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OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for August 2016
September 1, 2016
Proverbs 9:7 – He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.
Thought: There are some people who just do not want to come to an understanding that they are wrong. When they are reproved, they seek to shame the one trying to assist them. When they are rebuked, they make certain that the messenger is stained and tarnished in some manner. There are some people who are like the swine. They love to play in the mud and stink. Sadly, it is often difficult to know who these people are until after they have smitten the messenger. It makes the work of reproving and rebuking very difficult.
Matthew 7:6
September 2, 2016
Proverbs 9:8 – Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.
Thought: A scorner does not like reproof. When he is corrected, he despises the one who brings the rebuke. On the other hand, a wise man will love the person who corrects him. He understands that this was essential to his happiness and his soul’s well-being. The scorner could care less about his soul. He just never wants to be told he is wrong. Both kinds of people exist in the world. One is a joy to approach; the other brings heartache.
II Kings 22:8
September 3, 2016
Proverbs 9:9 – Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.
Thought: In a previous verse, we learned about the reaction that the scorner and the wicked man have toward divine wisdom. Now, we learn about the wise man and just man. Both are eager to hear. Their willingness only leads to more wisdom and more learning. Their minds are much like the oceans that continually receive the waters of the earth. Their minds continually desire wisdom. They can never get enough. Is your mind like a sponge for truth? Is it like the oceans and can never be filled with enough of God’s Word?
Acts 8:20-24
September 4, 2016
Proverbs 9:10 – The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
Thought: Let’s focus on the second part of this verse. All need to develop their knowledge of the holy. Man’s holiness is like filthy rags before God’s holiness. It is God’s holiness that we must come to understand. When we truly appreciate it, we will seek to cleanse our lives of all that is filthy and vile. Others will not understand us, but we understand.
Isaiah 6:1-5
September 5, 2016
Proverbs 9:11 – For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.
Thought: Our world has been on a constant search for long life. Long ago, people came to America to search for the Fountain of Youth. Modern medicine has labored diligently in the research departments finding cures for diseases and medications that enable mankind to live longer. Much study has also been done in the areas of physical fitness and emotional well-being in efforts to prolong life. One secret that so many have denied is the application of divine wisdom to one’s life. The Giver of Life has provided the Secret to Life in His holy Word.
Deuteronomy 6:1-2
September 6, 2016
Proverbs 9:12 – If thou wilt be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.
Thought: The wise man receives the wisdom of God. When he does, he is being wise for himself. There are unbelievable benefits that he will reap personally due to his wise choice. On the other hand, “if thou scorn – refuse to receive – the doctrines of wisdom, and die in thy sins, thou alone shalt suffer the vengeance of an offended God” (e-sword, Clarke).
Romans 1:18-22
September 7, 2016
Proverbs 9:13 – A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing.
Thought: There are some women in the world who are foolish, clamorous, simple, and know nothing. Women who are such are a corruption of the perfect creation of God. God’s woman is wise, quiet, righteous, and filled with understanding. Young girls must be taught to become women of God. If left to themselves, they will become like the foolish woman of this verse.
I Peter 3:4-6
September 8, 2016
Proverbs 9:14 – For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city.
Thought: Like wisdom, the foolish woman has her house. It is not a house with seven pillars, but a house that has steps that lead to hell. She, too, takes her seat in opposition to wisdom in the high places of the city. Where wisdom is, she sits in bold contrast. She seeks to win the souls of men to her side. Yes, dear reader, two opposing voices are calling out to you.
Mark 4:24
September 9, 2016
Proverbs 9:15 – To call passengers who go right on their ways.
Thought: Each person rises to meet the day not knowing who he will meet along the way. As he journeys, two voices are calling, the voice of wisdom and the voice of the foolish woman. One is holy. One is evil. One leads to life; the other leads to death. Both seek to influence. A few give heed to the voice of wisdom. Many yield to the voice of the foolish woman. Be careful which voice you choose to answer.
I Kings 13:14-19
September 10, 2016
Proverbs 9:16 – Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him.
Thought: The foolish woman always seeks the simple and the ones who lack understanding. Their lack of knowledge of her ways and of the tragic consequences of fellowship with her makes them extremely vulnerable. To them, she is loud, but fun. She is dangerous, but flattering. She is evil, but convincing. Even a strong man can be influenced by her. Please, beware!
Psalm 19:7
September 11, 2016
Proverbs 9:17 – Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.
Thought: Evil has two sides. One of them appears to be fun and exciting. The foolish woman only presents this side to her invited guests. There seems to be something “sweet” about doing the wrong thing. There seems to be something “pleasant” about being a participant in evil. For some, the excitement glosses over the guilt of conscience. Individuals participate in evil, and think: “This isn’t so bad.” They fail to recall that evil has another side.
Joshua 7:20-21
September 12, 2016
Proverbs 9:18 – But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.
Thought: Here, the inspired penman reveals the other side of the foolish woman. This is not the side she openly shows her guests. They learn about this side far too late. They only see it when they become the foolish woman’s victims. Their lives are ruined. Sometimes nothing can be done to recover them from death and hell. The cry of many has been: “I learn too late!”
John 12:35
September 13, 2016
Proverbs 10:1 – The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.
Thought: We are reminded that this king is also a father who is exhorting his son in the ways of wisdom. He again reminds him that his actions have consequences to his father and his mother. A child can either make his/her parents extremely glad or extremely heavy with grief. Children who deeply care for their parents make wise choices that bring happiness to their parents. Children who are selfish care less about the heaviness they bring to their mother and father. Children! Live well, and make your parents glad.
II Chronicles 17:3-6
September 14, 2016
Proverbs 10:2 – Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.
Thought: There are several ways to look at this verse. Let’s look at it from the standpoint of final judgment. When mankind stands before God, riches will mean absolutely nothing. No man can “buy” his way into heaven. The only thing that will deliver a man from the second death will be righteousness. Which are you pursuing? Riches? Or, righteousness?
James 5:1-3
September 15, 2016
Proverbs 10:3 – The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.
Thought: There is an old saying that states: “The good will ultimately win.” Everything the good and godly desire and long for will ultimately come to pass. At that time, the substance of the wicked will be cast away. The things the wicked crave will not be obtainable then. The righteous will be filled and the wicked will famish.
Psalm 34:9
September 16, 2016
Proverbs 10:4 – He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.
Thought: The words “slack” and “diligent” stand in contrast to each other in this verse. The word “slack” means “lazy” or “slothful.” The word “diligent,” on the other hand, means “determined,” “eager,” and “incisive.” A hard worker will be rewarded for his earnestness. In like manner, the slothful will be rewarded for his laziness. The diligent will become rich. The slothful will become poor. It’s each man’s choice.
Proverbs 24:33-34
September 17, 2016
Proverbs 10:5 – He that gathereth in the summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.
Thought: Let no man be deceived. The winter is coming. There is coming a day when no fruit will be produced and when the fields will lay idle. The individual who has prepared for winter and has laid aside his harvest is wise. The one who slept during the harvest will awake in the winter to want. To have to admit to his laziness and lack of preparation will bring him shame. Dear reader, be wise!
Proverbs 19:15
September 18, 2016
Proverbs 10:6 – Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
Thought: The contrast in this verse is between the wicked and the just. The just is the one who lives by faith. His faith comes from the Word of God. This individual receives blessings upon blessings both now and in the hereafter. The wicked are evil, violent people. Ultimately, their violence comes back to haunt them. It covers their mouths, “reducing them to silence and shame” (e-sword, Barnes).
Esther 7:3-6
September 19, 2016
Proverbs 10:7 – The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.
Thought: Two men committed crimes against the Lord just hours before His crucifixion. Both were apostles. One man’s name lives on as a blessing. He repented of his sin and remained in steadfast service to Jesus until the end. His name was Peter. The other man’s name is connected with betrayal. Instead of truly repenting, he went out and hanged himself. His name was Judas. His name is as rotten as his dead body. Dear reader, will your name bring blessings or will it rot after your passing?
Acts 1:16-20
September 20, 2016
Proverbs 10:8 – The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.
Thought: The wise and foolish are contrasted again. The wise is one who possesses understanding and judgment. He does not rely upon his own understanding and will. He completely trusts and follows the commandments of God. The prating fool, on the other hand, is one who talks and argues and rebels against God’s commands. His lips are filled with scorn and ridicule for the commandments of God. This man will ultimately fall.
Proverbs 18:6-7
September 21, 2016
Proverbs 10:9 – He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.
Thought: A person can live his life in such a way that nothing is hidden from the view of others. His life is “living truth.” On the other hand, some pervert their ways. There are facets of their lives that are sinful, but hidden. At some point, their ways will be known. When this happens, their lives crumble. It is better to be a person of integrity and live life on a sure foundation.
Psalm 26:11-12
September 22, 2016
Proverbs 10:10 – He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.
Thought: The wicked often use body language, wicking with the eyes, and rambling words to convince others that their actions are harmless. These “tricks of the trade” need to be recognized by the righteous. If they are deceived and join with the wicked, the end is a great fall and much sorrow of heart.
Genesis 3:4-6
September 23, 2016
Proverbs 10:11 – The mouth of the righteous is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
Thought: “Thus the mouth of the righteous is here called a fountain of life, because that which he speaks, and as he speaks it, is morally strengthening, intellectually elevating, and inwardly quickening in its effect on the hearers; while, on the contrary, the mouth of the godless covereth wrong…i.e., conceals with deceitful words the intention directed not to that which is best, but to the disadvantage and ruin of the righteous…” (e-sword, Keil & Delitzsch).
John 6:63
September 24, 2016
Proverbs 10:12 – Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.
Thought: Hatred is passionate and intense dislike for another. Hatred is an infection of the heart that has a tendency to spread. It stirs up strife. Fundamental Islam teaches its adherents to hate Jews and Christians. That hatred spreads as terrorist attacks, proof that hatred stirs up strife. Love, on the other hand, covers all sin. Love seeks to restrain, excuse, conceal, and pardon sin if possible. Love is never intent on the destruction of others.
I Peter 4:8
September 25, 2016
Proverbs 10:13 – In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.
Thought: This verse should encourage all of us to be people of understanding. If we are, our understanding will be manifested in the things we say. If we are not, understanding will be forced upon us by means of the rod of discipline. Some fools learn early to avoid the rod and become wise. Some, on the other hand, never learn.
Proverbs 26:3
September 26, 2016
Proverbs 10:14 – Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.
Thought: Wise men do not speak all of their heart. They often “lay up” their knowledge. They wait to speak the right words at the right time. In contrast, the fool utters all of his mind. His ignorance, inconsiderateness, and boldness make for a deadly combination. When mingled with his words, they bring destruction to himself and others. Dear reader, you do not have to speak at all. When you do, chose your words wisely.
Proverbs 21:23
September 27, 2016
Proverbs 10:15 – The rich man’s wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.
Thought: The wise writer contrasts the rich and the poor. A rich man is isolated from many of the dangers and evils of the world. Hunger, lack, the tax collector, and creditors do not plague the rich man. Such is not true of the poor. Their poverty brings destruction. Crime, anger, meanness, and hopelessness often fill the lives of those who live in poverty.
Proverbs 14:20
September 28, 2016
Proverbs 10:16 – The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.
Thought: Different mindsets and different lifestyles lead to different ends. A righteous man’s labors are directed in one direction. An evil man’s efforts are pointed in the opposite direction. The righteous do things that enhance their lives. The wicked only seem to be able to commit sin. One’s end in life is a heart issue manifested in daily choices.
Isaiah 3:10-11
September 29, 2016
Proverbs 10:17 – He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.
Thought: Man’s reaction to God’s Word is either to keep the commandments or to refuse to keep the commandments. Those who adhere to God’s instructions are in the way of life. In the New Testament, this way is described as strait and narrow. It leads to eternal life. Those who refuse the commands greatly err. The consequences of their decision will be experienced in the last day, if not at times in this life.
Hebrews 12:25
September 30, 2016
Proverbs 10:18 – He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth slander is a fool.
Thought: Two fools are mentioned in this verse. The first hides his hatred of another with lying lips. Through friendly words and actions, he gains the trust of another. When the time is right, however, he stabs the person in the back. The second fool is one who slanders another. Slander involves a false, evil report against another person. The intent of slander is to damage another person’s reputation, position, life, or all three. Dear reader, only fools commit such evils.
Luke 20:19-23
Read devotionals for October 2016