THE WONDER OF WOMANHOOD

Men and women are different.  They are equal in worth, but different in work.  They are not meant to be interchangeable. God made us to be complementary—designed for one another and with specific roles. God made women wonderful!  Proverbs 31 describes a wondrous wife and a model mother.

1. HER VIRTUE  “Who can find a virtuous wife? (v.10a)  This is the foundation upon which all other qualities are built.  It is the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ.

2. HER VALUE  “For her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil All the days of her life.” (v.10b-12)  The scarcer something is, the more value it holds.  Godly women are a rare jewel.

3. HER VISION  “She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands. She is like the merchant ships, She brings her food from afar. She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants. She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard.” (v.13-16)  A godly mother is always looking out for the welfare of her family.  

4. HER VITALITY  “She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms.” (v.17) Mom is the glue that holds the family together.  She is the refuge whose arms we run to when we fall down.

5. HER VIGILANCE  “She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night. She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hand holds the spindle. She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet.” (v.18-21)  When others are slumbering, Moms often have their eyes open to watch out for their family.  Phillips, Craig and Dean have a song, “Mama used to burn the midnight oil down on her knees in prayer.”

6. HER VIBRANCY  “She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies sashes for the merchants. Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness. She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.” (v.22-27)  Godly women dress as becoming holiness—beautifully and modestly though not extravagantly.  She adorns herself with speech that encourages.  She offers praise for God’s goodness.

7. HER VICTORY “Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: “Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.” Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates.” (v.28-31)  Such a woman deserves our praise.  Her life is to be celebrated. That’s victory in Jesus!

KNOWING MORE IN ADMITTING TO KNOWING LESS

“The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, his utterance. This man declared to Ithiel—to Ithiel and Ucal: Surely I am more stupid than any man, And do not have the understanding of a man.

Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.”

Proverbs 30:1-2, 5-6 NKJV

Who is Agur?  I admit to knowing nothing about him, except what is written here.  Yet, in knowing little, there is a desire to know more, and as one can learn much about an unknown artist in his paintings, and an unknown musician in his songs, we can say a few things about the man in his proverbs. 

He admitted to knowing less than he wanted to know—to the point of calling himself “more stupid than any man,” and yet, it was this humble admission that seemed to motivate him to search for knowledge, and in so doing, he came to know more than most!  Blaise Pascal was a brilliant Christian thinker, who knew enough to admit the same.  He said, “The last proceeding of reason is to recognise that there is an infinity of things which are beyond it.”

Those who humbly admit how little they know of a limitless God will soon discover this as the path to knowing more than they could ever dream.  Then, the more they do know, the more they will know there is more to know.  The truly ignorant man is the one who thinks he knows much.  The unteachable man is the one who believes he knows it all.

In my early days as a Christian, I dove into Scripture, God grew me, and called me into ministry.  I went to Bible college and passed all my courses with flying colors—and became an arrogant student who knew much less than he thought he knew. I would make statements and ask questions of my lovely wife, who worked hard each day to put me through school, and had little time to contemplate the theological propositions I was soaking in. She put me in my place one evening!  Humbled, I became a real student of Scripture, that after nearly a half-century now knows how little he knows—and thirsts for more!  I thought I was drinking from a fountain, and now I see I am floating in the middle of a boundless ocean!

I know this—“every word of God is pure”—and the mystery of God and the majesty of His Word convinces me of that the longer I linger over the text. It is deadly to subtract from Scripture—that is what liberals do.  Yet, the “stupid” Agur, smartly warns us, it us just as wrong to add to the Bible—as the legalists do.

Contemplate this chapter alone, and you will find how smart this stupid man was!

THE LEADERS WE NEED

Do government leaders reflect the morals of the people or do government leaders direct the morality of the people?  Are they thermometers or thermostats?  Some of both, I think. Since the leaders come from among the people, they should be expected to often be as the people, but since they have influence over the citizens, they make a difference in the climate of the culture.  For good or bad, government leaders can set the tone, even as they are sons of the times.  Proverbs 29 has something to say about this.

1.  LEADERS CAN BRING BURDENS OR BLESSINGS.   “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.” (‭v.2‬). We can rejoice the day that a good leader is elected, but will rue the day that a godless one is.

2. LEADERS CAN UNDERGIRD OR UNDERMINE.  
“The king establishes the land by justice, But he who receives bribes overthrows it.” (v.4‬).  The leader’s policies will be built on a foundation of stone or sand.

3. LEADERS CAN BE WISE OR WICKED. “If a ruler pays attention to lies, All his servants become wicked.” (v.12‬).  A leader’s administration will feature those of delightful or demonic counsel, mirroring the leader’s heart.

4. LEADERS CAN BE COMPASSIONATE OR CRUEL.  “The king who judges the poor with truth, His throne will be established forever.” (v.14‬). How the powerful relate to the powerless says much about the leaders.

5.  LEADERS MAY BRING EARTHLY REWARD, BUT THE LORD BESTOWS ETERNAL REWARD. “Many seek the ruler’s favor, But justice for man comes from the LORD.” (v.26‬).  It may be that God’s people get no justice here, but they are guaranteed by a Sovereign God to get it hereafter!

King David was Solomon’s father.  Solomon, who penned these words had a son, Rehoboam who would become king.  David was a man after God’s own heart, and a great king—though not a perfect man.  Solomon succeeded his father and was superior in the material prosperity and military power he brought to the kingdom, but declined over time spiritually.  Just read Ecclesiastes to see how he spiraled downward. Rehoboam’s reign would degenerate further and the kingdom would deteriorate and divide.  The nation would never be the same.

It has been said that, “In a democracy, people get the leaders they deserve.” Nations are born, grow strong, decline, and die. It is comforting to know that the Kingdom of God abides forever!

THE HAPPINESS OF HOLINESS

There is pleasure in sin, or else we would not pursue it.  But, it is like the pleasure a fish enjoys when it tastes the bait—the pleasure quickly turns to pain when the hook is set. On the other hand, true and enduring happiness is found on the highway of holiness. The best is deferred until heaven, yet what is the brief sacrifice we may make to do right in this life compared to the eternal bliss of glory?  Still, there are blessings now, as well.  Today, we will focus on a few terms in Proverbs 28 which are descriptive of the holy.

1.  RIGHTEOUS. “The wicked flee when no one pursues, But the righteous are bold as a lion.”  (v.1). Being in a right standing with God enables us to stand without fear.

2.   LAWFUL. “Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, But such as keep the law contend with them.” (v.4). They are law-abiding, both in obedience to principles taught in God’s word and in respect to authorities God has established to govern us.

3.  BLAMELESS. “Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, He himself will fall into his own pit; But the blameless will inherit good.” (v.10). We won’t be sinless until we reach heaven, but we can sin less. 

4.  REPENTANT. “He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.” (v.13). When the holy falter, they do not cover up, but confess up!

5.  REVERENT. “Happy is the man who is always reverent, But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.” (v.14). This inner disposition toward God sets the outward direction in godliness.

6. FAITHFUL.  “A faithful man will abound with blessings, But he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.” (v.20). The holy are faithful in pursuing the things of eternity rather than running after the things of earth.

7.  BELIEVING.  “He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, But he who trusts in the LORD will be prospered.” (v.25). This is the basis for holiness: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Heb.11:6).  

Would people describe me this way?  What about you?  This is a great goal for this year. Walk on the highway of holiness and you will experience the happiness it brings—a “joy inexpressible and full of glory,” (1 Pet.1:8).

ACCOUNTABILITY

There are no, “Lone Ranger,” Christians. Even the Lone Ranger had Tonto. We are all sinful, and salvation does not eradicate the possibility. It does give us the power to overcome temptation.  Sanctification is an ongoing work.  One of the best tools in God’s toolbox is a faithful friend.  We help sharpen one another with loving counsel and correction. Proverbs 27:5-6, 9, 17 speak to this. 

1. ACCOUNTABILITY CAN BE PAINFUL. “Open rebuke is better Than love carefully concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” (v.5-6). A surgeon doesn’t cut you open because he is sadistic. He does it to bring ultimate good,  though painful in the process. Truth spoken in love can have a corrective element.

2. ACCOUNTABILITY CAN BE PLEASURABLE.   “Ointment and perfume delight the heart, And the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel.” (v.9). While there is certainly the need for painful correction, accountability is more—it is pleasurable counsel. If your friend is always negative toward you, then he or she isn’t much of a friend. They become a foe!  The true friend will reinforce the positive as well as rebuke the negative. They do more than cut—they comfort.  We need more than diagnosis of our problems—though we need that.  We need a cure. 

3. ACCOUNTABILITY WILL BE PROFITABLE. “As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” (v.17). A dull ax is of little use.  The edge must be sharpened and it requires a metal file. Iron rubbing on iron can produce sparks.  There is heat from the friction.  Yet, it is needful for the ax to be profitable. God wants us to be useful in His Kingdom, and I need my friend to help keep me sharp. I am expected to do likewise for you.

Who is your accountability partner?

THE GODLESSNESS OF GOSSIP

Name a sin—any sin.  What comes to mind? Murder? Adultery? Stealing? Lying?  I doubt many would say, “gossip.”  Yet, it is a hellish, hateful thing. In church life, we often mask it as a prayer request.  It sounds spiritual to tell another person that we have a concern about so-and-so.   God hears something else—gossip—and it is godless.  Consider these verses in Proverbs 26.

1.  GOSSIP FUELS THE FIRE OF STRIFE.  “Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases. As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife.” (v.20-21‬). How many churches are burning down?  I don’t mean the framework; I’m talking about the fellowship.  Gossip was the hateful spark, and the ongoing talebearing feeds the hellish flames. When you come across someone in the church—and you will—who wants to share some juicy gossip, you have a bucket of water in one hand and a bucket of gas in the other.  Which one will you use?

2.  GOSSIP FEEDS THE HUNGER OF PRIDE. “The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body.” (v.22‬). Pride causes us to think we are superior to others.  Gossip feeds that attitude. Secretly, smugly, we believe ourselves to be spiritually superior to the subject of the gossip. It is a sweet treat to a proud heart. We chew on it, savor it, and want to tell others who can enjoy the same.  The first one to yield to the sin of pride was the Devil, and it is no coincidence that he is also called the accuser and slanderer.  When we gossip, we are like him.

3. GOSSIPERS FLATTER THE UNSUSPECTING IN HYPOCRISY.  “Fervent lips with a wicked heart Are like earthenware covered with silver dross. He who hates, disguises it with his lips, And lays up deceit within himself; When he speaks kindly, do not believe him, For there are seven abominations in his heart” (v.23-25‬).  If someone will gossip to you, they will gossip about you.  They are experts at flattery, but this is only to hide the hatefulness in their heart. Solomon likens them to a cheap clay pot, covered with silver to make it appear expensive. Don’t be fooled.

I have one word concerning gossip: don’t!

GOOD NEWS!

We live in a bad news world.  The headlines scream disaster, division, and doom.  If you want to lose sleep, just watch the talking heads before you go to bed. Peruse your social media accounts and see how negative the posts and reactions are.  I am as guilty, at times, as any.  The truth is, there is bad news, and it needs to be confronted. Yet, God’s people must never fall into cynicism when there is a certain hope.  We must not surrender our tongues to criticism when there are reasons for joy.  We dare not become caustic when we are called to love.  There is bad news, but that is what makes the good news so precious.

The message of the church is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the Gospel literally means, “good news.”  We can learn some valuable lessons about sharing the New Testament truth from this Old Testament text in Proverbs 25:11-13, 25.

1.  GOOD NEWS IS TO BE SPOKEN FITLY. “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver. Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold Is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear.” (v.11-12‬). Saying just the right thing at the right time comes from a sensitivity to the Spirit’s direction. Disciplining our minds to direct our mouths is a function of God’s Word stored in us, so out of the treasure of truth, we can draw just what needs to be said to fit the occasion.

2.  GOOD NEWS IS TO BE SPOKEN FAITHFULLY.   “Like the cold of snow in time of harvest Is a faithful messenger to those who send him, For he refreshes the soul of his masters.” (v.13‬). Imagine working in the harvest sweating under a hot sun, and then God turns on the air conditioning—as it snows!  That is how refreshing our faithfulness in sharing the Gospel is to our Master who has sent us. We bring the Lord pleasure—and that’s good news!  Likewise, when someone receives the good news, their soul is refreshed as their life is changed. They will never forget it.  That leads to my next point.

3.  GOOD NEWS IS TO BE SPOKEN FAVORABLY.  “As cold water to a weary soul, So is good news from a far country.” (‭‭v.25‬). We are to present our message with faith, hope, and love for it is a favorable message. It is good news.  People need it.  As a drink of cold water to the weary, we have a word that declares the way to eternal life!  Will everyone receive it that way?  Sadly, no.  Yet, some will and our expectation is that people can and do respond favorably to the good news.

Good news is meant for sharing!  Our world needs to hear it.

DELIVERING FROM DEATH

“Deliver those who are drawn toward death, And hold back those stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, ‘Surely we did not know this,’ Does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man according to his deeds?”

‭‭(Proverbs‬ ‭24:11-12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)

We now have a window into the womb. Through modern technology, we can see that a baby in its mother’s uterus is as much a person as if that baby were in its mother’s arms. But, we knew that anyway, didn’t we?  Instinctively, we have been aware that this is not simply a blob of tissue—something that can be removed like a tumor. Biblically, we have been confronted with God’s creation of each child, from the moment of conception, fashioned in His image.

Yet, every year, hundreds of thousands of these precious babies are brutally butchered for convenience on a parents’ part and commerce on a physician’s part.   The infamous Roe v. Wade decision was rendered 46 years ago yesterday. Nine judges robed in black gave the death sentence to over fifty million babies in the United States!  Yesterday, the NY legislature celebrated the slaughter by passing a law allowing abortion up to the time of birth.  

Planned Parenthood promotes that it is for family health, yet it is lethal in its plans for baby. And our tax dollars support it. The Republican Party that promised to do something about it, when it controlled the Executive Branch, as well as both chambers of Congress, failed to do more than talk. As to the Democratic Party, its promotion of abortion is a central tenet to its “faith.”  It is pushed with religious fervor, and their deadly actions match their horrible rhetoric.

What about the church?  Liberals, of course, have rejected Scripture and devalued life. Sadly, evangelicals, while claiming to believe the Bible, often show little effort in abiding by its principles, especially if those beliefs are “political,” and controversial. The argument goes like this, “Jesus is the main thing, and we don’t want to put up a barrier to someone coming to Jesus, so we won’t talk about this.”

What would Jesus do?  Let’s consider what he said, “Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.’” (Matthew 19:13-14).

The sanctity of human life is a doctrine woven in the fabric of Scripture, from Genesis through Revelation.  “You shall not murder.” (Ex.20:13)

As for me, I will not be silent!  I will speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.  I cannot do much, but I will do what I can.  I know I will answer to God someday. His evaluation of me concerns me much more than what others think.

THE DANGERS OF DRINKING

“Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who linger long at the wine, Those who go in search of mixed wine. Do not look on the wine when it is red, When it sparkles in the cup, When it swirls around smoothly; At the last it bites like a serpent, And stings like a viper. Your eyes will see strange things, And your heart will utter perverse things. Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, Or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying: “They have struck me, but I was not hurt; They have beaten me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?‭‭(Proverbs‬ ‭23:29-35‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)

Beer, wine, whiskey—you name it, I don’t need it.  For me, it is not worth the danger.  Some may say they can drink, “socially,” but I cannot.  I am not judging you, but I am judging myself, and as I write I am seeking to lead you to sound judgment.

Clearly, drunkenness is sin.  Scripture forbids it in many places. Before I was saved, I did not drink alcohol because I liked the taste, but to get buzzed. I usually went beyond buzzed to blitzed.  I could have been the poster child for this Proverbs 23:29-35.  That is a matter of wickedness.

When you start down that path, how do you know?  Where is the need to do it?  Why run the risk?  There is the influence you also have on others, and even your family—will they be emboldened to try it, and will they be enticed to drunkenness? That is a matter of wisdom.

So, will I tell you the Bible forbids a beer or a glass of wine?  It does not, but neither does it demand that you do it.  There was a compelling reason for drinking some wine in the New Testament era.  Grape juice would naturally ferment, as they did not have the means to preserve it.  We do not face that issue today. In Bible times, water alone might often be contaminated as they had no means to purify it, except by adding some wine.  Paul told Timothy, “No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities.” (1 Tim.5:23). There was a health reason for its use.

What we see in our culture is the celebration and promotion of alcohol that often leads to excess. It is easy to be sucked into that vortex of vice or become a stumbling block to others.  How many broken homes, shattered lives, and deaths on highways result?  Someone near and dear to my heart is in prison now because of drinking and driving, resulting in a death.  I sat in a courtroom and listened to weeping family members speak of the pain of their loved one needlessly killed. 

I would like for you to weigh the wisdom of abstinence from alcohol. Rather than asking the question, “Can I have a drink?” to consider, “Should I?” What is the profit weighed against the peril?  You may come to a different conclusion—some Christians do—but as for me, I just say, “Give me a glass of water,” or “I’ll take a cup of coffee.”  That’s stimulating enough for me.  

THE DISCIPLINE AND DIRECTION OF CHILDREN

Proverbs 22:6, 8, 15, 19, 21

When I began ministry and had no child, I could preach a sermon, “10 Surefire Ways to Raise Godly Champions.”  Then, I had children, and the sermon was modified, “5 Great Helps for Raising Good Children.”  When they became teens, it morphed to, “A Couple of Ideas to Consider about Kids.”  That’s a joke, but the reality is that it is easier to talk about what parents ought to do than to do it. What sounds easy in theory is agony in application.  A mother’s labor at birth can surely be no harder than a parent’s labor in raising those kids.  I have heard, “When they are small they step on your toes, but when they are grown they stomp on your heart.”  Yet, we need to hear and heed what the Word of God says about the discipline and direction of children.  As G.K. Chesterton said, “The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried.”  

1.  TRAIN YOUR CHILDREN AND TRUST THE LORD.  “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” (v.6). The natural bent of a child is toward self and sin.  They must be trained in a different direction.  The law is meant to be a tutor to show them their need of grace (Gal.3:22-25). This is not an ironclad guarantee they will grow up to walk in God’s way, for they must have a new birth. God has children, but no grandchildren. Yet, they will never be able to get away from that training. No matter where they go or what they decide, it will abide with them. So, we then entrust them to the Lord.

2. TAME YOUR PASSIONS AND SHUN ANGER. 

“He who sows iniquity will reap sorrow, And the rod of his anger will fail. Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of correction will drive it far from him.” (v.8, 15). No matter what I say, my children will more likely become what I do.  Actions speak louder than words. If I sow the seeds of sin in hypocrisy, I will likely reap the sorrow of children who mock my “faith.”  Children must also be disciplined.  It is not enough to tell them what to do, but right conduct must be rewarded and wrong behavior corrected. Corporal punishment is part of that process.  Yet, it cannot be administered in anger or it will fail in its intent (see also Eph.6:4). 

3.  TEACH YOUR CHILDREN WHAT AND WHY.  “So that your trust may be in the LORD; I have instructed you today, even you. That I may make you know the certainty of the words of truth, That you may answer words of truth To those who send to you?” (v.19, 21). Solomon taught his son, and we must teach our children the truth. The Word of God is the basis of faith in God (see Rom.10:17). But, it isn’t enough to teach them what—we must teach them why. They need to know “the certainty of the words of truth.”  We must prepare them to give an answer to a world hostile to their faith as we send them out as ambassadors for the King.

WHICH WAY?

Yogi Berra said, “When you come to the fork of the road, take it.”  Good idea.  But, which way?  Some will follow their own inclination. Others will yield to popular opinion. The wise submit to God’s revelation.

1.  MY DECISION WILL BE MEASURED BY GOD’S EVALUATION. “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the hearts.” (Prov.21:2). Our choice is important. Decisions determine destinations. The way that seems right may in reality be the wrong way. Let the Spirit of God direct you according to the Word of God.  This is our GPS. 

2. MY SPIRITUAL CONDITION WILL AFFECT MY DECISION. “The way of a guilty man is perverse; But as for the pure, his work is right.” (Prov.21:8). Guilt will often lead us into the fog. We want to conceal our shameful conduct and so hide in darkness.  The result is that we stumble along in the wrong way, for we cannot see the right way. The way of clarity is for the pure.  They do not mind the light of truth shining brightly on them—there is nothing to hide.  Why would God show us more until we are willing to do what we already know?  

3. THE WRONG WAY IS DEADLY.   “A man who wanders from the way of understanding Will rest in the assembly of the dead.” (Prov.21:16). God’s way is the way of life, and following man’s way is the way of death. God’s revelation to Adam and Eve provided the light of life. Instead, they deliberately disobeyed—heeding the voice of the serpent and bringing death upon themselves and their offspring.

4. THE RIGHT WAY PROVIDES FIRM FOOTING.  “A wicked man hardens his face, But as for the upright, he establishes his way.” (Prov.21:29). The wicked man can be fully assured he knows best.  He sets his face like flint. He stiffens his neck as steel. He straightens his back like a fence post. And he walks on rotten boards that will soon break. The upright man does not mind swimming against the current of the culture or walking into the wind of prevailing philosophy. Despite the difficulty of walking in God’s way, his feet are on firm footing.

Which way will you choose?  Your way, man’s way, or God’s way?

GOD AND GOVERNMENT

Proverbs 20:2, 8, 26, 28

Solomon writes as a king to his son.  From that perspective, he mentions numerous times how a ruler should reign. In chapter twenty, Solomon presents four proverbs that underscore a king’s responsibility. Although a monarchy is not our form of government in America, there are still principles that we can learn concerning God and government.

1.  THE REASON FOR GOVERNMENT.  “The wrath of a king is like the roaring of a lion; Whoever provokes him to anger sins against his own life.” (v.2‬). We see the word “sins,” reminding us that we live in a fallen world.  Because of that, there is evil which must be punished.  God has ordained government to this end. “The wrath of a king,” conveys the purpose of government. Because of sin, there are bad government systems. Because of sin, even in a good system by design, there is bad that is sometimes done by government. Yet, the worst of all is anarchy—where there is no government. Then, each man becomes his own law, and our depraved heart will guarantee evil.

2.  THE RESTRAINT OF GOVERNMENT. “A king who sits on the throne of judgment Scatters all evil with his eyes. A wise king sifts out the wicked, And brings the threshing wheel over them.” (v.8, 26‬). Evil is to be punished. Law and order must be established or wickedness will run amok. Justice is to be extended as judgment is passed. Law cannot make someone righteous, for only God’s work in Christ can do that, but what it can do is restrain the proliferation of sin. The founding fathers of America, in wisdom and Biblical understanding, knew government itself would need restraint.  They established a country because of tyranny they had known.  So, checks and balances were put in place. It is not a perfect system—only the eternal reign of God is—and so even the best system must be revisited at times.  The founders even gave us a process for this. Sadly, ours has degenerated for the lack of this.  Judicial activism rather than constitutional application has been at the root of this deterioration. We have failed to restrain the restrainers.

3.  THE REWARD BY GOVERNMENT.  “Mercy and truth preserve the king, And by lovingkindness he upholds his throne.” (v.28‬). The function of government, then is not only to punish evil, but to praise good. In so doing it restrains wrong conduct, and reinforces right behavior. Therefore, government ought to be marked by “mercy and truth,” as well as “lovingkindness.”  To be a citizen in such a civil society is the best government we can experience until Christ returns and the perfect King reigns.

So, let us pray for government leaders to be led by Scriptural principles. Let us vote for leaders who will follow Biblical tenets. Let us lobby for laws that fulfill God’s intent for government. Good government can make life better, and bad government is guaranteed to make it worse.

INTEGRITY

Integrity is defined in the online dictionary as, “adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.”  It is a word rooted in the term, “integer,”—a whole number—thus, a person who is whole, where words and works match.  They are not hypocrites.  We will examine a few verses in Proverbs nineteen concerning integrity.

1.  INTEGRITY IS TO BE SOUGHT.  “Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.  What is desired in a man is kindness, And a poor man is better than a liar.” (v.1, 22).  Poverty is not an easy state in which to live.  Our fleshly passion and worldly philosophy will lead us to covet and seek after money.  Yet, we must not do so at the cost of “selling out,” and casting away integrity.  Integrity is to be valued more than money and pursued diligently.  The one who “walks in his integrity,” is one who has unwavering direction set by conviction.  He or she may not be perfect, but they will make progress in pursuing integrity.  Their life is oriented toward honesty and directed by integrity.

2.  DISHONESTY IS TO BE SHUNNED.  “A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who speaks lies will not escape. A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who speaks lies shall perish.  A disreputable witness scorns justice, And the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.” (v.5, 9, 28). Within the span of a few verses, this truth about lies is virtually repeated. Whether it be perjury in the courtroom or deception in daily life, we are on the trail to judgment. One lie feeds a pattern of dishonesty, as more lies are required to cover up for the last lie. While a Christian, sadly, in this mortal state might sometime lie, it cannot be the pattern of his or her life, for, “all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone,” (Rev.21:8b).  If justice is evaded on earth, it will not be in eternity. 

What does your integrity or lack thereof reveal about your heart?  Are you a whole person—one of honesty, or a divided person—one of hypocrisy?

A BUFFET OF BLESSINGS

I love buffets.  You come to these long lines of delicious foods of all varieties, and you can zero in on what you like, take ample samples, and stuff yourself.  The book of Proverbs is much like that from a spiritual standpoint—a buffet of blessings.  You certainly get that kind of variety in chapter eighteen.  Today, we will look at a few tasty truths to nourish our souls.  Remember, Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” (Matt.4:4). 

1.  GOD IS OUR SAVIOR.  “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.” (v.10). Salvation is not found in our works, but in God’s.  Calling upon His name is our salvation (see Rom.10:9, 10, 13). God’s name represents His nature.  It stands for all He is, so to call on Him is to find a refuge. Not only does He save us initially when we call on Him and He makes us righteous, but as we righteous ones live in this hostile world, He remains our Defender, as we pray to Him, and find Him mighty to save.  As Luther wrote, “A mighty fortress is our God.”

2.  WISDOM IS OUR TEACHER. “The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” (v.15).  The wisdom of God is found in the Word of God, and a prudent person seeks it diligently.  Each day, we should come to the Lord to teach us from His Word.  Read your Bible.  Read great writers who have walked with God. Listen to your pastor and Bible teachers who dispense doctrine. You will be blessed if you feed at the table of truth.

3.   MARRIAGE IS OUR GIFT. “He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from the LORD.”  (v.22). There are a select few to whom God blesses with the gift of singleness. But, most of us will marry.  Make sure you get God’s gift for you, and don’t open someone else’s!  There are those who made an impulse “purchase,” only to unwrap it and find it came from Satan’s store and not God’s gift shop!  There is a great difference between a Ruth and a Jezebel.

4.  FRIENDSHIP IS OUR HELP.    “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (v.24). If you have a good friend, you have someone who will stick with you in the fiercest storms. Where family might not support you, you can count on a faithful friend. How do you get friends like that?  Be such a friend!  We reap what we sow.

I hope you enjoyed this meal prepared for you today!  Breakfast with the Bible—yum!  Thank you Lord for your salvation, Scripture, a sweet spouse, and supportive friends with which I am blessed!

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Proverbs 17:1-2, 6, 14, 21, 25

Solomon shares with us many principles for family life throughout the Proverbs, and in this chapter there are several featured.  Sadly, he failed to abide by these truths in many ways, showing that it is easier to say it than to do it.  Yet, if we will apply these axioms, then family life can be the closest thing to heaven on earth.  Failing in the family will bring the closest thing to hell on earth.

1.  HARMONY IN THE HOME IS HEAVENLY. “Better is a dry morsel with quietness, Than a house full of feasting with strife. The beginning of strife is like releasing water; Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.” (v.1, 14). You can live in a palace, but without peace in that home, you are impoverished. The presence of strife ruins the appetite. The best place to stop an argument is before it starts. A heart full of love, the spirit of forgiveness, humility, and self-control, exercised by one another, brings such heavenly harmony.  Let us pray for the Holy Spirit to descend as the Dove of Peace on our household. It isn’t my way or my spouse’s way, but God’s way that we ought to seek.

2. GROUNDING CHILDREN IN THE TRUTH BRINGS BLESSING.  “A wise servant will rule over a son who causes shame, And will share an inheritance among the brothers.  He who begets a scoffer does so to his sorrow, And the father of a fool has no joy.  A foolish son is a grief to his father, And bitterness to her who bore him.” (v.2, 21, 25). Here we see the opposite.  There is shame and sorrow when children are not grounded in the Word of God.  Therefore, let us seek to “bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Eph.6:4). Solomon knew what he was talking about. His son Rehoboam failed to receive these truths. 

3.  HAVING CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN CAN BE GLORIOUS. “Children’s children are the crown of old men, And the glory of children is their father.” (v.6 NKJV). When children can glory in their father—watching him walk with God, love their mother, and lead them in truth, they may grow up to follow in his footsteps and enable him to know the glory of grandchildren.  Our children’s children can be such a source of delight!  As the old fellow said, “If I had known grandkids would be so much fun, I would have had them first!”

May the Lord help us build our home according to the Bible blueprint!  Let us study, submit to, and share these Scriptural principles in our family.

THE HEART OF THE MATTER

“The preparations of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.

Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; Though they join forces, none will go unpunished.

A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.

The wise in heart will be called prudent, And sweetness of the lips increases learning.

The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, And adds learning to his lips.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16:1, 5, 9, 21, 23‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Your heart is important.  It is the organ that enables the rest of you to go on living as it pumps blood that feeds the other organs.  When I go for a physical, the doctor listens to my heart, takes my blood pressure, checks my pulse rate, and does an EKG.  Recently, I went to the emergency room, thinking I was having a heart attack.  It turned out to be an infection around my heart—painful, but one from which I recovered quickly. Still, it got my attention!

In Scripture, the heart is seen as even more than that—going beyond the organ that pumps blood, and being the seat of our thoughts, emotions, motives, and actions. It is the core of our being.  The heart of the matter is  a matter of the heart. If we are not healthy there, then we are not healthy at all—physically and spiritually.  Five times in Proverbs 16, Solomon references the heart.

1.  OUR HEART IS THE SEAT OF OUR INTENTIONS (v.1). Sadly, left to ourselves, even the best of our intentions is misguided because, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; Who can know it?” (Jer.17:9). The heart of the human problem is the problem of the human heart.  From this foul well arises foolish speech.  Yet, God is sovereign, and able to transform both heart and speech, if we cast ourselves on His grace.

2.  GOD REJECTS THE PROUD IN HEART (v.5). Those who are proud in heart do not think they need God.  They seek the glory that only belongs to Him.  This shuts off the supply of grace.  “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6; 1 Pet.5:5). On which side of that issue do you want to be?

3.  FOLLOWING YOUR HEART IS A DANGEROUS THING (v.9). “Follow your heart,” is the misguided advice we hear from the culture.  Since our sinful heart beckons us to appease the flesh, we become like rats following the Pied Piper to our doom. The wise submit to a Sovereign God who has infinite knowledge and power.

4.  WE CAN BECOME WISE IN HEART THROUGH LEARNING GOD’S WORD (v.21). The whole point of the Proverbs (and indeed all of Scripture) is to direct us to truth and away from deception.  This is what we experience, when we receive Christ who is, “The way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6a). Our minds can be renewed.  We can have a new heart—and a sweet vocabulary rather than a poisoned one.

5. OUR SPEECH REVEALS WHAT IS IN OUR HEART (v.23). Jesus said, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke‬ ‭6:45‬). Listen to someone long enough and you will know whether they have a depraved heart or a regenerate one.

How is your heart?

THE TAMING OF THE TONGUE

James says that men have tamed all manner of wild beasts, but cannot tame the tongue (see James 3:1-12).  That is no excuse for careless conversation, however, for the Spirit can sanctify our speech.  God’s grace can transform our talk. Our words can hurt or heal; they can bless or blast. Proverbs has much to say on this topic.  We will consider a few verses in chapter 15.

1.  ANGER CAN BE EXTINGUISHED OR INFLAMED BY OUR SPEECH, “A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.” (v.1) Our tongue will be like a bucket of water or gasoline.

2.  OUR WORDS CAN BE CAREFULLY CHOSEN TO SHARE WISDOM OR WE CAN UNLEASH A FLOOD OF FOOLISHNESS.  “The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.” (v.2). “The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil.” (v.28). An old axiom is, “Better to remain silent and let others think you stupid, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt!”

3.  WORDS CAN HEAL OR HARM. “A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, But perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” (v.4). “The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, And a good report makes the bones healthy.” (v.30) Negative talk is hurtful, while positive speech is healing. 

4.  WORDS CAN BE WISE OR WICKED.  “The lips of the wise disperse knowledge, But the heart of the fool does not do so.” (v.7). The doctor looks at your tongue because it reveals much about what is going on inside you. 

5. PRODUCTIVE TALK SPOKEN AT THE PRECISE TIME BLESSES BOTH THE HEARER AND THE SPEAKER. “A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, And a word spoken in due season, how good it is!” (v.23). So we must think before we speak about the who, when, and what of our words.

6.  OUR WORDS COME FROM THE WELL OF OUR THOUGHTS AND GOD EVALUATES BOTH.  “The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD, But the words of the pure are pleasant.” (v.26). If the well of our thoughts is polluted, our speech will be, but on the other hand if our thoughts are pure, our speech will be pleasant.

You can use your tongue to curse men or bless their Maker.  What will you do today?

THE FOLLY OF FOOLS

Proverbs 14:1,3,7-9;16-18;24,29,33

Repeatedly, Solomon speaks of the fool as he shares God’s wisdom in Proverbs.  It is important to be reminded that the fool is not necessarily mentally deficient, but morally depraved.  They have rejected the Word of God—and that is folly.  Several times in this chapter, Solomon references the fool.

1.  THERE ARE FOOLISH WOMEN WHO DESTROY THEIR HOME.  “The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish pulls it down with her hands.” (v.1).  She is the ultimate “home-wrecker.”

2.  PROUD TALK MARKS THE FOOL.  “In the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride, But the lips of the wise will preserve them.” (v.3). Such proud speech characterizes Satan, and brought his downfall.  So, it will his spawn.

3.   FOLLY IS CONTAGIOUS. “Go from the presence of a foolish man, When you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge.” (v.7). This is not a disease you want to contract!

4.  THE FOOL IS DECEIVED AND DECEITFUL. “The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, But the folly of fools is deceit.” (v.8). Having rejected the truth of Scripture, he is deceived and spreads his deceit among others.

5.  A FOOL SCORNS THE IDEA OF SIN.  “Fools mock at sin, But among the upright there is favor.” (v.9). Failing to see immediate consequences of his or her rebellion against God leads them to scorn the very idea of judgment.  He is confident of escaping, “A wise man fears and departs from evil, But a fool rages and is self-confident.” (v.16).

6. FOOLS HAVE A QUICK FLASHPOINT.  “A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, And a man of wicked intentions is hated.” (v.17). They have a quick trigger for anger.  Emotional impulsiveness is a trait, “He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, But he who is impulsive exalts folly.” (v.29). 

7.  THE NAIVE EMBRACE FOLLY.  “The simple inherit folly, But the prudent are crowned with knowledge.” (v.18). They have rejected the wisdom of an omniscient God.  Fools wear their folly as a badge of honor, “The crown of the wise is their riches, But the foolishness of fools is folly.” (v.24). Even if he is celebrated on earth, the fool will be exposed in eternity, “Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding, But what is in the heart of fools is made known.” (v.33). 

Don’t be a fool!

REAL RICHES

Proverbs 13:4,7-8,11,18,22-23,25

Proverbs is immensely practical—touching every dimension of daily life. It gives us basic principles from God’s perspective about how life is supposed to work.  One of the recurring topics is about money—securing it, spending it, saving it, sharing it, and much more.  Few chapters fail to mention the topic.  For example, there are eight verses in chapter thirteen to weigh concerning wealth.

1.  WEALTH IS TO BE EARNED BY WORK.  “The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; But the soul of the diligent shall be made rich.” (v.4). We don’t steal it or bum it—we earn it.  Honest labor is valued by God, and we should too!

2.  OUR SUBSTANCE IS MADE TO BE SHARED. “There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches.” (v.7). You can have great riches, and hoard it selfishly.  Your bank account will increase, but your soul will shrink.  Giving to help others invests in eternity and will be rewarded greatly by God.

3.  RICHES MAY RESULT IN OUR RANSOM. “The ransom of a man’s life is his riches, But the poor does not hear rebuke.” (v.8). There is assuredly more to life than obtaining money, but money can be a friend when we need it.  That is why Jesus held up the example of a shrewd household manager who knew how to use wealth for his own good (see Luke 16:1-13). We are not to serve money, but we can wisely make it serve us.

4.  INTEGRITY AND INDUSTRY PRESERVES OUR INVESTMENT.  “Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, But he who gathers by labor will increase.” (v.11). Money made by dishonest means is in peril.  Think of those who become rich through business fraud or illegal activity who have been indicted and incarcerated. They end up losing everything, including their freedom. Should they evade earthy justice, they will answer the Eternal Judge without escape—and that will be the worse loss of all!  Those who labor with integrity and industry, on the other hand, can receive the blessing of God now, and will assuredly have His commendation in heaven.

5.  PRIDE MAY BRING US INTO POVERTY. “Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction, But he who regards a rebuke will be honored.” (v.18). There are people who know how money is to be made.  We may have our own ideas and decide to pridefully pursue them.  Foolish investments bring financial loss. If someone who understands finances rebukes you for how you are handling money, you best listen.  The old axiom says, “A fool and his money are soon parted.”

6.  WHAT IS EARNED HONESTLY CAN BRING AN ENDURING HERITAGE.  “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, But the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.” (v.22). Consider the inheritance the good man who earns his money honestly can leave behind for generations to come, since his offspring are more likely to follow his footsteps, in contrast to a criminal who loses everything in his evil enterprise.  His children are often robbed of a father who is in prison, certainly of a good example to follow, and of any good heritage. Too often, those offspring will follow in their father’s filthy footsteps as well.

7. MAXIMIZING POTENTIAL FOR MATERIAL WEALTH. “Much food is in the fallow ground of the poor, And for lack of justice there is waste.” (v.23). A poor man might look at his little wealth and despair of work.  He might disdain the little he has and try to take from others unjustly, thereby wasting what he might have had honestly. Those who succeed in God’s view (and nothing else matters) are those who take whatever God gives and maximizes its potential.  Study the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30.

8. SATISFACTION OF THE SOUL IS REAL SUCCESS.   “The righteous eats to the satisfying of his soul, But the stomach of the wicked shall be in want.” (v.25). It doesn’t say that the righteous will always eat ribeye steaks.  He or she may consume bologna sandwiches!  What matters is that their godly lifestyle and honest labor have secured for them satisfaction where it counts—in their soul.  The wicked may gorge themselves and fill their stomachs with all manner of good things, but will never be satisfied.  In eternity they will thirst for even a drop of water and have none, while the righteous will enjoy paradise (note Luke 16:19-31).

Search and study the principles of finance found in Proverbs.  Apply them and it can make such a difference!

THE ROOT OF THE RIGHTEOUS

“A man is not established by wickedness, But the root of the righteous cannot be moved.
The wicked covet the catch of evil men, But the root of the righteous yields fruit.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭12:3, 12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Twice in this chapter, Solomon uses the expression, “the root of the righteous.”  How are we to understand that?

THE DEFINITION OF THIS—Our righteousness is rooted in faith.

The righteous are those who are not merely self-righteous—proclaiming their own goodness in prideful religiosity that is not matched by reality. The Pharisees of Jesus’ day were condemned for that.  Our Lord branded them hypocrites, and their hate for Him led them to reject the Lord of glory and demand His death.

The truly righteous are those so declared by God.  They possess the righteousness which is by faith.  That position of declared righteousness is the very righteousness of Jesus as He has paid for our sin by bearing it on the cross and provided us His righteousness as we have received Him. “For [God] made [Jesus] who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Cor.5:21).

It is more than a profession of righteousness, for when it is real, there is the practice of righteousness.  We are not saved because we do works of righteousness, but we do works of righteousness because we are saved.

Then there is THE DESIRABILITY OF THIS—Our root provides stability and productivity.

Stability comes when we our roots reach into the righteous standing of faith.   “A man is not established by wickedness, But the root of the righteous cannot be moved.” (v.3). The wicked will be uprooted in the day of judgment, but the righteous will be rooted in the Garden of God. In this life we have the stability to stand when “the howling‬ storms of doubt and fear assail,” as the old hymn states.  We stand firmly on the promises of God.

Productivity arises from roots that draw from vital connection to Christ through faith.  “The wicked covet the catch of evil men, But the root of the righteous yields fruit.” (v.12). The wicked are always lusting for more, while the righteous generate much fruit for the glory of God (John 15:8) and this fruit is the life of Christ reproduced by His Spirit.  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Gal.5:22-23a).  We serve fruitfully in the power of God.

Are you a tree rooted in righteousness or a tumbleweed driven by the prevailing winds of the age?

THE ROAD OF THE RIGHTEOUS

Righteousness is a recurring theme in the eleventh chapter of Proverbs. The words “upright,” “righteousness,” “righteous,” and “right,” are found 15 times on these 31 verses.  To this, we might add synonyms such as, “just,” “integrity,” “blameless,” “faithful,” and “good.”  Solomon shares with us the road of the righteous—those who are on the highway of holiness—and where it takes those who travel.

It is often set in contrast to the road going the opposite direction—the way of the wicked.  One leads to God’s favor and the other to His fury.  The road of the righteous is a royal route to heaven and the way of the wicked is the rebellious road to hell.  After all, the crucial thing about a road is not how smooth it is and how scenic it is, but where it takes you.

I recall as a child being in the backseat of the car, late at night as we headed on the way home.  We were going on 74 from Charlotte to Asheville and making good time.  I tried to go to sleep, but the arguing of my father and mother prevented it.  Dad was on the right road, but headed in the wrong direction.  He did not want to admit he was wrong.  The farther we went, the more distant from our home we got.  It was not until he admitted he was wrong and turned around that we would reach our desired destination.

God wants us to have eternal life, abundant life here and hereafter, on earth and in eternity. Jesus said it this way, “I have come that they may have life, and they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10b)

I am so thankful for the day I turned the vehicle of my life around in repentance, as I listened to the GPS—God’s Plan of Salvation.  In fact, I slid over and basically said, in the words of the Carrie Underwood song, “Jesus, take the wheel.”  It does not mean the road may not have some potholes, numerous twists and turns, with the strain of traveling uphill constantly, climbing from the flatlands into the mountains—but, the good news is that at last it will bring me home.