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  • 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐬 𝟏𝟔:𝟏𝟏 𝐀 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐎𝐑𝐃’𝐒: 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐠 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤.

    𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐬 𝟏𝟔:𝟏𝟏 𝐀 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐎𝐑𝐃’𝐒: 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐠 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤.
    2025/08/15
    Should a Quarter Pounder weigh four ounces? Should a gallon of milk contain 128 fluid ounces? How about a gallon of gasoline? Do your answers change based on whether you are buying or selling? The great God of heaven expects total honesty in all transactions.Should the medicine you receive at a hospital or drugstore be 100%, or 99%, pure? Could it make a difference? How about settings and accuracy of diagnostic equipment? Do you want your father to have a perfect MRI? How about someone else’s father?Should the survey pins of your property boundaries be accurate to centimeters, inches, feet, or yards? Do you want your house’s assessed value close to market value or very close? Does your answer change if your assessment is higher or lower than real value?Do you feel strongly about these questions? Who says that measurements are important? And who is going to do anything about it, if measurements are not made properly? Should you be able fudge your business transactions a little if no one gets hurt badly?More than $7 trillion worth of economic transactions take place in the United States each year based on measuring devices. Just a 1% error could amount to over $70 billion, greater than the annual budget of many nations. Small errors add up to big consequences.A typical convenience store sells 100,000 gallons of gasoline a month. If the owner adjusts his pumps to 127 fluid ounces per gallon, which you could not detect even with measuring cups, he could pocket an extra $20,000 per year. Who would know?The LORD JEHOVAH knows. He ordained just weights and measurements; He commands them; and He enforces them (Lev 19:35-36; Deut 25:13-15; Ezek 45:10). One of Israel’s sins before being destroyed as a nation was deceitful merchant practices with false balances and weights (Hosea 12:7; Amos 8:5; Micah 6:11). Beware, reader!God will judge those nations or men who alter weights or measures for gain, because that is an abomination to Him; but He delights in their right use (Pr 11:1; 20:10,23). Honesty and accuracy in economic transactions did not originate with man; they are from God. The laws of the nation of Israel in 1500 B.C. were the envy of the world (Deut 4:5-9).Compliance with this ordinance leads to economic prosperity, as it has in America. When was the last time you measured your Quarter Pounder, milk, gasoline, medication, or survey pins? Economic trade is allowed to move at full speed with full confidence: not because Americans are intelligent, but because America follows God’s ordinance, whether they individually think about it or not. God’s laws work even for the ignorant.Before modern scales, sellers provided a balance and weights (buyers did not want to carry weights everywhere, and who would trust theirs anyway). The extra weights were kept in a bag. Stealing was done two ways: the balance and/or the weights were altered. A wicked seller could sell 15 ounces as a pound or 35 inches as a yard to pad his profits.This proverb helps define the eighth commandment, Thou shalt not steal (Ex 20:15). Since some will fudge transactions to steal from others, the LORD condemns them all in order to establish property rights, economic confidence, and professional integrity. Is your resume true, and do you answer interview questions with perfect honesty, for misrepresenting yourself is attempting to steal a position and salary you do not deserve?Though the U.S. has an Office of Weights and Measures, under the authority of the Commerce Department, which regularly inspects public measuring devices, there is yet room to cheat by those who do not fear the Lord. You should be thankful for this governmental authority and its protection, but you must apply this proverb to yourself.
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    9 分
  • 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐬 𝟏𝟓:𝟐𝟕 𝐇𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞; 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐭𝐡 𝐠𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞.

    𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐬 𝟏𝟓:𝟐𝟕 𝐇𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞; 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐭𝐡 𝐠𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞.
    2025/08/14
    The desire to be rich is dangerous to a man’s family. He will be tempted to accept bribes or compromise righteousness, which will bring trouble to his wife, children, and estate. But a man that hates bribes or financial compromise will preserve and prosper his family.Greed is excessive ambition and covetous desire for more than you have or should reasonably expect (Pr 1:19; Is 56:11). Gain is financial success or wealth. The proverb condemns lustful desire to be rich, which leads to compromising godliness and wisdom.The gifts here are bribes, which are given to pay a man to compromise the law or financial wisdom (Pr 29:4; Ex 23:8; Deut 16:19; Is 33:15). A virtuous man will hate such gifts, for he will not sell his integrity or the approval of God for any price. There are many temptations associated with desire for financial success, and they often bring pain and trouble to a man’s family. But a man who is content with his income, and would never consider cheating for any advantage, will protect and prosper his family.Beyond bribes, desiring riches brings temptation to compromise in dealings, break the law, violate financial wisdom, overwork, be tempted by investment scams, mistreat employees, cheat on giving, neglect charity, over-expand, deprive the family of affection and time, forget your soul, worry about tomorrow, be carnally minded, associate excessively with the world, be puffed up, despise others, and numerous other sins.Here is Paul’s sober warning: “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 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” (I Tim 6:9-10).God’s ministers cannot be greedy of gain, for such men will compromise righteousness or the gospel for income (I Tim 3:3,8; 6:6-10; Titus 1:7). This rule matched Moses’ requirement for Israel’s leaders to be men hating covetousness (Ex 18:21). And John the Baptist told the Roman soldiers at his baptism to be content with their wages (Luke 3:14).Two things cost investors and businessmen – greed and fear: greed brings ruin, and fear misses potential profits. Fear is better than greed (Pr 14:23; 21:5; 22:3; 28:11,19,22). There are no free lunches: wise men reject even cheap lunches, knowing they are deceptive. Bulls and bears can make money in any market, but pigs end up eating trash.Reader, how much time do you spend thinking about getting ahead? Is it the acceptable desire to do with your might what God has given you to do (Eccl 9:10)? Or is it an obsession to rise in the esteem of the world by financial increase (Pr 18:11)? Be warned!Are you tempted in any area of life to compromise in order to get ahead? In any of the areas listed above? Godly men are content with what they have, for they esteem the Lord and His word their portion forever (Ps 19:10; 73:25-26; 119:11; Heb 13:5-6). And their families will be blessed in the earth for such noble and virtuous men (Pr 11:21; Is 65:23).
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    5 分
  • 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐬 𝟏𝟒:𝟑𝟑 𝐖𝐢𝐬𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐝𝐬𝐭...

    𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐬 𝟏𝟒:𝟑𝟑 𝐖𝐢𝐬𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐝𝐬𝐭...
    2025/08/13
    Wise men and fools differ in two important ways. First, a wise man has knowledge and understanding, but a fool is ignorant and presumptuous. Second, a wise man has humility to keep his wisdom to himself, but a fool’s pride causes him to spew out the foolishness in his heart (Pr 13:16; 15:2,28; 29:11). Wisdom and modesty make a man great, but foolishness and conceit make him an offensive loser. Examine yourself. Which are you?Dissect the proverb carefully. An understanding man, a man with discretion, knowledge, and prudence, keeps wisdom in his heart. He is not agitated or eager to throw his opinion around when opportunities arise. He is content to be a listener. In fact, he would rather not speak unless asked or expected to do so. He is a man of few words, and you often have to work to get him to share his wisdom (Pr 10:19; 15:28; 17:27; 20:5; Eccl 9:17).However, a fool must tell everyone what he thinks. His greatest joy is talking, for he believes and presumes he has great insights to offer (Pr 18:2). Once he starts talking, he is difficult to stop. He keeps babbling, whether he knows the subject or not (Eccl 10:12-14). Though a fool is ignorant and stupid, his pride and lack of discretion cause him to pour out the folly inside. He could improve his reputation just by closing his mouth (Pr 17:28).Of course, a wise and understanding man will speak, and he will speak a lot in the right setting for the right purpose. He fulfills his purpose from God by being a tree of life to many (Pr 10:21; 11:30; 15:4,7). Though humble about his own natural abilities, like the prophet Agur (Pr 30:1-3), he is committed to acquiring knowledge and wisdom so he can give the certain words of truth to those who ask him (Pr 22:17-21; I Pet 3:15).Reader, ask yourself two questions. Do you have wisdom and understanding in your heart? Do you keep them there until serious and sober men ask your opinion for noble reasons? Your answers to these questions will indicate whether you are a good person or a despised fool. In fact, better than your answers, what would others say about you? Do others perceive you to be wise and discreet? Or foolish and talkative? Be very honest.What can you do about your heart? This book of Proverbs offers wisdom throughout (Pr 1:1-6; 8:1-5; 9:4-6). It tells the starting point – the fear of God (Pr 1:7; 9:10). It compares wise men and fools over and over, for you to choose the one and despise the other. Wisdom is not far away. Change your life – fill your heart with wisdom from heaven. It is the chief goal of a successful life (Pr 4:7). And it brings great rewards (Pr 4:8).What can you do about your mouth? This book of Proverbs says much about your speech, because it is the main indicator of your heart, and it affects others the most (Pr 4:24; 10:32; 13:3; 14:7; 17:7; 18:7; 20:15; 22:11; 24:26). Solomon assumed you can learn discreet, wise, and gracious speech (Pr 15:28; 16:23; 22:17-18). Since Jesus Christ said you will be judged by your words in the Day of Judgment, it is time you applied yourself diligently to perfect your heart and your speech (Matt 12:34-37; Ps 19:14; 139:23-24).
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    4 分
  • 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐬 𝟏𝟑:𝟐𝟏 𝐄𝐯𝐢𝐥 𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐮𝐞𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬: 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐝.

    𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐬 𝟏𝟑:𝟐𝟏 𝐄𝐯𝐢𝐥 𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐮𝐞𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬: 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐝.
    2025/08/12
    Something is chasing you! Trouble chases sinners until it catches them and brings pain and misery into their lives. Blessing chases righteous men until it catches them and brings good, promotion, and rewards. Look over your shoulder! Something is chasing you right now! Which is it – evil or good? Whichever it is, it will catch you for sure.Actions have consequences. Sin will eventually bring evil – grief, loss, pain, and trouble. “Be sure your sin will find you out” (Num 32:23)! “The way of transgressors is hard” (Pr 13:15)! “Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward” (Pr 22:5)! A course of sin will bring judgment, and it will follow your every move until it catches and punishes you.Actions have consequences. Obedience will bring blessing – favor, prosperity, pleasure, and reward. “He that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: let him eschew evil, and do good” (I Pet 3:10-12). Doing what is right will bring good into your life (Job 36:11; Ps 19:11; Jas 1:25).Constant sinners are fools. They think they can get away with sin (Ps 36:1-2). But a holy God in heaven is not watching from a distance. His angels are watching you read these words (Pr 15:3). He sends them to chase and persecute sinners (Ps 35:5-6). He rewards fools and transgressors (Pr 26:10). He plentifully rewards a proud doer (Ps 31:23; 32:10).Lot watched too much Sodom television, but evil caught him, destroyed all he had, and left him with two incestuous daughters in a cave. Many Corinthians carnally partook of communion, but they were weak, sick, and died for it. Judas wanted to make some quick cash, but evil dashed his bowels across the ground. Evil pursued them and caught them.If you repeatedly offend God, evil will chase and destroy you. To the froward, or disobedient, God will be froward, or contrary (Ps 18:26). This universal law is as sure as gravity. Joab sought safety at God’s altar, but the sword of justice caught him there (I Kgs 2:28-34). Jonah thought Tarshish would be safe, but a storm and a whale chased and caught him. Where are you cheating God? You can run, but you cannot hide. Repent!Where do you regularly sin? If you neglect training your children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, they will destroy your life (Pr 29:15). If you neglect your spouse, God will not hear your prayers (I Pet 3:7). If you toy with pornography or sexual lusts, you will end up in death and hell (Pr 2:18; 5:5; 7:27; 9:18). Does God not see? His angels listen to your words; they check hair and submission of women (Eccl 5:6; I Cor 11:10). He may deceive you with false peace, but He is about to tear you in pieces (Ps 50:21-22).If you seek the Lord with a committed heart, goodness will follow and bless you. Guaranteed! To the merciful and upright, God will be merciful and upright (Ps 18:25). But He laughs at lip service or church attendance. He looks for a dedicated heart and mind that are committed to holiness and righteousness (Ps 37:4; 145:19; Matt 6:33). Do not faint or be discouraged, there is a reward for the righteous (Ps 58:1-11; I Cor 15:58).No man can live a perfect righteous life (I Jn 1:8,10), but you may generally do so, and you may cover sins by confession and God’s faithful forgiveness (I Jn 1:9). You can start over as often as you need with a clean slate in the sight of God, and while walking with God the blood of His Son Jesus will cleanse you from all sin (I Jn 1:7). No matter how terrible your sins, you can start over with God. Consider Mannaseh and Mary Magdalene.David was one of God’s favorites, blessed abundantly in many ways, for who loved God more than him? He knew God had rewarded his righteousness (Ps 18:19-26; 7:3-9; 17:2-4; 26:1; 37:23). Though he sinned in several ways, God forgave him and blessed him still. Do not be fearful or hopeless because of your sins...
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    7 分
  • 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐬 𝟏𝟐:𝟏𝟎 𝐀 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭: 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐫𝐞...

    𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐬 𝟏𝟐:𝟏𝟎 𝐀 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭: 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐫𝐞...
    2025/08/11
    How well do you treat animals? It can be a measure of your character. A good man is merciful; he is gentle and kind; he is ruled by pity and compassion; he will not be mean or hard. But the wicked are cruel. Even their kindness is harsh, for they lack the tender, gentle spirit of the righteous man, who is concerned even for animals. They are not kind and merciful; they are like their master the devil, a liar and murderer from the beginning.This proverb is not for PETA. The lesson is not the care of animals, but the illustration of compassion. While the LORD ordained merciful care of animals from the working ox to birds in the nest (Deut 25:4; 22:6-7), He also gave man dominion over them to work them, wear their skins, sacrifice them, and eat them (Gen 1:26-28; 3:21; 4:4; 9:1-4). A man may hunt honorably even today, but boyish torture of insects or animals is profane.This writer witnessed many Amish horse-and-buggies in northwestern Pennsylvania as a boy. The difference in men’s character was visible, by this proverb. Some horses were well fed and groomed; others were undernourished and neglected. On hot days, some men walked their horses up the area’s steepest and longest hill; others whipped them on, ignoring the temperature, grade, or speed. And these were often the more pitiful horses!The lesson is this: righteous men are tender, gentle, compassionate, and merciful; but the wicked are hard, harsh, inconsiderate, and cruel. A righteous man will bear the fruit of the Spirit, which includes tenderhearted gentleness (Gal 5:22-23; Eph 4:32; James 3:17). If you want to be like Jesus Christ instead of the devil, learn gentle kindness (II Co 10:1).Dear reader, are you compassionate before God and men? Here is how you can show your God and Father’s character, Who sends warm sunshine and nourishing rain on His enemies (Matt 5:43-48). The LORD, though great and dreadful in judgment, is a God full of compassion and tender mercies (Ps 36:7; 103:4; 145:9; Lam 3:22). His ordinance of the O.T. Sabbath included rest for working animals (Ex 23:12; Deut 5:14). How merciful!A righteous man is merciful to himself (Pr 11:17), animals (Gen 24:19,32; 33:13-14), his wife (I Pet 3:7; Col 3:19), his children (Ps 103:13; Col 3:21), his friends (Jas 3:17-18), and his enemies (Ps 35:11-16). He will not foolishly afflict, punish, or trouble them (Lam 3:32-33; Gal 6:10). He will rather pamper these same parties with kindness. He loves mercy, just like His Father in heaven loves mercy (Mic 6:8; 7:18; Eph 4:32; I Pet 3:8-9).But the wicked are perverse; their tender mercies are cruel and harsh. They trouble their own souls (Pr 11:17) and neglect their own flesh and blood (I Tim 5:8). Balaam cruelly beat his ass (Num 22:22-32); Judah’s tender mercy to Joseph was to sell him (Gen 37:26-28); Adonibezek had seventy kings without thumbs or big toes under his table (Judges 1:7); Nahash accepted surrender on terms of putting out all right eyes (I Sam 11:1-2); Joab murdered Abner and Absalom in cold blood (II Sam 3:39; 18:5); Rehoboam scorned his own willing nation (II Chron 10:1-19); Jezebel murdered Naboth for a mere vineyard (I Kgs 21:1-16); Pilate offered to chastise the innocent Lord before letting Him go (Luke 23:13-16); and the Romans broke legs to end crucifixions (John 19:31-32)!Righteous Job tenderly cared for his servants and the poor (Job 31:13-22), but his wife cruelly stabbed him in his darkest hour of need (Job 2:9). David mercifully spared Saul’s life (I Sam 24:1-22), but his daughter Michal scorned David’s finest worship of God (II Sam 6:20-23). Joseph mercifully protected Mary, though horribly hurt (Matt 1:19), but Judah forgot his promise to the lonely and needy Tamar (Gen 38:11-26).
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    8 分
  • 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐬 𝟏𝟏:𝟏𝟖 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐭𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤: 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐭𝐡 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐚 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞...

    𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐬 𝟏𝟏:𝟏𝟖 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐭𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤: 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐭𝐡 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐚 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞...
    2025/08/10
    There is only one way to a successful life – pursue it faithfully and righteously, as unto the Lord. Sinners cheat themselves! They plan and labor toward a goal, but they either miss their target, or they are unhappy once they get it. On the other hand, the righteous diligently and patiently pursue their objectives, and they either obtain what they sought, or they find equal or greater peace and pleasure without it. What a contrast in lives!Consider the proverb. The deceitful work of the wicked is the elusiveness of success. He aims for pleasure by sin. He pursues his lusts, but the results never satisfy his craving heart or body. Compare the two clauses to prove this interpretation. The wicked man compares to the righteous. The deceitful work compares to the sure reward. Therefore, the righteous man gets what he patiently pursues, but the wicked end up deceived.Consider some examples. Satan promised Eve she could be like God by rejecting His command and eating the forbidden fruit (Gen 3:1-5). The first terrible results arrived immediately, but they shall never end (Gen 3:6-24; 5:5; Rev 20:11-15). On the other hand, Satan offered the world’s kingdoms to Jesus, but He endured the temptation, and now He rules heaven and earth (Matt 4:8-11; Heb 12:1-3). He obtained the sure reward.Amnon fell sick with lust for his beautiful half sister, so he conspired and raped her, but the consequences were totally unsatisfying and cost him his life (II Sam 13:1-39). On the other hand, Isaac at 40 and Jacob at 77 trusted their fathers for direction about wives, and they both ended up with beautiful women who feared God – Rebekah and Rachel – and a great progeny. Amnon was deceived, but the two patriarchs found a sure reward.Israel murmured and complained about manna until they forced God to give them quail. He gave it to them – three feet high in every direction as far as they could walk in a day, but He killed many for their lust and sent leanness into the souls of the rest (Ps 106:13-15). On the other hand, a little salad or a dry morsel is more than enough for two people walking with God and in love and at peace with each other (Pr 15:17; 17:1).Foolish Gehazi lusted after the rich Syrian garments of Naaman, and he lied to obtain them, but he was sorely disappointed in the end to lose the garments, and he and his family ended up with terminal leprosy (II Kgs 5:20-27). On the other hand, Moses rejected the pleasures and riches of Egypt for the people of God, and he was rewarded with one of the highest offices and most illustrious careers in Israel (Heb 11:24-29), and he appeared in a glorified state with Elijah on the mount of transfiguration (Matt 17:1-3).The man who works himself to death to get ahead seldom enjoys the riches he gathers, for he had no time to relax and enjoy them, and then he is gone. While hearing of his growing assets, he finds himself discontent and wanting more (Ec 5:10). But a righteous man does not even want the danger or vanity of riches, so he prays for modest income and assets rather than wealth, and he is thrilled with the convenient outcome (Pr 30:7-9).A righteous man may not see his reward for a while, for sowing is a term taken from farming, where men wait many weeks and even months for the reward of a harvest. The exhortation is to never faint, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Gal 6:9). Believest thou this, dear reader?The reward will most surely come for the righteous. Sow faithfully in righteousness, and you shall reap the reward soon enough (Gal 6:7). “So that a man shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth” (Ps 58:11). Godliness has promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come (I Tim 4:8).
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    5 分
  • 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐬 𝟏𝟎:𝟏𝟎 𝐇𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐡 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐲𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰: 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐚 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥.

    𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐬 𝟏𝟎:𝟏𝟎 𝐇𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐡 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐲𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰: 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐚 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥.
    2025/08/09
    Some men are crafty and cause real harm. Some men run their mouths, do little harm, and are fools. Compare these two kinds of men to dogs. A dog’s bark is often worse than his bite. Barking dogs seldom bite. Beware of a silent dog. Timid dogs may bark the most. The proverb presents two wicked characters, and they are contrasted by the damage they do to others or to themselves. Which of these two men is the most dangerous?Wisdom is the power of right judgment – the ability to discern a person or situation and do what is most effective and prudent. Solomon used this proverb to warn about the subtle and crafty kind of man, for he can cause pain and trouble in the lives of others. The man with lots of blustery talk is usually not nearly as dangerous, and he will self-destruct by the folly of his own mouth. Learn wisdom to protect yourself from the greater danger.The proverb has two clauses, contrasted by the disjunctive “but.” The first clause describes a wicked man, for Solomon warned about him (Pr 6:12-15; Ps 35:19). The second clause describes a foolish man (Pr 10:8; 18:6-7; III Jn 1:10). The disjunctive conjunction, rather than a coordinating “and,” requires an adversative contrast. Both men are wicked, and both will be judged, but one is more dangerous than the other.A man who winks with his eyes is dangerous, for he is subtle, secretive, seductive, and subversive. He is the silent dog – biting without warning. You need to avoid this wicked snake, so God gave warning of the greater danger. Beware of hypocrites, who cover evil intentions by good words and fair speeches (Pr 26:24-26; Rom 16:17-18). These liars may call their mischief a joke, but they are dangerous and to be rejected (Pr 26:18-19).This crafty person may stay hidden. He may not get caught until the Day of Judgment. Foolish men may never recognize the danger, but wise men will learn to identify and avoid him. When a man seldom speaks directly, but relies rather on insinuations and manipulative maneuvers, you need to watch your back. He cannot be trusted, for honest men never behave this way. You have met a dog that would rather bite than bark.A prating fool is a big-mouthed and long-winded idiot, for prating is babbling and chattering to no real purpose. He can do little harm. He is mostly or all bark. His bite is less than the noise he creates. He gives himself away in mere minutes of meeting him. He is more bluster than bite. He is going down even while he is talking, because others can easily recognize that he is a foolish braggart and harmless boaster. He falls in his own noose every time he opens his mouth (Pr 10:14; 13:3; 14:3; Eccl 5:3; 10:3,12-13).Do not trust those who are outwardly friendly with aggressive gestures, body language, facial expressions, or flattering speech but show little depth or substance in sober conversation and lack zealous godly conduct (Pr 6:13; 7:10-21; 10:18; 23:6-8; 26:23-26; 27:6; 29:5). They are usually dangerous, for their heart is not with you. If you learn to identify and avoid these dangerous deceivers, you will save yourself from trouble.
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    4 分
  • 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐬 𝟗:𝟒 𝐖𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐨 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞, 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫: 𝐚𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐭𝐡 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐢𝐦,

    𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐬 𝟗:𝟒 𝐖𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐨 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞, 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫: 𝐚𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐭𝐡 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐢𝐦,
    2025/08/08
    Simple men have two options. They can accept Lady Wisdom’s sincere invitation for wisdom and a blessed life, or they can fall for a whore’s lying seduction for death and hell. With a very powerful comparison, King Solomon set out the choice of life and death for his children, nation, and you. Listen carefully. Every man shall bear his own burden.Consider wisely to see the precious comparison. Two women are after your soul. Both are beautiful. The beauty of one is timeless; that of the other very short. One speaks the truth; the other lies from beginning to end. Both are pleasant, but the pleasure of one is for a very short season, and the pleasure of the other is for eternity. Two women call you.“Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding,” one says to you, “Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled. Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding” (Pr 9:4-6). This is the beautiful and noble Lady Wisdom, who has been described and speaking since Proverbs 8:1.“Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding,” another woman says to you, “Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant” (Pr 9:16-17). This is the lustful and fatally dangerous whore, Folly, who is described and speaking in Proverbs 9:13-18. Do not let this wicked woman seduce you.This foolish woman, this strange woman, this whore, is also beautiful, and she also calls you. She wants simple men and those that lack understanding to destroy them, for they know “not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell” (Pr 9:18). A wise man is too difficult for her to seduce, for he knows her wiles cover bitter pain.At her table you can see the rapidly decaying features of a malicious liar, who is planning to take advantage of your simplicity for her own gain. Her flattering words are the anesthesia for your soul; her kisses are the kiss of death. Hell is where you are headed in this world and in the world to come if you stay with her one more minute. Run away!Lady Wisdom is much more beautiful and has prepared a beautiful house, fully furnished, for your perpetual prosperity and comfort (Pr 9:1-5). Her guests are luxuriously entertained and provided for to the eternal benefit of their souls. See the comments on Pr 9:1 and Pr 9:2. Your simplicity does not offend her; she wants to help you gain wisdom.She has prepared a feast for you, if you will simply take her gracious invitation. She offers you life, and that an abundant life, if you will let her feed you the feast of knowledge and understanding. At this table the simple can become wise and successful. The only thing necessary for admittance is your simplicity. If you lack wisdom and want to gain it, she will be your most willing host. Do not reject her offer. Accept it at once. These are not merely two literal women here, but a personification of the choices every man or woman must make in life. Will you seek and learn heavenly wisdom to avoid the foolishness of this world that will painfully destroy you? Or will you weakly let a whorish world take you down the seductive path to dysfunctional living, death, and hell?Simple men can learn wisdom and understanding with Lady Wisdom, who wants to serve and help men needing knowledge. They can become wise by filling their lives with God’s precious Word, sound Bible preaching, godly music, and the Lord’s people. To learn from Lady Wisdom, they must shun this world’s ideas, music, entertainment, and friends.
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    8 分