12/1/22: I just found out that most of the commentaries on the Bible Study Tools website are no longer free. That's where most of the quotes that appear on the "Verse of the Day" and "Previous Verses" pages of my website are taken from, so from now on, many of the "Source:" links that I provide on those pages will not contain the quoted text.
I was disgusted to read about the organization's new "PLUS" membership, and the only thing I can say about it is that the Bible has this warning in 1 Timothy 6:10 for the owner of Bible Study Tools: "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."
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8/8/21: Something is wrong with my Christian forum. Everything seems to be working normally (i.e., the articles are there, and the links work), but for some reason, the forum's format has changed slightly, and I am currently unable to post anything new.
I'm really sorry for the inconvenience. Hopefully, the problem is only temporay and will be fixed soon.
"Verse of the Day"
Bible Verses
"Verse of the Day"
Bible Verses
Previous Verses
January 2025
JANUARY 28-31
Proverbs 28:15-16: "As a roaring lion, and a ranging[wandering]bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people. The prince that wanteth [wants, or lacks] understanding is also a great oppressor [bully]: but he that hateth [hates] covetousness [greed] shall prolong his days."
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In my opinion, the Salem Bible Church commentary on these two verses is excellent and should be read by everyone, so I am quoting the entire thing here (without quotation marks):
Rulers and Princes
Introduction:
1. These two proverbs deal with the subject of leadership… violent, oppressive government rulers and princes.
2. We already saw a similar theme in verse 12 [i.e., Proverbs 28:12], which compares the effects of wicked leaders to righteous [godly] leaders.
a. The righteous leader causes the people to rejoice.
b. The wicked ruler coming into power causes men to run and hide!
3. The effect of rulers on the people is expanded in vs. [verses] 15-16 [i.e., Proverbs 15-16].
15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.
1. This proverb compares wicked rulers to ferocious [savagely fierce], wild animals.
a. A roaring lion
• One Hebrew dictionary defined 'roaring' as 'the deep guttural [harsh-sounding], piercing growl of a lion, especially as it grasps [holds] its prey [i.e., the animal that it captured]."
• Lions are mighty fierce animals. They sit quietly in the wings [or nearby,] waiting for the innocent deer to come to the river. Then they pounce [jump] on their prey, easily overpower them, tear them to shreds [pieces], and then devour [eat] them.
• I'm sure we've all seen National Geographic videos of lions attacking their prey. It's pretty graphic.
• Solomon's readers never saw a video of it--but they probably all had seen the real thing. It must be frightening to witness such a thing. Lions are fierce!
b. A ranging bear
• Ranging: Thirsty, unquenched; to long for something and rush towards it; thus, ready to pounce on an unsuspecting creature.
• We sometimes think of bears as cute and cuddly, but they too are vicious [brutal, dangerously aggressive] animals when confronted.
• They may look slow and lazy as they lumber about [or 'clumsily move around']; but in fact they are fast and ferocious and can be deadly.
c. By using these two illustrations, Solomon has painted a mental picture that all of his readers can relate to:
• They [lions and bears] are animals you want to avoid.
• They are animals that can do much harm… and can be deadly.
• They are fierce and bloodthirsty creatures that can easily overpower mere humans and devour us… leave us as a pile of bones on the side of the road for the scavenger birds to pick over.
2. A wicked ruler
a. Wicked:
• This is the same term used to describe rulers in vs. 12 [i.e., Proverbs 28:12].
• "Wicked" is defined as unrighteous; evil; not innocent; guilty.
• The term is often used of the enemies of God.
• The word indicates the guilt engendered [caused] by sinning against others.
b. Ruler: one who reigns; one who has dominion [authority] over others; one who governs and is in control; in charge.
c. All people have rulers over them. All people are under the leadership and dominion of someone. All people are under a government headed up by a ruler… one who has control over how people are governed.
d. To have a wicked person in control can be fearful and frightening. They have the power to make life miserable for all those under their rule.
e. We have seen many examples of that in world history: Germany, Russia, Middle East, etc.
3. Solomon likens [compares] wicked rulers to savage beasts: lions and bears.
a. [In the Bible,] Daniel also had a vision of four future Gentile [non-Jewish] empires and likened those empires and their rulers as vicious beasts.
b. Of the four beasts in Daniel's dream, one was a bear and one was a lion.
c. They were good symbols of the power a ruler has over his people and the fear they instill [put] in the hearts of people.
d. [King] Solomon used these symbols before:
• Prov. 19:12 -- "The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour [favor] is as dew upon the grass."
• Prov. 20:2 -- "The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso [whoever] provoketh [provokes] him to anger sinneth [sins] against his own soul."
• BECAUSE kings and rulers have such power and are like roaring lions, Solomon advises his readers not to get them angry. They might pounce on you!
• There is no reasoning with a lion or a bear. Don't expect mercy or pity from them.
4. This is how the wicked ruler treats POOR people.
a. The word translated "poor" means poor, weak, and helpless -- those who are on the opposite end of the social scale from the rich and powerful.
b. The point here is that wicked rulers rule over poor people as lions and bears rule over their prey: they devour them!
c. Verse 15 [i.e., Proverbs 28:15] states that some rulers are greedy and violent and take advantage of the poor [people]. They devour the poor because they [the poor people] are easy targets.
d. Ecc. 4:1 -- Solomon was sensitive to the poor and the fact that they were often trampled over and had no comforter. He noted that this is what happens "under the sun"--in a world that excludes God.
16a The prince that wanteth [wants, lacks] understanding is also a great oppressor:
1. Verse 15 [i.e., Proverbs 28:15] spoke of rulers; verse 16 [i.e., Proverbs 28:16] speaks of a prince (which can mean a prince or any person of nobility).
2. The difference is relatively insignificant [unimportant] here.
3. Here the main distinction is the way the prince is described:
a. The rulers were described as vicious and devouring.
b. This prince is described as ignorant -- lacking understanding.
4. The prince that "wanteth understanding."
a. Want is an old English word that means "lack."
b. Ex [example]: The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. (It does not mean that we don't want the Lord--it means that if He is our shepherd, then we won't lack anything we need.)
c. In our proverb, Solomon describes the prince who LACKS understanding.
d. "Lacking understanding" speaks of one who lacks good judgment.
• Prov. 6:32 -- "But whoso [whoever] committeth [commits] adultery with a woman lacketh [lacks] understanding: he that doeth [does] it destroyeth [destroys] his own soul."
• Prov. 9:4 -- "Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither [here]: as for him that wanteth [wants] understanding." The one who lacks understanding is likened to one who is simple.
• Prov. 10:13 -- "In the lips of him that hath [has] understanding wisdom is found: but a rod [stick] is for the back of him that is void of understanding." This proverb speaks of the one who lacks understanding as a fool!
• Just because a person has risen to national prominence [i.e., being well-known or important on a national level] that does not mean that he is wise or sensible.
• God raises up the basest of men [i.e., those who are morally degraded] to rule and govern--and God uses them for His purposes.
• The prince that lacks understanding is a ruler who lacks good sense and good judgment. He is simple--like the town simpleton [idiot, fool]. He is in many ways like the fool of Proverbs too.
• It is a bit frightening to think that men of such low caliber [quality] and character make it to such high places in government--but it happens!
5. The prince that lacks understanding is a great oppressor!
a. Oppressor: The Dictionary of Biblical Languages defines this term as "the obtaining of goods legally but immorally from a victim, by taking extra-ordinary, unfair advantage in a dealing, and so a kind of theft."
b. Foolish leaders oppress their people.
• This is an interesting description.
• We might normally think of an evil ruler oppressing… or a greedy and vicious ruler oppressing.
• But here Solomon describes the oppressor as a FOOL -- one who lacks good sense and good judgment.
• It is foolish for a ruler to oppress the people--because people can only be pushed so far before they revolt [rebel]… and the ruler is rejected… replaced… or executed [killed].
• A wise ruler should know that. Foolish leaders don't.
• This brings to mind Solomon's son, Rehoboam, who refused to listen to the wise counsel [advice] of the older men and instead did what his younger contemporaries [i.e., people younger than him who were living at the same time] told him to do: oppress the people even MORE than they had been in the past.
• I Kings 12:10-11 -- Rehoboam said, "My little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins. 11And now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father hath [has] chastised [punished] you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions."
• Foolish rulers oppress their people in hopes of increasing their treasury -- becoming even more rich and powerful.
• Greed and covetousness motivates wicked rulers to take advantage of the poor [people] and the weak [people].
• They will learn the hard way that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil and calamity [disaster].
• For Rehoboam, this led to civil war, a division of the nation, and he lost his rule over the nation except for Judah.
• As Solomon his father would have said, It is a foolish prince who oppresses his people.
16b But he that hateth [hates] covetousness shall prolong his days.
6. "But he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days." (Worth repeating!)
a. In contrast to the foolish ruler who oppresses others and abuses his power, the one who hates covetousness prolongs his days.
b. Prov. 10:2 -- "Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth [delivers] from death." It requires good judgment to understand this principle [truth]. Good and wise rulers understand… they are not lacking understanding.
c. It leads to a long term [time] in office and perhaps a long life. (Many evil rulers are assassinated [murdered].)
d. The implication [meaning] here is clear: A ruler's real longevity and security in his throne arises not from his own wealth [money] and power, but rather from the welfare of the people.
e. Ex. 18:21 -- "Moreover thou shalt [you shall] provide out of all the people able [capable] men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands [of people], and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens."
f. The Mosaic Law [or 'the law of Moses'] made it clear what kind of men should be placed in leadership positions: men of character.
"… The prince that wanteth understanding -- A weak prince will generally have wicked ministers [advisors], for his weakness prevents him from making a proper choice; and he is apt to prefer them who flatter him, and minister most to his pleasures. The quantum [quantity, amount] of the king's intellect [intelligence] may be always appreciated by the mildness or oppressiveness of his government. He who plunges his people into expensive wars, to support which they are burdened with taxes, is a prince without understanding. He does not know his own interest, and does not regard that of his people. But these things, though general truths, apply more particularly to those despotic [tyrannical, dictatorial] governments which prevail in Asiatic [Asian] countries."
Proverbs 26:17: "He[or she]that passeth [passes] by, and meddleth[meddles, interferes]with strife[arguments or conflicts]belonging not to[or that do not involve]him[or her], is like one[someone]that taketh[takes or grabs]a dog by the ears[and gets bitten]."
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In other words, it's best to mind your own business.
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In his commentary, Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church tells us that "… this proverb warns us against sticking our noses into other people's arguments that have nothing to do with us" and that "… even if the passer by [or 'the person passing by'] MEANS well, it [his or her intervention] does not END well." According to the Bible, "… we are to be peacemakers… not troublemakers."
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Proverbs 25:15: "By long forbearing[or 'with much patience and soft and gentle (or kind) words']is a prince[or ruler or leader--and many other people, too]persuaded[to do or not do something], and [continued pressure from] a soft tongue breaketh [breaks] the bone."
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Using the example of someone finding a small bone in his or her mouth while eating, Pastor Delany of Salem Bible Church explains that "The gentle pressure of a tongue, over time … can bring about … the breaking of a bone … It can be just as effective as a harsher approach--like a saw, a knife, or a hammer."
He goes on to say that in the above verse, "Solomon is really getting at the use of the tongue in speech and communication … The proverb is designed to demonstrate the power of soft and gentle words as opposed to harsh and abrasive words."
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The commentary ends with this:
"6. Of course, we should keep in mind that this is a proverb. It is a truth crystallized [or made clear]. It is a generalization that was never intended to cover every possible situation.
"a. Soft, gentle persuasion is not always effective. Some people are hardened in their ways and no amount of persuasion will convince them [to do otherwise].
"b. And then there are situations with serious time constraints [i.e., limitations of time allowed to do something]. You may not have time for 'long forbearance' and may have to use harsher methods.
"c. But generally, soft, gentle persuasion is much more powerful and effective than we might think.
"d. In most situations, the gentle and patient approach is the best.
"e. We have an American proverb that is similar: 'You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar' or 'A spoonful of honey will catch more flies than a gallon of vinegar.' It is attributed [credited] to Ben Franklin.
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Proverbs 24:19-20: "Fret not thyself because of[or 'don't be angry and worried about']evil men[or women or children], neither be thou [and don't be] envious at [or jealous of] the wicked [ones][especially regarding their prosperity (money, riches) and success]; For[because] there shall be no reward to [or for] the evil man [or person]; the candle[or light, representing the life]of the wicked['man']shall be put out[meaning that person will eventually die and can't take anything with him (or her)]."
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Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church did a Bible study on today's verses. In it, he says:
"There is always the danger that we as believers [Christians] will allow the evil men in the world to get us worked up into a frenzy [a feeling or state of agitation or hysteria] and to go overboard in our reaction to them. … That seems to be the warning here."
He adds:
"4. Instead of fretting over evil men and their deeds [actions--things that they say and do] in the world, we should instead view it as Divine Providence [i.e., God's intervention in world affairs].
"a. It is what God has allowed to be."
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The commentary ends with this:
"C. What Our Attitude SHOULD Be [concerning evil people]
"1. [King] David wrote a poem on this theme [subject]. (Psalms 37)
"a. Vs. 1-2 [Psalm 37:1-2] -- [King] Solomon warns us not to fret, worry, or be angry over the place, power, position, prestige [status, reputation], or property of the wicked.
"b. He [Solomon] gives us good reason NOT to fret or envy too: their [the evil people's] day is coming!
"c. Only David took his thoughts beyond where Solomon leaves us.
"d. David adds what our attitude SHOULD be towards the wicked [people] in the world.
"2. The proper attitude: (Ps. 37)
"a. Vs. 3 -- [Psalm 37:3] Instead of worry, TRUST [in the Lord].
"b. Vs. 4 -- [Psalm 37:4] Instead of envying what they [the evil people] have[,] DELIGHT in the Lord.
"c. Vs. 5 -- [Psalm 37:5] Instead of seeking to gain what they [the evil people] have, COMMIT your way unto the Lord and let Him bring it all to pass.
"d. Vs. 7 -- [Psalm 37:7] Instead of fretting[,] REST in the Lord and wait patiently for Him.
"e. Vs. 8 -- [Psalm 37:8] Instead of getting angry, CEASE from anger [or 'stop being angry']."
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In the temple at Jerusalem, Jesus (who, in John 10:11, called himself the "good shepherd") told the Jews:
John 10:27-28: "My sheep[i.e., people who have been born again according to the Bible]hear my voice[meaning they hear and obey his commandments], and I [Jesus] know them [the 'sheep'], and they follow me[referring to his leadership or guidance]: And I[Jesus]give unto them eternal life[in heaven]; and they[the 'sheep,' or born-again Christians]shall never perish[or be destroyed, or be sent to hell], neither shall any man [or anyone--people or devils] pluck [snatch, take] them out of my hand [or 'remove them from my protection']."
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If you are born again, the above verse also applies to you.
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GotQuestions.org has an article that relates to today's verses. It's entitled does it mean that 'my sheep hear my voice' (John 10:27)?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/my-sheep-hear-my-voice.html.
If you want to be born again (or saved) but don't know what to do, please read one or more of the gospel tracts in the "Printable Gospel Tracts" section of my website. Here's the direct link to that page: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.
JANUARY 21
Proverbs 21:1: "The king's[or other type of leader's] [mind and]heart[referring to 'the king's' thoughts and emotions; i.e., everything that a ruler or leader (man or woman) thinks and does, both good and bad,]is in the hand of[or 'is guided, controlled, or directed by']the LORD, as [just like] the rivers of water [which can be forced to flow in different directions (by means of a dam, for example)]: he[God]turneth[turns]it['the king's heart']whithersoever he will[or 'wherever he wants it to go']."
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Salem Bible Church has a good commentary on the above verse.
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In the introduction to the commentary, Pastor Jim Delany tells how the things that kings do can affect an entire country. For example, a king can turn his nation back to God, lead his country into idolatry (i.e., cause them to worship idols), change the course of world history, and make changes that affect his people's freedom, finances, and culture.
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However, in Section 1a of the commentary, we are reminded that "… while there is much potential for good or evil in the heart of a king… and while it is true that a king is sovereign [a supreme ruler] over his land and people… there is someone much higher than he [the king; i.e.]: Jehovah God!"
Pastor Delany goes on to explain that God controls the thoughts, intentions (motives), plans, purposes, programs, and goals of kings. He also controls the thoughts and deeds (actions) of people. Consequently, "God providentially orchestrates [arranges] events and circumstances such that the thoughts, desires, intentions, and plans in a man's heart are ABLE to come to fruition… able to materialize into actual deeds."
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In Section 1b, paragraph 3c, of his commentary, the pastor says: "Thus, without violating their own free will, God works sovereignly [with unlimited power and authority] and providentially [miraculously] in the background in such a way that guarantees that as the king chooses of his own free will, the choice he makes is the exact choice necessary for God's own plan and purposes to come to pass."
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The commentary lists some of the leaders who were used to achieve (bring about, accomplish) God's purposes. They include:
-- The king of Assyria and his armies, by whom God inflicted judgment upon the sinful people of Israel (Isaiah 10:6).
-- Pharaoh, through whom God brought judgment upon Egypt and redemption for Israel (Exodus 10:1-2).
-- Cyrus the Great, king of Persia, who allowed the Jews to return to Israel after 70 years of captivity. (See article entitled "Who was Cyrus in the Bible?" https://www.gotquestions.org/Cyrus-Bible.html.)
-- Artaxerxes, through whom God allowed Nehemiah to go to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls (Nehemiah 2:1-8).
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At the end of the commentary, Pastor Delany states these facts:
"7. God providentially and sovereignly controls the movements of American presidents too.
"a. He turns their hearts and allows them to make 'choices' which God incorporates into His eternal plan for the ages."
"d. We don't have to worry that world events are swirling out of control. They are in perfect control… all being orchestrated to fulfill God's will…"
"f. The king has the power to think thoughts, make plans, and execute those plans at will… and change the lives of thousands [of people]… and change the direction of his country. He can even change the direction of world history!"
"h. But God holds that king's heart in His hand… and can turn it at will. God can turn the thoughts [of the king]… the intentions of his heart… and change his plans… and thus his actions in order to bring GOD'S will to pass."
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Proverbs 19:6: "Many[people]will entreat[seek]the favour[favor]of the prince[or other type of leader]: and every man[or woman or child]is a friend to him[or her]that giveth[gives]gifts."
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In his commentary on Proverbs 19:6, Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church says that "some 'friends' are friends because of what they can get out of the friendship." Here is an excerpt from that section of the commentary:
"e. Of course, there is great advantage in being a friend to the king… or a generous noble man [a man of high social rank].
"• He has power and clout [influence,][especially in politics or business].
"• He can do many things for you.
"• He can cut some good business deals for you.
"• He can give you an advantage over the competition.
"• He can bring you up to the front of the line.
"• He can grant you waivers… privileges…
"• He can also take out vengeance [revenge] on your enemies…
"• [King] Solomon [the author of Proverbs] was well aware of the fact that MANY people who came seeking his favor [were] doing so with selfish intentions… sometimes even evil intentions…
"• MANY [people] were out to take advantage of his generosity.
"• They would present themselves as weak, downtrodden [oppressed or treated badly], underprivileged [poor or disadvantaged], mistreated, unfairly punished, etc… in hopes that Solomon would be so moved by their story that he would bestow some great act of kindness on [or give a gift to] them--cash preferably!"
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A little farther down in the commentary, Pastor Delany says:
"a. Being a friend for what you can GET from the relationship is no friendship at all.
"b. This is the opposite of the Biblical concept of love.
"c. It is a sad and ugly side of human nature.
"d. The saddest thing is that MANY [people] do it! It is very common."
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Regarding today's verse, one Bible commentator said:
"Often the reason the rich [people] have many friends is that these 'friends' hope to gain personally from their [the rich people's] wealth or influence …"
"… How those [people] that are rich and great [in power, or 'rich and powerful'] are courted [paid special attention to] and caressed [treated with fondness, affection, or kindness], and have suitors [admirers] and servants in abundance [large amounts]. The prince that has power in his hand, and preferments [the ability to promote people] at his disposal, has his gate and his ante-chamber [waiting room] thronged [packed, filled] with petitioners [people asking for favors], that are ready to adore [worship] him for what they can get. …"
Proverbs 18:10: "The name of the LORD[referring to (or representing) God, who, due to his nature (characteristics) and reputation]is a strong tower[a refuge, or shelter]: the righteous[person--who has trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as his or her personal Savior and is a born-again Christian]runneth[runs]into it[the tower, or 'runs to God'][for protection], and is safe."
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Salem Bible Church has a Bible study on this verse. Here is an excerpt from paragraph 6, near the end of the commentary:
"a. There is a tendency in our fallen [or 'sin'] nature [which we inherited from Adam and Eve, after they sinned in the Garden of Eden] to rely on SELF [or 'ourselves'] when an emergency strikes… when calamity [a disastrous event] comes our way.
"b. There is a tendency to rely on men… on chariots… on the ways of the world…
"c. There is a tendency to run AWAY from God and His word [as recorded in the Bible] in times of great need.
"• When a marriage is on the brinks [or 'rocks,' meaning the marriage is starting to fall apart], some [people] run to the psychologist… the 'experts' and seek ungodly counsel [advice].
"• When the doctor gives us some awful news, some [people] put their confidence [trust] in men… in doctors… in unsaved [non-Christian] family members… and run anywhere BUT [to] the Lord!
"• Others turn to pills and alcohol when trials and trouble strike.
"• Some men run to their wealth [riches, money] for safety… in hopes of buying their way out of trouble. [Proverbs 18:11] "• The strong towers men build sometimes offer a sense of safety and security…
"• But sometimes, they [the 'strong towers' that men build] prove to be no protection at all.
"d. But for the RIGHTEOUS [people]… those who [are born again, or saved, and] do things RIGHT before God… they run to the name of the Lord.
"• That is their strong tower.
"• This tower always provides safety and security.
"• Nothing can harm us when we cast [throw] ourselves upon [or 'submit ourselves to'] the Lord…
"• Nothing can harm us when we are dwelling [abiding, living] with [Jesus] Christ[,] and our lives are hidden away with Him in heaven…
"• Nothing can get to us unless it is God's will for our good and our spiritual growth."
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When asked who was the greatest person in heaven (Matthew 18:1), Jesus told a young child to come over and stand or sit in the middle of the group of people who were around him (Matthew 18:2). Then, comparing Christians to innocent little children, Jesus said:
Matthew 18:6: "But whoso[whoever]shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me[referring to born-again Christians, and meaning that for the person who harms Christians in any way or causes them to stumble and sin, be misled, lose hope, etc.], it were[would be]better for him [or her--the person doing the harm]that a millstone[one of a pair of large, heavy, circular (round) stones used for grinding grain]were hanged about[or hung around]his[or her]neck, and that he[or she--the person doing the harm]were drowned in the depth [deepness] of the sea."
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Regarding the last part of the verse, Albert Barnes said:
"… It were better for him that a millstone … Mills, anciently [in ancient times, or long ago], were either turned by hand … or by beasts [animals], chiefly by mules. These last [mentioned; i.e., mules] were of the larger kind, and the original words denote [indicate] that it was this kind that was intended. This was one mode [form] of capital punishment practiced by the Greeks, Syrians, Romans, and by some other nations. The meaning is, it would be better for him [the guilty person] to have died before he had committed the sin. To injure, or to cause to sin, the feeblest [weakest] Christian [e.g., someone who has limited faith], will be regarded by [Jesus] Christ as a most serious offence [crime], and will be punished accordingly."
Proverbs 16:7: "When a man's[or woman's or child's]ways[of life]please the LORD, he[God]maketh[makes] even his [or her, or 'that person's']enemies to be at peace with him[or her]."
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In his commentary on the above verse, Pastor Delany of Salem Bible Church said:
"In a roundabout way, [King] Solomon is teaching in this passage [or 'Bible verse'] that much of the turmoil [disturbance, confusion, uncertainty] we have to endure in life is self-inflicted [caused by our own actions]!" ____________________
The commentary gives examples of how the things that we say and do can affect how our enemies (and God!) will react. Things that people do that are NOT pleasing to the Lord include lying, stealing, adultery, and gossip. Some things that ARE pleasing to the Lord are a worthy walk [a way of life that honors God], children obeying their parents, a life of praise and thanksgiving, giving, and honesty.
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Regarding God being able to make our enemies to be at peace with us, Pastor Delany wrote:
"3. We would do well to realize that even our enemies are in the hands of the Lord…
"a. God raises up friends in a time of need; and He is able to turn enemies into friends.
"b. The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. (Prov. 21:1)
"c. Whether our enemy is the king or anyone else… God is sovereign [the most powerful ruler], omniscient [all-seeing and all-knowing], and omnipotent [able to do anything].
"d. God can change their [our enemies'] minds…
"e. God can reverse circumstances…
"f. He can cause enemies to exert their energies elsewhere…
"g. He can force them [our enemies] into submission…
"h. He can cause them [our enemies] to run away with their tails between their legs [or 'to leave, feeling defeated or ashamed'].
"i. He [God] can slay [kill] them [our enemies] if He so chooses…
"j. God is plenty ABLE to handle all of our enemies…
"k. Even the Goliaths [unusually strong, courageous people, like the giant Philistine warrior that young David killed in the Bible] we face which cause us to tremble [involuntarily shake with fear], are nothing to the Lord.
"l. And God delights in giving peace to those whose ways please Him."
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Proverbs 14:4: "Where no oxen[cattle]are, the crib[or manger or feeding trough--where the oxen feed, or eat]is clean[empty]: but much increase is [or comes] by the strength of the ox."
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In other words, it takes money, time, and effort to have oxen (i.e., to purchase the animals, buy their food, clean their stalls, feed them, etc.), but the benefits are great (i.e., faster plowing, more crops, increased profit, etc.).That is true in other aspects (parts) of our lives, too. If we want to succeed, we often must be willing to take the "bad" with the "good."
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Salem Bible Church has a commentary on this verse, which (as usual) contains many examples of the subject being discussed. Applications for this verse include: young people going to college, homemakers baking pies from scratch, factory owners buying newer and more efficient equipment, and small-business owners paying for advertising.
Toward the end of the commentary, Pastor Delany says, "In every area of life--the strength of the ox is by FAR worth the extra expense and effort [work] required to maintain the ox. … This is especially so in our spiritual lives." Then he also lists some spiritual applications.
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Here is some interesting information about oxen from Adam Clarke:
"… The ox is the most profitable of all the beasts [animals] used in husbandry [farming]. Except merely for speed, he [the ox] is almost in every respect superior to the horse.
"1. He is longer lived.
"• [He is] Scarcely liable to [or 'not likely to catch'] any diseases.
"• He is steady, and always pulls fair in his gears [or 'always does his fair share' or 'pulls his own weight'].
"• He lives, fattens, and maintains his strength on what a horse will not eat, and therefore is supported on one third the cost [of the horse].
"• His manure[feces, droppings, excrement] is more profitable [than that of a horse]. And,
"• When he is worn out in his labor his flesh is good for the nourishment of man [i.e., for human beings to eat], his horns[are] of great utility, and his hide[is] almost invaluable [priceless].
"It might be added, he [the ox] is little or no expense in shoeing, [i.e., putting shoes on his hooves, similar to putting horseshoes on a horse] and his gears are much more simple, and much less expensive, than those of the horse. In all large farms oxen are greatly to be preferred to horses. Have but [or 'have a little] patience with this most patient animal, and you will soon find that there is much increase by the strength and labor of the ox."
Genesis 12:1: "Now the LORD [God] had said unto Abram [or Abraham, as he was later renamed by God--see note below*], Get thee [you] out of thy [your] country [the land where you were born, which was Ur of the Chaldees in Mesopotamia], and [away] from thy kindred [relatives], and from thy father's house [household, or 'away from the family of your father, Terah'], unto a land [called Canaan] that I will shew thee [show you]:"
Genesis 12:2: "And I[God]will make of thee[or 'from you' (Abram)]a great nation[i.e., Israel], and I will bless thee, and make thy name great [important, special, well-known]; and thou shalt [you shall] be a blessing [to many people throughout the world]:"
Genesis 12:3: "And I[God]will bless them[the people]that bless thee[you (Abram) and your descendants, referring to the nation of Israel], and[I (God) will]curse him[or them]that curseth[curses (or curse)]thee[you (Abram) and the nation of Israel]: and in thee [or from you (Abram) and your offspring (i.e., the Jewish people) will come the Lord Jesus Christ (Son of God, Messiah, and Savior), and through his death, burial, and resurrection] shall all families of the earth be blessed [because they will then, through faith, have access to God's free gift of eternal life]."
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*The article entitled "Why did God sometimes change a person's name in the Bible?" explains why Abram's name was changed. If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/name-change.html.
Matthew 18:21: "Then came [the apostle] Peter to him [Jesus], and said, Lord, how oft[often]shall my brother[or sister, or any other person]sin against me, and I[should]forgive him[or her]? till [until] seven times?"
Matthew 18:22: "Jesus saith[says]unto him[Peter], I say not unto thee [you], Until seven times [i.e., 7 × 7 = 49]: but, Until seventy times seven[i.e., 70 × 7 = 490, by which Jesus meant an unlimited amount]."
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Albert Barnes has a good commentary on Matthew 18:22. Here's what it says:
"Till seven times? - The Jews caught [taught?] that a man was to forgive another [person] three times, but not the fourth. Peter more than doubled this [amount], and asked whether forgiveness was to be exercised to so great an extent.
"I say not unto thee, Until seven times, but, Until seventy times seven - The meaning is, that we are not to limit our forgiveness to any fixed number of times … As often as a brother injures [hurts] us and asks [for] forgiveness, we are to forgive him. It is, indeed, his [the 'brother's'] duty to ask [for] forgiveness, Luke 17:4. If he does this, it is our duty to declare [state clearly, and perhaps publicly] that we forgive him, and to treat him accordingly. If he does not ask us to forgive him, yet we are not at liberty [or 'free,'or permitted] to follow him with revenge and malice [hatred], but are still to treat him kindly and to do him good …"
GotQuestions.org has an article related to today's verses. It's called "What did Jesus mean when He said that we should forgive others seventy times seven?" and can be found here: https://www.gotquestions.org/seventy-times-seven.html.
JANUARY 10
The following prayer to God was probably written by King David:
Psalm 119:11: "Thy[your][written]word[O God]have I[David]hid[hidden]in mine[my]heart[meaning King David was in the habit of memorizing verses in the Bible, which is referred to as God's word], [so]that I might not sin against thee[you]."
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"How can I have God's Word hidden in my heart (Psalm 119:11)?" explains why we should hide God's word in our hearts, and it offers suggestions on how to do that. They are listed under the following headings: Read, Listen, Write, Talk About, Study, and Meditate. If you want to read the article, click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/Word-God-hidden-in-my-heart.html.
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Jesus quoted scripture when he was tempted by the devil in the wilderness. (See "What was the meaning and purposes of Jesus' temptations," https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-temptations.html, for details.)
By memorizing Bible verses, we learn what we should and should not do, and we can follow Jesus' example of dealing with Satan (the devil) whenever we are faced with temptation in our daily lives.
JANUARY 9
In a letter to the Christian church at Corinth, the apostle Paul wrote:
1 Corinthians 10:32: "Give none offence[don't say or do anything that might prevent others from being saved or that could hinder (impede, delay, slow down) their Christian growth and/or lead them to sin], neither to the Jews[i.e., the unbelieving Jewish people], nor to the Gentiles[the unconverted (unsaved) non-Jewish people], nor to the church of God[which includes all born-again Christians]:"
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In other words, we should always try to not offend anyone (no matter what their race or religion may be) through our words and actions.
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Regarding the apostle Paul's advice, in the above verse, to "Give none offense," Dr. Thomas Constable said:
"Giving no offense means putting no obstacle [stumbling block] in the path of a person[,] be he [or she] Jew … or Gentile … so that he [or she] might come to faith in [Jesus] Christ. If he [or she] is already a believer [i.e., a born-again Christian], it means putting nothing in his [or her] way that would hinder his [or her] growth in Christ … It is not a matter of simply 'hurting someone's feelings …'"
1 Corinthians 10:32: "Give none offence[don't say or do anything that might prevent others from being saved or that could hinder (impede, delay, slow down) their Christian growth and/or lead them to sin], neither to the Jews[i.e., the unbelieving Jewish people], nor to the Gentiles[the unconverted (unsaved) non-Jewish people], nor to the church of God[which includes all born-again Christians]:"
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In other words, we should always try to not offend anyone (no matter what their race or religion may be) through our words and actions.
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Regarding the apostle Paul's advice, in the above verse, to "Give none offense," Dr. Thomas Constable said:
"Giving no offense means putting no obstacle [stumbling block] in the path of a person[,] be he [or she] Jew … or Gentile … so that he [or she] might come to faith in [Jesus] Christ. If he [or she] is already a believer [i.e., a born-again Christian], it means putting nothing in his [or her] way that would hinder his [or her] growth in Christ … It is not a matter of simply 'hurting someone's feelings …'"
In the Bible, this is part of a song of praise to God:
Isaiah 26:3: "Thou[you, God]wilt[will]keep him[or her]in perfect peace, [referring to the person]whose mind is stayed[fixed, focused]on thee[you]: because he [or she] trusteth [trusts] in thee [you]."
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According to Albert Barnes:
"… the mind that has confidence in God shall not be agitated [troubled, disturbed] by the trials [troubles, tests of faith] to which it shall be subject [or forced to experience]; [for example,] by persecution [harassment, mistreatment], poverty [being poor, having no money], sickness [illness], want [being needy, lacking basic necessities], or bereavement [feeling sad or lonely when we lose someone important to us (through death, divorce, etc.)] …"
GotQuestions.org has an article related to today's verse. It's entitled "What does it mean that God will 'keep in perfect peace' in Isaiah 26:3?" and can be found here: https://www.gotquestions.org/keep-in-perfect-peace.html.
JANUARY 7
Need Forgiveness? Ask God!
1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins[to God through prayer], he[God]is faithful and just[morally right and fair, meaning he keeps his promise]to forgive us[of]our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness [by purifying our hearts and removing the guilt]."
1 John 1:10: "If we say that we have not sinned [see note below*], we make him [God] a liar, and his word [i.e., his truth--the fact that we are all born with a sin nature (inherited from Adam and Eve--see note below**) and need a Savior] is not in us [and, consequently, we are not true Christians]."
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God has promised to forgive our sins. All we need to do is ask.
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Your first prayer should be to admit that you're a sinner and to ask Jesus to come into your heart and save you from hell. You only have to do this once. After that, you should get in the habit of asking for God's forgiveness on an ongoing or daily basis--whenever you realize that you've done something wrong.
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*In response to the apostle John's statement in 1 John 1:10 that "If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar," James Burton Coffman wrote the following:
"… God gave his only begotten Son [Jesus] upon the cross [so] that man [mankind, all human beings] might be saved from sin, a salvation that was impossible for any man [or woman or child] apart from God's redeeming act. If man had not been sinful and utterly helpless to achieve salvation for himself, all of the heavenly outpouring of God's merciful visitation in the person of his Son [Jesus] was unnecessary; the crucifixion was a useless murder; and every promise of the gospel is essentially a lie …"
To the elders of (or leaders in) the church at Ephesus, the apostle Paul said:
Acts 20:35: "I [Paul] have shewed [shown] you [by instruction and example, regarding] all things, how that [by] so labouring [laboring, or ministering to the needs of others, as I have done] ye [you] ought to support [help] the weak [members of your congregation--those who are old, sick, poor and needy, etc.][with prayer, money, assistance, etc.], and [for encouragement] to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give[to others]than to receive[from others][because, when giving is done willingly and 'from the heart' (with kindness and for the right reasons), the giver ends up being more blessed, or happier, than does the receiver]."
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Here's a good illustration of the meaning of "It is more blessed to give than to receive":
"… Little Robert Manly thought a great deal about pleasing himself, and this is not at all the best way to be happy. One day a poor woman came to Robert's mother to beg a little new milk for her sick baby. Mrs. Manly had none to spare, except what she had saved for her [son] Robert's supper; and at supper time his mother told him [Robert] how she had given away his milk for the poor sick baby. Robert didn't like this at all, and kept muttering [grumbling, complaining] about the milk being his, and nobody else having any right to it. The next day Robert was taken to see this poor family, and it made him shiver to look round [or around] on that cheerless home. The poor woman thanked Mrs. Manly over and over again for the new milk. 'It kept the baby still [not moving, quiet] all night,' she said. As they walked home, Robert did not say a word [to his mother], though he was generally very talkative. At supper time his bowl of milk was set by his plate, but in a few minutes he went to his mother's side and said in a whisper, 'Mother, may I take my milk to the poor sick baby?' 'Yes, my son,' said his mother. By and by [eventually,] he came bounding [hopping, bouncing, skipping] into the room covered over with snowflakes, and shouting cheerfully, 'Mother, the baby's got the milk. Her mother said, "God bless you, my child!" and, mother, my milk tastes very good tonight (smacking his lips); I mean my no milk.' Yes, little Robert was proving the truth of our Saviour's [i.e., Jesus'] words …"
Among Other Things, Steady Faith is Required for Answered Prayer
The apostle James wrote this in a letter to the twelve tribes of Israel (specifically, Jewish Christians), but what he says also applies to all born-again Christians.
James 1:5: "[Regarding guidance needed, both in general and for specific trials and temptations,]If any of you lack[don't have the needed]wisdom, let him[or her][through prayer]ask[for it]of God, that [or 'who,' referring to God] giveth [gives][it] to all men [and women and children] liberally [in large amounts, meaning he generously gives wisdom to everyone who asks for it], and [who] upbraideth not [does not upbraid (find fault with, criticize, or scold) those people for asking]; and it[i.e., wisdom]shall be given[to]him[or her]."
James 1:6-7: "But let him[or her--in this case, the person seeking wisdom]ask in faith, nothing wavering[i.e., without hesitation or doubt]. For he [or she] that wavereth [wavers][between belief and unbelief, or goes back and forth between two opinions or courses of action and has trouble making decisions] is like a wave of the sea [that is] driven with the wind and tossed [about, meaning the person is agitated (stirred up) and restless like the ocean]. For let not that man [or woman or child] think that he [or she] shall receive any thing of [from] the Lord."
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According to the Bible, these are some of the requirements for answered prayer. You must:
-- Be born again, or saved (per John 9:31)
-- Obey God's commandments and do things that are pleasing in God's sight (per 1 John 3:22).
-- Not have unconfessed sins in your life (per 1 John 1:9).
-- Pray to God in faith (per James 1:6-7).
-- Pray in accordance with God's will (per 1 John 5:14-15).
To the people of Israel, God's prophet Samuel said:
1 Samuel 12:23: "Moreover as for me [Samuel], God forbid[i.e., let it not be]that I should sin against the LORD [God]in ceasing to pray[or by no longer praying]for you[Israel]: but I will teach you the good [things to do] and the right way [to go, or the right path to take or follow, in life]:"
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Christians should follow Samuel's example and pray for other people on an ongoing basis. This includes our family members, relatives, and friends; other Christians (those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation); and people not only in our country but also in Israel and other nations throughout the world.
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Concerning intercessory prayer [i.e., praying on behalf of others], Charles Spurgeon said:
"… After praying for your friends, do try as well as you can to answer your own prayer by using the means which God ordinarily blesses. Some persons make idle [thoughtless, meaningless] prayers, for they use no effort for obtaining their requests. If a husbandman [farmer] asks for a harvest, he also ploughs [plows] and sows [plants seeds], for else [or 'otherwise'] his supplications [prayer requests] would be hypocritical [false, insincere]. If we wish to see our neighbours [neighbors] converted [saved, born again], we shall labour [labor, work] for it in all ways. A man who wishes to shoot birds will, after a while, become expert in the sport [of hunting], because he will give his mind to it: he will after a little practice become a noted marksman [or 'a person skilled in shooting'] and know all about guns and dogs. A man who wants to catch salmon has his heart set upon his angling [fishing], and becomes absorbed in the pursuit [of it, or 'totally involved in that activity']. He soon learns how to use his [fishing] rod and how to manage his fish. So he [or she] who longs to win souls, and puts his [or her] heart into it [soul-winning, meaning he (or she) makes an effort to win souls], finds out the knack [skill] of [doing] it by some means, and the Lord gives him [or her] success. There is a power in your [spiritual] gifts [i.e., God-given talents that you can use to serve others and glorify God]; there is a power in your speech; use these powers …"
About his prophetic vision of future events (i.e., those that will occur after the "resurrection of the dead" and judgment day, according to the Bible), the apostle John wrote this:
Revelation 21:1: "And I[John]saw a new heaven and a new earth: for [because] the first heaven [our current universe] and the first earth [the one we live in now] were passed away [changed]; and there was no more sea [see note below*]."
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When Revelation 21:1 was written, John was waiting for the above prophecy to be fulfilled, and many years later, born-again Christians are still waiting. When that time finally comes, what a wonderful day it will be for us!
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In the Old Testament, God promised that there would be no more worldwide floods.
-- In Genesis 9:11, God said to Noah: "And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh [or 'living things'] be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth."
So, the next time that God needs to rid the world of sin (by removing evil people and evil things), he'll have to do it a different way. The Bible says it will be with fire.
-- 2 Peter 3:12,13 says: "Looking for and hasting [hastening] unto [or 'eagerly awaiting'] the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent [intense] heat? Nevertheless we [born-again Christians], according to his [God's] promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness."
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*GotQuestions.org has articles that relate to today's verse. Some of them are as follows:
Note: Many terrifying things will soon happen on this earth, and unless you are a born-again Christian, you will experience them, so why not trust what the Bible says and get saved today?
Basically, if you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and Messiah, that he died on the cross to pay for your sins, and that he was buried and rose again, all you need to do is sincerely ask him (through prayer, either silently or out loud) to come into your heart and save you so you can go to heaven when you die.
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For detailed instructions on the plan of salvation, read one or more of the tracts in the "Printable Gospel Tracts" section of my website. Here's a direct link to that page: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.