Chapter 1
 
 
1.   Proverbs are sayings which are taken from everyday life; they are designed to communicate practical instruction for living the right way; they teach us how to live.  They also warn us about the dangers of being foolish.
 
 
1,2.  God cares about us, and therefore wants us to be able to discriminate between right and wrong.  God wants us to be skillful at making good choices.  The book of proverbs will give us that skill.
 
 
3.  In other words, God wants us to have a high moral standard.  If a person is immoral, or unfair they are not wise.
 
 
4.  A simple person is someone who is easily led astray.  A simple person is in an inexperienced person.  Reading the Proverbs will give an inexperienced person experience without having to gain it through mistakes.
 
 
5.  Notice a wise man will hear and increase learning.  No matter how discerning we may be, there is always room to improve.  The word of God helps us to improve.
 
 
6.  Reading God's word will help us to be more discriminating.  In other words, we will understand when someone says something that is correct.  God's word gives us the ability to distinguish between words that are correct and incorrect and ideas that are correct and incorrect.
 
 
7a. We are not wise if we do not respect God.  We are not wise if we don't have a healthy fear of God.  The most basic element of wisdom is to understand that God has made everything, including us, that he is greater than we are and that we are accountable to him.
 
 
7.  God says if you do things your way instead of my way you are a fool.  If you get angry when God disciplines you for doing wrong you're a fool as well.  Fools despise wisdom, in other words, they don't listen when someone tries to teach them right from wrong.  Fools despise instruction; they don't accept truth, nor do they accept correction.
 
 
8.  This assumes that mom and dad's instructions come out of the word of God, or are at least in line with God's word.
 
 
9.  A graceful ornament would be equivalent to fine jewelry today.  Necklaces and garlands were used to make a person more attractive.
 
When a young person learns from their Godly parents they will grow up to be an attractive person.  Good people will be drawn to them.
 
 
10.  Don't let anyone talk you into doing something that you know is wrong.  Following that one little piece of advice can keep your life from becoming a big mess.
 
 
11-14.There are people who do not let any of the commandments of God stand in the way of them doing what they want to do.  When we recognize someone like that we do ourselves a big favor by staying away from them.
 
 
15.  The only way to avoid the trouble that a bad person will get into is to avoid them.
 
 
16,17. God says a bird is wise enough to avoid a situation that it knows is a trap.
 
 
18.  People who reject the word of God, in the process reject the warning signs of traps which are set to destroy their soul.  Those who reject the clear spiritual warning signs that God gives them are not as smart as a bird that senses when something is a trap.
 
 
19.  The evil that people do to others eventually comes back to haunt them.
 
 
20,21.  In other words, God wants as many people as possible to hear his message; to hear his holy word.  God wants the bible to be proclaimed everywhere, and at all times.  The bible contains the wisdom of God, and man needs that wisdom to live a decent life here, and to avoid eternal hell.
 
 
22a. In other words, God says, how long are you going to be foolish enough to believe something simply because it appeals to you?
 
 
22b. God is rebuking those who do not take his word seriously.  When are you going to wake up, and quit being such a fool?  Fools hate knowledge.  Anyone who doesn't take God's advice is a fool; he's trying to help us.
 
 
23.  God says if you repent I will teach you about myself, and give you insight into the way that you should live. 
God wants to help us make decisions; decisions that are good for us and that glorify him.
 
 
24.  What a waste it is to reject the word of God, and forfeit all the good that he wants us to enjoy.  He says because I have called; because I have tried to instruct you, but you wouldn't listen, and you wouldn't pay attention.
 
 
25.  No one enjoys being told that they are wrong, but God tells us anyway because he cares about us.  He tells us when we are wrong; he tries to correct us because he cares about us.  He is grieved when we do not accept his correction because he wants things to go well for us.
 
 
26.  If you're in the market for trouble and misery than reject the word of God.  Sinners laugh at God's word; fools scoff at the instruction of the lord, but when the dust clears their lives will be in ruin, and God says he will laugh.  In other words, don't expect God to help when his judgment hits you because then it will be too late.
 
 
27.  Payday is coming for those who reject the counsel of God's word.  Sooner or later terror and distress will hit those who reject the clear teaching of God's word.
 
 
28.  Someday it will be too late.  When the consequences of sin catch up to us there's no way to get rid of them.  When a lost soul is burning in hell it's too late for them to say, God I think I will repent now.
 
 
29.  Some people do not want to learn what God says, and they do not want to do things God's way.  People have freewill; they can choose to go that route if they want to.
 
 
29,30. No respect, and spurned should never be a part of anyone's attitude towards God.  This refers to people who have no room for God in their life.  People like that can expect trouble in this life but most of all in eternity.
 
 
31.  In other words, God says if you want to do things your way that's up to you, but I'm telling you in advance that you will live with the horrible consequences of that choice.
 
 
32.  We are free to make our choices, but we are not free to choose the consequences of those choices.  We get what we have coming.
 
 
33.  Everyone has trouble, but if we respect God then we will avoid the trouble that comes from sin.  We won't have that trouble here, and we won't have it in hell either.
 
 
Chapter 2
 
 
1.  God wants us to receive his words and treasure his commands inside of us.  We do that by reading the bible, rereading it, and by studying it.
 
 
1,2.  God wants us to incline our ear to wisdom; in other words he wants us to listen to him; listening takes effort, but it's worth it. 
People who talk more than they listen have more trouble than most others, and often their troubles are reoccurring.  That's because they don't shut their mouth long enough to listen to the wise counsel of God and others.
 
 
3,4. if we want something we must pray, and then roll up our sleeves and work for it.  That's not being nonspiritual; that's how God has designed things to work.  As a result, if we want Godliness then we must work for that as well.
 
 
5.  If we make God and Godliness a priority then we will not be disappointed.  If we want what God wants, and are willing to sacrifice to obtain it then we will have it.
 
 
6.  God wants to renew the minds of his people.  God can teach his people to think straight; to discern true from false, and to distinguish between bad, good, better, and best.
 
 
7.  God will give us knowledge, and protection, but we must obey him, or it won't happen.
 
 
8.  God will guard us if we are good.  Good people will have their share of trouble, but God protects them from the sorrow that comes from an ungodly lifestyle.
 
 
9.  If we stay close to God he will show us how to make good decisions.
 
 
10.  The knowledge of what is right is a pleasant thing to a Christian.  That's because a good person wants to know how to please the lord God.  The word of God is pleasant to their soul because it gives them that knowledge.
 
 
11.  Correct decisions will protect us.  Living by the word of God will make life better.  God says, he will save us from the corruption that is in the world through lust.
 
 
12.  The more of God's word that we put into us the easier it will be for us to recognize ideas, and words which are not right.  We may not always know why they aren't correct, but the word of God gives us the discernment to know if they are or not.
 
 
12,13. the right road is to live by the word of God.  Evil people go through life on the wrong road, and the wrong road is a dark road so they do a lot of stumbling along the way.
 
 
14,15.  A good person who cares about God sins and feels horrible.  A bad person sins and says that's fun; I can't wait to do it again.
 
 
16.  In other words, God's word, if followed, will save us from pursuing wrong desires.  The example given by God here concerns the flattering words of an immoral woman; they often go something like this: "I wish I had a man like you; your wife doesn't know how good she has it.” Those sorts of words are like an angle worm to a hungry fish to a foolish man, but they will fall on deaf ears if one is close to Christ.  The closer men are to God the less likely they will grab that sort of bait.
 
 
17.  God’s word means nothing to unsaved women; His commandments are irrelevant; her moral compass is directed by her sin nature.
 
 
18.  A woman like that is on the fast track to hell and anyone who messes with her will also go to hell.
 
 
19.  If a man isn't strong in the lord it's pretty easy to take the bait that a woman like this gives him.  But if he takes it, and doesn't repent he will go to hell and never get out.
 
 
20.  The closer we are to God the more we will want to be around good people who do righteous things.  We want to rub off on them, and we want them to rub off on us.  Like the bible says, iron sharpens iron.
 
 
21,22.  When God's Old Testament people were good he gave them security and prosperity.  The point is this, God loves to bless, and he blesses his people who act the way he wants them to act.
 
 
Chapter 3
 
 
1.  Because God is our father he wants us to have a good life.  God knows the only way to have that good life is to obey the Holy Bible.  Like any good parent he wants to instruct his children because he loves them.
 
 
1,2.  The body and soul are connected.  Obedience to God gives peace of mind which promotes a healthy body.  Disobedience brings guilt which breaks our body down.
 
 
3.  God wants mercy and truth to dictate how we live.  Speak the truth in love because it is not loving to water down Holy Scripture just because it makes people uncomfortable. Speak the truth in love and be merciful to those who are suffering. God tells us to do those two things all the time.
 
 
4.  If we live out mercy and truth than we will enjoy fellowship with God and people who have a heart for Jesus will like us.
 
 
5.  Do not lean on your own understanding means let the word of God be your final guide not your feelings or your desires.  Our sin nature often tells us what we want to here, not what we need to hear.  That's why God's word should be our guide, instead of what others think or what we think
.
 
5,6.  If we are willing to be led by God, and to obey God then he will moment by moment lead us.  We can't miss God's will if we live in the moral will of God.
 
 
7a. God cannot lead someone who won't be led.  He cannot lead a person who refuses to follow the word of God because they think they have a better way.
 
 
7b,8.  I have read that 62 percent of illnesses are cause by things like hatred, guilt, and envy, all of which are sin.  Again God is emphasizing the connection between soul and body.
 
 
9.  In other words, honor God by giving him some of your wealth.  Give to His work or His work will not get done. Give to God because it belongs to him anyway.  The bible says the earth is the lord's and everything on it.
 
 
10.  God tells us to store up for ourselves treasures in heaven.  We do that by supporting his work on earth.  The bible says those who sow sparingly will reap sparingly; those who sow bountifully will reap bountifully.
 
 
11.  In other words, don't get angry when God shows you something that you're doing which isn't correct.  Don't get upset when the Bible reveals disobedience in your life; don’t get angry, don’t shut the book; don’t walk away from the preacher who is teaching it; don’t ignore the word of God.  Just accept God's teaching, and make the correction because until you are willing to do that you will never advance in your walk with Christ.
 
 
12.  If you are a Christian, and God allows something bad in your life consider it to be His loving discipline because according to Hebrews chapter 12 that’s what it is.
 
 
Trouble doesn’t mean that God is angry He just wants us to change for the better, and His discipline will help to bring that about.
 
 
13.  A steady diet of God's word enriches our lives.  However, those who walk away from the word of God and live by their own desires instead of what God says will be sad.  That sadness is also God's discipline; he wants that person back
.
 
13,14.  The benefits of being close to Jesus surpass the benefits of wealth.  A good Christian feels like a rich man should, but a rich man without Jesus will have emptiness.
 
 
 15.  Some things in this world are fun, but none of them are in the same league as having fellowship with Christ in his word.
 
 
 16.  A close walk with Jesus will give us a good life relatively speaking because we will not suffer from the side effects of our own foolishness.  We may suffer from the foolishness of others but not from our own and that eliminates a big portion of suffering.
 
 
 17.  Pleasant and peace.  You can tell that you're in God's will if you know deep down that what you're doing is correct because it lines up with scripture.  It may not be fun, but deep down you'll know it's correct, and the by-product of that will be pleasantness and peace.
 
 God doesn't say you will be giggling through your day or walk around in a spiritual stupor with a blank smile, but deep down there will be pleasantness in your soul.
 
 
 18.  Jesus and the wisdom of the word of God are like a tree of life to those who stay close to him and follow his word.  In other words, he gives us a life worth living.
 
 
 19.  God didn't toss the stars and planets into space in some haphazard manner.  He carefully thought about where he wanted everything, and then he put each star and planet exactly where he wanted them.
 
 
 20.  It is by God's wisdom and skill that the rivers of the world flow and the clouds drop rain.  Mother Nature had nothing to do with any of it.  Mother Nature is a secular substitute for almighty God.
 
 
 21.  Hang on tight to the wisdom of God and use it to make all your decisions.  After all if it was good enough for God when he designed and created the universe then it ought to be good enough to direct our lives.
 
 
21, 22.  God's word gives life to our souls.  In other words, it revitalizes a discourage soul and it gives spiritual energy to a tired soul.
 
 
 23.  Living by God's word will give us confidence.  Things won't always be perfect, but you will have a sense of security that comes from knowing you are on God side.
 
 
 24.  A person sleeps a lot better when they are not troubled by fear or guilt.  Living by the word of God will not get rid of every problem, but it will eliminate those problems.
 
 
 25.  Sometimes it seems like the wicked have it made.  They may be well off for a while but they are a heart beat out of hell, and a heartbeat away from sudden terror.  Living by the word of God keeps us from those problems also.  There will be no terror and there will be no hell if we know Jesus.
 
 
 26.  God protects those who live by his word.  If, when we get to heaven, God shows us all the things which would have happened if he had not protected us we will be shocked, and very thankful.  We have no idea how many times God protects us every day.
 
 
 27. If we owe someone something then God says give it to them, not later, now.  We have no right to keep something that belongs to others.
 
 
 28.  If you can help someone today take advantage of the opportunity.  Opportunity's often disappear and never return when a person doesn't take advantage of them.
 
 
 29.  Do not hurt someone who trusts you.  A trusting person would be easy to use and abuse but God says don't do it simply because you can get away with it.
 
 
 30.  Do not accuse an innocent man.  Do not say that someone hurt you if they didn't.  We all do enough bad things for real; we don't need people making things up about us.
 
Slander is a terrible sin, and falsely accusing someone is an abomination to God.  He is a God of justice and he expects his people to be just as well.
 
 
 31.  We must be careful who we choose to be our model.  Be careful who you look up to.  If we admire bad people we may end up being bad just like them. There is nothing worth envying in people like that.
 
 
 32a. God came into the world to save evil people, but the truth is he can't stand them.  You say that's a terrible thing to say.  No, it is a credit to God's love that he would suffer and die for people who are disgusting to him.  Someone says, now you have destroyed my self-esteem.  Yes but I hope you have more God esteem because that's what the Bible is all about anyway.
 
 
 32.  The wicked are God's enemies; the good are his friends.  We become God's friends by repenting and receiving Jesus Christ as our lord and savior and also by living for him.  Jesus says; if you love me keep my commandments. 
 
One of the greatest things about being a friend of God is that we can enjoy his company and like the word of God says here, he shares his secret counsel with the upright.  That means we learn about him and we learn his ways when we are living the correct way.
 
 
 33.  The word 'house' speaks of family.  God will do good things for us and our family if we obey him.  But bad things will happen in a family were no one's serves the lord.  In other words, the general direction of things will be wrong; bad will be the rule instead of the exception.
 
 
 34.  God leaves it up to us but he tells us ahead of time that those who snub him and his word will be snubbed by him when it counts. I'm talking about when we die.
 
Those who shamefully disregard Jesus and the Holy word of God will be snubbed by Him after they die and if that truth does not scare the devil out of someone then I don't know what will. 
 
 
 35.  I will give you two Biblical definitions: a wise person is a godly person; a fool is an evil Christ rejecting person.  A godly person will develop a good reputation.  A fool will become well known as someone who does things which are shameful.
 
 
 Chapter 4
 
 
1.  If a young person has a godly parent or two they have something that many do not have today.  That godly parent is a gift, and they should learn from them.
 
 
 2.  Someone who has lived for God a long time is a gold mine of spiritual wisdom.  They are a shortcut to wisdom and experience for those who listen to them.
 
 
 3.  He says I once was young and inexperienced. 
 
Children should not rule a home; they are not capable, and it is bad when a parent allows it.  Children need strong moral leadership so that they can grow to be a responsible adult who then he is capable of ruling their own household.
 
 
 4.  A parent owes it to God to teach their child right from wrong, and as a result help them to have the best life possible.
 
 
 5.  A person has to get wisdom; that means they have to choose to pursue it.  If they pursue it then they will learn to be wise.  Anyone can have it, but they have to spend time with the right people, and listen to the right people, and especially that means Jesus because the Bible teaches that he is the well spring of knowledge.
 
 
 6.  God's word will protect us if we love it and don't let it go.  God's word is like an umbrella.  If we stay under its lordship it will keep us from trouble.
 
 
 7.  The wisdom of God's word is better than anything else, consequently God has some practical advice; he says, get it!  Get to know the word of God and do not let anyone, or anything stop you.
 
Sometimes we must sacrifice to have the very best; it takes work and determination to have the best but we always come out ahead when we do it.
 
 
 8.  You get out of a relationship what you put into it.  If you do not make it a priority than it probably won’t be good.  It works the same with us and God; if we don't make God our top priority then we won't have the blessings that we could have had.
 
 
 9.  If you walk with God, then he will give you a spiritual and moral beauty that the right kind of people will be drawn to.
 
Single people say: how can I find a godly wife or husband? This has always been my answer to those who ask: focus on being godly yourself. Live for Jesus and do not compromise and God will bring the right person your way.
 
 
 10.  A biblical life is usually a longer life.  Illicit sex, over use of tobacco, alcohol, drugs, food and so on is all connected to disease.
 
 
 11.  God teaches and God leads; Jesus taught and he led.  One thing I really like about God is that his laws reflect his holy character.  He doesn't tell us to be anything that he isn't Himself.  Consequently God does two big things to help us to be the right kind of people.  Number one he teaches us what is right, and number two he always does what is right himself.
 
 
 12.  God leads his obedient people one step, and one second at a time.  Do not be surprise if you don't know what God wants you to do for the rest of your life, or even tomorrow.  If tomorrow comes, and that's a real if, he will show you what he wants you to do when it arrives. 
 
 
 13.  Guard the good way God has shown you.  And when evil seems attractive turn away from it before it tempts you to the point where you can't resist.
 
 
 14,15.  Do not investigate what a particular sin might be like. Don't say, I won't do it I just want to check it out a little.  If you find that some sin interests you then get as far away from it as you possibly can.  Do not go near it, or it will draw you in like a black hole.
 
 
 16.  You can tell that someone is bad if they become upset when they blow an opportunity to sin.  Stay far away from those types of people.
 
 
 17.  A bad person desires an unnatural thing like sin more than a natural thing like food.  They are not normal, and they don't have a normal life because they indulge in an abnormal activity. 
 
If you're going to do abnormal things then you're not going to have a normal life.  If you indulge in sinful things then you will not be able to enjoy good things.
 
 
18.  The longer we walk with Christ the better our life will be.  Outwardly things may not get better, but inwardly we will get stronger.
 
 
19.  Sin leads to trouble, and sin also darkens the mind of the sinner.  That's why, though the reason for trouble may be obvious to a godly person, the sinner can't see it.
 
 
20.  God says, tune your ears into what I'm about to say.
 
21.  God is saying concentrate on my words.
 
 
22.  Sin can ruin our health, and since God's word steers us away from sin, God's word will help us to maintain our health.  The bible is good for us; not just spiritually but physically and eternally.
 
23.  Guard your heart means protect your mind.  God is saying, keep your thought life clean because what we think affects how we behave.
 
24.  Use plain talk; say what you mean.  Don't be vague so that you can backtrack on your words if they do not turn out to be popular.
 
25.  In other words, don't be led off track by the sinful things around you.  Keep your focus on doing what is correct in the eyes of Christ.
 
26.  Choose the best life, and the best life is to stay on the path of holiness.  That's not going to guarantee a trouble free life, but as a general rule it will result in a well ordered life and definitely a very good eternity. 
 
27.  Stay on the holiness road.  Do not take an alley to sin thinking it is a shortcut to happiness.  You'll be better off in the long run if you do things, and live life, the way God says is correct.
 
Chapter 5
 
1,2.  If you want to have good sense then listen to God, and that means read his word.  Reading the bible will give us good sense, will give us God sense and the lord will show us what makes sense, and what nonsense is.
 
3.  God says watch out for bad girls who use flattery to catch guys.
 
4.  Bad women can make themselves look attractive.  God says, men do not take the bait or you will be sorry.
 
5.  Every sin leads us closer to death because evil behavior takes us further away from God.  Some sins result in immediate death, but most of the time they are a part of a process that leads to death.  Either way, it isn’t good.
 
6.  A person can sin so much that they get to the point where they do not feel guilty anymore.  A person like that is teetering on the edge of hell because they do not see any need to repent.
 
7.  There's a lot at stake, like physical health and staying out of hell so God says listen and obey.
 
8.  Defeating sin boils down to making the correct choices, and the most important choice is to stay as far away from the things that tempt you as you possibly can.
 
9,10.  I wonder how many men have had to bribe an immoral woman so that they wouldn’t talk about the bad that they did together.  God is saying stay away from sin so you won't have to pay for it.
 
11.  The person who lives for sin instead of for God will be sad when they are old.  They will know that they wasted the life that God gave them.
 
12.  As time goes on and the end draws near the sinner will say I sure was stupid.  I was stupid for doing wrong, and I was stupid for not listening to those who tried to correct me.  I was stupid for not reading the bible and obeying the bible.
 
13.  For some people it's too late right now. They have lived their life in sin and experienced all sorts of misery as a result.  They never did learn their lesson so it's too late to do anything about it.
 
14.  Public disgrace is another consequence of living in sin. Sooner or later public disgrace catches up with the sinner in one manner or another. 
 
15.  In other words, God says everyman should limit his sexual activity to his own wife and be satisfied with her.  Don't drink from another man's well.
 
16.  In other words, God says enjoy the physical part of love in the right way within the boundaries of marriage.
 
17.  God is saying keep sexual love where it ought to be and that's with your husband or wife.  God says do not share it with anyone else.
 
18.  God tells husbands that they should enjoy their wife.  Husbands should consider that part of their relationship with their wife to be a gift from God, and they should enjoy it.  God intended it to be that way.
 
19.  It's hard to elaborate on what God says here; it needs no clarification.  It's safe to say that God wants a husband and wife to enjoy each other; again God made it to be that way.
 
20.  Why wrap your arms around some loose woman who has been with more men than she can count and as a result may have more diseases then you can count.  Why do that when you can embrace a good woman who loves you?
 
21.  In other words, if you need another reason to not mess around then remember that God sees you.  God's eyes are on all our ways.  Nothing is hidden from him; no sin is ever done in secret.
 
22.  No one commits any sin and gets away with it because every single sin comes fully loaded with its own bad consequences.
 
23.  People sin because they lack discipline; they lack discipline because they reject instruction.  People refuse to repent because they will not discipline themselves; they refuse to repent because they don’t want to hear about it.  People experience eternal torment of burning and hopelessness in hell because they do not want to change.  An evil impenitent person is a foolish person.
 
Someone says I don’t think they are foolish; after all we live in a pluralistic society; we cannot be restrained by any God, we answer only to ourselves. God responds to that with these words: He who sits in Heavens shall laugh; the Lord will have them in derision. 
 
They are not foolish because we live in a pluralistic society?  Well we certainly do, but a man-made pluralistic society is still under the jurisdiction of God’s law so anyone who refuses to repent and receive Christ as Lord and Savior and consequently goes to hell where they suffer and burn in agony beyond our worst nightmare is foolish, is stupid, is warped, is an imbecile, has spiritual rabies foaming at the soul, and one second in hell and they’ll say Meurett was right! Meurett was right because he told me what God says and God is right. 
Chapter 6
 
1.  Basically he's talking about cosigning for loan.  He says if you become a cosigner for your friend or if you are a cosigner for a stranger.
 
 
 
1,2.  In other words you made a promise to cosign, but you didn't think through what you were doing before you did it.  If you did that and now you realize that you made a big mistake; you have trapped yourself with your own words and you realize it.
 
3.  In other words back out of that deal just as fast as you possibly can.
 
4,5.  There are times when we have to move quickly.
 
I believe in prayer but sometimes we must act and act fast.  If God brings a dangerous situation to our attention then we honor him by getting out of that situation just as fast as we can.
 
 6.  I love how God uses a variety of things to speak to us and teach us.  Here God suggests that we study the ant.  A lazy person should study ants because God can teach them something concerning diligence.
 
7.  There are no bosses no supervisors in the ant world.
 
 7,8.  Ants are self-starters.  They work hard because it's right.  They work hard without any one telling them to do it.  They provide a good example for us; if something needs to be done we shouldn't wait to be told to do it we should just do it.
 
 9.  Getting the sleep we need is important.  But lying in bed because we don't want to face life is wrong.  It's impossible to run from the real world; eventually it catches up to us.  Ready or not choices have consequences and being lazy will result in bad consequences.
 
 10,11.  In other words, if we sleep too long we won't get done what we need to get done.  If we have several days like that we won't be able to pay our bills.
 
 
 
12.  God changes gears here in verse 12.  He was talking about a lazy person in the previous verses and in verses 12 through 15 he's talking about a con man.
 
 
12-14. This is the type of person who works hard to gain your confidence with friendly smiles but all the while he is plotting evil against you.
 
 
15.  Both prisons and hell are filled with smooth talking deceivers who hurt others.  No one smooth talks God after they die and no one will smooth talk him on judgment day either.  The wicked go to hell without a chance to plead their case; they have no case.
 
 
16a. I think many people are surprised to discover that God has a hate list.  It shouldn't surprise people though because anyone who loves will also hate.  They will hate anything that hurts the one that they love.  That's the way it is with God it; he hates anything that hurts anyone who he loves which is all people.
 
 
16.  The seventh thing on God's hate list is the thing he hates the most.
 
 
17a. God hates pride.  He hates it when people try to be the center of attention.  God should be the center of attention because he is God; we're just sinful dust; even the best of us are nothing but dust.  People have no right to be the center of anyone's attention or to expect to be the center of attention. 
 
 
 
17b. Jesus is the way and the truth.  Everything God says and does is based on truth.  Lying is wrong because it is sin.  It is wrong because it is contrary to God's holy nature, and it is wrong because it messes up relationships by destroying a person's credibility and trust.
 
 
17c. God hates cold-blooded murder.  God created life; he created man in his own image and likeness and therefore it is an unspeakable evil to murder, or for that matter to be angry at our fellow man which Jesus equated with murder.
 
 
18a. Another thing on God's hate list is someone who devises wicked plans.  God hates it when a person uses the mind he gave them for doing good to instead devise ways of hurting others.  Using what God purposes for good to do badly is a good definition of sin.
 
 
18.  God hates the mind that plans evil and he hates the feet which carry it out.  God hates it when people rush to take advantage of an opportunity to do evil.  Some people are in a hurry to do what is wrong.  They are eager to do what is bad and consider it a lucky break to have an opportunity to do it.
 
 
19.  God also hates a false testimony.  God hates lying in general; he especially hates perjury or false testimony in a court.  It is wrong because it is a lie and it is wrong because a can lead to the acquittal of the guilty and the condemning of the innocent.  God is a God of justice therefore he hates it when anyone is misrepresented in any way.
 
 
20.  God has a special message for every young person and the message is this, if your parents give you advice that lines up with Scripture then listen to them.  This means if they do not listen to their parents than they are not listening to God. 
 
 
 
21.  Meaning: be so full of God’s word that it goes with you everywhere, and directs you no matter what you are doing.  Assimilate the bible into your soul so that it guides all of your actions and words. 
 
 
22,23.  In other words, if we fill our souls with God’s word it will result in God’s guidance, protection, and instruction. 
 
 
24,25.  Being full of God’s word and staying close to Jesus will help keep a man from being drawn into sin by the physical beauty of an immoral woman. 
 
 
26.  A prostitute is satisfied with cash.  But the sin of adultery wants more.  For whatever few moments of pleasure there may be adultery demands a man’s life for payment.  The wages of adultery are a man’s life and his well-being. 
 
 
27,28.  You can take God’s word for it; you don’t have to experiment; if you put a pile of hot charcoals on your lap you’re going to burn.  You can take God’s word to the bank when it comes to adultery as well.  If you do it you will hurt and the hurt will be long lasting just like a burn only worse. 
 
 
29.  Adultery will be punished and it will be exposed.  A disease may expose it or a disease may be one of the temporal punishments for it.  Perhaps someone will talk, and the result will be public disgrace or maybe it won’t become known until eternity.  But one way or another adultery will be paid for.
 
 
 
30.  That’s true most people would probably pity a person who was so desperate for food that they had to steal.  They would pity the person but his stealing would still be wrong. 
 
 
31.  Stealing is sin no matter how desperate the thief is.  Stealing is inherently wrong so it will be punished. 
 
 
32.  Adultery destroys a person spiritually and sometimes physically and in many cases socially.  As permissive as this world has become an adulterer is still looked down upon. 
 
 
33.  God will forgive adultery if it is confessed but God warns that people aren’t as forgiving as he is.  God warns that there will be a lot of trouble for a little bit of pleasure if one commits the sin of adultery. 
 
 
34.  All excuses ring hollow in the ears of an angry husband whose wife has committed adultery. 
 
 
35.  The pain that a person experiences when their husband or wife has been unfaithful is too severe for money to heal.  Nothing can heal that wound except the grace of God and probably time. 
 
It is easier to forgive then it is to trust. 
 
 
 
Chapter 7
 
1. If you think saving money is important because it enhances your life then you  ought to store the word of Godin your soul because it's worth much more than money and it will enhance your life more than anything.
 
 
2. There is no part of the body that is automatically protected more than the eye. It's that way because we value our sight. Sight enhances our life. In the same way we should guard our obedience to Christ because that enhances our life as well; a close walk with Jesus is the key to an abundant life.
 
 
3.  To bind the word of God to your fingers is to allow the Bible to control all that you do.
 
 
4.  Wisdom should be respected by us as much as we'd respect a family member or a close friend. In other words value wisdom as you would value a close friendship. 
 
 
4,5.  The batting eyes and flattery of a loose women is to a man what a worm is to a bluegill. In a situation like that a man needs to listen to wisdom because it'll be saying look beyond the eyes and the flattery and take note of the hook.
 
 
6.  The writer is about to tell the story of a harlot and a young man who was taken in by her.
 
 
 
7.  In other words this young man was naive. He isn't a harden sinner; he's just inexperienced. Right about now his life is hanging in the balance; it could go either way, good or bad, depending on the moral choices he makes.
 
 
8.  Mistake number one; he is in the wrong part of town.
 
The best way to avoid sin is to make every effort to stay as far away from the temptation as possible.
 
A life lived for Christ will protect us from many temptations because it will keep us occupied doing good things. Living for Jesus keeps us away from the things we should not be doing and will in many cases keep us away from being tempted to do what we shouldn't do.
 
 
9.  He is in the wrong place and he is there at the worst possible time as well. He is asking for trouble. He is like a mosquito horsing around by one of those blue light zappers. It looks very inviting but it fries them when they get a little too close.
 
 
10. This woman was dressed to kill and painted up to be noticed and she sure catches this fellow’s eye. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time which resulted in him looking at the wrong thing.
 
When you give temptation that much of a head start it is very difficult to hold back. He is in so deep that he is probably at the point of no return even though he hasn't officially sinned yet.
 
 
11,12.  There's nothing modest about this woman. She is loud and brash as she calls attention to herself. She is very easy to spot and that's the way she wants it.
 
Sin is very easy to find; temptation is very easy to find; in fact as we go through life it finds us.
 
 
13. Wow that never happened to him before. Many guys would see this and say what a lucky man; boy his ship just came in. His ship came in alright too bad it's the titanic.
 
 
13,14.  She's a religious girl! She seems kind of loose but she talks of her religious offerings. That part of her sort of reminds him of his mother back home on the farm. 
 
Satan often uses just a touch of religion or just a touch of bible to get good people to let down their guard.  He grabs our attention with something good so that he can slip some deadly poison through the back door without us noticing it.
 
 
15.  Oh sure! She says, you are the one I have been waiting for. Liar! She would have said that about anyone who happened to pass by. But he is foolish enough to believe her. What a well laid trap and the perfect bait as well. 
 
 
16,17.  If he wasn't thinking what she wanted him to think before he sure is now. This is what you call a not so subtle hint, as she describes her bed.  His naive brain is churning now for sure.
 
 
18.  She makes it sound like it'll be great. It's all pleasure. This is a golden opportunity for you boy.
 
 
 
19,20.  In other words, there is no danger of getting caught!  Yes, and if he wasn't brought up to know that there is a God who sees everything that he does and will hold him accountable for everything that he does he will believe her.
 
 
21.  Her words are melting away any inhibitions he might have had.  This temptation is quickly starting to spin out of control.  She overpowered him; she forced him, not with muscle but with her ability to create temptation.
 
Jesus said it is necessary that temptations come but woe unto those who do the tempting.  This is a vicious attack disguised as something pleasant.  This is a delicious porterhouse steak injected with poison.  It, like many sins is a delightful path to hell.
 
 
22.  The young man thinks he is moving toward pleasure.  He thinks all is well because after all she seems to really care about him and since she cares about him she wouldn't do anything that would be hurtful.
 
 
23.  These few minutes of pleasure are going to come with a big price tag.  The price will include venereal disease, AIDS, judgment from god, disgrace, embarrassment, and scandal when the sin is exposed.  He is going to regret this for the rest of his life.
 
 
24,25.  The moment a man has even a slight desire to associate with a woman like this he needs to call on the name of Christ to drive that desire out of him.  That's what it means when it says, let not your heart turn aside to her ways.  Let the Holy Spirit zap the temptation while it is still manageable.
 
 
 
26,27.  She has used her old worn out but still very effective line on many men.  She has ruined many men.
 
Any man who thinks that an aggressive woman like this who is coming on strong to him has never done it before with someone else is naive.  She has done it before with other men!  She has done it before and she will do it again after she has done it with you.  There's no way that a woman like this can be trusted.
 
 
Chapter 8
 
 
1.  Just like sin called out in chapter seven; wisdom, that is, Christ calls out to us in chapter eight. 
 
There's a battle going on in the world for the souls of men.  The forces of evil try to pull us toward sin and hell.  Meanwhile God cries out to people telling them to turn from their wicked ways and find salvation through Jesus Christ; to repent and turn to him while they can.
 
 
2,3.  This list of places where wisdom can be found is God's way of saying that she can be found anywhere you are if you just listen.  The bible says that no one can escape the spirit of God.  The holy spirit is everywhere and is always attempting to convince people of their sinfulness and their need to repent.
 
 
4,5.  Christ wants to save every single person on earth.  Wisdom from God is seen crying out to the sons of men to anyone who will listen.  God loves all people and says that he isn't willing that any would perish.
 
 
 
6-9. Notice the character of God's teachings.  He never teaches anything that isn't true or right or good for us.  God speaks excellent things; he speaks right things, and truth; he speaks against all wickedness.
 
What God says may not always sit well with our sin nature, but it is always that which is good for us.
 
 
10,11.  Men prize jewels and wealth.  However those who have discernment know that God's word is much more valuable than any of those things.
 
 
12.  Wisdom, discretion, being thrifty, making the best choices, and having the ability to manage the everyday affairs of life go hand in hand. 
 
When God's word speaks of the things of this world and how we should relate to them we would all do well to follow his instructions very carefully because he knows what he is talking about.  God created this world and designed how it functions therefore he knows how we should behave to make the most of this life.
 
The little choices in this life are very important.  If we do the little things right the big things will take care of themselves.  If we follow God second by second the big picture will fall into place.
 
 
13.  There are certain things that God can't live with.  Pride, lying, wickedness, and all forms of evil are the moral opposite of God and therefore he cannot have fellowship with anyone who lives in that way.
 
 
 
14.  If you live for Jesus he will give you wisdom and a benefit package worth more than anything any company on earth can offer.  Jesus will give you good counsel, sound judgment, understanding, and moral strength to do the right thing and avoid evil.  And all those things will make your life better both here and in eternity. 
 
 
15.  Christ will give you leadership skill and the skill to judge correctly if you live for him; if you draw close to him through the word and through prayer.
 
 
16.  Here it is again.  People say, don't judge!  Are they out of their mind?  We must judge between right and wrong; we must judge between the guilty and the innocent.  God have mercy if we don't!
 
 
17.  If you walk with Christ you will feel his love for you.  You'll never lack affection if you're sold out to Jesus.  You will sense his love for you as you draw close to him and live holy.
 
 
18.  You may not have a huge savings account.  But if you walk with Christ you'll have spiritual wealth.
 
The rewards in heaven will surprise and even shock you when you get there.
 
 
19.  The spiritual and moral character that a life with Christ provides is worth more than silver and gold.  It yields a better return here and in eternity.
 
 
20,21.  A close walk with Jesus will provide you with guidance.  You'll be able to walk the path of righteousness and justice because God's wisdom will show you the way.
 
 
22.  Remember when you talk about wisdom you are talking about Jesus. The Bible says that all the treasuries of wisdom and knowledge are found in Christ.
 
Here in verse 22 God is reminding us that he has never existed without the attribute of wisdom.  Which means the father has never existed without the son. 
 
 
23.  Jesus was set up; meaning he was appointed to be the messiah of Israel and the savior of the world long before time began.
 
 
24-26. Don't take the words, "brought forth", to mean that the son of God was at some point in the past created.  This is poetic language meant to describe the distinction between the father and the son.  Both are eternal; both are God, but they are separate from each other even though they are one.
 
 
27-29.  Jesus was right there along with the father during creation week.  They were together and along with the holy angels and the Holy Spirit saw everything come together.
 
 
 
30a.  The Lord Jesus Christ was the active agent during creation.  Jesus was the craftsmen of creation.  It's just like John 1:3 says, "All things were made through him and without him was not anything made that was made."
 
 
 
30b. The father and the son have loved each other with an infinite love that has always existed. 
 
Consider the one you love the most, multiply your feelings times infinity, and then think how hard it would be to watch that one die a brutal death at the hands of sinners.  By doing that perhaps we can experience just a little bit of what the father went through while Christ was being crucified for our sins.  They were in that sacrifice together.  It hurt Jesus because he was suffering; it hurt the father because his son was suffering; it hurt Jesus again because he knew the one he loved was hurting over him.
 
 
31a.  Out of everything in this vast universe isn't it amazing that God would get so much delight from this tiny speck called earth?  If you would put this earth next to one of the larger stars it would be like setting a beach ball next to a tiny speck of dust.  And yet God delights in this planet; I'm sure it's because this is where he placed man who he created in his image and likeness.  All other things in this universe were made by God for us here on earth.
 
 
31b. God delights in this planet and he delights in man.  Delighting in man is a real credit to God's forbearance and ability to love that which is so often unlovable.
 
 
32.  " Blessed are they who keep my ways".  That's another way of saying you'll be happy if you live for Jesus and obey the word of God.  There is no joy like the joy that comes from being obedient to Christ.
 
 
33.  Hear instruction and refuse it not.  In other words here and don't neglect.  God is saying take in the word and then live it.  Make sure you don't ignore the word that you've taking in or it won't do you any good.
 
 
34-36. It all comes down to Jesus and what you do with him.  If you find Jesus’ you find life.  If you reject him you must love eternal death because that's what you have chosen.
 
 
 
Chapter 9
 
 
 
1.  This seven pillars of wisdom refers to God's seven fold description of wisdom which is found in James 3:17.  The wisdom from above, as God puts it is: pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.  In other words, the foundation of wisdom is godly character. 
 
 
 
2,3.  Wisdom is portrayed as a wealthy lady who builds a big house.  She then puts together a feast and sends her servant girls out to invite anyone who may be interested in coming.
 
The way of God is the way of wisdom and the way of wisdom is the way of holiness and joy.  God invites us to experience his joy.
 
 
4-6.  The simple are easily influenced and led astray.  The wisdom that God gives includes a strong moral compass which if followed will keep you from acting foolishly and from being led astray by things which may look good but are in fact bad.
 
 
7,8.  The measure of a person's character is connected to how he handles a rebuke for doing something that is wrong.  A wicked person gets angry when he is corrected.  A wise man with a godly heart will say, thank you for the correction.  Godly people do not have an agenda other than knowing the truth and behaving correctly.  If they must be corrected in order to get back on course then they are OK with that; they are not offended in any way.
 
 
9.  If we're godly and therefore wise we won't resent criticism.  We will receive criticism and consequently become even wiser.  In other words we will see correction as being a blessing and a means of increasing our supply of goodness.
 
 
10.  A respectful fear of God will cause us to read his word with a humble spirit.  That humble spirit will result in us knowing him better.  Consequently as we get to know God he will cause his knowledge to rub off on us and we'll be smarter and wiser than we were before.  But it all begins with a respectful fear of God.
 
 
11.  Remember, by definition a proverb is a general truth.  So in general if you live a wise godly life you're going to live longer than someone who goes around doing foolish sinful things.
 
 
12.  In other words, it is in your own best interest to be godly.  You're going to benefit from your godliness and your wisdom more than anyone else.  Of course if you choose to scoff at God's word others may suffer from your ungodliness to a point, but in the long run you'll be the big loser.
 
 
13.  We see here the type of woman that does not appeal to God.  A loud, flirting, loose woman is a foolish woman to God.
 
 14-16a. There's nothing gracious or ladylike about a woman like this.  She's very pushy.  She's out to seduce men who are easily influenced.
 
 
16b,17.  When sinful man is told that he can't do something his desire to do it often increases.  A woman like this stirs the depravity of man.  She says come on they say it's wrong so that will make it even more exciting.
 
 
18.  In other words, she doesn't give both sides of the story.  She doesn't say, you should know that following the brief moment of pleasure there will be a lifetime of regret and possibly eternal regret.
 
We can learn the easy way by reading and believing the bible or we can learn the hard way by sinning and then regretting our foolishness for the rest of our lives.
 
 Chapter 10
 
1.  Remember in the bible wisdom is godliness and foolishness is ungodliness.  The greatest concern of any godly parent is their child's walk with the lord.  A good Christian parent will be grieved by sinfulness in their child more than in their failure to make it big in this world.  That's because their core values as Christian parents take precedence over anything else.  The fact that they love their child just adds to the significance of their child's walk with the lord or lack thereof.
 
 
2.  A holy life often delivers from death because it keeps a person away from the sinfully stupid and dangerous things that the wicked people of this world do.
 
 
3.  Just when the wicked person thinks he has obtained what will give him satisfaction he finds that it doesn't.  Fulfillment always slips out of the hands of the wicked because they don't try to find it in God.
 
 
 
4.  A lazy careless person who loves to horse around and never really applies himself to hard work is going to be poor.  He probably won't finish school which won't help, and then he sure won't be able to hold a job because of his attitude, and those things lead to poverty. 
 
Many gifted people squander their abilities by their poor character.
 
 
5.  A father would have to slap himself alongside his head and say where did I go wrong?  You have to wonder about a son who plowed, planted, and cultivated all summer but then was too lazy to get out and harvest the crop in the fall. 
 
Not finishing a good thing that one starts can be a sign of poor planning which is unbiblical, or lack of perseverance which is also unbiblical.
 
 
6.  Abusive speech lurks within the mouth of the wicked person.  Their tongue is like a vent for their wicked soul and the words they speak are destructive.
 
 
7.  The pleasant memories of a righteous person remain long after they are gone.  Look how many people are named David, Paul, John, and Matthew. But you don't see very many people named Judas or Jezebel do you?
 
 
8a. In other words a wise person will pay attention to godly advice no matter who it may come from.
 
 
8b. A loudmouth fool never listens and never learns because they're always talking.  The consequences of a life like that are chaos, trouble, and ruin.
 
 
9.  If you live a good clean life you're going to feel secure and consequently have peace.  If you are a deceiver you will worry about being exposed and eventually you will be exposed.
 
 
10.  This speaks of a cunning person, a fraud, or a slick talking salesman type.  They are trouble; God says it, and spending time listening to them is giving them more credibility than they deserve.  Disingenuous slick talking salesman type people can be seen a mile away by anyone who has discernment and they should be avoided.
 
 
11a. Listening to a righteous person speak is time well spent.  God uses the words of a righteous person to give gentle correction when needed.  In addition to that we may also receive comfort and encouragement.  In other words, the words of a righteous person will enhance our life.
 
 
11.  In contrast to the words of a righteous person an evil person plots to do bad and then uses deceitful words to hide his intentions. 
 
 
12a. One of the byproducts of hatred is strife.  You can tell if someone doesn't like you when they seem to always want to argue or they keep pressing some issue which doesn't matter just so they can contradict you.
 
 
 
12.  A loving person who has been sinned against will not bring up the offense after there has been an apology.  He doesn't dwell on it or talk about it or get revenge. 
 
By the way love also covers sins by not feeling the need to point out every little thing that someone does when they find it unpleasant.  The bible says that love is not easily provoked.  Biblical love is patient.
 
 
13a. In other words if a person has insight you'll know it by the way they speak.  We see this so many times in scripture; the heart of a person is revealed by their words.
 
 
13.  A person who doesn't think or behave biblically is headed for a painful life.  Painful discipline and punishment awaits those who do unrighteous things.
 
 
14a.  A wise person's knowledge is controlled by the holy spirit.  They store their knowledge.  They use it at the correct time in the correct place with the correct people.
 
 
14.  The babbling words of a fool are like fizz in a glass of coke.  You never can tell when a person like that will say something useless or harmful but you know it will happen sooner or later.  Their words are nothing but noise pollution. 
 
 
15a. In other words, there are benefits to being wealthy.  Their money makes them money.  They can buy better things which last longer and need fewer repairs.  It's hard to make progress when you're always scraping for the necessities.
 
 
15.  It's hard for a poor person to get started.  The poverty of the poor can sometimes limit their opportunities to get ahead.  It just makes life a lot harder.
 
 
16. A good man earns a good life and an evil man earns sin and consequently punishment.
 
 
17.  When we ignore Biblical correction we're going to make bad choices and we will influence others even those we care about into bad decisions as well.  So you see it's very important to live biblically; there's a lot at stake.  Do it for God, and for those you care about, as well as yourself.
 
 
18a. Many people secretly hate others. The right thing to do is to forgive others and pray for them if they hurt you in some way.
 
 
18.  God says those who slander are fools.  They are fools because God hates slander therefore it is a sin against him and it will have consequences as a result.  They are fools because the bible says be sure your sins will find you out and the bible also says that there is nothing hidden that will not be revealed which means sooner or later those who slander are exposed and as bad as this world has become people are still turned off by those who slander. 
 
 
19a. The more we talk the more likely we are to say something that is wrong.  The more words we speak the more likely we are to sin with our words.  A person who talks too much is painting a spiritual target on their back.
 
 
 
19b.  He is wise because he won't have to apologize nearly as often and he won't be embarrassed over things he should not have said either.
 
 
20a. In other words, the words of a good person are valuable.  Listening to the words of a holy person is like giving your soul a shower; it is very refreshing, edifying, and helpful.
 
 
20b. The heart or mind of a wicked person is like a dry well because it is useless.  Just like you can't get water from a dry well you can't get any worthwhile words from a person who has a sinful mind.
 
 
21.  In scripture a fool is a stubborn, unteachable person.  None of us knows everything.  We all need instruction from time to time.  A fool is too proud to admit that they'd need to learn which is why they die for lack of wisdom.
 
 
22.  When God gives wealth to someone who pleases him that wealth won't cause that person or anyone else any trouble.  That's because the person who loves to please God will use their wealth to please God even more.  Money is a curse in the hands of a wicked person.  Money is a blessing in the hands of a righteous person.
 
 
23.  There are two types of people.  Those who entertain themselves with sin and get into trouble; God would call those people fools.  Then there are the wise who receive pleasure from following the lord, and from the many good things God gives us to enjoy.
 
 
24a. Standing in the presence of God and being accountable for their sin is what the wicked dread.  They like to pretend that it won't happen.  Every time they think about it they fill their minds with other things but you can't run from truth forever.  They will stand in the presence of God and they will give an account for everything that they have done and they will pay for it.
 
 
24b. Standing in the presence of God and being able to thank him for his grace is what the righteous look forward to and it will happen.
 
 
25.  When the storm of God's judgment passes the wicked will be swept away into hell forever.  But the righteous, because they are in Christ, will remain in the place of God's blessing for ever.
 
 
26.  You will be annoyed and frustrated if you're counting on a lazy person who doesn't do what he said he would do.  The first couple of times that happens it's his fault.  The next time it happens it's your fault for sticking with him.
 
 
27,28.  The expectation of the wicked shall perish. That reminds me of Alexander the great who thought he'd find true contentment if he would just conquer the next nation.  Finely after conquering the whole world he sat down and wept.  There were no more nations to subdue and he still wasn't happy. 
 
Happiness always escapes those who try to find it outside of Christ.
 
 
29.  When a quarterback runs out of the pocket he is on his own.  If he stays in the pocket the big offensive lineman will be his stronghold; they will protect him.  When we get out of the moral will of God we are out of the pocket and on our own.  If we stay in God's will he will protect us.
 
 
 
30.  The captivity of Israel by Babylon illustrates this verse.  Shortly after God said this his people Israel knew he meant business.  They were taken out of the Promised Land; they were taken out of the place of blessing because of their sin. 
 
God can't bless his disobedient people.  Those who choose the wages of sin will not experience the blessings of God.
 
 
31,32a. You can depend on a righteous person to say what is acceptable. They are not a loose cannon. They maybe don't say much but it pays to listen to them.
 
 
32b. A bad person says the wrong thing. Sin in the soul produces foolish and harmful words.
 
 
Chapter 11
 
 
 
1.  In other words if you are a merchant, if you are in business you can charge whatever you want to charge for your product just be upfront about it.
 
 
2a. God also says pride goes before a fall.  In other words, something always happens to knock prideful people down to size and then afterwards they are embarrassed and they feel shame.
 
 
2b. If you are a simple down to earth type person and you're not trying to impress anyone then unlike a prideful person you won't be embarrassed if you don't come across looking like a big shot.
 
 
3a. If you allow God's moral will to be your compass the lord will be your guide.  Things may not always go your way but when they don't you'll still have peace knowing that God is with you.
 
 
3b. If you go along with your sinful desires instead of what the bible says then you and those close to you will experience trouble as a result.  Like a crooked building falls a crooked life destroys. 
 
 
4.  Riches can't keep anyone out of hell, not even a multi billionaire.  If one rejects Christ as their lord and savior it doesn't matter how much money they have, it will do them no good on the Day of Judgment.  Everyone enters eternity flat broke.
 
 
5,6.  Sin is a trap.  The sin of wicked people ensnares them; it traps them and very often snuffs out their life.  The amazing thing and the frightful thing about sin is that once it traps a person they don't quit; they don't give it up even though it is destroying their life.
 
 
7.  When the coffin lid of the wicked slams shut all his plans, and dreams, and desires are gone forever.  The things he lived for are gone and he shall never experience joy or hope again.
 
 
8.  In the end God's people will be happy. In the end the wicked, Christ rejecting sinners of the world will have an eternity of trouble, an eternity of hell. Eternity evens everything out.
 
 
 
9.  There are people who can very subtly twist the truth, mislead others and hurt them as a result.  But they don't stand a chance against you if you know the bible.  The more you understand God's word the easier it will be for you to detect even the slightest errors.  Something won't sit right with you.
 
 
10.  The righteous prospering and the wicked perishing both indicate the same thing.  It means evil isn't tolerated and therefore good is allowed to flourish.  That of course makes for a happy environment for good people.
 
 
11.  You can't have a nice atmosphere or a pleasant society when deceit, broken promises, and profanity are more the rule than the exception.
 
 
12a. In other words someone who belittles others is a fool in the eyes of God.  Deriding is the opposite of applauding.  Instead of applauding the good that people do a fool will point out the imperfections of others and often follow it up with mocking.  All that does is cause hurt and invite arguing and worst of all it is offensive to God who would never do that sort of thing.
 
 
12b.  If you cannot say something constructive whether it be constructive criticism or praise then by all means don't deride.  If you can't help by your words then just don't say anything at all.
 
 
13a. You don't want to confide in a gossip because they talk about everything they know and a lot of things they don't know; they just like to talk especially about other people.  God says what you tell them in secret will soon become known to others. 
 
 
13b. A good friend will listen but they won't talk about what they heard.  A good friend does not gossip.  A good friend will pray and care but they will never spread embarrassing information about you.
 
 
14.  God has designed man to be led by men who are led by God.  When that's not happening the nation, family, or business, whatever the case may be, will have problems.
 
 
15.  Don't cosign for a neighbor's loan.  That's God's advice to us.  God doesn't want us to be stuck with a bill that we did not run up. 
 
 
16a. Both God and men have high regard for ladies who are ladylike.  A woman can draw attention to herself by the way she dresses or acts.  But a godly spirit is what will cause God to honor her, and a godly spirit will draw godly men to her as well.
 
 
16b. Ruthless men are like loose women.  They'll get attention and maybe even wealth but they won't get respect.
 
 
17.  I read about an article in the British Medical journal that said there isn't a tissue in the human body that isn't affected by the human spirit.  God said it before there were any medical journals.  If you are kind it will have a positive effect on you.
 
 
 
18.  A wicked person may get rich quick but their wages are deceptive because they don't provide the satisfaction that they thought they would.
 
 
19.  Every human is on one of two roads: the road to heaven or the road to hell.  Eternal life is for those whose faith leads to good works.  Eternal hell is for those who reject Christ and show it by their pursuit of evil.
 
 
20.  God hates insincerity.  A perverse, dishonest heart; I guess we might say the heart of a politician is a heart that never says what it means.  Insincerity is hated by God because it is so unlike God. 
 
 
21.  No matter how well off the wicked may be; for them the worst is yet to come.  Meanwhile, no matter how bad things may be for a Christian; the best is yet to come for them.
 
 
22.  A gold ring is pretty; a pig's nose is ugly.  A beautiful woman is physically pretty but if she isn't godly then spiritually speaking she is as ugly as a pig's nose.
 
 
23a. Righteous people desire good and strive for good and in the end they get good because good will triumph over bad.  That's why if you live for Jesus you can't lose if you don't quit. 
 
 
23.  The wicked strive to do evil and want to see evil and in the end that's what they will get in the form of God's punishment.
 
 
24.  In other words God says you get more by being generous than you do by being stingy.  He says you'll get rich by being generous and you'll grow poor by hoarding.  Every dollar you give to Christ on earth is stored for you in heaven with interest in the form of eternal rewards.
 
 
25.  Are you feeling stale, stagnant, or sad?  God has the answer; go help someone.  Do an act of kindness for someone and the Holy Spirit will snap you out of your sadness.  If you need to be refreshed go refresh someone else.
 
 
26.  This is talking about a greedy person who won't market his grain even when food is scarce.  He keeps it off the market in order to drive up the price. 
 
God gifts people to be businessmen and businesswomen, not just to make money, and certainly not to be greedy.  Like anything else, business sense is a gift from God and should be used as a means to make this world a better place as well as earn a living.
 
 
27.  This is the old principle of reaping what you sow.  If you want to be blessed then you must be a blessing.  If you want to be treated well than treat others well.
 
 
28.  God is the only one deserving of our complete trust.  God will always be there for us and give us what we need when we need it.  Your wealth can't buy you a cure when there is no cure.  Wealth can't buy you food in times of famine.  Wealth can't get you out of hell when you've been sent there because of your sin.
 
 
 
29.  If the head of the household isn't sold out to God and leading his family in the ways of Jesus Christ he is troubling his family.  God says he will inherit the wind.  That means his family, at the very least will not be the good thing that it could have been, and it could end up being a big mess.
 
 
 
30.  Two things: live for Christ, that is live a righteous life, and help get out the word of God.  If you prayerfully do those two things you are wise and God will use you to win souls.  People will be saved from hell because of you.
 
 
 
31.  The righteous reap what they plant, including consequences when they slip up and sin.  How much worse will it be for the ungodly who neglect salvation through Jesus Christ?  By the way, even if they get by in this life, without Christ they will pay the full penalty for their sins in eternity.  No one ever gets away with anything.  Even the sins of a Christian do not go unpunished; Jesus was punished for their sins.
 
 
 
Chapter 12
 
 
 
1a. People who really want to learn and become better will accept correction.  If you're willing to at least listen to what others have to say because you know that you don't have all the answers then you will be better off in the long run because God says we should be that way.
 
 
 
1b. Those who are determined to defend themselves at all times and will not accept correction are not interested in learning or improving themselves.  God calls them stupid.  They may think that they know everything they need to know but God says you've got it exactly wrong because you're stupid .
 
 
 
2.  It boils down to this; it is God vs. the wicked and all their evil.  It is the supreme power of the universe against puny rebellious man.  The outcome isn't in doubt.  God will condemn the rebels; he will defeat the wicked.
 
 
 
3.  In other words, no one whose life is dominated by sin will have stability.  They will have guilt and turmoil on the inside and trouble coming at them from the outside.
 
 
 
4.  An excellent wife gives her husband joy.  She makes him feel good.  Her Godly ways enhance his life and he's proud to be with her.  He shows her off like a king shows off his big crown of jewels.
 
 
 
5a. Good people do not plan evil things.  People say, I know John Doe lies, and doesn't do what he says he will do, but he isn't a bad person.  Well what in the world would you call bad if that's not bad. 
 
 
 
5. It's not good to listen to the advice of a bad person.  A bad persons reasoning is warped.  Their words may seem to make sense but following their advice will probably get you into trouble.  Get your advice from people who know Jesus and live right and chances are you will be safe.
 
 
 
6a.  Bad people use calculated misleading words to cause trouble for others.  The religious leaders tried to trap Jesus with their questions.  Some people hate and their words are tools which they use to trap and hurt others.
 
 
 
6.   You can tell a lot about a person by their words.  Our words are a barometer of our soul.  The mouth of the upright will deliver them.  That is similar to what Jesus said when he said, by your words you will be justified and by your words you will be condemned.
 
 
 
7.  God's justice eventually catches up to sinners who will not repent.  If they do not find mercy through Jesus Christ they will be gone forever; out of sight and out of mind burning in the fires of hell.
 
 
 
8a. If you act right people will speak well of you.  You may not know it but people will admire you and respect you; decent people will anyway.
 
 
 
8.  People who are unprincipled are not trusted and not respected.  They may have some superficial friends; they may have some drinking buddies, but you wouldn't trust them and you wouldn't want them to marry your daughter.
 
 
 
9. It's better to be a nobody in the eyes of people and at least have your basic needs met because you work hard then it is to pretend to be a big shot but have nothing because you won't take a regular job. 
 
 
 
10.  In other words, a good person cares more about animals than a bad person cares about people.  An animal is just an animal but a good person will not be unkind to them.
 
 
 
11a. God blesses good honest hard work.  All honest work has dignity no matter how little one is paid for doing it.
 
 
 
11.  Those that chase fantasies all the time but never do any real work won't have what they need.
 
 
 
12a. A bad person doesn't mind lying, stealing, or cheating in order to take what they want from those who have worked hard to attain it.
 
 
 
12b. A decent person will not take what belongs to someone else.  They work hard for their needs and in the long run they will be better off.  Man was created to work and that is why we are blessed when we work.  Work is good for our bank book and work is also good for our soul and our spirit.
 
 
 
13.  A liar has to have a good memory.  If he doesn't then his stories will not match.  If his stories do not match he will incriminate himself.
 
 
 
14.  A person's words are like his work.  Both can bring a good reward.  Good words and good works both result in good rewards.  Most people respect those who say and do good things.
 
 
 
15a. A fool is someone who doesn't do what is right but he doesn't accept correction because he thinks he knows everything.  That's a recipe for failure.  A fool can do no wrong as far as he is concerned; he lives in non-reality.  People who live in non-reality fail in the world of reality.
 
 
 
15.  If we are wise then we know that we do not understand everything.  No one knows everything; no one knows all sides of an issue.  A wise person understands that and welcomes advice from others.
 
 
 
16a. If something upsets a fool you will know it immediately.  The slightest annoyance sets them off.
 
 
 
16.  A prudent person exercises self-control.  They ignore insults; they restrain themselves by prayer and if they are smart they remember how Jesus was also insulted and how he responded.
 
 
 
17,18.  Careless words; words spoken in anger; insulting words and malicious gossip all cut like a sword.  It's not that you become bitter over it but it can be hard to forget that kind of talk.
 
 
 
19.  The truth about something never changes.  Truth is what it is.  Lies change.  People who lie often change their story.
 
 
 
20.  People who work for what is right have joy in their soul.  The closer we are to God the more we strive to do what is right the better we will feel on the inside.
 
 
 
21.  Without exception righteous people who live holy lives are spared from the terrible consequences which follow the behavior of the sinful.
 
 
 
22a. God hates it when truth is twisted in any way.  It is very important to stay away from half-truths or even exaggeration if people do not know that we are exaggerating.
 
 
 
22.  God doesn't ask for great things from people who are but dust.  He is satisfied with simple, good things.  He is happy when we are honest, trustworthy and truthful.
 
 
 
23a. In other words, a Godly person is modest which is why they will not show off how much they know.  If something needs to be said or if someone has a question they will speak.  However they do not talk simply to impress others.
 
 
 
23.  A fool will talk about things they do not understand.  They talk as if they know when really they do not know. 
 
Not everyone who speaks with confidence knows what they are talking about so it pays to be careful when listening to anyone.
 
 
 
24a. Most of the time it is the diligent, hardworking people who rise to positions of leadership.
 
 
 
24.  Laziness leads to poverty and back in those days poverty meant selling yourself into slavery to work off your debt.  People became servants just to survive. 
 
Hard work is needed to survive in this world so if one is lazy they will not get by with their laziness it will catch up to them and eventually they will have to work to survive. 
 
 
 
25a. Life can be hard and worry just makes things worse.  Worry causes sadness and it is foolish.  Worry is being sad about future things which may not even happened.  Jesus taught that we should be concerned about the things of today and then went tomorrow comes we can be concerned about whatever it brings.
 
 
 
25.  A good word is a powerful thing.  A good word like God knows what's going on and he loves you can go a long way toward helping a person feel better.  What is needed very often is encouragement, and just a little word of encouragement can be a very powerful thing. 
 
 
 
26.  Choose carefully who you spend time with.  If you know that someone is wrong in how they behave do not hang out with them because they will lead you the wrong way.
 
 
 
27.  In other words a lazy person doesn't make the most of his opportunities.  His laziness causes him to allow opportunity to improve himself or to do what is right in the eyes of God to slip right by.  He doesn't enjoy the good things in life because he will not work for them.
 
 
 
28.  Copy the behavior of good people.  Learn to do good and good include receiving Christ as lord and savior and you will make it to heaven.  Receiving Jesus will give you life; receiving Jesus guarantees that you will live forever in your raised body.  In other words you will not experience death, at least not for ever.
 
 
 
Chapter 13
 
1.  Constructive criticism by wise Godly people is absolutely essential for all of us.  People who aren't wise despise rebuke, correction, and any kind of criticism.  They never progress spiritually and they'd make life more difficult for themselves than it needs to be.
 
 
 
2a.  If we speak good, kind, encouraging words and sometimes a loving rebuke when it is needed, it will go well with us.  The words that we speak set the course for our life.
 
 
 
2b.  In other words, the more a person sins the more they will crave sin.  Those who taste sin may find out the hard way that their little taste has turned into a craving that they cannot control.
 
 
 
3a. Think before you talk; be cautious in what you say; guard your mouth.  The less we speak the less likely we are to have regrets. 
 
 
 
3b. A person who talks without thinking must love trouble because they certainly get a lot of it.  A person who speaks rashly will be held accountable for what they say just as if they thought about their words long before they spoke them.  What we say is what we say and we will give an account for all that we say before God.
 
 
 
4.  Desires without hard work will not amount to anything.  You can wish that things were different all day every day but they will not be different unless you prayerfully work at making them different.  That means being diligent; it means working at it even after the newness, the freshness of it wears off.
 
 
 
5.  One reason there's so many problems in this world is that there's so much lying in this world.
 
 
 
6.  In evil person is walking on thin ice all the time.  The bible says that wickedness overthrows the sinner.  You're on thin ice if you are living in sin because sooner or later you're wickedness will overthrow you.  Sooner or later sin and its consequences catch up.  It's not a question of if; it's a question of when.  The next thing that a wicked person does, the next thing that a wicked person says could be the thing that causes them to crash through the ice and be destroyed.
 
 
 
7.  Many people have a lot of money today especially when you compare it to Biblical days.  Many people have great purchasing power, enough to buy vehicles and homes and go out to eat and that's fine.  If God blesses a person with money that's great but some who are blessed financially are spiritually poor.  They don't have purchasing power to buy peace, or joy, or forgiveness of sin, or life everlasting.  That's the sad scenario of one who spends their time &energy accumulating material wealth but they ignore their need for true riches of the spirit.
 
 
 
8.  Rich people are often threatened by those who want to take their money.  I suppose it would be nice to be rich in some ways; I would buy a lot of air time to get out the word of God I know that.  But sometimes the rich are targeted by bad people; wealth isn't all that it's cut out to be.
 
 
 
9.  Light is a picture of the good life.  The bible says that the good life of the righteous person is a living testimony.  Being around a righteous person will bring joy to another righteous person.  It's sort of like stepping into a big room with a lot of picture windows; it's good to be around them, it's refreshing.
 
 
 
10.  Prideful people seldom or never admit that they are wrong because that takes humility. God says pride causes strife. Pride is present in every quarrel; if there is an argument you can bet that pride is there somewhere. God wants us to be open to advice from others and he wants us to admit when we are wrong. Failure to do those things destroys relationships.
 
 
 
11.  The kind of wealth that is generated by hard work helps society in general because it produces a product or service.  Wealth that is generated by crime or gambling is no benefit to society at all; its consequences generally cost society.
 
 
 
12a. When you're looking forward to something and it doesn't happen it can be very discouraging.  High expectations which do not come to pass can create hopelessness unless one focuses on the sovereignty of God.
 
 
 
12.  In other words, when your desire at last comes to pass there's great happiness and satisfaction.  Often the former times of waiting and discouragement are forgotten because the joy is so great.
 
 
 
13.  The word of God contains the only answers for the problems of man because the problems of man are spiritual in nature.  They may manifest themselves in the physical realm but their root is spiritual; their root is sin.  Problems come from not doing things God's way and God's way is taught in Holy Scripture. 
 
 
 
14.  The wise mentioned in this verse refer to those who believe the word of God and live by it.  God has made a law which has ordained the word of God to be the way of blessing.  When our behavior does not line up with scripture then our behavior becomes a snare of death.  In other words it leads to nothing but trouble.  This is an inescapable law that cannot be violated with impunity.
 
 
 
15.  If you want a hard life then go against the bible and you'll have plenty of trouble.  The world is filled with immature people so when someone who lives by scripture and therefore shows good sense comes along they are appreciated at least they are appreciated by those who have half a brain.
 
 
 
16.  God says that a fool (anyone who ignores his word) lays open his folly.  Meaning: conduct reveals character.  Sometimes people say, so and so can really be a jerk but that's just the way he is.  They say that as if "that's just the way he is" is an excuse.  It's no excuse because it is the way he is.  How a person acts reveals the kind of person that they are.  If you tell a lie you are a liar.  If you do immoral things you are immoral.  If you steal things you’re a thief. It doesn't take a genius to figure that out it just takes honesty.
 
 
 
17.  An ambassador or a messenger is a representative.  If you ask someone to be your representative, or your spokesperson then it is wise to make sure that they will act and speak the way you would.  If they don't then you will be misrepresented.  If they don't conduct themselves well that reflects badly on you.
 
The bible says that Christians are ambassadors of Christ.  If we aren't holy then that reflects badly on Jesus.
 
 
 
18.  Humility is the key to honor in the eyes of God, and to success as God defines it.  If a person faithfully follows God's guidance from his word then they will also accept correction, and instruction from people who know scripture..
 
 
 
19.  If you want to obtain that which is good then you're going to have to practice self-denial.  Fools don't do that; fools hate self-denial and they despise goodness.  Oh I suppose they would take the blessings of goodness but it's not worth the effort that's needed to get it, as far as their concerned.
 
 
 
20.  A person becomes like the people they spend time with.  And it doesn't make any difference if you spend time with them in person, or through a book, TV, radio, or computer.  People rub off on people.  That's why it's so important for Christians to spend time listening to preachers who teach the entire Bible.  If you walked with the wise then you will become wise.  Wisdom comes from the word of God; all wisdom is God's wisdom, and the only way to receive it is through scripture.
 
 
 
21.  People who pursue sin will find that it leads to physical problems, a bad reputation, loss of family, loss of possessions, and sometimes loss of life, not to mention loss of soul.  And yet the power of sin is so strong that in spite of God's warning people still pursue it.
 
 
 
22.  In the coming kingdom age Jesus says that the meek will inherit the earth.  All the good that God's creation contains will be enjoyed by God's people.
 
 
 
23.  In other words, some people are poor because of bad management. They don't manage their time well; they don't manage their resources well; they don't manage their abilities well.  We are blessed to the degree that we use what God has given us wisely.

 
 
 
 
 
24.  It doesn't matter what the child psychologists, or the teachers, or the social workers say, if you don't discipline your child when they need to be disciplined you're going to create a monster.  God does not condone child abuse, and if you let your children get away with being bad you are abusing them in the long run.
 
 
 
25.  Righteous people who love God and live for Jesus are content when their needs are met and they're content with the circumstances as they are.  On the other hand the wicked are never satisfied regardless of how much they have.
 
 
 
Chapter 14
 
 1.  A godly woman cares about her family and her household and she does her part around the home.  A foolish woman is one who neglects her husband, and her children, and then she can't figure out why it falls apart. Of course the flip side is true also a wise man builds his house and a foolish one pulls it down.
 
 
 
2.  When a person loses their respect for God, their fear of the Lord, they are walking a tight rope over the flames of hell.  The fear of the lord keeps us on the right path, and it moves us to confess when we fail.  You lose that fear, and it's like cutting the umbilical cord between you and God, and you can start floating away without even realizing it, and not realizing it is the thing that makes it dangerous.
 
 
 
3.  Imagine a baseball bat suspended over someone’s head and every time they say something foolish the bat automatically hits them. That's not too far from the truth according to the Bible. Foolish people are hurt by the things that they say.  Unbiblical talk which comes from an unbiblical heart leads to trouble.  But the person who thinks before he talks and measures his words by scripture will be preserved from at least that sort of trouble.
 
 
 
4.  You can keep your barn nice and clean if you don't have an ox.  Of course if you don't have an ox back in those days then you don't have a crop either. 
 
Doing something positive often results in a mess, or in ware and tare.  Your hands, dishes, workshop, and tools get dirty when you work.  But the rewards of work more than make up for the problems that it causes.
 
Doing something for Jesus results in ware and tare also.  People may take advantage of us, and sometimes we are tempted to grow weary in well doing but the results of serving Christ more then make up for the problems involved.
 
 
 
5. Those who attempt to build their case or bolster their position through lies are false witnesses to what they know isn't true.  You talk about living in the land of make believe, that's it! 
 
The issue isn't what I want to be true; the issue isn't what I want you to think is true.  God wants us to live in reality and speak and live in accordance with truth, because truth always prevails.
 
 
 
6a. Someone who scoffs at God and his word can be intelligent, but they will lack the wisdom to put that intelligence to good use.  They will squander what they have chasing things that do not profit in the long run because they scoff at the word of God which tells us what we should be chasing.
 
 
 
6b. If one really wants to know the truth, God will show it to them.  If one wants to know the truth no matter how it may affect them, then God will show it to them.  God will give them knowledge and they will be better off because of it.  A humble spirit is needed to grow spiritually.
 
 
 
7.  The lips of knowledge refer to those who know the word of God and whose words lineup with scripture.  If a person's conversation is contrary to scripture it will do you more harm than good to spend time with them.  God says come out from among them and be separate, and here He says go from the presence of a foolish man.
 
We are better off being alone then with some moral reprobate whose presense will drag us down.
 
 
 
8a. In other words a prudent person will judge themselves correctly and practice self-government.  God calls everyone to understand their own ways, to discern weather their behavior is proper or not because if we do not do it someone will do it for us. 
 
People will be governed by someone because God will not tolerate anarchy.  If a person does not govern themselves, then civil government will control them.  Which is why the more unrighteous a nation becomes the more laws there will be to control the lives of the people.
 
 
 
8b. A crooked, twisted, person is one who is dishonest, deceiving, and self-serving, and thinks that's wise; they think they're cool, and that they're smart to live that way.  But that twisted wisdom of the foolish is a deception.  They are doing wrong, they are living a lie, and it will catch up to them eventually because truth will prevail in this world which was created by the God of truth; God will not have it any other way.
 
 
 
9.  Anyone who mocks sin, who laughs about sin, and does not take God's warnings seriously is a fool.  If God hates something then it is nothing to joke about. I don't want to watch a TV show that mocks sin; I don't want to read a book that mocks sin; I do not and I will not be around people who mock sin, not without giving them an earful of Bible I don't.
 
If there is something in your life that makes you sad and someone comes along and laughs about it you are going to be hurt and maybe angry as well. They're not taking my situation seriously; they are treating something I am sad about as if it is a light thing; that is a mean thing to do. So consider this:  when people scoff at sin they are scoffing about something that is a very serious issue to God, something that hurts Him and angers Him. It's terrible to do that to another human; it is insanity to do it to God. 
 
 
 
10.  It is very difficult to love someone who is hurting over something, and not be able to enter into the situation and help in a tangible way.  No matter how much we love someone there is only so much we can do to help them.
 
We can share our sorrows and our joys with others, but only partially.  There are certain things, good and bad, that remain inside of us.  Those inner joys and sorrows are only understood by us and Christ. Which means we better be close to Jesus because we need him badly.
 
 
 
11.  Notice how the wicked have a house and the righteous only have a tent.  But notice also that the wicked do not enjoy their house because it gets destroyed.
 
You're better off obeying God at all times even if it costs you something in this world.  You are better off obeying God even if you don't have as much as the unrighteous people down the street.  You're better off because you will enjoy your little more than they enjoy their much.
 
 
 
12.  The wrong way which seems like the right way is doing what we want regardless of what God says. I was once asked to marry a Christian and a Muslim and I refused because as I told them it would be against the word of God.  They said they did not care what the Bible said they would do it anyway, and 3 years later their marriage was a mess. There is a way that seems right unto man but the end there of are the ways of death. 
 
There are times when we can do the correct thing and it leads to disaster because somewhere along the line the sin nature takes control.  But choosing to start out contrary to the Bible is like running a race with sin and giving it a head start.  Self-will which rejects God's guidance always leads to disaster.
 
 
 
13.  In this life there is no such thing as pure joy, or if it is there it is very short lived.  Sorrow, pain, concerns, or something negative always seems to be in the mix to some degree.
 
You are walking in a beautiful park enjoying the scenery and you get attacked by mosquitos.  You are enjoying the eclipse of the moon and you get a stiff neck.
 
Aaron and I waited for years to see the Packers win a super bowl and they did, but we had to watch it at the radio station because Aaron was scheduled to do a live remote, plus he had one of the worst colds of his life.
 
Even in laughter the heart may sorrow. Pick out the good and enjoy it the best you can because that's just about normal for this sin fallen world.
 
 
 
14.  The person who falls into sin, who strays from God actually does it in his heart before it is seen outwardly. Jesus said that which comes from within a person defiles him. We are not sinners because we sin, we sin because we are sinners.
 
 
 
15.  Some people will immediately jump on the bandwagon of some new idea, fad, or doctrine.  Sometimes they buy into it because it's sensational, or maybe because it would be nice if it really were true.  But a person who has good sense thinks, investigates, and measures it by the Bible before they do something, or commit to something.
 
 
 
16.  We need to be cautious, and pray, and think before we get involved in something.  Someone who is reckless; someone who doesn't pray, and doesn't think carefully may hit it lucky every now and then, but they will make many mistakes along the way because of their recklessness.
 
 
 
17a. People with a short temper act foolishly.  That's certainly true; they say such stupid things, they do such stupid things: throwing whatever is handy, slamming the door, hanging up in someone's ear, smashing whatever will smash.  If somebody from outer space landed and saw a human being like that he would radio home and say there's life on earth but it's not intelligent, because its bazaar behavior.
 
 
 
17b. A quick tempered man blows off steam by saying and doing hurtful things.  You probably don't want to be around someone like that.  But a quick tempered man isn't as bad as one who has wicked intentions.  A person like that is worse because his evil is premeditated, cold-blooded, calculated, and there is more culpability for someone who behaves that way.
 
 
 
18.  Those that reject sound Biblical instruction fall from one level of foolishness and ungodliness to another.  Those who are wise enough to listen to the scriptures are rewarded with even more wisdom and godliness and as a result joy.  But one thing seems to be clear, no one stays the same.  We are either growing in wisdom and godliness or we are losing wisdom and godliness. There is no neutral in the spiritual realm.  Jesus says if you are not for me, then you are against me.
 
 
 
19.  Eventually good will triumph over evil.  The bible says that every knee will bow before Christ.  Good will triumph over evil because in the end sin will be wiped out and all who refuse to repent and find mercy through Christ will be removed and sent to hell. In the end good is the only thing that will remain.
 
 
 
20.  God knows that many people form friendships on the basis of self-interest, and while there is nothing wrong with mutual satisfaction from a friendship, it can go too far, and become selfishness.  God's way would be for us to care more about what we can do for people than what we can get from them; that's how Jesus was.  And by the way, when we do that we'll get blessed back as well.  In other words, be a friend to one who needs a friend, and you will never lack friends.
 
 
 
21.  It is a sin to look down upon a poor person or to judge them because of their poverty.  People shouldn't forget that Jesus came into this world very poor.  He began poor and he lived his entire life as a blue collar working man, owning only the robe on His shredded back when He died.    There is no virtue in being poor, but there's no shame in it either.
 
 
 
22a.  A person who plans evil is a person who is going astray.  Meaning they travel through life on the wrong road.  You know what happens when you travel on the wrong road? You end up in the wrong place. A bad person’s life leads him into trouble and if he doesn't change, it will lead him into hell.
 
 
 
22.  If we plan good and do good then we will also find good. 
 
Happiness usually isn't an accident.  If we put effort into making God and others happy then we will be happy ourselves, even when our outward circumstances are not the best.
 
 
23. God approves of honest work of any kind and at any pay scale.  Even if a person doesn't make a lot of money there is still profit in honest work.  You learn discipline when you work.  You get an opportunity to be a witness for Christ in how you work.  When a person works they are doing God's will because man was created to work.
 
 
 
24a. Whether it is spiritual or material wealth a godly person will have something to show for how they conduct themselves.
 
 
 
24b. The bible says we reap what we sow.  The bible teaches that things reproduce after their kind. 
 
The law of biogenesis operates within the foolish as well.  When a fool acts foolishly he inherits more folly, he inherits an even more absurd, insane life.  At some point a person needs to put on the brakes and say, I'm not going to waste my life anymore; I need to start living for God and doing things correctly. 
 
 
 
25a. A godly person who tells the truth will tell people if their actions are contrary to scripture.  That sort of honesty saves people from hell and also delivers them from a lot of trouble here on earth.  Loving people tell the truth even if it is uncomfortable for them to do it.
 
 
 
25. A false witness can ruin someone by their lies.  This is especially true when preachers preach feel good messages laced with modern thought rather than the holy word of God.  People like to hear pleasant sounding lies and preachers who give them what they want are often very popular, but those same people will one day curse them for their lies after they begin to inherit the trouble that goes with them.
 
 
 
26a. God says if you fear me then I will give you confidence.  Fearing God leads to fellowship with God and fellowshipping with God gives us the confidence that comes from walking with the creator, the all-knowing God, the all-powerful God. 
 
In grade school I had a friend who had a brother that was two years older than us.  That friend of mine never feared bullies; there wasn't a bully around who was stupid enough to pick on my friend because he would know that he would answer to his older brother.  Likewise, when we walk with almighty God we don't have to worry about anything and the closer we are to God the less we will worry. Jesus is my big brother. You want to hurt me? Fine my big brother will take care of you in His time.
 
 
 
26.  The best gift a parent can give their child is to have a close walk with Jesus themselves.  Teaching by example beats teaching by words any day.  A child who sees their parent's close walk with Christ is more likely to turn to Christ also.  It's not a guarantee, but the chances are certainly better that they will love and serve Christ.
 
 
 
27.  Some people talk as if fearing the lord is a bad thing; like we shouldn't have to fear God.  I do not fear God as a Christian because I think He hates me; I fear Him because I know He loves me.  I remember having to discipline Aaron because I loved him and I know God the Father does the same with His children.
 
Fearing God is a positive thing because the more a person fears God the more likely they are to do what is right and to confess when they do what is wrong.  That's very positive because the more we do right the less likely we are to be trapped by sin, and as a result suffer the consequences of those sins.
 
 
 
28.  A king’s honor comes from the support of his people as they prosper and consequently increase in number. He is doing a good job so the people are blessed and that reflects well on him.
 
Likewise when we allow Jesus to lead we will be blessed and our joy reflects well on Him.
 
 
29a. Having patience is good. It is smart to be patient, to resist the urge to get angry, unless it is righteous indignation. 
 
When we respond to a difficult situation with patience most people see that as a good thing; people respect that sort of thing which is why patience is also a wonderful way to honor our savior.
 
 
 
29b. If you are provoked many times, and show great patience for a long time, but then snap and strike back, fair or not, some will accuse you of being foolish.  You may not be remembered for all the times you showed restraint.  You may be remembered for the one time you lost your composure.
 
 
 
30. Envy will make you sick.  Envy is bad for your soul and bad for your body.  When people aren't content they make themselves sick.  An envious person is a miserable person. 
 
The Bible says that we are to be content in whatever state we are in.  Have goals of better things; dream of better things, but at the same time trust that right now things are the way they are because God has sovereignly made them that way and be content with it.
 
Someone says: I want to be content, but how? Contentment comes from knowing Christ and living for him, and fellowshipping with Him.  Contentment also comes from being willing to accept His will even if it is not our first choice. If that's not there throw contentment out the window. 
 
Paul did not want to be in a miserable Roman prison for 2 lousy years but He was content never the less and served Jesus by witnessing to the Roman guards. The moment what we want becomes more important then what God shows us that He wants the struggle begins, the inner turmoil begins. 
 
My problem is that there are times when what I want makes so much sense to me that I assume it has to be what God wants as well and when it does not happen right away it gets frustrating.  Measure things by the word of God and if several things are in line with Scripture keep praying for God to sort things out and eventually things will become clear. And then do what God wants and don't envy others who may have it better in some ways.
 
 
 
31.  It doesn't matter how frail or poor someone is they are still the image and likeness of God.  The breath of God is still in them and they should be treated with dignity.  God is personally insulted when the unfortunate are not treated well.
 
 
 
32.  The righteous has hope in his death."  If that was the only promise God ever gave a Christian it would still be worthwhile living for Jesus. When you die you’ll be okay.  When you die you have nothing to worry about.  The second you die God sends angels to bring you directly to Him and your friends and family who know Christ.
 
Sometimes Christians worry about death but the second it happens their worry will be gone and they will know that they've got it made.
 
 
 
33. It says that wisdom rests in the heart of him that has understanding. In other words, a wise person does not flaunt everything they know.  A godly person has a sound mind, a quiet confidence, and a humble attitude.  They have wisdom in their heart and they know how and when to use it.
 
 
34.  Righteousness exalts a nation, which explains why America is going down the drain.
 
We are getting dangerously close to the point of no return because of our debt, God says that when His people are righteous they will lend to other nations not borrow.  Mass shootings are common place, people talk about the wild west, and the wild west was never this crazy.  By the way, if I hear one more politician say this is the greatest country in the world I hope I am there in person because I will ask: based on what? Because in every category: education, quality of life, standard of living, healthcare, happiness of the people America ranks in the upper teens of modern nations. 
 
Righteousness exalts a nation and we are not as righteous as we once were.  If the people are good then the nation will be great.  If the people are evil the nation will be put to shame.  That's what the word of God says.
 
 
35. And that’s because any king with half a brain knows he needs help running his country; the help of good people.  A wise leader doesn't know everything and knows that he doesn't know everything consequently he surrounds himself with good people who will give him sound advice. The Bible says in the multitude of counselors there is safety. 
 
 
 
Chapter 15
 
1a. Like someone said, did you ever try arguing while whispering; it doesn't work very well.  God said it first, a soft answer turns away wrath.  If you sense an argument brewing you can choose to put a stop to it.  Instead of trying to out argue the other person say something kind to them.  A soft answer or a kind word is like throwing a bucket of ice water on the flames of argument.
 
 
 
1.  In other words, answering someone harshly is like poking their sin nature; it's going to make them angry.  A harsh answer causes things to get out of control and the result will be a full blown argument.  Things will be said that shouldn't be said.  Hurt feelings will be the result and what could've been stopped with a soft answer will explode into a big mess.
 
 
 
2a. A wise person controls their tongue, and they portion out their words to the degree that they are needed.  In other words, a wise person, a godly person, knows what, when, where, and how to speak.  A flapping tongue is usually an arrow in the devil's quiver.
 
 
 
 
 
2.  There's no wise dispensing of words with a fool.  Their mouth spews forth verbal nonsense like a fire hose.  If they think it, they say it, and their thoughts are not controlled by the word of God which is why they are fools in the first place.  The last people in the world who should be talking a lot often talk a lot.  Those who don’t have anything useful to say often say the most.
 
 
 
3. Every act, every word, every thought, and every motive of every person who has, or ever will live are seen and heard by God.  Other people may misunderstand you, but God knows your heart and God knows you.
 
 
4. It hurts to break a bone.  It's even more hurtful when someone who supposed to be close to you says bad things to you.  That really hurts because it breaks your spirit.  A broken spirit hurts more than a broken bone; it's a deeper hurt.
 
A cast and some pain pills can get you through a broken bone and only drawing closer to Jesus can get you through a broken spirit.
 
 
5. An unteachable spirit indicates someone who is ruled by themselves instead of Jesus.  The person who cannot be corrected and refuses to consider the truthfulness of something because it may be unpleasant to hear is full of sinful pride and will not grow in the lord.  Everyone needs to have a teachable spirit because we all have much to learn.
 
 
6. Wealth is morally neutral.  How it is used depends on the moral character of its owner.  Money is a way for the godly person to do what is pleasing to God.  But money is a way for the evil person to do more evil which is why God says that in the revenue of the wicked there is trouble.
 
 
7.  The fool has nothing to offer in the form of wisdom because they have none.  A fool is someone who doesn't listen to God and if you don't listen to God you don't have anything to say.
 
 No one can instruct unless they first take the time to learn. We have nothing to offer anyone from God until we put forth the effort to receive from God ourselves.
 
 
8. The sacrifice of the wicked refers to religious people who don't care about God.  Religious ritual is fine as long as it's not a substitute for a clean life, or a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  Ritual can be a wonderful way to draw even closer to God if it is the outgrowth of a personal walk with the lord, but by itself ritual or religion is nothing.  In fact it is worse than nothing because God says the sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination.
 
Jesus does not want what you have if He does not first have you. He wants you more then He wants what you have.  He does not want us to give because He has needs, He needs nothing.  Jesus wants us to give because we love Him.  Give because you want to make Him happy.  In fact giving to Jesus without surrendering to Him first is a form of mockery; it's like paying your kids off with toys instead of spending time with them.
 
 
 
9.  Notice how righteousness is something that we must follow after.  That means righteousness is something that must be pursued.  You pursue it, you chase it, and you follow after it. 
 
Sin comes naturally to man.  You don't have to work at pursuing sin; just be yourself and it will happen.  But holiness needs to be pursued.  It takes work and prayer to recognize spiritual blind spots.  It takes effort to fight against the natural desire to justify our sinful ways.  It takes effort to fight our sinful desires and to say no I'm not going to do something that is unbiblical, but if we want God's best we must do it.
 
 
 
10.  If you stop trying to be good God will punish you.  If that doesn't work you're going to die.  This is some plain talk from God to his people.  EG: In the Corinthian church there were some who were sick and there were others who had died because of their sin which they would not repent of. 
 
God plays hardball; even with his children he plays hardball.  Maybe especially with his children he plays hardball.  The bible says those whom he loves he chastises.  We have a strict father; he loves us, he loves us enough to give us a good whooping when we have it coming.
 
 
 
11.  God sees hell.  Jesus knows that it's a lake of fire because he has seen it; he saw it when he created it. 
 
It's good idea to pay close attention to what Jesus says concerning things beyond the grave.  He was there, he came here, he went back there, he came back here, and then he went back there again.  Not only that, He's God which means he made everything here and there.  Jesus knows all about what's out there so there's no need for us to speculate, just listen to him.
 
 
 
12.  The fool stays away from wise people because he hates being told that he is wrong.  A fool stays away from the godly because he doesn't like how he feels when his sinfulness stands next to righteousness. 
 
A fool will go to church if that church doesn't proclaim the word of God the way it should.  A fool goes where he knows he will hear what he wants to hear, not what he needs to hear.  Consequently, he never changes, and he never improves, and he never finds Jesus.  He stays very comfortable all the way to hell.
 
 
 
13.  A merry heart can only come from knowing Jesus Christ as lord and savior.  A merry heart can only come when a person gives Jesus complete control over their life. 
 
A merry heart isn't crushed when something bad happens because a merry heart isn't ruled by circumstances.  The joy of knowing Jesus and fellowshipping with Jesus is the thing that makes a heart merry and keeps it merry.  The moment a Christian loses their Christ focus their merry heart goes out the window until they get that Christ focus back.
 
Someone says oh I think you need years of counseling  in order to get that happiness back.  Well then God left the church unprepared and unequipped for about 1950 years because all it had was the word of God, prayer, and praise. 
 
 
14.  A godly person hungers for truth.  A foolish person feeds on what feels good to them.  Which is why the godly get godlier and fools become more foolish.  What would we expect after all we assimilate what we feed on and it becomes a part of us. So if you are going to feed on truth you will grow in holiness and if you feed on feel good nonsense you are going to become a feelings oriented tinseled covered nothing.
 
It's hard to stop a train unless you derail it.  Repentance and receiving Christ as Lord and Savior  is the only thing that can derail the foolish course set by the ungodly.
 
 
 
15.  Trouble is bad enough but if one is a pessimist instead of a Biblical realist you might as well check out right now because your life will be useless to God and miserable for you. 
 
All some people think about is the bad, they blow the bad out of proportion; they dwell on it while completely ignoring the good that God has given them.  And when that's the case every day is filled with sadness and anxiety.  A person like that can't enjoy any of the positive things in their life because their negative attitude is constantly focused on the unpleasant that may be there, or they're afraid might be there in the future.
 
 
 
15b. Real happiness is always determined by the state of the heart. Habakkuk 3:17 says, though the fig tree should not blossom nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls yet I will rejoice in the lord I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
 
A wise a godly person who is filled with the Holy Spirit will have joy,  will have a merry heart.  That person still has problems like anyone else but he doesn't choose to dwell on the bad all the time.  That doesn't mean we should live in non-reality, but we shouldn't constantly dwell on negative things all the time either.  We can focus on the positive which will keep us as happy as we can possibly be given our circumstances.  And of course for Christians we always have something positive to focus on including the great eternity that awaits us and the fact that God is working all things together for our good. 
 
Christians shouldn't be pessimists and they shouldn't be optimists; they should be realists and reality is good even when it is bad if you know Jesus.
 
 
 
16.  If wealth is going to be a problem for someone, and with some people it is, probably because they are consumed with how they're going to spend it, or how they might lose it. If wealth becomes a god,  If wealth is going to be a problem than a person is better off being poor, if of course they know Jesus.  The less we have, the less we have to think about and that means we'll have fewer distractions from God.
 
 
 
17.  Like the old song said: "Better just a shack where two people care then a house that everything, everything but love." A great tasting porterhouse steak isn't going to bring joy to a meal if the husband and wife sitting at the table don't talk to each other, or laugh together, or most of all enjoy the lord together.  You're much better off eating hamburger or hot dogs or jelly sandwiches with someone who loves you and wants to enjoy life with you.
 
 
 
18.  People say, he's got a bad temper but he can't help it because he's Irish or Italian or whatever.  And it may be true that some people are more prone to anger than others, however what a person does with their anger is a choice. I am prone to anger because I am Irish.  So what! Everyone is prone to some sin and it is up to us to put a lid on it whatever it may be; it's a choice. And if a person makes the wrong choice and blows their top they're going to make an unpleasant situation much worse. 
 
A wise person, a godly person doesn't feed an argument.  A godly person cools it down with soft words, and by avoiding rhetoric or buzzwords that set people off.
 
 
 
19.  Lazy people don't get it or maybe they don't want to get it. They hate work and their life is lousy because of it, but they prefer a lousy life over a decent one that results from labor. And it's not just the money it's the dignity that comes from paying your own way, and the fact that we are made to work and then enjoy the benefits of it. So as long as someone tolerates an unbiblical life of any kind they will have more misery then they otherwise would have.
 
 
 
20. A decent God fearing mother will suffer unfairly if her son or daughter disregards what the bible says in order to pursue a sinful life.  A parent has enough trouble in this world battling pain and fatigue and the pressures of life without having to endure the sadness that comes from a rebellious child.
 
 
 
21.  A pig enjoys rolling in the mud because he's a pig.  A sheep likes nice clean grassland because he's a sheep.  In the same way a fool, in other words a moral reprobate loves his sinful lifestyle because that's what he is.  Meanwhile the godly person enjoys being moral and sensible because that's what he is, moral and sensible. 
 
Jesus said by their fruits you will know them.  How do you know what kind of person you are?  How do you know what kind of a person someone else is?  Look at their behavior.
 
 
 
22.  God's methods of success have a spiritual foundation because they're found in the bible but often they are very practical as well.  Like here, people who refuse to ask others for advice; people who think they know it all; people who are not open to new ideas will more often than not fail. 
 
God says we need a multitude of counselors and that begins with all 66 books of the bible but it also includes good people who have practical experience doing things God's way  in the type of circumstances that you are facing. 
 
 
 
23. It's nice to have answers.  It's good to be able to say things that people need to hear when they need to hear them.  The more you know the bible the more of those answers you will have.
 
 
 
24.  The way of holiness is the way to eternal life and the way to avoid the misery that engulfs the ungodly here, and forever in hell.  So is it hard to fight the sin nature? it is hard, but it is much harder to suffer the misery and torment that awaits those who reject Christ as Lord and Savior.
 
 
 
25.  The house of the proud speaks of their pretensions.  The house of the proud speaks of all their efforts to be important.  God will destroy all their pretensions.  He will remove all the phony appearances of greatness.  God will humble the proud.
 
 
 
26.  The thoughts of the wicked are thoughts which plan evil.  God detests premeditated sin because it is blatant, open rebellion against him.  It is evil on purpose which is much worse in the sight of God then accidental evil. 
 
 
 
27.  People say, every man has their price.  But that's not true when it comes to a godly person.  A truly righteous Christian will go without wealth or popularity in order to preserve his integrity and do what is right in the sight of God.  God's holy people cannot be bought.
 
 
 
28a.  A godly person thinks before they speak.  They don't want to dishonor God, and they don't want to hurt others with their words.
 
 
 
28b. An evil person shoots off his mouth.  He says whatever pops into his mind and what he says is what his sin nature is thinking.  He doesn't care that his sinful words dishonor God and have a negative effect on other people.
 
 
 
29.  If we belong to Jesus Christ and we don't have any unconfessed sins in our life than God hears our prayers the instant we pray.  Unconfessed sin is the only thing that separates a Christian from God.
 
 
 
30a. God is saying, when we smile we make people happy.  That's good, but there is something even better.
 
 
 
30b. A good word is a blessing.  And the good news of God's word concerning Jesus is more powerful than anything, much more powerful than even a nice smile.  God's word can change people's lives.  God's word can bring people forgiveness and keep them out of hell.  God's word makes his people happy similar to what a smile does, but it creates something much deeper than simple happiness.
 
 
 
31.  There's no better place to find a life giving rebuke than from God himself, the giver of life.  The wise read their bible.  The wise listen when it is taught. The wise are not guided by the words, or ways of men, but rather the words, and ways of God.
 
I really do not care about what works for others, and I am not going to follow some human beings plan because the Bible says those who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God. Romans 12:2 says Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. John 16:13 says When the Spirit of truth comes; he will guide you into all the truth.
 
If we want the best life possible doing what God wants us in particular to do, then He must be our guide; no one else, and nothing else.
 
 
 
 32.  Those that refuse to follow God's instructions in His word love self above God and since God does not tolerate idols they will suffer for it.  Correction doesn't feel good, but it is a good thing.  Those who obey instruction and correction will be better people, and will not suffer for their rebellion and foolishness.
 
People who are governed by their feelings are slaves to self, and self will always tell you what you want to hear not necessarily what you need to hear.
 
 
 
33a. The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom.  In other words do not say that someone is wise, I don't care how smart or rich or successful they may be in the world, I don't care how many degrees they have, or how popular they may be, do not call them wise if they do not fear the Lord God enough to put Jesus first because until one does that they are not wise.
 
The bottom line foundational instruction of wisdom is fear the Lord.  If someone is not smart enough to fear God who sends the unsaved to hell then they do not have much going for them.
 
 
 
33b.  Who in the world is so arrogant that they would refuse to be humble, especially in light of the fact that the Bible refers to Jesus as meek and humble.
 
Some people want to be great so they refuse to humble themselves thinking that it is beneath them. They have to put on their persona of greatness, but it's not even real, no matter how many people buy it, it's not real. Jesus says greatness comes from serving others with humility, not acting like a pompous fool.
 
 
Chapter 16
 
 1.  Meaning this: a man makes plans according to what he wants, but God brings about the results that he wants. 
 
Sometimes man's plans and God's results are the same.  Sometimes they are partially the same.  Sometimes they are completely different. I know this: it doesn't pay to worry about it, the best thing to do is trust that God knows what He is doing.
 
 
 
2.  We may think that we are doing the correct thing, but that doesn't mean we are.  Many people have the idea that if it feels right then it must be right.  "I must be right in the middle of God's will  because I like it."  That way of thinking isn't always correct. If it does not line up with the Bible throw your feelings out the window because they are misleading you.
 
Someone says I follow my conscience; swell but remember conscience is a blind guide unless it is sharpened by the word of God.
 
 
 
2.  A person may be doing the right thing but if they're doing it for the wrong reason then it is sin. You say, how can you say such things? Because the Bible says do all things for the glory of God. 
 
Behavior modification can be accomplished through threats and rewards but only God the holy spirit inside of a Christian can move that person to do the right thing for the right reason and as we have seen the right reason is to honor and please Jesus.
 
 
 
3.  In other words, put God in charge of your life.  Ask God to lead.  Pray to God about everything, and ask him to bring about the best result.  Meaning: be open to the unexpected, and trust God no matter what may happen.  Remember, success means that God's will is being done. 
 
The world's definition of success is prosperity, popularity, and happiness in this life.  While there isn't anything wrong with any of those things, those things do not necessarily mean that one is a success in the eyes of God.  Jesus was crucified at the age of 33, but he was a success in the eyes of God.  All the apostles we're persecuted, tortured, and with the possible exception of John martyred and yet they were all successful in the eyes of God because they did things God's way.
 
 
 
4a. There is a place and a time and a purpose for everything, and it is all used by God.  He does not like everything that happens, but He uses everything that happens.  He abhors any behavior that contradicts His word, but He is able to use what He abhors; no one gets the best of God.  A person can do something that God hates but they will not get the best of God, He'll just use it in some way.
 
This world is operating by God's plan and calendar, not ours and not Satan's.  What happened today and what will happen tomorrow is precisely what God had written on his calendar before the world was made. Again He doesn't like it all, but He is operating within the free will of man to use it all to accomplish His purpose.
 
 
 
4.  God's plan includes the wicked suffering forever in hell because of their sin unless they repent and receive Jesus Christ as Lord and savior.
 
God made hell for the devil and his angels but Christ rejecting sinners who spurn the mercy of God because they love their wickedness go there as well. Why? Because eternal torment in hell is the only just punishment for sinning against a holy God and then rejecting the mercy and forgiveness that He Himself paid for on the cross. Hell is just punishment which is why it is part of God's plan.
 
 
 
5.  God detests proud people; not just their sin but they themselves are an abomination to Him; He detests them and also what they do.  Anyone who thinks that they are a self-made man or a self-made woman and does not acknowledge the grace of God in their life is full of pride. 
 
If a person does not acknowledge that everything they have: their possessions, their skills, their loved ones are gifts from God they need to learn it fast or God will cause them to learn it the hard way. God detests people who do not thank him and give him credit.
 
 
6a. Mercy and truth purged iniquity.  In other words they paid for our sin when Jesus suffered and died on the cross.  Truth is, God is just and therefore could not simply overlook sin but had to punish it.  And mercy is what compelled God Himself to become a man and be punished in our place.
 
 
 
6.  By the fear of the Lord men depart from evil.  A good way to get over a sin is to remember that God is God, God hates sin, and he means business about doing whatever it will take to get us to quit.
 
You say fear should not motivate us to do what’s right. Ok then the next time you see a squad car don't check your speed. If you wake up in the middle of the night and your room is engulfed in flames just turn over and go back to sleep. Of course fear in a legitimate motive to do what is correct. Here the Bible says, by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil.
 
 
 
7.  This general rule does not mean that God's people will never be persecuted by bad people. But there are times when He puts the fear of God into those who would otherwise hurt us in some way.
 
When Jacob returned to the Promised Land with his family his brother Esau who had sworn to kill him was instead kind to him.  A pack of hungry lions are an enemy to anyone who happens to be by them and yet they were friendly toward Daniel when King Nebuchadnezzar had him thrown into their den.
 
Our enemies are no obstacle to God or to His will for us. When it suites His purpose He'll either make them be nice or use their bad for our good.
 
 
 
8.  A godly person who has little is better off than a wealthy person who obtained his wealth through sin. 
 
Compromising Biblical principles and the commands of God in order to gain wealth or anything else for that matter will always backfire eventually.  It is better to earn what we have honestly, even if it is less then what someone else might have.  If for no other reason than because God will bless the poor, honest person, but he will eventually punish the rich person who is not honest.
 
 
 
9.  We make plans, but we cannot control everything that happens so sometimes we have to change our plans.  We don't always understand why the unexpected happens.   However we can trust that God is leading in those changes.  God has not lost control simply because our original plans did not come to pass.
 
 
 
10.  Carry this over to today.  A person who is in charge has received their authority from god.  And leader’s decisions are important because they set the course for those under them.
 
That is why the person in charge needs to be responsible.  They ought to promote what is right because although they are the boss on earth they are still accountable to God not just for what happens to them but what happens to those under them.
 
 
 
11.  God demands honesty and fairness.  God is fair.  God never cheats anyone.  He never gives anyone a bad deal.  It is always wrong to accuse God of doing wrong because He is incapable of doing anything wrong.
 
 
 
12.  A wise king is smart enough to know that for his country to prosper his people must be good.  During the reigns of David and Solomon Israel was a great country because they were a good country.   That's why a smart leader will make good laws which compel people to be righteous. People say you cannot legislate morality. Of course you can! It happens all the time; the only question is whose morality will be enforced, God's or godless man's.
 
There is right and wrong and if a country doesn't recognize that it won't be long until it collapses upon its own moral decay.
 
 
 
13.  A leader needs advisers who will speak the truth, not just tell them what they would like to hear. A smart leader wants the truth not something that sounds good.
 
A smart Christian doesn't want spiritual cotton candy for a sermon; they want meat and potatoes. They want something that will rub them the wrong way if they are wrong, and bless them if they are right. In other words they want truth.
 
 
 
14.  If a king got angry in those days someone was probably going to die.  That's why a wise person would try to appease the king.
 
Our constitution gives us the right to redress our government in order to correct the wrong things they are doing. Ancient kings put the guys with the black hoods and sharp axes in charge of their complaint department.
 
The lesson for us is to respect authority and obey the law even when we don't feel like it.  We will have less trouble if we do that; less trouble with human leaders and more importantly less trouble with God.
 
 
 
15.  The latter or spring rain fell right before harvest and matured the crops.  God compares that spring rain to a king’s power to encourage his people. The king had the power to encourage and he had the power to kill depending on a person’s behavior. 
 
Lesson: It is always good, when possible, to be on the side of someone who has the authority to either help you or chop off your head.  It is even better to be on the side of Jesus who either takes us to heaven or throws us into hell.
 
 
 
16.  Money comes in handy, but understanding God's word is even more valuable.  Money is good because it buys us what we need in this world.  But since we're all going to die we need to be right with god through Jesus Christ even more than we need the things of this world.
 
 
 
17.  There is no salvation without righteousness even though you cannot earn salvation by being righteous.  You cannot become a dog by barking and chewing bones but if an animal has never once in its entire life ever barked or accepted a bone to chew on then I would not bet on it being a dog.
 
Likewise you cannot work for salvation, but if there are never any good works for the glory of God there is no salvation; there cannot be. 
 
 
 
18.  Yes and the more pride you have the further you have to fall when God humbles you, and the louder the crash will be when you hit bottom.
 
A prideful person can count on God to bring them a humiliating experience that will knock them down to size.
 
 
 
19.    Jesus had a humble spirit and he spent time with the lowly. Jesus did not associate with the proud Pharisees because they thought they were so smart and acted so important. 
 
I cannot stand to be around pretentious people; I'll call them out on their sin, and be their best friend by doing it because God hates it. It is better to be yourself even if it is not much then to walk around all arrogant pretending to be something special.
 
 
 
20. The most important instruction is to listen to God’s instruction from his holy word.  If we follow what god says, trusting that he knows what's best even if we don't understand why, then we will be blessed.
 
Trusting God is not winging it in a mindless attempt to get what we want.  "I'm going to trust God for a better car."  Good luck buddy because although that sounds kind of pious where in the Bible does He promise Christians a better car or more material possessions then we have and if He doesn't then you are not exercising faith, you are running on a wish.  How can you trust God to do something when He has not said he would do it. 
 
I'm standing by faith, I am trusting Mike to buy me a steak dinner tomorrow I'm believing Mike for that steak. Yes but Mike has not promised a steak so how can you believe me for it?
 
I will tell you what trusting God is; It is obeying His word even if it costs us something; it is obeying and trusting that a life of obedience wherein we trust God to lead is better for us in the long run then disobeying Him to get what we want.  If one truly trusts god then they will follow his instructions and as a result be blessed.
 
 
 
21a. The bible teaches that a wise person is someone who follows the word of god.  Here in verse 21 we see that a wise person is prudent or sensible.  Which means that following the word of god is sensible; it makes sense. God is not weird; He is sensible, although sometimes people say they are following God and yet they do weird things.  But God is sensible and therefore the Holy Spirit's leading in the life of a Christian will also be sensible.
 
When people do off the wall things expecting God to bless they are being presumptuous, and will inherit chaos not blessing.  God expects us to be sensible, as he defines it, and that definition is always found within the boundaries of his word.
 
 
 
21b. In other words, people learn easier if the person teaching cares about the one he is talking to, and is as kind as he can be while instructing. 
 
We must never compromise truth even if it is unpleasant, but we should speak the truth in the most pleasant way possible.
 
If you're going to attack someone with Biblical guns a blazing you're probably not going to get anywhere. We need to use straight talk, Biblical talk, and Biblical language, but we should try not to be personally offensive while using it.
 
 
 
22. In other words the more you understand the Bible the better off you will be, especially if you apply it. The Bible is a well spring of life.
 
A growing knowledge of God's word will refresh and renew you on the inside just like water refreshes our body.  On the other hand, those who live in rebellion and are not following scripture often stumble through life, sweating, and bouncing from one stressed out situation to another. People like that are anything but refreshed.
 
 
 
23.  If your soul is filled with the word of God it will be seen in the words that you use.  Which is why Bible filled preachers make sense to those who love truth.  Their popularity doesn't depend on big words or their ability to entertain, or impress.  It is the clear, simple, truth which they speak that causes spiritually healthy people to listen to them.
 
 
 
24.  If you want to feel good and get a boost of energy for your body then eat something sweet.  If you want a boost of energy for your soul then feed on the word of God. 
 
The Bible has the power to energize you to persevere when you do not think you can go on. The word of God is a honeycomb, a shot of energy for your soul.
 
 
 
25.  Some people say, listen to what your heart tells you.  Some people say, get in touch with your feelings, or go with your feelings.  That may sound good, sophisticated and intellectual, but it is terrible advice because it is contrary to the word of God. I've even heard “Christian” counselors say, you must get in touch with the person inside of you. Why? tell me where the Bible says that!
 
"You must get in touch with yourself." Again why, why would I want to do that?  The Bible says that the heart of man is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. If I look inside myself for answers It's going to lie to me and tell me exactly what I want to hear not what I need to hear. 
 
If you want to get in touch with someone get in touch with the Holy Spirit who is inside of you, and let Him use the word of God to correct anything that needs to be corrected. The Bible says in 2 Timothy 3:16,17  " All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."
 
Your heart will tell you what seems right, but if it goes against the Bible and you follow it you're headed for trouble.  Always follow the word of God, and follow your heart to the degree that it is consistent with scripture.
 
 
 
26.  God is saying that hunger is a good motive to work.  The Bible says if a man will not work neither let him eat. And we learn from this that God created man to work and God also created man to benefit from his work.
 
The reason Socialism and communism fails is because they remove too much of the reward for work which is contrary to scripture. Why work when so much of your money goes to people who refuse to work.
 
 
 
27.  This is talking about someone who digs up evil, he digs up scandal.  He hunts for anything that may be wrong, or may look like it could possibly be wrong in order to embarrass someone, but one day the digger will himself be embarrassed because God hates what he is doing.
 
 
 
28.  Beware of those who plant bad thoughts about others.   Seeds of doubt and seeds of strife can poison a good relationship.  Satan does that sort of thing all the time which is why he is called the slanderer. 
 
The devil hates it when people like God so he loves to plant doubts about the Lords character.  I can tell you this, any time a person thinks: why doesn't God do this for me, or why did He allow that to go wrong, or if I am His child then why all this bad; those kinds of thoughts do not come from the Holy Spirit.  Any thoughts, which in any way brings into question the goodness of God is either from our sin nature, or the devil.
 
That is precisely what Satan did in the garden when he planted seeds of doubt about the character of God in the mind of Eve. The Devil wanted to poison the good relationship Adam and Eve had with God.  So what did he do? He suggested that God was not fair and after Eve bought that lie it was just a small step to sin, and a ruined relationship with the Lord.
 
Measure the character of God by the word of God not by your circumstances or feelings.
 
 
 
29. It's bad to sin yourself.  But it is even more depraved to entice others to sin along with you.  It is bad enough to delight in one's own sin.  It is even worse to get a depraved satisfaction from the sins of others. 
 
 
 
30.  The shutting eyes and moving, or pressing lips is talking about someone who is carefully calculating bad behavior. In other words, they work hard at being bad.
 
Everyone does wrong but there are some who think about it, devise it, premeditate it, and then work hard to carry it out. Anyone who hangs out with someone like that is begging for trouble. You are better off being alone then being with someone like that because they'll drag you down.
 
 
 
31.  Notice the "IF" here in verse 31. Not every gray headed person is worthy of respect.  A godly person who has walked with Jesus for years becomes more spiritually valuable with age. But a gray headed sinner gets worse with age. 
 
You would think that the closer one gets to death the more serious they'd become about Jesus, and the better they would behave, but if they have spent a lifetime rejecting Christ, and the word of God their souls will become more callous toward God, and they will become more depraved, not less.
 
I knew a man who had a head full of gray hair to go along with a soul full of sin and he got continually worse even on his death bed.  When he lay dying he was going back and forth between the edge of hell and his hospital bed, and yet he still refused to repent. The nurse that was by his bed side said that she had never seen anyone die like he did. He kept slipping in and out of death, and in terror he kept crying for someone to pull him out of the horrible place until finally he slipped permanently into hell.
 
 
 
32.  Many people can conquer others easier than they can conquer themselves.  In other words sometimes it is easier to overpower others than it is to overpower our own sin nature. 
 
It takes strength to pin someone on their back but it takes more strength to control our tongue or our anger than it does to take down an opponent.
 
 
 
33.  Casting lots was sort of like flipping a coin. Back in the Old Testament days, before  the Holy Spirit came to live in Christians on the day of Pentecost, casting lots was a God ordained method to discern his will.  It may have seemed like pure chance, but God by his sovereignty determined if it would be heads or tails.
 
Now if God determined a little thing like the lot then you can be sure He determines what  you  experience in your life and therefore you can rest in His sovereignty.
 
 
Chapter 17
 
 
1.  It is a sad thing when a couple or a family sits at the dinner table and never say a word except perhaps, “give me the meat, or you forgot the forks again!" It is no fun to be a part of a family that doesn't enjoy itself. It's much better to eat dry toast for supper in a family that gets along then to have a fancy meal without love and happiness.
 
 
 
2.  A competent servant deserves to rise higher than a son who doesn't care and often they do. Privilege is often wasted through indifference, but hard work brings reward, and in fact is its own reward.
 
 
 
3.  A refining pot melts silver which causes all the impurities to rise to the surface where it can be removed so that what you're left with is pure silver. It takes allot of fire, allot of heat to remove impurities from silver.
 
Likewise God allows fiery trials into our life to purify us.  Fiery trials test our faith, and in the process of testing they also purify our life, if we pray, and draw closer to God for help and strength during those difficult times.
 
 
 
4a.  In other words wicked people love lies.
 
Their attitude is: tell me lies, tell me that the way I am living is ok, tell me a lie, tell me that I'll get away with my sin, because I don't plan on changing and I want to feel good about it and so they listen to people who tell them exactly what they want to hear. And of course there are feel good preachers who are willing to sell out God, and sell their soul for the sake of money or popularity, and consequently use words that make sinners feel comfortable instead of guilty.
 
"You are not a sinner who needs to repent" (even though that's what Jesus would say).  You get drunk and beat your wife and kids? You are not a sinner who needs to repent, if anything you  have a behavior disorder and need some therapy.  You get angry and hurt people well we won't talk about confession and repentance because you're just sick and need anger management therapy to counter your dysfunctional behavior.  You have sexual relations with someone other than your spouse?  Well you certainly should get in touch with the little boy inside and find out what compels you to behave that way. And the lies go on and on, and no one ever gets saved, and the innocent victims continue to suffer because after all you cannot blame someone for being sick even though in reality they are evil not sick. 
 
Anyone who loves lies needs to be told the truth whether they want to hear it or not.
 
 
 4b. In other words liars enjoy listing to a mischievous or destructive tongue.
 
The kind of talk that a person enjoys listening to; the kind of stories a person likes to read; the type of music a person enjoys hearing are all barometers indicating the condition of their soul.
 
 
It should be frightening to any Christian when they find themselves enjoying "entertainment" that promotes sin.  It should be a red flag when one is entertained by ungodly things.  When a professing Christian finds himself being entertained by those things which God says are wrong it should set off all sorts of alarms because clearly that person has begun to stray from Christ.
 
 
5a. Anyone who mocks a poor person or makes fun of them in some way or looks down upon them in some way is in reality insulting or looking down upon God.  If a person wouldn't dare look up to heaven and mock God then they shouldn't pick on a poor person either.  Jesus said, "Truly I say to You as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers you did it to me."
 
One of the most disgusting things that I have ever seen in a church was a click wherein professional people would not interact with lowly Christians. People like that need to remember that whatever they have, they have by the grace of God, and maybe, just maybe God has placed that lowly Christian in their midst as a test to see how they would treat them, or better how they would treat Jesus because that is the real issue.
 
 
5b. Anyone who enjoys the sufferings of others is going to be punished by God.  Even when the person’s sufferings are the result of their sin it still doesn't give anyone the right to rejoice over it.
 
God hates to punish, and he never intended man to suffer so no one should ever enjoy the suffering of others regardless of why it may be happening. 
 
 
6.  Notice how God wants people of different generations to interact.  God wants all generations of his people to appreciate and benefit from one another. There is no place among God's people for any type of generation gap. 
 
If there is strife between generations then it is because worldliness has crept into those people.   It shouldn't be there, and it won't be there if people are sold out to God, and focused on Christ.
 
When I was younger some of my best friends were other Christians who were 40 maybe 50 years older than me. I didn't care about anything other than the fact that they loved Jesus and the word of God and that's how they felt about me as well.
 
Jesus bridges gaps for those who love Him. Jesus bridges economic gaps, and age gaps, and education gaps for those who are sold out to Him; they will get along, and appreciate each other in spite of their differences if they are filled with the Holy Spirit.
 
 
 
7.  Certain things are out of place.  It would be out of place to expect anything worthwhile from an ungodly fool. I don't have high expectations from someone who doesn't have enough sense to serve the God who made them.  
 
We do not expect wisdom from fools or moral reprobates, and according to God it would be just as out of place to expect lies from our leaders.  We expect those we trust to lead us, to at least tell us the truth. They don't have to be the smartest, but they should be honest. Why? Because liars can't lead. Fathers who lie cannot lead their families. Supervisors who lie cannot lead their employees.  Politicians who lie cannot lead their constituents. Liars cannot lead because they have no moral authority. People say why should I listen to you, why should I follow you I cannot believe what you say.
 
 
8.  The gift here refers to a bribe.
 
Some people say everyone has their price, in other words if you sweeten the offer enough people will betray God and turn their back on what they know is correct. Maybe some will do that, maybe most will do that, but a spirit filled Christian cannot be bought at any price. You say, I know good Christians who have turned their back on God. I've known some as well, but they were not walking in the Spirit when they did it, and that's the point.
 
The solution for the sin of dishonesty and lack of integrity is to be filled with the Holy Spirit, because the fruit of the Holy Spirit is faithfulness.
 
 
 
9. When you love someone you will overlook their flaws, and when we overlook one another's flaws we strengthen the glue that holds the relationship together.  
 
Every flaw in a person's character doesn't need to be confronted or rebuked. Every little idiosyncrasy that bothers a person does not need to be a point of contention. 
 
Of course there needs to be a Biblical balance.  God does not say anywhere in the Bible that one must put up with continual abuse, and always overlook the evil that is done to them.  Bad people need to be held accountable for what they do, and there is a limit to what people should put up with. 
 
 
 
10.  People who love Jesus usually don't need anything more than a gentle rebuke to correct them.  On the other hand those who are indifferent and uncaring won't repent even with the strongest discipline. Some people are so far gone that they don't feel guilt, or feel the need to change no matter how severely they're punished.
 
 
 
11.  Submission to proper authority is very important to God; that would include parents, it would include supervisors, police officers, Judges and any other legitimate authority.  If one will not submit to them God says they are evil. 
 
They are wrong and they will not get away with their rebellion.  He says a cruel messenger will be sent against them.  In other words you will be able to look at their life and see a vapor trail of trouble.  In the end rebels do not succeed because all rebellion against legitimate authority is rebellion against God.
 
 
 
12.  When a mother bear has it in her mind that you have put her cubs in danger you'll never talk her out of mauling you if she gets the chance.  She is dangerous, however she is not as dangerous as a fool once he gets something in his head.  You will never talk him out of the foolishness that he wants to do, and the trouble he will cause you if you don't get away from him.
 
Do not be influenced by those who are not led by the Holy Spirit; do not be influenced by those who put anything and everything before the word of God. I don't care how smart they may seem, I don't care how popular they may be.  Do not allow yourself to be influenced by those who are not influenced by the written word of God. 
 
If you have to stay away from them to avoid their influence then stay away. If you have to offend them to avoid their influence then offend them; they do not mind offending God with their lack of commitment to His word so you shouldn't mind offending them because of your commitment to His word. Just get away from them; Jesus says, If your right hand causes you to stumble then cut it off.
 
 
 
13.  Solomon had personal experience concerning the warning from God here. His father David repaid evil for good; he had a loyal friend named Uriah. First David committed adultery with Uriah's wife Bathsheba and then in an attempt to cover his sin had Uriah killed, and as punishment David had family trouble for the rest of His life; things never were the same again. 
 
Trouble within families, within relationships can always be traced back to sin. The root problem is spiritual and the root solution is always spiritual as well. Adam and Eve got along just fine until they sinned; as soon as they sinned they began to blame one another for the trouble in their lives. As soon as Adam and Eve sinned there was trouble between them.
 
 
 
14.  A small hole in a dike will get larger if water is allowed to flow through it.  Quarrels work in the same way.  A minor dispute can grow into a major blow out if it isn't stopped immediately.  That's why God says, drop it!  Don't wait for the other person involved to drop it; you drop it.
 
 
 
15.  Today, if you can hire a shrewd lawyer he can probably get you off even if you're guilty.  Often it's not about justice, it's about winning.
 
But the word of God is clear; anyone who perverts justice is not a winner. Oh they may gain prestige and wealth in this sinful world that puts a premium on such things, but whatever they gain will be lost and replaced with hell fire if they do not repent and receive Christ. 
 
Many who look like winners are losers because they do not do things the correct way; they do not consider Jesus.
 
 
 
16.  In other words, you cannot buy wisdom without a desire to learn.  Foolishness can't be corrected by throwing money at it.  A fool must want to change for the better, and it begins with repentance and receiving Jesus as Lord and Savior.
 
We can spend billions of dollars on the best educational equipment, but people will not learn if they don't apply themselves.  We can spend billions of dollars on a penal system attempting to reform criminals, but it won't work unless they want to change. You can spend hours with someone who can counsel you with correct answers from God's word, but it'll be a complete waste if you don't want to change.
 
 
 
17. It takes hard times to reveal a true friend.  A real friend is someone who will be there for you when you need help, and encouragement, or when, because things are not good, you're not much fun to be around.  A real friend will still be there for you.

 
 
 
18.  God wants us to love our neighbor, and be a friend, but he wants us to use discernment also.  If a person is a bad credit risk and a bank won't give them a loan then God says, don't cosign for that person.  It shows a lack of discernment to guarantee the loan of someone who has had problems paying their bills.  If someone has been untrustworthy in any area then don't trust them in any area.
 
Again we see that following God means being sensible. God does not bless foolishness.
 
 
 
19. He who loves transgression loves strife.  This means that those who love sin must love a quarrel.  In other words they must love a fight because sooner or later they will get it.  You're going to offend or hurt someone when you commit sin; you're going to have a negative effect on someone when you commit sin, and if you do it enough times it's going to lead to strife.
 
If a person rebels against God's word sooner or later people will get sick and tired of all the trouble they cause, and they will either be left alone or forced to hang out with others like them, which will serve them right because they will bring misery to each other. 
 
 
 
20.  God will not bless a bad person and a liar.  This is God's world and He will not allow sin to be rewarded, at least not long term.
 
 
 
21.  An ungodly child will bring grief to a godly parent.  It is hard to be happy when you love Jesus and those closest to you do not. It's hard to be full of joy when you know that a loved one is a heartbeat out of hell because they are rejecting the Savior. It is hard to have joy when you know that you will not see a loved one after they die because they died without Christ.
 
It is hard, but it is not impossible because one must eventually come to terms with the fact that those people have rejected Christ, the one who died for them, and therefore it does not matter how much you care about them they deserve everything they get.
 
Every Christian needs to serve Jesus no matter who is rejecting Him, and serving Jesus will provide you with Holy Spirit joy, and peace even when those you care about want nothing to do with Christ.
 
 
22. It is healthy to be happy. 
 
God has given us all good things to enjoy and the innocent recreations of this world can be a good source of happiness.  The innocent recreations of this world can be a catalyst for happiness, but they must be used sparingly, or they can easily become addictive, and end up doing more damage than good.  Time spent with Jesus is never a problem.  Time spent with Jesus provides more happiness than anything, and unlike other things you can have as much of Jesus as you want.  You can never get too much of Christ.
 
 
 
23.  Perverting justice is doing wrong under a covering of right.  Perverting justice eats away the fabric of a nation.  Society can punish crime, but everyone is in trouble when the judicial system is corrupt which is why God hates it.
 
Government was instituted by God to restrain evil so when that barrier to sin is removed or becomes a source of evil itself good people will suffer, and bad people will prosper, at least until God settles the score on judgment day.
 
 
 
24a. Wisdom is before him who has understanding.  He doesn't just have wisdom; he has it in view.  Meaning, it's ready when he needs it.
 
God's word should be in the soul ready to  be used like a compass, or a road map on a journey.  Have it on hand, and check it often to make sure you are on course.
 
 
 
24b. There is an old song called here, there, and everywhere.  And that, says God, is where the thoughts of a fool are.  They are everywhere except where they should be.  Instead of focusing on the business at hand and doing it to please God their mind is often lost in space dwelling on the irrelevant, or that which is contrary to the word of God.
 
 
25. In other words a bad son or daughter is a pain to the parents. When a young child is allowed to be bad, when they are not restrained, they not only are a source of sorrow in the life of the parents, but those children are also being set up for hell.  Why?" because if they are not taught to respect authority in the home, then they will not respect the authority of God either.
 
Confess my sin? What sin, no one ever told me I was bad and had to change. Repent? Repent of what? Receive forgiveness through Jesus Christ? What do I need forgiveness for? I was never made to apologize for anything. I have perfect peace about myself. No you are in a spiritual stupor and are on the edge of hell. Some people have lived a lie their entire life, but  it will come to a screeching halt the second they die.
 
 
 
26.  In other words, do not find fault with your civil leaders if they are doing their duty.  Don't get angry at the police officer for arresting you if you have done something wrong; he is doing the work that God has called him to do.
 
 
 
27.  God commends people who do not waste their words.  Some people never know when to shut up; they just love to hear themselves talk, and much of what they say are things they have no business saying. And it's not hard to figure out why;  if all one does is talk they will quickly run out of useful things to say and get over into mindless chatter, or gossip, and meddling. God would have us say what needs to be said, when it needs to be said, and leave it at that.  Stop talking before you start babbling.
 
 
 
28.  You can, over time, acquire a reputation for being a deep thinker and a wise person if you simply keep your mouth shut.
 
People will assume that you are an insightful, tactical, sharp minded person as long as you just remain silent, and that is good to a point, but one can go too far in that direction if they are not careful. Some people do not talk even when something needs to be said; some never take a stand for anything, and that isn't right. The Bible says that Christians should have nothing to do with the unfruitful deeds of darkness but rather expose them.  Someone who never takes a stand for what is right, and never points out what is wrong, someone who just sits there like a silent blob of silly putty will probably be popular, but not with God.
 
 
 
 Chapter 18
 
 
 
1.  God is talking about someone who seeks only one thing and that is self-gratification, and He is warning that if you stand in their way you will become their target because you have offended their God: them. 
 
A selfish person is not very nice when he can't get his own way.  And if you happen to be standing in the way of him getting what he wants watch out.  He can be a very an unfriendly person.
 
 
 
2.  A fool has no interest in learning.  He isn't the least bit interested in becoming a better person in the eyes of God.  A fool doesn't listen to others; all he wants to do is express his own opinions, and do his own thing.  No one else can tell him anything which is why a fool's life generally goes from one bad thing to another.
 
 
 
3.  Just as a vapor trail follows a jet shame and dishonor follows a person who lives a sinful life. The shame may not catch up to them immediately but it will eventually.
 
 
 
4a. Meaning: some people do not say what they really mean.  They don't express their true thoughts and motives.  Instead, their words hide their true feelings like the deep ocean hides a sunken ship.  It is hard to get too close to people like that because they are not who they really are, they are hiding their true self, they are pretending to be something that they are not.
 
 
 
4b. A flowing brook creates thoughts of clear water, and a word of wisdom is also clear.  A word of wisdom is not clouded with vague speech.  The words of the wise are not ambiguous or uncertain; they are honest and straightforward.
 
No one is ever blessed by vague words, but people, and worse yet preachers will offer speak vaguely to avoid offending others. The problem with that is if you are not speaking the word of God clearly enough to offend those who do not want to hear, then you are not speaking it clearly enough to bless those who do want to hear.
 
A vague preacher is a self-serving useless hireling.
 
 
 
 
5a. In other words, do not condone evil.  Someone who willfully does something morally wrong and either condones it or makes up an excuse for it should not be told: it’s OK; everyone understands. It's not Ok, and anyone who understands is more on the side of Satan then Jesus. 
 
When we sin against someone there needs to be repentance, and also an apology before it can be business as usual.
 
That's the way it is with us and God; when we sin it's not business as usual between us and God until we repent and confess. Likewise, people who sin against others shouldn't expect them to understand, or to accept their excuses. The air needs to be cleared with repentance and an apology, followed by forgiveness by the one who was offended, and then it can be business as usual.
 
 
 
5.  God says do not treat the innocent as if they have done something wrong.  God knows all about that sort of thing from personal experience.  People get angry at him as if he has done something wrong when he doesn't answer their prayers the way they think he should.  People get angry at God and accuse him of not being loving when something bad happens.
 
I do not understand why so many people blame God for the consequences of sin in this world. God keeps telling us not to sin; He keeps telling us to do what is right so that it may go well with us and yet He is blamed when things go badly.
 
Here's something else that kind of goes along with that; have you noticed that people want God to step in and thwart the free will of those who do wrong, and yet they never want God to thwart their free will.  Many people get angry when God allows other people to sin, but they do not get angry when He allows them to sin. According to some people God cannot do anything right.
 
 
6. A fool is a moral idiot who says things that are contrary to the word of God and things that often rub others the wrong way. Why? Because they are all about self.  Consequently, as God says here,  a fool is asking for a hit in the mouth.  Maybe they won't get that hit but allot of people would like to give it to them. One thing is certain, people like that are not liked or respected.
 
 
 
7.  The fool self-destructs.  Reckless, unthinking speech, crude, and profane talk alienates a fool from decent people, and when one does not have the influence of godly people in their life they will gorge themselves on their own moral rot until it destroys them.
 
 
 
8.  It is depraved but true that gossip is often devoured by its listeners as if it was their favorite food.  "Give me more, give me more, they say; it tastes so good." The sad truth is that gossip hurts which makes loving it all the worse.
 
Suggestion: The next time someone tries to tell you some gossip you might want to interrupt them and ask: can I tell the person you are talking about what you are saying concerning them? If they say no, then tell them that you do not want to hear it either because it is gossip, or by the way God says it is sin. They may continue to gossip but I bet they won't do it with you.
 
 
 
9.  Shoddy workmanship causes problems.  Some will remember that years ago the Ford pinto would sometimes explode when it was hit from behind.  Poor workmanship caused big problems with the Pinto.
 
When people neglect their responsibilities, when people are careless then someone, somewhere, somehow will suffer in some way for it.
 
Some people say the sins of others are no one’s business but their own, but that's not exactly true because sin has a trickle down affect
 
 
 
10.  Meaning: we can rely on God for security because He is perfect in faithfulness, power, wisdom, and mercy. You can trust in God because His mercy means that He wants to do the right thing for you. You can trust in God because His perfect wisdom means He knows what the right thing is. You can trust in God because His perfect power means that no one can stop Him from doing the right thing for us, and His faithfulness means that He will always do the right thing for us.
 
God is a strong tower, but notice what the Bible says here: it is the righteous that run into it and are kept safe. We cannot rely on God for security if we are not walking with Him.
 
God's faithfulness toward rebels means chastisement not protection. God's power towards rebels is not to bring about blessings but trouble. God's wisdom is useless to help rebels because they do not want to abide by it. And as for God's mercy, rebels can forget it because God does not give mercy to anyone unless they ask for it and you can't ask for it without repentance.  Jesus said unless you repent you shall all likewise perish.
 
 
11.  A righteous man trusts in God according to verse ten.  A foolish man puts his trust in wealth.  He thinks that it will protect him; at least he acts as if it does because money is where he tries to finds his security.  He trusts wealth to protect him, but before too long he will learn that it doesn't. 
 
When a person needs help in the most critical times of his life his wealth will fail him.  Wealth can't give you peace when you are sick and there is no cure, but Jesus can. Wealth can't give you peace when you're mistreated, but Jesus can. Wealth can't sustain you through times of loneliness, but Jesus can.
 
 
12.  A prideful person struts around like a big shot thinking that they really are something special.  They fail to see that there is a banana peel in their path so they won't be strutting around much longer. Actually the best thing that can happen to a prideful person is for their life to fall apart. People need to be humbled before they can be blessed.
 
 
 
13.  You cannot solve a problem if you do not concentrate on the equation. You cannot make a decision unless you carefully consider the likely results of each of the choices.  You cannot answer a question or respond to a statement correctly unless you listen to what is said. This is not that difficult to understand. People tend to complicate things; meanwhile God would have us prayerfully use logic and common sense. Remember one of the names for God is LOGOS from which we get the word logic.
 
 
 
13.  A fool thinks he knows everything so he does not listen. He doesn't think he needs to listen, but he does. He thinks he knows everything, but he doesn't, and he doesn't learn because instead of listening, which is how we all learn, he is thinking about the next thing he is going to say.
 
 
 
14.  What is inside is more important then what is outside.  A bad Bible translation that is based on a faulty Greek text is useless even though it may be wrapped in a beautiful leather  cover with gold edges. On the other hand a faithful translation which really communicates God's word is valuable even if its paper cover is tattered and torn. What's inside is more important then what's outside.
 
Likewise a strong body with a crushed spirit won't do you any good.  However, if your spirit is strong because your walk with Christ is alive and well then Jesus will help you to persevere, even if your body is broken, or even if your circumstances are lousy in some other way. It is very important to keep our spirits strong, and our relationship with Jesus tight so that He can help us to endure whatever may come our way. 
 
 
 
 15.  No one who's really wise ever stops seeking God's wisdom.  No matter how long we live, or how much we know there's still plenty more to learn concerning God and his ways.  In our walk with Christ no matter how wise and sanctified we are there is still more wisdom and sanctification to be obtained. That’s why we should read our Bibles every day.
 
 
 
16.  I am glad that I do not have any desire to be in the presence of "great men". If I had the money to afford that sort of thing I'd either buy air time to get out the word of God or I'd just get a Sam’s pizza and eat it at the park. 
 
People love money so to get certain worldly things you need allot of it.
 
Those who can afford to spend 1,000 dollars can buy a spot as a dinner guest with certain presidential candidates. 
 
I have never gone to a restaurant where you have to slip someone a 20 for him to find you a table but I guess you have to play the game if you want to dine with the "important people" in the world. My thoughts are: Who cares? Who wants that stuff anyway? Maybe allot of people do, but when you spend time with the God of the universe you realize that you have already spent time with the best so why bother chasing after things like that.
 
 
 
17.  This is so good!  Again it’s the idea of checking things out carefully before you come down on one side or the other of an issue.
 
I do not know if this verse is the basis for allowing the cross examination of a witness in court, but it could be.  Almost anyone can tell a story in order to make people believe something.  But if that person is asked a few targeted questions or if another party involved is allowed to speak then that first person might be exposed as a liar.  Consequently, God says let someone speak, but then ask them some questions, or listen to the other side of the story.  Don't just believe everything a person says simply because he says it's true. We owe it to God to listen to both sides of an argument.
 
 
 
18.  Instead of arguing or fighting, wise Old Testament believers would cast lots trusting that God was in control of the outcome as He promised He would be in those days.  The point is both parties were willing to let God settle the dispute.  Therefore they were both willing to accept the result of the lot.
 
The principle is this: let God settle your disputes today by following the dictates and principles of scripture. If the Bible says something the discussion is over as far as I am concerned, I'm not going to argue about it; it is settled.
 
 
 
19.  Quarrels that occur between relatives can be the hardest to settle.  God says that it is easier to conquer a fortified city then it is to mend a dispute between family members. And I would add especially family members who are following the dictates of their flesh instead of following the leading of God. When people are operating by their sin natures you might as well forget about reconciliation.
 
 
 
20.  In other words, if you speak good words, words which are led by the Holy Spirit they will bring you satisfaction.  There is a blessing for you if you let God control what you say.
 
 
 
21.  If you love to talk then get ready, prepare yourself for the consequences because they are coming.  We will eat the fruit of our words.  Sometimes it will be good, and sometimes it will be bad.  The fruit we eat depends on the words we speak. 
 
In other words, your life is affected by the words you speak.  I'm not saying that you create your own reality as the word of faith teachers say, but there is a measure of truth within most heresies and there are consequences to the words that we speak.  
 
 
 
22.  A Christian wife who tries to put Jesus first is our lord's way of saying to a man; I am doing something nice for you.
 
There are many men who don't have godly wives just as there are many wives who don't have godly husbands.  Unfortunately there are also plenty of people who don't value the godly spouse that the Lord has given them, and so they are wasting a great blessing from God.
 
A good Christian man and a good Christian woman is a hard combination to beat. And while no relationship is perfect, it is possible to have a good one when the Lord Jesus is the center of both people's lives.  The degree that both live for Jesus will determine how blessed they will be by God.
 
 
 
23.  There are times when a person's bank account affects their personality.  Not all rich people have bad manners, and not all poor people are humble, and well mannered.  But according to God many times, because of their financial situation, that's the way it is.
 
 
 
24.  "There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." We are blessed if we even have one real friend who knows Jesus and is there for us, to pray, instruct, and encourage.  It is better to have one friend like that, then many "friends" who lead you away from God by their bad influence.
 
By the way, the closer we are to Jesus the less we will want to be around those whose lives are not ordered by Him.
 
 
 
Chapter 19
 
 
 
 
1.   Better to be a person of integrity and poor, then dishonest and rich.  Sin simply isn't worth it in the long run.  Yes you may have short term gain in this world if you lack character, but it will catch up to you.  If a person is making money through deceit then they are storing up evil for the day of God's wrath, and there is no doubt that they will either live or die to regret it.
 
 
 
2. A lack of knowledge is never good, but it is even worse when one is hasty; in other words when they have zeal.  Lack of knowledge is sort of like driving the speed limit toward a cliff, you are going the wrong direction but you probably have some time to change.  Zeal without knowledge is like going 120 mph toward that cliff and therefore hastening the consequences of foolishness. 
 
Zeal without knowledge creates all sorts of problems.  Zeal without knowledge is like a hunter who spins and shoots from the hip at the sound of rustling leaves.  There is a good chance that someone will get hurt.
 
 
 
2. In other words, in general acting in haste only makes matters worse.  If you are in too much of a hurry to read the directions and follow them it will likely result in you having to do it all over again to get it right.
 
If you're in too much of a hurry to pray and think before you act then you are likely to find yourself further behind than ever.
 
 
 
3.  Some people make a mess of their lives by doing sinful things, and then they blame God, others, or circumstances for their trouble. 
 
For example Adam ruined his life by his sin.  And then to make matters worse instead of confessing and taking responsibility for his actions he blamed God and his wife.  “God it was the woman you gave me who caused me to sin".  Of course Adam was wasting his breath because a person does not get off the hook by blaming anyone else, even the one who tempted them.
 
We all have to make tough choices all the time so God would say, why didn't you say no to temptation because you have a free will you know? Someone says: but you don't understand I have obsessive compulsive tendencies. Well, about that, you show me in the Bible where it talks about such things and I will listen otherwise you do not have a leg to stand on.
 
Peter confessed his sin after denying Jesus he did not say I couldn't help it because I have a compulsive disorder; I sell people out when the pressure is on.  David confessed his sin after committing adultery with Bathsheba he didn't say every time I see a woman i have compulsive tendencies. I got news for everyone within the sound of my voice: we all have compulsive tendencies, it’s called a sin nature that craves evil.
 
No one should ever blame anything but themselves for their sin because that is the way God sees it.  No one should ever blame others, nor should they blame God for the misery caused by actions the Lord has forbidden.  It's not his fault that people do not listen and obey.
 
 
 
4.  The sin nature is a self-centered nature.  This verse proves the general rule that man is selfish.  Many times people only want relationships that will benefit them.
 
Some people say I love you, but if they would swallow a truth pill they would say I like looking at you, or I like what your money can buy me, and if either of those ever change I will find someone else who can give me what I want because in reality I love me, not you.
 
 
 
5.  Even if he is never caught in this life a false witness will be punished by God. This is why it is Biblical for the burden of proof to be on the prosecutor not the defender.
 
Meaning: It is better that a guilty person be found innocent then an innocent person be found guilty.
 
If an innocent person is found guilty they suffer unjustly and nothing can make up for that.  If a guilty person is found innocent he will not be punished in this life but he will be punished when God gets a hold of him in eternity.  God is just and so the guilty will not get away with anything. Vengeance is mine I will repay says the Lord.
 
 
 
6.  Here it is again; God is exposing the selfish nature of fallen man; the depravity of the human race.  Not in every case, and not with all people, but many people only want to make friends with those who can benefit them.
 
 
 
7.  A needy person shouldn't have to beg for help from friends and relatives.  Those who are closest to him and therefore know his condition should offer assistance without being asked, and without making a big deal out of it like it's such a hardship to help, especially if the people involved are Christians.
 
 
 
8. People say I hate myself, but they don't. Maybe they hate how they feel or how they look, but the Bible says that no one hates themself, the Bible teaches that everyone loves themself which is why Jesus says love your neighbor as yourself, the implication is that self-love is a given.
 
However man with his sin nature often doesn't know how to love themselves correctly; they love themselves, but they try to express it by attempting to satisfy all their worldly cravings.  At best that sort of thing is worthless; at worst it is self-destructing.
 
God says if you love yourself then do yourself a favor and get filled with the word of God. The best way to express love for yourself is to learn the word of God and do your best to apply it.
 
 
 
9.  Sometimes people lie to avoid trouble but God says people who lie are diving headfirst into trouble, not the least of which is hell.
 
There are those who say, well it was just a little white lie. Don't look for that in the Bible because it is not there.  There is no white lie and there is no little lie they are all sin. There are those who think that lying is not enough to send a soul to hell but they are wrong because God says all liars will have their place in the lake of fire.  The Bible teaches that if the only sin anyone ever committed was lying they would go to hell unless they receive Christ as Lord and Savior.
 
 
 
10.  A person who has just left the farm for the first time wouldn't know how to act in the midst of high society, even though they would fit in well with Jesus.  They maybe don't know which fork is used for what, and they probably don't care, and I would probably agree with them.  Nevertheless they would be out of place in a fancy setting. 
 
God says a slave trying to rule over princes would be comparable to a country boy in the midst of high society.  It's not that one is better than the other, as some might think.  It's just not smart to be thrown into a situation you haven't been prepared for.
 
A person needs time to adjust to change in their home, in their job, in their lifestyle, or in their position.  An abrupt change is not easy to handle.
 
 
 
11.    If you can graciously overlook an offense you are a person who will be respected by many people.  If you overlook what someone has said or done that has hurt you people will notice that. Forbearance will cause a Christian to stand out because it goes against the natural way of people.
 
We are never more like Christ then when we are patiently overlooking hurtful things that people do to us.
 
 
 
12.  Civil government was instituted by God to be a threat to those who do evil, and the protector of the innocent.  When a civil government isn't doing those two things it isn't operating under the authority of God and therefore will not be blessed by Him.
 
There will be trouble in any nation that doesn't make and enforce righteous laws based on the laws of God.
 
 
 
13.  If you are trying to fall asleep drips from a faucet start to sound like sticks of dynamite after a while.
 
God says a rebellious child and a nagging wife are like a continual dripping. Jesus will help a guy endure it, but it's a lousy way to go through life and it shouldn't have to be that way.
 
 
 
14.  A wise, holy, and sensible wife cannot be inherited.  If she could be, then every godly father would have one in the bank for his son.  Instead a sensible, godly wife must be prayed for because she is a gift from God.
 
 
 
15.  Hard work will make one tired and that's the way it is supposed to be. The Bible says: "The sleep of a laboring man is sweet." Then you have laziness, it's like a drug; the more lazy one is the more sleepy they are.
 
Some people spend way too much time sitting around doing nothing and getting tired doing it.  Active people have energy until it is the correct time for them to be tired.
 
 
 
16.  During the Iraq war the United States dropped pamphlets instructing the Iraqi soldiers on how to surrender.  If the Iraqi soldiers followed the instructions then they guarded their life.  If they didn't then they became targets.
 
Instructions are very important, whether they are for making a cake, following a road map, or surrendering to a powerful enemy.  Multiply the importance of those instructions by infinity and you begin to scratch the surface of how important it is to follow the word of God.
 
 
 
17.  If you lend me $5.00 then I will feel responsible to pay you back as soon as I can.  God says, if you help someone who needs help then you are helping him, and he feels a responsibility to pay you back, and he will.
 
God pays His bills so if He says He will do something for you then He will, God is not a deadbeat, He isn't even a procrastinator so He will pay you back for helping someone who has a genuine need.
 
 
 
18.  If a parent doesn't instruct their child using the bible as a guidebook and if they do not correct their children when they do wrong then according to God they are cruel.
 
God says parents better correct and punish when needed before it is too late, which means there comes a point in a child's life when it is too late.  When rebellion has become the norm so that they see no wrong in it, then it may be too late for that person to change. 
 
Attitudes, like actions can become habits, they become a part of a person's natural way of doing things.  It's hard to stop a dog from wagging their tail when they are happy because it is a part of their nature.  It is hard for a lifelong rebel to submit to God's authority if they were never corrected or punished because it becomes a part of their nature.
 
Physical punishment that is fair and done with genuine love never harmed anyone.  It may hurt, but it doesn't harm.  But there is little hope for a child who is not punished by a loving parent when they rebel.
 
 
 
19.  In other words, if you keep bailing someone out so that they don't have to suffer the consequences of their sin, then they will never learn their lesson.  You will have to keep bailing them out because they won’t change.  For their own good let them suffer for the wrong they do.  Resist the urge to feel sorry for them.
 
 
 
20.  Anyone can be wise.  All they have to do is read the bible, accept what God says, and obey it. 
 
 
 
20.  The latter end means in your final years. The Bible says that we should serve our creator in the days of our youth. It's never too late to start but the longer a person lives for Jesus and study's His word the more wisdom they will have as they grow older.
 
 
 
21.  Which means there is no need to worry when things don't go the way you hoped they would.  Trust that God knows what he is doing. 
 
Have faith in God and don't get upset. And of course God recognizes that it is natural to be sad when good plans do not materialize; He says "hope deferred makes the heart sick. But there comes a point when that sorrow needs to end, and be replaced by the peace that comes from trusting that God is good and that He is in control. 
 
Maybe this will help: When you don't understand something about God, always fall back on what you  know for sure about God. Remember that He is good, holy, loving, wise, and all powerful so you can trust Him even when you do not completely understand Him.

 
 
 
22a.  We know that we're not perfect.  That's why people want unconditional love.  If someone's love for us is based on our performance and there is no room for grace then we're in trouble and we know it.
 
 
 
22.  A poor person who has nothing to offer but loyalty, love and kindness is better than someone who has allot of flash, and maybe a lot of money to do allot of things, but cannot be trusted when you really need them.
 
In other words, a poor person who is kind, sympathetic, and can't really offer you anything but their unfailing love is better than a rich person who can do many things, but is only a good time friend.
 
 
 
23.  "The fear of the Lord tends to life." Like an old Baptist preacher used to say: God is God and you better believe it.  In other words, when a person gets too familiar with God they are in trouble.  When a person loses their awe and reverence for the Lord they will become loose in their morals, and that will lead to evil in their life.
 
In Dt. 30:15 God says, "See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil. A good life makes it possible for God to bless us the best He can. A sinful life replaces good things with evil things.
 
 
 
24.  If anyone deserves to starve it is the one who is too lazy to eat.  You know you're a sluggard when you buy groceries but you're too lazy to take them out of the bag.  And in general you know that you are a sluggard when there is something that must be done, even for your own good it must be done, but you won't put the effort into doing it.
 
Some people would rather suffer as a lazy person then work and be blessed, and God's word teaches: let them suffer; maybe they will wake up.
 
 
 
25. Punishment deters crime.  Even a rebel will let up on the gas if he sees a squad car.  Pain produces caution.
 
 
 
26.  God is saying, be thankful for everything your parents have done for you.  When they get old be there for them, and help them to do what they can no longer do for themselves.  It is a disgraceful thing in the eyes of God when a son or daughter doesn't care for a parent who needs help.
 
 
 
27.  In other words do not even begin to feel comfortable around people who have no regard for Jesus or the word of God.
 
Solomon's great downfall began when he felt comfortable around ungodly women. It wasn't long before that led to tolerating their ungodly ways, which led to him being desensitized to their ways, and ultimately doing it himself.
 
Tolerating behavior that is unrighteous will slowly cause one to become desensitized to it, and from there it is only a small step to acceptance, and engaging in that behavior.
 
 
 
28a. Some people may mock the old fashion teachings of the word of God when it allows them to satisfy their desires, but they do not want to experience the sadness when others act contrary to God's word.  If they are being treated unjustly then they scream for justice.  When their unrighteousness hurts others they do not care. 
 
A corrupt person is an unprincipled person.  The basic command they break is love your neighbor as yourself. If you wouldn't want someone to do it to you then do not do it to them.
 
 
 
28.  In other words, a wicked person craves evil, which is why they do evil.  They gulp down evil like it was water on a hot day.  They look for evil, they find it, and they do it.
 
The worst sinners are those who rejoice at the opportunity to sin.
 
 
 
29.  Notice the word "prepared".  The temporary benefits of bad behavior are only half the story; it is only the first half.  God will forgive anyone who turns to him, but for those who do not there is punishment after death; trouble is prepared.
 
 
 
Chapter 20
​
 
 
1.  Being under the influence of alcohol is sort of like allowing someone to take advantage of you. Alcohol will take advantage of a person if they allow it to happen; it will deceive them; it confuses their thinking, and will lead them astray.
 
It's not wise to allow ungodly people who do not put Jesus first to influence, and thereby confuse your thinking and lead you astray. We should guard what kind of people we spend time with and recognize that being around the unsaved who do not have biblical priorities can be the same as being under the influence of alcohol; they confuse and lead astray.
 
 
2.  In other words, if you disobey the law of the land then you're going to get everything that you've got coming to you, and you will have no one to blame for your suffering except yourself.
 
I've noticed that God never suggests that we look to find out why people commit crimes; he just says if you choose to do it, which means it's a free will thing, then you're going to suffer.
 
Don't get bogged down in the why's because the whys aren't going to lessen the punishment for doing wrong. As far as God is concerned why someone does something doesn't matter.  
 
 
3.  Some strife is inevitable.  For example it is important to expose lies which almost always causes strife, but some people like to argue for the sake of arguing which God doesn't like and which reveals a spiritual problem in that person.
 
Get saved and filled with the Holy Spirit and the only thing you'll care enough to get angry about is what angers God and that's the way it should be.
 
 
4.  A lazy person will be a hungry person because he refuses to work for what he needs. You say: God will take care of him even if he doesn't work and He wants to use us to do that.  No God doesn’t want us to help someone like that, and no he won't take care of him! Unless by taking care of him you mean letting him starve. God will let him starve and that will take care of him; it'll either be the kick in the pants that he needs to get to work, or it will kill him.
 
And we can apply this principle across the board: God warns: if we don't do anything then we won't have anything. There are times when all we can do is pray because we are helpless to make something happen. But if we do not put forth an effort to make something happen then we shouldn't expect God to do the work for us.
 
Pray and use the brain that God has given you. Pray and work with all the strength that he has given you.
 
 
5.  This is not talking about someone using psychological techniques in an attempt to figure out the root of a problem and then find the solution; I have heard this verse explained that way, but believe me God did not intend to say that. The psychological nonsense we so often hear in modern day evangelicalism has only been around for about 100 years or so.  So how in the world did Christians function before we began to look to the unsaved, unsanctified world of Psychology for answers? It relied on the power of the Holy Spirit using the word of God which is all that God has given us.
 
This is talking about the fact that God equips some people with a working knowledge of his word and then gives them the gift of understanding.  They can talk to people whose thinking is confused and contrary to scripture, and can through the word of God help them to think correctly, and that's where good behavior begins. The Bible says as a man thinks in his heart so is he.
 
 
6.  People say: "I'm pretty good; most people are pretty good; given the right environment most people will do the correct thing."  God says: "there is none that is righteous no not one! God says who can find a faithful man?" The implication is: I sure can't.
 
Why the difference of opinion? Because God grades on the basis of His Holy standard and man grades on the curve.  One man that I knew went to his grave saying, I am okay because I never raped or murdered anyone.  I don't know how many times I tried to tell him that not committing a couple of the worst sins in the world won't get anyone into heaven, but it was like talking to a wall.
 
We need to know what God's standard is so that if we are honest we will admit we are not anywhere close to meeting it, and then repent and plead to Almighty God and Jesus Christ to save us from hell.
 
 
7.  Why are his children blessed? Because their old man isn't a drunk;  because he doesn't treat his children with contempt; because they don't have to listen to their dad take God's name in vain, or mistreat their mother, but instead He is a godly man who does his best to please Jesus as a father and husband. If I am speaking to the sons and daughters of a godly man you better thank God for him and tell him that you appreciate the way he is. 
 
 
8.  If a good person is in charge he will not tolerate evil from anyone and that's why there will be less of it in his area of authority.   If someone is foolish enough to do wrong they probably will not do it again after he is through with them.
 
 
9.   The answer to this question is absolutely no one! And to anyone who may disagree I would direct them to the words of God himself who says: for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.
 
To be pure from sin you must have both the sin and its guilt removed and you cannot do it. No one can make their heart clean. No one can remove their sin. No one can remove the guilt of their sin. If you don't let Jesus do it for you it's not going to happen.
 
 
10.  In other words, if you buy or sell something you better be honest because that's what God expects. It isn't worth angering God for the sake of financial gain. Anyone who lies or cheats in order to gain money will answer to God for it because he says it is an abomination. And just so you know how God feels about dishonesty for the sake of money lets compared it to other things that God says are an abomination to him. Homosexuality, a perverse heart, trying to be religious without first giving your life to Jesus, evil plans, justifying the wicked, condemning the righteous, sinful pride, lying, and murder are an abomination to God just like being dishonest for the sake of money; that's how much He hates it.
 
Condemn injustice, condemn lying, condemn stealing, condemn sexual sin, condemn homosexual behavior, condemn murder, but you better not condone dishonesty for financial gain or you are a hypocrite.
 
 
11.  Some behavior is learned but each person comes equipped with their own unique personality and you can see it from an early age.
 
 
12.  The incredible design of the ear that hears and the eye that sees is no accident of evolution.  The design is so detailed, so exact, and complicated that no one but a super intelligent, wise creator could draw up the blueprint and then build it while he is forming the person inside their mother's womb.
 
 
13. There is no such thing as something for nothing in this world. If you want something then you're going to have to work for it, or in a socialistic society someone will have to work for it.  Work must be done by someone in order to make a product, provide a service, or earn money.
 
God is saying if you sleep too much and you don't work you should not have anything to eat, and therefore it is wrong to give able-bodied people who can work, but refuse to work money and food as if they did work. God doesn't want people to be lazy; God created people to work, and therefore if one does not work they should suffer for disobeying God; maybe they'll change.
 
 
14.  I have never been a wheeler dealer type person, but I know how it goes.  You tell the car salesman, this piece of junk is only worth half of what you are asking.  So he drops the price, and then you go out and tell your friends that you paid much less than what it's worth. Let's face it there is some dishonesty there.
 
God says that's the way it is, but he doesn't say that that's the way it should be. God’s in favor of just weights and measures which means he's in favor of a fair price. If everyone was godly than every salesman would try hard to put a fair price on every item, and every consumer would be willing to pay a fair price and neither would look to play the game, and try to take advantage of the other.
 
 
15.  Talking especially about a working knowledge of God's word. If the goal is to be happy then knowing and living the word of God is going to get you there. Wealth can get you things, but those things are going to be empty if you're not fellow shipping with Almighty God and therefore missing out on the most important things that only he can give you.
 
Only God and the things that come from walking with him can supply the important things that fill the fundamental gaps in a person's life. Money can't fill those gaps. It may be able to buy you things that can distract you temporarily from those gaps, but it won't be long and the emptiness will come back.
 
A big bank account isn't going to give you true happiness if your life is messed up because you're living contrary to the word of God. That's why a poor person can feel like a rich person should feel (only often doesn't) if that poor person spends time with Jesus in the word of God, and lives according to the word of God.
 
 
16.  In other words, do not make loans to strangers; do not trust those who have not earned your trust.
 
 
17.  Like taking a big bite of your favorite food which tastes so wonderful at first, but then all of a sudden you feel a piercing pain.  Somehow a piece of aluminum foil was stuck to your food and when that foil hit your filling the pain exploded like a rocket in your brain.  Likewise the enjoyment from dishonest gain is short lived, and it is followed by sorrow and pain.
 
As a general rule it is fun to commit sin. If it wouldn't be fun there would be no temptation to commit it. So as a general rule there is a reward for iniquity. But the enjoyment that comes from sin is temporary and it comes with a big price tag, and when one begins to pay the price they realize that the cost is way too high.
 
 
18.  When a leader is so arrogant and puffed up with sinful pride that he won't even listen to his generals his country will probably lose the war.  I knew a family that was that way toward doctors.  Whenever a family member was in the hospital they would criticize the doctors, nurses, and specialists, and tried to tell them how to do their job.  Now keep in mind that the family involved was mainly truck drivers.  Driving a truck is an honorable profession but it doesn't qualify one to question the medical decisions of doctors and specialists in the medical field.  A wise person looks to others who have expertise in things that he knows nothing about.
 
 
19a.   If someone talks about others behind their back to you then you can be pretty sure that they will talk about you behind your back when they are with others.  You heard it from God right here; stay away from people like that.
 
 
19.  Being kind to someone because they flatter you is like paying for complements; it's kind of pathetic. 
 
 
20.  God wants children to respect their parents and He expects parents to teach it.
 
 
21.   When you do not have to work for something you really do not know the value of it like those who do have to work for it. Consequently that person may not maintain it as they should, or they may squander it because it didn't cost them anything.
 
 
22.  Never get anyone back for the bad that they have done to you.  The moment you do that you become just as much a sinner as the one who did the bad to you in the first place.
 
Revenge is a sin. In part it is wrong because it is an attempt to usurp the role of god as the one who punishes sinners.  God is patient with sinners and we are called to be patient with God until He punishes those who have hurt us. 
 
 
23.  In other words, God says do not cheat; do not be unfair in business or in any other area of life.  People say you have to play the game to get ahead in this world.  The word of God teaches that it is better to lose the game and stay out of hell, so just be honest.
 
 
24.  Some people's life can be too mental, meaning they are always trying to figure out why this or that happened, or why God allowed something to happen instead of something else.  Their walk with the Lord takes a back seat to their desire to figure out the "whys" of things. 
 
We need to remember that the Lord God is directing our steps; He is in control so it does not make sense to try to figure out everything that happens, or understands it. What difference does it make anyway? The only "why" that matters is that it is God's will.
 
We are better off and more Biblical to trust God in all things and give thanks for all things then to over-think all things.
 
 
25.  In other words, do not make promises to God before you have really thought them through and counted the cost. People who swear rashly trap themselves in a bad situation because God expects us to keep our promises.
 
 
26.  A wise leader stamps out trouble by confronting the one who is wrong and making sure it never happens again. A wise civil leader reduces crime by severe punishment.
 
Being soft on evil just encourages more evil. Coming down hard on evil sends a message that no matter what may happen it will not be tolerated. 
 
It's important to take that stand because it is right in the sight of God, but also because it encourages those who want things to be done correctly; it gives people like that a place to be.
 
 
27. Man's spirit here refers to his conscience.  Our conscience is like a moral floodlight given to us by God to help keep sin in check.  It lights up our thoughts, motives, and actions.  It shows us when we are right and when we are wrong.
 
One thing should be said about this and that's that our conscience needs to be kept sharp by a regular input of God's word. If we do not read the Bible then we lose the awareness of God's standards, and we then begin to justify things that are wrong, and our conscience is useless.
 
 
28.  Wisdom, goodness, fairness, and doing what is in the best interest for the common good will make one a good leader and secure his position.  But when a leader becomes stubborn and obstinate refusing to do what is right, or when they begin to show favoritism so that the common good becomes the common not-good, that leader is in trouble.
 
 
29.   Everyone has something to contribute to the work of Christ and to life in general.  Young people have more energy and strength.  Older people have experience and wisdom.  Jesus wants to use all people. 
 
A Christian’s value doesn't lessen as they grow older; it changes.  An older Christian doesn't have to move as fast because they generally do not make the mistakes young people do.  You don't have to move fast if, because of experience, you do things the right way the first time.
 
 
30.  Pain and suffering are very good teachers.  I have not gone much above the speed limit since I received a $200 speeding ticket several years ago.  When a child is tempted to do wrong he might think twice if he remembers how that last spanking felt. 

 
The bible says, blows which hurt cleanse away evil.
 
 
Chapter 21
 
 
1.  Almighty God can overrule a person's plans any time he wants to and anytime it suits his eternal purposes.  God is no man's victim. It does not matter how much earthly power or influence a person may have they are no match for God.
 
 
 
2.  People are poor judges when it comes to evaluating culpability or the level of someone’s guilt. We can judge right and wrong actions and we should. However only God understands a person's heart and therefore only God can deliver an accurate judgment on the level of guilt and punishment one should suffer because of the wrong they have done.
 
A deliberate sin done with full consent and knowledge makes one more culpable than a sin of ignorance, and only God can judge what a person is thinking.
 
 
 
3.  It is better to be kind and good than it is to be religious. Religion without holiness and kindness isn't worth anything to God because it hasn't gotten down into your soul; it is a surface level thing.
 
 
 
4.  Pride and arrogance are two distinguishing characteristics of a wicked person.
 
Bragging has been renamed self-promotion today and is admired by many. It should be as disgusting to us as it is to God. Bragging, boasting is the outworking of the sin of arrogance. Pride and arrogance are sin, like lying, stealing, adultery, etc.
 
 
 
5a. It may take some time to make a plan, go over it, rehearse it, and practice it, however in the end it will be worth the extra effort. God blesses planning; God plans, He says I know the plans that I have for you.
 
 
 
5.  No planning, no preparation, equals no success.
 
 
 
6.  If you make it to the top by lying and cheating your reward will be hollow because by doing that you left God behind, and there is no satisfaction no matter how high you've climbed if you don't have Christ with you.
 
 
 
7.  There are certain laws that God has built into creation. The law of gravity and biogenesis for example and the one stated here in verse seven. Violence, wickedness, and injustice will never escape God's wrath.
 
 
 
8.  People breathe easier when they live for Jesus. Guilt causes a person to lie, hide, fear, and act in a deceitful way. There is a lot of stress involved in sin. But if you're one who confesses and repents then you have nothing to hide and therefore you have peace.
 
 
 
9.  God's opinion of a nagging, argumentative wife is seen right here in verse nine.
 
It wouldn't be much fun to live on a little corner of a roof. You would have to endure scorching sun, rain, wind, snow, and cold. But living with those things would be an improvement over living with an argumentative wife.
 
 
 
10.  The modern psychologist's excuses for crime and bad behavior in general ring hollow when you understand what God says. The so-called experts say the reason George is mean is because he's the middle child or he's the youngest child or he's the oldest child or his father liked his brothers more than him. Of course none of those things are the real issue. God says those who plot to do evil against their neighbor are wicked.
 
Everyone is sinned against at times. Everyone is treated unfairly at times. But those things do not give an excuse for anyone to respond sinfully.
 
 
 
11.  Here we have three different types of people. A scoffer is punished for his evil and there is no change in his behavior. The naïve person sees the scoffer's punishment and is smart enough to receive it as a warning. Then you have the wise person who doesn't need to be punished or even see other people being punished. He is wise; he learns from simple instruction, especially from the word of God.
 
 
 
12.  God keeps a close watch on the wicked. When the time is right, if they have not repented, then He punishes them. No impenitent, Christ rejecting sinner gets away with anything.
 
 
 
13.  If someone is indifferent to the needs of others God will be indifferent to their needs as well.  Some prayers are not answered because the people praying care more about themselves then they do others.
 
 
 
14.  One thing you should understand about God's word is that it reports things as they really are. God doesn't sugarcoat reality to make man look good. But always remember this, reporting things as they are doesn't mean that God approves of things as they are. Like here in verse 14; an angry man will cool down if you slip him some cash; if you pay him a bribe, and of course that's true, but that's not God's way of settling disputes. God wants the guilty to repent and confess their sin, and make restitution if necessary and He wants the offended ones to forgive.
 
 
 
15.  Good people like good, bad people like bad; there is no need to complicate things beyond that.  How do you know if you are a real Christian? You have asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, and you live it, and confess when you fail. You love what is right, you love what Jesus loves. 
 
How do you know if you will burn in hell? If you work at iniquity, if sin is what you like and you do not repent or confess.  I don't care who claims to be a Christian if that's their attitude they are living a lie.   God says people like that will be destroyed.
 
 
 
16.  When people wander away from God chances are they will be among the bodies in boot hill, or happy Valley sooner rather than later.
 
 
 
17.  Luxurious living and pleasure promise satisfaction but if a person over indulges it will drain them spiritually. Pleasure can become an idol which drives a wedge between a person and God.
 
When something in this world becomes the driving force in your life then it has become an idol because it evaluates the worth of something instead of God and His word, and it becomes the Lord of one’s life dictating what that person does rather than God.

 
 
 
18.  The wicked have their day. God allows it because man has been given free will and a time of testing. God allows it, but only to a point, and then he stops it. This verse is saying that the wicked are eventually punished so that good people can breathe easy, and be free.
 
God is on the side of the righteous; He wants them to be happy not those who practice evil and cause trouble in order to satisfy their lust for sin.
 
 
 
19.   The heat and the loneliness of the desert is an improvement over being cooped up with an ornery, complaining, quarrelsome woman. I'm glad God said that and not me. I'm just the reporter who is privileged to quote a very reliable source.
 
 
 
20.  Our relationship with God affects how we spend our money. A godly person will use their money to ensure they have what they need; they will not squander their money on things they do not need.
 
Money is a good gauge of one’s spiritual condition.  Look at your checkbook and you will see what is most important to you; the checkbook does not lie.
 
 
 
21.  You get more than you expect when you're filled with the Holy Spirit and therefore pursue love and righteousness. You will get your righteousness, but you will also get life and honor. It's like Solomon who wanted wisdom to know how to please God more than he wanted anything, and so he prayed for it. He received that wisdom, plus he got honor, and as an extra bonus God caused him to prosper as well.
 
 
 
22.  Eliminate your opponent’s strength and you will beat them. A smart coach goes after his opponent’s jugular; he knows the other team’s strength, and will work with his team to shut them down in that area. Once he does that victory is right around the corner.
 
Sin is our spiritual opponent. Eliminate the temptation that sin uses with the greatest success, and you will have victory. If Christians do not go after sin's jugular which is its greatest temptation then forget it, they'll never have victory over that sin.
 
 
 
23.  This is so true. I have seen people take a minor problem and cause it to explode into a major problem because they did not control their tongue. Watching them was like watching someone pour a bucket of gasoline on a little amber the size of a BB.
 
People who do that sort of thing regularly are people we should stay away from or as sure as sparks fly upward they will drag you down. Stay away from them until they learn to obey Ecclesiastes 3:7, "there's a time to be silent".
 
 
 
24.  Scorners are full of sinful pride. Scorners are arrogant. They are very critical of others while not admitting that they are far from perfect themselves; they are too arrogant to either see or admit their own flaws.
 
There's nothing wrong with pointing out flaws in others if it's done with gentleness and love. But one must also be willing to admit the flaws that are in their own life or they are a hypocrite. This verse is talking about people who refuse to see their own failings which are so obvious to those around them while they continually point out the imperfections in others.
 
They are full of pride; they are arrogant because they think that they are better than everyone else. And it is true that some people are better than others, but no one meets the standard that God has set so no one has a right to be arrogant.
 
 
 
25.  There's a war raging inside of a lazy person. He craves the things of this world, but he is also determined not to work. He becomes a frustrated, sick man because he is fighting against himself.
 
Any time one lives contrary to the word of God they are fighting against themselves and will end up frustrated.
 
 
 
26.  A lazy person lives in the land of make-believe; he lives in a dream world. He lives in the land of unfulfilled wishes because he refuses to work. Meanwhile a godly person works hard and earns money so that he can get what he wants and needs.
 
 
 
27.  God hates it when impenitent sinners give him donations. But do you know what he hates even more? It is when those offerings are an attempt to buy him off. It is wicked when someone tries to bribe God; in other words, when one tries to get God to overlook their sin by giving Him an offering or by doing something for Him.
 
We cannot bargain with God; we have nothing to offer him in exchange for forgiveness; we have nothing to offer him in exchange for heaven. What he wants us to do is admit that we are helpless and ask Jesus to save us from hell and forgive our sins and then live for him out of appreciation.
 
Works done out of love and appreciation for what Jesus has done for us are works that God accepts as an offering.
 
 
 
28.  In other words, no one believes a liar but people respect someone who is honest. People will listen to an honest person speak forever, whether they agree with his conclusions or not; they’ll hear him out because he is honest.
 
Most people will respect those with whom they have honest disagreements, but they won't respect someone who lies in order to make an argument, or for any other reason.
 
 
 
29, 30.  No one, whether they be demon or man can manipulate, or outwit God; God never loses.
 
Any scheme to stop his will from being done will only backfire on the schemer. That's why you can't possibly succeed (the way God defines success) in any area of your life if you are out of God's will in that particular area.
 
You cannot possibly succeed if you are out of God's will in a particular area and you can't possibly fail if you follow the spirit of God who leads by the word of God.
 
You say well I was following the word of God and someone caused trouble for me and things didn't work out the way I planned. Well always remember this: if unforeseen things happen, or someone ruins your plans, they have not ruined God's plans. When something unexpected happens to disrupt your plans that doesn't disrupt God's plan for you. God saw it coming, and planned accordingly way ahead of time. Consequently nothing succeeds against God or you if you walk with Him.
 
 
 
31.  Nothing succeeds against God. Nothing succeeds without God.
 
Make your plans, practice, prepare, and then pray because without God's help you will not succeed. It is wise to plan, practice, and prepare.  However it is unwise to trust in your preparations and plans; trust completely in God who may allow you to follow your plan or may cause you to change directions.
 
 
Chapter 22
 
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1.  A good name refers to a good reputation. A good reputation comes from having good character.
 
If joy and satisfaction are the goals then live for Jesus, and develop good character.  God says  the benefits of a good reputation and good character outweigh the benefits of wealth.
 
 
 
2.  The rich and the poor do not have much in common, and probably do not spend much time together. But social classes disappear when people come to Christ, and are filled with the Holy Spirit, and focused on Jesus.
 
All Christians are part of one family; the family of God. We all have one Lord, who is infinitely better than any of us, rich or poor. When we understand that, when we keep that in mind it helps us to think soberly about ourselves, and that removes man-made barriers, social classes, and generation gaps.
 
No one who fellowships with God think they are better than others or more worthy of God's approval than others.
 
 
 
3.  A prudent man lives in reality. He knows he will not avoid the trouble on the horizon by pretending it's not there. Consequently he takes steps to avoid it, or minimize it.
 
Simpleminded people live in non-reality. They do not respond to the warning signs of trouble. They think, "it won't happen to me", but it does.
 
 
 
4,5.  Verse 4 is talking about real wealth. Real wealth which you won't even begin to enjoy until eternity, along with honor from God which again you will not fully experience until eternity. Those things along with an abundant life at this time can be ours if we fear the Lord and serve Christ.
 
Why wouldn't anyone want that? I don't get why there are so many lukewarm, compromising Christians who talk the Christian talk, who maybe go to church and take communion, but the moment something from the world entices them even slightly it's good bye Jesus I am going into moral compromise again, and you can have the abundant life you promise because I despise it in favor of sinful trash.
 
 
 
6.  You can make a tree grows straight if you plant it straight, and take steps to keep it straight when it is young. It is the same with children. Train them when they are young, and there's a good chance that they will serve God when they grow up.
 
 
 
6.   Train a child in the way that he should go. Meaning: teach them to pray just as soon as they can talk. If they can say mom and dad then they can say Jesus. Train them God's way, which means never give them anything that they insist on having. Never give them anything, even good things, unless they ask for it in a nice way. 
 
Train them God's way which means never punish them if they do something wrong but confess it and repent of their own free will.  Train them God's way which means do not ignore willful rebellion, but punish it and then afterword’s hug them and tell them you love them so they know your discipline is not hatred.
 
Train them God's way meaning when they do something right encourage them.  Train them God's way meaning never break a promise to them. Train them God's way meaning if you do something wrong to them make sure you are honest and humble enough to confess, and apologize.
 
These are all principles from Scripture. Knowing the Bible and applying the Bible will help God's people be good parents who can train up a child in the way that they should go.
 
 
 
7.  If you depend on a human being and look to that person for security more than you look to God you will be that person's servant, and if they are self-serving they will use your dependence on them as leverage to get you to do what you otherwise would never do.
 
Always remember this, if "The Lord is your shepherd you shall not want". Trust in God to supply; not in some human being. God may use another person to help, but ultimately the source of our blessing is God.
 
 
 
8.  The rod of his anger refers to someone who tries to beat others into submission. Strong arm tactics will lead to nothing but trouble in the long run. Sooner or later it will be payback time, if not from those who are abused, then from God who is the righteous judge.
 
 
 
9.  In Luke 6:38 Jesus says, "Give and it shall be given unto you good measure pressed down shaken together and running over." In other words, God will give you much more than you give. 2 Corinthians 9:6 says, whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
 
If you work hard planting seeds in your garden chances are you're going to harvest vegetables. If you give generously then God will make sure that you receive many blessings, in one form or another, in return.
 
 
 
10,11.  A good person who is honest and speaks the truth with grace will be liked by many and especially by good leaders.  Good leaders do not want to live in the land of make believe; they want truth because they are smart enough to realize that if they do not make decisions base on things as they really are then whatever it is they are in charge of will spin out of control.
 
 
 
12. In other words, God will preserve the truth. The devil, demons, sinners, and false teachers work overtime to distort the truth but God is bigger than all of them combined and he will make sure that truth never perishes.
 
God will protect truth, and in the end He will destroy false teachings and lies. The teachings of the Jehovah witnesses who say that Jesus is a created angel not the son of God will be destroyed by God and so will the teachers if they do not repent. The teachings of the Mormons who  say that Jesus is a created being and the brother of Lucifer will be destroyed by God and so will the teachers if they do not repent.
 
The teachings of the word of faith people who twist the word of God and attempt to turn Him into a genie who must grant your every wish if you are foolish enough to believe it, will be destroyed by God and so will the teachers if they don't repent.  The teachings of the fundamentalists who add all sorts of  extra Biblical rules to the word of God and teach them as if they were on the level of scripture will be destroyed by God and so will the teachers if they don't repent.
 
The teachings of the neo evangelicals who twist the word of God by replacing God's words with psycho-babel will be destroyed by God.  The teachings of Neo evangelicals who (on the rare occasions actually have enough guts to call something a sin or talk about hell) but then undermine the authority of God's word and God by apologizing for what it says will be destroyed by God. Lies, lies, lies every one of them and they will go the way of all lies!!
 
No preacher understands everything but every God-fearing, Bible believing preacher throughout church history has understood and understands the fundamental truths of Christianity. I'm talking about those who take what is clearly taught in the Bible and wrench it until it’s so distorted that you don't even recognize it any more. That's the kind of verbal and doctrinal trash that will be destroyed by God.
 
In the end truth will be standing and all those who stood firm for the truth will be rewarded.
 
 
 
13.  In other words, if a lazy person can't find a good reason to avoid going to work he will make one up. He will make one up and he will use it no matter how ridiculous it is. Work is a command.  A lazy person understands that it's wrong not to work so he makes up excuses for why he doesn't do it.
 
I can't go to work because I bet there is a lion in the streets.  I can't go to work because I might trip over a stick and twist my ankle. I can't go to work because when I shut the car door I might jam my finger.  Going to work is way too risky .  No you are just a lazy no good bum who wants others to take care of you and since you know that's wrong you make up excuses.
 
You can tell when someone knows they are wrong because they make up excuses for what they do.
 
 
 
14.  The enticing words of a loose woman hide a deadly trap. God says it's a deep pit and any man who has drifted from Him can be an easy target for someone like that.
 
If you live by feelings and passions instead of by the word of God you are in trouble because there are plenty of bad people who will offer good feelings, and all you have to do is sin to get them. A spiritually weak person will fall into a trap like that without much effort by the tempter.
 
Someone who is detested by God because they do not walk with Him will be destroyed and deserves everything they gets. You walk away from Jesus and live like the Devil and you'll go to the same hell as the Devil.
 
 
 
15.  Every single one of us is born with a sin nature which is why left to ourselves we rebel against God.  If someone in authority doesn't apply the brakes by training us when we are young we'll go to hell and be clueless as to why we're in torment.  It is up to a godly parent who knows right from wrong to train their child to not do what comes naturally to them, but to do what God wants them to do.
 
Sin must be punished by parents so that children grow up understanding that there are eternal punishments for those who don't repent and receive Christ. A child learns about God by watching their parents. That's why it's so important for a parent to model God correctly; to instruct their children by their words and their example.
 
 
 
16.  Any employer who doesn't pay a fair wage to his workers so that he can get rich will one day suffer himself. He has God's word on that.
 
 
 
17,18.  There are no shortcuts and no tricks to having the word of God in your heart and on your lips. You have to read it, and meditate on it. You have to read it when you feel like it and when you don't feel like it. The word of God won't be there for you if you don't choose to put it in you.
 
Likewise there's no trick to having joy in your life as a Christian either. You read the word, pray, obey God, fast when needed, and confess your sin.
 
 
 
19-21. God wants us to trust him, and there is no one better to trust then him.
 
It's good to be able to trust those who love you, but they can't always be there to help you with what you need even if they would like to do that. Even those who love you and would do anything for you  may not have the time or the resources or the ability to help you. It's not that way with God because he knows exactly what to do, when to do it, and he never lacks the resources or the will to do it.
 
That's why the goal of my teaching is simple. I don't want you to be impressed with me; I don't want you to be entertained by me.  I want you to understand the word of God because I want you to know God better. Because I know that the more you know him the easier it will be for you to trust him. 
 
 
 
22,23.  The real judicial dream team is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. If some unscrupulous person takes advantage of you Almighty God will take up your cause and in the end they will wish that they had never seen your face.
 
 
 
24,25. God doesn't want you hanging around with someone who has a bad temper. Trouble follows those who are easily angered and God doesn't want that type of person to rub off on you if you are his child.
 
There are certain people that I didn't want my son to spend time with when he was little. There are certain people that God, our Father, doesn't want us to spend time with either.
 
 
 
26,27. Many times people go overboard when it comes to the things of this world and they become like gods to them, which is something that God hates. But at the same time God knows we live here and need certain things to get along and so he would not say that the things in this world are completely worthless either.
 
God is a God of balance; use the world just don't worship it; use things, enjoy things just don't put them before God. Which is why God wouldn't want us to do something stupid like guarantee someone else's loan and in the process lose the nice things that we have worked for, and that he has blessed us with.
 
 
 
28.  In those days dishonest landlords would sometimes sneak out after dark and move the boundary stones of their property. They would steal land from their neighbor to increase the size of their own property so God says don't do that.
 
People say: I think man is inherently good. Well then why does God have to have so many rules threatening us with punishment for hurting one another.
 
Think about how rotten people must be if God has to make up rules to keep us from being mean to one another. Man must be pretty bad if God has to take the time to tell us not to take unfair advantage of one another; shouldn't that be obvious?
 
If sinful man wasn't so corrupt God wouldn't have to say things like don't steal your neighbor's land; don't break into someone's house and hurt them or take what belongs to them; don't tell a lie to someone; don't be with another woman or another man if you're already married and you promised you won't do that.
 
If man wasn't so corrupt God wouldn't have to say: now people don't bash your neighbor's head in. God has to say listen human race I don't want you to walk into a school or a movie theater with a submachine gun and open fire while people are eating their popcorn and watching a movie.
 
What kind of race of beings needs to be told not to be so cruel to one another? A race that has been completely corrupted by sin and desperately needs the Redeemer the Lord Jesus Christ to save them from hell.
 
 
 
29.  Acquiring a skill, getting to be good at something is no accident. If you pray while others watch television, if you work while others sleep, if you practice while others loaf, if you persevere while others quit, then you will be like the cream that rises to the top. In the long run your efforts will pay off.
 
 
Chapter 23
 
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1-3. God wants us to enjoy things in moderation; if things become too important to us then we can be manipulated by those who have them.
 
3. "His food is deceptive." That suggests this isn't a friendly dinner party, but rather an attempt to wine and dine in order to influence.
 
If someone is given to overindulgence of food and drink or has a weakness in some other appetite they can be manipulated into doing things they shouldn't do. If the thing they lust for is dangled in front of them they will find it difficult to resist.
 
Bluegills would do well to control their excessive desire for night crawlers during fishing season or they'll end up swallowing a hook. Christians would do well to control their excessive desire for anything at any time, or they'll swallow the devils hook. Enjoy what you can in moderation, but let Jesus be sufficient for you.
 
 
4. Do not labor to be rich. So if getting rich is the motive for working you have the wrong motive. The Bible says do all things for the glory of God. Work because it is God's will and if you get rich in the process fine but do not ever allow the accumulation of money be the driving force in anything you do. Jesus says you cannot serve God and wealth.
 
 
 
4,5. Everything in this material world eventually wears out, rusts, or decays. I guess our hearts are designed to pump only a certain amount of times before they wear out and quit. Our organs and our muscles are designed to be used only a certain amount of time and then they wear out and stop working. A car only runs for so long, around here the body's eventually rust. There is a shelf life for all food. And every one of us only have a limited amount of minutes to live. Since that is the case we need to make the most of all that God has given us; use it wisely in a manner that pleases the Lord since He has given us all things.
 
The Bible says that the things which are not seen are eternal so if you can see it it's going to cease to exist at some point. Which is why God says do not set your eyes on that which is not. Don't waste your energy; don't waste your body. Don't weary yourself working for the things that will pass away or you're going to leave behind after you die.
 
 
 
6-8. It is not what a person says that's important; it is what they are thinking. God says don't be the dinner guest of someone who despises you with every bite you take. Outwardly he may be saying sit down and eat. Inwardly he is saying, I am upset that you are eating my food.
 
I don't care to spend time with those who make you feel, sometimes in a subtle way, like it's the end of the world when they do you a favor. They do you a favor but you have to listen to their deep sighs because it's such a sacrifice for them to be kind and they want you to know it too.
 
 
 
9. Life is too short, and truth is too valuable to waste it on those who are not the least bit interested in changing their foolish ways.
 
Jesus gave the truth to anyone who was around Him and He answered the questions of anyone who was interested in learning but He didn't waste time on those who did not care. Jesus did not beg anyone to like Him or to accept His words.
 
 
 
10, 11. God says do not enter the fields of the fatherless. I believe that one reason God allows the week and defenseless to be among us is to give us an opportunity to help those who cannot help themselves. Not to help them is wrong. Abusing them will incur God's wrath.
 
 
12. There is no shortcut to knowledge, wisdom, sanctification, or anything else worthwhile.
 
I am bothered by "Christian" how to books which promise quick easy steps to obtain holiness. A few years ago someone wrote a book titled knowing God in 10 minutes a day or 3 minutes a day. If someone can't give God more time than that they don't deserve to know him and if that's the case they should be taken in by the religious frauds that write those books and steal their money.
 
Knowing God and the sanctification that goes with it takes discipline, time, and effort of an entire lifetime.
 
 
13. A child should be disciplined in love, not beaten in a rage. God commands parents to discipline their children but he quickly implies that there must be self-control in the parent who disciplines.
 
Godly discipline is designed to hurt not harm. If it doesn't sting then no lesson will be learned but it better not harm or the parent will answer to God.
 
 
13,14. It is not kind, nor is it loving for a parent to let their child get away with willful rebellion. Parents who do that create monsters who will be in trouble all of their life, and worst of all end up in hell because they were never taught that they are accountable for their behavior.
 
Right and wrong must be taught in the home, and wrong must be punished. If it is not then the child will grow up thinking that they are not accountable to God. Two seconds in hell, and they will know that they were wrong and that their parents did a lousy job.
 
A parent is better off if their child is upset with them for being disciplined then to have their child curse them forever in hell for not teaching them to respect right and wrong and God.
 
 
15. A godly parent will be happy if they see that their child has become a God fearing, God honoring person as well.
 
It makes me happy when my grown son says dad lets pray for this or that. It makes me happy when he teaches me something out of the word that I have never seen before. It makes me happy when his boss at work comes up to me and says that I did a good job raising my son because he is a godly young man.
 
I'm proud of him when he succeeds at something in the world but I'm even more proud when I see him trying as hard as he can weather he succeeds or not because he wants to please Jesus by his efforts. And I'm not saying anything any other Christian parent should say.
 
 
 
16. Whatever pleases a parent most about their child says a lot about that parents walk with the Lord. Some parents are proud of their child because they are good-looking, or because they are an honor student, or because they are good at sports. And while those things are fine, still if things like that mean more to a parent than having a godly child then that parent's not walking with Jesus as they should be.
 
 
 
17. Sinners are hell bound if they don't repent and receive Christ so why envy them. It is foolish to envy someone who may be enjoying the pleasures of sin or this world for a short season, but who will pay for their sins in in hell forever. Hell will be so horrible that they will quickly forget any pleasure they experienced from sin. According to the word of God it would be better if that person was never born. Anyone who envies sinners is either unsaved or at the very least shortsighted. What's there to envy?
 
 
 
17. When people lose their fear of God they start to envy sinners. When people remember that God hates sin, and will surely punish sinners they will not envy them. It comes down to believing the word of God or not. The horrors of hell overshadow any thoughts of sinful pleasures when people believe the word of God.
 
 
 
18. God wants us to remember that it will be worth any sacrifice we have to endure to be a follower of Christ. There is no future for the wicked, at least no good future. The wicked that refuse to repent and receive Christ are on an eternal death row. They are heartbeat out of hell. They will not be happy, not even for a second, never again; no smiles, no peace, no comfort, no happiness ever again after they die.
 
Going to heaven requires that we be willing to sacrifice the now for eternity, not to earn salvation but to mean business about asking Jesus to be our Lord and Savior so that He can save us. Jesus said unless you pick up your cross daily and follow me you cannot be my disciple. We must be willing to live for eternity, instead of for the things of this world.
 
Anyone who calls themselves a Christian but doesn't have pleasing Jesus as their goal should take a long honest look at themselves to see if they have really repented and asked Jesus to be their Lord and Savior.
 
 
 
19. It doesn't matter what everyone else is doing. The wise thing is to keep living God's way. Christians can do that because God has given us a free choice and he has given us the Holy Spirit, by whose power we can make the correct choices.
 
Always remember that your will belongs to you. The crowds may do things the wrong way, but they cannot force you to follow them.
 
 
 
20,21. Moderation is normally a safe way to go. Eat, but don't be a glutton, and make food an Idol. Enjoy the things this world offers but do not allow that enjoyment to direct your life in place of God.
 
God gives us many things to enjoy, but sinful man often over indulges, and those things end up being more important to them than God. Sinful man often takes God's blessings and turns them into idols which become a distraction from God and leads to trouble in this life and hell in the next.
 
 
 
22. The Lord God has commanded us to honor our father and our mother. Which means when we are young we should listen to them, obey them, and respect them.
 
That part about respecting should never end. God doesn't command children or adult sons and daughters to always agree with their parents, but they should always treat them with respect and as long as they are living at home they should also obey, unless of course a parent is ungodly and commands a child to do something contrary to Scripture.
 
 
 
23. Do whatever it takes to get truth. Put in the time, make the effort, in order to get truth, and once you have it, accept it, whether it sets right with you or not. Live truth, speak truth, and cling to truth. Do not sell out the truth to please anyone, or to get anything, even to save your physical life.
 
 
 
24,25. Be righteous, and you will please the right type of people. As we saw earlier if a parent isn't happy when their son or daughter is holy then the parent has a problem. God assumes that parents will be happy if their children live for Jesus; to God that would be normal.
 
 
 
26-28. If you have a heart for Jesus and therefore are obedient to the word of God the temptations that cause others to fall will not cause you to sin. Even the strongest temptations will not turn you away from Jesus if you are enjoying his fellowship. Why eat muskrat when you can eat steak?
 
 
 
29,30. Drunkenness destroys. It destroys your health, it destroys your looks, it destroys your family, it causes you to let down your guard and act like a fool, it causes you to commit sins you would never commit while sober, it causes you to say foolish things, it costs you thousands of dollars when you're pulled over for drunken driving, it causes death when you killed someone because you drove drunk.
 
 
And then someone is stupid enough to say, God says I can't get drunk because He doesn't want me to have fun. Well go ahead and have your fun, destroy others and yourself and pay for it the rest of your life and for all eternity as well.
 
 
 
 
31,32. Loving wine, being enamored with any type of strong drink is a mistake says God. The end result of that according to the Lord will be to feel snake bitten.
 
The principle is this: be careful not to become fascinated with something that could hurt you. Be careful what you gaze at and what you long for. If you find yourself dwelling on something that could be harmful redirect your thoughts to Jesus Christ and the word of God just as fast as you can.
 
 
 
33. Too much alcohol is a killer; it destroys the brain.
 
Anything that slurs your speech, and makes you unable to think straight ought to scare you because it contradicts God's command to be sober and to guard your heart and mind. It ought to make you think, what am I doing to my brain? Why am I opening myself up to demonic influence, which is something else that drunkenness does?
 
 
 
34,35. I wonder why beer commercials don't show people laying on their beds watching the room spin around and around. Why don't they show those people getting up, staggering to the toilet to violently throw up because they over did it?
 
Beautiful women and athletic men pounding beers, playing football by some hot springs in the Rocky Mountains doesn’t happen, but obese men and women with darkened eyes, broken homes, and diseased livers does happen. God gives both sides of the issue.
 
Again I say Satan is a liar, and sin is deceitful and we better follow the word of God or the world will trap and destroy us with its well packaged allurements.
 
 
 
 
 
Chapter 24
 
 
 
 
 1a. It's true that doing wrong is often rewarded in this sinful world, but God wants us to look at the big picture. Wrong is often rewarded in this life, but it is punished forever in eternity.
 
God wants Christians to be people of faith; he wants us to live for eternity  not for this world which is what faith is all about. Faith is not designed to get us all sorts of material things today; faith is living by the word of God and trusting Him to meet our needs both here and in eternity. Again faith is living by the word of God and trusting Him to meet our needs both here and in eternity.
 
 
 
1,2.  Do not desire to be in the company of bad people. That's because spending time with them is the first step towards becoming like them. Many people think it won't happen to me because I can handle it; their bad will not rub off on me. You better think again because hell will be filled with people who believed that and found out too late that they were wrong.  God says bad company corrupts good morals.
 
 
 
3,4.  Faith will not get you riches, that's something that hard work and godly wisdom will get you. There is a correct way to do things and God's Word tells us what it is. If you build your house properly it will last.  If you work hard and use your head God will bless.
 
 
5.  In some ways a man of wisdom has more power than a man of muscle, and we could say a man of wealth as well. The skipper was the strongest man on Gilligan's Island, Mr. Howell was the wealthiest, but the professor solved most of the problems.
 
It is the same with us, being holy which by-product's include wisdom makes you more valuable to God then being wealthy; holiness is more valuable than physical strength; holiness and its by-products will give you insights into what should be done and what should be said and when we say and do the correct things God will bless and use us. 
 
 
 
6.  England had more military might then we did, but we beat them in the Revolutionary war because we had a better plan. North Vietnam beat us even though we were much stronger than them because they had a better plan. Resources do not mean anything if you don't use them properly.
 
Likewise a person can waste a lot of time doing things their way instead of God's way. A person can waste a lot of energy if they don't live by what the Bible says. God has a better plan than man's conventional wisdom.
 
 
 
7. The city gate was the meeting place where official business was discussed. People would go there to discuss problems and how to solve them. God says, a fool doesn't have anything to say in a place like that. And remember, in Scripture a fool is someone who does not understand the word of God and does not care that He doesn't understand the word of God.
 
Someone who doesn't spend time with God also doesn't have the wisdom to lead; they don't have biblical sense and It is a waste of time to listen to anyone who presents a plan that is contrary to the word of God. Any plan that contradicts the word of God is foolish, and if it is implemented it will fail.
 
Don't listen to those who speak contrary to God's word; don't rationalize and think it's okay to follow a plan that contradicts God's word; the plan is foolish and the person who came up with it is a fool and you're a fool if you listen to them.
 
 
 
8,9.  Everyone does bad things at times and most people are forgiving if the person admits their guilt and apologizes. But people hate those who continue to plot evil because in addition to dishonoring God it also causes problems for others.
 
 
 
10.  A faith that doesn't sustain us when times are tough is a weak faith. A faith that doesn't keep us on the right track when we are pressured to take the wrong track is weak faith.
 
 
 
10.  If troubles make us weak, then we were not strong to begin with. Jesus wants us to be strong even during hard times. Jesus wants us to be strong in Him and consequently speak truth even when the world doesn't want to hear it. He wants us to be strong and full of faith and show it by proclaiming and living the word of God even if people despise us for doing it. Doing right and saying right even when it results in hardships takes great faith.
 
There are materialistic and unlearned men and women who are disguised as preachers today that say if you have great faith then you will have allot of money and good health. That is one of the biggest lies in the history of the church, and those who teach those lies and those who help them by their offerings will answer to God for perverting His holy word.
 
Some people say that movement is a theological Ponzi scheme  but actually it is worse than a Ponzi scheme (whose purveyors go to prison when they are caught) because at least the people they get to invest in their lie  get a little something at first.  The theological rot that is known as the word of faith movement is a corrupt pyramid scheme where fast talking snake oil salesmen fill people’s minds with empty promises that God never made.  They get rich by telling people that they can get rich if they give to their ministry.  It's a big lie and like all lies it causes problems and put strains on relationships where one party buys the lie and therefore has false expectations and the other party knows that it's not according to the word of God.
 
Big faith doesn't have anything to do with money or health; big faith is living holy and speaking truth even when you lose money for doing it, or you suffer in some other way for doing it.
 
 
 
11.  God commands us to be heroes. If someone is going to die then rescue them. Human life is precious to God so it pleases him when we try to save it.
 
A human soul is also precious to God which is why he would have us be spiritual heroes by proclaiming to the world Jesus Christ the Savior so that all who repent will be saved from hell. Telling people what the Bible says about hell and how to avoid it through Jesus Christ is like pushing someone out of the way of an oncoming car.
 
 
 
11,12.  God says, help people and don't pretend that you don't see their troubles. It doesn't pay to pretend because God knows what we know, and he will hold us accountable for what we know.
 
 
 
13.  God does not say eat honey because it is healthy. He says eat it because it is good. In other words, it is okay to eat what you enjoy for the fun of it.
 
What a liar Satan is. The devil tells people that God doesn't want them to have fun. God wants us to have fun. He just doesn't want us to overindulge, or to turn fun things into an Idol.
 
 
 
13,14.  In other words, enjoy the good things which God has created, but do not overlook the most important things; be balanced in your life. Let your body be happy, let it enjoy good things in moderation, but do not neglect the needs of your soul. Our soul needs the Lord God. Feed your body good food, and feed your soul the word of God, feed your soul the things that draw you closer to God.
 
 
 
15.  God is warning bad people not to attack good people. Verse 16 tells us why.
 
 
 
16.  When a bad person hurts a good person they are in reality attacking God. God may allow a good person to suffer, but he will give him the grace to handle it and he will use the bad to make the good person even better. Meanwhile, the one who did the bad will pay for what they have done.
 
 You can't win if you rebel against God, but if you follow God you cannot lose.
 
 
 
17,18. If someone hurts you and God punishes them as a result, do not rejoice in their suffering. Do not taunt anyone who is suffering for any reason. Acknowledge the justice of God, but do not rejoice in the punishment of the wicked. Rejoicing in their suffering, even if they've got it coming is displeasing to God.
 
 
 
19,20. Do not be envious of the wicked or fret because bad people seem to have it made. Just remember what will happen to them in the end. In the end they will die and they will be punished, and no one will envy them anymore.
 
Think about serving God and avoiding evil; think about eternity. Don't think about the bad people whose good times will come to a screeching halt. Besides if their lives are so great why do they have to keep sinning, why aren't they satisfied with things as they are. I guess the last sin they committed didn't satisfy or they wouldn't be doing it again.
 
 
 
21,22. A parent who doesn't lead their child correctly is rebelling against God and will answer to God for the damage they cause. A boss who doesn't treat his employees fairly is rebelling against God and will answer to God for that. A nation with unrighteous laws will be judged and its leaders will answer to God. All people who rebel against God, and other legitimate authorities in their life will answer to Him for it. God is a God of order and He does not tolerate rebellion at any level; it is all wrong, it is all against Him.
 
 
 
23-25. Right and wrong are not complicated. The 10 Commandments, and do onto others as you would have them to do unto you are good summaries of right and wrong and they are very easy to understand;  it's finding someone who has the moral courage to speak the truth and live by it that's the problem.
 
 
 
24,25. It doesn't take a genius to discern truth, but it does take a person of strong moral and spiritual convictions to reward right and punish wrong. It is a terrible thing when someone in charge blurs the moral distinctions of right and wrong by overlooking the bad things that people do. Many innocent people suffer when that happens.
 
For example: preachers who don't have the guts to speak the plain truth of God's word because they're afraid of offending people who don't love Jesus rob good people who do love Jesus of a solid spiritual feeding. When you cater to the wicked you rob the righteous.
 
 
 
26.  God is assuming that a kiss on the lips is a good thing. Generally speaking you don't get a kiss on the lips unless someone likes you and unless they approve of you. God is saying that if you are honest you will have the approval of people. If you speak the truth in love good people will approve of you.
 
 
 
27. Before you build a house you must clear the trees and prepare the land. With that God is stating the obvious; He is saying that there is a proper time and place for everything.
 
Lesson: Don't rush into something before it's time or before you are ready. Before you can teach you must learn. Before you get married you must be prepared. Before you lift weights, stretch. God is saying take time to prepare; do the correct thing in the correct order.
 
 
 
28.  In other words, don't spread lies about someone.  Don't use your lips to deceive. Meaning: don't drop subtle hints, or make bad implications about someone else's character which are not true.
 
 
 
29.  The Bible says leave room for wrath; vengeance is mine I will repay says the Lord. Never return evil for evil. If someone spreads lies about you; if someone does bad things to you remember: you know they have sinned, and God knows they have sinned. God knows they have committed sin and God will take care of things. Why would you want to be like them and get yourself in trouble with God by taking vengeance after God said don't do that?
 
It is wrong to sin against those who have sinned against us. It is best to stay on the moral high road with God; don't get down in the gutter with those who have been bad to you.
 
 
 
30-34. I understand being poor. But when I drive by homes that are broken down junkyards with things lying all over the place then I know those people are poor because they are lazy. You don’t have to be rich to cut the grass or take the junk off your yard. If you let your daily chores go undone, and your place is a mess God says you are lazy.
 
 
 
32-34. And the lesson we can learn from this is something we can carry into our spiritual lives as well. When we are too lazy to read the Bible or pray, or go to where the Bible is taught the result will be poverty of spirit. That is, we will become spiritually cold; we will backslide. Satan will gain footholds in our life, and slowly but surely our quality of life will get worse. Eventually it will show and our life will be a mess.
 
 
 
 
 Chapter 25
 
 
 
1. Hezekiah was a good king in Judah, which is why he wanted the word of God, which is what the book of Proverbs is, which is why his men made a copy of this book.
 
By the way the idea that only the original manuscripts are the word of God isn't true. A faithful copy or a faithful translation is also the word of God. Jesus and the apostles used the Septuagint which is an Old Testament Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible and it was quoted by them as the word of God. 
 
How do I know we have the preserved word of God today where it is faithfully translated? Because in the book of Psalms 12:6, 7 God promises to preserve his word: "the words of the Lord are pure words, like silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. You shall keep them, you shall preserve them from this generation forever." We don't have the original manuscripts today but we do have the word of God preserved where it is faithfully translated. We must or God's word in Psalms 12 has failed and that's impossible.
 
 
 
2.  There are many secrets hidden in nature, in God's word, in God's sovereignty, and in God's Providence. God would not be God if his plans, purposes, knowledge, and works didn't transcend our human minds. In other words God would not be God if we knew everything he knows. That's why we sometimes do not understand why things are the way they are.
 
 
 
3.  There are times when we don't understand the choices that our leaders make.  Leaders sometimes do things that people can't figure out, and don't understand. But just as we must live with the earth, and the sky the way they are so we must also live with our leaders and the decisions that they make, until such a time as we can change our leaders, or somehow change their decisions in a way that doesn't contradict Scripture.
 
 
 
4,5.   The dross of verse four represents wicked advisors in the king's palace, or today it can represent wicked secretaries in the president's cabinet. As far as the broader principle is concerned It is talking about people who are a bad influence. When they are removed everything functions much better.
 
Lesson: Be careful who you listen to. Be careful who you go to for advice. If somebody is not saved and on fire for the Lord Jesus Christ then you have no business looking to them for suggestions because they're going to steer you in a way that is ungodly and fleshly. If they're not led by the Holy Spirit in their personal lives they are certainly not going to be led by the Holy Spirit in the words that they say because the Bible says out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
 
 
 
6,7.  In other words, just be who you are. You do not have to act as if you are less then you are; you do not have to act as if you are more then you are; just be who you are.  If people want to honor you fine, but do not act as if you are someone important because you are bound to experience shame if others don't see you that way, and therefore do not treat you that way. You are bound to experience shame and shame is what you would deserve if you behave that way.
 
 
 
8.  The word of God doesn't encourage the idea of rushing into court to settle every problem. If you try to sue someone for frivolous reasons it may backfire, and you will come out looking like an opportunist, like someone who is trying to make quick and dishonest money, and that would be a pretty accurate picture of what you really are.
 
 
 
9.  It is best and biblical to handle relationship problems privately, and not talk about those problems with a third-party whenever possible. I'm not saying we should not seek advice and counsel from a trusted friend who knows the word of God, I’m saying do not run around and gossip about someone you are having problems with. In other words, if there is a problem between you and someone have the courage to go to that person, and try to work it out prayerfully and biblically.
 
 
9,10. Make every effort to get along with your neighbor or with your coworker or with your relative or someone that you have to deal with regularly. Like it or not you live next door to them or they're a part of your life in some other way so you might as well do your best to get along with them for your own sanity sake as well as what the Bible says, and the Bible says as much as it is possible as it depends on you live peaceably with all people.
 
 
11.  To a person who likes precious metals, gold and silver are like Oreos and milk, they are a perfect fit. God says that the right word spoken by someone when you need to hear it is a perfect fit as well. Just like gold and silver look good together the right word at the right time goes well together.
 
You say how do I do that? You put yourself in the position to do that by staying close to Jesus. If you stay close to Jesus He will rub off on you, and without even preparing He will give you the right words to say at the right time.
 
 
12.  The purpose of jewelry is to enhance physical beauty for the one who accepts it and puts it on, and a word of correction that comes from Scripture will add moral beauty to the person who is willing to accept and apply it.
 
 
 
13.  A person who you can always count on is like a cold drink that refreshes a hard worker on a hot day.
 
People who say that they will be somewhere and actually show up, or say they will do something, and actually do it are refreshing.
 
How many people can you trust? How many people will be there for you when you need them? How many people can you trust to have your back when you are right and still love you when you are wrong? If you have one or two you better thank Almighty God because you have more than many.  If you have one or two then you know what God is talking about when He says they are like a cold drink on a hot day. They are especially refreshing if you have dealt with unreliable people in the past.
 
 
 
14.  People who are all talk are like dark clouds, full of moisture, that won't drop any rain. They get your hopes up, and you may even make plans in light of their promises. But they don't follow through so you're left standing there wondering what to do next; how you're going to improvise.
 
 
 
15.  You have a better chance of persuading someone if you are gentle and patient, then if you are angry. If you talk nice to people and convince them that you want what is best for them they will usually at least consider what you have to say. 
 
It's the same with us and God; if you know that He wants what is best for you then you are more likely to trust Him and do what He says.
 
 
 
16.  Too much of a good thing will make you sick. People who live to drink, and eat bring trouble on themselves. If we over indulge our flesh, and always satisfy its cravings then we will suffer.
 
Our flesh loves to tell us what to do, but it's like taking advice from an insane person. An insane person doesn’t know what is best for you and neither does your flesh. This is why those who say go with what your heart tells you are either evil or ignorant or both, and it doesn’t matter because that counsel is deadly.  The Bible says that our hearts are deceitful above all things and desperately wicked.  Listen to the word of God and to those who speak according to what it says and you will be safe.
 
 
17.  Moderation is good with food and drink and it is also good in relationships. God is saying, don't be overbearing. Give people space. People need time to be alone so back off a little or they will get sick of you and avoid you altogether.
 
 
 
18. A liar is a troublemaker. You can't make proper decisions if you don't have true facts so if you're dealing with a liar the decisions you make based on what he says are going to be wrong and cause all sorts of problems.
 
And if someone lies about you; if they say bad things about you that are not true there will be those who don't like you because of the lies that were spoken; and you may miss out on good things because your character has been defamed.
 
And just in case you need another reason to avoid lying think about how it destroys relationships. I don't care if it is a so-called big lie or so-called little lie, a lie is a lie; it's not the truth, and when it is discovered that you have misled someone, or deceived someone in some way they're not going to trust you anymore, even if you misled them in a small thing they're not going to trust you anymore. Small things are big things when they are small lies; they do just as much damage to a person's character and believability as any other kind of unfaithfulness.
 
No wonder God says that all liars will have their place in the lake of fire; just think of all the damage that lies produce.
 
 
19.  A bad tooth and a lame foot will disrupt your plans. A bad tooth is painful and a lame foot will slow you down. A lame foot is something you have to drag along like a weight. A bad tooth can be so painful that it keeps you from being able to function. An unreliable person also disrupts your plans; they slow you down, and set you back.
 
Do not rely on an unreliable person. Remember what God says, He says, he that is faithful in little is faithful in much, and he that is unfaithful in little will be unfaithful in much.
 
 
 
20.  The Bible tells us to laugh with those who laugh and weep with those who weep. In other words, allow someone to feel bad if they have a reason to feel bad. If you try to lift their spirits by being happy and cheerful you will end up making them feel worse. There's nothing sinful or unspiritual about being sad, and being sad when someone else is sad is a sign that you care about them.
 
 
 
21.  You don't have to condone the evil someone has done against you, and you don't have to be okay with being mistreated. But in spite of your feelings God wants you to be good to your enemies. Overcome evil with good by repaying every offense or insult with kindness.
 
 
 
22.  If you are kind to those who are mean to you there's a chance that they might be ashamed of themselves. One of the purposes for being nice to someone who has been bad to you is to show the contrast between good and evil, and hopefully make them ashamed so that they will repent and start living God's way, because if they don't then they are going to burn in hell forever.
 
So you can strike back and hurt someone who has hurt you and in the process be absolutely useless to Jesus. Or you can repay evil with good and be a living testimony to the reality of Jesus Christ and the fact that there is a difference between right and wrong and whether someone repents or not at least they will know that a prophet has been among them. At least they will know that Jesus has been among them, and if they still decide to go to hell that's exactly what they deserve, but you've been used by Jesus to give them a chance.
 
 
 
23. If more Christians gave an angry look at other Christians who are gossiping or backbiting there would be a lot less of it going on in churches.
 
When someone says or does something sinful make it clear that you don't think it's right. At the very least they'll probably never do it in front of you again and maybe they'll actually come to their senses and repent when the Holy Spirit uses your displeasure to rebuke them.
 
 
 
24.  This is a rerun of 21:9. When looking for a Christian woman to marry make sure you marry one who is spiritual enough to let you lead. Don't marry a woman who doesn't trust your walk with God so they won't let you lead; don't marry a woman who is filled with self-will and therefore won't let you lead. That will not be a good Christian marriage; it will not have the blessing of God and you will be sorry the rest of your life for marrying her or you may get a divorce and that will have all sorts of problems connected with it as well.
 
 
 
25.  Cold water is refreshing and good news is also refreshing. You know, we Christians work hard trying to do what is right and many times pay a price for doing it, and so some good news, just a little bit of encouragement from someone can go a long way in helping us to persevere. Like a cold glass of water on a very hot day are some encouraging words when you really need them.
 
One of the easiest and most helpful things you can do for someone is encourage them.
 
 
 
26.  When godly men compromise with evil to get along with sinners, or when preachers water down the word in order to be accepted by more people they become a polluted well. Godly people go to them looking for something wholesome and fresh but all they get is spiritual swamp water.
 
It is sad indeed when a Christian who loves Jesus and hungers for his word walks away from a church service frustrated because he hasn't been given the pure truth of God's word. It is frustrating and discouraging when one who is hungry for the word of God receives an moldy spiritual biscuit for a sermon instead of a grilled steak.
 
 
27a. When God says, use this, or do this in moderation, you can be sure that if you overindulge that it will be bad for you.
 
 
 
27.  Bragging, trying to impress others is not an honorable way to behave says God. Repent of your sins, get saved, get filled with the Holy Spirit, and impress God, and one way or another your relationship with others will take care of itself.
 
 
 
28.  If you don't learn to discipline yourself, and say no to over indulgence, and to sin in general then you will be in trouble. If you don't train yourself to say no to the things that God forbids, even though you may feel like indulging, then you are inviting the devil to abuse you. All he has to do to get you to do his will is to tempt you with something he knows you like. You have no walls of protection if you have no self-control.
 
 
 
Chapter 26
 
 
 
 1.  Snow in the summer would be odd. Rain at harvest would be bad timing. Likewise giving honor to someone who doesn't care about God, and therefore doesn't live for God, from God's point of view, is odd, bad; it's very strange.
 
Giving honor to someone who does not live for the one who has created him is at the very least bad timing like rain during harvest; wait until he starts living for God, then after he has developed godly character it will be appropriate to honor him.
 
 
 
2.  I've known Christians who because of difficult times were afraid that a maybe witch or a sorcerer had placed a curse on them. The fact is, you are curse proof if you belong to Jesus. Like a bird that flutters and flies around but never lands on you, God says people can curse you, but it won't land on you. In Christ you are cleansed, forgiven, and blessed. Like the sorcerer Balaam said after trying several times and failing several times to curse God's people, "how can I curse whom God has blessed".
 
 
 
3.  Except for trigger that used to come when ever Roy Rogers would whistle a horse and a donkey have to be pulled with a rope or struck with a whip to get them going. God says it's the same with a fool; a fool needs that type of force before they'll do what is right.
 
 
 
4.  In other words, don't answer a fool by losing your temper, or with rudeness, or else in the process of answering you'll be a fool as well.
 
 
 
5.  In other words, don't answer like a fool but don't let a fool get away without a rebuke either. The best way to correct a fool is to be filled with the Holy Spirit and rebuke him with the word of God. That way he won't be so wise in his own eyes.
 
 
 
6.  No one gets up and says what a beautiful day for a walk in the park; I think I'll cut off my feet. Or, I'm so glad to be alive I think I'll drink poison. People don't do those things because it's against their own best interest, and they don't make sense.
 
Likewise it is against our own best interest to rely on someone who's been known to be unreliable in the past.
 
 
 
7.  Lame legs are useless, and so is a wise proverb, or the word of God in the mouth of a fool. It's useless because although the person may be able to speak it, he still doesn't know how, when, or where to apply it, and that's because he's unsaved and without the Holy Spirit.
 
Knowing the word of God doesn't mean a thing if you're not saved and filled with the Holy Spirit and therefore living it for the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ.
 
 
 
8.  I have heard of stupid things in my life but none more stupid than this: It is foolish, it is stupid, it is idiotic to tie a stone to a sling because when you wind up and let it go it is going to pull your shoulder right out of the socket. Why would you tie a stone to a sling when the purpose of a sling is to fling a stone? That would be like a pitcher gluing a baseball to the palm of his hand. Stupid!
 
God says, if you think that's foolish than I want you to know that it is even more foolish to give honor to a fool, again to someone who does not care about me. That's one of the worst things you can do to God, and to an unsaved person because by honoring them, by making them think that they are something special, that they are really right with God because there's so marvelous you are dooming them to hellfire, because you're giving them a false sense of security.
 
 
 
9. In other words, you give a drunkard a fistful of thorns and he's liable to pierce his hand with one and not even realize it because the alcohol has dulled his senses. In the same way you can quote the Bible to a fool, or a fool can read the Bible, or listen to a sermon, and he has absolutely no idea what it means; he has no appreciation for the holy word that he has just heard.
 
The unsaved are spiritually dead and unable to comprehend the word of God which is why it is a waste of time to try to make an unsaved person behave like a saved person. Maybe you can modify their behavior with some form of reward and punishment, but that doesn't cut it with God.
 
Behavior modification does not cut it with God because God is looking for people to serve him out of love and to serve him from their heart and it's not going to happen with someone who is unsaved because they don't appreciate God, and they certainly don't appreciate the word of God. Get people saved, and then their lives can be conformed to the Lord Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.
 
 
 
10.  In other words, God will make sure that everyone gets what they've got coming. He will reward Christians for everything good that they do in addition to giving them the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. And God will also reward the wicked with all the pain and suffering that they deserve while they're burning in hell for rejecting Christ.
 
There are different levels of heaven, different degrees of joy in eternity for Christians, and there are different degrees of suffering in hell for those who reject God's mercy through Jesus Christ.
 
 
 
11.  In other words, you can't cure an evil person. An evil person repeats his sin, and no one but God can change him. People try to get sinners to change, and all they get is frustrated and discouraged because it's like trying to get a dog to stop doing dog things. 
 
You can put a ribbon on a dog, you can make them sit and shake hands but the first opportunity they have to eat their own vomit or worse they will do it. Likewise you can tell the unsaved what God says and that they should do all things for the glory of God but the first chance they get they will sin.
 
 
12.  The person who thinks he is wise but is not, is a dangerous person. People like that give wrong advice, and their advice causes trouble, and that's just the beginning.
 
It is bad to be ignorant; it is much worse to be ignorant, but think you’re wise, especially if you believe it's your calling in life to save the world from their foolishness.
 
The ignorantly foolish try to solve problems with stupidity which creates bigger problems which they then try to solve with more stupidity which creates even bigger problems.
 
 
 
13.  In other words, a lazy person will look for any excuse he can use to avoid work. What they usually do not understand is that most people know the difference between a reason and an excuse.
 
 
 
14.  A door moves, but it doesn't go anywhere. A lazy person changes positions if he gets uncomfortable, but he will not get up and do something worthwhile. A lazy person may move allot but he doesn't do anything worthwhile, he doesn't make any progress just like that swinging door.
 
 
 
15. I don't agree with it and neither does God but I can understand people who are too lazy to work, especially if someone is willing to take care of them. However if a person is too lazy to do things that they enjoy then you know they've hit rock bottom.
 
 
 
16.  Seven God fearing, bible taught men who agree that the foolish sluggard is wrong, and tell him so will not convince his sinful, stubborn heart in the slightest. Fools won't change their ways no matter how many people warn them. Only God can change a sinner into a Saint, and only God can transform a fool into a decent human being.
 
 
 
17. I don't want to be legalistic so if you really have a desire to grab a dog by the ears and lift him up then that's your business, but I wouldn't let go if I were you because he's going to be very angry.
 
If you grab a dog by the ears then you have done a foolish thing. In a situation like that you shouldn't keep squeezing, but you better not let go either. Both ways you’re in trouble, and so is the person who meddles in a quarrel that's none of his business. Once you do it it's too late; something bad will happen to you. Of course that's the case any time we violate the word of God; something bad is going to happen to us because the Bible says we reap what we sow.
 
 
 
18,19.  In other words it was just a joke. Well we better be careful about the jokes we play because our sense of humor can be just as ungodly as the rest of us at times. A joke played on someone isn't in good taste, and isn't funny unless the one who had the joke played on them laughs. If we kid someone and they don't laugh it's because we have struck a nerve so instead of being funny we have hurt them and that's not pleasing to God.
 
 
 
20. Gossip is often evil speculation upon evil speculation. It is not right for people to talk about others and speculate as to why they do this or that, or why this or that happened to them.
 
Those who gossip usually do it, at least in part, to make them feel better about themselves. When they put others down they feel superior. But actually when someone gossips they're going to look inferior to anyone who has some discernment. People who gossip are exposing a pathetic walk with Jesus Christ, if they have any walk with him at all. I say that because if someone has a healthy relationship with God through Jesus Christ they are going to be content and therefore do not have to get their kicks by slandering others behind their back.
 
 
 
21.  Fuel feeds the fire, and someone who quarrels because they like an argument feeds strife.
 
 
 
22.  Man with his sin nature often eats up gossip like it is his favorite food unless of course the gossip is about us, then it doesn't taste very good.
 
People who enjoy gossip should remember our Lord's command, "do onto others as you would have them do unto you". If you don't want someone saying bad things about you behind your back then you shouldn't say bad things about others behind their back.
 
 
 
23,24.  Earthenware was dull looking, and almost worthless. That's why those who made it also covered it with a shiny, silvery Glaze. The glaze disguised the true nature of the earthenware.
 
God says some people may have words that sound loving, but those nice-sounding words are just a glaze covering a heart that is filled with hate. Give people time and their true nature will come out.
 
 
 
25, 26.  Seven abominations mean that he is full of hatred. God says their wickedness will be revealed.
 
People can only cover their true character for so long. Even the slickest liars eventually expose themselves; they slip up and their true character comes out in their words, or maybe when they think someone's not watching they'll do something bad and expose themselves. That's why it is important to be patient, and really get to know someone before you commit to them.
 
 
 
27.  God tells us to do well to those who are bad to us. Someone says who will make sure that bad people get what they've got coming if I don't do it myself? Answer: God; God will avenge his people, and many times the bad person will suffer the same type of pain that they caused others.
 
 
 
28a.  God says a liar hates the person he lies about or lies to. If you tell a lie to someone in anyway, even if it is well meaning, even if it is to spare their feelings, then you are hurting them. When they discover you have lied to them, even if your motives were good, they will probably never trust you again.
 
 
 
28. Did you know that flattery is a sin? it is, it's just another type of lie. People tell people what they want to hear even when it's not true because they want something in return. Flatterers use people to get what they want; again it's a very hateful thing to do because it manipulates people. 
 
Of course you can make yourself flatter-proof by getting on fire for Jesus Christ. If you love Jesus more than anything you cannot be flattered into doing anything you would not otherwise do.
 
 
 
Chapter 27
 
 
 
1. We don't know if there will be a tomorrow for us here on earth so we cannot, and should not say with certainty, I will do this, or that tomorrow. That is boasting, that is arrogant, that is thinking more highly of ourselves than we should.
 
The only thing we have for certain is the now. We don't know if we have a tomorrow, and if we do, whether it will be good or bad. Consequently, we should be as close to Jesus as we can while it is today. If we make that our priority then weather tomorrow comes or not at least we will be prepared.
 
 
 
2. In other words, do not brag; if you do something well don't talk about it just leave it be. God says, let others praise you; do not praise yourself.
 
It is very unbecoming to speak highly of ourselves. I know they've relabeled it self-promotion today, and it has become acceptable to many, but it's still the sin of boasting to God.
 
I will hasten to add that there is nothing wrong with telling someone what you've accomplished if they are thinking about hiring you; they need information so that they can decide what to do. That's one thing but boasting is another thing altogether. If you're giving information for a legitimate reason, if you're giving information about yourself because a decision needs to be made then that's okay. But If you're giving information because you're full of sinful pride and just want to call attention to yourself that's boasting. And maybe only you and God know when you have crossed that line, but there is a line, and if you cross it then you need to repent and confess because boasting is just as wrong as any other sin.
 
 
 
3. When an evil person gets angry it puts a big strain on anyone who is unfortunate enough to be around them and that's because sinful anger makes life miserable for everyone, why? because if a fool is angry, if someone who has no regard for God, or the word of God is angry then you know it has nothing to do with righteous indignation; their anger is all about self.
 
Fools get angry for selfish reasons; someone did something that they did not like; someone is keeping them from being able to do something wrong, or someone is forcing them to do something right; they hate it when they can't have their way and consequently they're like a mother bear robbed of her cubs.
 
 
 
4. Envy or jealousy is dangerous; it makes people mean. For example Cain murdered his brother Abel because he was jealous of him. Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery because they were jealous of him. The religious leaders condemned Jesus to Pilate because they were jealous of him. Jealousy needs to be contained and removed before it hurts someone.
 
I should quickly add that not all jealousy is sinful, not all jealousy is wrong because the Bible says that God is jealous and God cannot sin. So for example It is not sinful if a man is fooling around with a woman and his wife is jealous; she has a right to be jealous. It is not sinful if a woman is fooling around with a man and her husband is jealous; he has a right to be jealous. And I don't think you can confine it to just a husband and wife either; a man or a woman have a right to be jealous if they have an understanding with their boyfriend or girlfriend that they're going to be faithful to each other.
 
 
 
5. It's not fun to be corrected by someone, even a friend. No one wants others to see their flaws. No one enjoys it when their friends bring up bad things that they do. But a true friend will risk putting a strain on that friendship; they will speak the truth because they care, and they want to help.
 
Hidden love in verse five refers to those who do not have enough commitment to the one they supposedly care about to tell them when they are wrong.
 
 
 
6. Sometimes a good friend will say things that seem harsh, but they really aren't. Truth often is mistaken for harshness or for being insensitive. The truth sometimes hurts so even if it is spoken by one who cares it can cause short-term pain but if it is heeded it will result in long-term good.
 
Actually truth can be like taking terrible tasting medicine; it's awful, but if you swallow it instead of spitting it out it will help you.
 
Some people hear truth and spit it out of their soul because it tastes bad to them. They spit out truth and go on their merry way; they continue in their error pretending that everything is okay. Fools are happy that they don't have to taste that terrible truth; they're happy until the day they die and are thrown into hell because they've rejected the truth that could have saved their soul.
 
 
 
7. Great wealth can buy you things; great wealth can enable you to do many things that others cannot do, but none of those things have any value in attaining true happiness. Everything is relative; including happiness.
 
The fact is sometimes a poor person enjoys life more than a rich person. You say how can that be? Because happiness depends on one's relationship with God not how much they have or don't have. A rich person who can have anything they want, and as much as they want sometimes don’t really appreciate what they have.
 
Gorging ourselves on luxuries is a poor substitute for being content in Christ and appreciating even the little things he enables us to enjoy. Wealth isn't wrong but if you think it's going to buy you true happiness then you are wrong. Many times a poor person is happier than someone who is wealthy because although they don't have much they appreciate what they do have.
 
When I was 5 years old I got a little plastic army man for an Easter present; it was probably worth one or two pennies. That's in contrast to some friends down the block who had all sorts of expensive toys. But I had more fun with the little army man and my imagination than I think anyone on the block had with their expensive toys. That little army man of mine could fly; sometimes he was Superman; sometimes he was mighty mouse; sometimes he took on 10 or 12 bad guys (marbles) and beat them up to save the day. That was 56 years ago and I still remember how much fun I had with that little plastic army man and my imagination.
 
There's nothing wrong with wealth but expensive toys by themselves do not provide more happiness then simple ones. And I know this for certain: someone who only has what he needs, and loves Jesus, is more content then a wealthy person who has the best of everything but never enjoys time with Christ.
 
 
 
8. A bird that strays from its nest is ignoring its God-given responsibilities; it needs to stay by the nest and take care of its young. A wandering bird is restless, not responsible. A man who doesn't take care of his responsibilities is like a wandering bird. God is not pleased with that person.
 
 
 
9. The sweetness or the pleasantness of friendship doesn't stem from having someone to party with, but rather having someone to talk with, and to be frank with. The great thing about a sincere friendship and the thing that makes it so valuable is that it provides an opportunity to be open and honest without fearing the loss of that friend.
 
 
 
10a. If a person doesn't invest time and energy in a friendship, then it will slowly slip away. That's the way it is between people and that's the way it is between God and Christians as well. To keep our relationship with God strong we must invest time in it, or it will slip away.
 
 
 
10. When you're in trouble you sometimes can't afford to wait. God is saying, if you need help now don't be picky about where you get it from; get it where you can, and thank God for providing it.
 
 
 
11. This is the Holy Spirit speaking to God's children, telling us to be wise. And remember this: the Bible is the only book that can produce wisdom, that can produce good character, and it does it by the power of the Holy Spirit who uses the supernatural word of God to change Christians from the inside out.
 
The Bible is shunned by the world, and in so doing they shun the Holy Spirit who wrote it; I get that; I don't expect anything different from unsaved souls who are living in spiritual darkness. But I don't know why and I really do not want to know why any so-called preacher would substitute anything for the word of God in their instructions, in their teachings, in their preaching, in their sermons, in their newsletters, or their counseling because by doing that they are also shunning the Holy Spirit instead of making his heart glad.
 
 
 
12. A simple person isn't necessarily a terrible person; they just haven't learned to be wise; they haven't learned common sense. A wise person thinks about the likely ramifications of their decisions, and avoids the choices which will clearly lead to trouble.
 
God has given us a mind, and he expects us to use it. People should not complain to God about trouble when that trouble is the result of them not using common sense.
 
 
 
13. In those days if you borrowed someone some money they might give you their coat as collateral. If they didn't pay their debt you could keep their coat. God is saying, if you run a business than be smart about it; protect your assets.
 
Wealth isn't the most important thing and sometimes having too much of it can be spiritually dangerous, but God still wants us to be good stewards of what he has given us whether it be little or much.
 
 
 
14. In other words if you give someone a call at two in the morning and wake them up out of a sound sleep just to tell them how much you appreciate them they're going to think that you have lost your mind. Hey idiot, if you really appreciate me then why you don’t let me sleep! If you really appreciate me then why don't you wait until a decent time and call me then instead of waking up me out of my sleep. In other words, you're not going to bless someone at two in the morning; you are just going to make them angry and instead of appreciating what you have done they will resent it.
 
Timing is important; do the correct things, do the kind thing, but make sure you do it at the proper time.
 
 
 
15. If Solomon had trouble with a wife I'm not going to feel sorry for him. He mentions bad wives several times in the book of Proverbs, and I suppose he had more than a few since he had 700 to begin with. Solomon deserved to have some nagging wives.
 
 
 
15,16. A nagging wife is like a low-pressure system stalled over your life; it brings days upon days of cold, dreary, steady rain; it's very depressing.
 
 
 
17. People use an iron tool to make another iron tool sharper. If you want to sharpen a knife you rub it against a stone. In the same way, one good Christian improves another good Christian. Everyone has blind spots; everyone could use a friend that will make them a better person.
 
 
 
 
 18.  Do your job, do your job well, and you will get paid for it, but if you don't get paid for it, then the people who benefited from your work will answer to God, and he'll take your paycheck out of their hide in one way or another.
 
If you don't get rewarded for the work that you've done in this life then God will reward you in eternity and he will punish those who failed to pay for the ways that you benefited them.
 
 
 
19.  The reflection of water or a mirror accurately reveals what we look like. Likewise, our thoughts reveal our character which is why God is the only one qualified to be the final judge. We can judge a person's actions; we can, and should judge actions according to what the Bible says. But we are not capable of judging the degree of guilt one is responsible for because of their actions. God is the only one who really understands all of our thoughts, which would include motives.
 
 
 
20a. In other words, death and hell always want more souls. Multitudes are in the Lake of fire today, but Hell still wants more, and so does the devil who leads people there.
 
The devil wants more souls in hell and he'll get them too because there are more people in this world who care about their sin than they do about repenting and receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
 
People make their own way; people choose their own path, and they choose their own eternal destination, and most people choose sin and consequently most people choose hell. Relatively speaking, very few care about God, very few care about Jesus. Jesus himself said narrow is the way that leads to life and few there be that find it.
 
 
 
20.  Nothing of this world can satisfy a man's desire permanently. For example, you see a beautiful sunset, you enjoy it, but you don't say, I'm completely satisfied; I don't ever need to have anything else for as long as I live. Or you have a great tasting steak fresh off the grill, but you're still going to get hungry again. One steak doesn't satisfy your appetite and make you content forever just like seeing one beautiful sunset doesn't make you content forever. Nothing of this world completely satisfies forever, if it did we would never long for anything more.
 
A close walk with Christ is the only thing that really brings lasting contentment. If you have Jesus you don't need anything else. It's like Jesus said to Martha, only one thing is needed Martha and your sister Mary has found it. And what was it? It was fellowshipping with Christ and listening to him share the word of God which we can do through prayer and the Bible today.
 
If spending time with the Lord Jesus Christ isn't your top priority then don't complain because you're bored, don't complain because you're not content, don't complain because you're not satisfied because it's your fault; Jesus satisfies completely.
 
 
 
21.  Fire tests the purity of gold and silver, and praise tests the purity of man's soul. If you put gold and silver in heat it will melt, and you will see just how pure it really is. If dross rises to the surface of the molten metal you know it wasn't pure.
 
Praise from others is a test of our character. The effect that praise has on us reveals our character. If it causes us to be conceded then we aren't as pure as we should be. If we are modest, and thank God for whatever good we have and the good that we do then we pass the praise test.
 
 
 
22.  Put ice cream and strawberries in a blender and after a few minutes you still have ice cream and strawberries. They've been beaten, and blended but their basic nature hasn't changed. It's the same with the wicked unsaved man. You can counsel him, and scold him, and beat him;  you can put him in stocks, or prison and his basic nature will not change. He may modify his behavior in order to avoid all that pain in the future, but in his heart he's the same sinner. That's why people need to repent and receive Christ as their Lord and Savior; Jesus gives people a new spirit; a new inner man that wants to do the correct thing which is just as important to God as doing the correct thing.
 
 
 
23,24.  Back in Bible days flocks were often the foundation of wealth. God is saying, take care of the things that you own. For example, keep your home neat and clean; if something needs to be fixed then fix it. Do regular maintenance on your home or car, or whatever you may own.
 
Believe it or not God wants us to change our oil; if we own a vehicle it's a gift from God and he wants us to take care of it. Everything we have is a gift from God, and that's why we must take care of all our possessions to the best of our ability.
 
 
 
25-27. In addition to clothing, lambs provided shepherds, and their households with food and milk. God is saying, take care of your possessions; use what you have properly. Use things properly because they are the means by which God will meet many needs you may have in the future.
 
If you don't maintain what you have then don't complain to God that he's not meeting your needs. If you waste what you have now than in the future don't complain that God isn't meeting your needs .
 
 
 
 
 Chapter 28
 
 
 
 
 1a. Sin makes people paranoid; guilt has a way of turning a normal person into a coward. Someone looks at them, and they think, I've been caught!
 
Disguise your voice and call your neighbor some time, and say, you've been caught. The next day you may see a moving truck in front of their home.
 
 
 
1.  Sin makes people cowards; holiness makes people brave. It's not always fun to do the right things; sometimes it's very difficult. Actually the most difficult part is to get started but once we do God will give us the grace to persevere. He will give us the grace to persevere if we focus on Jesus. God makes us bold; bold to do what is right.
 
Walking close to Jesus gives us Holy Spirit boldness where we won't back down from anyone or anything in the will of God.
 
 
 
2.  God judges nations. Every nation on earth belongs to God and therefore he expects it to behave correctly. If it doesn't he will judge.
 
Many times the people of a nation bring judgment upon themselves. When people are corrupt they will elect corrupt rulers who will establish, and enforce corrupt laws, and that will bring trouble upon their nation.
 
Ungodly people can change leaders as much as they want, but that won't solve the problem because leadership is like water, it never rises above its own level, which is why in a democracy people get the leaders they deserve.
 
 
 
3.  A dry sponge consumes the most water. Likewise, sometimes a poor person who never has had anything can be the cruelest and the greediest of all.
 
Poverty, like wealth, will test a person's soul. Sometimes those who were brought up in poverty do not trust God, but become cruel, mean, and greedy when they should be the most compassionate because they know what it's like to suffer.
 
 
 
4. Those who love God will speak up against sin. Those who love God do not accept excuses for sin, not in themselves, or in others.
 
When it comes to morality there is no neutral ground. Bad people do wrong; good people oppose wrong. Those who do not oppose wrong are part of the problem. By not opposing wrong a person is promoting wrong.
 
 
 
5.  Good people understand justice. In other words, good people who spend time with God know right from wrong.
 
The Bible says, my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Truth needs to be preached; the Bible needs to be proclaimed on television, radio, the Internet, and any other place we can do it.
 
The unbiblical philosophies and ideas that are promoted by movie stars, celebrities, and even some "Christian" groups must be countered, or people go to hell and society goes down the drain.
 
 
 
6.  It is better to be a poor honest person then a rich sinful person.
 
If the goal is to feel the way a rich man should feel, then a poor godly person is better off than a rich, sinful person.  Because in order to feel like a rich person we need joy and contentment, and we can't have those things unless our walk with Jesus Christ is what it should be.
 
 
 
7.  A glutton is someone who lacks self-control, and self-control is the issue here. Those who hang out with people who lack self-control will become like them, and bring shame to themselves, and to their family.
 
Honoring the God who loves us, who's been so good to us, who died on the cross to pay for our sins, who saves us from eternal hellfire should be enough motivation to avoid willful sin. If for some reason it isn't enough then we should think about how our sin will affect those who are close to us because it always does.
 
We do not avoid all trouble in this life by avoiding sin, but we do avoid shame; shame for ourselves and shame for those who are connected to us.
 
 
 
8.  God says those who charge an unfair interest rate to loan money may get rich, but they will not keep their riches. The Lord says that their money will be passed on to someone else; someone who will be generous to those who have needs.
 
We should be fair about how we earn our money, and not abuse others while we try to get ahead. If we step on people in order to make money than were going to eventually lose everything we have gained.
 
 
 
9.  We can pray, but if we don't obey, God will not hear us. And really it's worse than just not hearing; our prayers are disgusting to God, they are an abomination to him.
 
It is mockery to pray to God when we don't live for him. It is mockery to ask God for something when we don't care about him. Who do we think we are to treat God with such contempt; do we really think he will honor the prayers of a person like that?
 
If you know what is right but you dismiss it then don't expect God to hear your prayers. If we don't give God what he wants then he's not going to give us what we want.
 
 
10.  Those who lead the innocent into sin will be punished by God for their actions. 
 
Remember what Jesus said, it would be better to have a huge millstone tied around your neck, and be thrown into the sea, then to cause an innocent one to sin. Those who lead others into sin, those who are a bad influence to others are offensive to God and will be punished more severely.
 
Actually people who are not satisfied with their own sin so they turn their evil up a notch by getting their kicks from the sins of others are a lot like Satan. The devil is not content with his own sin. He hates the Lord so much that he tries to get others to be offensive to Him as well.
 
 
 
11.  Some people think they're so smart, they think that they're a cut above everyone else simply because they have more money than other people. They think that, and so do most people. That's the twisted reasoning of ungodly human beings who don't have the Holy Spirit in them because they've never repented and received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. They measure success by the size of their bank book, or by how big a house they have, or by what kind of a car they drive, or by what kind of expensive vacations they can take. They compare themselves with others and if they have more, than they think that they are successful. According to God nothing could be further from the truth.
 
A poor person that barely makes it from paycheck to paycheck, but who knows Jesus and knows the word of God knows the true meaning of success better than they do, and is more successful than they are as far as God is concerned.
 
 
 
12.  When the righteous are blessed others will be blessed also because they will use their success to help others and to make the world a better place. When bad people ascend they use their power, influence, and wealth to do terrible things that affects others in a bad way.
 
How you use what you have, talking about time, money, influence, and power, determines whether you're a good person or a bad person.
 
 
 
13.  Those who deny their sins will pay for their sins. There is no mercy for those who will not repent and confess.
 
There are some who feel comfortable continuing in their sin because they have been told that God will show them mercy even if they never repent; those people have believed a lie. There is no mercy for those who won't repent. Mercy is reserved for those who confess their sin, and start living the right way.
 
God won't spare, if we don't care.
 
 
 
14.  Reverent is translated fear in the old KJV.  People usually associate fear with bad and often it is. However fearing God is good because it leads to happiness. Everyone should be afraid of offending God because those who fear God avoid a lot of sin and along with it misery.
 
Knowing that God disciplines his children may not be the loftiest motive for holiness but it's a pretty good one, and it's a biblical one.
 
 
 
15.  The Bible says that we should not speak evil of our rulers, but that doesn't mean we can't point out the evil that they do. We should respect a leader's position, but we, especially preachers, must speak against sin no matter who's doing it.
 
If a ruler is wicked then that's what he is, and he should be called out just like John the Baptist called out King Herod. You say, yes but if I do that I'm going to get into trouble. Yes you probably will just like John the Baptist had his head chopped off for doing what he did. So? What difference does it make; we're talking about being obedient to God here. If a preacher doesn't have enough guts to speak out against sin no matter who is doing it then he should get out of the business because he's a disgrace.
 
 
 
15,16. Every once in a while I watch one of those nature shows on television and one time I saw a lion kill a gazelle and literally tear it to shreds. That's the picture here. God says that some rulers treat their people like a roaring lion treats its prey, and God says they lack judgment for being that way. They lack judgment because they don't do what is right for the people or themselves in the long run. They are foolish; they haven't learned the lesson of history which is: bad people eventually come to a bad end, and harsh, unfair rulers are always destroyed.
 
 
 
17.  God says don't help a fugitive. In other words let justice be done; do not protect a guilty person; let them face up to the consequences of their actions, and take whatever punishment they've got coming.
 
If bad people are coddled they will never learn their lesson, they will not change, and consequently more good people will suffer because of them.
 
 
 
18. A person may get away with their sin for a while, or so it seems. But all of a sudden the consequences will hit, and when they do, they won't be able to get rid of them. The consequences of sin must run their course once they begin.
 
 
 
19.  In other words, don't be lazy; don't play around doing nothing when you should be working.
 
Those who lay around imagining all the good things that they will have some day will never have any of those good things if they don't start working for them. Dreaming doesn't put food on the table, positive confession does not put food on the table, name it and claim it does not put food on the table; worked puts food on the table so God says, get to work.
 
 
 
20.  Under normal conditions a faithful, hard-working person will live a satisfying life. Those who consistently read the word of God, go to church, pray, obey God, and work hard, are doing what God expects of them, and they will be blessed.
 
Attempting to get rich quick, especially with no regard for right and wrong, will end in failure every time. Just steadily do what is right, and you'll be better off in the long run; that's what God says.
 
 
 
21.   Do not let a guilty person get away with wrong, even if they offer you a bribe. Put justice before self.
 
 
 
21.  Some people don't care if their actions are good, or evil, all they want is money, or some other kind of reward. A piece of bread is worth very little, but there are those who are corrupt enough to do evil even when the payoff is very small.
 
 
 
22.  For some people wealth is God. They don't care about the needy; they won’t give a helping hand to someone who needs it, and they hate it when others have something they don't have. They always want, but they never give. Wealth is their God even though God has warned; thou shalt not have any gods beside me. God will not put up with that sort of idolatry forever.
 
 
 
23.  I don't want some condemned soul to look at me on judgment day and say, why didn't you tell me the truth; why didn't you tell me that I was on my way to hell without Jesus Christ, and that I needed to repent?
 
The best friend you've got is one who will tell you the truth; even if it isn't pleasant to hear.
 
 
 
24.  What belongs to a parent doesn't necessarily belong to their child. Some things belong to the entire family, and are for everyone to enjoy, but other things belong to individuals in that family. In order to use those things one should ask for permission.
 
 
 
25.  A greedy person causes trouble. A greedy person is like the grave; they are never satisfied. And because they are never satisfied they do not get along with others. They whine and complain, and take what doesn't belong to them because they always want more. A greedy person thinks primarily of himself, and what he wants, and for that reason he cannot be trusted. People do not want to be around those who have a "me first" attitude.
 
 
 
26.  God is saying, anyone who trusts in their own heart to tell them what is right is foolish. Our hearts cannot be trusted because the Bible says that the heart of man is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. We can only trust what our heart tells us if what it is telling us does not contradict the word of God. The Bible is the final arbiter of right and wrong, not our feelings, or our desires.
 
 
 
27.  God promises that our needs will not go unmet if we give to others who have needs. The Bible says, he who gives to the poor lends to the Lord. God says if you give it shall be given unto you good measure pressed down shaken together and running over.

 
Giving is a work of faith. If we trust (have faith) that God will meet our needs, then that frees us up to give to the Lord's work, and to others.
 
 
 
28.  When wicked people become powerful good people must hide. When wicked people are in charge they oppose good people. When the person in charge doesn't fear God they are like a loose cannon; they have no moral compass so the righteous are not safe; in fact they are often their targets for evil.



Chapter 29

 1. There are no overs in hell. A suffering soul in hell cannot say, you know, I think I will delete my past life on earth and start over again. A suffering soul in hell cannot say, I want to start over, and this time live for Jesus because I hate the horrible suffering that I am experiencing here. There are no overs. There is no next time. God says, anyone who remains stiff necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed; that means hell, and that means no remedy, parole, or mercy.

2.  And this is why we should pray for our rulers to be good people. Everyone benefits from good rulers. The only people who do not like good rulers are bad people who want to be able to sin, and get away with it.

 3.  Fast living is fine if you want to shoot up like a rocket and then crash down into hell. Fast living is for fools. Fast living drains a person's soul of life and in the end dams them to hell.

Short-term excitement, and long-term misery, followed by never ending torment is a bad deal. It's a bad deal, and it's a deal that everyone who chooses to go that route must live with and no one should let Satan trick them into thinking that they will be an exception.

 4.  Before the Magna Charta was established in England many people just about went broke paying the King, and Queen, and their ministers bribes just to get justice. It is very easy to take our Constitution and the Bill of Rights for granted, but we are blessed to have them, and we owe a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid to those who have sacrificed and died to make sure we keep them.

 5.  It doesn't take a whole lot of discernment to know when we're being flattered, but when we recognize it all sorts of alarms should go off in our mind. Alarms should ring because the flatterer wants something, or he would not be doing it. It is important that we not to allow our convictions of right and wrong to be compromised by flattery.

 6.  God warns about be ensnared by sin. Sin is one of the most powerful things in the world because it promises happiness and satisfaction but instead traps and makes the sinner a slave.

Alcoholics, or better drunks as God to find some are trapped by the sin of drunkenness. Some people are trapped by the sin of pornography; others are trapped by the sin of gluttony, and so on and so forth. People foolishly believe that they can play with sin, and quit any time. But sin is like a narcotic; a person gets hooked, and even if it doesn't kill them it is often very hard to get back to a normal life.

 7. Some people are poor because they're too lazy to work; they should be poor, and they should not be pitied or helped. Some are poor through no fault of their own, and God says they should be helped. 

Actually the poor among us test the reality of our faith in Christ. How we treat people who have genuine needs is indicative of whether we are saved or not.

 8.  A scoffer is someone who doesn't respect authority. 

Rebels in the home, rebels on the street, rebels in the job place are nothing but trouble. Rebels make life miserable for people who want to live decent, respectable lives.

 9.  When an ungodly person draws a line in the sand and says to a wicked person, that's enough; you can bet there's going to be all sorts of trouble. 

It's not easy to take a stand against sin, but if a Christian won't do it, then who in this world will? If a Christian won't take a stand against sin then they should be ashamed of themselves; they should be ashamed to call themselves Christians and I wonder if they really are because how much do you care about Jesus if you won't oppose sin?

Opposing sin will anger some people, but do it anyway because some people will come to their senses, repent, and receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior as a result.

 10.  There is a natural hostility between God and the devil, between good people and bad people, between the righteous and the wicked, between Christians and the unsaved. 

The Bible says: what fellowship has light with darkness, and the answer is none, and it's a waste of time to try to make it happen, although many evangelicals today are trying hard to do it, and I might add, looking pathetic in the process.

Bad people do not need a good reason to despise good people, they just do. First John 3:12 says: "Cain who was of the evil one slew his brother; and why? Because his works were evil, and his brothers were righteous." Cain hated Abel for one reason: Abel was good and Cain was bad. There's no getting along with those who are given over to sin. The only way to appease them is to say, or imply that their sin is okay, and as Christians we betray Jesus Christ if we do that.

 11.  Emotions are good, but emotions, like the rest of our personality have to be controlled, or they get off into sin. God says that those who vent their emotions are foolish. They are foolish because they say foolish things, things that they wish they could take back, but the damage is done, and it can't be reversed, and that's why they are foolish.

A godly person has emotions, but they are under the control of the Holy Spirit. They expresses their emotions in a controlled, constructive way.

 12.  If the person in charge wants to believe lies, many of his servants will give him exactly what he wants; a bunch of lies. But a ruler needs good advisers who will tell him the truth, not yes-men who will tell him what he wants to hear. 

If people really believe that it is their duty to serve God in whatever they do then they would speak the truth in love, even if they knew it was going to cost them something.

 13.  In other words, for now, God is good to good people and to bad people as well. God does not blind sinners who look at bad things. God does not cause a sinner to go deaf because they listen to or laugh at filthy jokes.

More often than not God doesn't judge people right away, and because he doesn't some mistakenly believe that he condones their sin. But he does not condone their sin, and he warns that in eternity they will be punished. 

Don't ever believe that since God hasn't punished, he will never will.

 14.  God says, if a King is fair to poor people his kingdom will be safe. 

Good laws are laws that oppose bad people, while protecting the righteous, and the weak.

 15.  Every child needs to be instructed, and disciplined, and that's the job of the parents. It may be open-minded and modern to let a child make his own decisions, but God says it is wrong.

A child who is not disciplined is a nuisance to those who have to be around him, and therefore is also a disgrace to his parents. I've known parents who talk about how their children have to express themselves, and they think it's psychologically healthy, but in reality it is rebellion going unchecked. 

 16. God only allows evil to go on for so long and then he stops it, and it's a good thing he does.  If God doesn't stop sinners from time to time the righteous, along with righteousness would be wiped out.

You don't have to do anything to cause meat to rot; all you have to do is leave it be. And all that it would take for evil to take over completely is for God to not step in and put an end to its madness, which is why he does. He did it at the tower of Babel; he did it in the days of Noah.

This is still God's world and consequently he only lets evil go so far before he intervenes and puts a stop to it.

17.  Parents who give in to a whining child so that they can have some temporary peace and quiet are making a big mistake. Parents who reward bad behavior give their child a license to behave even worse, and any peace they enjoy will be short-lived.

 Peace never comes by appeasing evil. Evil must be stopped before there can be peace.

 18.  Where the Bible is not taught there will be chaos, confusion, and trouble. Without the Bible to help people think straight people have perverted priorities. Like several years ago some environmental extremists spiked trees to save the redwoods even though they knew it would kill lumberjacks.

Without God's word people are wide open to Satan's deceptions. Without God's word people do not know how to avoid hell. Without God's Word sinners are doomed to hell and they don't even know it; they go merrily on their way to perdition because they don't have Scripture telling them that they need to repent and receive Christ.

 19.  Verbal correction is great but it doesn't always work. Some who rebel against authority can be told how wrong they are, but that won't stop them from rebelling again. Often it takes more than words to correct a sinner; it takes action and discipline. If talk doesn't work then whoever is in charge of whatever it may be needs to do something more drastic, or the wicked will prosper, and the innocent will suffer.

 20.  The Bible says that we ought to be quick to hear and slow to speak. People who speak before they think don't have much of a future, and that's especially true if it turns into a way of life. Their life will go from bad to worse because they never learn from their mistakes; they are unteachable and unreachable.

 21.  Man's sin nature cannot tolerate being pampered. You spoil someone when they are young, and you create a monster who feels entitled to have anything they want; watch out if you get in the way of someone like that because to offend them is to offend their God.

 22.  A man with a bad temper is always ready to argue; they cause a lot of trouble. A bad temper makes a person dangerous which is why God wants his people to be calm in the Holy Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit is self-control. Those who blow their top are out of the Spirit, and are being controlled by their sin nature, and that always leads to trouble.

 23.  A proud person wants everyone to see him as great, but God will not allow him to be great. God likes it when people are humble which is why God will see to it that the humble are honored. 

Jesus is the best example of someone who humbled himself and was then honored by God. God becoming a man was a greater act of humility then me becoming a maggot. Jesus set the pace for us with regards to humility. He humbled himself, and then God gave him the name which is above all names.

 24.  In court a thieves friend could become his enemy; if the friend fears God he will be the thieves enemy. In court the friend swears to God that he will tell the truth, and if he knows enough about God to know that God will punish liars he will tell the truth.

 It's better to say nothing than tell a lie.

 25.  Peter denied Christ three times because he was afraid of what others might think of him. I suppose the temptation to please people at the expense of what God wants hits everyone at times.  But those who trust God will avoid sin; they will trust God and do well.  They will trust that any trouble they may experience for being faithful will be used by God for his glory.

 26.  You can seek an official pardon from the governor, and escape punishment from your crime if he grants it. However that pardon doesn't remove your guilt as far as God is concerned, and he's the one who really matters because He dishes out everlasting punishment.

 27.  Again we are reminded of the natural enmity that exists between good and bad. It's a fact; impenitent sinners can't stand your holiness any more than you can stand their sin. Your dedication to Jesus makes them as uncomfortable as their sin makes you uncomfortable.

Chapter 30

1,2.  Here's a man who really inspires confidence; "I'm too stupid to be a human, and I don't have any common sense". At least he is being honest; it's how he sees himself in light of spending time with God.

When we spend time with God we become wiser and smarter, but spending time with God keeps us from thinking that we are smart. When we spend time with the all wise, all-powerful, all-knowing God we see ourselves in the proper perspective and compared to him were less than nothing.

  3.  As the writer spent time with God he understood just how little he knew about God. Perhaps he had a lot of education; by the world standards he might have been well educated. However he was lacking in what was most important.

The more we study God's word the more we know God. However since God is infinite, the more we know him, the more we realize that there's much about him we don't know.

  4.  One thing that showcases God's greatness is his creation. The size, and the complexity of creation shows us how big and intelligent he is. Let's look at verse four again in bite-size pieces.

 4a. Answer: no one but God; God has been out on the very edge of the universe where no man has ever seen, let alone traveled.

 4b. How big is God?  He is big enough to control the wind. When you see a flag flapping it's because God has released some wind in your area. You say there are natural explanations for wind; scientific explanations for wind, true but remember God controls those things as well. The laws of science were invented by God and they are the formula that he follows to create wind wherever and whenever he wants it.

 4c. God is the one who contains, or releases water. God is in control of clouds, and the number  of raindrops that come from each one of them. God is also in control of the oceans, seas, lakes, and rivers. They will never go beyond the point that he wants them to go. If we want them to pull up short then we must petition God because he's the one who controls them.

 4d. If God contains the ocean waves, and the sea level, then by default he also determines the size of the continents, and the size of the islands around the world.

 4e. Meaning this: who can possibly comprehend a God as big as God. Who can figure out a God who is 100% here, and 100% everywhere including the edge of the universe at the very same time. Who can possibly understand the God who is so powerful, intelligent, and mysterious? We can't! Not completely; that would make us as smart as God.

 5.  God's word is flawless; every word of the Bible is literally God breathed. It is God's revelation of himself to us. You will never regret believing the Bible and basing everything that you say and do on Scripture because it is 100% pure truth. Take a stand for the word of God and don't back down for anyone or anything because in the end you be proven correct and all who oppose the written word of God will be destroyed.

 6.  God's word is sufficient; he has said enough; he has said everything he wants to say. When it comes to spiritual issues such as what we should believe, and how we should behave they are found only in the holy Bible.

 6.  It is not right to relabel anything God has already labeled or defined. 

It is not right to change the meaning of anything God has said. It is not right to take away, or add to anything what God has said in Holy Scripture.

 7,8a. The writer is more humble and wise then he realizes. He is smart enough to know that he can't count on himself to do the correct thing. He is smart enough to know that if he is going to act the way God wants him to act then he needs the grace of God to do it.

People sometimes lie in order to avoid trouble. They sometimes lie when they feel pressure. Lying in times like that is a powerful temptation so the writer prays to God for strength to stand firm in honesty.

  8,9.  He doesn't trust himself, that's another sign of wisdom. He knows that if he has it too easy, or too hard he might let down his guard and sin.

It is easy to forget God when times are good. It is easy to panic and bailout on God when times are bad. The key is to build up your relationship with God right now so that you respond to any type of circumstances correctly.

 10.  Practice common sense and common decency ; that would summarize the command in this verse. Don't insult someone behind their back because it's wrong and also because if you do then the one you speak to may tell the person who you insulted, and he'll come looking for you.

If someone has done something wrong then correct them to their face, but don't insult them behind their back. God doesn't talk to us behind our backs; he corrects us by the Holy Spirit who makes us feel guilty when we do wrong so that we will change. God doesn't gossip to the Angels about human beings who commit sin; he talks to those people personally through the convicting power of the Holy Spirit and makes them feel guilty so that they repent of their sin.

 11.  God is talking about rebellious children here; rebellious children had a rough go of it in Old Testament days. The fifth commandment says honor your father and your mother, and the penalty for breaking that commandment was execution. I don't know how many were actually executed, but it does emphasize the fact that God hates rebellion. 

Today people, and even Christian psychologists talk about teenage rebellion as if it is normal, something to be expected, but it's not normal; it can't be justified on the basis of some psychological theory, and it is not expected as far as God is concerned; as far as God is concerned it's still a sin. Children can disagree with their parents, but they better do it in a respectful way, and they need to obey their mother and father whether they agree with their wishes or not, as long as the parents aren't telling them to do something contrary to God's word.

 11,12.  People who haven't repented and received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and yet are pure in their own eyes, in other words feel no guilt over their sin are in a very dangerous spot. They're like a person with a deadly disease growing out of control, but undetected. If they don't wake up to their need for forgiveness through Christ it will damn their soul to hell.

 13.  Talking about pride and arrogance. No one wants to be around someone who thinks they're better than everyone else. Confidence in your ability is good; arrogance because of your ability, status, position, looks, or income is sin. The Bible says, "what do you have which you have not received?" Rejoice in your ability, but remember that whatever you have is a gift from God.

 13,14. God is talking about oppression; there are those who are in high position and are very well-off, but at the same time they are unsatisfied. They want more so like a wild animal that craves its prey they devour the poor and the vulnerable who often work for them because they have no alternative. They force them to work long hours for low wages in terrible working conditions; they don't care as long as it puts more money in their pocket.

 15a. If you're going to name a creature according to its character then you would name a leech: give give!. Leeches will kill themselves drinking your blood before they will quit. Leeches are like wood ticks that suck their victim’s blood until they explode, but they never say, enough I'm satisfied.

 15b.  Not being satisfied; always wanting more; needing something new to tickle us is indicative of a poor walk with Christ if there's any walk at all. 

No one can be content unless they are fellowshipping with God through Jesus Christ and if they are fellowship in with Christ they will be content.

 15b,16. The grave is never full; it never puts up a no vacancy sign. That's why every Christian needs to do their part to help get out the word of God, and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Hell is never full, but if a person receives Christ then at least it won't get that particular soul.

 15b, 16.  The barren womb is never satisfied either. A woman who wants to have a child, but for whatever reason cannot, or does not, will find it difficult, but not impossible to be satisfied with a substitute.

Rachel the wife of Jacob cried out against him and said, give me children or else I die! It wasn't his fault; he said, am I God who has closed your womb? Notwithstanding whose fault it was, she didn't have a child at the time, and there wasn't anything in the natural realm that could fill that gap; not even a loyal husband.

The only one who can fill any gap is Jesus and he does it through our relationship with him.  Everyone has gaps which nothing in this world can fill. 

The husband or wife who has lost their spouse has a gap. The parent who has lost a child has a gap; a veteran who has lost a limb has a gap; the list goes on and on. However by far the greatest gap anyone could ever have is not having a relationship with God through Jesus Christ and so the greatest need we have is spiritual. The Bible says that man does not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Fellowship with Jesus and trusting him is the only thing that can fill all gaps.  

 16.  Fire is another thing that can never be satisfied. Fire always wants to burn more things. Fire never rejects fuel; it exists to consume. The point is this, greedy people are never satisfied; they are like hell, a barren womb, and fire. Greedy people live to consume and they don't care who they have to devour along the way.

 17.  God is warning of a terrible end to the one who doesn't respect their parents. Disagreements are inevitable, but there must be respect on the part of the children involved. When I hear young children demand things of their parents it makes me cringe. When I see unruly children screaming in public because they can't have something that they want and their parents don't immediately remove them from the public place, take them outside and discipline them I lose any respect that I might have had for that particular parent. Parents like that foster rebellion and they are displeasing to God, and by the way they are setting that child up for disaster according to God. 

Every parent needs to have enough courage to discipline the child that God has given them; to train them to be a responsible adult! They need to have enough enough love for that child to do what is needed to keep them from destroying themselves later on in life!

 18,19a. An Eagle doesn't struggle flapping its wings. It seems to soar without effort. The writer couldn't figure out how something so amazing could be done with so little effort.

 19b. The snake is similar to a soaring Eagle; they move quickly and they do it without legs, and it seems without effort.

 19c. A good captain makes handling the ship look easy.

 When a person has trained hard to learn a skill they make what they do look easy, but it isn't. There is no success without effort and training; there is no victory without a battle.

 19d. The writer didn't understand the way of a man with a lady either. That's because an average, normal male can sometimes act like a lunatic around a female that he likes.

 20.  Some people think that their sins do not matter. Sometimes people convince themselves that they are innocent when in fact they are guilty. But God knows the truth; they may believe they are innocent, but they are not their own judge. God is and he will punish them regardless of what they may think.

 21.  These four things cause trouble.

 22a. The problem with a slave who suddenly becomes a King is that he isn't prepared.  All his life he has been told what to do, and now all of a sudden he has to lead.

 People must be trained properly in order to succeed at leadership or anything else.

 22b. Remember, according to God a fool is an immoral person. A suffering fool may wake up and repent, but a fool who doesn't seem to be suffering for their sin will continue in it, and that means trouble for them and a lot of other people.

It doesn't matter what people say; God says punishment deters crime, and hard times will reduce evil in bad people.

 23a.   If by some chance a detestable woman finds a man who is foolish enough to marry her he will be sorry for doing it.

 If someone isn't nice to you before you're married they will only be worse after you're married.

 23b.   In those days a man might take a second wife, even though that practice was never sanctioned by God. By the way, you can check it out in Scripture, every time a man took a second wife there was strife in the home. A husband is to love his wife, and he should not cause problems by adding a second one to the mix.

If a husband and wife do not put the other before themselves then that marriage is in trouble. Loyalty is the issue here in verse 23; God says that the earth trembles under a situation like this where a husband or wife for that matter isn't dedicated to their spouse.

 24,25.  You can cross a cement slab in two steps if you're an average size adult, but it takes an ant about 2000 steps to travel the same distance. Something else about ants, their brain cannot be any bigger than the point of the pen so all things considered they really don't have much going for them. They're weak, small, and almost brainless, and yet they're smart enough to store up food for the winter.

Many people who never think of preparing for eternity by repenting in receiving Christ as Lord and Savior could learn a lesson from an almost brainless ant.

 26.  The Wisconsin badger is not the rock badger. The Wisconsin badger is a tough fighter.  A rock badger is weak and defenseless. They can't fight to defend themselves, and they don't have the strength to build a fort. But God has given them good sense; they slide into rock crevices, and find in there a place of safety. They can't fight, but they can take advantage of the crevices that God has prepared for them.

Sinners are not good enough to be saved; there's a lot of things that man can't do and saving themselves from hell is one of those things, but they can take advantage of the salvation that God has prepared for them through the death of his son Jesus Christ.

 27.  Locusts are inherently more organized then people. If people don't have someone in charge there is chaos and anarchy. Locusts however are team players even though they don't have a coach telling them what to do. Locusts are probably less intelligent than ants, but they all pull together and each one does its part.

Christians can learn something from the Locust. If we all pulled together, each one of us using the gifts that God has given us then we would see the advancement of God's kingdom through Jesus Christ.

 28.  Spiders are not welcome in anyone's home, and yet they managed to crawl into fancy palaces and spin their webs. They are not welcome in our homes, and yet they live in places where average human beings can't possibly enter.

Jesus was rejected by the people of his day like an unwanted spider, but then the father raised him from the dead and he ascended to heaven where he sits at the right hand of  God, which is  a place where Christ rejecting sinners are not allowed.

 29-31.  These three creatures, and the King picture wise and orderly behavior. In that sense they are like the Lord God who is all wise and orderly.

When one follows the pattern of behavior set by God they will be dignified, and they will display confidence. No one is more dignified and confident than the Christian who is filled with the Holy Spirit..

 32.  God says that those who exalt themselves are acting like fools. Boasting and bragging are sins, at least in part because they steal attention and credit from God and put it on self. Boasting gives credit to the creature rather than the Creator from whom all good things come.

Most people don't see anything wrong with boasting today, but it is a sin to God. Remember how Nebuchadnezzar was humbled by God for his boasting; he said, is this not great Babylon that I have built for my glory? God knocked him down to size in a hurry and he became the lowliest of the lowly. 

The Bible says when pride comes then comes disgrace. God will not allow people to steal the glory that belongs only to him. God says, I am the Lord, my glory I will not share with any other.

 33.  All three of these things illustrate that the law of cause and effect is built right into God's creation.

No one should think that they can do something foolish and escape the consequences. Christian or not, God's child or not, there are natural consequences to everything, and foolishness comes fully loaded with its own terrible consequences.