thing. You know my husband being 76 and retired, he laughs a lot more now. So sometimes I say the wrong thing and he will laugh. Then I will say did you hear what I said. He says no, what did you say. I say nothing honey and laugh. He is not my enemy. Sad sometimes I can be my own enemy. I have to step back and pray to be better. I fear heaping coals when that happens. Amen! I am certain that the heaping of the coals of fire is not a bad thing. There’s probably something that has to do with their customs back then, that would give you a better understanding of what it means to heap coals of fire upon their head. But it doesn’t mean to really crown them with hell, you know. Some have suggested that it will cause them to burn with shame and guilt. In other words, if your enemy is hungry and you feed him, if he is thirsty and you give him a drink, you cause him to burn with shame. The Lord will reward you. My motive for doing it shouldn’t be that I really heap coals of fire upon his head, you see. My motive in doing it should be really kind and generous. A man that has no rule over his own spirit. A man who is always losing his temper. A froward man. He’s like a defenseless city, a city that is broken down, without walls. By his tongue he is as cruel and pernicious to his neighbor as any instrument of death: he destroys him, not only when he is near, as with a sword, but when he is afar off, as with a sharp arrow shot at him. Oh God, help us to rule over our own spirits and hearts You have given us to take care of eternally. “
Proverbs Chapter 25:1-28
These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out. It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings is to search out a matter. The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable. Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer. Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness. Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men: For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen. Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbor hath put thee to shame. Debate thy cause with thy neighbor himself; and discover not a secret to another: Lest he that hears it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away. A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear. As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresh’s the soul of his masters. Whoso boasts himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain. By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue break the bone. Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it. Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbor’s house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee. A man that bears false witness against his neighbor is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow. Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint. As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitrate, so is he that sings songs to an heavy heart. If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee. The north wind drives away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue. It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house. As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring. It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory. He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.
{Lets Pray}
Father God, I thank You and praise You for Your Word and Proverbs to give me the right walk You have for me. I thank You and praise You for the simple truth of salvation and the things in Your Word that are quickly perceptible on the surface of Scripture. I thank You and praise You that You have ordained that those that seek out the deep things of God through steady and orderly study of the Word of God, a heart that is truly teachable and a spirit that is closely submitted to the leading of the Holy Spirit of God, will discover many hidden truths and secret treasures within Your Word. I believe I can be a diligent student and search out those secret things, which are hidden from our view and keep them close to my heart to walk forever in Your path in Jesus Precious Name Amen.

{Power Verse}
A man that bears false witness against his neighbor is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow. Proverbs 25:18

Do not speak like them, for their lips talk of their mischief. All they say has an ill tendency, to dishonor God, reproach religion, or wrong their neighbor; but it will be mischief to themselves at last. It is therefore thy wisdom to have nothing to do with them. Nor hast thou any reason to look upon them with envy, but with pity rather, or a just indignation at their wicked practices. “We see that we are not to want the way or the rewards of the evil man. We discussed before that fellowship with evil brings us guilt of their sin by association. Their ways are wicked ways. Their desires are to destroy someone else and build themselves up by the hurt of others. They speak slanders and lies. Stay away from them before you learn their evil ways. A family or home is built upon faith in God. A family with God as its center is established and is not easy shaken. Pleasant and precious riches and are not necessarily money, but are the wealth of love, happiness, joy, and peace. Wisdom from God helps us in all circumstances. Wisdom, (advice from God) would be especially useful in war. When the Israelites fought their wars, they won when the Lord led them in battle; but when they fought the battles in their own strength without his help, they failed and lost many lives. God must guide us in everything or we, too, will fail. Wisdom and wise counsel are associated with strength. A fool is so busy being foolish that he does not even pray and seek wisdom. The wise could even counsel the fool, and the fool would not realize that it was good counsel. The wise follow after God and his teaching, and the fool goes the way of the flesh. Wisdom is a gift from God. Wisdom and Godliness go hand in hand. Plotting to destroy the dwelling place of the righteous and plotting this for evil gain. God warns against this type of endeavor. A man’s home is his castle. A man fights harder to protect his home than anything else he has besides his God and his family. To attack a man at home is a dangerous thing to try. The “seven times” simply means “often” or “many”. The plots of the wicked against the righteous though partially and temporarily successful shall not be ultimately successful; while the wicked will fall under God’s eternal judgment and find no help or deliverance. We are told also, to feed our enemies when they are hungry. We are not to get even when someone does us wrong. Vengeance is mine says the Lord.

Proverbs Chapter 24:1-34
Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them. For their heart studies’ destruction, and their lips talk of mischief. Through wisdom is an house built; and by understanding it is established: And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches. A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increases strength. For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety. Wisdom is too high for a fool: he opened not his mouth in the gate. He that devises to do evil shall be called a mischievous person. The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men. If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small. If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; If thou says, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondered the heart consider it? and he that keeps thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works? My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste: So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off. Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place: For a just man falls seven times, and rises up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. Rejoice not when thine enemy falls, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbles: Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him. Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked; For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out. My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change: For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knows the ruin of them both? These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment. He that says unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him: But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them. Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer. Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house. Be not a witness against thy neighbor without cause; and deceive not with thy lips. Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work. I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction. Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travels; and thy want as an armed man.
{Let’s Pray}
Father God, I thank You and praise You for the many words of wisdom that are contained in the book of Proverbs. I believing to put in to practice everything new that I have learned, that I may accept Your Word with all readiness and store it up in my heart. I thank You and praise You that You guide and provide the willingness to keep away from evil and evil people. I thank You and praise You for all Your warnings and Precepts that will keep us safe if we stay on Your path. I thank You and praise You that I can pray for evil people so that You can work in their lives through others encouragement. Watch as they change by repenting, and I may not see but You know everything. If their is any evil in me that You will purify me and let me see and change my heart also. I thank You, praise You and give You all the glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.

{Power Verse}
Through wisdom is an house built; and by understanding it is established: Proverbs 24:3

Proverbs 23:23. Buy the truth, and sell it not, Evangelical truth, the word of truth, the Gospel of salvation, which comes from the God of truth; has Christ, who is the truth, for the stem and substance of it; men are directed and led into it by the Spirit of truth; the whole matter of it is truth, Truth, in opposition to the law, that was typical and shadowy; to the errors of false teachers . Wise children bring joy to their parents. The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, And he who begets a wise child will delight . This chapter continues the listing of 30 Sayings on the troubles of excessive drinking. Also wisdom and instruction and understanding: Proverbs often uses these terms to mean the same thing. Truth, instruction, and understanding in this context are all ways of describing wisdom.
Yet there is hope in Jesus for the drunkard and drug addict. “Is anything too hard for the Lord? May his name be praised for a full deliverance from the enslavement to sin—to all sins and to every individual sin—and even from the chains of this giant sin. The drunkard becomes sober, the unclean holy, the glutton temperate. The love of Christ overpowers the love of sin.” Too many people use religion to condemn, but they forget that God is a path to forgiveness and absolution from our sins. Jesus and drug addiction do not need to be at odds with one another. Although you may be feeling down and out, now is the time to rely on your faith. Jesus and Drug Addiction, there are many kinds of addictions that is a sin, not just drugs: Jesus frees you from being bonded by shackles and self dying, to freedom or eternity. What Would Jesus Say? Jesus is our savior and a powerful symbol of Christianity. He died for our sins and is a guiding light to the way we should live our lives. Amen!

Proverbs Chapter 23:1-35
When thou sits to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee: And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite. Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat. Labor not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats: For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, says he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words. Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words. Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless: For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee. Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge. Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beats him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell. My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine. Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things. Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long. For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off. Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way. Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags. Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old. Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding. The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him. Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice. My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways. For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit. She also lies in wait as for a prey, and increases the transgressors among men. Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his color in the cup, when it moves itself aright. At the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like an adder. Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. Yea, thou shalt be as he that lies down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lies upon the top of a mast. They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.
{Let’s Pray}
Father God, I thank You and praise You for the words of wisdom in this book of Proverbs ch. 23 and for the warning to be cautious of hypocritical people who put on a show or generosity, but are wolves in sheep’s clothing. Give me wisdom and discernment as I travel through life, so that I am prevented from falling into a trap, knowing that as a man thinks, so is he. Purify my thoughts and feelings I am believing. Let the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart and mind reflect the grace, forgiveness, mercy and truth of Christ Jesus, in His Precious Name Amen.

{Power Verse}
Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.

Proverbs 23:12

Chapter 22 That Old “There’s a Lion Outside” Excuse Proverbs re-hashes some more choice topics: a good name is better than riches, God creates both the rich and the poor, humility is pretty great, and you should discipline your kids. Solomon continues to show us the virtues and vices of the good and the evil and the accompanying results of each behavior. Interspersed within these proverbs are an occasional contrast with the righteous and their behavior. This is a synthetic proverb in which the 2nd verse adds to the information of the first line. This maxim tells us that the decisions of the king are in God’s hands and he guides them in the directions that please Himself. This antithetic proverb (but) moves from the sovereignty of God in v.1 to the Omniscience of God. We may think we are right in our ways and actions, but God sees what’s really going on inside our hidden parts. God is more concerned about what is righteous and just then He is about our sacrifices and offerings. Recall Jesus’ “in your face” rebuke of the Pharisees. They gave great attention to the formalities of a ritual but lacked righteousness {Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. Matthew 23:27} and justice. In one instance, He referred to them as “white-washed tombs.” As a figure of speech: “a fleeting vapor,” an excellent choice of words to describe the flaw of a fortune made by fraudulent means. Another figure of speech: “the deadly snare” is a picture that the hunting culture of this time knew quite well. Must remember the froward man meant: difficult to deal with; bull~headed; get the picture. All behavior is revealed from the heart.Using the talents God has given you to give back to the poor, powerless, the weaker vessel. All persons are mportant to God. A good reputation is more important than wealth. Riches such as gold and silver are not permanent. They are nice to have, but are not nearly as valuable as more permanent things.
Proverbs Chapter 22:1-29
GOOD name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold. The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all. A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished. By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honor, and life. Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them. Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail. He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor. Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease. He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend. The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor. The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets. The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein. Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want. Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee? Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate: For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them. Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul. Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts. If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee? Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set. Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.
{Lets Pray}
Father God, what a wealth of honesty there is in the book of Proverbs. I thank You and praise You for reminding me that You desire purity of heart and graciousness of speech in Your children. I believe the words of my mouth, the meditation of my heart, the actions I give, and the motives behind all I do, be pleasing in Your sight. I am believing that You will continue to purify my heart, with the burning coal of Your purifying fire so that after I have been tried, I may come forth as gold. I believe for all my words may be seasoned with salt and spoken in love for all I come in contact with so I can be Your light in Jesus Precious Name Amen.

{Power Verse}
“He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.”
Proverbs 22:11

“The king’s heart in the hand of the LORD, the rivers of water: he turned it whithersoever he will.” The Lord is the one, in the final analysis, who will be King. The Lord sovereignly controls political powers. Don’t hang with bad influences. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. As it was in Proverbs Chapter 20. Confessing our sins can feel like self inflicting our selves on the inside with guilt and shame. Even if we do the same sin over and over again. Means we are making bad choices and need to tell ourselves to “STOP” and do what is right to heal mind, body and soul. Then ands only then can we live in God’s freedom that He has for us. Our heart and minds know right from wrong and it is wrong to sway to the left or right, instead of staying on the path God had for us. Turn from evil and live. Our mind is powerful and can turn from wrong to right if we choose. God only chooses for us to live right. He who follows righteousness and mercy. Finds life, righteousness and honor. a. He who follows righteousness and mercy: Each life is on a path, and here the path is righteousness and mercy. This is the path of wisdom, God’s path for those who will listen and surrender to Him.
Proverbs Chapter 21:1-31
The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turned it whithersoever he will. Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondered the hearts. To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin. The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want. The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death. The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment. The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right. It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house. The soul of the wicked desires evil: his neighbor fended no favor in his eyes. When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he received knowledge. The righteous man wisely considered the house of the wicked: but God overthrows the wicked for their wickedness. Whoso stopped his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard. A gift in secret pacified anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath. It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. The man that wanders out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead. He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich. The wicked shall b e a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright. It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman. There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spends it up. He that follows after righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness, and honor. A wise man scales the city of the mighty, and casts down the strength of the confidence thereof. Whoso keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles. Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who deals in proud wrath. The desire of the slothful kills him; for his hands refuse to labor. He covets greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spares not. The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he brings it with a wicked mind? A false witness shall perish: but the man that hears, speaks constantly. A wicked man hardened his face: but as for the upright, he directed his way. There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD. The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.
{Let’s Pray}
Father God, put a guard of my mouth from speaking any evil or being offended by what others say. Let my mouth be full of kindness. compassion or just don’t speak till You prompt me. I do want to please You – but I recognize that simply trusting Your word, applying it in my life and looking to Jesus is of far greater worth than anything I myself can offer You. Keep me low at the cross. Also directly strictly on Your path. I thank You and praise You in Jesus Precious Name Amen.