JUNE 30
Proverbs 24:17-18: "Rejoice not [don't be joyful] when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad [don't be glad] when he stumbleth: Lest [or] the LORD [will] see it, and it [will] displease him, and he [will] turn away his wrath [anger] from him."
In other words, we shouldn't gloat (be happy) when others suffer, including our enemies. God will take care of any revenge and punishment that is necessary.
Salem Bible Church has an excellent commentary on this verse, including an explanation of the important difference between rejoicing and gloating. If you want to read it, here's the link: www.salembible.org/biblestudies/proverbs_notes/ch24_html/Prov.24.17.htm.
JUNE 29
Romans 12:10-13 - The Apostle Paul's Advice to Christians
Verse 10: "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love [be kind to fellow Christians; treat them like family]; in honour preferring [having mutual respect for] one another;"
Verse 11: "Not slothful [lazy] in business [employment, jobs, whatever we do]; fervent in spirit [having an enthusiastic attitude]; serving the Lord;"
Verse 12: "Rejoicing in hope [of eternal life]; patient in tribulation [during trouble, suffering, hard times]; continuing instant [persevering] in prayer [i.e., praying often];"
Verse 13: "Distributing to the necessity of saints [helping needy Christians]; given to hospitality [the generous and friendly treatment of strangers and guests]."
JUNE 28
Matthew 7:12 [Jesus speaking, in his Sermon on the Mount]: "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would [desire] that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets [Old Testament teaching]."
You may be familiar with the Golden Rule ("Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"), which was taken from this verse.
JUNE 27
Acts 5:1-11 - Ananias and Sapphira
[During the time when many members of the early Christian church willingly shared their possessions with those who were poor]
Verses 1-2: "But a certain man named Ananias, [along] with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession [some land], And kept back [withheld] part of the price [the amount received], his wife also being privy to it [knowing about it], and brought a certain part [of the money], and laid it at the apostles' feet."
Verses 3-4: "But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart [impelled (persuaded) you] to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it [while the land] remained [in your possession], was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power [to keep the money or give it away]? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart [i.e., the plan to pretend that you're giving all of the money to the church]? thou hast not lied unto men [people], but unto God."
Verses 5-6: "And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost [died]: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men arose, wound him up [like a mummy, in grave clothes (linen cloths, many folds of linen)], and carried him out, and buried him."
Verses 7-8: "And it was about the space of three hours after [the death of Ananias], when his wife, not knowing what was done [what had happened to her husband], came in. And Peter answered unto her [said], Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much [i.e., a specific price that he stated]? And she said, Yea [yes], for so much [that amount]."
Verses 9-10: "Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together [with your husband] to tempt the Spirit of the Lord [i.e., the Holy Spirit]? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. Then fell she down straightway [immediately she fell down] at his feet, and yielded up the ghost [died]: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth [away], buried her by her husband."
Verse 11: "And great fear came upon all the [members of the] church, and upon as many [other people] as heard these things."
In his commentary on verse 9, Albert Barnes answers the question of why Ananias and Sapphira were punished in such a severe and awful manner for their sins of deception and hypocrisy. If you want to read it, click on the link (www.godvine.com/bible/acts/5-9) and scroll down to "Barnes' Notes."
JUNE 26
Psalm 19:1: "The heavens [all things in the universe] declare the glory [greatness, majesty, excellence] of God; and the firmament [the sky above us, containing the sun, moon, and stars] sheweth [shows] his handywork [what he has made]."
JUNE 25
Psalm 145:2 [King David's prayer to God]: "Every day will I bless thee [worship and thank you]; and I will praise thy name [I will praise you] for ever and ever."
JUNE 24
2 Timothy 3:12 [the apostle Paul's advice to Timothy]: "Yea [yes], and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus [i.e., born-again Christians who obey the Bible] shall suffer persecution [can expect to be treated unfairly or unkindly by others due to their religious beliefs]."
JUNE 23
Proverbs 3:7-8: "Be not wise in thine own eyes [don't be a know-it-all (someone who is overly confident in himself)]: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health [healing] to thy navel, and marrow [strength] to thy bones."
In other words, if you want to be healthy--physically, mentally, and spiritually--don't do bad things.
Salem Bible Church has a good commentary on these verses. If you want to read it, here's the link: www.salembible.org/biblestudies/proverbs_notes/ch3_html/Prov.3.7.htm.
JUNE 22
Proverbs 29:1: "He, that being often reproved [corrected, disciplined] hardeneth his neck [becomes stubborn and obstinate and refuses to heed (pay attention to) the warnings], shall suddenly be destroyed [through loss of life, health, well-being, etc.], and that without remedy [relief, cure]."
According to Pastor Delany of Salem Bible Church, this verse explains what happens to disobedient and rebellious people in general and also to Christians who ignore the Holy Spirit's guidance.
If you want to read his commentary, here's the link: www.salembible.org/biblestudies/proverbs_notes/ch29_html/Prov.29.1.htm.
JUNE 21
Philippians 4:19 [the apostle Paul, in a letter to the Christians in Philippi, regarding the gifts they had sent to him in his time of need]: "But [even though I can't repay you for your kindness, I know that] my God shall supply all your need [everything you need, not necessarily everything you want] according to his riches in glory [i.e., an unlimited supply] by [through] Christ Jesus."
JUNE 20
Proverbs 30:5: "Every word of God [as recorded in the Bible] is pure [true, uncorrupted, without error]: he [God] is a shield [protector, defender] unto them that [of those who] put their trust in him [rather than relying on their own resources]."
According to Pastor Delany of Salem Bible Church, "This proverb speaks of the purity of the Word of God and of the security of those who trust in God."
Since there are two different but related thoughts in the above verse, Pastor Delany has written a separate commentary for each one. If you want to read one or both of them, here are the links:
-- www.salembible.org/biblestudies/proverbs_notes/ch30_html/Prov.30.5a.htm
-- www.salembible.org/biblestudies/proverbs_notes/ch30_html/Prov.30.5b.htm
In addition to explaining how God acts as a shield in our spiritual battles, the Proverbs 30.5b commentary has interesting information on shields and bucklers.
JUNE 19
Proverbs 17:6: "Children's children [grandchildren] are the crown [symbol of honor and glory] of old men [i.e., they are something to glory in or rejoice over]; and the glory of children [i.e., the reason for their delight] are their fathers."
In a perfect world, we could all be proud of our families and our heritage.
For a more detailed explanation of the above verse, click here: www.salembible.org/biblestudies/proverbs_notes/ch17_html/Prov.17.6.htm.
If you're a dad, I want to wish you
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!
JUNE 18
Proverbs 26:27: "Whoso[ever] diggeth a pit [to capture animals and perhaps even people] shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone [for example, up a hill], it will return upon him."
In other words, those who try to do bad things to others may get caught in their own trap.
If you enjoy reading Pastor Delany's commentaries on Proverbs, here's the link for this verse: www.salembible.org/biblestudies/proverbs_notes/ch26_html/Prov.26.27.htm.
JUNE 17
Romans 13:13 [the apostle Paul's advice to the Christians in Rome]: "Let us walk [live] honestly [decently], as [we usually do] in the day[time] [i.e., when our actions can easily be seen by others]; not in rioting and drunkenness [feasts and drinking parties, similar to Bible times], not in chambering [sexual immorality] and wantonness [offensive sexual behavior], not in strife [arguments] and envying [jealousy]."
JUNE 16
Psalm 37:21: "The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again [i.e., wicked people don't repay their debts, either intentionally or because they have no money and are unable to do so]: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth [food, money, assistance, etc.] [to others]."
JUNE 15
Proverbs 16:18: "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit [an arrogant, conceited, stuck-up attitude] [goes] before a fall [calamity, disaster]."
Salem Bible Church has an excellent commentary on this verse, including many examples of pride. If you want to read it, here's the link: www.salembible.org/biblestudies/proverbs_notes/ch16_html/Prov.16.18.htm.
JUNE 10-14
Due to illness, I was unable to post new verses to my website for several days. I'm really sorry.
JUNE 9
Hebrews 11:6: "But without faith it is impossible to please him [God]: for he that cometh to God [in prayer] must believe that he is [real] [i.e., that he exists], and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently [earnestly, sincerely] seek him."
JUNE 8
1 Samuel 2:7: "The LORD maketh [some people] poor, and maketh [some people] rich: he bringeth low [humbles] [those who are full of pride] [i.e., allows them to be humiliated (feel ashamed or stupid)], and lifteth up [gives grace and honor to] [those who are humble]."
JUNE 7
Psalm 62:10: "Trust not in oppression [don't trust in riches gained by an unjust or excessive exercise of power; see examples below*], and become not vain in robbery [don't depend on cheating and robbery for what is needed in life; see examples below**]: if riches increase [honestly and lawfully--without your having oppressed or robbed anyone], set not your heart [affections] upon them [i.e., don't depend on (idolize, worship) your money and think it's all you need … you also need God]."
*Examples of those who oppress others: Conquerors, tyrants (dictators), slave owners
**Examples of those who commit robbery: Conquerors, thieves, companies that withhold wages from laborers, anyone who cheats in business
(Source: www.godvine.com/bible/psalms/62-10, "Barnes' Notes")
JUNE 6
Proverbs 22:9: "He that hath a bountiful eye [a generous person--someone who is always watching out for the well being of others] shall be blessed [by God and man]; for he giveth of his bread to [shares his food and other necessities of life with] the poor."
Salem Bible Church has an excellent commentary on this verse, especially under the bold heading "Shall Be Blessed" (about halfway down the page). In paragraphs 4 and 5 of that section, Pastor Delany tells how people sometimes make incorrect assumptions about the scriptures or twist them to their own advantage. He gives examples of what he calls the "faith principle" (having the wrong motive for giving; i.e., "Giving in order to GET") from books by K.H. Caldwell, Kenneth Hagin, Kenneth Copeland, and Joel Osteen.
If you want to read the commentary, here's the link: www.salembible.org/biblestudies/proverbs_notes/ch22_html/Prov.22.9.htm.
JUNE 5
Romans 8:1 [the apostle Paul, referring to what he said in the preceding chapter]: "There is therefore now no condemnation [punishment in hell for sin] to them which are in Christ Jesus [i.e., born-again Christians], who walk [live their lives] not after the flesh, but after the Spirit [of God] [i.e., as the Holy Spirit leads or prompts] [see examples of 'works of the flesh' and 'fruit of the spirit' in the note below*]."
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*In Galatians 5:19-24, Paul says:
-- Verses 19-21: "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God."
-- Verses 22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
-- Verse 24: "And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts."
JUNE 4
Matthew 5:23-24 [Jesus, speaking to his disciples during the Sermon on the Mount]:
Verse 23: "Therefore if thou bring thy gift [sacrifice (during Bible times) or offering] to the altar, and [while] there [you] rememberest [remember] that thy brother [someone, especially a fellow worshiper] hath ought [something] against thee [you] [i.e., has been offended or hurt by you in any way];"
Verse 24: "Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to [apologize to or make up with] thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift [to God] [see note below*]."
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*Albert Barnes has an excellent explanation for verse 24 in his commentary on Matthew 5:
"First be reconciled - This means to settle the difficulty; to make proper acknowledgment or satisfaction for the injury. If you have wronged him, make restitution. If you owe him a debt which ought to be paid, pay it. If you have injured his character, confess it and seek pardon. If he is under an erroneous impression, if your conduct has been such as to lead him to suspect that you have injured him, make an explanation. Do all in your power; and all you ought to do, to have the matter settled. From this we learn:
"1. That, in order to worship God acceptably, we must do justice to our fellow-men.
"2. Our worship will not be acceptable unless we do all we can to live peaceably with others.
"3. It is our duty to seek reconciliation with others when we have injured them.
"4. This should be done before we attempt to worship God.
"5. This is often the reason why God does not accept our offerings, and we go empty away from our devotions. We do not do what we ought to others; we cherish improper feelings or refuse to make proper acknowledgments, and God will not accept such attempts to worship him."
(Source: www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/matthew-5.html, "Verse 23-24")
JUNE 3
Proverbs 19:23: "The fear of the LORD [having honor, respect, and love for God] tendeth to life [results in God protecting us and prolonging our life on earth]: and he that hath it [a God-fearing attitude] shall abide [remain, continue to be] satisfied [pleased, content] [with his life]; he shall not be visited with evil [by God] [i.e., will not be punished or judged by God].
Salem Bible Church has an excellent commentary on this verse, especially the last part about not being visited with evil. If you want to read it, here's the link: www.salembible.org/biblestudies/proverbs_notes/ch19_html/Prov.19.23.htm.
JUNE 2
Revelation 4:10-11 - Part of what the apostle John saw when he was transported "in the spirit" to heaven
Verse 10: "The four and twenty [24] elders [representatives of the church of God (which is made up of all born-again Christians)] [reverently (very respectfully)] fall down before him that sat on the throne [God], and worship him that liveth for ever and ever [God], and cast [throw, toss] their [gold] crowns before the throne [at God's feet], saying,"
Verse 11: "Thou art [you are] worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created."
JUNE 1
1 Corinthians 11:8-9: "For the man is not of [is not made from] the woman; but the woman of [is made from] the man [i.e., from his rib--Genesis 2:21-22]. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman [was created] for the man."