Proverbs 26:6-9
“He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage. The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools. As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool. As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.” There are two types of messengers – the faithful and the foolish. Proverbs 13:17 “A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.” The Lord Jesus Christ did not give the Great Commission to everyone. He did not tell those that did not believe on Him. Someone that does not know Christ cannot rightfully speak of Him. It was His disciples that He told to give the Good News of the Gospel. Mark 16:14-15 “Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” His disciples obeyed their Lord’s command and faithfully went out and preached the Gospel. They were the messengers He chose to speak of Him. He entrusted them with the Gospel and empowered them to spread the Good News. Mark 16:20 “And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them…” Just as His disciples were sent out, the Lord has commissioned His children today to continue the work that His disciples did shortly after He ascended up to Heaven after His resurrection. We are now the messengers He has chosen to spread the Gospel. It is up to us to faithfully follow His command until everyone hears the Good News. Proverbs 25:13 “As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.” Someone’s eternity may depend on your willingness to share the Gospel. What type of messenger are you? Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 13-14 | 1 Corinthians 8 | Proverbs 21
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Proverbs 26:4-5
“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.” While this may seem like a contradiction at first, these verses show us that there are two different situations for one simple Truth. There is a right way to answer a fool. Sometimes silence is the best option; while at other times, a response is in the other person’s best interest, regardless of their response. Ecclesiastes 3:7 “A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;” Answer Not Isaiah 36:21 “But they held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not.” If answering a fool involves agreeing with him and his actions, then we are simply not to answer him at all. Reacting positively to his foolishness encourages him to continue in his sin. Answer 1 Samuel 25:33 “And blessed be thy advice, and blessed be thou, which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood, and from avenging myself with mine own hand.” If answering a fool includes a reproof against his actions, then we are justly encouraging him to correct his folly. Proverbs 28:23 “He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.” When we allow ourselves to yield to the Lord for His direction, He will give us the Wisdom of how to respond. James 1:5 “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” Whether we are led to speak or remain silent, we must wisely seek Him to find the best response. Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 11-12 | 1 Corinthians 7 | Proverbs 20 Proverbs 26:3
“A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.” Just as a horse needs whipped to keep going and a donkey needs directed which way to go, a rod of correction is fitly used for a fool. Psalm 32:9 “Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.” Correction is needful and necessary. Proverbs 10:13 “In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.” Wisdom allows us to receive reproof, while a fool disregards any correction. Proverbs 17:10 “A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.” Children are born into foolishness, and correction is the only way to remove it. Proverbs 22:15 “Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.” Proverbs 23:13 “Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.” We are wise to consider any reproof we are offered rather than to require the rod of correction. Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 9-10 | 1 Corinthians 6 | Proverbs 19 Proverbs 26:2
“As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.” If you have ever taken the time to watch a bird flying around it doesn’t take long to wonder if there is reason for anything they are doing. They display such liberty as they fly about seemingly without a care in the world. Solomon compares their useless wandering to the outcome of a curse without a cause. Psalm 35:7 “For without cause have they hid for me their net in a pit, which without cause they have digged for my soul.” Those that offer causeless curses will find themselves falling into the pit they purposed for their enemy. Psalm 7:15 “He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made.” Psalm 57:6 “They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen themselves. Selah.” We can take comfort in the Truth that nothing happens to God’s children that He does not ordain and allow. Romans 13:1 “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” Regardless of what others try to accomplish, if God has not allowed it, no harm can come to us from it. He will make a way when there seems to be no way. Each situation you are facing today is simply for your good and His glory. Genesis 50:20 “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” In times of distress, distraction or discouragement, we can find strength and hope within the pages of the Word of God. Psalm 119:78 “Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.” If you feel cursed by others, ask the Lord to show you how to react. Many times the wisest reaction is simply no action. If the Lord has not ordained it, He will protect you from any harm they may seek to inflict. Psalm 27:5 “For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.” Psalm 91:1-2 “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.” Proverbs 18:10 “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” There is safety in His Word today. Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 7-8 | 1 Corinthians 5 | Proverbs 18 Proverbs 26:1
“As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.” Snow in the summer is absurd. Rain during harvest minimizes production and decreases the amount of fruit collected. As ridiculous and inconvenient as those situations would be, it is likewise unseemly for a fool to receive honour. We live in a day when fools are praised and the wise are criticized. This chapter in Proverbs speaks many times about a fool in his folly. This is to serve as warnings for us to take heed to avoid. Everyday we must make a choice of which way to follow – the way of the world or the way of Wisdom. Proverbs 9:6 “Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.” Our flesh often desires to do the exact opposite of that which is wise. This is why we must make the conscious decision to turn away from the foolish things of the world. Proverbs 4:14-15 “Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.” No honour should be given to a fool. Our integrity should supersede any longing to be like the world around us. As God’s children, we are called to be peculiar people. He chose us when we were undesirable because He loves us that much. The least we can do is live for Him. 1 Peter 2:9 “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:” It is foolish to give honour to anyone but Him. Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 5-6 | 1 Corinthians 4 | Proverbs 17 Proverbs 25:28
“He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.” In Biblical times, the strength of a city was often depicted in the strength of its walls. Nehemiah 1:3-4 “And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire. And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,” Nehemiah mourned when he heard that the walls of Jerusalem were broken down, and God gave him a burden to do something about it. Nehemiah 2:18 “Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.” He then led the rebuilding of the walls because he knew how vital they were to the city. God gave him the Wisdom needed to lead the people to work together to rebuild what had been destroyed. Without building walls of Wisdom around us, we are setting ourselves up for disaster. The devil knows exactly which buttons to push within our spirit when we let our guard down and allow ourselves to be exposed to his wiles. He often begins his attack by attempting to corrupt our minds. 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.” A wise person is able to control their emotions because their faith is anchored in the Wisdom of Word of God. 1 Peter 5:8-10 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” A wise person is not ignorant to the devices of the devil. If we resist the temptation of the devil the Bible promises that he will flee from us; but we must first be aware of his tactics. 2 Corinthians 2:11 “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” One of the best evidences that we possess walls of Wisdom is our ability to react wisely when in the face of temptation. Proverbs 16:32 “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.” Maintain the walls of Wisdom around your heart today. Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 3-4 | 1 Corinthians 3 | Proverbs 16 Proverbs 25:27
“It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.” Those who seek glory and praise for themselves only receive temporary satisfaction. Exalting ourselves has never been the pattern for God’s children. The only way up is to bow down to Him. Luke 14:11 “For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” We are never to praise ourselves. Someone else must give any commendation we receive. Proverbs 27:2 “Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.” We have only one Reason for which to glory. 2 Corinthians 10:17-18 “But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.” Vainglory must be replaced with humility. Philippians 2:3-4 “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” The Apostle Paul admonished the church at Philippi to be humble without seeking to promote themselves. After these verses, Paul describes the mind of the Reason for glory. Philippians 2:5-8 “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” He made Himself of no reputation. If He did not desire for His Name to be known, why should we desire a certain status? He pointed everyone to His Father, and so should we. He is being and will be rewarded for being humble and obedient. Philippians 2:9-11 “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” He left us the perfect Example of how to live. If we will simply humble ourselves and obey Him, we too can be rewarded. Galatians 6:14 “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Instead of seeking our own glory, let us seek to glorify Him today. Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 1-2 | 1 Corinthians 2 | Proverbs 15 Proverbs 25:26
“A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.” The water from a troubled fountain or corrupt spring is not good for consumption. There may be activity, but nothing worthwhile comes from it. This is likewise the case when the righteous fall into sin among the wicked. Our testimony is of no good use when we find ourselves partaking of the same sinful activities as those without Christ. We become a reproach unto those around us when we neglect to keep ourselves pure from wickedness. 1 Timothy 5:22 “Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.” Separation is a vital part of the effectiveness of our testimony. 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” Strive to be an example to others. 1 Timothy 4:12 “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” Shine the Light of Christ to everyone. 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.” Consider the effectiveness of your testimony today. Are you separated from worldly pleasures? Are you striving to be a godly example? Are you shining the Light of Christ to others? Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 29-31 | 1 Corinthians 1 | Proverbs 14 Proverbs 25:25
“As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.” When we are tired and weary we need refreshment. Cold water refreshes down deep to our thirsty souls. Sometimes, we need spiritual and emotional refreshment just as much as a physical drink of cold water. Psalm 63:1-3 “O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.” Spiritual Refreshment When we are spiritually drained, there is only one Source of strength to which we can come. The Word of God is where we can renew our minds and find the help that we need. Romans 12:2 “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Emotional Refreshment God created a desire within us to hear good news from those we hold dear to our hearts. Especially when at a distance, hearing from a good friend brings comfort to a weary and thirsty soul. Proverbs 27:17 “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” Whatever refreshment you are seeking today, there is thirst quenching Water available through the Word of God. He is the Water of Life, and when we come to Him we will never be turned away thirsty. Revelation 21:6 “And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.” Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 27-28 | Romans 16 | Proverbs 13 Proverbs 25:23
“The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.” If we listen to a backbiter, we only encourage them to continue. The best way to stop their shenanigans is to refuse to listen; but sometimes, we have no choice but to express our disdain for their choice of words. Ephesians 4:25-27 “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.” It is possible to be angry without falling into sin. We can express our concern and acknowledge what is wrong without crossing the line to allow our flesh to control our demeanor. Standing for the Truth involves being angry sin while loving the people involved. Proverbs 25:24 “It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.” Solitude is sometimes the best solution. It is better to be alone than to live in regret wishing you were alone. Proverbs 26:20 “Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.” Remove the wood from the fire around you. If necessary be angry, but remember that there are ways to deal with the situation without allowing yourself to fall into sin. Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 25-26 | Romans 15 | Proverbs 12 |
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