The words of Agur the son of Jakeh: Proverbs 30 is a collection of wisdom from a man known only to this chapter of the Bible. When the men of Hezekiah gathered additional material for Proverbs ( Proverbs 25:1 ), they added these words of Agur. We have no other mention of Agur the son of Jakeh.
{Power Verse} Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Proverbs 30:5
{Proverbs Chapter 30:1-33 The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spoke unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal, Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man. I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy. Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son’s name, if thou canst tell? Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die: Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain. Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty. There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother. There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness. There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up. There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men. The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough: The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough. The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it. There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not: The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid. Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness. For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear: For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat; For an odious woman when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress. There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise: The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer; The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks; The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands; The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings’ palaces. There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in going: A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any; A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up. If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth. Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife. {Lets Pray} Father God, I know many of times I have turned to the left and the right instead of walking on the path You have directed for me. I know I have sinned and fallen short of Your glory. I thank You for the words of wisdom of the words of Agur the son of Jakeh in Proverbs chapter 30. Help me to keep walking in Your ways, so my feet don’t slip and my tongue don’t condemn. Keep giving me the words to speak and the wisdom to stay on the road to eternity for when I meet face to face with Jesus. If Jesus may come back in less than a second and take me home to be with Him. I love You, thank You, praise you and give You all the glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.
While the Holy Spirit gave different gifts to the members of the first century church Jesus was also involved in this process. Paul describes how and why God gives spiritual gifts to Christians. For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ . The human body consists of many different components but it is one unit. There are many hidden internal organs and a multiplicity of visible external members. 1 Corinthians 12 v.5. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. v,12. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. v.22. “Nay – in truth”, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more “feeble – lacking physical strength, especially as a result of age or illness.”, are necessary: v.13. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. v.27. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. v.28. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. v.29. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? v.30. Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? v.31. But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way. The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes. Proverbs 29:13
{Lets Pray} Father God, Wow! It is so amazing how everything works together for Your good as we walk with You and not against. I thank You and praise You that I am part of Your body and for the precious gifts You have graciously planted in me and on each one of Your children. I believe that I will use the gifts You have given me to encourage and guide the body of Christ as the body of Christ guide me through You and the Holy Spirit. All to Your praise, honor and glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.
{Power Verse}
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Small, hard pressed, perhaps excluded or harassed, the Philippians are told simply to hold fast their hope in Christ, without being intimidated by those who oppose them, and implicitly without reacting in fear or hatred. Thirdly, the Philippians’ refusal to be intimidated by their opponents is a sign of both destruction and salvation. Paul explains that there are two things granted by God for a believer. The first is to believe in Him and the other is to suffer, “For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me” (1:29-30) Jesus say’s count the cost. Like in the book of Luke 14:25-33: Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters-yes, even their own life-such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’ “Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples. “Paul’s words: For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain;
Philippians Chapter 1:21-30
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me. Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved-and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have. {Lets Pray} Father God, I thank You and praise You for this air I breathe and this life You have given me. It is a sensible thought to know that those who reject the gospel of Jesus Christ, bring judgement down on their own heads, and those that deliberately oppose Your purpose and plan, are under Your eternal condemnation since they have not trusted in the One Person, Who alone has power over death, and the giver of eternal life. Use me as a witness that points others to Jesus, and I believe that I may decrease so that Jesus may increase, until it is not I that live, but Christ that lives in me. This I ask in Jesus Precious Name Amen, {Power Verse}
Without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved~and that by God. Philippians 1:28 (NIV)
Romans 8 begins with no condemnation; it ends with no separation, and in between there is no defeat. The Spirit creates and sustains hope in the midst of trials, In Romans 8:24-25 Paul expands on the situation of the believer. The Spirit assures us of our belonging in the family of God, as regenerate sons. The Spirit testifies to us of our heirship, He declares that “in hope we were saved.” This is the only time Paul speaks in his letters of being saved as a past event. But it is possible for him to do so, for God’s saving action in Christ has taken place already. God’s Spirit helps us in the season of waiting by taking our unformed prayers to God. We trust that God uses every circumstance in our lives for His purposes and that He has chosen us long ago to be His children. Romans 8 begins and ends with declarations of the Christian’s absolute security before God. If you find prayer to be difficult. Along with creation, the child of God groans this evening. Primarily, Paul is speaking of our desire to be free from these mortal, sinful bodies. He mentions the “first fruits of the Spirit.” This refers to the indwelling ministry of the Spirit of God in the believer’s life. When we got saved, the Spirit of God moved into our spirit, then Romans 8:26-27 should encourage you. Who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit: God gave us His powerful mind. The mind can heal the body, but the body can not heal the mind. If we focus on how powerful our God is. We can Thank Him in everything and pray in everything. When He says stay! Stay! When He says spring into action! Spring into action in a volunteer and giving way as Jesus would do. “1 Cor. 12:13 ~“For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body–whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free–and we were all given one Spirit to drink. “When He came, He worked in us in such a way that we began the process of seeing sin like God sees sin. In simple terms, the Spirit of God “sensitized” us to sin. We became sensitive to sin around us and in us. As a result, we are afflicted by the sins we commit and that we see others commit. If sin doesn’t bother you, you have a serious spiritual problem! If you can witness sin and it does not affect you, something is amiss in your heart! All of this serves to produce within the believer a sense of longing. We want to be delivered from the sinful, mortal bodies. Regardless of what anyone tells you, your flesh did not get saved! It is a depraved and as wicked as it has ever been. When the Bible uses the word “hope” it means “an assurance based on a conviction.” Instead of hope being a fond wish or desire. So, it is only through the ministry of the Spirit of God working in us to help us that we are even able to do anything that could be called good. We are weak and we are sinners, but He strengthens us so that we are able, by His help, to carry on for the glory of God. Whoever said the walk of faith was an easy walk so lied! Just saying! However, I will say that even though it isn’t always easy, it is never impossible! Will we suffer and get back up! Yes! Will we groan and moan while we are here? Yes! Will there be times when we will fail and feel like giving up? Yes! In times like these, remember that we have the Holy Spirit of God within us and He enables us to remain diligent and committed as we travel toward a better life called eternity! So pray in all things and be called to action and giving of your time, talents and treasures, God has given you like this new day! Amen!
{Romans 8:23-27} And changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompensed of their error which was meet. {Psalm 77:13-15} Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God? Thou art the God that does’ wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people. Thou hast with thine arm redeemed thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah. {Lets Pray} Father God, I thank You and praise You that I have been called according to Your purpose and plan of action and being still at times. It is not Your will that any should perish but that all should come to faith in Jesus Christ our Lord. I thank You and praise You that in Christ there is no condemnation and no separation from You, for we are one with Christ, by grace through faith in Christs finished work at Calvary. I thank You and praise You, Lord, that You are causing all things to work together to finally achieve Your great redemptive plan and purpose for all mankind. I thank You and praise You Lord that so often I see Your gracious and forgiving hand working in my life and in the lives of all Your children, as You gently transform us into the lovely image in Jesus Christ our Lord’s Precious Name Amen. {Power Verse}
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
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.
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 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.
“Power Verse”
“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
"Only Life Changes" 