"Verse of the Day" Bible Verses - October 1-21, 2024
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Notes from Linda:

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."
____________________

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

Current Month
October 1-21, 2024
See "Oct '24B" in Archives for Verses 21-31.
Unfortunately, I ran out of space in this month's file.

OCTOBER 20-21

Proverbs 20:6: "Most men [and women and children] will proclaim [declare, announce] [to] every one his [or her] own goodness [referring to their good qualities (i.e., personality traits like kindness) and good works or deeds (i.e., the good things they have done)]: but a faithful man [or woman or child--who really is a 'good' person and can be trusted to tell the whole truth about himself (or herself), and will faithfully and honestly recount (describe or tell in detail) all of the facts regarding things that happen in life, without embellishment, exaggeration, or withholding information,] who can find [such a person (i.e., 'a faithful man')]?"
_______________

Most people think they're good, but few people really are good. As Christians, we should resist the urge to brag about ourselves and "spin" facts (as is commonly done in politics).

*  *  *  *  *

Salem Bible Church has a good commentary on today's verse. Here are some excerpts:

"5.
[King] Solomon [the author of Proverbs] suggests by his language here [in Proverbs 20:6] that men who proclaim [publicly announce] their own goodness are not faithful to the truth!

"a. We have a tendency to exaggerate our goodness…

"b. We have a tendency to minimize our failures and faults.

"c. As we proclaim our goodness, we have a tendency to leave out details that put us in a less than favorable light.

"d. We may tell the truth, but not always the WHOLE truth.

"e. We have a tendency to see ourselves through rose tinted glasses
[meaning we see the good, but not the bad].

"f. That slant is not being faithful to the truth…
[or] to reality.

"g. We have serious blind spots when it comes to how we see
[our]self.

"h. We easily see our good points and delight to point them
[out]… along with a little embellishment [enhancement, exaggeration]

6. For this reason it is necessary to hear BOTH sides of a story before drawing any conclusions."
____________________

Regarding boasting
[bragging], the commentary says:

"People who boast about their charity, kindness, piety
[devotion to God or to religious practices] and faithfulness rarely possess those qualities. … Those [people] who are ACTUALLY good, kind, and faithful do NOT normally proclaim it. They do not boast about it. … That is because those good qualities are usually accompanied by another good quality: humility."

"Men who SAY they are good and faithful are a dime a dozen
[in other words, these types of men are so common, they are almost worthless]. … But men who are TRULY good and faithful are hard to come by. It is a rare breed."
____________________

If you want to read the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-20-index/proverbs-20_6/.

OCTOBER 19

In a letter to born-again Christians, after explaining how they should behave and telling them why it was important for them to follow Jesus' example (see note below*), the apostle Peter wrote:

1 Peter 2:25: "For
[because, before salvation,] ye [you] were as [like] sheep [that were] going astray [wandering away from the correct path or direction]; but [you] are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop [overseer, guardian] of your souls [referring to the Lord Jesus Christ, who guides, protects, cares for, and watches over his born-again 'sheep']."
_______________

*These are all of the verses in I Peter, Chapter 2, which was referred to above:

1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,
5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.
19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.
20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.
21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
____________________

Please Note:
Detailed explanations for many of the above verses can be found in the "Previous Verses" section of my website (
https://www.mansioninheaven.com/Archives.html). Click on the links provided below, and then scroll down until you reach the date that is shown.

Check here for:

1 Peter 2:2 -- October 1, 2021
(
https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PreviousVerses1021.html)

1 Peter 2:11 -- January 13, 2022
(
https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PreviousVerses0122.html)

1 Peter 2:13-16 -- July 4, 2024
(
https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PreviousVerses0724.html)

1 Peter 2:17 -- June 15, 2023
(
https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PreviousVerses0623.html)

1 Peter 2:18-23 -- September 17, 2024
(
https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PreviousVerses0924.html)

1 Peter 2:25 -- October 19, 2024
(
https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PreviousVerses.html now, or
(after November 1st)
https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PreviousVerses1024.html)

OCTOBER 18

In a letter to members of the Corinthian church, the apostle Paul wrote:

1 Corinthians 11:3: "But I
[Paul] would have you know, that the head [leader, ruler, master] of every man is [Jesus] Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God [the Father]."
_______________

Paul says that, especially in regard to the Christian religion, women are subordinate to (lower in rank or position than, and under the authority or control of) men, men are subordinate to Jesus, and Jesus is subordinate to God.
____________________

In other words, ranked in order of importance, these are the leadership positions in both the church and home, according to the Bible:

-- God the Father is at the top (#1).

-- Next is the Lord Jesus Christ--Son of God (or God the Son) (#2).

-- Then comes the man (#3).

-- Then comes the woman (#4).

OCTOBER 17

Proverbs 17:11: "An evil man [or woman or child] seeketh [seeks] only rebellion [resistance to authority, disobedience] [against God and/or mankind (other human beings)]: therefore a cruel messenger [a message of justice--see note below for examples*] shall be sent against him [or her--the evil person]."
_______________

This is another verse about the consequences of our actions.

*  *  *  *  *

*According to Pastor Delany of Salem Bible Church:

"1. The cruel messenger here refers to a message of JUSTICE and judgment to be meted out against
[or 'given out or dispensed to'] the one who sought [searched for, wanted, desired, tried to obtain] rebellion."

"a. This is yet another form of an oft-
[often-] repeated truth in this book of wisdom [referring to the book of Proverbs]: you reap [harvest] what you sow [plant] [which, in this case, means that you receive the consequences of your actions].

"b. Sow rebellion--and you will reap a cruel messenger with some very BAD news for you!

"2. An example from the Scriptures
[i.e., the Bible]: [King] Saul. (I Sam. 15:9, 23).

"a. God's command was clear and precise
[exact, accurate]. (vs.3) [1 Samuel 15:3]

"b. Saul rebelled against the commandment of the Lord. (vs.9) [1 Samuel 15:9]

"c. He even denied [or 'refused to admit'] that he rebelled. He claimed obedience [or 'insisted that he had obeyed']. (vs.13,28) [1 Samuel 15:13,28]

"d. A cruel messenger was sent to him [Saul] from the Lord: you have lost your reign [ruling office] as king! (Vs. 23) [1 Samuel 15:23]

"3. The cruel messenger might report to us today too:

"a. You rebelled against God and refused to bring your children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord
[see note below**]. A cruel message may come to you one day: Your son ran away… Your 14 year old daughter is pregnant…

"b. You sought rebellion at work and refused to do what your boss wanted you to do. A cruel message may come your way: You're fired!

"c. You rebelled against parents and teachers and refused to do your homework. A cruel messenger might report to you: you're staying back a year at school!

"d. You rebelled against the law… and the judge might deliver a cruel message to you: you're going to jail!"
____________________

 If you want to read the rest of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-17-index/proverbs-17_11/.

*  *  *  *  *

**According to the "AI Overview" on Google:

"'Nurture and admonition of the Lord' is a phrase from the Bible that refers to the Christian responsibility to raise children in the ways of the Lord. The phrase is made up of two Greek words:

"Nurture

"(paideia) Means 'chastening' or 'instruction' and refers to the general training of a child, including their mind, character, will, conscience, soul, and body.

"Admonition

"(nouthesia) Means 'putting in mind' and refers to teaching children what is right, rewarding good behavior, and correcting bad behavior."

OCTOBER 16

Proverbs 16:5: "Every one that is proud in heart [meaning haughty, arrogant, full of pride] is an abomination [an object of disgust or extreme hatred] to the LORD: though hand join in hand [i.e., although the proud person may 'hold hands' with other sinners (as when forming a 'human chain,' either literally or figuratively) in opposition to God], he [or she--the person who is 'proud is heart'] shall not be unpunished [or 'will be punished'] [by God]."
_______________

Matthew Henry summarized the verse as follows:

"… Though
[sinners] may … [join] forces against God, they shall not escape his righteous judgment …"

(Source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/proverbs/16.html, "Verse 5")

*  *  *  *  *

Salem Bible Church's commentary on this verse has many examples, both from the Bible and from everyday life, of situations involving strength in numbers. It shows how people can escape punishment because of, or can be punished in spite of, their large numbers.
____________________

Excerpts from the commentary include the following:

"
[Paragraph] A2d. A proud heart is something we too can and DO manifest [display, show, demonstrate].
"• Pride over our accomplishments;
[good] looks; intelligence; spirituality; wisdom; possessions; talents; position; good deeds; popularity; etc…"
"• Pride is a nasty sin
[that] we ALL have to deal with… for it can easily be HIDDEN under a guise [disguised appearance] of humility… a false humility…
"• God hates pride and sees right through our masks when we try to conceal
[hide] it."
____________________

"
[Paragraph] B1b. WICKED men [for example, inhabitants (residents) of the cities of Babel and Sodom, wicked people in the days of Noah, people who don't believe in Jesus, and members of mobs during riots] … will not escape punishment simply by virtue of [or 'because of'] their numbers." Neither will they escape judgment for their sins because "everyone's doing it" or because sin is not judged immediately.
____________________

The commentary ends with this:

"
[Paragraph] 5e. It is as easy for God to break a cord of 6 billion [people] as it is to break a cord of 6 [people]… or even a single cord."
____________________

If you want to read the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-16-index/proverbs-16_5/.

OCTOBER 15

Proverbs 15:29: "The LORD [God] is far [away--figuratively, not literally] from the wicked [people--meaning, in this verse, that the prayers of disobedient Christians and of unbelievers, or unsaved sinners (i.e., people who have not been born again according to the Bible), are usually ignored by God]: but he [God] heareth [hears--and usually answers] the prayer of the righteous [person, referring to a born-again Christian who loves God and has a desire to read and obey his word (as recorded in the Bible)--see note below*]."
_______________

In his commentary on this verse, Pastor Delany of Salem Bible Church explains when and why God would choose to hear and answer prayer. Here are some excerpts:

"3f. • If men choose to cling to their sins, they are choosing to distance themselves from God… regardless of how religious they are."
____________________

Normally, God does not answer the prayers of unbelievers. However, once in a while, he does. For example, he answered the prayer of
[a centurion named] Cornelius (one of the first Gentiles, non-Jewish people, to be saved) because:

"3g. • When God sees that the heart of an unbeliever is WILLING to know the Lord… willing to come to Him
[for salvation]… willing but ignorant [lacking knowledge of what to do]… God makes a distinction.
"• Acts 10:1-4
[referring to Cornelius]
"» Cornelius was NOT saved. (Cf. Acts 11:14)
"» Yet he feared God and was devout
[religious] (10:2 [Acts 10:2])
"» He gave alms
[charitable things--money, food, etc.] to the people and prayed continually.
"» It does not say
[that] God heard… but it says his [Cornelius's] prayers went up as a memorial before God. (10:4 [Acts 10:4])
"» 10:31
[Acts 10:31] says that at some point God CHOSE to hear those prayers [of Cornelius].
"» God
[the Father] knows the hearts of the unsaved [people]. He knows when they are ready to receive Him [God the Son--Jesus Christ] [as Savior].
"» Perhaps Cornelius was praying, 'Lord God of Israel. I know you are the true and living God. I have read your Word and have been stirred by it. I want to know MORE about you.'
"» God will answer prayers like that… even from an unbeliever! This is the exception.
____________________

Regarding the prayers of born-again Christians:

"3h. • Wrong behavior and the wrong heart attitude of a believer
[a Christian] can hinder [prevent] God from hearing our prayers."

"4. God listens not only to the words prayed, but He also observes the heart from which that prayer flows
[comes].

"a. He can tell if we are praying to consume it on our own lusts
[or to fulfill our own desires]… He can tell if we are praying to please God!

"b. He can tell if we are praying because we desire to see OUR will done… or HIS
[God's] will done.

"c. He can tell if we are praying for our own glory or for the glory of God.

"d. He can tell if we are praying out of a sense of duty and religious obligation… or if we are praying from the heart.

"5. When a righteous
[born-again, saved] man prays… praying the RIGHT way… with the RIGHT heart attitude… God is delighted… and He [God] answers that prayer."
____________________

If you want to read more of Pastor Delany's commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-15-index/proverbs-15_29/.

*  *  *  *  *

*For the definition and explanation of righteousness, please read "What is righteousness?" Here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/righteousness.html.

OCTOBER 12-14

Proverbs 12:26: "The righteous [person, referring to a born-again Christian who studies and obeys the Bible and is right with God] is more excellent than his [or her] neighbour [in this case, a person (friend, neighbor, companion, etc.) who is not saved, does not study and obey the Bible, and is not right with God]: but the way [lifestyle] of the wicked [people, who tend to love worldly pleasures more than they love God] seduceth them [seduces 'righteous' people, or tempts them to sin]."
_______________

Salem Bible Church has a good commentary on the above verse. Here's an excerpt from the section entitled "But the way of the wicked seduceth them":

"4. Examples of being seduced or led astray by the ways of the wicked…

"a. Prov. 7:25-27 -- sexually seducing…
"• There are those who seek to lure
[attract, entice, tempt] believers [Christians] into a life of sin…
"• Hollywood movies and the pornography industry all lure men astray…
"• This sort of thing can be life dominating…
"• The way of the wicked is seductive--stay away!

"b. Ps. 95:10 -- erring in the heart… their hearts were seduced away from loving God wholeheartedly.
"• The ways of the wicked can be seductive in a physical sense, but can also be seductive to the inner man
[referring to the heart and mind].
"• They can lead men, women, and children astray in the HEART…
"• It is possible to be led astray in our heart… in our thinking… our attitudes… our world views… our philosophy of life…
"• II Cor. 10:3-5 -- Don't allow your heart… your thoughts… your mind to be brought into captivity by the seduction of evil men!

"c. Col. 2:4 -- Seduced into false doctrine
[beliefs] -- And this I say, lest any man should beguile [charm, entertain] you with enticing [exciting and intriguing] words.
"• Here Paul speaks of the seduction of false teachers…
"• They use enticing words of men's wisdom to lure aside those who are NOT willing to study for themselves… to think… to investigate into the Scriptures
[or 'check the Bible'] for themselves…

"d. Prov. 14:15 -- seduced by gossip… The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.
"• Gossips attempt to lure us into their evil tactics…
"• The wicked
[people] love to tell juicy [interesting and exciting] stories… and there is something seductive about hearing such juicy stories about others.
"• It is the FOOL who believes every word of the gossiper.
"• The righteous man searches things out
[or 'checks the facts' to determine the truth]."

If you want to read the rest of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-12-index/proverbs-12_26/.

*  *  *  *  *

In "The Biblical Illustrator," one of the commentaries on Proverbs 12:26 included this very interesting comparison between Christians and non-Christians:

"The difference between the religious and irreligious man

"Men without religion will sometimes ask, 'Do not all men sin--even the religious? And, if so, is not the whole difference between them
['the religious'] and ourselves ['men without religion'] that our offences [sins] are somewhat more numerous [greater in number] than theirs?' Now this must unquestionably be admitted. Still, whatever may be the resemblance upon this point, it is nevertheless true that men with and without religion differ in many other most important particulars [details].

"1. The first difference between the sins of the religious and the irreligious
[not religious] man is, that the one does not allow himself [to remain] in his sins and the other does [allow himself to remain in his sins]. The real Christian never says, 'I know such an action to be wrong, but yet I will do it--I know such an action to be right, but yet I will neglect [fail] to do it.' But in the other class of men we shall be often struck with the contrary [opposite] line of conduct. Charge them with their neglect of God, and of their souls, and they say, perhaps, 'We confess [admit] it to be wrong.' Consider the case as between man and man. We may conceive the affectionate [loving] child surprised into an act of disobedience or unkindness to the parent whom it loves; but we cannot conceive that child, if truly affectionate, setting itself deliberately and knowingly to wound [hurt] that parent at the tenderest point. In the one case, an act of disobedience discovers a man in whom, though the flesh is weak, the spirit may be willing--in whom a momentary temptation has prevailed [triumphed, won out] over the settled purpose and desire of his heart. In the other you have a man whose settled purpose [intention] is to do wrong. The language of a true Christian must be that of his Master: 'I come to do Thy [your] will, O God.'

"2. A second distinction between a real Christian and one who is not a real Christian is this--the real Christian does not seek or find his happiness in sin. A man who is not really religious, if he wants amusement
[entertainment] or indulgence [doing something that you enjoy, even if it has negative consequences], seeks [searches] for it, generally, either in the society [companionship] of men without religion or in practices which the Word of God [the Bible] condemns [or says is wrong]. He sins, and it gives him no pain. On the contrary, the real Christian finds no happiness in sin. His pleasure is in prayer, in communion [communication, speaking] with God. He seeks his happiness in the fields of his duties. 'O,' says he [the Christian], 'how I love Thy law! It is my meditation all the day.' The state and character of any person may to a great extent be judged by the nature of his pleasures. Does he seek them in trifles [things of little value or importance]? [if so,] he is a trifling man; does he seek them in worldly pursuits? [then] he is a worldly man; does he seek them in vice [immoral or wicked behavior]? [then] he is a vicious man; does he seek them in God and Christ? [then, most likely,] he is a Christian.

"3. Thirdly, the habits of a real Christian are holy. Men are not to be judged by a few solitary actions of their lives. There is scarcely any life so dark as not to be lighted up by a few brighter actions--as a single star may glimmer
[shine faintly] through the most cloudy atmosphere; and there is no life so bright as not to be darkened by many spots--as many small clouds are apt [likely] to chequer [checker] even the clearest sky. But then we determine the real state of the heavens not by the single star, in the one case, or by the few clouds in the other. We ask what is the general aspect, the prevalent [widespread] appearance: does night or day, does shade or sunshine, prevail? Thus also must we proceed in estimating the character of men. It is the habitual frame of the mind--it is what we may call the work-day character--it is the general, habitual, prevalent [usual] temper, conduct [behavior], conversation, in the family or the parish [church], in the shop or the farm, which are the only true tests of our condition. But let us bring the two classes to this standard, and we shall find that in the real Christian the habits are holy--in the insincere Christian they are unholy; that the one is habitually right and accidentally wrong, and the other habitually wrong and accidentally right. Such, then, is another highly important distinction between these classes.

"4. Fourthly, every act of sin in real Christians is followed by sincere repentance. No feature is more essentially characteristic of a holy mind than a feeling of deep penitence
[sorrow or regret] for transgression. 'My sin,' said the 'man after God's own heart,' 'is ever [always] before me.'

"5. A fifth no less important feature by which the real Christian is distinguished is, that he anxiously seeks the pardon of his sins through Jesus Christ. Others too often seem to imagine their sins cancelled immediately upon their bare and cold acknowledgment of them. He
[the Christian], on the contrary, knows that the hatred of sin and indignation at the sinner must be deeply lodged in a mind of infinite purity. And his consolation is this--not that he can save himself, but that 'he has an Advocate [someone to plead the case for him] with the Father [God], [and that person--that Advocate-- is] Jesus Christ the righteous.'

"6. The sixth and last point of distinction which I shall have time to notice between the real Christian and every other character is, that he
[the Christian] alone seeks diligently [with conscientious and persistent effort] from God a power to abstain [voluntarily stay away] from sin in [the] future. If others even desire the pardon of their past sins, they are careless about future advancement in holiness. They, perhaps, persist in a course of sinning and repeating, through the whole stage of their lives. Heaven is every day mocked [ridiculed, made fun of] by the language of an unmeaning sorrow. No real hatred for the sin is felt. In the Christian a different feeling prevails. A deep abhorrence [disgust] of sin mingles [mixes together] with his regret for it. His are tears of hatred as well as grief. There is a substantial distinction between a real Christian and every other character: something more than a mere line or shadowy difference here. If we carefully observe the several points of distinction which I have noticed, we shall find that they imply in the two classes of characters, in each particular instance, a different state of heart or mind …"

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/tbi/proverbs-12.html, "The Biblical Illustrator," "Verse 26")

OCTOBER 10-11

Psalm 113:3: "From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same [i.e., from sunrise to sunset and/or from east to west, or throughout the world] the LORD'S name [YHWH, or Yahweh, or Jehovah, all of which mean 'I AM THAT I AM'--see note below*] is to be [or 'should be'] praised [meaning that it's always good for us to praise Almighty God]."
_______________

*The following articles discuss the various names and titles of God and what they mean:

-- "What is the name of God"
   (
https://www.gotquestions.org/name-of-God.html)

-- "What are the different names of God, and what do they mean?"
   (
https://www.gotquestions.org/names-of-God.html)

OCTOBER 9

The Miracle of the Oil

In this story, the prophet Elisha multiplies a poor widow's oil so she can sell it and pay her debt.

2 Kings 4:1: "Now there cried
[out for help] a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets [i.e., she was the wife of one of God's prophets, probably Obadiah] unto [the prophet] Elisha, saying, Thy [your] servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest [you know] that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor [the person to whom her family owed money] is come [is coming or has come] to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen [slaves, servants] [as payment for the debt, which was permitted in Bible times]."

2 Kings 4:2: "And Elisha said unto her
[the widow], What shall I do for thee [you]? tell me, what hast thou [what do you have] in the house [that can be sold]? And she said, Thine [your] handmaid [referring to herself as a female servant] hath not [does not have] any thing [of value] in the house, save [except] a pot [flask, small container] of oil."

2 Kings 4:3,4: "Then he
[Elisha] said, Go, [and] borrow thee [or 'for yourself'] vessels abroad of [from] all [of] thy neighbours, even empty vessels [meaning she was to borrow empty containers or utensils, such as cups, bowls, pitchers, vases, pots, etc., from her neighbors]; borrow not a few [i.e., borrow as many as you can]. And when thou art [or 'when you have'] come in [into your house], thou shalt [you shall] shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons [or 'after yourself and after your sons'], and shalt pour out [your oil] into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that [vessel] which is full [of oil] [in other words, as each vessel was filled up, they were to set it aside]."

2 Kings 4:5,6: "So she
[the widow] went [away] from him [Elisha], [and borrowed the empty vessels, and returned to her house,] and [to ensure privacy, she] shut the door upon [behind] her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out [the oil] [into the vessels]. And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a [or 'another'] vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more [meaning there were no more vessels left to fill]. And the oil stayed [stopped flowing]."

2 Kings 4:7: "Then she
[the widow] came and told the man of God [Elisha] [what had happened]. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest [meaning she and her children were to live on whatever money was left over after their debt was paid]."
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Let this story be a lesson for Christians. When problems overwhelm us, the situation seems hopeless, and we don't know what to do, we should look to God for guidance and help.

OCTOBER 8

Through Prayer, King David Asks God for His Help and Forgiveness

Psalm 25:15: "Mine
[my] eyes are ever [or 'continuously'] toward the LORD [which means that David was always looking to God for help]; for he [God] shall pluck [pull] my feet out of the net [trap] [that has been laid by wicked people]."

Psalm 25:16: "
[Please, Lord,] Turn thee [turn your attention] unto me, and have mercy [pity, compassion] upon me; for I [David] am desolate [alone, forsaken] and afflicted [tormented]."

Psalm 25:17-18: "The troubles of my heart
[or 'my sorrows'] are enlarged [great]: O bring thou me [please bring me] out of my distresses [my physical and/or mental sufferings, caused by people and things, like enemies and guilt]. Look upon mine affliction [my misery and sorrow] and my pain; and forgive all [of] my sins [see note below*]."
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Sometimes our problems are the result of unconfessed (and unforgiven) sin.

*  *  *  *  *

*Regarding Psalm 25:18, Albert Barnes said:

"And forgive all my sins - The mind … connects trouble and sin together. When we are afflicted
[or 'in trouble'], we naturally inquire [ask] whether the affliction is not on account of some particular transgressions [offenses, sins] of which we have been guilty; and even when we cannot trace any direct connection with sin, affliction suggests the general fact that we are sinners, and that all our troubles are originated by [or 'are due to'] that fact. One of the benefits of affliction, therefore, is to call to our remembrance our sins [as King David did when he regretted having committed adultery with Bathsheba], and to keep before the mind the fact that we are violators of the law of God. This connection between suffering and sin, in the sense that the one naturally suggests the other, was more than once illustrated in the miracles performed by the Saviour [Jesus Christ]. See Matthew 9:2 [for the example of Jesus healing a paralyzed man after first forgiving his sins]."

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/psalms-25.html, "Verse 18")

OCTOBER 6-7

In a letter to Christians in the church at Corinth (and to all other Christians in the world), the apostle Paul, and Timothy, wrote:

 2 Corinthians 6:14: "Be ye not
[don't be] unequally yoked together [joined together, united] with unbelievers [unsaved people] [in marriage, friendships, business partnerships, etc.]: for [because] what fellowship [friendly association, companionship] hath righteousness [does righteousness have] with unrighteousness? and what communion [close personal connection] hath light [does spiritual light have] with [spiritual] darkness?"
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In his commentary on the above verse, Albert Barnes explains what Paul meant when he told Christians, "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers":

"… There is no principle
[fundamental (basic) truth] of Christianity that is more important than that which is here stated by the apostle [Paul]; and none in which Christians are more in danger of erring [doing something wrong], or in which they have more difficulty in determining the exact rule which they are to follow. The questions which arise are very important. Are we to have no contact with the people of the world? Are we cut loose from all our friends who are not Christians? Are we to become monks, and live a recluse [solitary] and unsocial [antisocial] life? Are we never to mingle [mix together, associate] with the people of the world in business, in innocent recreation [activities done for enjoyment when you're not working], or in the duties of citizens, and as neighbors and friends? It is important, therefore, in the highest degree, to endeavor to ascertain [or 'try to determine'] what are the principles on which the New Testament requires us to act in this matter. And in order to [have] a correct understanding of this, the following principles may be suggested:

"I. There is a large field of action, pursuit
[activity], principle, and thought, over which infidelity [unfaithfulness], sin, paganism [the worship of false gods, including nature (or 'mother earth')], and the world as such, have the entire control. It is wholly without the range of Christian law, and stands opposed to Christian law. It pertains to a different kingdom [than God's--i.e., Satan's]; [it] is conducted by different principles, and [it] tends to destroy and annihilate [obliterate, wipe out] the kingdom of [Jesus] Christ. It cannot be reconciled [or be made compatible] with Christian principle, and cannot be conformed to but in entire violation of the influence of religion. Here the prohibition of the New Testament is absolute and entire. Christians are not to mingle [mix] with the people of the world in these things; and are not to partake of [or 'participate in'] them. This prohibition, it is supposed, extends to the following, among other things:

"(1) To idolatry. This was plain. On no account or pretence
[pretense, act of pretending] were the early Christians to partake of [take part in] that, or to countenance [approve of] it. In primitive [ancient] times, during the Roman persecutions, all that was asked was that they [the Christians] should cast [throw] a little incense on the altar of a pagan [false] god. They refused to do it, and because they refused to do it, thousands perished [died] as martyrs. They judged rightly [correctly]; and the world has approved their cause.

"(2) Sin, vice
[immoral or wicked behavior], licentiousness [promiscuity, throwing off of sexual restraints]. This is also plain. Christians are in no way to patronise [patronize, do business with] them, or to lend their influence to them, or to promote them by their name, their presence, or their property. 'Neither be partakers of other people's sins;'  1Ti 5:22; 2 John 1:11.

"(3) Arts and acts of dishonesty, deception
[hiding the truth], and fraud [cheating] in traffic and trade [business]. Here the prohibition also must be absolute. No Christian can have a right to enter into partnership with another [person] where the business is to be conducted on dishonest and unchristian principles, or where it shall lead to the violation of any of the laws of God. If it involves deception and fraud in the principles on which it is conducted; if it spreads ruin and poverty - as the distilling [making] and vending [selling] of ardent spirits [strong distilled liquor] does; if it leads to the necessary violation of the Christian Sabbath [a day set aside for Christian worship], then the case is plain. A Christian is to have no 'fellowship with such unfruitful works of darkness, but is rather to reprove [censure, express disapproval of] them;'  Ephesians 5:11.

"(4) The amusements and pleasures that are entirely worldly, and sinful in their nature; that are wholly
[completely] under worldly influence, and which cannot be brought under Christian principles. Nearly all amusements [types of entertainment] are of this description. The true principle here seems to be, that if a Christian in such a place is expected to lay aside his Christian principles, and if it would be deemed indecorous [not in good taste] and improper for him to introduce the subject of religion, or if religion would be regarded is entirely inconsistent with the nature of the amusement then he is not to be found there. The world reigns [rules, is in charge] there, and if the principles of his Lord and Master [Jesus Christ] would be excluded, he [or she--the Christian] should not be there. This applies of course to the theater, the circus, the ballroom [dance floor], and to large and splendid [magnificent, impressive] parties of pleasure. We are not to associate with idolaters in their idolatry; nor with the licentious [promiscuous people] in their licentiousness [immoral sexual behavior]; nor with the infidel [unbeliever] in his infidelity; nor with the proud in their pride; nor with the frivolous [carefree or unserious people] in their gaiety [merrymaking]; nor with the friends of the theater, or the ballroom, or the circus in their attachment to these places and pursuits. And whatever other connection we are to have with them as neighbors, citizens, or members of our families, we are not to participate with them in these things. Thus far all seems to be clear; and the rule is a plain one whether it applies to marriage, or to business, or to religion, or to pleasure; compare note, 1 Corinthians 5:10.

"II. There is a large field of action, thought, and plan which may be said to be common with the Christian and the
[other people in the] world; that is, where the Christian is not expected to abandon [forsake, give up] his own principles, and where there will be, or need be, no compromise of the sternest [most uncompromising, strict] views of truth, or the most upright, serious, and holy conduct [behavior]. He may carry his principles with him; may always manifest [plainly show] them if necessary; and may even commend [recommend] them to others. A few of these may be referred to.

"(1) Commercial transactions and professional engagements that are conducted on honest and upright
[respectable, honorable] principles, even when those with whom we act are not Christians.

"(2) Literary
[relating to literature] and scientific [relating to science] pursuits [activities], which never, when pursued [sought] with a right spirit, interfere with the principles of Christianity, and never are contrary [opposite in nature] to it.

"(3) The love and affection which are due to relatives and friends. Nothing in the Bible assuredly will prohibit a pious
[religious] son from uniting with one who is not pious in supporting an aged and infirm parent [i.e., one who is frail or weak due to old age or poor health], or a much loved and affectionate [loving] sister. The same remark is true also respecting the duty which a wife owes to a husband, a husband to a wife, or a parent to a child, though one of them should not be a Christian. And the same observation is true also of neighbors, who are not to be prohibited [forbidden] from uniting [getting together] as neighbors in social contact, and in acts of common kindness and charity, though all [are] not Christians.

"(4) As citizens. We owe duties to our country, and a Christian need not refuse to act with others in the elective franchise
[i.e., the right to vote in an election], or in making or administering the laws. Here, however, it is clear that he [the Christian] is not at liberty to violate the laws and the principles of the Bible. He cannot be at liberty to unite with them [the unsaved people, or non-Christians] in political schemes that are contrary to the Law of God, or in elevating [promoting] to [a government] office [any] people whom he cannot vote for with a good conscience as qualified for the station [meaning they are not legally qualified candidates for the offices they are seeking].

"(5) In plans of public improvement, in schemes
[projects] that go to the advancement of the public welfare, when the schemes do not violate the laws of God. But if they involve the necessity of violating the Sabbath [a day of religious observance], or any of the laws of God, assuredly [certainly] he cannot consistently [regularly] participate in them.

"(6) In doing good to others. So the Saviour
[Jesus Christ] was with sinners; so he ate, and drank, and conversed [talked] with them. So we may mingle with them [the sinners], without partaking of their wicked feelings and plans, so far as we can do them good, and exert over them a holy and saving influence. In all the situations here referred to, and in all the duties growing out of them, the Christian may maintain his principles, and may preserve a good conscience. Indeed the Saviour evidently contemplated [considered] that his people [i.e., Christians] would have such contact with the world, and that in it they would do good. But in none of these is there to be any compromise of principle; in none to be any yielding [giving in] to the opinions and practices that are contrary to the laws of God.

"III. There is a large field of action, conduct, and plan, where Christians only will act together. These relate to the special duties of religion - to prayer, Christian fellowship, the ordinances
[commandments] of the gospel [for example, concerning baptism and the Lord's Supper], and most of the plans of Christian beneficence [i.e., being kind to others and doing good things]. Here the world will not intrude [interfere]; and here assuredly there will be no necessity of any compromise of Christian principle."

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/2-corinthians-6.html, "Verse 14")

OCTOBER 5

This psalm was probably written by King David.

Psalm 116:15: "Precious in the sight of the LORD
[God] is the death of his saints [referring to born-again Christians, or people who are saved--see note below*]."
_______________

Explaining Psalm 116:15, Charles Simeon wrote this in his "Horae Homileticae":

"THE meaning of these words will be best marked from the occasion on which we suppose them to have been uttered
[spoken]. The psalm appears to have been written after Absalom's [King David's son's] rebellion [see note below**]. Most imminent [about to happen] were the dangers from which [King] David had been delivered [saved]. For this mercy he [David] renders [gives] thanks: and acknowledges, to the praise of his heavenly Protector [i.e., God], that, whilst [while] his own son [Absalom] had sought [tried] [to end] his [David's] life, and instigated [encouraged] multitudes [many people] to seek his destruction [death], God had interposed [intervened] for his [King David's] deliverance [rescue], and had inflicted [imposed] merited [deserved] judgments on his [David's] enemies. So precious had God accounted his [King David's] death, that he would make those to pay dearly who had laboured [worked] to effect it [or bring it about]

"From the words which I
[Charles Simeon, the commentator] have read [in Psalm 116:15], I shall take occasion to shew [show],

"I. In what light
[or 'how'] God regards the death of the saints--

"We are not to understand that the death of his saints is pleasing to God, but rather, that he
[God] places a high value on them [the saints], and that he will suffer [allow] none [of their enemies] to accomplish their death [or 'to kill them'] with impunity [freedom from punishment]. So precious is their [the saints'] death, that,

"1. He
[God] watches over them [his saints] to prevent it [their death]-- …

"2. He will come forth to avenge
[take revenge for] it [the death of his saints]-- …

"3. He will never suffer
[allow] it [the death of his saints], till [until] he has accomplished his good work within them-- …"

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/shh/psalms-116.html, "Verse 15")

*  *  *  *  *

GotQuestions.org has an article that talks about today's verse. It's entitled What does it mean that "precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints (Psalm 116:15)?" and can be found here: https://www.gotquestions.org/precious-sight-Lord-death-saints.html.

*  *  *  *  *

*For the biblical definition of saints and to learn more about them, see the following articles:

-- "Are Christians sinners, saints, or both?"
    (
https://www.gotquestions.org/sinners-saints.html)

-- "What are Christian saints according to the Bible?"
    (
https://www.gotquestions.org/saints-Christian.html)

*  *  *  *  *

**"Who was Absalom in the Bible?" explains why Absalom wanted to kill his father. If you want to read the article, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/who-was-Absalom.html.

OCTOBER 4

1 John 3:22: "And whatsoever [whatever] we ask [God for, in prayer], we receive of [from] him, because we keep [obey] his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight."
_______________

According to the Bible, these are some of the requirements for answered prayer:

-- Obey God's commandments and do things that are pleasing in his sight (per 1 John 3:22).

-- Don't have unconfessed sins in your life (per 1 John 1:9--see note below*).

-- Pray to God in faith (per James 1:6-7).

-- Pray in accordance with God's will (per 1 John 5:14-15).

-- Pray "in Jesus' name" (per John 14:13-14).

We know that God hears and answers the prayers of obedient Christians. Occasionally, however, he also answers the prayers of unsaved people. This is explained in the article entitled "Does God hear / answer the prayers of a sinner / unbeliever?" If you want to read it, here's the link:
https://www.gotquestions.org/unbeliever-prayer.html.

*  *  *  *  *

Commenting on the phrase and do those things that are pleasing in his sight in today's verse (1 John 3:22), Albert Barnes wrote:

"As a parent is disposed
[inclined, willing] to bestow favors on [or 'give good things to'] obedient, affectionate [loving], and dutiful children [meaning they do everything that they are supposed to do], so God is [disposed to bestow favors] on those who please him by their obedience and submission to his will. We can have no hope that he [God] will hear us unless we do so live as to please him."

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/1-john-3.html, "Verse 22")

*  *  *  *  *

*Unconfessed sins are discussed in the following article: "What does it mean that, if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just (1 John 1:9)?" If you want to read it, click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/confess-our-sins-faithful-and-just.html.

OCTOBER 3

Someday the Jewish People Will Live in Peace in the "Promised Land"

Ezekiel 28:25: "Thus saith
[says] the Lord GOD; When I [God] shall have gathered the house of Israel [the Jewish people] from the people [nations] among whom they are scattered [i.e., Asia, Africa, Europe, etc.], and [when I (God)] shall be sanctified [or 'be honored as holy'] in them [or 'through them' (the Jewish people)] in the sight of the heathen [non-Jewish people], then shall they [the Jews] dwell [live] in their land [Canaan] that I have given [promised] to my servant Jacob [which is described in detail in the note below*]."

Ezekiel 28:26: "And they
[the Israelites, or Jewish people] shall dwell safely therein [i.e., in Canaan, the land that God has promised to them], and [they] shall build houses, and plant vineyards; yea [yes], they shall dwell [there] with confidence [and peace and safety], when I [God] have executed judgments upon all those [people] that despise [hate] them [the Israelites] round about them [or 'around them,' meaning all of Israel's enemies]; and they [the Jewish people] shall know that I am the LORD their God."
_______________

*To answer a question from one of their readers, GotQuestions.org published an article entitled "What is the land that God promised to Israel?" In it, we find that the land that God said belongs to Israel consists of  "… All of the land modern Israel currently possesses, plus all of the land of the Palestinians (the West Bank and Gaza), plus some of Egypt and Syria, plus all of Jordan, plus some of Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Israel currently possesses only a fraction of the land God has promised."

Here's a link to the above article, if you want to read more:
https://www.gotquestions.org/Israel-land.html

*  *  *  *  *

When I searched on Google for "promised land on a modern map," there were many to choose from, and more than a few of them were from questionable sources, so I picked two that seemed to be trustworthy:

-- This map, which is from "The Israel Bible" website, shows the biblical boundaries of the land of Israel:
https://theisraelbible.com/biblical-boundaries-land-israel/.

-- That same map also appears in an article entitled "God Himself Deeded the Land to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob." If you want to read it, here's the link: https://mesabiblestudy.com/god-made-the-promises-to-israel-god-himself-deeded-the-land-to-abraham-it-wasnt-a-mutual-or-a-conditional-covenant/.

OCTOBER 1-2

Mark 8:36: "For what shall it profit a man [or woman or child] [or 'what advantage will a person have'], if he [or she] shall gain [acquire, obtain] the whole world [i.e., everything that he (or she) wants--riches, honor, pleasure, power, etc.] [by denying Jesus Christ, or refusing to accept his offer of salvation], and lose his [or her] own soul [in hell]?"

Note: This verse is similar to the one in Matthew 16:26.
_______________

The time to decide what's more valuable and important to you (i.e., earthly possessions and pleasure, or having a future home in heaven) is NOW, because you can't be saved after you die.
____________________

Note:
If you want to be saved but don't know what to do, there are detailed instructions for the plan of salvation in most 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.

*  *  *  *  *

GotQuestions.org has an article that applies to today's verse. It's entitled "What does it mean to gain the whole world but lose your soul?" and can be found here: https://www.gotquestions.org/gain-world-lose-soul.html.