"Verse of the Day" Bible Verses - June 2019
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"Verse of the Day"
Previous Months
June 2019
JUNE 30

Proverbs 30:11: "There is a generation
[a group of people who are born and living at around the same time, at any given period in history] that curseth [despises, dishonors, does not respect] their father, and doth not [does not] bless [praise, thank, appreciate, care about] their mother."

According to Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church, "God's plan is for children to honor their parents; for the youth to respect the elderly; for old age and wisdom to be admired."

The pastor has written a good commentary on the above verse. It's called "A Generation of Disrespectful Rebels." In it, he quotes many scriptures proving that God wants children to respect and obey their parents. Then, in paragraph 2k of the section entitled "They Curse Their Father," he gives the reason why our society is in such bad shape:

"k. But for some strange reason, we have reversed what the Bible says.
"• Instead of honoring the 'hoary head' (elderly), we honor the youth. We glorify youth.
"• We gear our society around trying to 'connect with the youth,' trying to 'understand' the youth, trying to 'appeal to the youth.'"

The commentary also gives examples of what happened to children who refused to respect their parents during Old Testament times. (Please note that our laws are much different nowadays.)

If you want to read more of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-30-index/proverbs-30_11/.

JUNE 29

Proverbs 29:23: "A man's
[or woman's or child's] pride shall bring him [or her] low [or bring him (or her) down, or result in humiliation]: but honour shall uphold the [person who is] humble in spirit [which means that a humble person will be lifted up, exalted (praised, promoted, etc.), given a place of honor]."

According to Pastor Delany of Salem Bible Church, "… whether or not we want to admit it, we are all afflicted with pride." Examples include people who think that they're better than others because they're smarter, better looking, cooler and hipper, more successful, richer, more famous, more popular, more humble, or more spiritual than they are.

Normally, we don't like it when people are filled with pride, and neither does God. According to the Bible, the best way to gain honor and respect, both from others and from God, is through humility.

If you want to read Pastor Delany's commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-29-index/proverbs-29_23/.

JUNE 28

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."

Don't oppress or rob others to get what you want, and if you become rich, don't idolize or worship your money and think that it's all you need, because it is not. You also need God.
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*Examples of people who oppress others: conquerors, tyrants (dictators), slave owners

**Examples of those who commit robbery: conquerors, thieves and burglars, companies that withhold wages from laborers, anyone who cheats in business

(Source for above examples: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/psalms-62.html, "Verse 10")

JUNE 27

Proverbs 27:2: "Let another man
[person] praise thee [e.g., for doing a good deed or excellent work], and not thine own mouth; [let] a stranger [anyone besides yourself] [praise you], and not thine [your] own lips."

Avoid self-praise. No boasting or bragging. Don't (as the saying goes) "toot your own horn."

Pastor Delany of Salem Bible Church has a good commentary on this verse. In it, he discusses praise (from others and from ourselves) and gives examples of good and bad types of praise. They include:

-- Specific instances when people deserve to be thanked and praised.

-- Seeking praise from others due to wrong motives.

-- Refusing thanks or praise due to false humility.

-- Boasting about our walk with God (including how faithful we are and/or how much we witness, serve, give, etc.), and about our abilities (talents and skills), accomplishments (things we have done, awards we have received), and self-importance (who we know, where we have been, and our position, wealth, possessions, etc.).

-- Sometimes it may be okay for people to praise themselves, such as during job interviews or when they are running for political office, but those are exceptions to the rule.

If you want to read the pastor's commentary, here's the link:
https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-27-index/proverbs-27_2/.

JUNE 26

1 Corinthians 1:10
[In a letter to the Christian church at Corinth, the apostle Paul wrote]: "Now I beseech [implore, beg] you, brethren [fellow believers], by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ [by his authority and as his representative], that ye all speak the same thing [that you all agree on the fundamental (basic) Christian doctrines--see note below*], and that there be no divisions [within the church] among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind [understanding] and in the same judgment [e.g., when making decisions]."

Individual Christians may sometimes disagree about minor points of our religion, but as a group, we should always be united and able to live in harmony (have a peaceful, friendly relationship) with one another.
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*According to Mark Dunagan's commentary, a man named McGuiggan said that fundamental truths "… are those [truths that] the Bible links explicity [in a clear and detailed manner] or clearly implicitly [in a way that is not directly expressed] with such categories as remission of sins, salvation, union with Christ, eternal life, forgiveness, justification, redemption, propitiation, washing away of sins, reconciliation, and the like …" (Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/1-corinthians/1-10.html, "Mark Dunagan Commentary on the Bible")

JUNE 25

1 Corinthians 4:21
[In a letter to members of the Corinthian church, the apostle Paul wrote]: "What will ye [have me do]? shall I come unto you with a rod [an instrument of punishment or correction--see note below*], or in love, and in the spirit of meekness [with a gentle, mild temper]?"

This verse is about church discipline, as there were many problems in the Corinthian church.
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*Adam Clarke has an interesting background note in his commentary on this verse:

"… Among the Jews, those who did not amend [i.e., change their behavior], after being faithfully admonished, were whipped, either publicly or privately, in the synagogue. If on this they did not amend, they were liable to be stoned. We see, from the cases of Ananias and Sapphira, Elymas the sorcerer, Hymenaeus and Alexander, etc., that the apostles had sometimes the power to inflict the most awful punishments on transgressors. The Corinthians must have known this, and consequently have dreaded a visit from him in his apostolical authority …"

(Source for quote: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/1-corinthians/4-21.html, "Adam Clarke Commentary")

JUNE 24

Revelation 4:10-11 - Our Purpose in Life (i.e., why we were created)
This is part of what the apostle John saw one day 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 [on their knees … or lie flat on the ground] before him that sat on the throne [i.e., Almighty God], and worship him that liveth for ever and ever [referring to God], and cast [throw, toss] their [gold] crowns before the throne [or 'at God's feet'], saying,"

Verse 11: "Thou art
[you are] worthy, O Lord [God], to receive glory [praise] and honour and power: for [because] thou hast [you have] created all things [made them from nothing], and for thy [your] pleasure they are and were created [brought into existence]."

GotQuestions.org has written an article to answer the questions "Why did God create us?" and "Why are we here?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/why-did-God-create-us.html.

JUNE 23

Psalm 38:22
[King David prayed to God]: "Make haste to [please hurry and] help me, O Lord my salvation [my Savior,] [whom I can count on to rescue me from my troubles]."

Whenever Christians need help, we can follow David's example and call out to God in prayer.

JUNE 22

Romans 16:17-18 - The Apostle Paul's Warnings to Christians

Verse 17: "Now I beseech
[beg, urge] you, brethren [brothers and sisters in Christ, or fellow Christians], mark them which [watch out for people who] cause divisions [in the church] and offences [stumbling blocks] contrary [opposite] to the doctrine [religious teachings] which ye have learned; and avoid them [stay away from them]."

Verse 18: "For they that are such
[meaning false teachers] serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly [their own private interests] ; and by good words and fair speeches [they] deceive [mislead or fool] the hearts of the simple [the minds of innocent, unsuspecting people]."

JUNE 21

Acts 2:46-47 - Members of the Early Christian Church

Verse 46: "And they
[the born-again Christians], continuing daily with one accord [i.e., meeting together each day around the same time] in the temple, and breaking bread [having meals with one another] from house to house, did eat their meat [food] with gladness and singleness of heart [or with 'sincere and pure hearts'],"

Verse 47: "
[These new Christians were] Praising God, and having favour with [or acceptance by, or approval of] all [of] the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be [or 'those who were being'] saved [from hell, which means that each day, many believers (people who had been born again according to the Bible) were being led by God to join the newly formed Christian church]."

JUNE 20

Psalm 103:2-5
[King David reminds himself to do this]: "Bless the LORD [praise God], O my soul, and forget not [don't forget] all his benefits [all of the things that God does] [The reason David said this is because he knows that it is God]:

Who forgiveth
all thine iniquities
[forgives your sins];

who healeth all thy diseases
[heals your diseases, restores your health];

Who redeemeth thy life
[saves you] from destruction [referring to the future resurrection (or rapture) of our physical bodies and the salvation of our souls];

who crowneth thee
[surrounds you] with lovingkindness [kindness] and tender mercies [compassion];

Who satisfieth
[fills] thy mouth with [or 'gives you'] good things; so that [in old age, or when you are old,] thy youth [your youthfulness, or strength and vitality,] is [or can be] renewed like the eagle's [see note below*]."

When God receives praise from Christians, he knows that we love him and appreciate everything that he does. Following David's example above, we should try to praise God on a regular basis.
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*According to Matthew Henry's commentary: "… The eagle is long-lived, and, as naturalists say, when she is nearly 100 years old, casts all her feathers (as indeed she changes them in a great measure every year at moulting time), and fresh ones come, so that she becomes young again …" (Source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/psalms/103.html, "Verses 1-5, (v. 5)")

JUNE 19

Matthew 18:1-4 - The Kingdom of Heaven
This event occurred after Peter went to pay tribute (a tax for support of the temple) for himself and Jesus with the money that he found in the mouth of a fish that he caught when he went fishing at Jesus' request.

Verse 1: "At the same time [that Peter returned from paying the temple tax, as noted above,] came the [other eleven] disciples unto Jesus [the Son of God], saying, Who is the greatest [or who will hold the highest office or most powerful position] in the kingdom of heaven [referring to the place where Jesus would eventually reign as Messiah]?"

Verses 2-3: "And Jesus called a little
[or young] child unto him[self], and set him in the midst [middle] of them [Jesus and his disciples], And said [to his disciples], Verily [truly] I say unto you, Except ye be converted [i.e., unless you stop thinking that my kingdom is temporal, or worldly, and not eternal], and become as little children [i.e., humble and teachable, with freedom from selfish ambition and pride], ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."

Verse 4: "Whosoever
[whoever] therefore shall humble himself [or herself] as [like] this little child, the same [person, or 'that person,'] is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

Great people have many wonderful qualities. One of the most important, in God's view, is humility.

One Bible commentator wrote, "… That which is most admirable in a Christian man, and the mark of truest greatness, is childlike humility." (Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/matthew/18-1.html, "The Biblical Illustrator," "The members of Christ's kingdom")

JUNE 18

Proverbs 18:24: "A man
[or woman or child] that hath friends [referring mainly to casual acquaintances and social contacts] must shew [show] himself [or herself] [to be] friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer [to you] than a brother [this is the description of a true friend … someone who is loyal and will stay with you through thick and thin]."

Salem Bible Church has a good commentary on this verse. If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-18-index/proverbs-18_24/.

For many people, an example of a true friend would be the person's spouse. For Christians, the best example of a true friend would be the Lord Jesus Christ. A song has even been written to illustrate this fact, as noted below.

The song I'm referring to is "My Forever Friend," which was written by Charlie Landsborough about his loving Savior, Jesus. It's my favorite song because it has beautiful music, excellent singing, and wonderful words. I first heard it while listening to a music CD from the Irish singer Daniel O'Donnell (no relation to me).

There are several videos on You Tube of both men (Daniel and Charlie) singing this song. If you want to watch the videos, here are two links that I like:

Performed by Daniel O'Donnell:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XUDS7e20og&list=RD5XUDS7e20og&start_radio=1

Performed by Charlie Landsborough:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOql1c-Ytjg

It's interesting to note that, apparently, even atheists like this song. This is what two of them wrote (quoted verbatim, or word for word) in the comments section under Charlie's video on You Tube (see above link) about five years ago:

-- Danny Cameron wrote: "Thankyou Charlie Lansborough for thje happiness this song brought to my mother. We played this at her funeral on 4 March 2012. For an Athiest like me to listen to this song isstrange."

-- Andy Wilson wrote: "danny cameron. just like you im an athiest too but this song makes me want to believe i some times look up to heaven and ask my mum for help and sometimes say i hope gods looking after her. so i question myself .do i believe in god. or am i just sayin im an athiest just to get outa not going to church because im too busy on a sunday."

If you listen to this song, I hope you like it as much as I do.

JUNE 17

Ecclesiastes 10:18: "By much slothfulness
[laziness] the building decayeth [rots, deteriorates]; and through idleness [inactivity] of the hands [i.e., when they are not busy or working or when they do nothing] the house droppeth through [meaning the roof leaks when it rains]."

This verse warns that bad things happen when we neglect (don't take care of) our property, our health, our government, etc.

JUNE 16

Proverbs 23:24: "The father of the righteous
[morally good] [child] shall greatly rejoice: and he [the man] that begetteth [becomes the father of] a wise child shall have joy of him [or her]."

For a more detailed explanation of the above verse, go to the Salem Bible Church commentary (https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-23-index/proverbs-23_24-28/) and scroll down to the discussion of verse 24.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY
to all of the wonderful
dads in the world.

JUNE 15

Leviticus 18:22
[Speaking through Moses, God said to the children of Israel (in this case, Jewish men)]: "Thou shalt not lie [down and have sex] with mankind [males], as [is normally done] with womankind [females]: it is abomination [detestable, a disgusting thing] [to God]."

This verse refers to the sin of Sodom, a city that was destroyed by God because its inhabitants openly engaged in homosexuality--something that God hates. It means that sexual relations are supposed to occur only between men and women--not men (or boys) with men (or boys), and women (or girls) with women (or girls).

In his commentary, John Gill said: "it [homosexuality] is so [abominable] to God, as the above instance of his vengeance shows, and ought to be abominable to men, as being not only contrary to the law of God, but even contrary to nature itself, and what is never to be observed among brute creatures [i.e., animals]."

(Source for above quote: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/leviticus/18-22.html, "John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible")

JUNE 14

2 Corinthians 5:20
[In a letter to members of the church at Corinth, the apostle Paul and Timothy wrote]: "Now then [Consequently,] we [Paul and Timothy (and all preachers of the gospel, including born-again, Bible-believing, soul-winning Christians)--see note below*] are ambassadors for [representatives of] [Jesus] Christ, as though God did beseech [make an urgent appeal to] you by us: we pray [ask, beg] you in Christ's stead [place, or 'on Christ's behalf'], be ye reconciled to [brought into a state of favor with] God [through his plan of salvation--see note below**]."
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*Like Paul and Timothy, born-again Christians are ambassadors for Christ. To find out what that means, read "What does it mean to be an ambassador for Christ?" Here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/ambassador-for-Christ.html.

**According to the Bible, Jesus died on the cross to pay for our sins, and when we are "born again," or receive him as Savior, our sins are forgiven and our fellowship with God is restored. This is confirmed by Romans 5:10, which says: "For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life."

Do you want to be born again and, thus, be reconciled to God and become an ambassador for Christ?
If you believe that Jesus Christ (God's Son) 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.

For detailed instructions for the plan of salvation, visit the "Printable Gospel Tracts" page of my website. Here's a direct link: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.

JUNE 13

Proverbs 13:24: "He
[or she] that spareth his [or her] rod [of correction, referring to parents who don't spank their young children for misbehaving] hateth his [or her] son [or daughter]: but he [or she--the parent] that loveth him [or her--the child] chasteneth [disciplines, punishes, corrects] him [or her--the child] betimes [in a timely manner, when necessary, before it's too late (which happens when children grow up and become set in their ways)]."

This verse teaches that if we love our children, we'll spank them when necessary. However, it is important that spanking be done correctly, according to the Bible.

A good article about biblical discipline is entitled "What does it mean to 'spare the rod, spoil the child'?" Here's the link, if you want to read it:
https://www.gotquestions.org/spare-rod-spoil-child.html.

In addition, Pastor Delany of Salem Bible Church has done a Bible study on the above verse. In it, he explains why misbehaving children should be spanked, and he also suggests what type of rod to use for spankings (i.e., a thin, flexible rod from plastic mini-blinds) and gives the reasons for his recommendation. If you want to read the commentary, you'll find it here: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-13-index/proverbs-13_24/.

JUNE 12

Proverbs 12:2: "A good man
[or woman or child] [i.e., a kind-hearted person, who has been born again, or saved, by God's grace and walks in obedience to God's word] obtaineth favour of the LORD [has a pleasing relationship with God and receives guidance, protection, and blessings from him]: but a man [or woman or child] of wicked devices [i.e., an ungodly person (see note below*), or someone who continues to do bad things] will he [God] condemn [reject or punish]."

Salem Bible Church has a good commentary on this verse. In the first section, we learn that:

"3. Looking at the character of the good man will tell us what KIND of man can expect to obtain the favor of the Lord."

The main points of paragraph 3 are as follows:

"a. … a good man lends, shows favor to others, and handles his affairs [i.e., business affairs, manner of life] with discretion--common sense; discernment; wisdom."

➜ Examples provided show that "a good man" is unselfish, kind, considerate, gracious, merciful, honest, truthful, and wise.

"b. … he leaves an inheritance for his children--he takes care of his family financially."

➜ Examples provided show that "a good man" is selfless (puts others first) and frugal (thrifty).

c. … the good man is satisfied with his ways."

➜ Examples provided show that "a good man" is saved. obedient to God, and content.

d. … good things come out of his heart."

➜ Examples provided show that "a good man" has good thoughts, good words, good motives, good intentions, good deeds, and good steps.

If you want to read more of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-12-index/proverbs-12_2/.
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*For the definition of ungodly, read "What does it mean to be ungodly? What is ungodliness?" Here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/ungodly-ungodliness.html.

JUNE 11

Isaiah 64:6: "But
[to God,] we are all as an unclean [impure] thing [i.e., polluted and defiled (dirty, contaminated, corrupted)], and all [of] our righteousnesses [good works and deeds] are as [like] filthy rags [see note below*] [in God's sight]; and we all do fade as a leaf [does, when the green color starts to fade and the leaf falls off the tree in autumn]; and our iniquities [sins], like the wind [does when it blows the fallen leaves away from the trees], have taken us away [from God]."

*According to John Gill: "The words [filthy rags] may be rendered [or defined], 'as a menstruous cloth,' ... or as a foul plaster or cloth taken off a sore, with purulent matter [pus] on it, ... or any other impure and nauseous thing …" (Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/isaiah/64-6.html, "John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible")

JUNE 10

2 John 1:10-11 - False Teachers: Don't invite them into your house, encourage them, or wish them good luck.

Verse 10: "If there come any
[person claiming to be a teacher of religion] unto you, and bring not [or 'does not bring'] this doctrine [of Christ; i.e., the teaching that Jesus is the Son of God, Messiah, and Savior of mankind], receive him [or her] not [i.e., don't invite the false teacher] into your house, neither [and don't] bid him [or her] God speed [which means don't say, for example, 'Have a prosperous, or successful, journey,' or wish the person success in spreading his (or her) lies]:"

Verse 11: "For he
[or she] that biddeth him [or her, referring to the false teacher] God speed is partaker of [or shares in] his [or her--the false teacher's] evil deeds [of spreading false doctrine]."

JUNE 9

Proverbs 9:8: "Reprove not
[don't criticize or correct] a scorner [someone who mocks (ridicules, makes fun of) God, truth, holiness, and/or righteousness], lest he hate thee [or else he (or she) might hate you]: rebuke [correct] a wise man [person], and he [or she] will love thee."

Salem Bible Church's commentary on this verse is combined with verses 7 and 9. In this verse, according to Pastor Jim Delany, "It does not appear that Solomon is forbidding the reproof of a fool. Rather, he seems to be saying that such reproofs are wasted--they accomplish nothing because the fool doesn't respond properly."

Here is an excerpt from the first section of the commentary:

"3. Three results of reproving a scorner or a wicked man:

"a. Shame: shame, disgrace, and dishonor.
"• The one who ignores this truth, and seeks to reprove foolish men anyway should expect to receive dishonor in return.
"• Ex[ample]: If we are constantly reproving a smoker for smoking; a drinker for drinking; a curser for cursing; or a tardy person for being tardy--we very well may be provoking an argument… stirring up trouble unnecessarily…
"• As a result, we may bring shame to ourselves… and to the Lord we represent.

"b. A blot: blemish, spot, defect;
"• The man who disregards Solomon's advice, and continually rebukes wicked men for their wickedness may get a blemish or a blot.
"• That person is damaging his own testimony.
"• Our constant nagging will be perceived as a defect in our character--especially if our reproof is done in public!
"• Solomon warns us against such behavior. It is a waste of time… and worse--it will bring a blemish to our reputation.

"c. Hatred: hatred; enmity
"• Again, the one who disregards Solomon's advice here is stirring up hatred… unnecessarily…
"• And even if the evil we are pointing out is real, we are not serving God in doing so--not if we violate this Scripture!
"• Some believers might attempt to point out all the evil ways of evil men and do so with a sense of self-righteousness… or believing they are doing God's will. But that is not the case if they are disregarding this passage!
"• Prov. [Proverbs] 15:12 -- a scorner loveth not one that reproveth him.
"• Prov. [Proverbs] 23:9 -- he will hate your words! Don't do it!
"• Reproving fools only stirs up anger and hatred.
"• Apply this passage while driving on the highway. Some "fool" cuts you off. Should you yell a word of rebuke to him? Scold his behavior with a pointed finger? You may be stirring up road rage!
"• You get a blot on your reputation--by having your picture on the front page of the paper for inciting road rage.
"• You might end up quite ashamed… shame… blot… and hatred--all from reproving a wicked man."

If you want to read more of this commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-9-index/proverbs-9_7-9/.

JUNE 8

Psalm 34:19: "Many are the afflictions
[troubles; things that cause pain or suffering, such as illness, death of a loved one, misfortune (bad luck), persecution (harassment), etc.] of the righteous [person, referring to born-again Christians in general, who are clothed in, or covered by, Jesus' righteousness when they get saved--see note below*]: but the LORD [God] delivereth [rescues, saves] him [or her] [i.e., 'the righteous' person] out of them all."
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*In one of their articles, GotQuestions.org answers the question, "Why does Christ's righteousness need to be imputed to us?" Paragraph 6 says:

"The apostle Paul writes, 'But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it--the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe' (Romans 3:21-22).  Through our faith in Christ, the righteousness of God is given to us. This is called 'imputed' righteousness. To impute something is to ascribe or attribute something to someone. When we place our faith in Christ, God ascribes the perfect righteousness of Christ to our account so that we become perfect in His sight. "For our sake he made him [Jesus] to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21)."

(Source for above quote: https://www.gotquestions.org/imputed-righteousness.html, paragraph 6)

JUNE 7

Colossians 3:12-13 - The Apostle Paul's Advice to Born-Again Christians
Jesus was a wonderful example of how Christians should behave.

"Put on therefore [like clothes], as [is becoming to] the elect [the chosen (accepted), favored (set apart), saved people who make up the church] of God, [who are] holy and beloved [by God], [the following characteristics:]

"bowels of mercies [compassion],
"kindness,
"humbleness of mind
[humility],
"meekness
[gentleness, mildness],
"longsuffering
[patience];

"Forbearing one another
[controlling your temper when you are annoyed or provoked by someone else], and forgiving one another, if any man [or woman or child] have a quarrel [complaint] against any [other person]:

"even as
[the Lord Jesus] Christ forgave you [for your sins against God], so also do ye [you] [to others, which means that, since we were forgiven for our sins against God, we should forgive others when they sin against us]."

JUNE 6

1 Timothy 6:6-7: "But godliness
[having a love for God and a willingness to obey his word] with contentment [peace of mind, happiness, and satisfaction with what we have] is great gain [something valuable and to be desired]. For [or 'that's because'] we brought nothing [no possessions] into this world [with us, when we were born], and it is certain [that] we can carry nothing out [of this world, with us, when we die]."

JUNE 1-5

Proverbs 1:20-33 - Wisdom's Warning to Foolish People
In the following verses, Wisdom (personified, or acting like a person) is speaking to "simple" people, "scorners," and "fools":

Verses 20-23: "Wisdom crieth without [outside, in public]; she uttereth her voice [speaks] in the streets: She crieth in the chief place of concourse [a large open area], in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying [to three kinds of fools], How long, ye simple ones [referring to willfully ignorant, inexperienced people], will ye love simplicity? and [how long will] the scorners [scoffers, arrogant people] delight [take pleasure] in their scorning [mocking (making fun of) everything that is good], and [how long will] fools hate knowledge? Turn you at [turn toward, heed] my reproof [criticism or correction] [i.e., repent and obey] [and]: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you."

Verses 24-27: "Because I
[Wisdom] have called, and ye [i.e., the simple ones, scorners, and hard-hearted fools mentioned above] refused [to listen]; I have stretched out my hand [offered to help], and no man [or woman or child] regarded [paid attention]; But ye have set at nought [you have ignored, disregarded] all my counsel [advice], and would [have] none of my reproof [criticism or correction]: [so] I [God's wisdom, not God himself] also will laugh [a sad kind of laughter] at your calamity [great misfortune or disaster]; I will mock [make fun of you] when your fear cometh; When your fear cometh as desolation [destruction], and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind [suddenly, like a tornado or hurricane]; when distress [extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain] and anguish [mental or physical pain or suffering] cometh upon you."

Verses 28-29: "Then
[when fear, destruction, distress, and anguish come upon the people who rejected Wisdom's call] shall they [the simple ones, scorners, and hard-hearted fools] call upon me [Wisdom], but I will not answer; they shall seek [search for] me early [earnestly, eagerly], but they shall not find me: For that [or 'that's because'] they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:"

Verses 30-32: "They
[the foolish people mentioned above] would [have] none of my [Wisdom's] counsel [advice]: they despised [hated, rejected] all my reproof [criticism or correction]. Therefore shall they eat of the [bad, or rotten,] fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices [plans] [in other words, they will 'reap what they sow' (suffer the consequences of their foolish behavior, or the results of their bad decisions and actions]. For the turning away of the simple [from wisdom] shall slay [kill] them, and the prosperity [carefree lifestyle] of fools shall destroy them."

Verse 33: "But whoso
[whoever] hearkeneth unto me [listens to me (Wisdom)] shall dwell safely [or live in safety], and shall be quiet from fear of evil."

If you regularly visit the "Verse of the Day" and "Previous Verses" sections of my website, you are probably aware that Pastor Delany of Salem Bible Church has written excellent, in-depth commentaries for almost every verse in the book of Proverbs.

Since this passage on wisdom is so long, I have arranged the verses on this page in groups that generally correspond to Pastor Delany's commentaries (which were probably taken from sermons that he delivered, in person, to his congregation). If you want to read any or all of these commentaries, here are the links:

-- Verses 20-23: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-1-index/proverbs-1_20-23/
-- Verses 24-27: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-1-index/proverbs-1_24-27/
-- Verses 28-29: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-1-index/proverbs-1_28-30/
-- Verses 30-32: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-1-index/proverbs-1_30-32/
-- Verse 33: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-1-index/proverbs-1_33/

In the above commentaries, as he usually does, Pastor Delany gives many terrific examples to illustrate the subject of each verse. Here is an excerpt from Section A in the commentary on verses 30-32 of Proverbs 1, which discusses the meaning of the phrase fruit of their own way and says this about rotten fruit:

"5. Now, they [the fools] will be forced to eat their own fruit… the results of following their own way.

"a. But there are some purely natural consequences of rejecting wisdom. There are consequences of following our own ways!

"b. There are some ways that seem right to a man--but it results in death!

"c. Some young fools have been warned about drinking and driving--but they rejected it. They chose to do their own thing… their own way… and it often results in death!

"d. Other young fools have been warned about taking drugs… but they rejected wisdom and chose to go their own way. For many, that way spirals downward in disease, destruction, and death!

"e. Some other fools have been warned about being married to their job… but they reject the warnings, and end up losing their family over it!

"f. Some fools reject counsel and refuse to forgive a brother that has wronged them. Bitterness festers in their hearts… they become hardened… and eventually, they become a castaway spiritually.

"g. Some fools reject the wisdom of their parents and pay no attention in school. They become lifelong, professional hamburger flippers.

"h. Some fools are warned about smoking. They reject the wise counsel and end up with lung cancer.

"i. Some foolish parents are warned NOT to allow their daughters to wear skimpy clothing, but they refuse, because it is "stylish." They regret it later when their daughter comes home pregnant at 15!

"j. Some fools are warned not to marry an unbeliever or a carnal believer. They reject the counsel, and pay a price for it the rest of their lives."


Warning:
Don't be like the foolish people in the above verses who ignored Wisdom's call until it was too late. If you want to go to heaven when you die, you need to be born again, or saved--preferably right now. Please don't procrastinate, as you may not get a second chance.

How to be saved God's way:
If you believe that Jesus (God's Son) died on the cross to pay for your sins and that he was buried and rose again, all you need to do is 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.

Should you desire more detailed instructions for the plan of salvation, you'll find them in most of the tracts on the "Printable Gospel Tracts" page of my website. Here's a direct link: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.