Proverbs 30:3

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

1. An opportunity to relocate is in the works.  I appreciate your prayers.
2. Have any of you ever built a tiny house?
3. Seems not only are construction skills necessary but the ability to live in a small space of less than 300 sq ft.

Proverbs 30:3 - neither have I learned wisdom, nor do I have the knowledge of the Holy One.

Key words/phrases: context is Prov 30:2-4

What does it say (in my own words)?  

What does it mean?  Without God, you're not capable of knowing much.

Study Questions:  

1. Where does your wisdom come from?
2. Are you self-reliant, prideful, stubborn and pig-headed?  That will prove to be a problem.

Personal application:    Humility would be a good thing to adopt!....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 25:9...

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

1. Connecting in a new church isn't easy.

Proverbs 25:9 - Argue your case with your neighbor and do not reveal the secret of another,

Key words/phrases: context is Prov 25:8-10

• argue/debate/plead/make H7378
• case
• neighbor
• do not reveal
• secret

What does it say (in my own words)?  Talk to your neighbor and don't blab what's discussed.

What does it mean?  Context is crucial.  See verses 8-10.  I'm reminded of Matthew 18:15.  Conflict resolution is supposed to begin as a private matter between two parties.

Study Questions:  

1. Can disputes be solved by the church?
2. What do we do with 1 Cor 6?

Personal application:   Follow the Bible steps.  Matthew 18:15-17 for starters. ....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 24:24...

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

1. Have you ever pondered the plethora of positions on various Bible topics?  It's enough to make your head hurt.
2. And few actually perform their own exegesis.  Only eisegesis.
3. What would be the most scripturally sound church in Fargo?
4. BTW, I still dislike backstabbers, gossips and users of drama triangles.  Just in case you thought I'd changed my mind.  lol.
5. People will always show you their true feelings.  Watch for how they treat you.  That behavior does not lie.

Proverbs 24:24 - He who says to the wicked, "You are righteous," peoples will curse him, nations will abhor him;

Key words/phrases: context is Prov 24:23-25

• wicked
• righteous
• peoples
• curse
• nations
• abhor/denounce H2194 - 

What does it say (in my own words)?  Partiality in judgment is despicable and makes people angry.

What does it mean?  Context is crucial.  See verses 23-25.  Partiality and favoritism is awful and God will judge.

Study Questions:  

1. Woe to those who call evil good and good evil is located where in the Bible___________________?
2. Why do we struggle so with partiality and unfair treatment/decisions?
3. Does this relate to our present legal/political system?  If so, how?
4. How about the local church?

Personal application:   Be fair and impartial.  Speak out when you can.  ....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 22:9...Generous or Stingy?

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Sunday sermon text Matthew 22:34-40 and the questions:

1. When and how have you experienced unconditional love?
2. Tell about your search to know God?  What do you think of Jesus exclusive claim that He is the way to know God?
3. What is the list of your priorities or values in life?
4. Have you put God first in your life?
5. Is it hard to love others as you love yourself?  Why?
6. God is love.  Have you defined Him otherwise?

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

1. Life is good.  God is still on the throne and there is little I can fix.  Except me, and that's a major project. 
2. Deceitful people are a curse - those who put on a happy face that hides a raging bitch! 
3. Controllers might be happier with a pet monkey?

Proverbs 22:9 - He who is generous will be blessed, for he gives some of his good to the poor.

Key words/phrases: 

• generous/bountiful eye/good of eye H2896 - pleasant, agreeable, good
• blessed H1288 - congratulate, give a benefit, salute, thank
• gives/shares H5414 - bestow, put, set, grant
• bread/food H3899 - grain, fruit, loaves, meat
• to the poor H1800 - weak, thin, needy, one who is low

What does it say (in my own words)?  A good person will be blessed for giving to the needy.

What does it mean?  Good people give and they are blessed.  If you give to the poor, you lend to the Lord and He will reward the lender.....(Pr 19:17)

Study Questions:  

1. Do you get excited about giving?
2. Do you give liberally?
3. Is it also appropriate to give of your time and talents?
4. When will you do this?

Personal application:  The need is great.  Your local church certainly  needs help.  New Life Center thrift store in Fargo is also a good place.  Also Open Doors 65! ....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 20:28...Are you a righteous ruler or a tyrant?

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

1. No one enjoys a tyrant or control freak.
2. Galatians 5 - fruits of the Spirit is a great passage.
3. 
   

Proverbs 20:28 - Loyalty and truth preserve the king, and he upholds his throne by righteousness.

Key words/phrases: 

• loyalty/mercy/steadfast love/kindness H2617 - goodness, deeds of devotion, unchanging love
• truth/faithfulness H571 - sureness, reliability, stability, trustworthiness
• preserve/keep/deliver H5341 - guard, watch, protect, maintain
• king H4428 - royal, ruler
• upholds H5582 - supports, sustains, establishes, refreshes
• throne H3678 - seat of authority and power
• righteousness H2617 - same Hebrew word as above.

What does it say (in my own words)?  kindness and faithfulness preserve and win the support of those we rule and those who are ruled.  Unchanging love is a win vice the petty tyrant.

What does it mean?  Wicked acts, cruelty, etc are an abomination.  Acts of kindness or fruits of the Spirit will establish leadership and rule.

Study Questions:  

1. What kind of friend are you?  Loyal or backstabber?  And the same can be asked of a boyfriend/girlfriend.  Or of a husband/wife.  

Personal application:  rather than ignore or discount this as a political passage, let's bring the level down to a more local level.  Your pastor and church leadership?  Parental behavior?  Replace the word king with your name.  How would your children describe your rule?  Or how would your spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend/friend describe how you conduct yourself?  The wounds of a friend.....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 19:25---Prudent versus Pigheaded

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

1. Petty tyrants and control freaks seem to be out in force.
2. The pandemic appears to be a giant scam aimed at influencing an election.
3. Are you rules followers enjoying socialism so far?

Proverbs 19:25 --- Strike a scoffer and the naive may become shrewd, but reprove one who has understanding and he will gain knowledge.

Key words/phrases: 

• strike/smite H5221
• scoffer/scorner/mocker H3887 disrespectful, have in derision, talk arrogantly, boast, contempt, insults, bitterness with ridicule, jeer
• naive/simple/inexperienced H6612
• shrewd/intelligent/understanding/discerning H6191 - sensible, crafty, prudent
• reprove/rebuke H3198 - plead, argue, convict, chasten, judge, chide
• understanding H995 - discernment, insight, act wisely
• gain H995
• knowledge H1847

 What does it say (in my own words)?  Tough love works.  The simple may see the rebuke and get their act together.  A bit like disciplining your children.  If one gets a whuppin, hopefully the other will learn quickly.  There are far too many adults running around who have no discipline at all.

What does it mean?  One who has discernment doesn't require a public rebuke to correct error.  A few simple words are usually enough.  The scoffer, however, is an obstinate, pigheaded, inflexible fool.  See google for synonyms of obstinate.  

Study Questions:  

1. Is this an incurable condition?
2. Have you ever met or dated one of these vile creatures?
3. If so, how did it go?

Personal application:  Develop humility - it can be learned.  Don't be a scoffer.  It's all pride and all sin.  Stay in the Word and keep praying.  Dig in and study!  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 18:11---Silly Rich People

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

1. The world situation has me greatly confused and concerned for my children and grandchildren.
2. Church people say the strangest things.

• I am what I am because someone hurt my feelings and I'll show them.  (pride much?)
• My husband was a weak Christian and that's why I haven't grown.
• God told me to divorce my husband.  (Really?  email or text message?)

Proverbs 18:11 --- A rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his own imagination. (NASB)

Key words/phrases: 

• rich H6223
• wealth H1952
• strong/strength/fortified H5797
• city H7151
• high wall
• imagination/conceit/mind H4906 

 What does it say (in my own words)?  Silly rich people trust in their money and pride.

What does it mean?  Riches and pride ruins many.  God isn't first in their lives.  And sadly they are deceived by their arrogance.  Haughtiness (pride) is hated by God.

Study Questions:  

1. 
   

Personal application:  Develop humility.  Stay in the Word and keep praying.  Dig in and study!  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 17:21...He Who Sires a Fool!

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

1. Women consulting with their pastor about dating relationships?  Consulting or tattling?  A pattern of dysfunction/mental illness has appeared.
2. Borderline Personality Disorder is a real thing.  😢  Yet help is available.
3. It's hot out.  I should have gone walking earlier!
4. Personal pet peeves:  disrespect, control, manipulation, jekyll and hyde personalities, rage, condescension, gossips, constant complaining, nagging and criticism, just to name a few.  Probably the most disappointing is a person who claims faith in Jesus. But after many years, is still stuck in the same rut.
5. God can't be first when you're on the throne.

Proverbs 17:21 --- He who sires a fool does so to his sorrow, and the father of a fool has no joy.

Key words/phrases:  

• sires/begets/fathers H3205 - 
• fool H3684 - stupid, silly, arrogant, dullard, simpleton
• father H1
• fool H5306 - senseless, stupid, wicked, impious, vile
• no joy, rejoices not H8055 - be glad, happy, take pleasure, gloat, merry, cheer

What does it say (in my own words)?  A habitually difficult person, (in this case an offspring, either male or female?) can certainly lack joy.  Same with dealing with adult fools.

What does it mean?  Fools are difficult to bear.  Sin is sin and actions have consequences.  

Study Questions:  

1. Can we somehow change foolish behavior in our children?
2. Are you misbehaving children self-inflicted punishment for poor parenting?
3. Are you setting a proper example?

Personal application:  We often hear:  do the next right thing.  So, what is the next right thing when dealing with fools?  Proverbs has much to say about these folks.  Stay in the Word and keep praying.  Dig in and study!  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.

Adversity pursues sinners...Prov 13:21

Daily musings, thoughts, heartaches, gripes, etc.  (limit 3)  😏

1. Is Beth Moore still considered a false teacher?
2. Terms like "happily ever after" and "soulmate" are biblical?
3. Why do I want what I can't have?

Proverbs 13:21 - Adversity pursues sinners, but the righteous will be rewarded with prosperity.

Key words/phrases:  

• adversity/evil/disaster H7463 - from H7455 misery, distress, calamity, discomfort, troubles, misfortune
• sinners H2400 - criminal, offender
• righteous H6662 - just, lawful
• rewarded/repaid/recompense H7999 - fulfilled, complete, restore, sound
• prosperity/good H2896 - pleasant, agreeable, beneficial

What does it say (in my own words)? Righteousness brings blessing.  Evil brings misery. 

What does it mean?  Sin is sin and our actions have consequences.  "Be sure your sin will find you out!"  (Num 32:23)  And obedience is a good thing.  Key to being blessed and it's key to your spiritual growth and healing.

Study Questions:  

1. Can we heal, grow, or be blessed while in habitual sin?
2. Do you have a besetting sin?
3. Will you reap what you sow?

Personal application:  We often hear:  do the next right thing.  Keep short accounts with God for living a perfect life is not possible.  Confess and repent as required.  Be accountable.  Don't lose heart and give up.  Changing these learned behaviors that we often adopted as coping mechanisms is hard but not impossible.  Please do your homework.  Cultivate discernment.  Stay in the Word and keep praying.  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.

Proverbs 12:3

Daily musings, thoughts, heartaches, gripes, etc.  (limit 3)  😏

1. Taking time to heal is a good thing.  
2. Jesus Calling - is this sound teaching for discerning Christians?
3. Be cautious when you're invited to speak truth into someone's life.  They may turn and bite you.

Proverbs 12:3  A man will not be established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous will not be moved. (NASB)

Key words/phrases:  

• established H3559 - erected, built up, prosperous, secure, enduring
• wickedness H7562 - a wrong (especially moral), ill-gotten, iniquity, ungodly
• root H8328
• righteous H6662 just, lawful
• will not be moved H4131 slip, totter, shake, bring down, fall, be overthrown, dislodged, eaver

What does it say (in my own words)?  Wickedness will not be blessed.  The righteous will not be brought down.

What does it mean?  Disobedience just doesn't cut it with God.  He will root it out and destroy it.  The righteous have deep roots like that of a tree.

Study Questions:  Is there a benefit to righteousness?  What wickedness are you struggling with and what steps have you taken to repent and go in the right direction?  What's in the way of you being obedient and what do you need help with?

Personal application:    Will the righteous be problem/trial free?  So, doing the next right thing is crucial in our obedience.  In order to do what's right you actually have to know your Bible.  Sound theology is important.  And it's also important to be careful what you put in your head.  Use google.  Take your latest favorite book or author and type in their name followed by problems or false teachings?  You may be surprised what you find.  Let's take Beth Moore for example.  Eckhart Tolle is another.  Do your homework.  Stay in the Word and keep praying.  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.

Your pride will cost you everything...

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Daily musings, thoughts, heartaches, gripes, etc.  (limit 3)  😏

1. Matthew 7:3-5 is such a great passage.
2. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.  Yet she is often scorned because of her behavior?  Why not leave the fury and fix the problem? 
3. Grandkids are such a joy.

Proverbs 11:2:  When pride cometh, then cometh shame:  but with the lowly is wisdom.  (KJV)

Key words/phrases:  

• pride H2087:  arrogance, insolence, presumptuousness
• shame/dishonor/disgrace H7036:  confusion, reproach, by implication the pudenda, ignominy
• lowly/humble/humility H6800:  modest
• wisdom H2451:  skill, shrewdness, prudence, wise, wits, make wiser of mind, word or deed, (also see ISBE in e-sword), wisdom in opposition to carnal blindness, also see knowledge

What does it say (in my own words)?  If pride is present, shame will soon follow.  Humility is the better option.

What does it mean?  Pride is one of the seven deadly sins and is considered to be the root of all sin.  Beware - if this dominates, you're going down.  Pride is probably one of the reasons your marriages fail.  It's why your dating relationships fail.  And it's why you're still alone and no one wants you.

Personal application:    Purge the sin of pride at all costs.  And develop humility.  Stay in the Word and keep praying.  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.

Proverbs 10:21

Proverbs 10:20-21  The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver, the heart of the wicked is worth little.  The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of understanding

Key word:  

• H3820 - understanding:  wisdom, lack of sense
• H6662 - just, lawful, right, correct, blameless, innocent

What does it say?  

What does it mean?  The meaning is very clear.  Righteous/just behavior can help many.  A wicked heart has little value.  Foolish behavior would appear to be a self-inflicted punishment?

Personal application:    Many die because of ignorance.  You can help yourself and others with your knowledge.  Not all will listen.  Some are just plain stupid/deceived or in denial.  Yet you are called to share truth with others.  Stay in the Word and keep praying.  If you lack wisdom, God's word will provide it.  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.

Proverbs 9:15

Daily musings:  

1. Is anarchy in our future?
2. Do you have the means to defend yourself?
3. Why is dating so difficult?

Proverbs 9:13-15 (NLT)  (13)The woman of folly is brash, she is ignorant and doesn't know it.  (14) She sits in her doorway on the heights overlooking the city.  (15)  She calls out to men going by who are minding their own business.

Key word:  

• Woman of folly/foolish - H3687 - stupid, silly
• brash/clamorous/boisterous/noisy/rowdy - H1993 - raging, uproar, brawling, growling, wailing, obnoxious, vehement, nasty, unpleasant unless she gets her way.  Perhaps controlling and domineering?
• ignorant/ simple/naive/gullible - H6615

What does it say?  The Bible has much to say about fools and foolish behavior.  In this context it appears we're dealing with a promiscuous woman, a temptation, perhaps a prostitute?

What does it mean?  Danger men!  You can be tempted by the seductress even in your own home.  It's called porn.  Or the temptation could happen at work.  It could also be a carnal Christian from your church.

Personal application:  don't go there.  I know, it's easier said than done.  Get Covenant Eyes software for your computer and phone.  Don't let your eyes wander.  That's also tough because men are visual and some women dress seductively. Keep short accounts with God and be accountable to other men and to your spouse.  Stay in the Word and keep praying.  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.

Proverbs 8:33

Strange things church people say:  

• God can be any gender.  OK, show me in the Bible where it supports this claim? (It's not there.)
• The Shack is sound theology.  While an interesting story, it is not based on biblical Christianity.
• Truth is derogatory.  Seriously?  Truth is truth.

Proverbs 8:33  “Heed instruction and be wise, And do not neglect it.  Context:  see Prov 8:32-36.

Key words/phrases:

1. heed/hear/listen - H8085, hear intelligently, discern
2. instruction - H4148, discipline, chastening, correction, reproof, warning
3. wise - H2449, show wisdom
4. neglect/refuse/slight/ignore - H6544, disregard, avoid, dismiss

What does it say/mean?  It means some of you are in deep trouble because you refuse to read and heed the scriptures.

Application:  if you're lukewarm, it's time to change.  Proverbs has a way of telling you the blessing.  If you listen, then life, happiness, and divine favor.  Personal loss if you blow it off.  The choice is yours.  Get on a reading plan.  Download e-sword software at e-sword.net.  Dig in.  Mine for treasure.  😇