The Sluggard of Proverbs 12:27

Daily thoughts on faith and life: 😏

1. A person wants friendship but refuses to adopt the attributes of a safe person and would rather be toxic.  Sorry Charlie!
2. A bit of snow this morning.  Rather late in the season but we're not complaining.
3. Good sermon in church about Love.
4. Today's proverb was actually for yesterday but I was only partly finished.  Since Sunday is an off day from the Proverbs guru who sends them in email, here you go.  

  Proverbs 12:27:  A lazy man does not roast his prey, but the precious possession of a man is diligence.

Key words/phrases: context: verses

• lazy/slothful H7423lax, idle, slack, sluggard, idle
• man
• does not
• roast H2760 cook
• prey H6718 victuals, game, food
• precious H3368 prized, valuable, splendid, rare
• possession H1952 riches, substance, wealth
• diligence H2742 strict, be alert, determined, eager

What does it say?  (in my own words) - The sluggard does not cook his game.  The determination of the eager is a rare and valued quality.

What does it mean?  Slugs have lots of ideas, start projects but rarely finishes them.  The diligent man is reliable.  Here also is a picture of lazy pew potatoes.  Moved by an emotional sermon, it fizzles when they get home.  Start a blog to get attention and it goes nowhere while squandering their time doing little or nothing.

Study Questions:  

1. What projects do you need to finish?
2. Are you a procrastinator?
3. Are you reliable or are you a purple unicorn who cuts and runs when things get tough?

The next right thing (application):  Finish the job.  Get things done! 

Free resources:  Personal favorite: e-sword.net for free bible study software.  Intothyword.org for inductive study information.  Biblegateway.com is also a great resource.  Tons of free resources on the internet.  😀 

Disclaimer:  I get one Proverb verse in email each day (except Sunday) so these are not selected by me.  I try to stick to the list.  I also don't blog daily.  Just when I've time...

 

Lacking Integrity...

Anyone else looking forward to the peony bloom in spring?

 Daily thoughts on faith and life: 😏

1. So a woman is upset and annoyed that she's odious?  It's a self-inflicted wound from choices made.  Deal with it.
2. ***Why is truth so offensive?  Easy answer.  We have an opinion of ourselves that far exceeds reality and God's truth.  It's usually in the category of denial - "I'm not so bad as all the rest."  Speaking the truth in love does not always go well.  See Proverbs 27:6.  And we are to restore gently - Gal 6:1.  Little spiritual growth indicates being at spiritual milk stage.  Claiming a possible fake addiction certainly raises red flags.  And let's not forget the sin involved in this ridiculous fiasco.  Is salvation even present?
3.  Application:  or as people like to say-the next right thing?  God's Word is clear.  Confess the sin, make it right, repent and produce fruit in keeping with repentance.  Otherwise is blessing and spiritual growth even possible?
4. "The man who clings to his own righteousness is like one who grasps an anvil to keep afloat."  Not too smart!
5. Isn't it fascinating that we'll listen to a pastoral sermon telling us our biggest problem is the person we look at in the mirror when we brush our teeth.  But if someone tells us we have issues, our first response is rage and denial.  Hypocrisy much?
6. Interestingly, the topic of today's Proverb is integrity.

  Proverbs 11:3  The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the crookedness of the treacherous will destroy them.

Key words/phrases: context: verses

• integrity
• upright
• guide
• crookedness
• treacherous
• destroy

What does it say?  (in my own words) - The honesty of the obedient will govern them, while the unfaithfulness of offenders will devastate their life.

What does it mean?  God's word is our best guide.  Stay on the path.  Otherwise the result is unpleasant.

Study Questions:  

1. How long does it take to change a habit?

The next right thing (application):  Remember the law of sowing and reaping.  Keep short accounts - confess, repent and produce fruit in keeping with repentance.  That means you need to change your ways.  

Free resources:  Personal favorite: e-sword.net for free bible study software.  Intothyword.org for inductive study information.  Biblegateway.com is also a great resource.  Tons of free resources on the internet.  😀 

Disclaimer:  I get one Proverb verse in email each day (except Sunday) so these are not selected by me.  I try to stick to the list.  I also don't blog daily.  Just when I've time...

Don't shoot the messenger -

 

Daily thoughts on faith and life: 😏

1. There are people, who for various reasons, have issues with God and the Bible.  How is this my problem?  Frankly, it has nothing to do with me.  Except they've taken issue with something I've written.  Sadly, this happens frequently.  First of all, truth does not cause hurt.  Your hurt comes from what someone else did to you.  Don't shoot the messenger.

• Recently I posted something to FB discussing the term odious:  from Proverbs 30:23 KJV.  This translation uses odious woman, NASB uses unloved, while NKJV uses hateful.  I also think hated is an appropriate interpretation.  And the differences caused me to dig in.  Turns out the odious woman is unloved and hated because of her own miserable behavior.  Sadly, it's a self-inflicted wound.
• Here are her descriptors:  obnoxious, disagreeable, offensive, repulsive, possessing rusty steel claws which entrap a man, a wretched woman bringing a life of daily torment, domineering, henpecks her man, has control issues, contrary about most things, always having an opinion, interrupts any conversation, is highly critical, her behavior stinks and is vile, usually looks like she swallowed something foul, deceitful and selfish and tries to hide her ways during courtship.  Marrying this vile creature will result in a life sentence of misery.
• The cause?  Being wounded and making the wrong choices - thinking they're healing and really inflicting more misery on themselves and their family.
• Application:  God's way is far better than anything the world dreams up.  Confess, repent.  Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.  If you fail, and you may, repeat this step whenever necessary.  

  Proverbs 10:6  Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.

Key words/phrases: context: verses

•  

What does it say?  (in my own words) - Abundance of blessings for good men.  Not for the wicked.

What does it mean?  

Study Questions:  

1. How long does it take to change a habit?

The next right thing (application):  Remember the law of sowing and reaping.  Keep short accounts - confess, repent and produce fruit in keeping with repentance.  That means you need to change your ways.  

Free resources:  Personal favorite: e-sword.net for free bible study software.  Intothyword.org for inductive study information.  Biblegateway.com is also a great resource.  Tons of free resources on the internet.  😀 

Disclaimer:  I get one Proverb verse in email each day (except Sunday) so these are not selected by me.  I try to stick to the list.  I also don't blog daily.  Just when I've time...

Discernment Checklist

 

Daily thoughts on faith and life: 😏

1. Just about everywhere you look, critical thinking and discernment seem to be in short supply.  Sounds bites for news.  And sadly, their only source for information is main stream media.  Daily devotionals and sermonettes for faith issues which means they are spiritually malnourished.  People are intellectually lazy.  It's no surprise we're suffering from spiritual starvation.  Here's a checklist that should help in the discernment category.

• First step:  are you sure you're saved?
• Check the Bible and find out what it says about your concern or problem,
• Is it forbidden in the scriptures?
• What's your motive?  Look up the word eisegesis.
• Your accountability partners say what about this?
• And lastly, does this violate your conscience?

Let's be honest.  If you're not saved or you don't know, you're not going to get far.  The second two are going to be difficult for many.  You don't know your Bible and you've no clue how to study it.  Consequently you're going to need some help until you get on your feet.  That's where the accountability partners, many counselors, learned people comes in.  You need to ask.  And your motives are a critical issue here.  (Here's one example:  many people desire to remarry so they search for an opinion, whether correct or otherwise that will allow that.  And now we have people on third and fourth marriages.)

  Proverbs 8:10  Take my instruction and not silver, and knowledge rather than choicest gold.

• receive/take/choose H3947
• instruction H4148 - discipline, correction, reproof, chastening, warning, doctrine, rebuke
• silver H370
• knowledge H1847 - discernment, skill, truth, understanding
• choicest H997
• gold H2742

Key words/phrases: context: verses 

What does it say?  (in my own words) - 

What does it mean?  

Study Questions:  

1. 
   

The next right thing (application):  Your most valuable and reliable insights come from the Bible.  Perhaps it's time to put intellectual laziness away and mature a bit in your faith?

Free resources:  Personal favorite: e-sword.net for free bible study software.  Intothyword.org for inductive study information.  Biblegateway.com is also a great resource.  Tons of free resources on the internet.  😀 

Disclaimer:  I get one Proverb verse in email each day (except Sunday) so these are not selected by me.  I try to stick to the list.  I also don't blog daily.  Just when I've time...

Does God hear all your prayers?

 

Daily musings on life and everyday stuff  😏

1. Yesterday was certainly interesting.  FB memories comes through again.  

• My son's birthday.  😄
• My ex wife who is now deceased had a 14 Nov birthday.  😢
• A new friend Kimberly celebrates her b'day on 14 Nov.  😀
• And an old flame from many years ago.

* I struggle with this election nonsense.  The media doesn't certify an election.

** A mask mandate for ND?  More restrictions?  How many businesses and churches will fail?

  Proverbs 15:8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is His delight.

Key words/phrases: context: verses 8-9

• sacrifice - H2077:  offerings, outward religious rituals.
• wicked - H7563:  morally wrong, criminal, offender, ungodly, sinner, hostile to God, guilty
• abomination - H8441:  detestable, loathsome, disgusting thing, abhorrence
• Lord - H3068
• prayer - H8605:  intercession, supplication
• upright - H3477
• delight - H7522

What does it say?  (in my own words) - The offering of the sinner is disgusting to the Lord, but the supplication of the pleasing is acceptable.

What does it mean?  God wants your obedience, not your hypocrisy.  So when you come with unconfessed sin in your life, He hates what you're doing. 

Study Questions:  

1. Does God answer or even hear all prayers?  No, not with sin in your life.  See Ps 66:18.  
2. Are there other hindrances to prayer?  You bet!  Google it.
3. What causes the problem?  A single unconfessed sin.

The next right thing (application):  Examine yourself.  Confess and repent.  Keep short accounts.  Confess whenever you realize you've sinned.  This will be often.  Daily.  Blessings on your day.  😇

Free resources:  Personal favorite: e-sword.net for free bible study software.  Intothyword.org for inductive study information.  Biblegateway.com is also a great resource.  Tons of free resources on the internet.  😀 

Disclaimer:  I get one Proverb verse in email each day (except Sunday) so these are not selected by me.  I try to stick to the list.  I also don't blog daily.  Just when I've time...

Freedom or Slavery: what's it going to be?

 

Daily musings on life and everyday stuff  😏

1. Election results:  I pray that truth will prevail.  It will certainly be a while before we know.  Will it be freedom or slavery?
2. What would happen if a purge of DC occurred and we started over?  Seriously:  all of it, including the swamplings.
3. BTW, the word freedom in the title is a relative term.  Our freedoms have disappeared significantly over the last half century while our tax burden has increased.  😒
4. Boundaries:  when the fat lady with the pink hair, gingivitis, bad teeth, lumpy butt and the hairy back shows up breathing lies and covid, step back so you don't get any on you.  😓
5. Watch the HodgeTwins on youtube for some laughter and entertainment.  Their channel is Conservative Twins.

  Proverbs 12:17  He who speaks truth tells what is right, but a false witness, deceit.

Key words/phrases: context: 

• speaks - H6315:  breathes, utters, tells
• truth - H530:  faithful, correct, stability, fidelity
• right - H6664:  accurate
• false - H8267:  untruth, sham, liar, wrongful, lie, deception, fraud
• witness - H5707:  evidence
• deceit - H4820:  treachery, dishonest, false

What does it say?  He/she who utters what is faithful/honest is righteous, but a liar brings forth falsehood.

What does it mean?   Everyone hates liars, including God.  Even what we'd like to think are the little white lies.  Example:  a person is offended by another.  They go and tattle to the pastor.  Kinda like a child having a tantrum.  No evidence is presented - just a false narrative by someone who has a case of butthurt.  I would also say the pastor is in the wrong for entertaining this nonsense.  Matthew 18:15-17.

Study Questions:  

1. Has scripture been violated by going straight to the pastor?  No doubt.
2. What's the motive of tattling?  Revenge, vengeance, caused by spiritual immaturity and stupidity...all sin.
3. Who sinned in Genesis 3?  Who lied?

The next right thing (application):  Read Genesis 3 and the fall of man.  Liars have no value and have a deceitful spirit.  Avoid them.  If they repent, one must still be cautious.  Blessings on your day.  😇

Free resources:  Personal favorite: e-sword.net for free bible study software.  Intothyword.org for inductive study information.  Biblegateway.com is also a great resource.  Tons of free resources on the internet.  😀 

Disclaimer:  I get one Proverb verse in email each day (except Sunday) so these are not selected by me.  I try to stick to the list.  I also don't blog daily.  Just when I've time...

It's not one size fits all...

Thoughts, and questions, etc.

There are people in desperate need of attention.  Why?  Borderline or Narcissistic Personality Disorder?  Just plain needy?  Lonely?  Mental illness?  Someone who reaches out to an old flame 8 days after her husband dies is beyond bizarre.  Two things are very clear:  mental illness and great need is present in the church.

• Are Celebrate Recovery leaders equipped to handle these issues?  I don't know.
• Can AA, CR and Narconon can be helpful?  What many argue about is they are not faith based.  But CR supposedly is?  Yet people are very much in disagreement on that topic. 
• I've stated before that it's not a "one size fits all" program. God can deliver people in different ways.  For example, I attended one meeting in the mid 90s at the New Life Center in Fargo and never went to another.
• Addiction is a disease?
• With the price of therapy, a person without insurance can't afford a counselor.  Perhaps this is a viable alternative?
• And I must say, after countless discussion with my therapist friend, plus much research, codependency is confusing.

Proverbs 6:35:  He will not accept any ransom, nor will he be satisfied though you give many gifts.

Key words/phrases: context:  6:30-35

• 
  

What does it say?  A short blog today.  Out of time.  I'll do better tomorrow.

What does it mean?   Adultery is a big deal and you're dealing with the rage of a jealous, betrayed husband.  It is not wise to tread here.

Study Questions:  

1. 
   

The next right thing (application):    Blessings on your day.  😇

Free resources:  Personal favorite: e-sword.net for free bible study software.  Intothyword.org for inductive study information.  Biblegateway.com is also a great resource.  Tons of free resources on the internet.  😀 

Disclaimer:  I get one Proverb verse in email each day (except Sunday) so these are not selected by me.  I try to stick to the list.  I also don't blog daily.  Just when I've time...

Proverbs 3:35---The wise person and the fool

 

Daily musings, gripes, etc.  (limit 3-5)  😏

Why are Proverbs so important?  What value to us?

• They express truth about human behavior, fear of the Lord and how we should conduct our lives.
• A very practical book giving the instructions for life.
• There are 31 of them so you've a built-in devotional:  one for each day of the month.
• See Proverbs 1:1-7

1. Sunlight is a great disinfectant.  Why do cockroaches scatter when the light comes on?  Why do politicians not want transparency?  Perhaps because they survive and prosper without it?
2. "Properly fat" is used by Strong's to describe a fool.  Why?  I've researched this a bit and can find nothing.

Proverbs 3:35:  The wise will inherit honor, but fools display dishonor (NASB)

Key words/phrases: context:  

• wise H2450 - skillful, cunning, shrewd, learned, prudent, expert
• inherit H5157 - get, acquire, possess

• honor/glory H3519 - splendor, abundance, riches, reputation
• fools H3684 - properly fat.  Stupid, silly, dullard, simpleton, arrogant one
• display/promotion/legacy H7311 - held high, rise, be lofty, extol
• dishonor/shame H7036 - ignominy, disgrace, reproach, (by implication - the pudenda)

What does it say?  Be prudent.  Don't be an idiot.

What does it mean?   You will either get glory or shame.  Depends on your behavior.  Choose wisely.

Study Questions:  

1. Are you living well and do you have a mess to repair and repent of?
2. If the latter, what changes need to be made?
3. Who will keep you accountable?

The next right thing (application):  Filter all you do via the Bible.  Read one Proverb each day.  Live wisely, you'll be honored and you'll grow spiritually.  If you live foolishly, your sin will find you out.  Blessings on your day.  😇

Free resources:  Personal favorite: e-sword.net for free bible study software.  Intothyword.org for inductive study information.  Biblegateway.com is also a great resource.  Tons of free resources on the internet.  😀 

Disclaimer:  I get one Proverb verse in email each day (except Sunday) so these are not selected by me.  I try to stick to the list.  I also don't blog daily.  Just when I've time...

Your Daily Faith Walk

A few ideas for your daily walk checklist:

• Pray whenever you get the chance
• Read your Bible.  I tend to not recommend devotionals nor Christian books.  Try biblegateway.com one year reading plans.
• Have an accountability partner
• Learn how to apply what you read.  It's not just head knowledge - everything has an application
• Actively seek a mentor.

May your day be blessed.  😀

Free resources:  e-sword.net for free bible study software.  Intothyword.org for inductive study information.

Disclaimer:  I get one Proverb verse in email each day (except Sunday) so these are not selected by me.  I try to stick to the list.  I also don't blog daily.  Just when I've time...

Proverbs 19:8

Zinnias are a favorite of mine!

Daily musings, gripes, etc.  (limit 3-5)  😏

1. Hypocrites in church is often cited as a reason for not attending?  Seriously, shall I name them?  LOL, we are all, to varying degrees, phony.  And if you do discover the ugly behind the mask, I suggest running quickly. - particularly if you've tried to help and you get raged at. 
2. Healing takes time.  A friend who recently divorced reminded me of what a mess it is.  The same can be said for the learned coping behaviors that fall into the category of mental illness.  We are often frustrated that we're not there yet (healed).  Why?  Americans have a cheeseburger drive through mentality.  We want what we want and it better get here quickly. 
3. If you really want to know the condition of your heart, listen to what comes out of your mouth.  Observe your behaviors.  What's your motive?  Ask your friends what they think of you.  And then ask a real friend to get the truth.
4. 
   

Proverbs 19:8 - He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will find good.

Key words/phrases: context:  verses 

• he who gets/acquires H7069 - procure
• wisdom H3820
• loves H157 - has affection for
• his own soul H5315
• keeps H8104 - guard, watch
• understanding H8394 - discernment, reason
• find/discover H4672
• good/success H2896

What does it say?  procure wisdom and retain understanding.

What does it mean?   self-explanatory 

Study Questions:  

1. Do you love yourself? 
2. How valuable is wisdom?
3. Are you biblically illiterate?
4. What's your plan to get wisdom and keep understanding?
5. Is your default behavior to do what you've always done?

Personal application:  Get wisdom.  What's your heart telling you about you?  Blessings on your day.  😇

Free resources:  e-sword.net for free bible study software.  Intothyword.org for inductive study information.

Disclaimer:  I get one Proverb verse in email each day (except Sunday) so these are not selected by me.  I try to stick to the list.  I also don't blog daily.  Just when I've time...

Proverbs 15:1 - Gentle or Harsh...choose wisely!

Daily musings, gripes, etc.  (limit 3-5)  😏

1. Have you ever engaged in angry venting?  Given someone a piece of your mind?  Been unable to put pride away and ruined a relationship? Is this behavior sinful?
2. 
   

Proverbs 15:1 - A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Key words/phrases: context:  verses 

• gentle/soft: H7390 - tender, delicate, weak
• answer: H4617 - reply
• turns away: H7725 - averts
• wrath/fury/anger: H2534 - rage, poison, displeasure, indignation, venom
• harsh/grievous: H6089 - painful, offensive
• word H1697
• stirs up: H5927 - prompts

What does it say?  Rage, sass, angry venting never works.

What does it mean?   self-explanatory 

Study Questions:  

1. Will you put away pride and end the fight?
2. Are you prone to rage and venting?
3. Have these negative actions ever help you or do you tear your own house down and blame the other party?
4. Do you have to get the last word in?
5. Are you prone to self-justification?
6. Has pride ever solved anything?
7. Do you value your relationships?  If not, they will evaporate.

Personal application:  Peacemakers please God.  Sinful rage does not.  Don't be an angry person.  What's your heart telling you about you?  Blessings on your day.  😇

Free resources:  e-sword.net for free bible study software.  Intothyword.org for inductive study information.

Disclaimer:  I get one Proverb verse in email each day (except Sunday) so these are not selected by me.  I try to stick to the list.  I also don't blog daily.  Just when I've time...