Proverbs 24:26
“Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer.” When we are called upon to speak, it is imperative that we speak the Truth. Those who develop a reputation of stretching, or even avoiding, the truth are rarely asked to speak again. We must be ready to answer. 1 Peter 3:15 “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” If we are asked, what will we say? The only way to rightly prepare ourselves to be ready to answer is to constantly abide within the Truth of the Word of God. 2 Timothy 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” We must be sure to tell the Truth. Ephesians 4:25 “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.” No one likes a liar. As children of God, we are His ambassadors and we are obligated to be truthful people. On the other hand, because we have the Truth, are we not obligated to share the Truth with others? We must tell the Truth in love. Ephesians 4:15-16 “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” The only way we will impact eternity is if we tell the Truth with compassion and love. We can only reach those to whom we show the love of Christ. The Church must work together in love in order to fulfill the Great Commission. Bible Reading: Judges 9-10 | Acts 21 | Proverbs 20
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Proverbs 24:24-25
“He that saith 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.” Encouraging the wicked in the midst of their wickedness brings a curse. Justifying their actions does not benefit or relieve their situation. Isaiah 5:20 “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!“ Excusing the wickedness of others encourages them to continue in their sin. When we associate with people who are in open sin, we advocate their iniquity. How will they change if we condone what they do? Proverbs 17:15 “He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.” Rebuke and reproof bring blessing on both parties when done in love. Proverbs 28:23 “He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.” Nathan rebuked David after it was known that he had sinned with Bathsheba and had her husband Uriah killed. 2 Samuel 12:7,9 “And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul… Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon.” Nathan obeyed the Lord by rebuking David in love. Like Nathan, we can choose wisely to rebuke in love when the Lord leads us to do so. David chose to respond wisely to Nathan’s rebuke for he knew it was true. Like David, we also have to choose how we respond in the face of reproof and rebuke. 2 Samuel 12:13 “And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.” Because of Nathan’s rebuke, David’s repentance changed his punishment. Proverbs 9:18 “Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.” Bible Reading: Judges 7-8 | Acts 20 | Proverbs 19 Proverbs 24:23
“These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment. There are some things that belong to those who are wise. This and the next eleven verses comprise of “These things”. With Wisdom comes many things in addition to Christ Himself. James 3:17 “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” The first of which is no respect of persons. Wisdom allows us to have no partiality with people, because not only did the Lord command it, Christ expressed it. Deuteronomy 1:17 “Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God's: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it.” The Lord is Lord of all. He reigns over everyone and everything. His sovereignty surpasses any form of opposition or oppression. When we receive Him, we receive Wisdom and impartiality in love. Psalm 107:43 “Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD.” He has no respect of persons. Romans 2:11 “For there is no respect of persons with God.” He has no respect of persons in judgment. Revelation 20:15 “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” He has no respect of persons in salvation. Jesus Christ did not come to give His life for just a select few or even for many. He died for the entire world. All who choose to believe in Him receive everlasting life. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” He provides the free Gift of Salvation, yet allows us to choose which will be our fate. Which whosoever are you? He gives Wisdom to all who ask. Shall we not express the Wisdom that He has given us by also having no respect of persons to those around us? Bible Reading: Judges 5-6 | Acts 19 | Proverbs 18 Proverbs 24:21-22
“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 knoweth the ruin of them both?” Those that are secure in their duty are often strong in their doctrine. Change is not always a bad thing; but when it comes to what we believe, we must stay away from those who are given to change. Romans 16:17-18 “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” The Word of God has much to say about changing our Message. Ephesians 4:14 “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;” The winds of doctrines will blow, and we must seek shelter within the Refuge of the Truth of the Word of God. Galatians 1:6-7 “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.” The only way we can discern the error of another gospel is to be confident of what is the Truth. We must stand against the winds of confusion and chaos that try to deter us from what we know to be true. 2 Corinthians 11:3 “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” Changes of doctrine begin when we enquire about switching the Scriptures. It began in the Garden of Eden when the serpent beguiled Eve by questioning what God had said. Jesus Christ is the Word, and He never changes. Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” The strength of a child of God is found in their reliance upon the Truth of His Word. Stand upon the Truth today, refusing to change or compromise when tempted to do so. Ephesians 6:10-13 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Bible Reading: Judges 3-4 | Acts 18 | Proverbs 17 Proverbs 24:19-20
“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.” We have no reason to fret because God is in control. He is constantly working things for our good and His glory. Romans 8:28 “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.” There is no need for us to feel evil toward anyone, for God is Good. Psalm 100:5 “For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” Solomon quotes His father David again warning against envying the wicked. Not only should there be no rejoicing over the suffering of our enemy, but there shall be no reward for those who remain in their wickedness. Their candle is without Light. John 8:12 “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” Those who reject Christ shall have no reward. Hell is the only outcome for anyone who remains in their iniquity by refusing to receive His free Gift of Salvation. Those who have the Light must shine into the darkness. If we choose to hide the Light that is within us, we have missed our purpose and lost reward. Matthew 5:14-16 “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Each of us is a candle with a choice to make each day we live and breathe. Is your candle lit with the Light of the World? Is your candle hid under a bushel or on a candlestick? 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” Allow the Light of the glorious Gospel of Christ to shine through you today and every day. Bible Reading: Judges 1-2 | Acts 17 | Proverbs 16 Proverbs 24:17-18
“Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.” We are forbidden to rejoice when our enemies find themselves in the midst of failure, suffering or trials. God tells us that, for doing so, the punishment for our critical and wrong spirit by relieving the pain they are under. When we desire to rejoice or mock our enemy’s circumstances, we must remember that such conduct is actually rooted toward God. Proverbs 17:5 “Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.” Instead of rejoicing, David chose to weep over his enemies’ condition for he saw the need of their soul. Psalm 35:13-14 “But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom. I behaved myself as though he had been my friend or brother: I bowed down heavily, as one that mourneth for his mother.” What does Christ tell us is the best way to handle those we have issues with? Matthew 5:43-45 “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” When was the last time you expressed love toward them? Have you tried to do something to bless them? Have you done good unto them? Have you prayed for them? Consider what relationships have been struggling, and seek to apply this Wisdom to each situation. Bible Reading: Joshua 23-24 | Acts 16 | Proverbs 15 Proverbs 24:15-16
“Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place: For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.” Falling is a part of life. It is not a matter of if we fall, but rather when. James 1:2-4 “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” Job 14:1 “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.” Even though it is inevitable that we will fall, we can have hope. Psalm 37:24 “Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.” No matter how many times we fall, the Lord is always there to pick us up again. Psalm 34:19 “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.” The Lord takes care of His children when they fall. Those who do not have Him as their Saviour are left to pick themselves back up. Ecclesiastes 4:10 “For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.” Without Him, there is no reason to get back up. With Him, there is a bright side to every situation for He is on our side. 2 Corinthians 4:7-9 “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;” Bible Reading: Joshua 21-22 | Acts 15 | Proverbs 14 Proverbs 24:13-14
“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.” After a great meal, a sweet dessert is often craved in order to completely satisfy our appetite. Solomon knew of the goodness and sweetness of honey because he had tasted it before. He wisely used this comparison because the reward for seeking and finding Wisdom gives an expectation to taste again. The sweetness of Wisdom should only entice us to seek It that much more. Psalm 19:9-10 “The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.” Once we have tasted of the Sweetness of Wisdom, we need no proof that it is sweet and cannot be convinced that it tastes like anything else. His Words are Sweet. Psalm 119:103 “How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” His Wisdom brings rewards. Proverbs 3:13-15 “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.” Do we desire Him more than anything else? The value of gold and silver is very high, but when compared to Wisdom there should be no comparison. Psalm 73:25-26 “Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.” Taste the Sweetness of Wisdom today, and every day. Bible Reading: Joshua 19-20 | Acts 14 | Proverbs 13 Proverbs 24:11-12
“If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?” God knows our hearts, and keeps our souls. Our motives do not go unseen by Him. He knows our burden for the souls of others who are without Him. Jeremiah 17:10 “I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” Hebrews 4:13 “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” He made our hearts, and sees the reason for everything we do or neglect to do. He knows the excuses we make, and whether they are truly valid or not. Our reasoning may make sense to those around us, but God sees the Truth of the matter. James 4:17 “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” God gave us life and when we receive His free Gift of Salvation in faith and by His grace, He also promises to keep our souls secure in Him. He made us, secures us, and knows us better than we know ourselves. John 10:27-28 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” He also knows our hearts regarding the work that we do for Him. No motive in our service goes unseen by Him, and He will one day reveal it by fire. 2 Corinthians 5:10 “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” Since He already knows the why of our hearts, should we not sincerely surrender our lives to Him? Philippians 3:7-9 “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:” Bible Reading: Joshua 17-18 | Acts 13 | Proverbs 12 Proverbs 24:10
“If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.” We will face adversity; but it is possible to endure it without fainting. If we try to do anything of our own accord, we will surely faint. Relying on ourselves will surely end in failure, unless we do one thing… Psalm 73:26 “My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.” Thankfully, we have the opportunity to yield our weakness to His strength. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” Our strength may be small; however when we choose His strength, we are left with an encouraging promise. Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Because of this Truth, we can press on in our service for the Lord knowing that we can finish strong if we continue to rely upon Him. Galatians 6:9 “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Philippians 3:13-14 “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Regardless of what adversity you may be facing today, choose to wisely trade your strength for His. Bible Reading: Joshua 15-16 | Acts 12 | Proverbs 11 |
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